Remodeling Process and Presenting the Same Accessories in the New Scheme

It’s true. If you think designer’s projects go more smoothly than the ones they do with and for you, you’re wrong. It’s true – they don’t! It’s about Murphy’s Law and I have been remodeling our master bath for months. Starting in November and as recently as this weekend personally installing (DIY) the stone surrounding our mirror, it is still not finished. But it’s close.

The full-wall mirror was re-used. During the removal and transportation to be cut-down, the edge cracked and had to be cut down…we lost an inch or so – no big deal EXCEPT that it then affected the dimensions of the new stone surround that had already been determined. Oh well…we now will have to cut the tile – had intended not to have to do that. One of the many little surprises and delays. We had to order more stone and will now engage the installer to cut the ones that would not fit the new and slightly non-parallel conditions .

It’s actually fun to tile…until you have to cut it. It is like frosting a cookie and then pressing it onto the wall. It goes quickly and gives instant gratification. But when things are not perfectly parallel, something has to give. That’s when we cut. (Or call someone to cut!!!)

The effect, of having almost all of the mirror surround finished, gets us that much closer. The effect is great and is beginning to feel like the intended design.

The shower before and after is providing the open expansive look that our little shower enclosure didn’t provide. Despite the facts that the footprint is nearly the same and the old enclosure was all clear glass – albeit framed in gold finished aluminum – this new single panel of 1/2″ clear glass and white-on-white floor and walls looks clean and open. Not a snail design – but, no door. Prepared to add a white shower curtain on a custom curved aluminum ceiling track once winter returns – but for now we’re enjoying the refreshing and comfortable atmosphere.

We elected to use stacked stone on the rear wall of the shower as our house sits at the base of the majestic Sandia Mountain and selecting stone seemed more grounded and contextual than other decorative options – of which there are a million from printed concrete, glass mosaic, embossed porcelains…the list goes on…

Decorative elements are beginning to “read” against the new finishes. The same Portuguese ceramic footed rectangular container holds a bouquet of white washcloths. Yes, I think that the rolled terry towels look like rosebuds and I have always enjoyed the softening effect they provide amidst all the other hard surfaces. Plus they are handy on the countertop for clean replacements.

Footed Italian porcelain has had wash cloths in it for years and stays on the new counter top in a slightly different location.

Behind the terry rosettes, notice the pair of Heisey open and lidded pair of stemmed glass vessels that I use for make-up brushes and cotton balls respectively.

The same crystal wide-mouth vase holds and dispenses the facial tissues. I love the effect of the white-on-white coiled folds of the tissues. They are soft and read interestingly through the cut crystal.

I’m a LEO and find myself discovering and enjoying subtle references to lions. Our front door knocker and this cache pot that I’ve had for over 20 years as examples.

Nothing in this new scene is new. These accessories are all the exact items that were scattered on the countertop previously! Funny how the exact same decorative accessories work so well in this new interior!

A silly little collection of found things in a family inherited vintage pressed glass bowl including a glass marble, square frosted glass coke-bottle-colored mosaic tile, various sea shells and fragments, a squashed bottle Coca Cola bottle cap from Mexico, a hemp cord DIY necklace with a shell pendant…

Another glass tray that was also on the previous countertop presents my fragrances, a few products, a bobble-head turtle, my Waterford ring stand stacked with costume glass rings, my tragic, yet miraculous jade bracelet (save for another story), a fossilized bone – in – stone I found as a child, my  white framed sunglasses which might seem selected for the new color scheme – when, in fact, they are a result of my love for white framed glasses and these that I bought even though I didn’t like the would-be “reader” small lenses – I kept. I don’t like the way they look on – so have relegated them to the master bath for emergency dashes to the outdoors, on the upstairs deck when my other sunglasses are downstairs!

Still to complete…the stone mirror surround, hang the glass shade for the new pendant light fixture, install the towel/robe plugs, install the polished chrome drawer bar handles to match the new square door and drawer pulls, clear all the remaining stone pieces, thin-set and grout bags and boxes from the tub deck, install the new window sills…

Re-evaluate your existing accessories (and/or furniture) before feeling the need to change everything when you remodel. Watch for the completed before and after shots of this remodel soon to come. Well, relatively soon!!

Designing with Your Story in Mind

Is your story important? Does anyone care about your story? And what does this have to do with interior design?

Whether you are marketing yourself or your business, your story has merit. It is about identity, branding and connecting. It is about letting people in a bit. It is about sharing history, experiences and process. It is about your unique reason for doing what you do.

For the past several months, I have been working with a client on a combination of interior design, graphic design, exterior design…it is all intertwined. A successful design laces together all these design elements. And that brings me to “the story.”

Even Facebook features a section to tell “your story.”  Yet, my client resisted presenting/using the story of this new business venture as a part of the design. He told me that was “so seventies.” That he had read that it was a dated concept that was no longer relevant. I begged to differ. For months I begged to differ! We agreed to disagree.

