Details of Home

Whether a minimalist or an eclectic collector/gatherer, one’s details of home are important and personal. Like personality types, what is important to one person is not so much for another. However, it tells a story. The details of a home make it just that. Home. 

This interior has a lot of personality and very much reflects the artist who lives here. Antique family side chairs take a near full century leap with this new, colorfully eclectic upholstery.

Residences, the dwellings in which we live, can take many forms – from short-term to decades of ensconced living. To “reside” regardless of the length of time – suggests a certain level of comfort to include some detail(s) to make it “home.” 

Each home is an individually personal space filled with details that make it so.

What might YOU consider imperative elements of what you call “home?”  Consider comfort, color, ambiance, familiarity, convenience, nostalgia and perhaps just pure joy.  

A hotel room for the busy “road warrior” traveling for business, might reveal a photo of a loved one placed thoughtfully on the nightstand. Something as simple as this can make a temporary residence feel more like “home.” 

Upon plopping the overnight bag on the hotel bed, one of the first things to unpack might be the framed photo of a loved one to place on the nightstand.

Dorm rooms will reflect personalities, pleasures, interests, colors and imagery for young people leaving home for the first time. They create their own sense of place and “home” while embarking on their new chapters of life.

While looking around your place of residence – this place you call “home,” consider what is important to you. It might be the actual architecture, quality of natural light, a collection, a piece of art, furniture, photographs, decorative accessories…

A little over a year ago during the throws of our introspective isolation, my cousin, a thoughtful artist of photography, commented from Connecticut about The Essence of Home. In it she shares intimate observations and encourages personal study of your significant space – memory or current abode. She also suggests an interesting little project in which she invites us to “take half an hour and create a photo essay of a place that has significance” to us.  “Challenge yourself to capture a feeling. Wait for the right time of day and seek out the mystery of the place. (This is a great activity for kids, too. You’ll be amazed by what they choose to photograph – what “home” means to them.) See what thing you’re drawn to capturing; become aware of the everyday beauty in the space around you.”  https://www.catebarryphotography.com/

As an interior designer, I am engaged in creating and illuminating details that are meaningful. Whether a view or an object, color or finish, access or privacy – inside or out of the interior these elements collectively contribute to create the overall design. I encourage my clients to identify things they do and things they own – things they have gathered and how they live. What of them is of greater importance and why. This process begins a dialog of preference, value, and interests. Establishing priorities to springboard a project is key to a firm platform for the design. 

You know the old question…If your house were on fire, what would you want to get out? It might be a person or a pet certainly – but if it were a material possession(s), it is a question worth pondering. The same is true if you moved or remodeled, what elements would you want to retain or replicate and what would you eliminate or change?

Vintage family pieces reupholstered, new pieces repurposed, bookcases filled with personal treasures, and the precious pet in the center of the action. Home.

 The details of your home are personal, identifying, comforting aspects of your interior design. Discovering these important details is significant in effectively planning your interiors.

How the COVID CRISIS Might Bring Change to the Housing Market…

A friend sent me one of her trade articles from the residential real estate perspective regarding how this COVID crisis might bring change to the housing market.  In the article, it touched on the size of homes, working from home, privacy in the home and smart technology that will play a larger role. Plus a nod to adding a stock tank pool to your backyard to beat the summer heat!

It’s true that this period of weeks having a close-up look at our homes – their design, function, aesthetics – has resulted in some new ideas and opinions about how and where we live. Have you felt the need for more privacy or more space?

How might Covid 19 brings changes to the housing market?

A few years ago the pendulum swung in commercial design favoring the open office/collaboration layout.  What was a new concept of open office spaces in the middle of the last century, resulted in the design and development of systems furniture flourishing.  Then the even more “open” concepts of collaborative spaces with foosball tables to entertain the staff providing breaks without leaving the building entered the scene. 

Open office encourages interaction – not as much as fully, open collaborative spaces.It maximizes space, but still omits total privacy for more concentrated work .

This has continued today as some were slower to jump on the trend and are still experiencing the “new-found” re-design of fewer private offices and more collaborative spaces.  However,  the pendulum is swinging back a bit with feedback from some employees reporting that they need more quiet space to do their work and focus away from distractions.  Having a private space can be grounding and comforting and allows an individual to worry about less and focus on more.

