Dec 03

All’s Well That Ends Well

By pattisays In art and interior design, beauty behold it, color and temperature re: interior design, design, interior design, window dressings /  

The last leaves are about to drop and the intensity of these red ones was smack dab on the mark of an elegant drapery design/installation that we recently completed. And what a trial it was…
After so many years in practice …need I count? I have had the genuine pleasure of working with so very many people on a broad variety of projects and none to date have rivaled the Murphy’s Law series of events of this one.
Wonderful people, smart, thoughtful and creative – a follow-up consultation to a successful one of a year or two past, and an interesting combination of new design opportunities presented a creative challenge. The first item was concern for privacy and possible dressing of dining room windows. At the same time, two adjacent windows – long skinny and operable – begged for some attention.
The solution, (in this Asian-themed fairly formal dining room)was a fully lined, embroidered rich crimson red fabric of side panels backed by lightly textured but translucent full- width sheers – hung by rings on an iron rod with hand-forged hammered ball finals.
The fabric was in stock. It was put on reserve while we received approval to proceed with the order. The urgency of securing the fabric was the first order of business. Once done, the schedule to fabricate could be pursued. The order was placed and the fabric arrived within a week. That was the first phase. Without the fabric, nothing else can happen. You can select a fabric – fall in love with it – and then find that it is not in stock or even if you have reserved it, the stock has been sold out from under you. So in this case, securing the fabric was a coup.
The seamstress – our favorite – was pressed with many other orders and her daughter’s wedding. We said we could wait. She thought that she could have the order out in 6 weeks. And just about that time, maybe seven weeks, she finished the draperies. The client was anxious (not due to any date that we had previously been advised about) and indicated that she had waited “so long” for the draperies. We scheduled the installation and arrived on the scene. The installer proceeded to assemble the iron hardware that had been delivered to the site.
He elected to use his own counter-sinks instead of the ones include by the iron fabricator. The installer’s sinks were larger than the hand-painted screws provided by the installer so that when he put his in the wall and proceeded to install the screws – they spun around in the sinks – oops. At that point, the holes by his sinks were larger than the sinks proved by the fabricator – so an alternative was not at hand. He decided that they would hold for now and that he would come back and adjust the pieces later.
Then we carefully unwrapped the finely pressed to perfection draperies – only to find that they were a couple of inches too short – YES! At which point we could only re-wrap them with great care so as not to ruin the perfectly pressed folds and return them to the seamstress.
As it turned out, the communication about the placement of the double rods and their rings and relative length of the draperies was in error – oops! So the rods remained and draperies were returned to the seamstress with instructions to lengthen them accordingly.
Unbeknownst to us, the seamstress had enlisted the aid of a friend with a larger table as she didn’t want to work on such fine material at such a length on her smaller table. Unfortunately, the friend left town without leaving access to her home so we were 8 days waiting for her return in order to access her house and the draperies left on her table. The client was beside herself.
Inasmuch as we had never determined a date for completion, it was becoming an unusually protracted exercise in time to fabricate and install a drapery treatment – especially in light of the fact that the fabric had been immediately available. It was more about the delay in starting on the part of the seamstress – which at first was not perceived as a problem – but when they were the wrong length, the client was perturbed and more than disappointed and then to have them inaccessible in another’s house was strange – but true – and seemed to be the straw that broke the camel’s back. So that’s where we stood. The client was in tears.
The seamstress came to the site to verify the dimensions, learned that the client was hosting a luncheon in a week and was unable to commit to having them finished due to the fact that they were stuck in a friend’s inaccessible house.
The seamstress hovered over the phone of the absent friend to insure that she would have access immediately upon her return. And as soon as she did returned, the process to modify the draperies began. Within 24 hours the changes were made and the draperies were scheduled to install. The client’s luncheon was the following day. The install went without a hitch. The draperies and their installation were perfection. Except for one other thing, (remember, Murphy’s Law?). The center bracket was too long and projected down an inch into the window. NOT apparent to anyone in passing but the owners knew and it certainly was not the right detail. So it sat in their craw for a couple more days until we could get the iron fabricator out there and with the help of the client, cut, paint and re-install it.
There are many cruel and frightening things happening in the world every day. Inconveniences like this in a privileged world – not intentional – and among many caring and responsible people –who for unknown reasons of coincidence, human error, or some fantastic confluence of energy is a Murphy’s Law that is to be recognized as such, understood – if not laughed about – and moved beyond. However, this particular series of events (and a couple of equally innocent others that occurred for this one couple on their four month design project) unnerved them.
The end product was beautiful. They have expressed their pleasure with the final outcome and we hope that they will appreciate all the effort that went into the compensating accommodations despite and/for the freaky series of Murphy’s Law events that riddled their project. All’s well that ends well.

