T h e - C o u n t r y p o l i t a n

Gaudeamus Igitur!

2011-12-23T20:43:00.000-06:00

May the true spirit of Christmas be with you...

Design without borders... ?

2011-07-10T12:18:00.001-05:00

Seeing new works by the design master John Saladino is always a welcomed treat. You can look at a photo of his designs and identify it as his without even reading the credits. His style of romanticism and classicism is enduring and has little regard for trends. If anything, trend setters and copiers have tried to emulate and capture the essence that he creates in his designs.

When I studied the photos of the latest work of Mr. Saladino in the current issue of Veranda... I was caught a little off center when I observed the painted or wall papered border in the photos of the client's living room. It looks to me to be a papered border, but it is not always easy to tell from a photo, and I could not find any comments in the article regarding the image. What first came to my mind when I saw the border is that the use of the this particular decoration seems contrary to Mr. Saladino's style. He is known for his editing and most of the decorative elements that he uses are usually not so literal when it comes to faux finishes. The second thing that came to my mind is that I am pretty sure that Mr. Saladino would choose to use a design element regardless of it being a trend or not... simply because he is not a trend follower.

So... the question in my mind is this... "Will this resurrect the use of the wall paper borders?... I certainly hope not!"

After many years of being out of fashion we saw the return of wall papers. I personally love wall papers in the appropriate application and if they are of quality. Given those two requirements, that usually eliminates the use of them in most projects. However papered borders, for me, require different considerations... of which there is none. Can't stand them... never have, never will...

As far as the images in Mr. Saladino's photos... I think I would have preferred to see perhaps just a band of color which could have been sanded or scraped back to give the impression of an aged fresco.

What do you think about Mr. Saladino's border? Are you ready to see the return of the application of papered borders?

None Better...

2011-07-04T17:39:00.001-05:00

No matter how you choose to show it...

there is no better flag or country!

Image by Ildar Sagdejev

Happy Birthday America!!!!

Unjust Opulence

2011-06-01T17:07:00.000-05:00

No... this isn't a commentary on the new Bravo series of "Million Dollar Decorators".

To the contrary, it is fabulous that there are projects of the caliber being featured in this new program still being contracted... especially since the overall interior design industry has taken a financial hit these past couple of years.

The photos pictured here (I don't know where they originated from) were sent to me in one of those circulating emails that I usually hate getting and just toss... but since it was related to design... I decided to give it a look. This estate is obviously owned by someone who has great wealth, exceeding even those in the "Million Dollar Decorators" client files. Obviously owned by someone who clearly likes to impress, even though few people would likely want to live with this level of formality... unless you have a desire to live in a museum or theatrical set.

Do you have any idea who owns this estate?

Going back to the comment regarding our current economy and how it has affected the design industry... (just like all other industries in our country)...

and never mind that you may not be living at the standard that you had been accustomed to... and in-spite of any hardships our country is experiencing...

you wouldn't begrudge this estate owner some assistance in maintaining this lifestyle now would you?

I mean... surely you can appreciate that it took a lot of money to create this lap of luxury... and that it takes quite a bit of money to keep it up!

Never mind that there is 50% unemployment where this estate is and the average life expectancy is 42 years of age because of illness and starvation.

Obviously... the people in this area don't have the funds to help this owner maintain such a lavish lifestyle... so, surely you don't mind that some of your tax dollars are being "redistributed" to help the owner out? The funds are obviously not being used to help the people of this country...

but never mind that!

I'm sure the owner of this estate prioritizes and puts any monetary assistance to its best use... for his own personal needs...

Are you curious as to who this connoisseur of fine living is?

Its the monster on the left..(as apposed to the monster on the right)

The President of Zimbabwe - Robert Mugabe

"This is the man Obama wants us to give our money to as he pushes for world redistribution of wealth!"

(Be careful what you "hope" for!))

As an interesting side note: Mugabe is into redistribution as well... in his effort to take away land from the white farmers.

"Mugabe has unleashed thousands of purported "war veterans" against Zimbabwe's 4,500 white farmers....He has labeled the farmers "enemies of the people" and has turned a blind eye while the occupiers execute white landowners, rape women..."

And there are plenty of other similar situations that we should be outraged over.

I don't know about you... but I think it is time for real change... starting with how our own government chooses to spend our money!

~ A daughter is one of the most beautiful gifts this world has to give. ~

2011-05-09T15:30:00.000-05:00

This is my daughter Margot, who's wedding we

celebrated on Saturday!

This has been an amazing weekend...

Color Your World...

2011-04-04T21:30:00.000-05:00

Commitment: Fresh flowers and a painting with bright vivid colors for a

neutral colored breakfast nook

via Terri Symington

Commitment: Fresh Flowers, a can of paint & a fabric remnant for wall art...

via Suzanne Kasler

With a well thought-out and executed neutral design plan… Wonderful designs go from Beautiful to Fabulous with the discriminating use of color…

How many times have you heard the words “Keep it Neutral… and add color with elements that can easily be changed”?

Those are words that I certainly offer my clients… especially those that are unsure of color or who do not want to make design choices that commits them to a substantial investment that they may not want to live with long term if they tire of the colors or patterns.

Commitment: 7 yards of fabric and some fresh flowers

via Lisa Caldwell Flake

Well placed color can be the perfect counter-balance to a neutral color scheme…

via Dransfield and Ross

via Amy Morris

via Mary Douglas Drysdale

Now…Try to picture all those spaces in your mind without the addition of color…

Subtlety can have as much affect as that of boldness…

And now… try to picture in your mind how the following Beautiful interiors would take on a whole different character with the addition of a little color…

via Greige

As is... these are Stunning compositions… a simple addition of fresh flowers, subtle or bold in color, would be equally stunning…

via Anouska Hempel

Because… sometimes you really need to color your world…

Winter Windows...

