Total Recall

When it comes to design, there is nothing I love more than walking through and experiencing a space with a concept. Don't get me wrong, it's nice if the space is simply well done but there is something about discovering the intent behind various design choices that is so exciting. The key to carrying a concept through spaces is the "tie-in." For instance, when the outside surroundings are tied into the architecture and then carried through the interiors and ultimately down to the decoration. What do I mean? Well, I can show you better than I can tell you. Now the following photos are not from the same project. However, I did enjoy these projects separately and they reminded me of each other, which led me to thinking about concepts and so on. So here it goes.

 

CONCEPT= COMMUNITY USING THE SYMBOLISM OF A QUILT

 

MURAL WITH PATCHWORK CONFIGURATION. EVOCATIVE OF A QUILT.
This mural by Bay Area artist Barry McGee cloaks the facade of the Mark Morris Dance Center in Brooklyn. It's vibrant, it's graphic, it's refreshing (to say the least).

 


COLORS AND GRAPHIC PATTERN FOLLOWED THROUGH TO INTERIOR (PS: I LOVE THAT THE ACTUAL COMFORTER ISN'T A QUILT BUT DEFINITELY REMINISCENT OF ONE. AND GREAT THAT THE RUG IS LIKE PATCHWORK. BOTH ELEMENTS DRAW ON THE QUILT CONCEPT WITHOUT BEING TOO LITERAL).

This space was designed by ColorTHEORY in Boston for their Bay Village Project. The room is fun, colorful, and clever; especially that bookshelf.

 

 

THE QUILT CONCEPT CAN BE SEEN HERE IN A MUCH MORE ABSTRACT INTERPRETATION...THE MIXING AND MATCHING OF THE CHAIRS!  (NOTE: IT'S ALWAYS GOOD TO REINTERPRET THE CONCEPT SO IT REMAINS INTERESTING AND UNEXPECTED) ColorTHEORY, Bay Village project. Organization can be fun! Playtime is over and everything has its place (a parent's dream). And I totally dig the chalkboard paint...AND nice touch framing it with an outline.

 

 

(**Please note: As stated previously, the mural by Barry McGee and the ColorTHEORY projects are not related and do not exist in the same structure. The comparison was strictly for the purpose of this article. So don't go spreading any rumors! LOL**)

 

 

 

 

We aren't always afforded the opportunity to develop a concept that can be implemented from scratch, but even if you are working with existing architecture, you can let it inform you as to how to approach your interior. If the architecture is leaving much to be desired you can just as easily develop a concept to carry through your interior spaces. However, regardless of how cool or unique a concept may seem, the most important factor is that in some way shape or form it is a reflection of you, your personality, or some other aspect of your life. Otherwise, over time it won't resonate with you and you'll end up living in a really cool art installation. No bueno! Be clever, be true, be  you, always.

 

 

 

 

 

Content: Design Concept, Conceptual Design, Barry McGee, ColorTheory Boston, Mural, Quilt