I believe that this is similar to many interpretations of design. What might be considered “dated” is often the manner in which it is used or done – not the thing itself. Whether a color,  a font, a style of furniture, a wall tile or wallpaper, an architectural detail or form…so many design elements are considered dated due to their context. Often, this is fair to observe. But, mix it up a bit and use things differently or with other different elements than the original trend presented and – Voila! You have a perfectly valid, even fabulous design – think outside the box!

The idea of a “story” is not unlike the “mission statement” which became a standard feature decades ago in every company’s presentation on printed media, lobby plaques, conference room walls, break rooms… Some say it is passe, but when something is good and has meaning – re-consider. Like “the story”, “the mission statement” identifies goals and intent…when paired with the story, it provides an overview of the who, what, why that inquiring patrons want to know.

So back to the story…about “the story.”  When a business or any concept is respected or liked, revered or praised, it is natural for people to wonder “How did they get started?” “How did they come up with this idea?” “What is their history in this business?” These are common questions that clever ideas or designs invite. So why not satisfy that interest, create a buzz…Let’s give them something to talk about!!!

In this world of disconnection, making connections seem all the more important. What used to be a natural exchange – of communication, ideas, sharing – is now something that has to be inserted with greater intention.

So this new business, for which I have been designing, is a barbeque establishment. There are a million. They have certain things in common. Without my enumerating them here – can you envision some common denominators that you might connect with barbeque joints? As is true with any venture, I asked: “What makes this one different? Better barbeque? Maybe. Cool interior? Hopefully. Are those the only unique traits? Is that the memorable take-away?  It certainly isn’t a bad one – the idea is to have great food – and a fun environment, but what else might contribute to the experience of this barbecue being unforgettable? What might you have, to tell your friends, to spread the word?”

My opinion was a  combination of an intriguing brand and “the story.” But before I go further, they coined a word to express their beer brewing prowess – exbeerience!  This will enter into the story as we go along.

Now maybe my opinion about their story was so worthy of consideration because there was so much to this story. That certainly helps. It happens to be a great story with layers of interesting twists and turns – riddled with history and significance. Plus, it had a local interest angle that has the potential to create a buzz far beyond their actual location.  

To begin to tell the story, I encouraged the development of a unique logo for this specific branch of the brand. Taking the lead to design it,  and incorporating it into interior/exterior design was part of my vision for a complete design package and presentation. Extracting from the story to create the logo seemed natural. The private persona was becoming public.

As we developed the logo, featuring a wood-carved graphic of an original log cabin/smokehouse, the story was recorded and edited down to a summarized version.

It was available for printed material, social media, and as art to be presented on walls. Yes, it was intended to become a decorative element too.

The Story became a focal piece in the interior along with authentic, original photos of the log smokehouse and an interpretation of patchwork quilts entitled Urban Piecework made from leftover ceramic and porcelain tiles, glass and clay assembled in wall-mounted panels throughout the interior and exterior spaces. 

Photos of the original smokehouse in North Carolina will soon be presented to further reiterate the story on the interior walls.
Urban Piecework commands the interior with bold mosaics reminiscent of patchwork quilts – an intriguing backdrop installed both inside and out.

Connecting with patrons, followers, clients, friends, family and acquaintances is valuable. As a business, it wraps who and those elements that are important to you in a familiar cocoon of context. It can instill a level of comfort and confidence in addition to sparking additional interest that might have taken longer to establish, without the introduction of your story.

The final multi-dimensional and multi-textural wall-piece featuring the story and mission is a striking 4’x6′ multi-textural panel. It offers patrons an opportunity to get a few questions answered as they enjoy their “exbeerience” at BLUE.

It was a privilege to promote, extract and produce this story and contribute such an important and valuable element to this business’s marketing and solidifying it’s new, exciting chapter of their brand.

Consider your story. Own it. Share it. Celebrate the uniqueness of your story. Design with your story in mind.

When Extraordinary is an Understatement.

A few years ago, awesome crept into our vernacular and took over. It stole our ability to select options for descriptive excess or exception. Everything from accolades for a job well done, positive reinforcement for anything, to a spectacular sunset, a great new outfit or a startling meteor shower – everything from a tad past the norm…to something truly fantastic – became awesome.   Our language offers so many superlatives, yet we have gotten so lazy.

At the expense of sounding like an advertisement or otherwise paid spokesperson, I write today of a late-night confection experience that is truly like no other. An experience so artful that I could not take enough photos. Artistic delights at a bustling urban eatery where flowers and gold leaf adorn each piece of fanciful frosted awesomeness. Ha -there it is! Had to add more to the mere “awesome,” though!

Extra ordinary – extraordinary – beyond the norm – beyond ordinary, yes, that is an understatement for what I am about to reveal. Yet, that is the moniker of this extraordinary establishment – Extraordinary Desserts!

Several years ago we were treated to a late night surprise. Not knowing our intended destination, we were taken winding through the streets and came upon this little structure the read like an Asian garden. Twinkling lights peeking through wooden slats softened by lush tropical vegetation – the scene was magic. Once we realized the focus of this cozy pocket, we were enchanted. Patrons stood in line to pass along the “extraordinary” dessert cases displaying all manner of outrageously beautiful desserts. Once they decided and paid for their selection, they gathered in intimate twosomes or small groups to savor the delectable delights they had chosen.

