Aug 16

Serenity and Peace in Water Features

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, ambiance, Arizona, artistic expression, color of light, Covid -19, COVID Crisis and Design, creative process, creativity, custom lighting, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design theme, design tips, design trends, designing small spaces, designing with a purpose, designs in nature, DIY design, environmental design, exterior - outdoor design, functional art, Garden, good design, hiring an interior designer, home, home decor, home improvements, home spa, illusion of space, inspiration from nature, interior design, Interior design pro tips, interior design trends, joy, landscape architecture, landscape design, LED, lifestyle, mosaic tile, natural designs, natural stone, outdoor pools, patio, patio design, peaceful places, personal expression, personal spaces, planning a new home, planning a remodel, pools and spas, private places, Refresh, relaxation, remodeling, Santa Fe, New Mexico, spa, stone, Subscribers, summer, swimming pools, swimming spas, tips for new home design, trending design, trends, Tucson, update design, updating, urban design, urban living, value of good design, water features /   1 Comment

The serene sound of a fountain can provide mesmerizing relaxation. Like white noise, but better. Close your eyes, in close proximity to a little fountain, and be lulled into a wonderful respite zone. Even indoors, this is an effective relaxation element…outside the birds and breeze contribute to the joy. 

Pets reap benefits too! Kona gets a refreshing sip from the fountain!!!
At night, that same fountain offers gentle water sounds and an interesting sculptural effect.

Social distancing and isolation – these two popular terms that have defined so much of our daily living in the last several months and imparted a negative connotation. They paint a picture of living more at home – alone and even “out-of-touch” – literally.  All of my childhood I heard the phrase “ne touche pas!” My uncle’s favorite, for sure! And now I hear it in my mind all the time. Don’t touch the shopping cart, door handle, people’s hands, “ne touche pas!” and if you do – wash and sanitize to a fare-thee-well!

Yet, on a positive note, this stay safe – be safe – living at home has spawned creativity to maximize that environment and relieve stress. It means, more than ever, expanding your outdoor options from placing a pair of chairs and tiny table on a previously unused, diminutive urban balcony or adding a palatial pool in your backyard…there are many options in-between depending on your circumstances and means. 

Our cousin in Tucson has created a lagoon effect with the dark bottom and mosaic trim. an oasis in the desert.

Water features are an amazingly therapeutic design element. Water suggests cleansing. It is refreshing and renewing. Water has promise. It can also suggest escape.

The Calgon add campaign of decades ago resonates today for those of us who remember…”Calgon, take me away…Lose yourself in luxury” The escape and indulgence of a relaxing soak in a tub. The gentle buoyancy relieves tension and encourages rest. It often suggests leisure. It is a luxurious, pampering exercise.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yjGPgs0_S0  Here is a video from the 70s to take you back to “Take me away…” Come back Calgon!!! We miss your commercials now more than ever!!!

Taking that refreshing water scene outdoors is one of the most popular design projects trending today. From DIY to major construction people are discovering ways to escape without leaving home. Water features provide virtual escapes and actual refreshment for many people seeking that added dimension, diversion and sought-after pleasure in their lives.

A friend in Phoenix has tricked out her pool with fabulous landscaping, spectacular iridescent glass tiles and LED lighting – the luminous colors an be changed with her mood!!!!

Swimming pools, a gorgeous grotto, lap lane, all afford the luxury of submersion and even exercise.

We’re speaking with Diamond Spas of Longmont, Colorado this week on behalf of a client who is interested in a partially above ground swim spa!! https://www.diamondspas.com/swimming-pool-spa-collection/custom-pools/stainless-steel-swimming-pools/

The sound of a small water feature to a creek-like landscape addition in your yard – the projects are many. This DIY guy created what he fondly calls “Covid Creek” – a project that took several weeks of focused creativity and back-breaking work all prompted by being stuck at home. The results are a magical mountain stream flowing beneath the trees in their modest-sized backyard. A creek-like water feature or pond can offer a respite to sit beside, dangle your toes and imagine scene far from the confines of our limited environs. You would be amazed at what beautiful illusions can be accomplished!!!

A babbling backyard book built as a therapeutic DIY project during the COVID confinement.