In a rotating office, there  less comfort and familiarity. This can contribute to distracted performance. Yet, all of this data is variable depending upon the nature of the work, temperament of the individuals, style of individual work practices, existing conditions in the workplace, culture of the business and even geographic considerations.

But as this relates to homes, many of these factors have similar effects. The real estate article notes that rather than down-sizing homes,  with more open floor plans which has been a recent market trend , they will see a rise in the desire for buyers to want larger homes, in which to partition activities. This might very well be true. Especially if working from home is instituted. The need for privacy away from the possibly over- collaborative office environment, to finding oneself commandeering a pocket of the house for their work needs, requires a design focus.

Where larger, open kitchens had become the fulcrum of family life,  the real estate article suggests that this might not be so popular moving forward.  I’m not sure I agree.  Where the article states that “the noisy epicenter”  might require re-thinking,  I believe that it will remain the vibrant epicenter adjacent to the primary living area, but that other areas of the home will be designed to provide needed escape and privacy.

Too much collaboration and collective living/working can result in a desperation for private spaces. There seems to be a cry for balance. Where we want gathering spaces for the family to be together for meals, games, movies or projects, the confinement with family, although precious and priceless on the one hand, has also proven that there is great value/need in private spaces. 

Home-designing.com is a great resource for visual ideas. Here a cozy reading nook with office/study space and going vertical, to best use the space, are tall shelves. They can also make room-dividers when partitioning off private spaces! Lots of natural light connects inside spaces with the outdoors.

Partitioning spaces within an interior is something we reference as “zoning.” We design “zones” to offer certain tasks or activities to take place separately from others. Sometimes this is partially divided by low walls or screens and other times the need for complete partitioning – as in separate rooms – is in order.

Another creative space from home-designing.com featuring a double workspace, partial wall partition to “zone” spaces. Color “pops” are fun too!!!

The ever popular Jack and Jill bathroom might connect a bedroom with a separate study – a bedroom suite rather than merely a pair of bedrooms.  Study spaces will play a more important role as more on-line options for schooling are made available.  Learning and working from home have been eye-opening experiences. Privacy is paramount when trying to focus on your work.  Study spaces can be single rooms dedicated to this purpose or pockets in the home – converting closets and beneath stair areas for small desk spaces and study nooks.  Slivers of garage space might be opened to the indoors. Unused attic spaces might be captured for loft-like openings up and away.

Decorpad.com is another great resource for creative space-planning and design ideas. Here Leslie Goodwin shoots this valuable space which is captured to carve-out a home-office.

Space-saving and consolidating furniture pieces like bunk beds – going vertical to better utilize the “real estate” in bedrooms, etc.  Valuable square-footage will be captured and used creatively – much like clever design efficiency on a boat or motor home. Space is precious – let’s use it wisely.

Back to the kitchen being the fulcrum – multi-tasking can also be a result of this confined at-home mix of activities and responsibilities. At certain ages, parental assistance is necessary to navigate the studies and coordination with the on-line programs. The kitchen has been and becoming more and more a classroom/study hall. While older kids might just want to be in the center of things while they don their headphones effectively separating them from much of the surrounding activities, still keeping them in the mix, others are actively sharing their lessons with their at-home parent/teachers smack dab in the center of the activities.

Larger homes –  rather than downsizing to smaller can allow for multi-generational  living. College kids studying on-line rather than going away might return or stay at home.  Grandchildren requiring day care might be with grandparents part of the time.

Conversations centered around energy conservation with the desire to have a more open connected feeling with the outdoors can seem contradictory; but technology has advanced window, skylight, door, and many different translucent and transparent panels, to bring the outdoors in!

Lucere resin panels can be used a limitless commercial and residential settings!!

Residential design might be enlarging, partitioning, adding light and connections to outdoor living. Therefore,  sharing the joy while providing space, privacy, healthy circadian rhythm and connections to expanding to and enjoying the outdoors.

Isolation Invites Innovation

Here, today, find designer focus and pro-tips for improving our living spaces. Most of us have spent more time at home than we have in years.  Sure, we usually wake up, prepare for the day and return in the evening, to end the day.  Weekends are usually that bonus time around the house – unless we spend them on road trip excursions. However, being at home every day is unusual for many and has provided opportunities to critique and take stock. Go from “making-do” to making better, with a little focus on the details and some professional help!