Last night, we decided to rediscover this uniquely sweet spot and Googled our way into downtown San Diego. What we found, by happy accident, was a second location – an urban edifice presented on a crowded sidewalk packed with people waiting eagerly to be seated and begin their indulgences.

After leaving our name with the greeters at the podium, we squeezed through the throngs to get a peek at the cases full of magical wonders. Ok – you think I exaggerate…so now begins the photos…

When extraordinary is an UNDERSTATEMENT, you  know you are in the presence of something quite special.  Maybe that’s why people invent words like splendiferous or supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

The rich velvety and textured frostings and layers of fabulous flavors awaited us as we scanned the displays.

Floribunda- yes, gilding the lilies (orchids as it were) – nothing was too over-the-top!   The rich velvety and textured frostings and layers of fabulous flavors awaited us as we scanned the displays.

Seeing so many astonishingly spectacular desserts in one place all for the spontaneous taking is almost too much to bear. You mean I can HAVE that right now??? I can have a piece of many of them – RIGHT NOW?????

Emulating fine Cerelene Limoges, the would-be doilies of parchment paper rimmed with gold detailing and lettered with Extraordinary the details were dazzling!  No stone left un-turned, they thought of everything to make this a tantalizing treat and patrician presentation!

The interior offers seating at the bar and tables organized throughout. Two tops or ganged together for a crowd, everyone was so focused on their prizes – beauty set before them – animated chatter wafted through the sugar-spun air!  Some chose to sample several knowing that they would take a goodly portion home. Others savored a single serving of a beautifully flavorful masterpiece.

And yes, there’s a book about the cakes – Karen Krasne – appears to be the brain behind this bounty.   I look forward to meeting her. She has an amazing machine with a well-oiled staff. Everyone was efficient and friendly and shared in the enthusiasm that was being expressed all around.

The shelves are filled with teas and other sweet temptations, interesting vessels and serving pieces.

The lighting is dim and the structure envelopes the interior with white-washed frosting of voluminous space punctuated with dark cylindrical pendant lights and pierced bubble-like panels back-lit for added interest, subtle luminosity and dimension.

Raw, polished concrete floors, steel tables and molded wood chairs give a nice balance of warm and cool, rigid and suave – while clean and almost hygge in feel.

Perhaps, in the world of custom confections and TV foodie competitions, these desserts might be within some semblance of a norm – but only from the finest of creatives, in circles of which we usually do not run.

But having cavorted last night through the cheerful melee of confection connoisseurs – albeit one doesn’t have to be clubbed over the head or knighted by the cooks of the kingdom to appreciate what we experienced –  we are sufficiently spoiled both visually and flavor-wise to be tough to ever satisfy again. Good design. Great design. Extraordinary design is often still an understatement!

BEFORE AND AFTER for Busy Young Couple Making First House a HOME

Busy lives in a new town, he in his residency and she working in a busy OR, they bought a house – their first house – and asked for help making it theirs.

They have traveled the world and collected art along the way, a disparate inventory of things that caught their eye, spoke of their experiences and reminded them of people, places and things to savor once home.

Home, that was the task. Create HOME in this new, old house. Built mid-century, it was simple, clean with some patchy remodeling from previous owners reflecting rather common decisions, with limited funds. We needed to discuss priorities and budget, evaluate what should stay and what needed to be changed.

They both had a love of Guatemala. Their travels there left them with dreams of color and pattern, handmade functional art and an exotic sense of place. Having these elements ingrained in their longing, they expressed a desire to have that sense, but with a bit of a modern twist.

Assembling the colors and materials…

We salvaged the existing natural granite slab countertop and unfortunate surface-mounted sink. The granite was a practical save and the sink came along for the ride. In order to integrate the granite as though intentional,  I selected a multi-colored Talavera tile that specifically had a dollop of mustard glaze in the design picking up that Dijon field color in the speckled granite. As is my usual preferred mode of installation, we took it wall-to-wall as a complete wall-covering.

We also saved the cabinet boxes and doors, but needed to give them a lift from their median caramel stain on oak. Deconstructing the colors in the design of the Talavera,  we knew we wanted blue cabinets – so the paint shades were fanned and the color pinned-down. To give the cabinets that wabi-sabi look of loving wear, we sanded the edges after the painting was finished. We also added cabinets over the stove for additional storage space and utilization of that blank wall.

We removed all the doors and drawer fronts, filled the holes from the old pulls/knobs and painted them off-site. We painted the boxes in the field. Granite was salvaged along with the sink.
New paint, Saltillo flooring, Talavera tile and cabinet pulls along with new appliances gave an updated look to the scene.

In real life, when  practicality rules, certain things have to give way for the good of the whole. The whole being the pocketbook and other elements that take precedence at the time. So we live with the radiant heaters, keep the chandelier for now, until they have one fabricated to their specifications, use a machined rug instead of a handcrafted piece and know that over the years they will massage this starting place and truly make it their home.

