The Momo Innovators collection focuses on various creators who incorporate Momo Handles into their ventures.
We delve into the wellsprings of their design inspiration and product preferences. Moreover, we proudly exhibit the distinctive undertakings they’ve actualized for their patrons. In this recent edition, we converse with Gavin, the visionary behind Concepts by Gavin Hepper. Gavin derives his creative impetus from the natural allure of his nearby environs and seamlessly integrates design components from the handles to enhance the project’s holistic aesthetic.
Exploring your most recent accomplishments at City Beach and Sorrento in Wollongong, could you share the backstory that led to the realization of these projects?
Both City Beach and Sorrento projects bear resemblances as they involve beachfront apartment renovations, granting captivating ocean vistas. However, their design directives diverge significantly. Sorrento encapsulates a Mediterranean opulence, featuring natural stone and an earthy colour spectrum. Conversely, the City Beach endeavour offers a contemporary take on traditional design elements, marrying modern interpretations with time-honored features.
What are the highlighting features in each project and the handles you’ve used?
In the context of Citybeach, the initial stages of our design development incorporated traditional joinery elements. The intricate ribbing found on the Barrington handles, knobs, and cup pulls beautifully mirrored these design nuances. This enabled us to extend their application beyond just the kitchen, encompassing the powder room, bathrooms, and other subsequent joinery.
Sorrento, on the other hand, presents a distinct narrative. Our chosen colour palette consisted of warm, layered neutrals, demanding something understated yet uniquely exceptional. I reached out to our representative, and Kylie provided us with a handle that was yet to be introduced to the market. Upon receiving it, we recognized its perfect fit for the project. The handle’s muted colouring ensured it harmonized with the other finishes instead of competing with them. The Arpa handle’s refined weight and intricate details added an air of luxury and sophistication, which then influenced our selection of coordinating tapware. This tapware shared a similar intricate detailing, making it an ideal choice for the project.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Residing on the South Coast is indeed a blessing, as we have the privilege of drawing abundant inspiration from the natural world around us. The Ocean and the Escarpment provide us with the best of both landscapes, offering a wealth of creative influence. However, the origins of inspiration are remarkably diverse. They may stem from the architecture of properties, find expression in a cherished piece of art, or even manifest in an item a client has acquired during their travels. These various sources establish meaningful connections to the space, fostering a rich tapestry of creative ideas.
What are the top kitchen styles your clients are asking for?
Throughout our design briefing phase, we conduct an extensive exploration of how our clients engage with the space and their unique lifestyles. This in-depth analysis unveils pivotal elements for styling and material selection. Subsequently, our focus shifts towards optimizing functionality and infusing vitality into these areas. Our ultimate aim is to craft environments that evoke emotions as one inhabits them – eliciting feelings of joy, happiness, and tranquillity. These emotional responses hold profound significance in our design philosophy.
What are the top 3 emerging trends we will see across 2023?
Embracing Sustainability: A Valued Perspective on Eco-Consciousness.
Rooted in Heritage: A Vision of Connection. Today, there’s a genuine yearning for connections – to one another, to our surroundings, and to our roots. These aspirations are manifesting in our living spaces, cultivating feelings of security and solace. Our attention is dedicated to functionality and the versatility of our environments. By employing ingenious design, we create spaces that seamlessly accommodate diverse activities, merging work and leisure. Picture a kitchen that caters to cooking, doubles as a homework haven for kids, and transforms into an evening wine bar – a symphony of functionalities.
Nurturing the Self: A Personal Haven. Amidst it all, the essence of “me” remains central. Home stands as a mirror of my identity, my family, and the life I cherish. It’s an authentic representation, devoid of neighbourly expectations. The colours resonate with my soul, the ambience resonates with my emotions – it’s a manifestation of my true self.
Do you centre your overall design and style around a particular kitchen handle, or do you consider handles as a secondary consideration?
Handles unquestionably take a prominent role in our designs. As Charles Eames aptly put it, “the details are not the details. They make the design.” In line with our studio’s philosophy, meticulous attention is dedicated to design details, with every facet being thoroughly contemplated within our comprehensive specifications.
Handles emerge as quintessential adornments, akin to jewels enhancing our joinery. In fact, some handles possess such allure that they transform into the focal point, allowing us to craft our design around their intrinsic charisma.
Is there a preference, both from your perspective and that of your clients, for maintaining a consistent handle finish across all areas, or does this approach differ based on the specific room?
When conceptualizing entire home interiors, our inclination leans towards establishing a sense of unity within the spaces. However, this doesn’t imply using identical handles. Instead, we appreciate the adaptability of a collection like Barrington, which offers consistent design details presented in diverse shapes. This way, we maintain a coherent design thread throughout the project while accommodating individuality in each room.
Do you lean towards a particular handle material? Additionally, do you have a preference for specific handle finishes?
I have a personal preference for those natural or living elements like brass or muted tones or the beautiful timber range, but when designing and specifying its always about what is right for the project.
What are you favourite Momo Handle ranges and why?
While I do have a couple of favourites, what truly stands out to me in the Momo range is the blend of diversity in the portfolio and the unwavering consistency of the products. (I must mention, though, that our studio manager is particularly enthusiastic about the new brass range – it’s substantial weight and tactile feel are genuinely remarkable).
What sets the Momo handles range apart from other brands?
Quality is probably our initial reasoning for choosing Momo, followed by the diversity of the range – both in styling and colour – between the premium and designer ranges we really have so much to choose from. And the price point is very reasonable.
Do you have any exciting new projects coming up in which you’ll be featuring Momo Handles?
We hope we continue to be part of the Momo handles for many years and projects to come.
A big thank you to Gavin Hepper for taking part in Furnware’s Momo Inspirations series.
Follow Concepts by Gavin Hepper on Instagram @conceptsbygavinhepper to stay up to date with their projects or get in touch through www.conceptsbygavinhepper.com
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