Visitors walk into a room that has a residential feel. Kollar meets her clients here, spreading out samples on a long T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings dining table, and exchanging ideas in an informal seating area. The second room is more like an
office, in which shelves and cabinets hold the color library the designer
has built up over the years, swatches and reference books, plus files on
past and current projects. It’s an eclectic mix of plain and exotic pieces
that include a Victorian Gothic chair, a Russel Wright sideboard, and a
set of Salterini patio chairs and glass-topped table. Gold-leafed coffee
tables set off a pair of V’Soske rugs. A trio of MDF cabinets from the
former Morphosis office have been combined and given a sleek black
paint job to disguise their humble origins.
In this space, she welcomes new clients and pursues fresh commissions.
Current projects include the interiors for a couple in the fashion business,
decorating a Tudoresque house for an architect and movie executive, and
transforming the Greek Revival house that was built for screen legend Mary
Astor in the 1930s. Those jobs provide a sufficient challenge in themselves,
but Kollar admits that she gets a daily thrill just from climbing the vintage
staircase and walking though the door. “I’m always running into fantastic
people doing different things and everything I need is close to hand,” she
says. “Sure, the HVAC system is clanky and you can hear people walking on
the floor above but that’s what gives this building its character. I wouldn’t
change a thing.” Kay Kollar, kaykollardesign.com
STUDIO