New catch-phrases like “shelter-in-place” have become part of our vernacular. Staying home has resulted in massive numbers of internet orders, cautious home improvement store visits and related activity.  The shared anxious energy and creative energy  spawned, from our restricted living and working regimens, is “going viral!”

Well, we certainly never really considered that trendy term of something being popular being a REAL virus spreading across the planet – but the humor, common complaints and simple joys, of this surreal modification to our lives, are “going viral” all over the internet.  From the vantage point of the design world, we are seeing a multitude of comments about people going  stir-crazy and making plans for needed home and office improvement.

HOME DEPOT – Pick-up in the store or have it delivered FREE to your doorstep!!

We are finally – and I say finally, after nearly everyone else we know has done so – ordering  storm doors. Yes, to leave open and let in the light of day!!! It has taken being around the house for so many consecutive days that has geared us to the circadian rhythm that our orientation provides and illustrated the need to avail our interior of a significant missed opportunity for natural light! Just never seemed that important…until now! We have labored over having lights (glass) in new primary doors, but after weighing the options for light, security and transparency have opted for clear, full-panel laminated glass storm doors with interchangeable screens, for fresh air – weather permitting.

Yes – Anderson DOES do double storm doors – but try finding that information on their website or even through Home Depot – they’re terrific – you just need to inquire!!!

This unique opportunity to be quarantined inside our homes has given us an opportunity to evaluate the flow, function and lifestyle within our private environments.  Have you noticed any things that you want to change as a result of this confinement and forced, close-up evaluation?

Here are a few topics and tips that have come-up in recent conversations from both consumer/clients and designers:

More perceived space:  Perhaps open a wall or completely remove a wall(s) and connect two rooms for better communication and visual enlargement of the floor plan.   

Adding mirrored walls or individual mirrors add depth and also expands a space to give it a perceived increase in size.  

Add cozy color and texture with area rugs, throws and accent pillows.

Add skylights for more daylight.

Change paint colors for a refreshed feel.

Remodel kitchens and bathrooms – people have been sharing intimate spaces and preparing meals significantly more than regular lifestyles dictate and now recognize limitations in their current designs.

Re-upholstery of existing pieces that function well, but need to be refreshed and modernized.

Purchase new furnishing to improve the comfort, function and visual appearance of the interior.

Desires for additional lighting or replacement fixtures, to improve and enhance the quality and color of light inside all rooms for tasks, ambiance, accent spots, indirect illumination, decorative fixtures and even landscape lighting to highlight the features of the plantings and exterior structures, have been heightened.

Workplace design has migrated into homes prompting consideration for a more efficient permanent pocket of living spaces designed for that specific purpose of home-offices. A few from our website portfolio are illustrated here…

Before – this cluttered space was serving as an office – but without organization or pleasing aesthetics.
After – this same space reorganized furniture placement, added new work-surfaces and cantilevered shelves to match existing teak pieces, creating an atmosphere of organization, enhanced workspace and display of personal hobbies and memorabilia.
Before – this room doubled as a sewing room and home office – but the lack of organization made it inefficient and unpleasant.
After – by adding storage, cutting a steel trundle bed (found in their storage unit) down to window-width, and rearranging the workspaces, this same room can now comfortably accommodate a guest, organize work and sewing spaces and pleasantly display art and memorabilia.

For both working from home and schooling from home – the needs, for this space, have become critical. Imagine, down the road, more on-line courses might be considered and even more opportunities to work from home now that the practice has been proven!!

Even a pocket tucked in the corner of a room can be ample space for quiet focus and an organized workspace.
Areas designed for study can also be used for arts and crafts and other projects.

Office spaces will reflect this modification in the working environment, by creating more flexible workspaces allowing a variety of scenarios for performing tasks between home and office and an increasing appreciation for a more fluid arrangement of office layouts and furnishings. 

During this isolation, I have enjoyed several ZOOM continuing education classes offered by Knoll that have centered on workspace layout and furniture both at home and in corporate settings.

Here are more helpful tips from Knoll for your consideration when planning a home-office. https://www.knoll.com/shop/work-from-home/home-office-setup-guide

Patio perk-ups to expand the enjoyment outdoors –  at both home and office – maximizing the livable exterior areas of either small balconies to expansive spaces, backyards, decks, improved  landscaping,  outdoor kitchens and fully-furnished furnished living spaces – are seeing increased attention to detail.