Continuing to dissect the colors from the new wall tile, our colorful young couple wanted more color…we chose individual values of bold paint colors –  smoky turquoise, slightly burnt orange and brilliant golden yellow to intersect the planes throughout the space.

Typical mahogany doors common to that era of home interiors, the decision to match the white trim would have been easy, but we labored over the existing natural, tropical wood and decided to keep it in the mix.

Although the nearly immaculate, original hardwood oak floors were revealed after removing the wall-to-wall carpeting, the kitchen floor throughout the rear vestibule and laundry room was an inexpensive and uninspired sheet vinyl.  Saltillo clay tiles were the answer to furthering the Guatemalan feel. More commonly associated with Mexico, these clay tiles are historically the plebian choice. Taking many forms, some artful enough to be the cornerstone of patrician interiors in fine mosaic installations and other patterns and designs, clay tiles – glazed and unglazed always add an artful, soulful human element. Speaking to that, we inserted 2″x2″ glazed Talavera accent tiles into the floor’s  new Saltillo field in the vestibule creating an almost area-rug-like definition.

The dated floor-plan enclosed the kitchen separating it from the rest of the living area. The very first comment made by our clients was questioning if we could open that wall – connecting with the living room and large picture window beyond.

The mottled cobalt blue light fixtures add another punctuation of color over the bar along with the parrot green barstools that our home-owners spontaneously nailed in an irresistible lust for even more color!!

Rather than trying to continue the existing “Dijon” granite, white Talavera tiles were used on the new pass-through bar counters – both high and low on the new cabinets.

The first phase of this colorful project has set the stage for an enjoyable work-in-progress for years to come as they now have a basis for design, more collectibles to come, and all they enjoy from places near and far. The upcoming annual trip to Guatemala, in April, will reinforce the joy and appreciation for this special place “home base” in their lives.

The dogs look in eagerly, but are limited to their expansive backyard, their vestibule and full run of the master suite.

Although they selected a durable denim twill fabric to reupholster their sofa and loveseat that they were gifted from a friendly neighbor, the primary living area is – for the most part – “off-limits,” but that seems to work for everyone in the family!!!

Patti’s Pick for a Floral Fabric for Spring…Artistic Accents in Many Colors

Blossoms are bursting forth and spring is near…Flowers have a decidedly feminine bent, but due to their organic nature and natural occurrence as the season begins to unfold, I truly  believe that they are a gender-less element of rebirth, warmth, optimism and wonder.

In our backyard, these minis are ahead of their more attenuated cousins!

Interior designers welcome floral fabrics as contributing to the pattern mixes, accents and animated offerings amidst other geometric, stripe and solid pieces.

Floral fabrics – here on a textural ground, bring artistic accents to an interior!

Yet, men don’t gravitate to floral fabrics unless perhaps they sport a tropical shirt in the summer – the uniform of the relaxed, vacay, free and festive escape! You might not find a floral throw pillow on their sofa when batching it. But why not?  Spring is spring, flowers are flowers – who doesn’t like them? Embrace your natural instincts! Be brave! Go beyond the aloha shirt and fling a floral throw pillow on your sofa!

Ok…perhaps without the fringe? This denim-blue color on a linen texture is not too flowery – but makes a bright, fresh statement!

Ok – forget the possible gender gap on this subject…

But I did tip-toe outside on the patio tile this morning chilling my toes, to hop across the still dormant grass, in order to take these shots of the first bulbs forced through the crunchy soil to greet the season.

Our daffodils are one of the very first signs of Spring here in the high desert…not indigenous, for sure, but a happy addition to the garden!

In previous spring seasons, I have written about cutting branches before they bloom in order to “force” the blooms for early bouquets indoors…and inasmuch as several of the flowering trees have begun to burst, including Bradford  Pears, our is close, but not quite there.

Bradford pears are early bloomers…go outside and find some flowering tree or bush in your yard and cut a few branches. Leave them tall, long and lanky – if you have the space. Bring them inside and stick them in a bucket of water, or the vase you ultimately intend too use, and watch them bloom practically before your very eyes! It is a fantastic way to celebrate spring in your home or office!

The forecast for the Washington DC cherry blossom peak is early April.

A bit early still, but you can monitor the progress at https://cherryblossomwatch.com/

My personal pick for a fabulous floral pattern this season is Pindler’s Cherry Blossom. Floral patterns for Spring – and all year round! I like this one for its linen texture and loose watercolor style. It is  relaxed and yet can be crisp – a very versatile print and fabric. It comes in 5 different color-ways and therefore offers many opportunities to incorporate in your interior schemes.

Pindler’s Cherry Blossom on linen – magenta
Sky, a second of the five color in the Cherry Blossom series from Pindler and Pindler

Artistic accents always a great design detail. We have samples of these fabulous finds at PATRICIAN DESIGN. Come visit our extensive design library for terrific trends, resources, ideas and inspiration!