2011-01-14T18:05:00.000-06:00

Every once in a while I will come across a window with a view that is so commanding that it can stand alone and may even defy being encumbered with window treatments… but for the majority of windows, the absence of some sort of clothing in the winter can be quite uncomfortable to look at and to look out…

Via dailydanny.com... before window treatments

However, most winter views... even the best... will benefit from the visual and literal warmth of window dressings… for nothing can evoke a feeling of sadness or be quite as bleak as the view of a gray gloomy day out of a bare window. That bleakness is even greater at night when all you have is a black hole separating you from the cold dark night. It is very comforting to have window treatments to separate you from that and to close out the darkness.

Below are a few simple treatments that I have selected from my photo files that I think are a perfect solution for winter windows…

Somethings Gotta Give

Segreto

Ginger Barber

Source Unknown

The following are wonderful examples of layered window treatments...perfect for the cold months...

Kelly Hoppen

Doreen Scott

Stephen Sills and James Huniford

Need some warmth for your windows? Just give me a call or send me an email and I will be happy to discuss with you some options to create a look you will love!

White Space

2010-12-21T19:47:00.000-06:00

White space, often referred to as negative space, is the untouched portion between objects.

It is an important element of design which enables objects to exist… the balance between positive and the use of negative spaces is essential to composition.

In design, I like to start with a clean canvas. During the process of adding in elements, a space will sometimes take on more than it needs, so it is necessary to eliminate or take away all that is not useful or necessary until a design can stand on its own.

Just as in design, I find it essential to seek the white space…in my life… for it is in this space that I can relocate my balance, focus and direction. It helps give me clarity to what is important in my life and what needs to be eliminated.

Like most designers, I am always seeking new ideas, researching new products, reading all the wonderful blogs with all the most recent in trends and opinions, working with clients I love and wishing I hadn’t wasted time on others and dealing with life in general… eventually… there is just too much. And just like in design… I find it necessary to peel away the layers of unnecessary elements that keep me from being my best.

Have you found your white space?

(Photo from Booka Shades - In White Rooms)

A Parisian Treasure Trove...

2010-10-08T10:57:00.000-05:00

It is the kind of story you would expect to find in a romance or mystery novel...

Parisian flat containing €2.1 million painting lay untouched for 70 years

For 70 years the Parisian apartment had been left uninhabited, under lock and key, the rent faithfully paid but no hint of what was inside.

Apparently the renter of the apartment left the South of France right before WWII... to never return... but continued to pay the rent for all these years.

What makes this story even more interesting is the mysterious painting found among the estate belongings of a beautiful woman in a pink muslin gown. As the story progresses it is discovered that the muse in the painting is the grandmother of the apartment renter. The woman was Marthe de Florian, a beautiful French actress and demimondaine, who had captured the fancy of more than a few admirers, and some very well known. Through notes and documentations it was verified that the painting was created by Italian artist Boldini when she was 24 years of age. He too was apparently smitten by her beauty and favors.

What is amazing is that this apartment was left undisturbed for over 70 years...

Even though there appears to be very little information available about the beautiful actress or her granddaughter... I think there is much more to this story that will be continued...

And the Winner Is....!

2010-09-26T16:57:00.000-05:00

Last night, Houston's Chapter of ASID held it's biggest annual event of the year... the 2010 Awards. The event was held at the beautiful Houston downtown Four Season's Hotel and some of Houston's finest design and architectural firms were present and hoping to hear their names called...

Hundreds of submissions competing for the Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards were judged for a total of 19 residential categories and 11 contract categories. It was exciting and inspiring to see all the wonderful ideas represented through a broad range of styles. Houston is fortunate to have such a high level of professional talent... and the design community is fortunate to have a client base that provides the opportunities to express our ideas.

I am very pleased to announce that I received the Gold Award for the Residential Bath division. The project was a bathroom remodel that I did this past year.

For a complete overview of the winners in each category you will be able to see the Gold winners in an upcoming issue of Texas Home & Living Magazine, along with the identification of all the Silver and Bronze winners.

One reason why I am particularly pleased to have won this year is because the judges were from the Atlanta Georgia Chapter area. Atlanta has a wonderful roster of design talent... and to be recognized by that respected group means a lot to me.

Additionally, thank you to all the award sponsors and industry partners. This year's Title Sponsor for the Awards was Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.

Congratulations to all the other winners!

Staying on Track...

2010-08-31T17:38:00.001-05:00

Some things endure the test of time because they are practical and utilitarian… and sometimes those things create a fascination because of their simplicity and practicality. Such is the case with sliding barn doors…

Several years ago, I lived in Massachusetts and one of the things that I really loved about the 150+ year old farm house property that we bought was the three level barn ...and its massive sliding doors...one in the front and one on the lower level on the back side. Every time I used my strength to push open those doors I felt respect and a part of its history. That impression has stayed in my memory… as well as the desire to use it as a design element in an interior.

A couple of years ago I did a project for a complete office renovation for a building that the interiors had been destroyed by fire. I had the opportunity to include some “sliding barn doors” into one of the offices for a storage closet. Back then, the higher end hardware was not as available as it is now, and was (and still is) pricey compared to hardware that is available through suppliers for farm and ranch needs. What I purchased for the project came from a ranch supplier, in a choice of raw steel… or raw steel… so I had it painted in a dark bronze.

T. Symington & Co. Interiors

I love the look and the possibilities for their use. When I get the opportunity, I will make use of their style and strong character again.

According to what is hot at the Las Vegas market that was recently held… “Rough Luxe” and “Farmhouse Chic” are strong looks for the upcoming season. Not that I’m complaining, because I have been incorporating elements from both of those styles into my interiors for years … but I don’t see that it is anything “new” or surprising, since it is also a current style that we bloggers have been discussing for quite some time now.

Anyway, the sliding barn doors are certainly an element that can add a lot of character to just about any interior… including “Rough Luxe” and “Farmhouse Chic”. In fact, some not so typical elements are needed in order to keep the styles from looking worn out and unoriginal.

