Dec 24

COMFORT & JOY with ART

By pattisays In Abstract Art, architecture, art and interior design, artistic expression, artists, beauty behold it, Christmas, Contemporary Art, context of interior design, design, design process, design solutions, Discovering Art, fanciful design, hiring an interior designer, interior design, interior design trends, joy, lifestyle, Mind Your Handwriting by Leon de la Vega, Modern Art, personal expression, recycle design, value of art /

A few years ago I gave a talk. The title was something like “I Need a Piece of Art to Go with My Red Sofa.” It was a defensive argument giving liberty to those who sought artwork for decorative purposes rather than an esoteric rationale. As an interior designer surrounded by artistic influences and drawn to the limitless styles, pieces, concepts and movements of the art world, I see and appreciate both sides of this controversial coin.

Federico Leon de la Vega’s Pomogranates

In my opinion art should bring joy. And that is not to discount art as a social commentary, honest statement of artistic philosophy, opinion, or personal expression. As an interior designer, my simple philosophy is that joy is a goal of interior habitats – function and joy simultaneously. For me, there is a synonym for beauty in there. Oh – and how apropos – it’s Christmas time and the carol God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen specifically identifies bringing “tidings of comfort and joy.”

In this month’s December 2017 issue of AD “Architectural Digest” Living with Art, architect Luis Laplace offers that he doesn’t really know about beauty in art. He sounds modest and self-effacing. “I say I don’t know beauty. When I see that something works, then I see beauty.” I say that is saying a lot about context. But inasmuch as I can see context being so perfect to showcase a piece that it validates it somehow, it seems lacking in the department of honest personal appreciation or criticism. Surely he must find beauty in art before it is placed.

I can see admitting that something having potential is a valid “wait and see” position to take when allowing a piece to be placed to its best advantage, prior to judging it too harshly – but that seems reserved for pieces about which one is trying to give them the benefit of the doubt! It sounds a bit like tap-dancing…making excuses. Excuses for not having an initial opinion or spontaneous reaction – much less appreciation – much less, joy.

Festive boat bringing JOY at the San Diego harbor parade last week.

Another comment that Laplace makes in this article “High Art” is that “We never use art as a decoration,” he declares. “We design for installation and rotation.” And I am sure in his world, that is exactly what he does. But let’s get down to earth and acknowledge that it’s a chicken and egg thing – the luxury to design expressly for the presentation of magnificent rotating works of art versus finding joy in a piece to decorate your world – with or without rotation. He makes decoration sound like a bad word. And perhaps he thinks it is – but why? Adornment, decoration, enhancement, emphasis – all superlatives, in my estimation.

Federico Leon de la Vega’s Script on Blue

In a completely opposite place on the planet both figuratively and physically, Robert Downey Jr, in this same issue of AD, expresses an explanation for their selections and design direction. “We didn’t set out to do something conspicuously whacky.” He obviously gets great joy and a kick in the pants out of his approach which he cements, with the following comment: “We just enjoy a bit of whimsy and fun.” And then a negative nod to separate him from the more cerebral art enthusiasts – “We definitely don’t like boring.”

But that is a direct comment on the joy thing and one of my oft borrowed quotes “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Here, a tangible example that I created for my grandson, Liam a few years ago. Debris he and I collected while on a walk one day, I assembled into a collage and had it framed for him with the plaque to remind him to look at things and regard things from all angles.

From what one person derives joy, another might find boring and uninteresting. And that oddly seems to return to the Luis Laplace comment about not seeing beauty until it is placed and then can be recognized. Hmmmm…Yet, I am saying that it might be of value to study things and think about things differently than face value at a quick glance…spontaneity is valid and so is “love at first sight,” but often things are missed because their context s not serving them well. That space above your red sofa might be just the context and proper setting to showcase the “whatever it is” piece which might be far less interesting otherwise.

Which is why, in this time of international commerce delivering things from all over the planet with an almost instant gratification speed, we still have difficulty making decisions about what to chose to have in our world. Which fabric, which furniture, which art…the choices are at our fingertips and delivered to our doorsteps without leaving our living rooms, but fear of costly mistakes, second guessing trends and how to make good investments still remain the dilemma shared by most. Fear of trusting your own joy. Or, better yet, discovering and defining your personal joy.

Which brings me to the last quote I extracted from the December 2017 issue of AD by an artist, Brian Donnelly, speaking about his own residence and art collection, and that is “I don’t buy art to put in specific places. I just collect what I love and hope to find a place for it.” Sounds like spontaneous joy to me!!