Such multi-sensory water features offering the touch and feel of water, gentle sound and visual beauty are powerful design elements to exercise the senses. Our senses suffer with redundant stimulation.  The reclusive limitations of recent months have us stagnating with sameness.  It’s the variety if stimuli we are so accustomed to experiencing that keeps things interesting and alive. Moving water is one of these exceptional sensory stimulations. 

Organic garden sculptures – chiseled granite boulders with re-circulating water – meld with the landscaping.

Whether a tiny fountain or in-ground pool…even a galvanized livestock tub – investigate your options. Regard your environment and study your spaces to select the best design elements for your setting. 

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Aug 18

Back to School: 10 Pro-tips for Setting Up a Dorm Room

By pattisays In 1970s, Albuquerque, New Mexico, apartments, Arizona, artistic expression, before and after, clutter, Color schemes, color trends, colors, context of interior design, creative process, creativity, decorative accessories, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designing small spaces, designing with a purpose, dorm room design, existing materials, expanding spaces, fashion and design, hiring an interior designer, how to select colors, illusions of space, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, lifestyle, nostalgia and design, organization, personal expression, personal taste, pink, practical design, selecting colors, Subscribers, throw pillows, trends, Tucson /  1 1 Comment

It’s that time again…the end of summer and getting kids back to school…exciting, hectic, a bit stressful and today, very nostalgic. I (who saves everything) still have my little black and white Sony TV, embroidered fiber art that hung on my wall, floral twin bed sheets and bath towels! I remember the white chenille bedspreads that I got – giving one to my bestie/roommate so we’d match – even though she was a red accent person and I chose blues and greens!! We picked each other, our college and designed our neat and tidy package.

Earlier this weekend, as Victoria navigated this information highway that is the lead-up to getting her dorm room assignment, roommate and all the related details, she texted her yet-to-meet roomie and asked what her color scheme was going to be. Victoria, having established her pink (dusty rose) and grey scheme last fall upon entering her freshman year elsewhere, was hoping that she was not going to have to share her intimate space with a shocking orange scheme or similarly discordant color. All of a sudden, from the back seat came a exclamation – “NO Way!” To what, we asked  – “What?”  And she said “Guess what her color scheme is? Pink and Grey!!! YAY!!! What were the chances?”

Well, strolling through the stores with their piles of offerings displayed in tempting color-coordinated arrangements, pink and grey still carries over from last fall in a big way – so the chances, it seems, were not all that far-fetched!! LOL.

With the prominent pink and grey,  popular turquoise and grey and for the boys (if we are being color/gender-esque) black and grey – seems grey is the common denominator facilitating merchandising and keeping everyone in color-trend order.

Pro-tip #1 Make a list of what you’ll need prior to hitting the stores with their limitless temptations for dorm decor! It can be daunting if you go shopping – cold. It can be daunting anyway – but best to attempt to be prepared! As I looked around all the displays leading these trends…leading these kids…I wondered how many – if any – might veer off course and pick an orange and lime green  theme or brilliant cherry red…and what does it say about one if they buck the established trends?  Some might be oblivious to the trends – despite being bombarded in every store by the “must have” selections. Those independent thinkers who like what they like – if it matches or not.  The eclectic ones who are driven by memories, personal expression and acquisitions gathered and honed over the years that were not guided by trending decor influencers.

However, it is entirely possible to genuinely LOVE the trends and invest in the colors for more than the first semester of eager dorm room decor! We were living it! What was purchased last fall was saved and expanded upon, with new-found knowledge of the tips learned from the pros! There are boxes, bins, rugs, lamps, staplers, desk organizers, linens, bulletin boards, throw pillows, blankets and throws – all color coordinated making the job relatively easy and swift.  

The stores are prepared. Welcoming students – their signs are out and their shelves are stocked! Rows of pillows, mattress covers, foam pads, artsy accessories and accents galore…all to enhance the otherwise bare rooms that will soon come to life!

The morning of the move, they staggered the move-in time to insure an orderly point of arrival and processing to the rooms. We were assigned 9:30 and met curbside by a handsome posse of volunteer boys who were armed with rolling cartons cleverly created using carpet-wrapped moving dollies upon which were mounted large, sturdy cardboard cartons. These rolling bins were piled high with contents from the cars and wheeled into the dorm rooms with efficiency. Co-eds in red t-shirts identified them as the RA staff – the ones with the answers to all of your questions.

