Aug 13

Moody Blues – Moody Rooms

By pattisays In before and after, Benjamin Moore Paint, color trends, dark colors, design tips, design trends, drama of color, interior design, interior design trends, lighting, powder rooms, remodeling, trends, Washington, D.C. /

What’s more trendy than an existing word that comes into the mainstream with a new relevance or targeted use? I’m sure you will giggle a bit thinking about some of the trendy words – original or re-constituted – that have come and gone. How do they get inserted in our popular culture? Who started it? How quickly did it catch-on and how? I will have fun with a variety of trending design words in coming blogs – enjoy expanding your design vocabulary with these if they are not already a part of your vernacular.

I’ve written about dark rooms and dark colors in the past…don’t be afraid of the dark! But to now discover that the use of the word “moody” has surfaced and playing a role in describing such spaces is novel. Trending now – “moody” rooms. Or at least describing dark spaces as “moody.”

We recently gave a face-lift to a tiny powder room. It was dark-ish before, but with a printed wallcovering from the 80s. It had stood the test of time and served the owners well, but it was time for new cabinets, countertop, hardware and fixtures.

We decided to run new floor tile from the entry through to this room. It was a large format dark porcelain. This dark chocolate leather-like look was a deep and “moody” selection to recede and add depth to the space.

Yes, it creates a decided “mood.” A mood of somber elegance. The quiet space is perfect for the duty it performs. As a powder room, it is visited quickly and by many. We selected a velvety dark wall paint Benjamin Moore HC 166 Kendall Charcoal rather than replacing the wall-covering with new.

For interest, instead of one large commanding piece, we gathered a collection of complimentary wall art from other rooms and even some clever thrifting (always an entertaining and satisfying treasure hunt) to create an interesting grouping to be enjoyed from the intimate vantage point.

The new lighting flanking the mirror rather than coming from a bar above is soft and in keeping with the colonial decor of the home located inside the beltway of our Nation’s Capital. New granite is dark and rich, white porcelain adds a crisp contrast and new cabinets coordinate with other renovated casework in the home.

When surfing the internet for design inspiration and subsequently speaking with design professionals, be clear. Picking up new ways of expressing design ideas is fun – but the simple truth is just that – simple. Keep it simple, explain your goals, go dark if you like, be a bit moody if it is the effect that you wish to achieve. Have fun and don’t be afraid of the dark!!

Jul 15

Windows – to Dress or Not to Dress

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, before and after, context of interior design, custom design interior design, design, design process, design tips, design trends, hiring an interior designer, interior design, interior design trends, practical design, Refresh, window dressings /

Last week I had a meeting with clients who have purchased a swanky little tract home, in a trendy new subdivision, which comes with a package of choices – a buffet where a smorgasbord of features and finishes are offered, but no custom deviation is allowed. They came to me stating that they intended to take possession, with the package that they selected with the project’s coordinator, and then promptly replace carpet and change paint colors prior to their move-in a month later. Wow.

So in our initial walk-thru of the construction site, they explained that they had pre-wired for motorized blinds in most of the windows. They had already met with a window dressing consultant and this was the status of that decision process. I was curious as to how they had arrived at this decision, so offered an example of a previous consultation that I had had – which I have referenced in prior blogs.

Years ago a woman called and wanted a consult to discuss draperies. When I arrived at her home, I encountered large east-facing sliding doors flanked by equally large towering side-lights. The primary living space, where this wall of glass was located, had soiled, tan, wall-to-wall carpet, furniture poorly placed in disarray and toys scattered everywhere. All surfaces were over-flowing. I knew at once that no matter how much we threw at those window, it was not going to improve the appearance of this environment.

So I asked her the three basic questions regarding window treatments. ONE, do you need privacy? TWO, do you need light control? THREE are you after a decorative element? She responded to each. “There is nobody behind me – the lots drop down off the bluffs without privacy issues, the overhang of the patio provides plenty of light protection and I was hoping for draperies to improve the decor.” At which point, I objectively assessed the situation. I told her that spending a significant amount of money on draperies and without need for other window treatments, noting her soiled carpet and fragmented space, I would suggest replacing the carpet with hard-surfaced flooring and began to work with her to rearrange her furniture and discuss bins for the scattered toys. She enthusiastically told me that her brother-in-law was a tile installer and so I suggested that we find a tile and let him replace all the carpeting in this common area from front door through kitchen, down the stairs and throughout the great room. I assisted her in the selection of the tile and also recommended a fresh paint color. The next time I visited, I saw the dramatic transformation. With the new clean flooring, rearranged furniture and toys stashed in bins, she had transformed her space into a clean, fresh and easier to maintain interior. I could have sold her thousands of dollars of draperies – but it would have blown her budget and it would not have been the right thing to do. Instead they had less than $500.00 consultation to get them on course.