Closing with best wishes for a Merry Christmas and “tidings of comfort and joy.”

Dec 17

When is Too Much, Not Quite Enough?

By pattisays In art and food, art and interior design, artistic expression, bars and restaurants, branding in interior design, camp - retro design, Christmas, clutter, commercial interior design, corporate branding, creativity, decorative arts, design, dining and design, element of surprise in design, exterior - outdoor design, fanciful design, Food and art, Graphic art, interior design, interior design trends, logos, multi-media design, nostalgia and design, personal expression, public design, recycle, recycle design, travel and design /

Perhaps – when you are an avid collector, limitless treasure-hunter and lover of basic Americana (comprised of the appreciation of indelible graphic design and branding mixed with a healthy dose of green chile cheeseburgers, bodacious bbq and good fun) – it’s never enough! We’re in Hatch, New Mexico at Sparky’s once again!!!! The sensational roadside attraction – Sparky’s burger bastion MUST know when too much is not enough!

Nine and a half years ago Teako made a statement and the word has been spreading ever since!

The opening of this fun and funky establishment started out with a few outrageous signs and vintage mascots like the Colonel Saunders on a bench, Ronald McDonald as the un-official greeter

and a dedication to signature green chile cheeseburgers and mouthwatering bbq. Now both sides of the street (and scattered around town) are towering, larger-than-life icons of days gone by and travelers from all over the world stop to experience this unique site.

But inside, the treasures also abound! With each visit we discover new surprises and exciting additions. Because its Christmas, we were enticed by the “Say Queso” photo scene. We donned funky antlers and cozied up to the decked-out tree, with a backdrop of sparkle and ornament, beneath dangling snowflakes,

flanked by a towering toy soldier and Jolly Old Saint Nick himself!

The stockings were hung in clustered abundance over the entryway to the dining room. No such thing as too many or too much here!!!

The walls are plastered with iconic paraphernalia.

Patina etched tin painted and pitted, with pocks of rust and tarnish – weathered through many storms adding further character to the familiar and not-so familiar pieces, until finding safe haven here in this magical collection.

Camp art un-selfconsciously curated on every square inch of interior space. A nostalgic presentation and preservation of graphic design and branding.

If you’re a “picker,” a graphic designer, a nostalgia buff, burger and bbq connoisseur or just a kid looking for a memorable bite on the side of the road,

Sparky’s unintentional museum, of the colorfully entertaining and eclectic, will not disappoint! It is a must-see landmark in this our Land of Enchantment.

Be enchanted at Sparky’s! Thanks for the memories!!!!! Keep ’em coming!!!

Dec 10

Value. What is an “Investment Piece” and Why?

By pattisays In artistic expression, beauty behold it, context of interior design, creative process, design, design solutions, design tips, design trends, Discovering Art, element of surprise in design, furniture finds, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, interior design, interior design trends, investment pieces, joy, lifestyle, nostalgia and design, personal expression, re-purpose, trends /

In the design vernacular we keep hearing the term “investment piece.” What makes an investment piece? Is it that you spent more on it than most other purchases? You splurged? You made an unusual purchase that generally costs more than your norm. Sure, makes sense, I get this. Considered to be a focal piece, this seems to be the nod. However, I often feel entirely differently.

Investment. An investment in time, emotion, thoughts and beliefs…what type of unusual investment? An “investment piece” is usually a focal point or a piece placed in a position of prominence. It makes sense to identify an “investment piece” as something that is monetarily outside your usual comfort zone – but must it?

Consider that there is also the fact that a piece that hits a chord and is not easily replaced – if at all – is an investment. Seeing an objet d’art, on a folding table at a garage sale or amidst the throngs of a flea market, that catches your eye and is yours for a song – the bargain of the decade, or at least that day, is an emotional investment. It’s not about the money.

This “find” might actually have “cred” in a broad evaluation of appraisal. It might be a tiny Waterford crystal bud vase, like I found at a flea market for two dollars, about 35 years ago. I was just starting out, decorating my world, and it’s cut glistened and caught my eye from a cluttered table of garden tools, electric curlers and all manner of debris. There was and still is a true value for this type of piece. It is replaceable – not one-of-a-kind, but a lovely piece. Similarly, at garage sale many years later, I spied a sparkle across many tables to discover a large Waterford ship’s decanter clustered with a few other unmarked pieces. Neighbors selling for a friend, they were cautiously asking twenty five dollars – the bargain of the day.