Being organized is key. Victoria had benefit of a previous semester where she watched the pros and got their tips! Pro-tip #2  Be organized!

To that end, utilize your limited space to the max! Capture all available real estate! Pro-tip #3  Bed risers. The beds are high – high enough to stack storage drawers/bins beneath them. They can be raised even higher with risers. Pro-tip #4 The plastic stacking drawers are cool because they make easy access to contents just like added dresser storage space.

Victoria had it all figured out. Pro-tip #5 To consolidate luggage, she packed a lot of her clothes in the bins – all in very specific order and folded making it easy to transfer once in the room.

Once in the room, she raised the bed even higher on 4 cone-shaped plastic riser units that she had purchased. She then placed her new mini frig (Pro-tip #6 Get a mini frig) and bins beneath the bed in an organized fashion. She emptied the bins one-by-one into the chest of drawers thereby freeing the bins for other supplies such as snacks, kitchen supplies and miscellaneous other necessities.

Having a mini frig in the room keeps personal perishables under control and handy instead of having to label things in the shared frig down the hall.

Pro-tip #7 Take extension cords and multi-plug surge protectors. This was handy for the reading lamp waaaaay up high above the now super high bed and also to run power to the mini frig. You can never have enough power sources and another bonus was that one of the set of four bed-riser units had power outlets and a short cord!

Pro-tip #8 Get a collapsible shoe rack/shelf (for ease of storage and transport). They have nifty wooden ones – but we took ours back as the closet had a tidy set of built-in shelves perfect for shoes.

Once the power was all connected and the bins organized clothes put away, it was time to make the bed and add the finishing touches.

It was beginning to look like a home-away-from-home! Pro-tip #9 With hanging implements that will not harm the wall like Command Strips, the walls will gradually come to life with strings of photos clipped with clothes pins, twinkly lights, bulletin boards and other imagery.

 Pro-tip #10 Take photos – the memories are priceless!!!!!!

Still crazy after all these years…..

Thanks Sam, for the memories!!!!!

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Jan 06

2019 Pantone’s Color of the Year LIVING CORAL!!!

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, architecture, Arizona, art and interior design, artistic expression, artists, Centerpieces, color and temperature re: interior design, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, colors, contrasts for balance in design, coral, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, design, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design tips, design trends, dining and design, drama of color, entertaining, exterior - outdoor design, Federico Leon de la Vega, floral arrangement, flowers in design, Garden, hiring an interior designer, home, home improvements, houses, inspiration from nature, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, landscape design, lifestyle, Living Coral, paint colors, painters, Pantone, patio, personal expression, personal taste, pink, planning a remodel, remodeling, seasonal interior design, selecting colors, silk flowers, Subscribers, swimming pools, table dressings, table top, tableware, Talavera Tile, Tucson, update design, wall texture, wall treatments /  

Color. Fashion and trends. Pantone’s annual pick and announcement – this year, based upon observation of the field of design scenes namely Airbnb and Apple, really? I find that amusing. Described by Pantone as “an animated life-affirming shade of orange, with golden undertones.” If orange had golden undertones, it would be more yellow-orange – a golden orange – NOT the pinky-orange suggested by their swatch of Living Coral and myriad examples that are being set forth.  However, a few months ago I noticed and saved (because I liked the colors), a Smith’s Food Store envelope featuring peaches that illustrated the cozy combination of the rosy-orange coral tones with the golden yellows – a perfect pairing.

This pinky coral – a hot, but smooth, orange-ish color – has been one of my favorites for years! In 2004 I referenced it as “lipstick” that wonderful color between red, orange and pink! A hard-to-find  lipstick shade sought by many!!! It melds fabulously with citrus colors and is cooled and contrasted by blues. A wall of colors depicts this perfectly.


We painted the wall, took a photo of it and emailed it to Federico Leon de la Vega in Mexico to commission him to do this grapefruit painting with its luscious, pink center and coral shades, wrapped in  a yellow peel and surrounded by cool, bold, brushstrokes of whites and brilliant blues.