The Blue and Yellow Buzz…

What’s all the buzz about bees this week?? Seems it has been studied and determined that they can discern between blue and yellow in order to prove they can perform remarkable arithmetic.

Last fall while hiking in Boulder, I spied this little fellow on a cornflower.

Yes, it’s official – they can distinguish colors – blue and yellow – in order to prove their math skills! Want to know more? You can immerse yourself in the study here:

http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/2/eaav0961

In our source library at PATRICIAN DESIGN, we have hundreds of fabric samples from designers all over the world…these little iron bees were irresistible for our purposes today!!

Blue and yellow as a color palette is classic. I never tire of it. I find myself encountering it often. Blue and white…often punctuated with yellow. It transcends styles.  

Color schemes are the basis for so many design related exercises.  Finding your color preferences for your lifestyle from clothing fashions to interior appointments – it’s about personality, temperature, lighting…

Here’s a great link to get you thinking about color palettes or finding one that suits your personality.

https://colorpalettes.net/tag/blue-and-yellow/

Undecided? Change schemes from one room to the next – have a little fun!

Focus on an Artist, Patricia Forbes and the Art of Custom Design.

Collecting art, investing in art, loving art, designing with art…one aspect or all of the above, art in interior design has many facets. I have written previously about and presented a workshop about “I want a piece of art to go with my red sofa,” a kind of raspberry in the face of curators, collectors, critics and appraisers who would never take or condone that approach. But the desire and need exists and as a interior designer it is wonderful to work with artists who can and want to respond to cues, take on commissions and create for specific parameters.

Contrary to opinions from the high-brows, this is not to say that these artists lack artistic integrity or meaningful self-expression. Their value is as any other – determined by what the market will bear. The basis for this writing is that we work with many artists who love their work. And creating it (even under direction) brings them and their patrons joy.

Featured here is the up-lifting, colorful and texturally abstract work of Patricia Forbes. We have enjoyed commissioning her for specific interiors over the years and are never disappointed in the quality and creativity of her pieces.

For scale, diminutive Forbes poses by her Vertical Stick series.

With so many mass-produced art offerings at the trendy home decor stores, it is refreshing to encounter new clients who are at the start of their nesting years, establishing their own domains, selecting things that bring them comfort and identity and who’s appreciation lies in acquiring original art.

Designing an interior is about comfort and personal identity. It is about surrounding oneself with things that work – both functionally and aesthetically. Individual’s requirements, in either of those departments, can vary greatly – but suffice it to say, each person or couple or family unit creates a home environment based upon their likes and needs (and budget).

Enter the interior designer. When calling on the assistance of someone outside the intimacy of the home, the client is hoping for and expecting a successful custom-tailoring of their requests based upon the experience of the professional.

When designing an interior, it is exciting to use existing pieces already owned by the client. It is gratifying to arrange and place those items in ways not yet imagined – thereby justifying the investment in design consultation. After an intense session of rearranging furniture, artwork and decorative accessories the “ta-da” moment is one of near instant gratification and satisfaction.

When an interior needs a little something to pull it together, fill a gap, create an accent or establish a focal point, it is great fun to engage the creativity of an artist to custom design a piece to fit the need. Approaching an artist for the express purpose of acquiring a piece of their work to enhance a space is  an exciting venture. It is a personal connection between artist and patron that creates a communion, a bond.

Here I took inspiration from a single panel that Forbes had constructed and requested a series of 9 panels grouped in a grid to make a larger statement on the wall. The interest created from a grid of images adds movement and dimension to this series already complex with sculpted texture and applied layers.

Color, texture, size, style, subject (or not) all are aspects of art that are to be considered for the personal  interests of both artist and patron. If the patron has selected an artist to approach about a commission it is as a result of experiencing their work and appreciating it. The artist, in response, is to accept the parameters of the request and enjoy the challenge and process of creating the intended/desired finished product.

The intensity of this rich red wall was decided early in the design process. As we built layers of existing elements and introduced new pieces, the desire for a custom installation became apparent. This Urban Elements series was a collaborative effort between Forbes and me to provide a bit of an edgy, industrial vibe to this eclectic urban loft. Note too that the end table and coffee table were locally crafted for the project by Kirt Kirkpatrick

Forbes’ creativity is rooted in pattern, color and texture. Primarily non-objective, her pieces are compositions of movement and dimension. Working with a layering technique, she builds her action with a collage of papers and fibers, paint and stain. Action is key when describing Forbes’ artwork.

She creates for herself, but when called upon to collaborate on a project, her eager curiosity for what might result is enthusiastic and ever-promising. About her style and self-expression she states “When I have created a joyfulness and vibrancy in the work, I know I ahve created an experience I wish to share.”