Once, in a consignment store, I came upon an ARS Italian ceramic box for five dollars that, although marked on the bottom, is not so published as to be easily priced. And I don’t care. Too me it is a one-of-a-kind find. It is old. I can’t replace it. I love the colors of the glazes and little pear top, it’s imperfections speak to it’s vintage and made-by-hand quality. It makes me smile.

When I hear people reference things by their monetary value, it strikes a sensitivity in me that is quite emotional. It annoys me. It frustrates me. Perhaps I am too sentimental, too attached to the enjoyment of “things,” but it’s what these things evoke, what they trigger in the form of memories or just spontaneous pleasure. What brings a smile, a tangible joy, is more to the point. It is a treasure.

Pieces with genuine sentimental value, because they have been inherited, reminding the current custodians of who preceded them and cared enough to preserve and pass down…and contrarily the ease with which some can unemotionally and easily part with something that has passed to them. It can be distilled to what one might find beautiful or not, and what speaks to the point – does this bring you joy or is it an onus?

It makes perfect sense that I am in this field. I see what clients have, ask them about what means what, and sometimes even argue in favor of keeping something that was destined for replacement or complete removal. I want to know what brings my clients joy. I want to make sure they don’t miss something they already have. It might just be the context that makes the difference.

Sometimes my clients have a piece – usually large – that they just don’t know how to use. They would like to, but just can’t find the right place. This is when we might consider other uses than the obvious. A bedroom dresser, might become a dining buffet. We change the context and save the piece. It gives new life and appreciation. It is a combination, in some cases, of function and joy. Thinking outside the box.

To have a careless non-attachment to things, that have not cost a relatively unusual amount, frustrates me. Yes, it can be a good thing, freeing actually. Whereas I am burdened by my sentimentality. The fact that something is disposable merely because it was a “find” or a “bargain” should not make it less valuable – in my estimation. It’s not always about an expense.

It is a similar, yet reverse, process as selecting an item because of its cost or brand as thought that validates it. As though it is the primary reason to make the decision. I prefer to encourage people to find confidence in what they like – not merely a perceived or recognizable value. The result is the uniqueness that makes their world more personal, more individual, more uniquely theirs. It’s a treasure hunt. What is the value?

An “investment piece” should be almost, if not, irreplaceable – not by its cost – but by its unique ability to bring you joy. Have confidence to know it when you see it. It will be the right decision.

Dec 03

How Long Did It Take You to Do That?”

By pattisays In Abstract Art, Albuquerque, New Mexico, art and interior design, artistic expression, artists, commercial interior design, context of interior design, creative process, creativity, design, design process, design solutions, handmade, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, interior design, interior design trends, value of art, value of good design, workplace design /

Recently chatting with a wonderfully multi-talented mixed-media artist of many colors, Laura Balombini and I commiserated on the Creative Process. A few weeks ago I blogged about the Creative Process as relates to client and designer interaction. Some people enjoy the detailed nature of the process and some prefer to be spared that enjoyment.

This recent conversation explored the hidden facets of the Creative Process. The light bulbs that go off in the wee hours of a sleepless night, the honing over time combinations and details, and the tapestry of life experiences that become the personal library of resources from which creativity is drawn. Sitting in traffic can even result in an unexpected, seemingly unrelated epiphany!

Often called the inelegant “brain fart,” ideas bombard. They pop out often uninvited – when one is NOT even focusing and trying to come up with a solution. They come about without prompt or foresight. They happen.

Creative minds can rarely unplug. Downtime takes a concerted effort. Even those rare moments of attempted escape are invariably interrupted by unwanted, but often valuable, ideas. Not that the ideas are unwanted, but the spontaneous interruptions can be unavoidably annoying.

Yet, it is exciting. Having ideas and bringing them to fruition is greatly satisfying. Balombini was bemoaning a similar quandary. Often asked “How long did it take you to paint that?” She said to me that the answer was obvious, but not what the observer wants to hear. Sometimes it takes minutes and other times it takes months. How can one charge the same square inch price or similar range of value for one piece that takes little time and something that takes much longer? She lamented that she wished curious observers would direct their questions more toward a genuine interest in the “process.” Such as, “How did you come to select that color combination?” or “What inspired this assemblage?”