Woodard furniture – one of our favorites –  has been designing and fabricating for  well over a hundred  and fifty years. Since 1934 they have perfected the art of metal furniture design and fabrication. As industry leaders, their expertise brings  a collection of superior craftsmanship and a wide variety of materials and styles to accommodate both commercial and residential applications.

Let’s keep moving forward through this pandemic with positive vibes for creating enhanced living spaces – both inside and out – for more productive and enjoyable living!  

Eclecticism in Design – What Does it Mean? What Does it Say?

Looking back (to both sides of the turn of the 20th century), eclectic interiors were only cultivated by the very rich. Those who had the discretionary income to take vacations abroad, had diplomatic ties or nomadic adventuresome types who took precious time off to explore different locations and  cultures other than from whence they came. Others of means might have merely hired decorators to create interiors that suggested such adventure and access, without leaving their drawing rooms. Expensive eclecticism catapulted status.

Leaf through decades of Architectural Digest – THE authority on design for examples and inspiration of fabulously eclectic interiors among all the varied styles they have documented for us!

A surge in eclecticism occurred with the many military personnel and their families who were stationed overseas and were able to transport containers of belongings along the way.

Recognize a meter tray? A meter size diameter of solid brass tooled with hand detailing and pressed/formed/hammered designs. From table tops to wall hangings, they are statement pieces!

They brought back fine and fun arts and crafts from around the globe. These homes were distinctively punctuated with art that was recognizable in those circles – you could tell where people had been stationed by the decorative elements in their homes.

A souvenir from 1970s South Vietnam! Ceramic elephants were the rage!!! From stand-alone accents to end tables and bases for larger cocktail tables supporting glass slabs, these animated novelties of artistic expressions continue to bring joy decades later!

As the original owners handed down these nostalgic treasures, the history of the discoveries was diluted if not lost but the appreciation for many of the collectibles remained and was passed down to younger generations starting their homes. Inherited interiors spawns eclecticism.

Antique collection Rose Medallion passed down in a family.

Many homes have been assembled with the elements gifted by others resulting in a nostalgic, familiar collage of decorative accessories.

Vintage pink glass salad plates, family antique chairs, and a china cabinet of new and old collectibles used and mixed with love and affection.

Pier One capitalized on this decades ago. Their slogan was something like “we shop the world so you don’t have to.” In lieu of experiencing great world travels, the buyers sought exotic, interesting, affordable, mass-produced items and eclecticism expanded exponentially. They actually set seasonal decor trends with their ability to influence the market with their sweeping design reach to international artisans and fabricators, massive buying power, focused design team and extensive marketing campaigns.

Some, in order to create that sense of eclecticism, haunt thrift stores and antique markets. “Thrifting” is today’s trend for gathering eclectic “finds.” From antiques to current cast-offs, the sport can be quite satisfying, cost-effective and can result in some amazing acquisitions!

“Thrifted” antique table and eclectic crystal decanters contrast sweeping contour of limestone hearth.

Eclecticism means varied interests and experiences, an appreciation for what is good and fun rather than merely coordinating. It suggests independence, personal taste and style, with a freedom from convention and changing trends. A successful eclectic interior still requires balance and proper placement and distribution of the varied objects. Have what you like. Be surrounded by things that make you feel good, productive and bring you joy.

Aging in Place Isn’t for Sissies – Finding/Providing Dignity and Comfort for All

Aside from tedious wills and other legal asset planning and consultation, the design decisions for aging in place are more than challenging.  With the best laid plans available at the time, we look into the far distance to a time when we might not be getting around so well. It is with these faint thoughts sneaking into our reality that jars us a bit. Thoughts for the future about downsizing, getting rid of “things,” making modifications for accessibility and ease of maneuvering. This might mean re-redesigning a bathroom, moving to a lower level, selling a multi-story and settling into a single level. Yet, not everybody has the luxury of aging in place.

