Notable Spaces

Photo from Westelm.com

This space is reminiscent of a Finnish farm house. I imagine that the fireplace is just beyond this frame. The furnishings make the space modern and whimsical, especially that neat wonky shelf.




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The wood application in this modern interior makes it feel warm. This space reminds me of Alvar Aalto's Villa Mairea. It even seems like it could be a room in that house.

 

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This bold use of color in conjunction with classic furnishings is refreshing and fun! Reminds me of a Dorothy Draper interior.
 

Courtesy of Elaine Griffin

This is the ultimate "Mom Cave" (from the Home Goods commercial). This new phenomenon in spaces should be full of all things she loves with a place to relax and work (if she feels like it). This space has great use of color as well as a variety of materials and finishes.

Do It Yourself VS. Hire Some Help

Many people often wonder why they need an Interior Designer when they can do things themselves. Well the fact of the matter is Interior Designers aren't for everyone. There are definitely benefits to hiring a designer, particularly having someone who knows how to deal with the pitfalls that can accompany the design process. However, designing for yourself can be very rewarding. There is a sense of accomplishment that comes along with completing a project  from conception all the way through to completion. 

Designed by Sheila Bridges

What many people don't realize is that the design process  is a collaborative one, between designer and client. It may seem like the designer sweeps in, mixes some furniture and magic (minus your imput), and sweeps out, but it isn't that way at all, unless you want it to be. Remember, you are the client. I do find that there is always a point where you may not see your designers vision entirely and there is a level of, we'll say, blind trust that is required. Trust, too, that you have hired the designer that will best deliver what you desire for your space. 

So when do you hire a designer? That's the million dollar question.

DO hire a designer if:

• The scope of the project is far beyond what you know you are capable of.

• You don't have the time to complete the work yourself.
• You've tried to do it yourself but it just hasn't worked out.

DO "Do It Yourself" if:

• You are making limited changes that can be easily corrected if they go wrong (ex: painting).
• You have a clear vision and are confident you can successfully execute your project.
•  You have the patience to personally deal with the logistics of your project.

Need a designer?

Scheme with a Theme

Okay so this arrangement is more of a concept than a theme, but it's equally as fun.  This time I did some one stop shopping at Home Decorator's.  The idea here was to illustrate a sense of nostalgia while keeping it modern at the same time. It's full of opposites really, that all come together for a cohesive composition. It's industrial yet rustic and vintage yet modern. These opposites are attractive!



Jackson Arm Chair- This piece is clean and contemporary.



Holbrook Coffee Table- This table's worn finish provides rustic charm.




Martin Sofa- This sofa is solid and clean. It's a good anchor that allow the whimsier pieces to shine.

 

Recycled Nested Table Set- These tables compliment the side table and coffee table without being too matchy. The finishes are slightly different but it works because the pieces relate to eachother.



Industrial Adjustable-Height Table-  This table is whimsical and practical. It's height can be adjusted and it reminds me of simpler times and simple machines (more rustic charm).



City Hand-Hooked Pillow-  This pillow reminds me of needlepoint while also being edgy.  The bold typeface has a graphic quality that is quite modern.




Thelma Stamp Throw Pillow- More nostalgia! This pillow is a whimsical nod to the days of hand written letters that we've moved so far away from.

 

Bark Bowl- This is so chic! It's form has rustic roots but the finish is so modern. Perfect combination!

Vintage Corkscrew Wall Art- So cool! More simple machines illustrated by these vintage corkscrews.

Reeds Table Lamp-  Another fantastic combination! The earthy cork shade against the sleek silver base is genius.

Madhvi Window in a Box- The  striation of this fabric provides subtle texture.  

"ONLY FOOLS KNOW EVERYTHING."

Wood You Be Mine?

I must admit, wood is one of my favorite materials to work with. It has such character and the possibilities are truly endless. Here are a few of my most coveted pieces from ABC Home.




Eames molded plywood dining chair by Herman Miller



Gene II coffee table by Todd Hase

Metamorphic Stool/Side Table by John Reeves
(This is the chair in the folded position! Cool right?)

                  Metamorphic Chair by John Reeves

 


Stretch Coat Stand

 

Check out the joinery at the top of the coat stand!  Beautiful!

Loooooove!

Aren't they Purty?! These pieces can glam up any space and add a little romance too. They look great together. The reason they work is because each piece has something special about it, but they aren't so busy that you go into visual overload. It is indulgent but in a really good way. The mix of textures, materials, and shapes, and a cohesive palette of course, is a recipe for Delicious! 

 

Here is what makes each piece so special to me:



Gold Leaf Glass Lamp- This lamp's graphic floral pattern and gold leaf adds sparkle and sophistication.



Abbie Sofa- The crest rail (the back) of the sofa reminds me of the sweetheart neckline on a dress. Romantic!

Gold Circles Mirror- This mirror makes a bold statement and remains dainty with each guilded disc. 

Ivory Mother of Pearl Mirror- The iridescence of the mother of pearl gives this piece a subtle opulence that is hard not to notice. 

Mini Metallic Ceramic Vases-  The varied colors and textures of these triplets allow them to be individually special and still fabulous when juxtaposed.

Blush Ruffle Pillow- The texture and depth of the ruffles is the perfect way to add oomph with a touch of feminine whimsy.



Chocolate Plush Pillow- This pillow is dark, rich, and velvety (like a good piece of chocolate).





Brown Ombre Pillow- The subtle shimmer on this pillow begs for your attention while not quite stealing the show. The gradation of colors gives it dimension. It reminds me of an elegant evening gown.



Who is Olav Slingerland?

Recently, I came across some amazingly stunning ceramics by Olav Slingerland.  I had never heard of this designer before but I thought his ceramic work was very interesting. Olav is a trained Indutrial Designer.  He studied at the Academy of Eindhoven in the Netherlands where he explored the possibilities of molding clay during the ceramic process. This allows him to put his personal touch on each piece.  

 I fell in love with his glazed white pieces and their juicy candy colored centers. His work is elegantly simple in form, but it makes a bold statement. Take his Slow Motion bowls and Piso vases for example, alone or in a group, they beg for your attention, and they got mine!

Slow Motion Bowls



Piso Vases

Liquid Organic Bowl- This is a similar bowl I found at CB2 that has the same modern organic charm.

Scheme with a Theme

Often times theme rooms are too literal and overdone.  By interpreting a theme through materials, such as wood, iron, or linen, you can avoid the pitfalls of designing around a theme. Introduce the novelty of the theme through accessories like throw pillows and artwork, and you'll end up with a room that is both sophisticated and fun. I put this Contemporary Caribbean scheme together by doing some one stop shopping at Crate & Barrel.



Triana Yellow Plates- Cheerful additions for any wall or dining table. 



McIntyre Sofa- This upholstered sofa feels light because of it's exposed legs and linen-like fabric.



Regatta Big Leaf Pillow- This graphic floral print fits well in a contemporary setting while maintaining its relevance to the theme.



Bella Porte Citrine Curtain- This print is reminiscent of the caning we often see in furniture pieces.



Blake Lounge Chair- This mix of teak and rattan is perfect illustration of how to interpret a theme.



Bolivar Table Lamp- The linen shade and ceramic base are perfect compliments for this easy breezy space.




Lurik Mirrors- These mirrors add texture and reflectivity to the space.

 


Avery Bombe Chest- This chest has a colonial feel so often associated with the Caribbean, and let's face it, it's beautiful.