When asked…

1. How/when/why did you start your abstract technique of layering colors and textures?

Forbes has always been drawn to color as a means of her personal expression, once she “experimented with acrylic materials that would hold a texture and  started playing with those using combs and rubber spatulas and sticks to mark in the materials” she was hooked.  “Metallic and interference paints call to me — so I began to combine the over the textured backgrounds, and  then discovered that with acrylic one could imbed paper.  It was really experimentation and discovery of what these amazing materials could do…”

2. What is the most satisfying aspect of your art  for you personally?

The element of surprise is what gets Forbes excited! “When something comes together almost unexpectedly and I wonder how I did that — it’s always a search for the right combination of elements, colors, textures, feelings.”  When they all come together she experiences great satisfaction.  “It’s like turning over pieces to see what fits. Sometimes I have to turn over a lot of pieces to get the right combination — sometimes wondering whether to continue.  Seems like it is always worth continuing the work to a happy conclusion.”

3. Why do you enjoy commissions to create specific pieces for interiors/patrons?

Forbes expresses genuine gratitude for her patrons. “I feel honored and appreciated when someone likes and appreciates my work and invites me to do something special for their home or office space.”  

4. What pleases/satisfies you about this custom commission process?

The process of working together with  her patrons is positive creative challenge. “I enjoy the collaborative aspect and going through the process with a client or designer and receiving their feedback as the work progresses.”

The satisfaction for a designer in partnering with an artist is designing and realizing a vision to complete a space. Bringing visions to reality.  I often say that my team provides tremendous support in making my dreams come true. From artists and craftspeople to seamstresses and all manner of contractors, it is truly a team effort to achieve great results!

Time to Remodel – Finding a Theme

Time to remodel the kitchen!! This charming little bungalow had already experienced its share of remodeling – well, not so much structural – although, many interior design transformations had occurred over the decades. In the mix, the well-used and enjoyed kitchen was feeling a quite tired and dated.

You might remember I have used this now completed project, in the last few months, during its transformation process to identify certain features and design practices. Here is the as-promised unveiling of the before and after photos for further discussion about the design process, intent and results.

We loved the mottled color and organic character of the existing slate floors and opposing green-grey beams with spanning boards of a caramel stain. These were the two elements that went well together as though intentionally planned. Yet in between, the pale, peachy pickled oak cabinets with their radius detailing and red-rose/black matrix of the tiled granite counter-tops, didn’t seem to speak at all well with the ceiling treatment and slate floor’s greens, rusts and charcoal tones. It was a dark, confused space.  

When observing and “listening to” the house, it was evident that the current kitchen, in addition to being poorly coordinated, had absolutely nothing to do with the original architectural intent. The new owners had brought a few very fine antique pieces into the home. The mid-century circa 1964 age of the house accepted them on its original hardwood floors also adorned with their fine antique rugs…but something was missing. There was no cohesive thread running through the house. Over the years finishes and decorative elements had been selected and installed without any consideration for original materials or an attempt to introduce compatible and harmonious materials for the good of the home’s overall theme.

In all fairness, had the entire interior been gutted and a contemporary interior been uniformly installed into the framework/shell of the structure, I might have considered it a success. However, this multiple decade decor was a mix of disparate trends and preferences that had no commonality.

To begin the process of bringing this home into a cohesive design last year, we had redesigned the living room. There we introduced a classic blue and white color scheme derived from the Persian rug in the adjacent dining room.

To the corner kiva fireplace, we added a sandstone hearth and mantle with just enough blue and white Talavera tile trim at the base of the hearth to subtly coordinate with the new scheme. The Talavera was an appropriate material for this New Mexican bungalow.

The original fireplace had a dark, broken brick quarry tile hearth and no cap on the mantle.
The face-lift replaced the hearth material with broken-edged sandstone slab and matching mantle cap with Talavera detailing at the bottom.

With this living room having been so successfully re-designed, the obvious thought came into the discussion to continue the vernacular of the blue and white Talavera into the kitchen. As a bit of a purist when it comes to application and termination of materials, I was not content for a mere back-splash.  No, if the tile were to be effective and commandeer the stage, it had to be used wall-to-wall as though an entire wall treatment.

Treating the Talavera tile as wall-covering, it continues from the kitchen, into the adjacent pocket-space housing a desk and laundry machines.

But wait! The addition of an earthy aqua handmade tile from Spain offered an appealing and unexpected accent woven intermittently through the Talavera. It created a coordinating thread from the colors found in the mottled slate floors and ceiling beams.  

Pre-grout shot shows the individually cut 1″ pieces inserted as mosaics into the random field of Talavera

The cabinets were in excellent condition, but the doors were sadly dated and in no way spoke to the home’s other cabinets, doors and finish carpentry.

The confused interior finishes we in need of a transformation!

With the white raised panel theme throughout the home’s original appointments, we elected to salvage the cabinet boxes and replace the doors and drawer fronts with a similar raised panel detail. The same red oak was used and, with a glossy white paint applied, the grain “read-through” with a very intentional yet subtle moiré-like pattern. The new raised panel white doors and drawers, with crowning top molding provided a crisp, timeless motif. The random patterned Talavera used as an entire wall-covering was very effective. The kitchen was quite gussied-up!!

The transformation was dramatically successful!

The existing slate floor was beautifully organic and I felt, from a design standpoint, was a must to salvage. Making it look like an intentional selection – part of the new scheme – was imperative. Therefore, selecting a counter-top that communed with the tones in the floor resulted in a selection of concrete-like engineered Italian quartz material – balancing the floor with the next horizontal plane and ultimately with the stained and green-grey boards of the existing ceiling treatment.

