Designer profile: Eldon Wong

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 Eldon Wong from Eldon Wong Design in New York City, New York.

Eldon Wong, recent participant at the GE Monogram Experience Center in Louisville, Kentucky

SRFD: How did you become interested in design?

Eldon: I guess like any designer I have always been interested in visuals, even growing up on the prairies of Canada! Design books I read in school are still the same references I use in all my projects so that confirms my design DNA! After working for a museum service consultancy, I worked on a small project for a client on her first NYC apartment and 15 years later I am still working on her other residences. From that starting point I have worked on other projects in the U.S. and overseas.

SRFD: Tell us about a recent project you really enjoyed.

Eldon: Currently I am converting a typical 1970s spec house, by a lake in Connecticut, into a rustic cottage. Not my usual style so it makes me look and learn new things! A challenge that I enjoy.

SRFD: A trend you’re over?

Eldon: I never did understand the idea of a TV over the fireplace. Understandably if you have no choice in the matter. But in redesign and new construction it is totally unnecessary as the sight lines are much too high! I still see this idea on TV renovations.

SRFD: A trend you’re excited about?

Eldon: Eclectic interiors that mix old, new, cheap and expensive. Great interiors should not be generic and look like everything was purchased at one showroom. They should be personal and filled with things that reflect the owners.

SRFD: What did you learn in Louisville?

Eldon: Beside the great hospitality and food – hmmm. Actually, I really enjoyed the factory tour and wish it was longer! The idea of MADE IN THE US is a great selling point for me so watching the assembly line was a highlight. In regards to the products, it was quite interesting to compare the high end range with GE competitors. I was quite surprised that the GE pro range was comparable if not better than others – it really comes down to the branding issues.