Inspiration is not a straight line. It is trial and error. It is a combination and accumulation of layers of ideas and fragments of many experiences. It is an illuminating and distilling of observations – all stored in the many compartments of the creative mind to be extracted and applied as the opportunities warrant.

Where she and I differ is that she, as an artist, creates constantly as a part of her process – as a necessity of her creativity and/or in hope of attracting a buyer (unless it is a commission – in which case, she hopes to satisfy the buyer) and I, as an interior designer, provide clients a service of creative ideas, solutions, suggestions and opinions toward an end. The ideas are selected, dismissed, modified and ultimately executed resulting in a finished design that is the product of the Creative Process. The creative services should provide effective solutions and be unique and thoughtfully custom-tailored for the client’s individual requirements and desires. The solutions are a result of many educated elements, collected life experiences and observations.

To appreciate what it takes to create is to take an interest in the complexities of the “process”. What might take minutes, to convey or even execute, results from a thought process and observations that are without boundary. The cumulative collection of experiences is what enable the designer or artist to find creative solutions, offer a variety of ideas and possibilities. This is the shared commonality of our discussion.

How often have you strolled through a museum or art gallery and thought, “I could do that!”

Have you ever attended a wine and paint event and tried to render the subject and watched as other of your fun-loving companions struggle to do the same, with as many different results as there are participants at the party? Copying is not easy, but it is very different from originating.

As I pondered this blog’s subject yesterday, in advance of putting it into print, another remarkably related and coincidental exchange took place. There I stood in the company of two co-workers of a business office for which I had designed the interior. They, having arrived after the project had been completed, were not privy to the details of the design elements and the process over months that took place. One asked the origin of the art series punctuating the east wall of the reception area. It was a collection of contiguous abstracted landscapes with rough dashes of brush strokes and stacked layers of color. She asked if it was a result of a wine and paint party. I was aghast.

But upon further conversation it was clear that they recognized the same sized images, with a similar subject matter on each and the same color palette – not thinking beyond to the technically un-selfconscious (I like that word) process and ultimate application and execution. As we looked more closely and discussed the complexity of the texture and layering they came to understand that had they or I tried to copy it, we would not have had that remarkably un-selfconscious effect. Ours would be more tense and rigid, in the attempt to be relaxed, loose and seemingly simple. A new appreciation was realized. I had initiated an artistically creative commission from the very talented Federico Leon de la Vega as a solution for a long expanse with a splash of colorful, original, sophistication.

Artistic creativity is nebulous like a blond grabbing at the air…collecting her thoughts!!! Yet that nebulous creativity results in concrete solutions. Commission a painting, ask questions, buy one spontaneously when you like it, retain an interior designer and appreciate the Creative Process. Be creative and have a little fun. Try not to let it interfere with, or usurp, your attempts at some relaxing downtime.

The thickly applied paint on the canvas of the feature image, for this story, is by Ron Cheek. Incredible color balance, generous application of oil paint and loose strokes layered to present a powerful landscape. How long did it take him to do that? A lifetime up to that point.

Please visit our boutique gallery/design studio in downtown Albuquerque to see work by these fine artists and others!

Nov 25

COOK + PARTY: Set the Stage for Style with Art in Daily Life

By pattisays In art and food, art and interior design, artistic expression, creativity, decorative arts, design tips, design trends, dining and design, entertaining, Food and art, food and interior design, glass art, Guy Fieri, Guy Fieri's Next Big Project, Guy's Big Project, handmade tableware, interior design, interior design trends, lifestyle, party themes, pottery, sunflowers, tableware, unique serving pieces /

Having art woven through the daily activities of your world is stimulating, satisfying and inspirational. It stimulates the imagination, satisfies with the knowledge that is was created by an individual artist and inspires to spur the creativity we each have to express – whether we know it or not. It encourages appreciation.

Functional art is a cornerstone of the work we offer at PATRICIAN DESIGN. As a novel promotion of the various artists who create and produce exciting food-safe serving pieces on display and for sale in our shop and affirmation, of the belief we have that art should set the stage for style in daily life, we began our series – Patti’s COOK + PARTY. We like to party and we love art – so we party with art at the center of the festivities!!!! Let’s get this party started!!!!!

Six months ago, we began our series and followed the seasons as we progressed. By Fourth of July we featured festive party parfaits in expected red, white and blue! Our martini glasses were placed upon colorful cocktail coasters hand dyed and pieced into pretty patchwork squares by fiber artist, Rebecca Speakes!