I’ve studied it through initial interior design courses, continuing education, and on to incorporating applicable features for clients and even family in homes and offices. It’s amazing how abstract anything can be until it touches you personally. In one class for example, we were asked to get into a wheelchair and ascend and descend a ramp – one of adequate slope and one not-to-standards which proved much more challenging. We were asked to access a restroom and navigate the space including making a side transfer to a toilet from the chair.  We noticed heights of things difficult to reach from a seated position, angles of mirrors, and the strength required to do many basic actions. And shy having this actual challenge in real life, these exercises were sobering and valuable when it came to considering facilitating maneuverability and accessibility in life/design planning.

Whether an aging scenario, a progressive disease, a vital young  person being impaired by an inconvenient injury, or worse a permanently debilitating catastrophe, the reality of those situations is enormous. Some injuries are temporary while others are life-changing, but all require consideration while they and related limitations exist.

Anticipation. We can maybe imagine and anticipate such scenarios, but it is easy to dismiss and put aside for another day. That day came a couple of weeks ago for me. My mother was hospitalized which, in hindsight, was over-kill that nearly killed her. The life-changing things that followed were remarkable and came on so quickly. No time to carefully plan – just figure out  how to fix things, how to make due, how to work-around the issues.  We had always intended for her to “age in place.”  Her home was designed, by her, for her and took into consideration many things based on speculation 20+ years ahead.

Once this change of events unfolded, all of my senses were heightened. I saw everything differently. I was keenly aware of my surroundings even more than I am as a normal course of responding to my design instincts. I became critical and incensed.  I wanted to assign criminal fault to such things as color choice and lighting.

I learned that not all situations are the same level of good or bad. They are dependent upon the eyes  thoughts and reactions of the individual. Beauty, as we know, is in the eyes of the beholder. But many things I encountered transcend that very true phrase. Sensitivities are so very important. Aging in place is tough. It is not for sissies. But it exponentially worse with dementia. Being moved to an aging facility other than your own home is another story completely.

With all the professionals with whom I have spoken whether neurologists, gerontologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, or home health nurses, each have common denominators on the subject that crosses between disciplines. But I can also see how individual’s design sensitivities, or seeming lack thereof, play a significant roll in their ability to thrive and even survive. I am not over-stating this imperative.

Dementia has triggers and although some may be similar among individuals, like “sundowners” (an anxious reaction to fatigue and end of the day dimming of light), or other confusing or anxious moments brought on by physical discomfort, change of environment or sleep deprivation – there are endless other triggers that are unique to that individual. Understanding what those unique triggers (and pleasures) are is key to affecting the quality of life that results from effective or ineffective design decisions.

In the past two weeks, I have seen hospital interiors that were so busy and confused of materials that it seemed impossible that they were selected in the first place and more so that they were approved, purchased and implemented as well as assisted living facilities that ran the gambit from dated and irresponsibly neglected to posh and resort-like.

A hospital is supposed to take the curse off of the fears and trepidation that often accompany a visit while instilling confidence and comfort.  Without identifying the facility I ask you: In the mainstream of our society, does this combination of materials evoke confidence and comfort? What words correlate to confidence and comfort…at the least, order and cleanliness. Those would begin to establish confidence and comfort.  This scene at the lobby of a prominent local “Women’s” hospital is confused and harsh. Large black backdrop to the logo/signage (not shown) is heavy and reads more like a high-tech or machinery or mining facility –  contrary to an uplifting, soothing, comforting, welcoming environment of healing finishes and colors. Sadly, other areas had similarly jarring effects.

More interesting, by means of comparison, was the research that took me to a wide variety of well-regarded “upscale” assisted living facilities in the area. These were the facilities that were highly rated and referenced when asking around the community for recommendations.

This first one is managed by one of the world’s leading management companies. I will be contacting them regarding what we found when touring last week. The horror of this discovery was in being greeted by the point-of-arrival – newly remodeled to suggest upscale appointments, lovely living spaces, patio, dining room and even an attractive and believable bar area for cocktails and gatherings. Quite sophisticated and then…we were slapped in the face with the brutal reality that we soon discovered. The corridors of the rehab/healthcare and assisted living areas were dark and poorly lit. Colors were warm earth tones that further contributed to the drab, somber aura of depression. Not relaxing, uplifting or soothing – just plain dull, depressing and dark. Many more disturbing details were observed that are not applicable here.

