Too much art – not enough design?
I’m loving this mosaic tile backsplash with the white marble counters in this remodel by Kevin Pruitt, film-maker and director, of a mid-century home in Austin, Texas: (via and it’s for sale too)
Gorgeous materials and color
I like even more the spacious feeling that the absence of wall cabinets allows. Don’t worry, there are some cabinets on the other walls for all that inevitable stuff. What I do worry about here is that lava-rock. I totally see that there is a fabulous juxtaposition of color and texture, contrasting the smooth, glossy and light finishes with the dark and highly textured stone. You see the same striking contrast here, in one of the bedrooms:
The rough with the smooth
But, oh dear what about your knees when sitting at this counter?
Dramatic contrast
Lava rock has its place, certainly, but I’d say that’s not where it might come into contact with bare skin or clothing that you value. Not unless it’s been tumbled around in the ocean for several decades first:
Lava rock in its place - La Perouse Bay (livinginmaui.net)
This reminds me of the recent What is Art thread on Paul Anater’s endlessly entertaining blog Kitchen and Residential Design, about the difference between art and design, among other things. It’s my belief that pure Art (note capital A) serves no purpose beyond engaging the senses and the mind, and that is the difference between it and design. I say that this kitchen island works as art, but fails as design, and that’s why I’ve categorized this beauty as a calamity. Am I wrong?
Hi Kevin, and thanks so much for your comment. I am always mildly surprised when I get a bit snarky like this how rarely anybody disagrees and tells me to shut-up. Seriously, I think the idea is beautiful – did you actually experience any problems with the texture – snagged clothes or scraped skin? I’d love to know, and I’ll publish a retraction if appropriate
Thanks so much for posting, but wow, didn’t know there was so much negativity out there! Thanks guys,
Kevin Pruitt
Hysterical!
Hi Laurie – yes I can, all too well!
The lava rocks reminds me of cleft cut stone for kitchen counter top edges. Can you imagine the clothes you would snag?
You are welcome, always! Yes, my thought exactly – I had to zoom in to confirm that it wasn’t skulls
Thanks for the shout out! You know, that light colored wall ‘o lava in the second photo looks like a wall ‘o skulls in a Paris catacomb. Or is that just me?
Teehee – the seventies called! Wish I’d thought of that, Pam. Me neither on the panty hose – does anyone, anymore, or is it a California thing?
Couldn’t agree with you more (regarding the difference between design and Art)! My first thought was: The ’70′s called and they want their lava rock back! I do love stone –just not that stone and not in that application. It sure would do a job on pantyhose –if I wore them ever– which I don’t. Just sayin’.