Here are some great examples that I wanted to share with you…

Image Daryl Carter

Image Brooklyn Home Company

Cliff Spencer Furniture Maker

blondiensc.typepad

thathomesite.com

Sunset

Max Levy Architect

Greene Partners

Cliff Spencer Furniture Maker

Feldman Architecture

Barbara Bestor Architect

Summertime and the Living is...

2010-08-14T16:51:00.000-05:00

Sometimes Hot and Hectic...

I don't want to wish the summer away... but I am looking forward to the more gentle breezes that precede the fall season...

Image: Martha Stewart

I hope you are enjoying your weekend...

Thank You to "Fab Over Fifty".....

2010-08-05T17:18:00.000-05:00

I want to thank "Fab Over Fifty" for including me in their style blog posting of ..."{Interiors} 3 FOF Interior Designers Tell All"

If you are not familiar with "FOF"... you are in for a treat! It is a community of "Fabulous" women... Celebrating Women of Style and Substance...and you don't have to be over the age of 50 to appreciate all the wonderful department topics and offerings that it has... even some wonderful give-a-ways.

I don't want to say too much about it... because I think that everyone will find what best interests them among the different venues... it is all about lifestyle... what you bring to it and what you get out of it.

Please check it out, I bet you will spend awhile there... and after you have enjoyed the tour of looking through the website, click on the "Style Blog" tab at the top of the home page for the post that they have included me in!

Not Just Another Pretty Face or Picture...

2010-08-02T22:56:00.000-05:00

Not just another pretty face or picture...

And I'm looking forward to hearing more words from Mr. Bobby McAlpine

on this week's interview on The Skirted Roundtable...

Saladino's Master Class...

2010-07-22T17:04:00.001-05:00

It suffices to say that John Saladino is a true master of his art, and his recent book which describes the process by which he brought about the rebirth of his California villa is nothing short of awesome. It is so easy to get caught up in all the wonderful photos, but to actually sit, read and absorb his words is like being given a front row seat in a master class and given first hand account and insight into what stirs the thoughts and motives of this man.

John goes into great detail about how he took on a monumental and extraordinarily expensive task to bring the villa back to life. Without knowing and appreciating what was required to bring this project to completion takes away from the full appreciation that one would get when viewing the finished photos. Mr. Saladino says that the project was 75% structural and 25% decoration. Most people would have walked away from the tasks and challenges, but his vision and tenacity were obviously stronger than most… as is most likely his bank account. Regardless, it was apparently well worth it to him… and certainly to his admirers.

The inspiration for the villa’s name was a result of the many challenges… Villa Di Lemma …anyone who has had the experience of taking on an old house or structure knows all too well the many dilemmas! I can attest to that first hand. I have an old farmhouse that is nearly a hundred years old… and just to make it livable when we first bought it, so that we could live in it and continue to work on it was extremely labor intense. I still have upgrades that I need to make (it really is a money pit) before I can take on a lot of the fun stuff…like putting in French doors and remodeling the kitchen. Right now I am faced with getting the roof replaced at a reasonable sum. But, when you have three layers of roofing, including the original wood shingles, and many angles and gables that increase the cost, along with new vents, insulation and decking… well it isn’t on the cheap… but I digress…

Mr. Saladino is very generous in his descriptions and explanations of what he did to achieve certain results… and was very open is admitting that his original budget estimate to redo the house and property were well under actual costs.

The book comes with a DVD that gives you the grand tour serenaded by the music of Claude Debussy, with or without the voice over commentary by Mr. Saladino. I could just watch it over and over again… (For some reason I was expecting his voice to be much deeper… like that of Orson Welles or similar…)

With his expert eye and classical training he leads you through a series of spaces, who’s one point perspectives offer rewards to the viewer. His creation is a combination of the humble and the magnificent…where nothing is too precious… but rather a pastiche of comfort and beauty… visually, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Wednesday's Favorites...

2010-07-14T17:25:00.000-05:00

If it's Wednesday... them it must be 1st.dibs...

and these are my quick pic favs for this week...

French Zinc Tub

France

19th Century
French Zinc Tub with faux marbled exterior.

Argyll & Jasper Antiques

Flat File Wood Cabinet

Belgium

ca 1920
A beautiful, functional, wooden cabinet with metal top. There are a total of 25 drawers and 9 trays.

voila! Art for the Modern Eye

Iron Base Dining Table with a Marble Top

France

circa 1890

Carl Moore Antiques

Modular Industrial Ceiling Fixture

Italy

circa 1930
Industrial ceiling fixture with three square
glass shades, connected with piping and fittings

Obsolete

Collection of Conical Drawing Forms

America

Circa 1880-1930
Collection of drawing forms, in the shape of wooden spires

Obsolete

Pair of Leather Stitched JACQUES ADNET'SPair of Lamps

FRANCE

1940-1950

Galerie Andre Hayat

Set of Four Wood and Bamboo chairs by Louis Sognot

France

1950
Four wood and bamboo fireside chairs, deep and wide. All original materials

Louis Sognot

Industrial Side Table

US
EARLY 1900'S
INDUSTRIAL SIDE TABLE ON CASTERS WITH STEEL BASKET

Interieurs

French Art Deco Period Club Chair

France
Circa 1920's
Unique French Art Deco period club chair with original lambskin leather upholstery, beautifully hand carved solid walnut details, seat cushion has been reupholstered.

Jean-Marc Fray French Antiques

Milo Baughman Walnut & Black Lacquer Tri-Fold Door Sideboard

USA

Circa 1960s

Assemblage

Did you see anything that you liked?....

Round Top... a Small Texas Town...

2010-07-05T14:38:00.000-05:00

...With a Huge American Spirit!!!

Most of you recognize Round Top from the spring and fall antique shows that they are so well known for...

so it probably comes as no surprise that this same small town that welcomes thousands of buyers, sellers, interior designers and "just looking-ers" each year would also be showing their colors, out of pride and respect, on our country's birthday!