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Dec 02

Visiting the Rest of the Planet, Upon Occasion

By pattisays In aging in place design, context of interior design, design, environment, interior design, nostalgia and design /  

Back after a week of visiting family and friends in my hometown of Washington DC and the surrounding Virginia suburbs, we find that we have compiled myriad observations about the contrasts between our two worlds. The sensory overload and ideas galore give us energy, if not exhaustion.
Lights, graphic designs, shopping extravaganzas, all the chain restaurants and those individually owned – those mega enterprises and the more personal entrepreneurial endeavors. So much design is universal and obviously certain cultures have their own. Multi-cultures within one complex setting is startling, fascinating and worth consideration.
I met with a new client. His needs were like others, to create a homey environment where there once was more activity – to re-invent a new version of life in the same environment. Starting with the basics that he already owned, some from long ago and others recently purchased, we set forth to design his interior.
Listening to what he liked and enjoyed and what he hoped to achieve, we began the process. To hear what a client is saying and to discern what they mean differently from what they actually speak is a fine line. We weaved through the discourse and moved between statements of seeming fact only to be dispelled in the next few minutes by new considerations after careful and thoughtful exchanges of ideas took place. His life was comfortable, in a beautifully intimate setting, fairly insulated in a pleasant pocket, paced well and not too different from ours far from the bustling city. More on this in a later blog.
But comparing our relaxed, fairly even pulse and predictably manageable pace to the frantic, blitz of traffic and graphic overload that we’ve seen – we are reminded that people do live in “pockets” of larger environs. They shop close to home and work if possible within a reasonable radius. Less fortunate have lengthy tiresome and tension-filled commutes and interact with a broader, more complex set of people and places. It’s a mix.
Yet, in summary we find that, well, we love our life here in the Land of Enchantment and very much enjoy visiting the rest of the planet upon occasion!

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Nov 25

Designing Pies and Giving Thanks

By pattisays In food and interior design, nostalgia and design /  

Everyone has their own Thanksgiving traditions – one of ours is all about pies. Our grandmother, Dee Dee, was the pie baker of perfect pies. Feather has continued with her recipes and added some of her own – or in the case of the pumpkin chiffon, Charlie Gibson’s recipe – yes, ABC’s Charlie Gibson! From traditional pecan to classic apple and traditional pumpkin pies, the pumpkin chiffon has joined the ranks at our Thanksgiving table.
I told Feather that if she were to sell these pies, she would have to charge $300.00 per pie as the care and attention to detail that she devotes to each is astonishing. These are not production pies! They are masterful pieces of deliciously edible art – they are flakey of crust and delicate, yet rich of flavors and are even requested by the up-coming generation in lieu of birthday cakes! The kids eagerly await their birthdays to request their favorite pie as their birthday pastry of choice!
Some will want a big chunk of cheddar cheese alongside their apple and others will prefer a large scoop of vanilla ice cream. Some want them warmed and others don’t care. With the initial introduction of the pumpkin chiffon, for example, some were dismayed that they might not ever have their traditional pumpkin again – regardless of how fine and fabulous the new version might be – traditions are hard to let go, which brought us to the detail of brown sugared walnuts sprinkled in the circle on top of Dee Dee’s traditional pumpkin pie – a detail that I adore. Feather piped up that she never cared for the nuts on top – I exclaimed with total disbelief – “How could you NOT love those nuts on the top?” To which she simply replied, “I just didn’t.” “So”, she continued, “I guess you’ll be missing those nuts this year.” which now is bothering me no end as I think about how I love those nuts on top of the traditional pumpkin pie.
Yesterday, when one of the men was sent to the store with a last minute grocery list – one question was “What type of whipping cream?” At which point we all turned and looked incredulously in his direction and I asked “What on earth do you mean, what kind of whipping cream?” To his defense came a kinder voice – “well, I see why you asked that.” He replied, “Well yes, there is whipping cream in the carton and the squirt out of a can – and I guess that’s all.” And she quietly said, “Yes well, I prefer the carton, that’s what I meant.” I can just imagine what would have happened had he arrived with a can of squirtable whipped cream – EVEN if it were to say that it is all dairy! And then there was the package of shelled edamame instead of the requested frozen green peas – well anyone can make that mistake.
So go forth this Thanksgiving Day and I hope that you have the flavors and friends, family and festivity that you deserve and desire – for which we are all very thankful. As for me, I guess I’ll be missing those nuts this year – but other things considered, not much to miss with all the other bountiful things for which to give much thanks.