The right thing to do is what clients count on when they engage services for advice. There is never one solution, but there are responsible versus irresponsible options. Window treatments are one of many considerations when planning an interior design.

Regarding these new clients, after our discussions, they may end up opting not to dress all the windows. They might use the money elsewhere like painting the walls, taking their floor tile out onto the patio and entry slab – many things that they are considering as they plan this new interior.

We have recently been inching our way through another project to re-do a (excuse me for saying) dreary living room. It too is the primary living space for this home. I say “inching” as we began with a concept based upon rearranging the furniture. Then we began discussing the possible color schemes and styles that might transform the room and transition well from their periphery spaces. Wonderful, existing, family antique, furniture and rugs set the stage. We had the good fortune of things falling fairly quickly into place. I’ll save the design process of this project for another time, but as it relates to this subject, we are regarding window treatments as one of the final layers of design detail. Here we had existing wide blade blinds that were still perfectly functional. They could be drawn-up to the top, used down either with blades closed to provide compete privacy – or opened to varying degrees offering filtered light and a modicum of privacy. We felt that as things progressed and having removed the original valances, that the windows could stand being enhanced.

The choices are many. We considered full-length drapery panels, short curtains, top treatments such as upholstered cornices or fabric valances – pleated, swagged or shirred and more… We weighed all options and decided upon the structure, tailoring and fabric coordination that upholstered cornice boards would contribute to the scheme.

These boxed, stepped cornices add so much to the soon-to-be finished project. Yet right when we think that this is the crowning detail, sheers are considered to soften the blinds and further filter the light softly streaming through the windows. Here we are in the process of experimenting with the sheers which still need to be hemmed and finished.

In this case, my wonderfully talented client will be doing some of her own sewing on these finishing touches – and perhaps some pillows – a bonus to her and their project! Stay tuned for the amazing finished product…complete with clever re-claimed “finds,” dramatic re-upholstery, fireplace modifications, custom audio-visual cabinet and finishing accessories!

Jun 03

What is a Picture Worth as You Plan Your Design?

By pattisays In art and interior design, artistic expression, artists, before and after, creative process, creativity, design, design process, design tips, exterior - outdoor design, handwriting, hiring an interior designer, interior design, Leon de la Vega, Mind Your Handwriting by Leon de la Vega, patio, Spring, summer, writing /

We’ve all heard the expression “A picture speaks a thousand words.” And today, as I set forth to use it, I investigated its origin…seems the original quote might have been “A picture is worth ten thousand words” as stated by Fred R. Barnard in the 1920s. Either way, it conveys the same – seeing is believing and seeing is more literal in most people’s eyes. Words can describe and attempt to convey an intent or, in my world, a design concept. But to sketch it – well that’s the best way to show the intended idea. There were other unsubstantiated references to an old Japanese phrases, but suffice it to say – it is such a truism that it is referenced often.

Here is an illustration of a courtyard that we have proposed. Our custom designed hand crafted iron gate inserted into the existing low wall, water feature, flagstone and plantings are all new proposals. Can you picture it? If I had arm-waived with a verbal description would it have been as helpful? It’s a small space, so it would have been easier to convey than other more complicated design concepts, but for the sake of an example, this works. I’m thinking that your answer would be – “Yes, I get it! The illustration sets the stage and really helps me visualize the intended finished product!” It is exciting and more stimulating than a rigid CAD drawing and evokes more emotion in most, if not all, clients.

I realize as I write this that it directly reflects the observations in Federico Leon de la Vega’s comments about the value and actually critical importance of handwriting as he expressed in his TED TALKS last year.

Therefore, I prefer the artist’s rendering – to support and promote the talents thereof and also for the much better rendition of the concept! So as technology advances in the realm of illustration, I intend to continue to support the skills of the artists that so effectively express our designs.

