The Monogram Experience Center (MEC) brings designers to Louisville, Kentucky, for three-day experiences to learn about Monogram, the design process, our appliances – and even cook with them! We interviewed each designer to learn a little more about their background and design experiences.
Today’s profile highlights Felicitas Oefelein from F O Designs in Brooklyn, New York.
Felicitas Oefelein, recent participant at the GE Monogram Experience Center in Louisville, Kentucky
SRFD: How did you become interested in design?
Felicitas: I have been interested in design ever since I can remember. My Barbie dolls were less interested in playing dress up but lived in fabulous multi-level homes in my bookcases…
SRFD: Tell us about a recent project you really enjoyed.
Felicitas: Last year I went back to St. Martin to do some additional work in a client’s vacation villa. While there we experienced a Level 3 hurricane, which was quite unexpected. Part of the property was flooded, which means that now there is more work to be done. Since these clients are very dear to me, I am, of course, very excited about the prospect of spending more time working in the Caribbean.
SRFD: A trend you’re over?
Felicitas: Oh, I am so very over any materials that try to look like something else … ceramic tiles looking like wood floors, or quartz counters looking like marble or granite. I just cannot understand this as a concept at all. I prefer pure materials. Concrete that actually looks like concrete and not like leather for a change.
SRFD: A trend you’re excited about?
Felicitas: I love that there is a trend towards smaller homes that are built and designed higher in quality. It seems that McMansions are finally a bit passé, and that people have realized a smaller but well built quality home is something more worth striving for. Bigger is not always better!
Maybe the same will be happening with appliances? I am just in love with your 30” Monogram fridge with the convertible fridge freezer drawer! When will we finally get a high end 24” range with matching over-the-range microwave with hood? Or an Advantium in that size? All of Europe lives with 24” wide appliances. And being from New York, I can tell you there really is a need.
SRFD: What did you learn in Louisville?
Felicitas: I learned a lot, I was very impressed by the factory tour and the pride people take working for GE. I also loved how much GE was invested in making a better product at a good and very competitive price point. I am originally from Germany but have lived in New York for over 20 years. It is also important to me to support our own economy and the ability to purchase products that are built here has meaning to me.
Image of the St. Martin home designed by Felicitas Oefelein
Image of the St. Martin home designed by Felicitas Oefelein
Image of the St. Martin home designed by Felicitas Oefelein
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