The new concrete-like Italian quartz counter-tops coordinate well with the other materials.

Another asset was the connection to the outdoors, however the existing window over the sink was high and small.

The window over the sink was high and small…

By bucking the warranty of the Pella people, we had a new double-hung window made to close down onto the new counter-top that passed through from inside to out. They would not fabricate the window to do what we intended, so we had the contractor remove the bottom of the new window frame, thus rendering the warranty null and void, in order to have a completely open, uninterrupted pass-through when raised.

Amusing and interesting…existing family pieces of blue and white ceramics are being discovered and used as decorative accessories in the new kitchen!

We also captured the opportunity to open the opposing wall into the hallway adding pass-through light and dimension to the space. This exponentially expanded the space and made the encapsulated kitchen feel much less confined.

Before, the kitchen felt small and dark…
Opening the wall into the hallway brought in additional light and dimension.

To add drama to the newly created dimension, we discussed having a painting commissioned to pop an accent of yellow into the blue and white scheme on the far hallway wall. Lemons, a perfect citrus for the kitchen, was decided for the theme.  

A miniature oil painting by Federico Leon de la Vega was used to Photoshop into the scene to inspire and convey the design intent.

The additional POP of yellow is a dramatically effective contribution to the overall composition. After consideration, the owners selected a local artist to paint the full-scale painting.

A local Albuquerque artist, Thomas Tomlinson rendered the lemons in acrylic with blue and white tile details.

In summary…keeping the original slate floor, existing cabinet boxes (replacing door and drawer-fronts only), with a bling of new chrome cabinet pulls, switching out the stained glass pendants, replacing the island’s surface with a handsome solid walnut top and a new coordinating concrete-like counter-tops on the periphery, with the decorative embellishment of the Talavera tile continued from the subtle introduction at the living room’s kiva fireplace, the transformation of the kitchen is stunning – not trendy – and was truly, uniquely designed for the architecture and forward, on-going contextual design conversation of the home.

Uniquely designed…

Look around and listen to the environment for and in which you are designing. What makes the best sense for the design direction considering the function and context of your project?

Color. The Spices and Ingredients of Design

Colors for fashion, interiors or a composing a bouquet are like the many ingredients, spices and herbs selected for great food. Creating dishes with fine flavors and visual appeal, by selecting the right combination, is good culinary design. So we see the spices and ingredients of design everywhere!

Assembling the colors, textures and shapes in a bouquet…

The art is in gathering the right combinations, textures, colors, flavors,…ok – maybe edible bouquets…Well, we’re not tasting the interiors – but some are scrumptious! Ooh – good enough to eat! And the fashion – yes, we’ve seen edible fabrics…generally not attempted in draperies – but who knows? The sky is the limit in design!!!


A few years ago, Kingston University Fashion Student, Emily Crane began pioneering a new strain of edible couture created from gelatin and seaweed! Brilliant and beautiful!!

Inasmuch as edible couture and creating fabrics from edible materials is fascinating, I digress…the actual point of my story is to recognize the common denominators between gathering materials for all forms of art – the assemblages result in the creative finished products. In this instance, interiors and their color schemes which bear likenesses to beautiful foods!

Color is the most apparent ingredient of most artistic design endeavors. It is the most obvious and first to catch your eye. Assembling an interior is usually grounded by a desired color. The foundation of a room begins with deciding a direction with color. This might seem to be contrary to the concept that form follows function – but I believe that the designing for the two are often concurrent events. The vision occurs while the function is simultaneously examined. Most people visualize in color.

I often write about color. It is an ongoing fascination to discover who prefers what color(s) and why. It offers the beginning of the visualization of a concept. As the framework is discussed – such as programming a kitchen. Inevitably, in the early stages, colors and materials are discussed. They might change. They might not end up as first imagined, but color aids in the visualization and process of  design.

Look around your world and consider color. Why did you choose your interior colors? When selecting a color for the surfaces, fabrics and finish materials what would you do differently and why. Taking care not to merely react to trends, what colors will bring you joy? Trends often tempt. They are enticing and new, but they move along…It takes thorough examination to determine if a trend is truly applicable or merely a passing temptation. The validation of design is the approval of the occupants or function for whom/which it serves. Not just the feature of a new trend.

So have a little fun seeing these interiors paired with edible color schemes as dishes are correlated to interior schemes.


The spices and ingredients selected to create the flavor bursts might be hot green jalapenos, serranos, tart limes, dried red chiles balanced by the soft and warm yellow of corn tortillas.

What interior might look like a spicy platter of festivity? Perhaps bold wall colors sprinkled with myriad decorative accessories and functional art.

Spicy colors in this festive kitchen.

Imagine creating a creamy white-sauce mushroom pasta with velvety texture and soft finish. The ingredients you would reach for would be the cream, pasta, white pepper and perhaps a touch a sherry. Sautéing the mushrooms in butter for a luscious golden brown.