Let’s get together and plan your next design project, find solutions and create the images that will springboard the work and ultimately represent your new reality!!!

May 29

Disruption Reaps Results

By pattisays In before and after, chairs, construction, creative process, creativity, custom furniture, design, design process, design tips, design trends, Disruption in design, DIY design, fireplaces, furniture finds, hiring an interior designer, interior design, interior design trends, personal expression, re-purpose, re-upholstery, Refresh, remodeling, stone, updating, upholstery, wall texture /

Merriam Webster defines to disrupt: to interrupt the normal course or unity…So think about it when you take on your DIY projects…like reupholstering a chair. Pick or find the chair, take a course, cut away at the fabric, pull out the staples, rip it down to the bones, (poor chair – you’ve really interfered with its unity), then put it back together. Voila!

To do something as seemingly simple as repaint, you will need to remove things from the walls and move things away from the walls, drape furniture, mask elements like molding, ceilings or other adjacent surfaces that will not be painted – or at least not with the same color. All of that is quite a disruption.

Expand that disruption when you remodel – open a wall, replace cabinets, change flooring – each on their own sounds simple, but be prepared for disruption. Your normal course of unity will be in disarray, displacement – maybe even chaos.

However, I often reference the phrase “You have to break an egg to make an omelet” right? That sums it up. To make something wonderful, you are going to have to interrupt the normal course of unity – hence break the unity of that beautifully in-tact orb of an egg.

So do not fear disruption – go ahead – disrupt your life a bit, to effect change, that will achieve refreshing results! It is THE hardest part of the Creative Process (see pattisays April 29, 2017). https://patriciandesign.com/the-creative-process-of-interior-design/

Apr 29

The CREATIVE PROCESS of Interior Design

By pattisays In before and after, breweries, clutter, creative process, creativity, design, design process, Design Team, design tips, design trends, DIY design, education, furniture finds, handcraft, handmade, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, interior design, interior design trends, personal expression, practical design, re-purpose, re-upholstery, Refresh, trends, updating / 1

At the outset of a design project, certain first steps are common. It is after those initial steps that things can take two very different directions. First you have the desire or need to make some changes/improvements. You decide with whom you want to work to design and implement.

If you take the time to plan every aspect of a project, make all the selections, get all the details down on paper—well notated and drawn so as to convey every intent, you may begin and proceed without hesitation. The project can be scheduled and run accordingly. Easy peasy—with that prior proper planning.

Whoa—is that real life? Well it works for many. It works for those too busy to delve into the many possibilities, to be open to the evolution of the process, to enjoy the adventure of creativity. I’m talking about the projects not requiring permits – fabrics, finishes and furniture. New cabinets in a kitchen, switch out the counter-tops, get new updated back-splash…rearrange, replace, recover furniture…paint walls, hang art, mostly cosmetic enhancements in this case. Clearly some just want it done—and have no interest in the creative process. However, do you ever have a second thought? Does one decision affect the next? As you experience the design and implementation process, might you change you mind…have another idea? It happens all the time. It is more realistic, fun and feels like a true artistic endeavor.

But is your intent to create an art piece? Is it to experience an artistic endeavor? Or do you just want some new pieces, finishes, an update? These are two very different situations that require different processes.

True design is centered around the unique requirements and desires of the client. It is responsive and reactive. It is also proactive and filled with anticipation. The design process is one of balance and equation. If…then…

This process is intuitive and educated. It is based upon expectation and perception. Like tipping back in a chair…back…back…until you might fall and then—you catch yourself and all is right with the world—exciting but measured.

Why do you hire an interior designer? With all the information available at your fingertips, why do you need to pay someone to do what you like? If you know what you like, you have the time and you have gathered a folder of ideas, why do you need a designer? Might it be to sort through options? Or to decide between choices of fabrics, groupings, arrangement, scale, style? Merely to hold your hand while you make those decisions? Do you have 5 photos of sofas? Do you have a million pictures of materials? Have you picked up or ordered clippings of fabrics? How do you decide among these many options? How do you know you are making the right/best decision given your options? What is timeless? What is trendy? What will last? What is practical? Which direction should it go? What goes with what? Ha—its funny if you start looking at your options and asking those questions…and there are a gazillion more during the process.