Micheladas were given a twist with plump yellow heirloom tomatoes! Alongside was a fresh guacamole featured in a rippled-edged undulating little piece of pottery by artist Anne Marie Werner Smith.

Her collection is wonderful and we continue to feature key pieces in our weekly recipe pairings.

The pairing of recipes, with handmade art pieces on which to present and serve is inspiring. Here is a New York Strip steak bathed in a crazy fresh, from the garden, combination of pesto/chimichurri (yes, we created some crazy combinations of the two) sauce presented on a fanciful leaf platter by artist Robin Chlad!

Seeing examples of fun recipe ideas displayed on functional art creations is an unbeatable combination. Just tell Guy Fieri that for his Next Big Project!!! Rooting out artist’s studios in every pocket of the country and discovering great work and pairing it with great food – fantastic!

The colorful drawings and painterly style of Mariana Gasteyer’s pottery is whimsical and festive! Here a couple of examples and a fabulous featured recipe of a paired pear salad – half roasted and half freshly sliced – the combination was divine and the presentation on the platter was perfection!

A summer road trip took us too Tucson where we featured a huge lotus platter by artist Penne Roberts. Here we featured a vintage Shrimp Louis Salad.

As fall progressed, we hiked Tent Rocks to photo this amazing platform piece by Jenn Dipaolo.

Upon the platform we placed a pair of sweet and savory mini pumpkin pots de creme.

This past week we featured a dazzling, luminous glass sunflower bowl Margaret Hidalgo Vanderheyden.

This spectacular fused glass assemblage frames our pecan crusted cheese ball perfectly. Fall colors with holiday flair, this bowl makes a statement!!!

Supporting local artists, showcasing their pieces by pairing with food is the bomb!

Start family traditions with signature art pieces, build collections and shop small supporting local artists in your community!!!

If you would like to receive our weekly Patti’s COOK + PARTY recipes and pairings with our functional art finds, let us know what you think and sign-up with your email address!!

Nov 19

Custom Designed Art for Branding in Commercial Interiors

By pattisays In Abstract Art, Albuquerque, New Mexico, aluminum, art and interior design, artistic expression, artists, bars and restaurants, branding in interior design, breweries, commercial interior design, conference rooms, Contemporary Art, context of interior design, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, decorative arts, design, design process, Design Team, design trends, Gas Company of New Mexico, graphic arts, handcraft, handmade, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, interior design, interior design trends, Modern Art, Nexus Brewery, organization, patterns, photography, wall sculpture, workplace design /

Designing artwork for commercial interiors offers an opportunity to connect to the brand. It means that we take into consideration the artwork as relates to the business and its identity. You might remember a blog from last year about the can wall. It was designed for a taproom. The theme was beer. The name was “Silver” and we considered that a natural off-shoot of that was the silver color of aluminum beer cans – as a wall treatment!

Designing with Balance and the Creation of the Can Wall!

For that same project (in two locations) we further emphasized the brand with photos we took of their own products transferred to and stretched on canvas stretchers to be the “art” on the surrounding walls.

Fast forward to a conference room for an energy company home-based in Albuquerque – the iconic Sandia mountain being the earth’s monument – the familiar, perfect image to represent the company and the connection to the earth and its resources. For this project, we were asked to build 27′ of custom , cabinetry and dress the wall above it.

The tall ceilings required a vertical element, but the length of the wall also begged for horizontal space-filling. As a cost-effective solution to such a large space, we decided to take a photo of the majestic mountain, separate it into 5 sections and have it enlarged and transferred onto aluminum panels for light weight and rigidity. The reviews were sensational as everyone loves and relates to the familiar scene – seen in such a colorfully explosive and expansive installation.

In response to the success of that solution, the client asked for a complimentary treatment for the opposing wall. Again, the wall was 27′ long and had the same ceiling height so we used multiple fragments in 3 groupings to center across the entire expanse. “Elemental Fragments” was born of the concept to have just that – fragments of elements in an orderly fashion – uniform yet random, to contrast against its formal geometry in response to the amorphous photographic landscape. Colors were derived from the blue, green and yellow in the scenic panorama interspersed in a field of silver.

Last week, on the day of the installation, colorful creative chaos – resulting from unwrapping the individually hand-crafted compositions and scattering them across the conference table – was part of the fun, of the scene.

The tedious work of aligning all just right, with perfect spacing and level mounting, added to the anticipation of realizing the finished product.