I was driving through Round Top this morning on the way to meet with a client when I saw all the decorations... so on the way back I took the time to take some photos so that I could share them with you...

The streets were quiet this morning, except for a few visitors...which added to the nostalgia. And even though these photos look like they could have been taken a hundred years ago... I doubt that the patriotism of this town's people will ever be a thing of the past...

Remembering History…

2010-07-02T17:27:00.000-05:00

so that we continue to fight for our freedom... to always live free…

(Photo: Wallpapers World)

When one door closes... another opens...

2010-06-29T18:18:00.000-05:00

New online magazine premiers in September...

I'm feeling optimistic...and hopefully we will begin to see some growth with the shelter magazines...

Ugly is as Ugly does…

2010-06-13T00:21:00.002-05:00

I Thought it would be fun to do a post on interior design pet peeves….

One of the things that can send my mind into brain freeze are poorly and inappropriately done window treatments… at first it is like fingernails on a chalk board… and then the brain starts to shut down to protect it from the visual pain…
One of my particular pet peeves is the inappropriate use of over the top swags in modest sized homes, particularly ranch style homes! Swags, jabots and festoons are gorgeous in the right space… perhaps like the Biltmore or Hearst Castles … while using the finest of fabrics and made by the best drapery workrooms to the trade… but not in a modest home with seven foot ceilings… !!!!
Amazingly, some of the worst examples and offenders on the internet are drapery workshops touting their “custom” work samples in photos that one could only hope are the before photos… but no! And to make things worse… people actually buy them and hang them in their homes! Have they no sense? Have they no shame?

Please………please, please, please…

Don’t try this at home!…………. k e e p i t s i m p l e and win more friends ! ! !

While looking for examples to post of “what not to do”… I came across a blog that has to have the worst looking houses in the blogosphere… and the funny thing is… we have all seen them at one time or another… (every family has at least one!)
Depending on whether you are in the need of a good laugh or a good cry… take a look at: http://uglyhousephotos.com/wordpress/

And you haven’t seen anything until you have seen the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, Ca… OH MY GOD! Tell me it isn’t so…

believe it or not… there is more here….

What are some of your interior design pet peeves?

Caught My Eye...

2010-06-04T14:14:00.000-05:00

I've never seen an all white peacock before... all the other peacocks were of traditional coloring

I saw this gorgeous creature in a Houston neighborhood, which has apparently been inundated with the peacocks. There is a walled off convent that backs up to the neighborhood, which is where I suspect they originally made their escape. When they first catch your eye, you think "oh... how beautiful!"... but as you look around... you gradually realize that they are everywhere! On the roof tops... in the bushes... on the porches... in the street...

The situation has become a real problem for the residents of this neighborhood. The birds attract a lot of attention, and people will drive through and feed them... which escalates the population and the problem.... Don't Feed the Birds!

Here are a few items that caught my eye while out browsing some shops in Houston, all of these pieces came from the "Antiques Pavilion" on Westheimer Blvd....

Grey painted French chest

X-stretcher based draw leaf table... which I thought was a bargain at $550

Altar Table

The following were some interesting wall selections...

Two paintings by well known Houston artist Herb Mears

Painting by another well known Houston artist David Adickes

You most likely have seen David's large scale public sculpture's around Houston. I have always enjoyed his paintings of his elongated figures and his bright color palette.

A painting by artist William Whitaker

I think his work is exquisite! You can see more of his work at his web site here.

A lovely sepia drawing, sorry I didn't get the artists name.

What has caught your eye recently?

Kravet’s Social Media Panel Discussion…

2010-06-03T12:29:00.003-05:00

It is often commented on by bloggers, how through blogging, it has expanded their friends, acquaintances and resources…

and Tuesday’s event by Kravet was a perfect testament to those comments. My circle of acquaintances and friends greatly increased as a result of my involvement in blogging and being a part of the Kravet panel discussion.

Left to right… me, with Paloma Contreras of La Dolce Vita, Lauren Haskett of Material Girls, Karen Davis of Karen Davis Design, and Beth Kimless Greene, VP of Marketing and Communications for Kravet

It was great to see Maryanne from Beadboard UpCountry there for support

(you can see her gorgeous red hair in the back row, second from left!)

As a thank you for our participation, each panelist was given a copy of their book “Inspired Styles”

INSPIRED STYLES is Kravet’s first ever coffee table book…

"SHOWCASES THE TALENT AND VISION OF SEVENTEEN GIFTED ARTISTS OF INTERIOR DESIGN.
ITS PERSONAL ACCOUNTS AND STUNNING IMAGES WILL MAKE THIS BOOK AN ESSENTIAL DESIGN RESOURCE –
AND A COFFEE TABLE CENTERPIECE. KRAVET COLLECTIONS...ASSEMBLING GIFTED DESIGNERS WHO CHANGE THE WAY WE SEE THE WORLD."

The fun did not stop there… the day continued into the night with drinks and a fabulous dinner at Houston’s restaurant RDG + Bar Annie…

enjoyed with members of the Kravet “family” and a few other Houston area interior designers, whom I had not met before... blogging with benefits!

Stars and Stripes Forever...

2010-05-31T09:41:00.000-05:00

Thank You to all our Fallen Heroes, who served to preserve our freedoms...

You are invited...

2010-05-28T10:27:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite showrooms is the Kravet Showroom in the Houston Decorative Center. Besides having one of the best selections of fabrics, trims, and furniture lines... they have a staff that is always so helpful and welcoming. One of the things that I appreciate about Kravet is that they always go the extra mile in presenting events that are informative, enlightening and entertaining.

For designers wanting to learn more about Social Media and how this marketing method can expand and enhance your business exposure, you will want to attend on June 1st in the Houston Showroom. On June 2nd., they will be having the event in their Dallas Showroom.

Social Media is constantly evolving... and it has become as necessary a tool for business as the telephone or email. It can be a real challenge to keep up with it. But even the smallest of steps forward can bring bigger rewards. This event is designed to help those that want to get started... but not quite sure which way to go, or how to get there. It will be an informal panel discussion, and should be not only informative but a great networking opportunity.