The idea behind hiring the right professional, is that they will help make the best decisions that will narrow your search and selections resulting in a distilled version of the gazillion ideas your have pinned, clipped, saved, collected and visualized. Not to mention they might and should bring other new ideas to the mix. The end result of responsible design consultation should provide a design you would not have had, that you like better than your efforts alone and eliminate costly mistakes saving both time and money.

The most difficult part is to recognize that not everyone receives information and processes it the same. One person’s mental image of a design concept might not be the same as another’s. Conveying ideas is an abstraction that can only be somewhat helped with illustrations and models. From quick sketches to well rendered illustrations, dimensional drawings to actual models, nothing will ever exactly convey what will be the finished product.

A sketch like this TV cabinet suggests a possible solution to an a/v issue…

Finished similarly to this piece of finely crafted knotty alder.

And this tired, yet fabulous contemporary sofa – can you visualize it in an elegant, classic navy stripe with new wooden feet? Watch for this transformation in a coming blog!!

It’s all conceptual. It’s not real—until its real. How’s that for a profound observation? Both designers and clients need to be very clear on this prior to committing to a design process. Visualization can be tricky. It effects expectations.

Communication is key. Choosing good, descriptive words…tangible samples of materials… illustrations…models…not all projects warrant the latter examples. The cost of the communication tools must be weighed against the value to the project.

So the creative process is fun and adventurous. The permutations are endless. So many choices, so little time. But if you make one decision, you narrow your steps. With each decision you build toward the finished product. And the beauty of giving yourself permission to “create” means that you can change your mind at any time, massaging the process as you proceed.

It takes patience and resilience. Art is creativity—opening the mind to possibilities.

Creativity is defined as the tendency to generate or recognize ideas, alternatives, or possibilities that may be useful in solving problems, communicating with others, and entertaining ourselves and others. (page 396) What is creativity? – California State University, Northridge https://www.csun.edu/~vcpsy00h/creativity/define.htm

The entertainment factor (above) is an interesting point—because it relates to the previously mentioned—fun! This creative process can be and should be FUN!!!

Being prepared to make alterations, fine-tune, add details and work toward that place that determines completion. Like a painter in front of a canvas…knowing when to stop. It can be over-worked. It can be compromised by going too far beyond that which is good. This does not merely refer to clutter or busy design…each is applicable and depending upon the definition and eye of the beholder (again perception) it can all constitute good design. One man’s clutter is another man’s complex design. But who makes those decisions? The critics for one—if the work is out there to be critiqued by the professionals, but the bottom line is the end user. If it solves the issues, serves the purpose, satisfies the desires—that is success. YOU (the end user) determine the success or failure of your design project.

But that determination of success or failure is a shared responsibility. It is a team effort of communication, contribution and patience with the process. The creative process has few limitations. Budget for one is important and physical restrictions—but other than those—designing is as though a living organism’s path. Designing is the abstract – to tangible way of navigating the fluidity, growth and development of the creative process.

So be free to explore and enjoy the possibilities. They are endless. Seeing the design materialize with the additions, and deletions, changes and modifications is part of the exhilaration of it all. It wants to be exciting and feed that thrill of anticipation and fulfillment of desire.

Create—and enjoy—it is good for your life.

Apr 22

Refresh Renew Replace – Custom Design Details

By pattisays In beauty behold it, before and after, custom furniture, design, Design Team, design trends, furniture finds, handcraft, handmade, inspiration from nature, interior design, interior design trends, natural integrity of the materials, re-upholstery, Refresh, signature, updating, upholstery /

We LOVE custom challenges. When you have the right team, with the right talent – anything is possible. Part is luck the other is cultivation, but in my case – most was luck!!! They/we didn’t need cultivation – it was a perfect fit from the start! Thank you!

Your team is your strength – whatever your profession. Think about it. From aerobatics to orchestra conductor – those who count on others to make them look good – with or despite their efforts – the end result is what counts. – right?

I, and most people, LOVE before and after photos – it’s fun, it’s instantly comparative, it satisfies our desire to achieve that which we can’t have…except in a facsimile thereof. It’s proof and validation that we can have it – a version of “it.”

We often miss opportunities of taking the before shot – rearranging a room is a prime example – because it happens on the spur of the moment and happens within minutes – the results are startling and instantly proving of “better” design.

We often replace existing with new. New something…whether re-upholstery or new cabinets, no job too small – the results change lives. Of course, entire remodels are the bomb!