The luminous glass against the rich, stained wood punctuated with the brushed stainless fasteners made a striking assembly.

Modern engineering and production, worldwide energy collaborations and shared technology coming together in a grounded environment of people and their place on the planet. A daunting system of assembling fragments of many elements that make things work to bring gas to the end users. The artwork makes the concept look easy. The result of the many facets, of the actual work and the artwork representing it, is not only effective, it is triumphal.

It’s creative fun to custom design pieces to relate to the brand, the business and the culture of a project. Bringing joy, pride and a sense of confidence in the focus of the work, to the employees and guests, is a successful finale.

Bring us your design challenge and we will design a solution specifically and especially for YOU!!!

Nov 12

Loved Loving Vincent!!!!

By pattisays In art and interior design, artistic expression, artists, beauty behold it, creativity, design, Discovering Art, drama of color, fanciful design, Impressionism, Impressionist painters, inspiration, interior design, joy, movies, multi-media design, Museums, National Gallery of Art, painters, personal expression, Provence, Vincent Van Gogh, Washington, D.C. /

Last night was a crystal clear starry starry night as we strolled down the quiet urban sidewalk, between the building facades, on our way to what we soon came to realize was an event we would never forget. Once settled in our seats and after way too many previews, the magic began and we were instantly mesmerized by the millions of brushstrokes of over 100 artists recreating the world immediately before and for a year after the death of Vincent Van Gogh.

There, in a cozy theater downtown, we experienced a wondrous film, Loving Vincent. We embarked on a extraordinary journey and were lost in this fanciful world of brilliant color and bold movement as the movie unfolded with an animation unlike we had ever experienced. It was a though we were watching Van Gogh paint this film. The rough deliberate strokes were actually moving as the scenes unfolded – the scenes were alive with the movement of the animation.

http://lovingvincent.com/

This remarkable delivery vehicle to convey a portion of Van Gogh’s world brought colors dancing – even screaming – across the screen in familiar swirls, and deliberate marks that were so identifiably his. What the artists were able to accomplish was astonishing. The focal surface of the theater was busy with the seemingly live brushstrokes of Vincent Van Gogh. Borrowing from his actual paintings, the viewer is transported into the world of his interpretation from street scenes where he experienced the corner with the yellow house to capturing individual’s who appeared throughout the film such as The Zouave in his red hat distinctive of his French military service, to the bearded postman, Joseph Roulin, who was so key in the intimate, mysterious and different story line, the expansive scenery of Provence and the intimate details of daily life.

As a true Van Gogh fan, it was love at first sight – do you remember where you were when first introduced to his magic? Having grown-up in Washington, D.C. I was fortunate to have had family visits and school field trips to the magnificent National Gallery of Art where, upon each visit starting at a very young age, I would scour the gift shop for postcards of my favorite images – taking home with me memories of the beautiful influences that have continued to shape my appreciation for color and composition, balance and light, contrast and context, subject matter and the power of observation. I must credit my mother and grandmother for instilling in me this awareness of things of beauty and their importance in our lives.

Fast-forward a bit…way back when…dare I admit…when first studying art history in college, the bible was HW Janson’s HISTORY OF ART. A daunting tome filled with the overview of all that is art as we knew it at the time. Van Gogh and his impressionist colleagues were sprinkled throughout latter portion of the book.

There his genius was once again presented to me stirring a wild appreciation for his rebellious disregard for conventional painting styles. He possessed and fed his own passionate, if not desperate, need to apply paint to surfaces, capturing life and telling stories from his unique and insightfully perceptive vantage point. The Impressionists have always stirred a passion for the boldly colorful, adventuresome, romantic and sensitively sensual expressions of life for me.

Years later my husband and I were fortunate to attend the National Gallery’s exhibit Masterpieces from the Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam.

It was the fall of 1998 and we were thrilled to be walking toward the oh so familiar edifice with great eagerness for what awaited.

The line wrapped the building, but moved along with efficient, orderly procession as the anticipation grew with each forward step.

Inside we purchased the audio tour tapes and, with headsets on, immersed ourselves for the next few hours in the dazzling world of this remarkable artist.

His unique undaunted expression of the scenes, people and details around him, through his own unschooled techniques, was awe-inspiring.

Tormented and tested he discovered his passion and for a very few years carving out an indelible place that will live, breathe and be enjoyed forever.