For a reservation please call 713.850.1461 ext. 303

There is so much to discover and learn... and even though I am pleased to be on the panel, I am looking forward to hearing the opinions and advice from the other panelists. Hope to see you there...

Design Criteria…. “This isn’t how it is normally done”…

2010-05-26T15:40:00.000-05:00

… EXACTLY!!!!!!!!

This morning I was reading and commenting on the blog “Greige” in regards to some photos she had posted on “Bedroom or bath?? She has posted some interesting images of bedrooms that have an open bathing area within the space.

Image via Greige

It brought to mind a couple of instances that I had encountered many years ago while studying design. In one of my classes we were given an assignment to design a bedroom with its own bath. The design I came up with was based on the bedroom being either a guest or secondary bedroom. I designed the space where the tub and vanity was in an open alcove area of the bedroom, and the toilet was in a private water closet. My teacher was uncomfortable with the idea of the open bathing area… saying that it was “not practical”.

In another class (and a different teacher), our assignment was the space planning of a kitchen. The plan was carried all the way through final development with the designing of the cabinetry. I chose to design my base cabinets with a plinth base… to make them look more like pieces of furniture… rather than the typical 3” toe kick. Again… I was told by the teacher that this was “not practical”.

Perfect example of lower cabinets with a plinth base… I guess my thinking wasn’t so “off base”

(can someone please tell me the source and credit for this photo?)

My thoughts were… are we studying practicalities or exploring design and its possibilities?

I guess I have never fallen into the camp of the “go with the flow” or “status quo”. I believe that if a client hires me for a project, it is incumbent upon me to create something that is not the typical or norm. This is true for any client, but to an even greater extent when the project involves new construction and/or custom work. The beauty of custom design is the ability to manipulate the elements into something unique… or something other than the norm.

This is an ongoing challenge because, until you can get through to people what a particular design concept is, you are faced with people having a preconceived idea of how something should be.

From the previous post “Diary of a Project” , a new project that I am working on and have begun a discussion about... I was out at the project site to discuss framing issues with the client. The client’s Realtor, who had sold them the property, was also there so that she could see the progress of the project.

I was discussing window placement so the framers could finish up some of the framing. In the master bath, the original architect’s drawing indicated a built-in tub in the bathing alcove. I had made changes, indicating a free standing tub with a steel framed window behind it, to go almost to the floor. The question from the client was... “Is it OK for the tub to be seen from the outside and the window to be so low?” She had not seen this before. The Realtor chimed in “Oh no, this is not normal”… indicating that this would not be a very smart idea!

My reply… “You’re right! It isn’t the norm… but this is a custom home! I wasn’t designing with the typical in mind. When you are building a new home on over 130 acres of land… you probably won’t need to worry about someone invading your privacy. Not to mention, that you will probably be skinny dipping in your pool, which affords even less privacy. Besides... we can do an interesting window treatment so that privacy can be maintained as needed.”

A couple of days later when the husband weighed in on the issue, he stated he did not want a free standing tub and was going to go out to show the contractor how high to set the window. I certainly respect my client’s choices… as this is their home and not mine. It is my job to filter ideas to create what they want. But as a designer it is my responsibility to show them their options and ideas that they may not have considered. Therefore… I emailed the clients a sketch of what my design concept was in order to back up my design selection, before any decision was set in stone.

As I explained… what I wanted to create was a focal point with the tub… and makes it look almost like a piece of sculpture. The layout of the alcove at the end of the corridor from the bedroom created the opportunity for this design.

Free Standing Tub as a Focal Point from the end of the Corridor

Much to the surprise and delight of the wife, her husband liked the design and was on board with the concept.

There is a line between pushing a design on a client, and presenting ideas and options… and to me designing is all about the options.

What are your thoughts on a designer’s role in presenting ideas to a client?

Calling all bloggers…

2010-05-22T00:12:00.002-05:00

Do you remember the feelings you experienced when you first engaged in the social media mania of blogging (or Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) ?... well, perhaps mania is a bit extreme…but, not by much…

ma·ni·a (mā'nē-ə, mān'yə)
n.

1. An excessively intense enthusiasm, interest, or desire; a craze: a mania for neatness.

2. Psychiatry A manifestation of bipolar disorder, characterized by profuse and rapidly changing ideas, exaggerated sexuality (well… I don’t know this to be true, and I won’t hold my breath), gaiety, or irritability, and decreased sleep.

3. Violent abnormal behavior. See Synonyms at insanity.

For me, not only was it an exciting new endeavor, but it also generated a mixture of thoughts and feelings ranging from “what the heck am I doing entering into the Twilight Zone” to “ok… this will be a piece of cake”… neither of which are based in reality. As we all know, it takes a great deal of time, self control and endurance to: first of all… figure out how to set up a blog, Facebook, or twitter account… and then secondly, to stay the course. Some bloggers have far more time and endurance than others…and their rewards are indicated in numbers.

What is my point?...

Kravet

cordially invites you

to a special presentation of

Social Media

I have been invited by Kravet to be part of a panel discussion on Social Media networking. They are traveling across the country to various showrooms and are engaging local designers that are involved in social media networking to discuss the effects and benefits in relation to their interior design businesses. It is intended to help other designers who are still “living on the other side” to get a clearer understanding of the process for making the transition.

My first thoughts were “this is something that I won’t even need to prepare for”… but, then I began to think back on all those initial thoughts and fears of when I first began blogging… and all the questions that I didn’t even know to ask. If only I had had a media mentor to hold my hand through the process.

What I would appreciate from all of you other bloggers that would like to offer some advice… is to think of one thing that, as a newbie, you would have loved for someone to tell you that would have made your startup into the unknown less difficult or fearful.

Additionally, if your social media networking is part of your business marketing… I would love for you to include what you have experienced in the way of benefits or any issues that you would recommend avoiding.