A few years later we devoted an entire project to the fresh, citrus, color tangerine – which because of my personal preference leaned toward the coral shade of orange rather than the pure, natural tangerine. But art is about taking liberties and when developing an orange accented color scheme, all versions are allowed. Right?

This project was punctuated with orange tones from tangerine (for which it was named), and deep warm coral-pink shades. The hue and its many vibrant values!

However, to photo these nuances of color is tough. I walked around the Tangerine project a couple of days ago. It has  stood the test of time by beating trends by a few years and not adopting any particular design elements that would have given it away today.


Look at how much nature played a part in the staging of these coral infused scenes!

My advice is to pick the colors that  you like – the colors that make you feel good. Once determined, develop design based upon when to use that/those colors and when to contrast them or perhaps neutralize them.

Coral is bold and warm. It can read hot and energized – although is softer than red and less harsh than orange.

Nature is abundant with coral – not just the living sea coral – but flowers and the rare fabulous accent fur of Vietnamese monkey the red-shanked douc!

Vietnam’s red-shanked douc- brilliant coral accents in his coat!

The thought of warm saltwater and fresh sea air at this time of year is tantalizing. Living  coral doesn’t just say – coral, (of which there are many colors) it  evokes that shade that we snap to when mentioned. Hot, soft pinky coral – a color of seduction. It is featured in jewelry and art renderings, architecture and interiors.

My advice is to pick the colors that  you like – the colors that make you feel good. Once determined, develop design based upon when, where and how to use that/those colors and when to contrast them or perhaps neutralize them.

A little whimsy to celebrate this bold exciting color of the year!!!

Have fun with color – any color- all colors! Welcome Pantone’s Living Coral, into the conversation and design elements, for this New Year!!!

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Oct 14

Seasonal Shifts in Design – When Do YOU Make the Transitions Between Seasons?

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Arizona, art and interior design, art as gift ideas, artistic expression, artistic talent, artists, autumnal design, Centerpieces, ceramic, cocktails, Color schemes, creative process, creativity, decorative arts, design, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, drama of color, fanciful design, fashion and design, fashion design, figurines, floral arrangement, floral designs, flowers in design, folkart, functional art, handcraft, handmade, handmade tableware, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design trends, interior enhancements, kachina, kitchen, lifestyle, lighting, luminarias, luminaries, Manhattan, patio, personal expression, personal taste, pinks and greens, retail storefronts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, seasonal interior design, selecting colors, silk flowers, southwestern design, Subscribers, summer, sunflowers, table top, tableware, terracotta, trends /  

I am often asked, “When should I make seasonal changes and how?” This can come from retailers debating their front window displays to individuals wondering when, to change the wreath on the front door and on into their interior decor, to reflect the seasons.

The answer is a combination of things. It’s personal – probably starting with where you live. And for me, it is more than just decorative accents, it’s food and drink and clothing for sure. Clothing though might have real, practical adjustments for temperature, but fashion design and seasonal changes are part of the fun!

So to kick-off fall, I shifted into my seasonal drinking modification  – dark drinks – moving from citrus embellishments to the delightful, succulent, marinated cherry at the bottom of a well crafted Manhattan. The perceived warmth of darker drinks is real for me. I would never select a Manhattan in the summer. But I must admit, a vodka martini with a twist is a 365 fall-back beverage for any festive situation.

The rich warmth of a well crafted Manhattan…

Clothing and the opportunity to make design statements that reflect the seasonal shift are also fun to embrace! Along with the Manhattan last Friday night, I transitioned into a felted wool tunic with a local artist’s hand-woven black chenille over-sized scarf. Still sleeveless – as the shift is still a bit of a struggle to let go of summer, it was a decidedly seasonal reality nod!

Truth be known, the wide expanse of floor to ceiling folding glass panel doors were wide open right behind us as we sat at the bar allowing a direct connection with the crowds gathered on the patio beneath the high-hat heaters. Truly a straddling of the seasonal shift – not quite ready to let go of al fresco dining???!!!

Seasonal shifts in weather will be a sure way to respond to a want to change decorative elements. And even being a bit pro-active can be a good thing – but when is too early – too early?