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Nov 20

Gather ‘round and Give Thanks – It’s All Relative!

By pattisays In context of interior design, dining and design, food and interior design, interior design, kitchen, practical design /  

A community table… in a place, like the “stand-in-line for days until your table is announced – but WELL worth the wait,” Pasqual’s in Santa Fe, is a stimulating and spontaneous experience. You elect to be seated at the “Community Table” where, in the center of the space, you are seated with total strangers to commune over your meal. Not unlike speed dating – because you are placed between people that you don’t know and conversing about whatever comes to mind and connects from there…however, not fast like “speed dating’ nor as engaging because you are not searching for a mate…
So, where does this place us in this blog? Tonight, we gathered at a friend’s for dinner. The hors d’ oeuvres were many and they were placed on the kitchen island where people usually gather for a party. But the hostess had different ideas. She had a perfectly comfortable farm table nestled into a banco filled with grand, over-stuffed down pillows WHICH that very day she had taken out back and vacuumed to a fare-thee-well.
With encouragement and the talents of a herding dog to steer us, we migrated to the table, where the hors d’oeuvres were transferred in the middle for central reach, and where began an animated collective of multiple conversations – simultaneous and energizing. The drinks were generous and the hors d’oeuvres were plenty. Complex and purely traditional cheeses and crackers, toasts with blue and walnuts, Shitake spread and veggies for the crunch and relief from the decadent and cheesy – yet elegant – proteins of it all!
As it becomes that cozy time of year…we gather with friends and make good conversation…durable, moisture resistant Crypton fabrics have made these kitchen banco pillows/cushions, in the aforementioned very real scene, easy to maintain over the years. Now, in an incredible variety of types, styles and colors, Crypton can be YOUR new best friend. Please don’t abuse it with oils…all other liquids will race off the surface – wine, water, coffee and tea – all other than oils – and even with oils, ACT FAST – and you will mitigate the problem.
Nearing Thanksgiving –we give thanks –gather round and know that others have it much more stressful than we – and if you are stressed – put it in perspective and KNOW that there are others less fortunate. Happy almost Thanksgiving! Think About It!!!!!!

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Nov 19

For the LOVE of Life – Bring the Plants Inside!

By pattisays In exterior - outdoor design, interior design, practical design, seasonal interior design, summer /  