Thanks to all of you that care to comment. I know that the unconditional support from being a part of the blogging community is one of the greatest benefits of all!!!!

By the way...

When you get a chance, check out the blog "Stines Blogg... Vintage Chic"

by a young Norweigen student studying for a bachelor's degree in journalism with art and design as a specialty. There is translator on her site... but her photos speak for themselves.

pure…

2010-05-12T19:17:00.003-05:00

...sustainable luxury

Last week I received a very nice congratulatory letter from Shelby Pigg from the Dallas Design Center’s showroom of Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman for being a featured designer on Decorati’s Eblast. Along with her letter she sent me some updates to their upholstery line, as well as a catalog from their line “pure - sustainable luxury”.

Since I have not posted any new blogs to my Eco-Style Luxury blog for some time now, I thought it would be a great product line to highlight.

Please take a look at the room scenes HERE … the pieces are just beautiful examples of how sustainable design needn’t be boring or bland… in fact as you can see from this photo, they are quite stunning!

Pillow Talk…Arte Pura Give-a-Way!

2010-05-11T17:51:00.002-05:00

Maryanne from Beadboard UpCountry and Trish from Trouvais have teamed up for an Arte Pura presentation…

Trish posted a fabulous blog "Back to Bed Monday" on the gorgeous Italian linen bedding by Arte Pura .

and to coincide with it, Maryanne is having an Arte Pura pillow give-a-way....

don't miss it!!!!!!!!!!

Houston Spring Market 2010…What a day!

2010-04-28T18:44:00.010-05:00

VERANDA MAGAZINE kicked off the 2010 Houston Spring Market with a film preview of the 2009 design award winners and a keynote presentation that drew a strong following.

They had a distinquished panel consisting of Michelle Nussbaumer, Jan Showers, Peter Pennoyer, Geoffrey Westergaard and J. Randall Powers, to discuss “The Art of Design: Redefining Luxury”. We got to see slides of their gorgeous works while Carolyn Englefield, Editor-at-Large, presided over the discussion and asked questions. As a huge bonus, Lisa Newsom, the founder of VERANDA and former Editor-in-Chief, was there to lend her support.

L to R
Peter Pennoyer, Peter Pennoyer Architects - Award Recipient
Michelle Nussbaumer, Ceylon et Cie
Carolyn Engelfield, Editor-at-Large, VERANDA
Jan Showers, Jan Showers & Associates
J. Randall Powers, J, Randall Powers Interior Decoration
Geoffrey Westergaard, Carl Moore Antiques

Lisa Newsom, Founder and former Editor-in-Chief of VERANDA

Carolyn Englefield, Editor-at-Large, VERANDA

Each panelist had their own personal take on luxury and how it is being redefined in our current market… and even though among them there is a difference of opinion in whether less is more, or more is more… the overriding agreement is that “things that we acquire have to have meaning – greater than the object itself”…regardless of it’s cost.

The uniqueness of an item is among what is considered a luxury… here again, irregardless of cost. It is much more judicial to purchase one single really good item, then to have a dozen so-so things. This is something that, as a designer, I always stress, especially to my younger clients that are just starting out…. which leads to…

Another point that was emphasized was the role of the designer to educate the client as to the value of what they are specifying to the client. It stands to reason that the designers who spend time educating their clients are showing them that their business is valued and appreciated and is giving their clients added service.

And the last main point that was made as to redefining luxury was that of time… highly valued as a luxury and a necessary investment for achieving the quality of life as defined by today’s standards.

As wonderful as the whole day proved to be… the highlight of my day was in the serendipity of getting in line at the reception/lunch behind Ms. Newsom… who was joined by Carolyn Englefield. Why they were standing in line to get into the Duralee showroom is beyond me, but it was certainly to my enjoyment. The line was not moving very fast, so I had the opportunity to have a nice conversation with them. Both are as lovely and gracious as the magazine itself!

Lisa Newsom, Carolyn Englefield and myself outside the Duralee Showroom

Following the keynote reception lunch the acclaimed designer Barry Dixon did a presentation and book signing at the S. Harris/Fabricut showroom. His work is just beautiful, and to hear him talk about the various projects from around the world was enlightening. I got to talk to him briefly while he signed my book. I was wondering about his support system when he travels and he told me that he has it in all his contracts that he brings his vendors with him… such as his drapery workroom and his muralist. First of all, he does not want to spend the time locating local talent and vendors; and secondly, by bringing his own, he controls the quality that his clients expect.

Barry Dixon signing books following his presentation at S. Harris showroom

He has a new collection of fabrics and trimmings in the Barry Dixon Collection for Vervain. There wasn’t time after the presentation to go through his collection… but I will definitely be checking it out.

The finale of the day was a panel discussion over “The Evolution of Design”… with a star studded blog roll introduced by The Editor-at-Large’s Julia Noran and moderated by Sophie Donelson. What a great duo! Both are so energetic and have such vivacious personalities.

Sophie Donelson, The Editor at Large
(I'm sorry that my photo of Julia Noran was too dark to print)

The panelists included:

Jillian St. Charles, V.P. and Site Director of HGTV.com

Ronda Carman, Editor of AlltheBestBlog.com

Brad Ford, Interior Designer & Editor of DesignTherapy.com

Joni Webb, Interior Designer & Editor of CotedeTexas.blogspot.com

For those that were attending that are new to blogging, it was insightful and very helpful in directing them on ways to expand their media presence. For those that are already involved and evolving, it was a great opportunity to enjoy an exchange with other bloggers. Jillian provided some very interesting information on some of the selecting processes that the HGTV.com website goes through in searching for new talent.

Each panelist explained their reasoning behind blogging, which were as varied as the panelist themselves, and how they got started. Brad, who's purpose I most relate with in blogging, maintains an interior design business full time and that his projects often prevent him from blogging on as frequent as a basis as someone who blogs full time.

