KBB - March 2014 - 64

LAST WORD

Meet Mr. Nice Guy
Designer Adam Hunter shares his success secrets and a recent kitchen transformation
Adam Hunter didn't start out as an interior designer;
he first spent 10 years as a Broadway star in such
productions as "Les Miserables," "Ragtime," "Lion
King" and "La Boheme." After he moved to Los Angeles in 2006, he was commissioned to design the Kate
Somerville Skin Health Experts Spa on Melrose Place
on a whim, and because of its raging success, avid
clients have been knocking on his door ever since.
Hunter has designed for a variety of celebrities in
the U.S., and his work has been featured in a plethora
of publications. Currently, he has multiple new construction projects in Brentwood and the Pacific Palisades, and he is introducing a collection of rugs
for The Rug Company this spring.
K+BB had a chance to chat with Hunter about his career transition
and a recent kitchen project he completed for a renowned chef.
Given your career history, how did you become interested in the kitchen
and bath design industry?
Even though I used to be on Broadway, I have always been interested
in interior design - since I was six or seven years old. I chose kitchens and
baths because they are the most spectacular projects, and people will
invest the most in those rooms. I've been involved in the industry for 10 years
now, and I would say interior design happened to me, not vice versa.
What do you feel has made you successful?
My ego is less tied to this profession since I came upon it later on in my
career - it's not like singing or acting. I try to remain down to earth even
though I am designing for $20-million homes. Being kind can also add to
the experience and aesthetic.
What advice can you offer other designers on how to run a successful firm?
Hire a business-minded person to do your money if you do not know
how to do it yourself. You really need a professional to keep this part of your
business straight. If you are doing it yourself to save money, that is a mistake.
What K+B design trends do you think will prevail in 2014 and beyond?
I see the end of stainless steel appliances; the white, black and/or
glass refrigerators now available are so cool. I love, love, love color, and
there are a lot of really great options available these days.You can always
paint over a color if you get tired of it without having to redo the entire
space. I also like to bring some unexpected features to my projects like a
glass oven hood.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Traveling the world for inspiration is my favorite thing to do. I recently
got home from Maison & Objet in Paris, which was amazing. I am also a

+
K BB

This professional chef's kitchen features white and glass cabinetry; a large,
working island; a chocolate-stained oak floor; and seating for his wife and
twins. Photography by Stephen Busken

crazy film buff, so I love to go to the movies. I also own two little dachshunds
- both 13 years old - who moved with me from New York.

A Glimpse of His Latest Kitchen Project
Hunter recently renovated a kitchen for a professional chef who
had grown weary of its 80s-style cabinetry and wanted to maximize his
workspace to get the most use out of it. The previous corner pantry was
reworked to include deep, pullout, corner drawers to maximize storage,
and Hunter and his team incorporated a small space off of the kitchen
for an office with metal, floor-to-ceiling shelving.
The family room and kitchen are part of one open floorplan, and
Hunter cut down a bit of the previous living space to accommodate a
larger, brighter kitchen. He was able to keep the original cherry wood
cabinets; re-facing them with satin-finished white paint, adding glass at
the top and extending them upward.
The island is twice as big, and a black granite countertop hides
wear and tear in this kitchen that is used every day. The original 40s oak
flooring was given a chocolate stain, and Hunter refinished industrial
pendant fixtures from an old restaurant for a decorative element. He
added some overhead lighting and put everything on dimmers.
When asked about the project highlights, he cited the accommodation
of multiple appliances, the unique countertop material and the refrigerator.
"Some clients aren't bold enough to use the glass-front refrigerator,"
added Hunter, "and these clients let me!" n
- By Chelsie Butler

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KBB - March 2014

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