For Visual Relief, Christina Cole Opts for This Signature Design Move
Words by Morgan Goldberg
Photography courtesy of Christina Cole and Co.
Elegant minimalism is Christina Cole’s specialty.
That’s why the Austin-based interior designer cites Phoebe Philo as her fashion muse. “I love clean silhouettes and monochromatic looks,” Christina shares. “Phoebe is a master of interesting color combinations and exquisite details. Her creations embody effortless comfort.”
The same can be said of Christina’s restrained-yet-warm designs. Her homes are simultaneously edited and relaxed, sleek and inviting. It’s this perfect balance that landed her in Beta-Plus Publishing’s Generation Next, a hardcover book featuring 20 designers that will define the future of the field.
“It was my first time being published in a book, but it was also my first time being identified among a genre of minimalist designers,” Christina remembers. “It was a very exciting and seminal moment in my career.” Here, she shares her signature design move, the lighting mistake she always notices, and the exciting projects she’s tackling next.
Photography by Shade Degges; Design by Christina Cole and Co.
My signature design move
I almost always match trim and wall paint color for visual relief. It allows more complex carved moldings to exist without dominating the visual field. When I do deviate from the single shade combination, it is most often to pop the ceiling and crown by using a contrasting color.
The architectural style that inspires me most
Even though my personal style is a bit more minimal, I tend to look at opulent eras such as classical periods or Art Nouveau for forms and details that can be reinterpreted in more edited, restrained spaces.
Photography by Shade Degges; Design by Christina Cole and Co.
A design trend that needs to be retired… And one that should make a comeback
I’m ready to bid farewell to the modern farmhouse, if it hasn’t left already. While I do believe there are phenomenal examples of this stylistic movement, especially in Northern Europe, I would love to see a new trend emerge. For a trend comeback, it would be great to see a rise in upholstered or paper-backed fabric on walls as an alternative to plaster or wallpaper.
I’m dying for a client to request
A yacht interior. It is the perfect hybrid between residential and hospitality and an interesting challenge in that the landscape is always changing.
Photography by Shade Degges; Design by Christina Cole and Co.
Photography by Shade Degges; Design by Christina Cole and Co.
My biggest architectural pet peeve
Orange peel texture on walls. If you can splurge, go for a smooth wall. It adds a level of refinement that instantly elevates the space—reflections, shadows, and light always move more crisply across a smooth wall.
My favorite lighting trick
I like to avoid too many pendants in spaces that are open and adjacent to each other for fear it will read like a lighting showroom. For example, if I have a dining room chandelier nearby, I’ll skip the pendants above the island. Statement lighting needs room to breathe in the same way as fine art.
Photography by Shade Degges; Design by Christina Cole and Co.
The one thing that should always be made custom
Drapery should always be made custom. Custom widths are important for fullness when the curtains are drawn. But more importantly, the correct length is essential for drawing the eye and ceiling upward and for allowing the fabric to cascade onto the floor properly. We almost always opt for the curtains to kiss or puddle where they meet the floor.
Where I save/where I splurge
I like to splurge on lighting. It’s the difference between costume jewelry and precious stones. I always appreciate the better quality and never regret the decision to invest in this category. As for areas to save, beds (not to be confused with mattresses) can give wiggle room in the budget without compromising the design. If I have to choose, I would always splurge on the bedding and mattress over the bed itself.
Photography by Shade Degges; Design by Christina Cole and Co.
Photography by Shade Degges; Design by Christina Cole and Co.
The most underrated material I love to use
We are always looking for finishes that feel timeless, but are not overplayed. Lately, we have been drawn to verdigris. It is our new go-to finish for that perfect patinated look, but with a bit of color.
What I always buy vintage
We often purchase vintage side chairs and stools. They’re easy to integrate into designs in single quantities, so the options are plentiful by not having to search for sets. Also, these vintage items are offered from a range of periods and styles and always give the composition a custom feel by having special one-of-a-kind furnishings or items that have a great patina and history.
Photography by Lindsay Brown; Design by Christina Cole and Co.
A no-fail piece that everyone needs
A custom rug sized to your room. When in doubt, size up. Nothing grounds a room quite like a perfectly-sized rug.
Last thing I bought for my home
Several years ago, I purchased a mid-century daybed in the manner of Pierre Chapo at Marche aux Puces in Paris. Last week, I recovered it in an espresso-colored alpaca textile from Inata and moved it out of storage and into my living room. I’m always amazed how replacing one element in a composition can completely transform a space.
Photography by Lindsay Brown; Design by Christina Cole and Co.
The hotel that represents ultimate luxury to me
Amanzoe by Aman Hotels in Porto Heli Greece is exquisite. It’s perfectly theatrical, while also embodying restraint. The clean silhouettes and neutral palettes let the mystical landscape remain the focus and I love the nod to ancient temple architecture, with all the colonnades, verandas, and fragrant gardens. It’s a dream destination I would gladly visit over and over.
What’s next
I’m in the process of cataloging the custom pieces I have created for clients over the years and using that as a departure point for a capsule collection of furniture. Outside of this immediate project, I would love to publish a monograph of my work in the next five years. And I currently have a roster of projects that range from a waterfront mid-century modern in Santa Barbara to an historic New York City brownstone. It’s an exciting time and it would be a privilege to share this diverse variety of residences and regions once the projects complete.
Photography by Lindsay Brown; Design by Christina Cole and Co.
Want personalized design advice from Christina Cole? Book a consultation.