I for one appreciate those that made such a great effort to be there, in spite of travel complications and having been on a tiring travel circuit with the panel.

It was interesting to learn that Ronda is originally from Houston and it was great to see some of her family members there as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed the exchange of conversations at the reception that followed in the Abraham’s furniture showroom and look forward to a continued dialog with them in the future…

A Tweak Peek...

2010-04-19T12:16:00.007-05:00

My weekend was spent tweaking a home on Lake Austin that some of you may recall from bedroom photos that I have shown in the past…

I have spent the last couple of years working with the owner on the interiors. It is a gorgeous home right on the lake with stunning views! Like a lot of home owners, they are thinking long term and therefore have decided to build a new home on the lake that is a single level so that they can gracefully “age-in-place”… Therefore, they are getting ready to put it on the market.

To get it ready to show, we did a little rearranging and tweaking. Here are some of the great room’s photos from various angles… of which you can see glimpses of some wonderful exterior views…

Not a bad way to spend a weekend tweak-en…

Diary of a Project...

2010-04-09T21:41:00.005-05:00

From the Ground Up

I recently took on a new project that I am very enthusiastic about. Without going into personal information or betraying client confidentiality, I would love to share some of the process and the progress with my blogging friends and readers.

This is a new construction project for a couple that is relocating from Houston to the country onto 130 gorgeous wooded acres. For the past year they have been clearing and preparing the property with a beautiful large six stall horse barn, water features, gazebos and more. Just prior to pouring the foundation I joined their team… in the nick of time. The original architect prepared a botched set of incomplete plans, so I was able to make some adjustments prior to the pouring. Since we are basically working with just a floor plan, I am able to make further adjustments, addressing problem areas throughout the floor plan in regards to space planning.

This is truly a project from the ground up…

The house is 5200 square feet single story. We are in the framing stage right now, and because some of my design concepts vary from the original plans (or lack of plans), we are able to make changes to some of the interior framing of walls and ceilings. I am thrilled to say that we have another architect working with the team that has made my job much easier! I don’t do CAD work, and rather than spend hours at my drafting table, I am able to pass the design concepts along to the architect to work out the engineering and draft the CAD drawings showing everything dimensioned.

That doesn’t get me out of all the drafting however…to date I have been working on the partition plan, preliminary furniture plan, and the RCP (reflected ceiling plan). It is of utmost importance to have a furniture plan to determine spatial requirements… not only for furniture but for traffic flow and to determine how the spaces relate to other spaces. So, all the while that I am working on a two dimensional plan, I am also thinking three dimensionally. This includes accumulating ideas for the ceiling, floors, and wall treatments… doors, windows, custom cabinetry, mill-work, lighting… on and on. To make sense of it all (and to have something visual to show the client) I bring the plans into elevations.

Elevation sketch indicating changes in ceiling heights

The RCP is the plan that illustrates the designs for the ceiling treatments… exposed beams, materials and the lighting… fixtures, recessed, etc. This is extremely important, because you must take into consideration not only what is on the ceiling and how your lighting will be installed in relation to beams, moldings etc., but also, all that lies below the ceiling level and the effect the lighting has on all surfaces. For instance, if you are planning a gallery wall, the type of lighting and the placement are critical to properly lighting the artwork…. the same for work spaces. Allowing for a mix of task, ambient and accent lighting is also critical to the overall effects and effectiveness of the final lighting plan. There is a lot to take into consideration!!!!

A Portion of the RCP rough draft

Currently the architect is working on the framing plan for the ceiling in the family room. I had requested that we have enough support so that we can eliminate some of the vertical posting that would interfere with the window and French door placement. The concept for this ceiling is to have a rustic plank and beamed ceiling without the use of trusses. It appears that this is proving to be difficult to engineer without some sort of truss support for this particular project… so what I have proposed is the use of collar ties in lieu of the trusses. Basically you get the same support, but they are closer to the ceiling and less obtrusive.

Here are a couple of examples of collar ties being used that are not only functional but add a great deal of architectural interest to these ceilings…

Here is an example of a plank and beamed ceiling without the use of trusses or collar ties…

A final decision on how to handle this issue has not yet been made...

My plan is to take you along as we progress… through the design and selection processes. You will see how my ideas and material selections come together to create the design concept. You will see how things not only evolve as planned, but how things can unexpectedly change… depending on the challenges, obstacles and opinions that are all involved. Even though every designer has their own style and methods of working, much of the process is the same and I think you will find the journey interesting and hope you join me as we create a new home... from the ground up.

Trend Report from Kravet’s “inspired.talk”…

2010-02-06T11:36:00.007-06:00

I was in the Kravet/ Lee Jofa Houston showrooms recently and the color scheme that was repeated in their vignettes caught my eye. The sofas were neutral in mostly linen tones with the accent colors used on the pillows, chairs and ottoman/bench coffee tables. The accent colors were in hues of blue/green and yellow/greens. Perhaps a subtle interpretation of the touted turquoise color for 2010. The shapes were a mix of contemporary with traditional, while the fabric patterns used were more modern, mostly due to scale.

But one vignette at the front of the Lee Jofa showroom particularly caught my attention. The dominate accent color was a magenta… almost mauve… but a fresher take on it. This was mixed with a subtle blue/green colored chevron pattern on the ottoman and additional accent pillows. The bold, large-scale pattern on the chairs injected the modern edge that it needed to keep it from looking dated.

After reading the trend summary by Kravet’s contributing Blogger JP on their blog at inspired.talk… I can certainly see what inspired their displays. The following is taken from JP’s February 4^th blog as a recap of the trends seen at the recent Maison & Objet in Paris…

Maison & Objet: Trend Report

Last week the industry’s top names flocked to Paris for Maison & Objet. Everyone else (like me) just obsessively checked the Twitter feed and lived vicariously through photos and status updates. I asked Kim Grimsley, design and marketing director from Circa 1801, what she thought about some of the trends coming out of the show, and she gave me some great notes. True to Parisian style, this show featured looks and trends that were classic and understated, modern and sophisticated. The biggest trends, she said, were grey as a foundation color and linen fabrics.