It’s here…perhaps a week ago- but soon, if not right now –if you haven’t done so already – it’s time to Bring the Plants Inside!!! There is a fine line between being a slave to your geraniums which seem to rejuvenate and thrive with bountiful clusters of flowers just when the air is the coolest, right before the first frost and the person who can ignore the pending doom. HOW can you possibly let them just die in the cold after such a profuse growth spurt and promise of beautiful blooms to come? That’s the irony of seasonal plants – yet, you can successfully bring them inside to weather out the winter months and return to your patio in the spring!
The problem is – where to put them??? It messes with our Interior Design to impose this wild collection of plants into the interior setting that is so precisely organized. You might even consider bringing an étagère from the patio to the inside of your home for the express purpose of placing/saving these many plants in a consolidated vertical footprint. You might place them on the floor if they are large enough to do so – that means occupying a space probably big enough for a lounge chair!!
But it is a season dilemma –very real and continuously challenging. Then there are those brave souls who make that ultimate decision – to “heck” with them – this year I am vindicated – let the frost take them – I’ll watch them shrivel into little clumps of what looks like cooked spinach!! I’ll just buy more next year! Hmmm, an economical decision – maybe…
Versus those who nurture these babies year after year and watch them change, evolve, and grow who could no more leave them to the sure death in the cruel cold of the seasonal change than stay out there themselves to freeze to death in that quiet way that “they say” that particular type of death overcomes one. No – that would NOT be an option!!
So plan ahead and eek out the space needed to house your precious plants for the cold winter months so as to enjoy releasing them to the warmth of spring on your patios bringing their new growth and joy to your outdoor living spaces!

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Nov 18

Get Ready for Thanksgiving You Turkey!

By pattisays In Uncategorized /  

We were in a fabulous candy store in Charleston and the creativity expressed in the confections was hilarious. The holiday season and the art of design – from candy to pies, turkey preparation with gold leafing to Pilgrim Joe’s (Trader Joe’s) Pumpkin Ice Cream, it’s the beginning of the most festive few weeks of the year and the art of designing for the celebrations begins!
Yes, from humor and whimsy to luxurious detail the elements are endless. The craft paper turkeys and pilgrims that come home from school projects and decorate the fronts of refrigerators, dangle from chandeliers over the center of the table and tack onto bulletin boards are the simple basics.
I remember attending a fantastic affair several years ago that featured a gold-leafed turkey as the centerpiece of the table. Get out of town! It was magnificent! Imagine the tedious task of leafing that enormous bird with fine gold foil – it was an art project unto itself. The decadent, edible masterpiece was a show-stopper! Each slice presented with the fine gold strip that carved off with the skin and so delicately detailed the meat.
Then just last week we discovered “Pilgrim Joe’s” pumpkin ice cream at Trader Joes. Although we ate it so quickly that a decorative preparation was not in the picture, I have since envisioned it spread evenly into a flakey piecrust or even a graham cracker crust to create a frozen confection version of a traditional pumpkin pie – top that with walnuts in brown sugar syrup and Voila! A new tradition begins!!
It’s a lot about food and its fabulous presentation – but it also about the table presentation. I saw white china plates in all sizes with fine metal banding for a dollar a piece at Dollar Tree in Tucson. It might be Limoges or paper plates –fine leaded crystal or Styrofoam cups – but the gathering around for a meal to pause and give thanks is a cherished event.
Let’s drape the tables, light the candles broadcast fall leaves, bring out the gilt and silver, gourds and cinnamon sticks – the warm, cozy seasonal signatures and have a little fun too – you turkey!

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Nov 17

Change Can Refresh

By pattisays In Uncategorized /  

Sometimes it just takes on thing in a room – probably a primary piece – to make enough of a change to refresh-renew-redirect…It might be a seasonal change, the change of a partner, the change of a job…but whatever the reason, just one thing can make the difference.
Perhaps it’s to celebrate one of those aforementioned changes…a cause to celebrate – change your bedspread!! Yes, that is certainly a primary piece in a room – the bed in a bedroom is clearly, with rare exception, the largest, most focal piece in that room. So, change the spread – you don’t even have to change all of the bed dressings – keep the bed skirt, and even the pillows and select a fabric that goes with the other elements but, is radically different from the previous throw.
Change can refresh. It can reaffirm, and renew. Its best when it is your choice – change that is NOT your idea can jolt…but if the jolt happened first, then walk into that change with deliberation – make something else change that makes you feel good!! So rearrange you furniture, buy a piece of art – find out about the artist, paint your bathroom, do some regular exercise, and bake for a friend. It will feel good!

