Do-it-all Designer Carmeon Hamilton seems to have a hand in everything. So when she gets the chance to step back from her busy career and create something for her and her family, this Memphis-based designer doesn’t hold back. We talked with Carmeon about her recent kitchen remodel, defining one's aesthetic, and finding success with a plan.
Inspired by Carmeon’s style? Sample a selection of her favorites. Featuring 2x4 Ceramic samples in Shetland Wool, Calcite, Mustard Seed, Red Rock, Halite, Raven, Tumbleweed, and Hunter Green.
What made you choose these eight colors?
These are the colors of my life. The color pallet of my home and wardrobe and my favorite colors see in the world.
Meet Carmeon! Can you tell me a bit about yourself and Nubi Interiors? Where are you based? How did you get your start?
I am a Memphis-based environmental curator, interior designer, merchandising consultant, blogger, and content creator behind the brand, Nubi Interiors. With a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, my career started in healthcare design but later transitioned into the world of residential and retail. The business of retail, merchandising, and environmental design allowed true exploration of design and decor and how they affect such vast arrays of spaces.
Tile Shown: Chaine Homme in Halite // Image: Camille Leigh
How did you get your start?
Design wasn't a tangible thing for me until college. It wasn't until after decorating my own dorm room when I became a Resident Assistant. It was the first time I really had to think about the importance of my environment since I only had cement block walls and concrete floors to work with. I was a physical therapy major, but once I finished my space, one of my friends walked in and told me I should consider our school's interior design program. I changed my major the next day.
How did you hear about Fireclay Tile? What did you enjoy about the experience?
I heard about Fireclay through my best friend, who is also an interior designer. She sourced Fireclay for her bathroom renovation and I loved the look of the handmade tiles!
Tile Shown: 3x9 in Raven Matte // Design + Image: Shavonda Gardner
Why do you love tile?
In current times, tile is so much more versatile than it was in years past. Not only is it a completely utilitarian finish option for almost any space, but it also has endless opportunities to be used as art and tell stories.
Image: Carmeon Hamilton
What are your 3 best design tips?
1. Define your aesthetic. Being able to pinpoint your style will help you avoid making frivolous purchases for things you don't love after a few weeks. I have a blog post here that helps!
Image: Carmeon Hamilton
2. Space planning is the most important step in the design process. If it doesn't function, no one will care how beautiful it is. Be thoughtful and intentional about how a space should function by sketching or making lists, and then let that guide the rest of the decisions on the space. It will make for a successful design!
A mood board for Carmeon's kitchen:
Image: Carmeon Hamilton
3. Add a plant! Every space needs a sign of life to really have that cozy, approachable feeling. My favs are pothos, snake plants and zz plants. If real isn't your thing, go with faux...but every space needs a plant.
Image: Carmeon Hamilton
Image: Carmeon Hamilton
Can you tell me about your home? Was your kitchen a part of a larger remodeling or renovation project?
Our home is a 1977 A-frame ranch. I updated the original kitchen about a year after we moved in by painting the cabinets. With this renovation, I wanted to maintain a lot of the original elements and stay true to our home's design, but update it with fresh materials.
Here's the kitchen before:
What type of look or aesthetic were you going for?
Our home has a late mid-century early contemporary style, so I wanted to stay within that realm. I love natural light and moody interiors and our kitchen was a place I could have both.
Image: Camille Leigh
How did you come up with your color scheme and design?
I didn't really have to come up with a color scheme or design. We weren't changing the footprint of the kitchen and I knew I wanted to stick with our wall color and cabinet colors. The only true finish changes would be our countertop material and backsplash. I didn't want to bring in any additional color, so I knew our new backsplash would be neutral. But with it being neutral, I knew it had to be unique and incorporate texture in some way. Neutral doesn't have to mean boring.
Image: Camille Leigh
Why did you choose Chaine Homme in Halite?
Chaine Homme fit the unique qualifier that I was looking for. It also just so happened to look like the letter H, which is the first letter of my family's last name. It was love at first sight and felt meant to be.
Tile Shown: Chaine Homme in Halite // Image: Camille Leigh
How did the installation process go? Did you face any challenges? Did you work with a tile installer or contractor?
I worked with a contractor and we ran into zero problems with the tile. It was actually perfect for them and our timeline since the tiles had self spacers. We didn't have the added step of using tile spacers, so it made the installation process a breeze.
Image: Camille Leigh
How was designing for your own home? Lessons learned?
As a designer, I love designing for myself and my family. It's the time I get to go with my gut with very few reservations. I get to step out of the box and try new things that may take convincing on client projects. Not to mention, getting to live with your favorite work is the gift that keeps on giving.
Image: Camille Leigh
What Fireclay products would you love to use in future projects?
I now have my eye on Fireclay's Classic 1x4 Straight Set in either Raven or Raven Matte. I'm working on a wet bar project and can't decide between the two! Either would make the project sing!
Tile Shown: 1x4 in Raven Matte
Inspired by Carmeon's style? Order her curated sample selections online now. Need some help? Simply call, chat or fill out our Design Assitance Form and one of our talented Design Consultants will get back to you shortly.