Respect any existing thing. Evaluate it for its merits. Consider its history and construction. Fragile or invincible – the history is of value. AND its replacement cost.

Then go about making it a better versions of its original self. Paint it, refinish it, cut it, re-cover it…NOTE – anything with genuine historic value must NOT be changed – must not be modified in any way in order to preserve its original condition and relative value. Here, we are talking about tired pieces that do not have any other historic value. Just time to refresh. Know the difference.

Photos to follow are from one project that is currently underway. Re-upholstery – who said you have to do it all with the same fabric? From blah to brilliant, the before versus after is awesome!

Other times it is about replacing for a better piece. Better for changing aesthetics, better or different function. Here we had existing dressers that served their purpose for several years. They did not go with the other furniture that the owners had collected over the years and the style of the home in a broader sense. It was time to replace them, and finding the right pieces was a challenge. Size and style were the two specific features and therefore a custom design/build was in order. The plain espresso stained veneer pieces were replaced with hand-crafted pieces using hardwood solids and fine veneers of character-filled knotty alder, custom trim details and hand rubbed glazing over many layers of stain and finish resulted in two exquisite pieces to complement their interior. Handsome, heavy solid pulls added to the rich, warm and substantial feel of these exceptional pieces. Note – this was built by one person in a small one-room shop. It is not a multi-employee assembly-line woodworking company. Thank you Enrique, for once again making my dreams come true!!

This was delivery day – media and wire management are still underway – but this was the instant removal of one and replacement with the new! I love the “happy dancer knot!” Like other designs in nature, granite geology, wood…so much beauty in the hidden details – wonderful! Take notice!

As designers, we solve problems, make improvements and assist with the ideas and the means by which to accomplish the mission. Custom fabrication is a unique way to create your signature design. The permutations are endless and an effective designer will make recommendations exclusively for you.

Dec 03

Fun with PERF!

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, artistic expression, bar, bars and restaurants, before and after, breweries, color and temperature re: interior design, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, custom lighting, design, design tips, design trends, interior design, interior design trends, lighting, painted furniture, perforated steel, remodeling, trends / 2 Comments

Currently finishing a project that has provided a great theme for incorporating metal, it seemed a worthy blog subject for it’s fun and flexibility! Perf is the product – a perforated steel that comes in several percentages of perforation.

We have used this many times for rolling window shades in a flexible coated nylon material. It is great for filtering for sunlight and privacy while allowing a certain amount of “see-through.” It has been used as an architectural screening material for years. You have probably seen it and not realized it on building storefronts and bus wraps – the perforated vinyl coatings are often used for advertisement because they read as though a solid from the one side and are transparent from within.

Here we are playing around with the steel to create cool elements that compliment the theme of this new taproom. The theme is silver and what material does bring to mind? Metallic. So by dressing raw steel with paint – we apply the silver finish and there we have it!

The required outside patio fencing was constructed with very generic square stock. I called it a hamster cage. It was a bland beige when we first arrived and, without notice, the shopping center management had it and the other structural columns lining the canopy/portico painted chocolate brown.

The plan had been to screen it with perforated panels. The darker paint color created a little better contrast and aided in providing a depth of detail to set-off the silver painted perf.

Inside we needed to fill the volume of this most uninteresting dropped ceiling. Already painted black and looking quite voluminous – but not in a good way – the empty space needed some mass. So in one of those restless, middle-of-the-night design sessions of insomnia the idea to create large drums for lighting shades came to mind.

Drums have been in vogue for several years now. Nothing original from the initial use for table lamp shades except their use was broadened to include suspended fixtures and halved for wall sconces. You’ve seen them – hip and happening – and these were quite over-sized and carried the space.

We needed to fill the void of the 12′ high ceilings in this room that had little or no comfort. All hard surfaces, it was a challenge to maintain the silver theme and edginess of a popular taproom while creating comfort. Seemed an oxymoron of a task. But the mass of the perforated drums in three different sizes grouped in the near center of the room did just that.

The addition of multiple warm white lamps inside will be the crowning touch. (photo to be added here in a week or so)

Then a third use of the perforated material came in the idea for a room-divider/hostess station.

