Diversity in design: Artos features in pioneering Cornell Inn revamp project

Diversity is what makes interior design so exciting.  

Different styles, different tastes and crucially, different viewpoints are what keep the industry moving forward – and so we were honoured and excited when Artos products were selected for use on an innovative design project celebrating diversity, back in 2021.

The Kaleidoscope Project was the brainchild of designers Amy Lynn Schwartzbard and Patti Carpenter, who dreamt it up as a way of celebrating diverse voices in interior design as well as encouraging young designers of color into the industry.

One of those designers was Linda Hayslett, a Los Angeles-based fashion stylist turned interior designer whose work regularly features in House Beautiful, Elle Décor, Architectural Digest and more.

Traditional meets edgy

For her guest suite, which she named the Maddi-May room after her mother and beloved dog, Linda’s goal was to create a fusion of traditional and edgy design, creating a moody, enveloping space – and with the goal of keeping the entire design accessible in terms of budget.

While the bedroom featured rich florals against a palette of claret and black, the ensuite bathroom had a much fresher look, with a simple, monochrome palette.  We were thrilled to learn that Linda chose matt black plumbing fixtures from Artos for her design, having sourced our products from Pirch.

Continuing on that traditional-meets-contemporary feel, she selected faucets from our Trova collection in square and a rainhead shower from our Opera collection, all finished in matt black for a look that honors the utilitarian history of the Cornell Inn while retaining a sense of luxury and glamor.

The whole look was brought together using an eclectic mix of finishes – a weathered timber vanity juxtaposed against geometric floor tiles, and classic wainscoting contrasted with the sculptural light fittings.  

We absolutely love how the whole room turned out, and so did the stream of visitors who viewed the showhouse following its opening: “It turned out amazing!  Everyone loved the space and the cool fixtures,” Linda said.

Supporting BIPOC creativity

Proceeds from The Kaleidoscope Project will provide scholarship opportunities for young people of color interested in pursuing careers in creative fields.  As for the Cornell Inn, it’s a world away from the tired interiors of its past, and enjoying a new lease of life as a getaway destination of ultimate refinement.

Our thanks go to Linda, for choosing to work with us on this inspirational project, which has since been featured in a number of national interiors magazines.

To find out more about any of the Artos products featured in this project, get in touch!