José Solís Betancourt, a native of
Puerto Rico, studied architecture at Cornell University and trained under
John Saladino. Paul Sherrill, a Southerner from North Carolina, was greatly
inspired by his grandparents, who were artists.
Through their firm, Solis
Betancourt, the designers have combined their talents for more than 15
years, producing beautiful interiors by mixing antiques with modern art. We
spoke with the duo to learn more about how they create comfortable living
quarters, architecture in the room, and a soothing color palette.
Molly Pastor: What are your clients asking for now,
and how do you achieve this look?
José Solís Betancourt: Clients want
comfort. The key is to provide it in a way that is elegant yet relaxed,
orderly but not pretentious. We achieve this with fabrics. You have to be
really careful with shiny fabrics. We love toothy linens and slubbed silks;
they make a space feel more relaxed.
You don't want a room to feel
like a parlor that you can't sit in. We often use silk and linen
velvets because they wear so beautifully and give the room a sort of
built-in history. They quickly develop a nice patina.
MP: What are your favorite paint colors, and where do
you like to use them?
Paul Sherrill: Benjamin Moore's Wickham Gray is
a fresh cool blue that is great for a southern exposure guest room. Pratt
& Lambert's Clove Dust is a mocha brown that makes for an
intimate study or sitting room. Benjamin Moore's Grant Beige can warm
up a northern exposure room while keeping a neutral tone. Duron's
Alabaster is a great trim color, especially if the wall tones lean toward
the cool palette.
Duron's Malt -- on the walls and ceiling in a
northern exposure room with bleached or white-painted floors -- provides a
wonderful Scandinavian backdrop. Accent this with chocolate-colored fabrics
and sang de boeuf, or red-glazed, ceramics for a punchy and unexpected
combination. Prime your entry door in khaki, such as DKC-26 from the Donald
Kaufman Color Collection II; then paint with a harvest red, such as DKC-17,
also from Donald Kaufman. Sand through for a wonderful aged effect.
MP: What are your favorite tried-and-true fabrics?
JSB: Burlap is an amazing unsung hero. Put it on
ceilings, walls, or backs of bookcases. Mazzarino by Fortuny is the fabric
of the gods. It only gets better with time. Other favorites include
Scalamandré's La Perouse, Old World Weavers' Wagner, and
Gretchen Bellinger's Pasha.We use antique drapery panels that have faded over
time to reupholster chair backs and make throw pillows. This is a terrific
way to add age to a room.
