Home Fashion Forecast - Spring 2008 - (Page 16) top tastemakers balancing act Well-proportioned furnishings with subtle relationships create balance and harmony in Frank Ponterio’s award-winning interiors. For Frank Ponterio, the Chicago area designer for his modern classic interiors and penchant for historically significant residences, the answer is balance. “A lot of people speak about a focal Frank Ponterio point, but I disagree,” said Ponterio, who maintains offices in both Lake Forest, IL, and downtown Chicago, and takes on eight to 10 projects annually. “One of the secrets to a great room is that everything is in balance. Items are well-proportioned and have subtle relationships to one another. Perhaps viewers don’t grasp this at first glance, but when they are in the room often, they begin to appreciate the relationships and values over time.” Although some of Ponterio’s projects involve the use of boldly colored, patterned fabrics, he said he prefers neutrals and textures. Increasingly, his clients also are interested in neutral, monochromatic palettes, a marked change, he said, especially among traditionaloriented design clients. In fact, the biggest trend that Ponterio sees in this Midwestern market is the shift to a cleaner, pared-down look. “Aesthetically, I am seeing a much greater number of people interested in cleaner lines, whether they’re classic, contemporary or modern,” he explained. “People who I have known for years who have traditional houses are doing second residences that are clean, contemporary and spare. It’s a style that is a little less safe—people aren’t under the impression that they have to conform any more.” This is true even in a down economy, when one would expect far less risk-taking. But according to Ponterio, the high-end design market is relatively unaffected by the economic downturn that has decimated other segments of the home furnishings industry. “I’m busier than ever,” he said. “Certain demographics aren’t affected by swings of this nature. I understand that the retail market for design has diminished greatly this past year. But high-end residential interior designers who have a base are really busy. Our clients aren’t pulling back, because they’re not at risk of losing their lifestyle.” Speaking of lifestyle, Ponterio said he believes his role as a designer entails more than just filling rooms with beautiful finishes, fabrics and furniture appointments. “I believe we all conform to, and to some extent are, a product of our environment.” he explained. “Our goal is to help our clients live exceptionally well.” “Chicago has always been a strong architectural community,” said Frank Ponterio. “Square block by square block, we have the market cornered when it comes to beautiful architecture.” The point is illustrated by this home, which was built in 1937 by Nathan Owings of the architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The interior design earned Ponterio a top placement in the Illinois chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers’ annual design competition last year. 16 HOME fashion forecast
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