Grey

Grey was everywhere and in every single booth. This was the grounding color, with all other accents layering over it. It appeared warmer, almost taupe or brownish grey, more so than in years past.

Linen

This was the other top trend of the show, linen everywhere! There is definitely a shift happening toward soft, natural textures, including hand woven natural looks and linen on everything from tables to furniture to bedding.

Pink

All manner and style of pink was represented. Lavenders and muted pinks layered well with all of the grey. Hot pink and fuchsia played off of green-cast yellows and reds. Deep burgundies and blueish reds combined with greys and browns. However, the most interesting shade was a new mauve/ lavender. Kim predicts we will definitely see this color again and again, as it’s strong yet understated and a great complement to greys.

Natural Wood Finishes

Not one bit of stained mahogany or traditional wood finishes here! Kim spotted mostly raw and reclaimed natural wood finishes, bleached woods and painted wood case pieces. Even the painted wood pieces had a very grey appearance.

Metallics

This is a trend that has been gaining momentum for years, and is really making an impact on all different types on fabrics, especially skins and textures. Embossed velvets and leathers remained strongly represented.

Over-scaled Motifs

Traditional patterns like plaid appeared here in huge scale, making them more of a feature. Scale was less about size and more about impact, with bold patterns, florals and framed damasks. Kim said she is already seeing a trend toward drama through accessories, like pillows, and designers are achieving that through boldness of scale.

Stripes

Usually the most reserved and hardly a trend, this year stripes appeared in every scale and construction, with the most interesting being the funky and unbalanced patterns and monochromatic iterations.

Ethnic

This trend is still going strong with bold yet soft to the touch kilims, ikats and textures and stripes. Ethnic prints have been modernized and softened, and are being translated into multiple settings.

Transitional

In years past there was always strong representation from more traditional vendors. This was the first year where the transitional category really took over and began to encompass every niche of design. The renewed interest in art deco and art nouveau blended well with modern and transitional styles, and came across less strict and regimented as in years past.

http://kravet.typepad.com/inspiredtalk/

Based on this report, I don’t think it is too difficult to see the influence of the interest in Belgian design in the overall market… In reference to the Kravet vignettes, is certainly not a case of cut and paste... especially with the wood tones which are dark rather than the greyed woods, but does have many of the characteristics and could easily transition into a country style interior… very countrypolitan!

Seven Revealing Things about Me...

2010-01-15T14:04:00.008-06:00

Seven Revealing Things about Me…

I was recently tagged by the delightfully unpredictable and refreshingly honest Renee Finberg of “TELLS ALL “… THANKS RENEE!!! … so I have added the following snippets about myself…

1. I have a streak of bohemian blood in me that occasionally has disregard for the rules or wants to go against the grain…

2. I could never be a vegetarian…I love food, including meat, and think that vegetarians are sometimes offensive…

3. I have a thing for boots…

Well,… maybe not these… on the other hand…

4. I have a low (as in zero) threshold of tolerance for “players” in business or romance …

5. My hair grows too fast …

Hopefully I won’t end up looking like this…

6. I have dreams where I am flying or suspended in air…

7. I have a chair fetish…

I would like to pass the award along to the following seven bloggers, whose blogs I have added to my blog list and now enjoy reading…

REESE & MARIE

CASA DULCE HOGAR

THE TRUTH ABOUT PARIS

CHIC PROVENCE

LA MAISON FOU

VERDIGRIS VIE

GREEN AND STYLISH

T h e - C o u n t r y p o l i t a n

Gaudeamus Igitur!

Design without borders... ?

None Better...

Unjust Opulence

~ A daughter is one of the most beautiful gifts this world has to give. ~

Color Your World...

Winter Windows...

White Space

A Parisian Treasure Trove...

Parisian flat containing €2.1 million painting lay untouched for 70 years

For 70 years the Parisian apartment had been left uninhabited, under lock and key, the rent faithfully paid but no hint of what was inside.

What is amazing is that this apartment was left undisturbed for over 70 years...

Even though there appears to be very little information available about the beautiful actress or her granddaughter... I think there is much more to this story that will be continued...

And the Winner Is....!

Staying on Track...

Summertime and the Living is...

Thank You to "Fab Over Fifty".....

Not Just Another Pretty Face or Picture...

Saladino's Master Class...

Wednesday's Favorites...

Round Top... a Small Texas Town...

Remembering History…

When one door closes... another opens...

Ugly is as Ugly does…

I Thought it would be fun to do a post on interior design pet peeves….

Please………please, please, please…

Caught My Eye...

Kravet’s Social Media Panel Discussion…

The fun did not stop there… the day continued into the night with drinks and a fabulous dinner at Houston’s restaurant RDG + Bar Annie…

enjoyed with members of the Kravet “family” and a few other Houston area interior designers, whom I had not met before... blogging with benefits!

Stars and Stripes Forever...

You are invited...

Design Criteria…. “This isn’t how it is normally done”…

Calling all bloggers…

pure…

Pillow Talk…Arte Pura Give-a-Way!

Trish posted a fabulous blog "Back to Bed Monday" on the gorgeous Italian linen bedding by Arte Pura .

Houston Spring Market 2010…What a day!

A Tweak Peek...

Diary of a Project...

Trend Report from Kravet’s “inspired.talk”…

After reading the trend summary by Kravet’s contributing Blogger JP on their blog at inspired.talk… I can certainly see what inspired their displays. The following is taken from JP’s February 4th blog as a recap of the trends seen at the recent Maison & Objet in Paris…

Maison & Objet: Trend Report

Seven Revealing Things about Me...

After reading the trend summary by Kravet’s contributing Blogger JP on their blog at inspired.talk… I can certainly see what inspired their displays. The following is taken from JP’s February 4^th blog as a recap of the trends seen at the recent Maison & Objet in Paris…