We needed a place to create a point of arrival. Whether manned or unmanned, this unit can have a chalkboard or other signage identifying special events or beer tastings, with a podium in front creates a translucent backdrop to partially cordon off the rest of the space until the customers are greeted and it also can divide the space for special events and table groupings. to accomplish all of those various purposes we designed it with heavy duty commercial casters complete with brakes so that it could be moved easily for its grand height and weight and placed where needed for the best advantage.

Stay tuned for the complete un-veiling of this cool new interior in the coming weeks. And meanwhile dream of all the fun you can have with perf!

Nov 19

Resourcefulness in the Field

By pattisays In architecture, before and after, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, design, interior design, medical offices, remodeling, travel and design /

A bird in the hand or resourcefulness pays off – this is just a quick bit of designer humor for your Saturday morning. As I flew on an early bird flight to Phoenix for a couple of projects last week, I was sitting on the flight taking stock of what I wanted to accomplish, what was on the agenda and all the tools of the trade and accouterments and finish materials that I was taking with me. After feeling well prepared, I settled into the always enjoyable Southwest Airlines in-flight magazine.

Arriving in Phoenix was a climate change right off the bat as the outside air seeped into the jetway with a warm, welcoming temperature in the high 70s at that already early hour. As an aside just to continue the story, we had been alerted from the flight deck that there was a delay in the concourse and that we would be held at the gate until the disturbance was cleared. Sure enough, upon deplaning and entering the gate area, hundreds of people were jammed together facing to the right in anticipation of learning what was happening and hoping to soon be released. So I took my place among the hoards of travelers and occasionally stood on my tip-toes to see the TSA barrier of agents keeping us at bay.

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After nearly an hour we were herded to the adjacent gate and led single file out onto a mobile ramp staircase down to the tarmac and into buses which wheeled us to the D concourse where we could get to baggage claim and ground transportation. Half of the travelers making connecting flights were still held risking connections and trying patience.

Nobody was offering an explanation and when asked the response was merely that there was a security breach. Until one young SWA agent whispered to me that there was a suspicious package and that security was waiting for the dogs to investigate and until they arrived the package could not be touched. So that answered that.

Excitement over, I retrieved my bag full of engineered stone and laminate samples, paint fan decks and fabrics. Grateful that an earlier mishap at security required that I check my would-be carry-on rolling bag (which weighed a ton and would not have been fun to stow overhead) when I had forgotten about a lovely little jar of local Heidi’s Chile Raspberry jam that I was taking to my client as a hostess gift. Stopped and searched by TSA the agent kindly offered that I check my bag to save the jam – she escorted me out so that I could retrace my steps back down to the main level and check my bag.

At the SWA ticket counter I hoisted the bag onto the scales and began telling the agent about my return from TSA with my contraband and I began unzipping the bag. Clumsily juggling my purse and holding the jar of jam it flew from my hands dropping with a crash onto the brick floor and rolled away as she and I stood saucer-eyed with horror. Miracle of miracles it did not break – even crack- how that was possible, falling from that height onto a brick floor, we will never know. But it appeared after having been discovered and confiscated at security and surviving a fall from about 24 inches above a brick floor that it was destined to get to Phoenix.

As the time unfolded, we found ourselves in a meeting with the architect to do a plan review and some minor revisions prior to beginning construction. The place was demolished and debris was all about.

We found a table and spread the plans. As we began discussing the details, I realized that with all my preparation that I had forgotten the roll of flimsy. I never travel without flimsy – trace – the roll of translucent paper that is the quick-study tool for sketching over plans. Dang. So there we were and all of a sudden Felicia looks over a few feet away and spies a blue cardboard box covered with drywall dust. There sitting on a planter ledge in the elevator lobby of the third floor was a forgotten box of toilet seat liners!!!! Yes, how funny – she offered “won’t this work?” And we tore out a few sheets and began our work tracing options over the plans. Brian, the architect, will surly enjoy seeing himself here in today’s blog hard at work over his paper toilet seat cover!!!

We look forward to a fabulous interior for Dr. Farhan Taghizadeh’s new Arizona Facial Plastics office scheduled for completion in January!!!

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Nov 12

Buying the Bones…Re-upholstering

By pattisays In before and after, colors, Craig's List, design, design tips, design trends, furniture finds, inspiration, interior design trends, personal expression, practical design, re-purpose, re-upholstery, recycle, recycle design, sectional sofas, Thrift Shops, upholstery / 2 Comments

Re-upholstery is good. If you like a piece of existing furniture and it has “good bones” it is fun to give it an instant face-lift with new upholstery. I find myself salvaging clients’ pieces often when they had every intention of complete replacement. The satisfaction of transforming a tired or dated piece is quite gratifying.