Invitingly divine.

An interior that captures a similar feel derived from the same palette of colors…


Mimicking the creamy mushroom palette, rich wood, copper and steel tones contrast against the creamy whites in this interior featuring one of our favorite furniture and fabric lines – Duralee/Robert Allen!
Duralee/Robert Allen has many collections providing the perfect fabrics and furnishings for so many deliciously diverse interior projects!

From creamy, soft and warm to cool and refreshing…


Cool sushi plates featuring the pink and orange tones of tender fresh fish, cilantro sprig greens, and so white rice!

An interior possessing similar colors – the perfect ingredients to create a stunning design!


Durlaee encompasses many fine collections. Here the Clarke & Clarke Oriental Garden fabrics are gathered together to present a fresh scene reminiscent of our colorfully fresh sushi plate!

Ready for reds?


A berry lovely dish with creamy whites…Our delectable raspberry tart presented on a lace-embossed white pottery piece accented with finely sliced toasted almonds sets the stage for the next interior color scheme…

Once again we are featuring Duralee’s Clarke & Clarke statement called Zanzibar a brilliant raspberry and red ethnic statement inspired by the exotic and vibrant world of Tanzania, Africa. Discovering the creativity of colors and fabrics in distant places offers a mélange of ingredients with which to create an exciting interior design!

 Mix it up. Gather the ingredients that will bring you joy and result in a deliciously creative interior!!! Come see and feel these fabulous fabrics and furnishings from Duralee/Robert Allen in our comprehensive design resource library at PATRICIAN DESIGN! Call us and we will send samples!

Animating Interiors – for Fun!

The total sum of an interior…comprised of the shape and volume of a space, the colors and textures, architectural details…then layer the lighting, furnishings and decorative accessories and ta-da! But is that all there is?

The beauty and intrigue of interiors is what keeps us discovering and creating. Yes, finding intimate pockets or grand expanses that please and dazzle.

The romance of this setting caught my eye…the far table by the window – set for two seemed a likely scene for a tete e tete to take place!

While traveling in the tropics these last few weeks, I discovered many interesting places. Oddly, while experiencing all the sights and sounds flavors and colors of this paradise, I immersed myself in the unlikely and completely opposite world of early 20th century Russia with A Gentleman in Moscow.

Just for fun, I sat with Federico Leon de la Vega today as he did 4 – minute sketches of some of my photos…needless to say, proper illustrations would have proved more telling of my romanticizing the talents of artists conveying imaginary activities in interiors…but it was fun to play with this today!

The beautifully and artistically articulate writing style of Amor Towles held me captive. And what a dichotomy to play ping-pong with my brain as I digest the restricted realm of Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov while basking in the warm sunshine with fresh sea air and palms rustling overhead…It seems that the extremes of this pairing suited me well as it was a dual escape – a vacation getaway while taking me further into fantasy with another dimensional experience of this incredibly great read!

Although there were many fascinating observations made by the author, it was this passage regarding the Count encountering a young artist/architect that prompted this subject for this week’s blog. The architect, finding himself in Moscow in the post Czar age of socialistic experimentation and implementation, bemoans the lack of work “The way things stand, I’d be happy to design a birdhouse.”

“The way things stand, I would be happy to design a birdhouse!” Sketch by PH

The mayor of Moscow has made an observation espousing the birth of  “the golden age of the prefabrication, cement-walled, five-story apartment building”  – with the very practical  “four-hundred-square-foot living spaces with ready access to communal bathrooms boasting four-foot tubs (after all. who has time to lie down in a bath when your neighbors are knocking at the door).” The mayor further emphasizes and rationalizes “So let us not get bogged down with elaborate designs or bow to aesthetic vanities. Let us apply ourselves instead to a universal ideal that is  fitting for our times.” A horribly inhuman decree in my opinion, rather than a should-be, truly magnanimous spirit. Humans are designed to design!!

The sentiments of the new regime left the architect with having to find avenues to utilize his talents – specifically sketching as he set forth to illustrate a brochure of the city’s finest hotels as retained by the Intourist department. How sad to possess the talent and passion and be reduced to capturing the grandeur without having the opportunity to design??!!

So three things struck me about this situation…one – that the artist was practicing only a portion of his talents and not the true, complete creativity that beckoned him to pursue his career…two – that renderings not only offer the opportunity to preview the proposed design of a space, but they can use artistic license to animate the space for its intended function and three – that spaces are not truly realized until they are filled with the people that are intended to occupy them.

So much so is a room not really finished until it is occupied by the inhabitants for whom it was intended to function, but Towles observes through the renewed appreciation by his architect, “I suppose a room is the summation of all that has happened inside it.” And that is what I enjoyed being revealed as a result of this simple exchange in this one of many experiences in this remarkable storyline .

Humans are designed to design. Rooms are intended to perform a function. They cannot function until they are animated with whatever they were intended to serve. Sketches allow the preview. Sketches are more spontaneous and artfully creative than computer generated versions of the same. Celebrate beauty, creativity and artists!