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Nov 14

Sensational Project by Sensational People

By pattisays In Uncategorized /  

I didn’t quite get it when I was asked to participate in a table-top design event for” Sensational Settings” to benefit St. Luke’s Home in Tucson. I thought…”how interesting could it be for people to buy tickets for an event, in the middle of the day, on a Sunday, to see table dressings?” Whoa, was I surprised!!!
The months of planning upon years of prior events – this is their 15th year – results in a perfectly orchestrated, aesthetically beautiful (right down to the auction sheets – double layered with matching raffia bow attachments) of the bountiful, colorful silent auction…spectacular presentation of the raffled dining table settings, exquisite catering delicacies, party cocktail bar and desserts galore!
Upon entering the room, many designers had started their presentations and our first reaction was “uh oh, we’re not vertical!” The table tops scattered around this big room were towering with decorative regalia and we knew we were only presenting a blue glazed Mexican pottery piece in the center of our table.
As the day unfolded, we were quite pleased with our modest, yet colorfully layered tables dressings… magenta floor-length 120” cloth, topped with a French embroidered chartreuse square and that topped with a loose weave multi-colored Brazilian filet lace. Then, were the multi-tones of the green woven fringed rectangles and wavy woven coral placemats. Upon which were placed the antique blue and white Talavera dinner plates. They were topped with hot pink paper cocktail napkins with a botanical pink-on-pink pattern – upon which was a cocktail glass of Mexican hand-blown blue glass in which was a bouquet of mixed alstroemeria lilies in bright pink, golden yellow and deep magenta – the mix was magic! The additional accoutrements were three hand-blown Tequila bottles from Mexico (yes, I save those beautiful hand-blown bottles once empty – as art forms – porque no?) and glass mosaic votive candle jars white and yellow glass, spiral blue glass hand-blown stemmed goblets from Mexico, and the October 2010 issue of Tucson Lifestyle Home and Garden Magazine in which our casita was featured, and the hot pink, carnation pink, and sunflower yellow cotton napkins in the dyed wooden and woven ball napkin holders from the 50s and the stunning blue pottery piece that was the center of our world. It was a celebration of Tequila and Talavera – Ole! Hence, the name of our table, yes, “Tequila and Talavera, Ole”!
What a fun and fabulous event! Creative energy gathering for a sensational organization. Thank you all!! We loved being involved!!

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Nov 13

Life Design – with a Focus – with a Purpose!

By pattisays In Uncategorized /  

The freedom of expression and comfort derived from designing a space just for you is a gift. It might not seem that way at first. But it will become a personal interpretation of your definition of home and life that is simply astonishing. If home is your safe zone and the place you go to get renewed and rejuvenated…it deserves the attention to detail that will bring you the most satisfaction. It might also be the place from which you work. I encountered this tonight and was refreshed merely by experiencing the environment and the manner in which it was programmed, furnished and finished.
A very talented woman has re-designed her life. With that major transition has come a refining of her priorities, culling of redundant accumulations, incorporating of things special, important and sentimental, focusing on things of beauty and those that give her pleasure.
Most of us have accumulated more that we will ever need. Some of this is just life. Years of acquisitions, and gifts…bordering on hording, results in that over-accumulation that is life. Only because we might need it someday or someone gave it to us or we just haven’t taken the time to clean house, we become overwhelmed with stuff. Not to mention, the places to which you could donate such extra things are greatly in need and the many people who also would benefit from you discarding duplicate articles of clothing or household accessories are worth the exercise.
Seeing this new lease on life tonight was so refreshing and up-lifting that is was startling. Yes, it was so positive and so forward-moving that was inspirational. This goes beyond interior design. This was life design – with a focus – with a purpose. And the result was wonderful, complete and had room for new layers of carefully selected acquisitions as her future unfolds.
So, step back and take stock. By peeling away layers of stuff you might free yourself of layers of burden. The result might be a refreshed interior design that will translate into a refreshed lifestyle. A place from which to go forward!

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