The next best thing is finding a piece that is value-priced for the aforementioned reasons of looking tired or dated and recognizing that is has “good bones.” This is like a treasure hunt. Whether on Craig’s List or in a Thrift Shop, searching for a piece is exciting. You have to see beyond it – you can’t tell a book by its cover – right?

Many of my clients are believers in this practice, but often did not start out that way. In fact for this blog’s example, I have the perfect scenario. It began as I remodeled and designed a spectacular renovation for a single man who wanted a sleek, modern interior. We started from scratch with all new finishes throughout, custom cabinets, enhanced lighting, and then the search for a piece of furniture that had eluded us. It was the primary focal point that I envisioned – a large orange ultra-suede sectional. I stood beside my illustrator render the room based upon photos of the space and a very loose sketch that I prepared. A picture truly does speak a thousand words and is a fantastic aid in communicating design ideas that might otherwise be misconstrued or just plain missed by the client.

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We began pricing custom fabric on a number of options, but everything was over budget. So I asked if he minded if I looked locally for a used piece that we could transform. Luckily, he was busy and trusting and told me to have at it – so I did. It looked like it was made from marshmallows, but the key detail was the curved corner piece. I did not want an “L” with right angles – I wanted that rounded, welcoming, beckoning corner piece. This crazy, puffy, formal, dated piece was in perfect condition and the woman, original owner, was moving and could not take it with her. In step I and paid this grateful woman her requested few hundred dollars, called my upholsterer and scheduled the pick-up for the next day.

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When I saw it for the second time in the back of the upholstery shop, I was psyched. It’s always fun- but this transformation was going to be amazing! Inasmuch as my wonderful client trusted me, I didn’t dare let him see it in its original form. I didn’t want to risk the probable fear and foreboding. I didn’t want to give him a permanent unsettling visual, of this puffy, white, marshmallow sectional, every time he saw his gorgeous, sleek, modern, orange masterpiece.

Therefore, the process began as I had already found the perfect orange ultra-suede and the guys at the shop stripped the layers of white damask, foam and fuzzy dacron from the solid wood bones of this beautiful frame. They slicked it clean as a whistle.

With a bit of work to lengthen on side to an imposing 10′ and shortening the other side by a few inches, the new sectional began taking shape. The arms were modified and the cushions squared and the lines simplified. In this case, the concealed feet were fine. Although we often replace feet, or replace skirts with feet, or feet for skirts – those options were not necessary in this case.

The finished product was the perfect piece. Our client was blown away with seeing it delivered and looking like the original illustration that we used to convey the design concept. The biggest response was that of the cost which was a fraction of the cost of buying this over-sized piece new. Because of the unusual size, it would have had to be custom all the way or we would have had to settle for a size less than perfect. Not to mention this was accomplished in less than 2 weeks rather than waiting a couple of months or more for a custom order.

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Ready-made, down-filled, Ralph Lauren throw pillows were a great find to add a splash of color. The rug is temporary as a larger, lighter one is intended along with the custom cocktail table. Once again my team makes my dreams come true and the client has a unique piece perfect for his needs.

Nov 05

Designing with Balance and the Creation of the Can Wall!

By pattisays In aluminum, artistic expression, bars and restaurants, before and after, breweries, color and temperature re: interior design, colors, context of interior design, dark colors, design, design tips, design trends, DIY design, illusions of space, interior design, lighting, natural integrity of the materials, patterns, personal expression, public design, recycle, seasonal interior design, wall texture /

Given the opportunity to improve upon a recently completed taproom, we instantly realized that painting the entire interior would be the best quick-fix. But that instant gratification was not enough to give this needy/hungry interior some meat to get it off and running.

Atmosphere in interiors is so much a part of the brand, the identity, and the success of a business. Popularity is based upon a certain comfort level, the clientele who gravitate there and the product that they are effectively providing. Whether that is food or drink or both, the atmosphere, (including lively enjoyment by clientele), service and food/beverage – all contribute to a successful establishment.

This does not mean high-end, elegant, fancy or even simply hip – although the definition of hip can vary from spare unpretentious and un-self-conscious funky, to studied funky, to affected stylized, to trendy hip and happening,…but, it does NOT always have to represent expensive interior design.