The people in their joys and sorrows, fashion of the time, landscapes of bountiful beauty, interiors of keenly observed detail all expressed through his sensitive eye and brought to generations of viewers – a priceless gift to the world.

The take-away…embrace bold expression, fear not color in your world, appreciate the details, and go see this film, Loving Vincent, before it leaves a theater near YOU!!!!

Nov 05

Adding Personality & Panache – Before & Afters

By pattisays In bathroom remodel, before and after, color and temperature re: interior design, Color schemes, custom design interior design, dark colors, design, design tips, drama of color, hiring an interior designer, interior design, interior design trends, lifestyle, master bathrooms, mosaic tile, natural integrity of the materials, natural stone, personal expression, powder rooms, remodeling, residential restrooms, selecting colors, stone, tile, timeless colors, trends, updating /

Everyone loves befores and afters. Last week we featured a project that received a dramatic transformation. The trick is, you have to think thoroughly about taking “befores” before you tear into it!!! Hindsight is so often 20/20 when delving into a remodel.

I dashed over to Phoenix last month to celebrate the Grand Opening of an exciting new clinic that we have recently completed. While there I visited great friends and re-visited a wonderful residential project that has stood the test of time.

Here we have two restrooms in that same project. Rich colors of warm coral, brick and golden tones with natural materials from stone floors to counter-tops and wall treatments. It is a Spanish theme – albeit eclectic with art and decorative accessories, of this well-traveled couple.

What was plain 80s’ vanilla receives a new-found richness and warmth, depth and interest. Do not be afraid of dark colors in small rooms – I’ve said that many times in the past. I’ll bet that you have seen spaces exactly like these “before” shots. Clean slates, but so uninteresting it is remarkable to think owners are content to live without personality in their anemic interior spaces. We added powerful personality and panache throughout this residence.

The master bath had dated surfaces and uninteresting configuration. We transformed the area by connecting, with a glass panel, the tub and shower areas. However, we elected to use a shower curtain instead of glass door. I often suggest this alternative. It is softening, less expensive, easy, minimal maintenance – less wiping!!! Watch for another new master bath with a shower curtain and glass combo.

Full wall treatments of stone or ceramic are wonderful, substantive ways to suggest architecture over mere decorative appliqué. The material suggests structural forms. It never should stop on an outside corner, lest it defeat the purpose. It is to be a mass.

So take those “befores” and enjoy the “afters.” Don’t be afraid of dark colors in small rooms, and use stone and ceramics generously without fear.

P.S. Last week and this today are of a fabulously enjoyable and successful remodel transformation done 12 years ago!!! Yes, revisiting a couple of weeks ago, I took these afters of exactly the interior that we designed that long ago. It has been a virtually timeless project. The owners have enjoyed the spaces so well that they have maintained them without any modification. So we thought that you as readers would get a kick out of the long-term success of these design decisions.

Oct 30

SPANISH STYLE BRINGS INTERIOR SPICE

By pattisays In architecture, before and after, Color schemes, context of interior design, creative process, custom design interior design, design, design process, design tips, design trends, drama of color, hiring an interior designer, interior design, interior design trends, lifestyle, personal expression, remodeling, Spanish Colonial, Staircases, stone, tile /

Fabulous clients – turned great friends – bought a good-sized townhome in Phoenix. It was plain vanilla inside with wall-to-wall broadloom and everything painted the same creamy neutral. They stood in the center of this bland slate and called me saying we think we want to clean this up and go with a mission-style simplicity.

They saw the ornate cream-painted wrought iron ascending the curved staircase and wanted it gone!

I flew over and saw for myself this dated interior with very good bones. Layout had great flow, nice lines, handsome coffered ceiling and other interesting features. I pondered the elements and the context of the exterior architecture. It was stucco with red clay tile roof, and iron railing details. Sure, we could slick it up, remove the embellishments…but should we?

The desert heat can be oppressive. Some choose to embrace the glories of the sunshine and design bright airy interiors with plenty of refrigerated air to compensate for nature’s blistering temperatures. This approach we were about to take was to be quite different, in that it offered a shady reprieve from the elements.

Therefore, despite the initial suggestion, for the style of the remodel, by my clients I offered another design direction . Why not spice it up with Spanish? Here we are in Phoenix, with architecture suggesting this genre. Knowing their bent for traditional interiors, from two past residences that we had designed together, and with a detailed discussion of the possibilities and evaluation of the elements, we agreed on the Spanish theme and began the transformation.