Most of us cringe when we hear Christmas music in October or see the merchandise out that early – combining Halloween costumes and candy corn with Christmas trees and all the ornaments. Awful!!!!!!

Across the country, we have experienced a delay in the autumnal shift this year. Summer kept clinging. Warm weather belied the calendar. But when the weather shifts…and the temperature drops…we want to hunker down and cozy up. Perhaps in addition to the decorative items, you might simmer cinnamon sticks on the stove or light candles with spicy scents. How about a hearty beef stew for dinner?

Here we are in mid-October and summer was here yesterday and gone today with the incoming storms, cool drizzle and cloudy skies.

I just got off the phone with Victoria up and over in Fairfield and she bemoaned the fact that last week she was attending classes in shorts and today she is bundled up in a Patagonia fleece jacket not wanting to leave her bed! The seasons have shifted like a slap in the face!

Color is a key element in expressing the seasons. Between summer and fall, golden yellows bridge the gap. Leaves on our red bud tree change from brilliant lime green of summer to brilliant lemon yellow as fall sets in…lime to lemon – a brilliant color statement!

From late summer sunflowers to early autumn chrysanthemums, the brilliant golden yellow satisfies the transition between seasons.

As fall proceeds, the darker tones of rust and caramels suggest the waning season…crunchy, dried leaves and final wisps of foliage going dormant for the winter.

I’m hanging my Black-eyed Susan wreath today out on the front door! I might even leap to the addition of a funky black cat that I have to welcome Halloween. But it has not been a gradual expression of acknowledging the change in seasons, it has been summer…bam – fall.

DIY – I made this and one for Mom a few years ago – they last. Get a grapevine wreath, select your favorite leaves, fruit and flowers, grab your glue gun and wire clippers – Voila!

What spurred this subject for this week’s blog was seeing my neighbor’s witch’s legs a few days ago sticking out from the elegant planter by her front door. I first thought – what a riot! Then I realized, it’s mid-October and I have yet to accept that!

I am very reluctant to release summer. I’m a warm weather one for sure. I cling to the last vestiges of sunlight as it tracks around out house…less evident, less accessible…shorter days…darker mornings and evenings… NO!!!!!!! I resist, but must succumb. There’s no escaping it. The seasons change and time marches on….The happy fuchsia and pink vinca in our front yard might not make it another day with night temperatures threatening to drop.

The happy pinks and greens of vinca out by the mailbox are about to get nipped!!!

Decorative accessories punctuate the landscape of autumnal interior design. From real pumpkins and gourds, squashes and mums, to their artificial counterparts made from many media. Glass and pottery, papier-mâché and straw-like wraps, silk flowers and faux fall leaves, the possibilities are endless.

This year some outstanding hand-built pottery figurines caught my eye. Artist Robyn Chlad of Tucson, Arizona has designed and created a collection of wonderful statuary luminarias that are an extraordinary design decree for this and all seasons! Kachina-like, these art-pieces make a fabulously functional statement!

This proud raven holds a berry in his beak!

At first I was attracted to their vertical shape and fine detailing. The characters had personality – rigid in their cylindrical forms, yet very animated of expression and fine features.

Chlad has depicted regional animals with a bit of folkloric whimsy (in the jackalope – half jack rabbit/half horned antelope) to  present a collection of irresistible characters to gather at your dining table, or greet you on your entry console, perk-up your powder room, collect on your cocktail table, grace your patio, or animate your kitchen!!! How fun are they?

A caped coyote – the masked bandit!

They each are pierced with designs, to allow the light to glow from inside, that depict the landscape or regional architecture in and around which these creatures roam. Illuminated by electrical lamps, battery bulbs, or candles, they are fantastic!

 

Functional art – these pottery luminarias are exciting art pieces to add a joyful glow to your shorter days and darker hours….

The raw terracotta clay contributes to their natural beauty and complimentary color with a fall palette.  It is a strong statement, yet the surfaces are smoothly burnished and have a soft read. The touches of matte glazes add just enough adornment enhancing the statues with soft earthen color accents.

 

Embrace the seasons and have fun selecting your personal design statements as you transform between seasons!!!

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