Yet a strip center generally lacks pizzazz and to install a taproom into that generic scene takes some creativity. That does not mean money – it means just what I said, creativity. And creative interior design is all about ingenuity and balance.

Balance in interior design is key. This interior was filled with hard, cold surfaces – concrete floors, silver-grey laminate table tops, brilliant silver table bases, grey chairs, polished white granite bar top, silver laminate bar face, silver metallic wall sconces, glistening silver under-scaled chandeliers, white walls with cobalt blue accent wall. Brrrrrrr….makes me chilly just recounting the scene. And this was summer! Imagine this setting with crisp cold wind blowing outside and snow blanketing the mountain – not the place you want to gather for a beer in the wintertime!!

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To instantly soften and add warmth, we painted all walls a dark taupe. The soft, mousy grey/brown color pulled from the existing slate wainscoting to tie the two wall parts into a unified “read.” It gave the silver elements (especially the sconces) a contrast – which results in “interest.”

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The back bar was bland even with the new paint color and to add dimension and animation we mirrored the rear center section. This illusion added depth and interest to carry the ceiling through and add a mirrored storefront and exterior reflection which created an illusion of space and character where there had been nothing.

But unlike most back-bars, this area was conspicuously naked. A couple of stainless shelves housing stemmed wine glasses, and growlers felt spare. Plus the right side of the back bar was closer to the bar and the patrons were a mere few feet from a plain, painted sheet-rock wall. Yes, there was a large format TV screen above, but straight ahead – it was just blank wall.

In the wee hours of the morning, as I tossed and turned for a variety of reasons, I jumped from thought to thought, project to project, and personal concerns pelting all the while in a seemingly endless stream of insomnia. Yet, it was during the angst that the idea of the taproom being named “Silver”…silver…beer cans are silver/aluminum…beer cans crushed and nailed to a wall…texture, silver (theme of the taproom) interest – maybe?- all converged into one of those light-bulb moments of revelation.

And yet you might say – “silver…aluminum…more cold and hard. Why would this be an asset to this interior?” I felt that the texture and dimension of the cans would add more interest than the perceived cold and hard of them. The pockets of folded shadows and the relief off from the wall, paired with the over-all massive full-wall of pattern, would all contribute a positive design element to the scene.

As I pictured the wall of circularly flattened aluminum cans in my in my mind’s eye (a tool that I employ daily while envisioning concepts and finished products well in advance of their fruition), I furthered the concept to encompass possible bar games. Yes, derived from this perfect grid of circular aluminum discs, I began creating games in my head. A bar is often animated by bar games and this was just another opportunity to interact using this unique wall-scape. Since that initial concept, I have created 3 different versions of the animated interaction in the form of games, on this fantastic Can Wall.

So with great patience, Enrique planned the layout with literally laser precision in a perfect grid. We counted the expected number of cans vertically and horizontally aligning with the brilliant red light beams. The previously crushed cans were laid out on a table – well a handful of the 3,200 that we had prepared for the wall. It was determined that punching the nails into the cans prior to installation would expedite the process of affixing them to the Can Wall. Labor intensive from start to finish, this wall was a great accomplishment for a devoted few.

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As the cans were laid out on the table – initially upside down exposing the crinkly open side (devoid of tops), I instantly LOVED the complexity of the depth, texture and shadows. A tight, random application of them would have resulted in a fabulously complex matrix of design. But upon closer inspection, the “texture” was really raw, with sharp threatening edges that were not possibly reasonable within close contact with people brushing by. So, lacerating the staff was not an option – even for a really cool textural metallic wall treatment. Perhaps this application will surface in a more appropriate location away from human flesh in the not-too-distant-future!

Like hubcaps fastened to the broad side of a country barn at dusk, the reflective silver discs pop in the flanking darkness.

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The process is nearing completion and I will save for another blog sharing the fun and games emanating from the Can Wall, and the entire finished project complete with new warm white pendant discs over the bar and soon-to-install enormous perforated drum light fixtures suspended from the ceiling, over-sized photo images of the brewery behind the scenes and tantalizing signature dishes in the unique category of the Nexus New Mexico Soul Food.

Meanwhile, the take-away here is…balance cold and rigid with warm and textural – along with all the other opposites that attract – when designing be balanced.