This is a perfect example of isolating the existing features and determining what to salvage and what to remove. Of the things to be salvaged, how can they be revitalized? So, with that in mind, the staircase was stripped of its carpeting and solid wood treads were added with custom-designed glazed ceramic tile, for the risers. A Moorish influence was the basis for the geometric motif. The staircase’s semi-ornate railing was painted a dark, nearly black, charcoal. The result was startling.

Throughout the home, colors changed, stone columns and fireplace details were added, a wet bar was abandoned in favor of opening into the kitchen. Travertine stone floors were installed throughout the lower level with hardwood upstairs.

An open loft area was compartmentalized into a narrow gallery-bookcase with isolated and fully closed office beyond. Bold colors over-lap and contrast on layers of interior planes.

The result is a cozy retreat from the desert heat incorporating design elements suggestive of Spanish Colonial, transitioning to other modern elements complementing the overall design. To begin a remodel, look at the existing elements, the style of the architecture, the context of the structure and see if you can find a story.

This house now tells a story of intentional decisions, cohesive finishes, a directional theme and a finished product that represents the owners’ giving personal identity to their home.

Oct 15

The Importance of Color in Design – How to Begin

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, architecture, artistic expression, color and temperature re: interior design, Color schemes, color wheel, colors, Contrasting colors, design, design process, design tips, designs in nature, drama of color, hiring an interior designer, inspiration from nature, interior design, International Balloon Fiesta, Jason Cohen, red, seasonal interior design, selecting colors, timeless colors /

This last week I was inspired by a rainbow that appeared over our great Sandia Mountain and within 3 minutes I nearly tripped over a bed of flowers presenting the same rainbow of colors. With this pairing of color coincidence, I felt compelled to write this week’s blog about color.

Color can be difficult. It is so critical to effective design decisions whether graphic design, fashion design, interior design or architecture. It might be used for a logo to brand a business , a room scheme or the exterior of a monumental building…how do you begin to select a color or a color scheme?

Well first you have to consider your client. What are their needs and desires? Once narrowed, the search for the perfect colors to convey their project’s personality begins.

Computers aid designers in finding fine nuances between colors. Exploring the range of values in a hue – the range of light to dark of a specific color and the adjacent colors that meld from one to the next has become easier.

It all comes down to the color wheel. It’s a circle illustrating the colors of the spectrum. The relationship of these colors are the building blocks of all the colors. Sir Isaac Newton – the same of the apple and gravity fame – devised this understanding of the rainbow of colors back in the 1600s using a prism to identify the components.

As children we are taught about the rainbow of colors comprising ROY G BIV – the easy to remember name that represents the colors RED ORANGE YELLLOW GREEN BLUE INDIGO VIOLET

Decisions regarding the selection of colors and the resulting schemes are identified by the following relationships:

Complimentary – two opposite colors on the color wheel

Monochromatic – three different values of the same color

Analogous – three adjacent colors on the color wheel

Split Complements – one color and the two adjacent tertiary colors of its complement

Triadic – three evenly spaced colors on the color wheel

Tetradic – two complimentary pairs of colors

As I pursued this topic today, I encountered an interesting site by a guy Jason Cohen. If you are curious to know more on the subject, check out https://blog.asmartbear.com/color-wheels.html

This last week, over the course of 2 days, I encountered several examples of these colors all around me. From the rainbow to the flowers and myriad balloons. It didn’t hurt that it was during the International Balloon Fiesta http://www.balloonfiesta.com/ which is one of the most colorful events in the world.

Unless we have a limitless budget affording custom design materials, it is best to begin with the materials that offer the fewest colors. I have mentioned this in the past, there are more paint colors than there are carpet colors, fabric colors, or solid surface materials. Therefore, selecting your color scheme based upon the selection of a material with fewer color options is the best start…you build from there…paint being the easiest component to finish the scheme.

Color affects mood, perceived temperature, individual’s reaction to seasonal cues, and all manner of context. Pastels in springtime and warm tones in the fall – color makes powerful suggestions and should be used as a tool with that power in mind. The power of suggestion. What are you suggesting? What are you trying to convey?

With your best intentions, colors will change with light sources, time of day, adjacent colors and people’s own perceptions. It is not a perfect science when you consider all those variables. Take caution to select colors based upon the conditions that will occur in the final location/presentation. Without fear, pick your color schemes and beware, but don’t be afraid!