The name of the event was Design Matters - an evening of discussion on the impact of design in our everyday lives, set in beautiful surroundings. Design matters, as it affects how we work, relax and socialize in our homes. Design affects our emotions, how we move within our spaces, how we perceive light, and many more large and small elements that contribute to our mood and overall well being.

1. DESIGN MATTERSAN EVENT IN NEW ORLEANS | HOSTED BY KOHLER AND BENJAMIN MOORE
Thursday, May 2, 13

2. By: Susan Serra, CKD, CAPS
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© Susan Serra 2013
email: susan@susanserraassociates.com
Thursday, May 2, 13

3. Kohler and Benjamin Moore held a joint event on the
evening of April 19, 2013 at the Belfort Mansion in
New Orleans. The event was named: Design Matters.
Special guests of the event - principal officials of the
Make It Right foundation as well as a homeowner
who is a beneficiary of a home - described the impact
that good design has on the well being of the
individual when it is focused on one’s personal
aesthetic and functional needs.
DESIGN MATTERS
Thursday, May 2, 13

4. The design of, and within the Belfort Mansion, the
outdoor landscaped areas and the design of the food
and floral arrangements set the scene for an evening
of design appreciation.
The event underscored the impact of good design by
welcoming guests to view the beautiful interiors of
this elegant venue, inspiring me to share my images
with others.
Kohler and Benjamin Moore say that design matters
in our everyday lives. I know this to be true.
DESIGN MATTERS
Thursday, May 2, 13

5. Kohler and Benjamin Moore also announced their
new joint initiative - a collaboration on color
I cannot say it better than Kohler and Benjamin Moore did in their
announcement, so here is a brief look at what is to come in July, 2013
“Kohler Co. and Benjamin Moore & Co. announce a collaborative color program, focusing on the role color
plays in everyday life. Both companies have rich histories of creating and inspiring with the use of color
throughout the home. The comprehensive program will provide trade professionals and consumers an array of
inspirational content and tools to aid in the design of home spaces. At the heart of the program is a vast
collection of Benjamin Moore paint colors and Kohler fixture colors, co-curated by a team of designers from the
two companies.
“Kohler has been known for its work with color throughout the company’s long history. Bold design with the
use of color happens in any number of ways in the home – some bright and vibrant, and other subtle and
calming,” says Steve Bissell, marketing vice president of Kohler. “We are excited to team up with fellow color
leader Benjamin Moore to help bring livable color solutions to homeowners.”
The content and tools created through this collaboration will be available July 2013 online as well as in Kohler
showrooms and select Benjamin Moore retailers across North America.”
Thursday, May 2, 13

6. Following are images of the evening at the Belfort
Mansion showcasing the many ways that design is
expressed. Words under the images provide feelings
that were evoked for me and sometimes
informational design concepts are noted as well -
please add your personal design interpretation in the
comments.
DESIGN MATTERS
Thursday, May 2, 13

7. Symmetry • Strength • Tradition • Classics
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8. Neighborhood • Tasteful • Grande Dame
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9. History •
Renewal •
Vernacular
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10. Strength • Genteel • Timeless
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11. Light
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12. Rectilinear • Clear • Pattern • Repetition
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13. Gracious • Aged •
Nature • Scale
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14. Courtyard • Social • Solitude • Symmetry
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15. Serenity • Refresh • Repetition
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16. Patina • Fresh • Warmth
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17. Monochromatic Foundation • Visual Warmth • Flow • Textiles
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18. Whimsy • Kohler Color Chips • Sustenance •Abundance
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19. Kohler Color Chips • Less Is More
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20. Sea • Pattern • Wood
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21. Beauty • Distressed • Patina
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22. Modern • Classic • Eclectic
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23. Patina • Worn • Pattern
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24. Beauty • Art • Partaaaay
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25. Tradition • Function • Symmetry • Decoration
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26. Function • Utilitarian
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27. Social • Simple • Useful
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28. Age • Classic • Patina • Texture
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29. Proportion • Color •
Strength
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30. Pattern • Texture • Age
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31. Rustic • Texture • Casual • Warmth
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32. Nature • Coastal • Local • Whimsical
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33. Gather • Share • Comfort • Gracious
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34. Emotion • Culture • Proportion • Storytelling
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35. Gather • Curves • Natural
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36. Eclectic • Tones • Focal Point • Flow
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37. More Is More
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38. Textural Contrast • Companion Tones
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39. Formality • Elegance • Contrast • Warm & Cool • Modern
Thursday, May 2, 13

40. Created by Chef John Besh
Thursday, May 2, 13

41. Created by Chef John Besh
Thursday, May 2, 13

42. Created by Chef John Besh
Thursday, May 2, 13

43. Created by Chef John Besh
I hope you’ve enjoyed these images as much as
I’ve enjoyed sharing them
- Susan
Thursday, May 2, 13