By dramatic contrast was a light, sunny interior which benefitted from much natural light and even in the corridors which were reliant upon artificial lighting they read with a soft welcoming glow. The creamy walls and white trim paired with the soft light was easy, soft and comfortable. The over-all “read” was residential with enough hospitality to add interest but not to diminish the at-home feeling of the building and grounds. The interior and exterior spaces for both assisted living and memory care were clean, and pleasingly comfortable. The exterior spaces and were grand and  inviting with lots of beautifully maintained grassy areas, planting beds and trees for shade. Exterior spaces mean a lot when you are retired to this limited world view.

A fairly new facility caught our attention with pleasing new finishes and color, light and spacious, residential, but also with a bit of hospitality flair – however, with all the very practical hard surfaces, in much of the living spaces, it lacked comfort. Crooked lampshades and missing outlet covers suggested that attention to details was being replaced with smoke and mirrors of the overall effect. We were initially thrilled and then a bit suspect of this facility after our tour.

If one wanted fresh and stimulating, a brand new gorgeous property sets the stage for a would-be modern resort. Bright bold colors and contemporary furnishings, wonderful spaces, stunning modern light fixtures and great finishes belie the true identity of this assisted living and memory care facility.  Exterior spaces here also green and nourishing with juvenile plantings due to its new construction. It appears that the mature plan will be quite pleasing. A frail 90+ year old might feel too diminutive in this facility but the family would feel excited and uplifted. The questions is for whom is it designed? The upcoming generation of retirees perhaps – if not for sure – fabulous – or the current elders that come from a different age and era for whom it might likely be overwhelming with the modern approach, scale and finishes. Plan for the future though – it will be here before we know it!

A frightening comparison occurred when we visited a well-regarded faith-based retirement community of many facets and facilities. While a new structure of independent living apartments sports fine finishes, comfortable dining venue and an exceptional indoor pool, the assisted living wings were absolutely irresponsible in this observer’s opinion. Although these areas were decades old, poor color choices of spicy, yet muddy hues, drastically discolored plexi lenses over surface-mounted fluorescent lamps of many colors made for a freakish, scary interior that felt  both institutional and garishly executed and neglected by those who should care to say the least – an insult to most peoples’ sensitivities. We could not fathom how this had for so long been unaddressed – paint alone would have gone a long way to improve the existing conditions.  In no way could this interior be considered conducive to wellness or stimulating betterment. Even if you take personal opinion out of it, the lighting and colors did not feel fresh and clean. In the two previous examples, the first being quite traditional and the next being very contemporary, both had a freshness and quality of light and pleasing colors and finishes that were completely lacking in this last example. This interior to us was beyond our first  accusation of the drab interior being criminal in its negligence of good design practices given the management and money to do MUCH better. This facility headed toward intentionally and dangerously derelict in its duty to provide an environment that promoted improved health and wellness.

Of the first and the last examples, it seems that they are just providing pockets of space, claustrophobic and dreary – if not down-right depressing – yes, true, the latter littered with disorganized debris on the walls, both with odors of tired food and other unpleasing combinations.  We knew that if we had any fraction of sensitivity to light or colors or an awareness of order in our minds, that these two interiors would lead swiftly to our demise. While by stark contrast, the other examples were convincing enough to us that a fate being placed in either would be quite satisfactory even pleasingly uplifting.  And all of this comes back to knowing the individual and their sensitivities, history, interests and likes and dislikes – and some human sensitivities that transcend all. Yet some facilities deny anything to those with even limited capacity and lower the bar to treat all – including staff – like it doesn’t matter – it doesn’t make a difference. That is NOT an environment in which I want to spend any of my precious, allotted time or assign that of a friend or loved one.

I went back with the intention of photographing all of these examples…but with residents parked in every applicable shot – I felt invasive and obviously not cut-out for this kind of investigative reporting…

Like the 3 bears…one was awful, one was over the top and the one in the middle was just right. A new facility just opened and presented this third, middle offering. A stereotypical palette of oranges, neutrals and browns, and faux stone was acceptably common. It was new and fresh, had white subway tile with dark charcoal grout in the bathrooms, and “friendly” faux stone detailing around the residentially inspired exhibition kitchen. The footprint of the facility was small and would be considered intimate and easy to navigate – but we thought, for our purposes, too small and the white subway tile with dark charcoal grout in the bathroom would not have been an asset – nor would the pedestal sinks – providing no surface in your private bathroom. So just when we thought it was just right – those interior disappointments along with the exterior living spaces of gravel and concrete pavement – it didn’t fit the bill.

Some facilities presented photos of the residents in their prime, back in the day – familiar nostalgia that was tastefully utilized. While others attempted a similar but disappointing effect with cluttered and disorganized paraphernalia of times gone by… Too much use of “cutes and quaints” craft store furnishings and decorative accessories looks like a cheap rendition of formality and refinement – missing the mark by miles. Theme areas invited some and completely turned off others making the percentage of the enjoyable spaces fragmented and limiting. Knowing this, it is apparent that designing for an individual’s personal environment is easier than designing to appease or please a group. Obvious differences are males versus females, age, lifestyle, interests, and over-all likes and dislikes. Due to the price tag on these units, the residents are well-heeled, have had decades of lifetime experiences circling the globe and collecting treasures either passed down or acquired over the years. A simple, tasteful balance between opulence and casual elegance, luxury and down-to-earth comfort would appeal to most in this bracket.

The recipe is pretty easy and loaded with common sense. Grand entries and intimate interior spaces, plenty of natural light, spacious common areas and visual and accessible connections to well landscaped exterior areas furnished for visiting and entertaining. Clean durable surfaces easy to maintain and being well maintained, soft neutral colors punctuated with fresh accents, excellent variety of artificial light, planned placement of postings, art and decorative accessories – policed for order and consistency.

For those with sharp minds and bright intellects it is more challenging to provide the convincing interiors that will satisfy their discriminating requirements. While dementia residents have hidden pockets of memory, clouded remembrances of comfortable familiar things and yet no less of a need to find a safe, pleasing place to call home.

I apologize for not having more photographs of the examples I reference, but I hope that my purpose and observations aid in the work to be done to place disabled individuals in environments that most satisfy their sensitivities and as a result promote the BEST quality of life. We are their advocates in many cases and must strive to view the world through their glasses.

Go on your own, in advance of the need – I encourage you. Know that interior designers and others involved with the interaction in or improvement of interior spaces will have epiphanies about what lies ahead for their clients, their own families or themselves – this is an important dialogue.

I might, with encouragement, provide more up close and personal critiques of specific areas of these facilities in an effort to offer further assistance and insight in emphasizing the positive and calling out the negative for improvement. Many of these residents are trapped to a certain extent – not having made this decision for themselves. It seems imperative that we raise the bar to insure safe, clean, sensitive, environments of dignity and comfort for all.

 

 

 

Taking Pause to Value the Art of the Written Word

I awakened in the painter’s house with slivers of sunlight glistening through the bamboo shades, exotic chirping happily piercing the silence and cinnamon scenting the air from the open grill preparing the best French toast on the planet. P1110818

This place exudes thoughtful reflection and invites savoring the simple things of beauty and  meaning. P1110821

From intense and intimate conversations centering around the passions of life to convivial arguments and relaxed exchanges, those gathered at the estudio-café tables examine the events of the world from their own individual vantage points. P1110829Today the primary focus was a topic with which everyone seemed to view from the same perspective. All were in avid agreement as they discussed the recent exhibit in Mexico City from where the artist, Leon de la Vega, has recentlyjust returned. This significant event was an important auction where part of the proceeds were to benefit the Mexican Institute of Neonatology toward research on children’s learning and therapy and no less to benefit the artist expressing his concerns for the current state of affairs with the lost art of writing by hand. Federico's invitation P1110815

With the advancement of smart technology comes the dumbing of the people tethered to it.  Everyone…all of us…are victims and if we are to save the core of our humanity we must preserve our handmade, organic, communications. We have computer aided drafting and graphic programs, texting and video all of which negate the tactile, made-by-hand written or drawn creations of the human touch. To have a computer consistently come between the hand of man and his end results is a gap that will never be regained once lost.  Recovering this lost art, in so many forms, is critical to mankind. This all sounds pretty heady. But once you enter these spirited conversations you realize that the demise of past civilizations is not unlike this self-destructive path to which  we now bear witness. The beautifully insightful, well-crafted video in Spanish introduces Leon de la Vega’s collection and explains these observations which are universally recognized by those who are interested in taking pause to realize what is happening around us. You won’t need a translator.

In response to these observations, as the video explains, Leon de la Vega has embarked on an exploration of  communications by hand, incorporating them into sculpture, stylized images and abstracted interpretations. writing series P1110818

He is inserting into and embellishing on his artistic expressions in the form of calligraphy—which in its finest examples— has proven to be both art and literal communication through the ages. P1110838

But if one examines the very personal and expressive beauty of fine penmanship,  we realize that our schools are not even teaching basic cursive  to our children. Our schools are forced to chose between computer classes, music, art and even the basic direction to form the written word.  The  collection was very well received in Mexico City last month and a second exciting and thought-provoking exhibition/auction of work will take place in early February, also in Mexico City.

 

Planning an Intelligent Home.

Baby Boomers – 1946-1964 Do YOU have an Intelligent Home? Do you want to be there for a while? Do you want to age in place without having to move as your needs change?

Life’s fast pace. So much to do, so little time…we are working hard and playing hard – harder than ever before in the history of our world. Fifty is the new forty and so on…With that lifestyle and attitude come new scenarios for living.

And if you are retired or even semi-retired, you want to get away, lock up the house with the peace of mind that your home is secure and maintenance free. How do you achieve this place?

This new age is one of redefining lifestyles, living arrangements and home design. People are renting rooms to strangers – how can you do that and maintain security for them and your personal living space? The same can be true of children returning home – how can you maintain your privacy and offer them theirs as well?

Families are being redefined as the “boomerangs” are not out of the house after college – not setting forth into the world, but rather, returning home to find their jobs and save some money before they take that next leap.

On the other end of life’s spectrum, their grandparents – YOUR parents are not necessarily going to “the home” but rather YOUR home as your house becomes a dormitory for three generations or more! These many life changing circumstances result in challenging scenarios for you and your family.

Kids, pets, grandparents, grandchildren…multiple interests, multiple activities – all taken into consideration as you make your plans and modify your life to accommodate these changes. Whether your home is larger than you need and you wish to downsize or your home is experiencing the addition of more people and their various needs and activities, intelligent design will insure making the best of what you have.

Your desire to downsize brings issues of what to take and what to discard, how to plan the new space and utilize it to the best purposes, designing it to be free of maintenance so that life is easier.

Intelligent Design is just that – good ideas to bring value, safety and enjoyment to your home. We can assist you in solving these issues and making everyone’s life better.

My own mother is experiencing these very real situations that come with aging in place. Twenty years ago we began planning the design of her retirement home. Two years later she was comfortably settled with all of her possessions perfectly situated. Having plotted each piece of furniture on the plan prior to construction, there was truly a place for everything and everything in its place. We discussed as many “what ifs” that we could imagine and designed accordingly. This one story floorplan wraps inside like a circle and at the time we tried to anticipate her every need as her requirements, desires and abilities would change. Now at 91 we continue to see the benefit of the foresight that we planned.Image

You want to feel great about coming home. It is your private space, it is your retreat. It is where you relax and restore and it is where you entertain and recreate. Indoor exercise space, home offices, functional kitchens, efficient space utilization, creative storage solutions, provisions for privacy, safety and security are all paramount to good intelligent design.

Aging in place…thinking about limited mobility seems an unrealistic concern…until a minor accident puts you in a temporary leg brace, crutches or wheel chair – is you home equipped to assist you to deal with this change in plans? If you never intend to move, can you really envision how you might need certain modifications to enjoy your home throughout the years?

We can come into your home and assist you in evaluating safety and accessibility issues for present and future consideration. There are helpful guidelines to make modifications to achieve maximum utilization and enjoyment of your home for many years to come.

Exterior design is equally as important – ease of maintenance, enjoyment , expansion of your living spaces, pet habitats, hobbies, etc…we can plan your landscape design, outdoor kitchens, sunrooms, covered patios, gardens, and anything that you can imagine to maximize the utilization and pleasure of your exterior spaces

Let us sit down with you to discuss your needs…your dreams. We will help you plan and achieve the maximum value for your budget. We can provide recommendations for an existing floor plan as well as assist in the evaluation of a prospective home purchase – all the way to helping you plan and design a new home with the experience and foresight of life’s changing needs.

We bring experience with a professional eye to critique, recommend, design and bring to reality your goals and dreams for a comfortable and secure life in your intelligent home.

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