Feb 21

DOWNSIZING: Part Two of Three

By pattisays In architecture, Arizona, art and interior design, art custom commissions, artistic expression, blue and white, built-in bookcases, ceiling lighting, Color schemes, colors, commissioning an artist, context of interior design, creative process, creativity, custom art in interior design, custom cabinets, custom design interior design, custom furniture, decorative accessories, decorative arts, design, design challenges, design details, design in retirement, design process, design tips, designer fabrics, designing a new home, designing small spaces, designing with a purpose, downsize, downsizing, existing materials, fabrics, family rooms, flooring, floral paintings, flowers in design, furniture finds, good design, good taste, hardwood floors, hiring an interior designer, home, home decor, home improvements, home office, inspiration, interior accents, interior design, interior design trends, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, kitchen lighting, kitchen remodel, lifestyle, lighting a new home, multi-generational design, new home design, nostalgia and design, office furniture, ottomans, personal expression, personal spaces, personal taste, planning a new home, practical design, railing details, re-purpose, recycle design, Refresh, room arrangement, sofas, Staircases, style, styling, Subscribers, table dressings, tenant improvements, throw pillows, timeless colors, tips for new home design, trending design, trends, Uncategorized, update design, updating, value of art, value of good design, Vinyl wood flooring, white kitchens, workplace design /   1 Comment

This is the second in a series of three about recent downsizing projects for which we have been designing. The couple, long-time, wonderful clients/friends with whom I have designed interiors over 3 decades and 4 states, was ready for what they believe might be their final move.

The stairs of their home were making life in their 3,500+ square foot home taxing. Note to all, having the master bedroom upstairs looks like privacy, possible views and good step exercise in the beginning, but doesn’t offer the flexibility to adjust to aging or even accommodate temporary rehab due to injuries over time.

In 2004, I was invited to Phoenix to transform this newly purchased home into something more reflective of the architecture and the couple about to take occupancy. The interior took on a much more Spanish Colonial feel, which spoke to the clay tile roof and iron detailing on the exterior of the home. The transformation was delightful, but after 20 years, the time had come to move to a more accessible floorplan.

Aging eyes also begin to require better light for the aesthetic read of the space and the practical function of being able to see!!

Moving from a private residence into a condo offers maintenance services and relieves much of the responsibilities of home ownership. It is also easier to lock up and get away for travel and other excursions.

After investigating several properties in their extended neighborhood so as to keep within their familiar area of shopping and services, they decided upon a three-bedroom unit, with plenty of windows/daylight and a spectacular view.

The new walls were a near white neutral with easy-to-maintain vinyl wood plank flooring (that was offered in grey and we changed to a warmer, medium-brown). The grey was cold and didn’t compliment their furniture. The decision to make the change (even though the grey had not yet been installed) was met with a bit of push-back, but ultimately my clients won their little battle and had their preferred flooring color installed.

Certain things were “standard” as was the grey vinyl plank flooring. As the contract for the flooring was set in stone, my clients were required to stay with the same product and select from a limited range of colors. This medium-brown was a far better choice than the building-standard grey for their interior furnishings. We kept much of the standard selections, but made a few other changes to personalize the space both aesthetically and functionally. Knowing what the best selections/decisions are and how to negotiate and advocate for them is important.

We had a closet removed from one of the bedrooms. This room was to serve as the home office for the husband of the pair. The room was already built with an acute angle that ate up valuable space. With the closet carved out of it, it reduced the footprint even more. Had it been designed with parallel lines it would have offered a much easier space to furnish. Therefore, we discussed eliminating the closet to add a significant amount of valuable square footage. This was done without intent, but in talking with the superintendent of the construction crew, mention was made to make this adjustment. I was not present when the conversation ensued, however, the walls were already built and being painted. The superintendent instructed the change to be made. AFTER the work was finished, the project manager walked through the space and noticed the missing closet and exclaimed that it wasn’t allowed and hadn’t been approved, but since it was their team who did the work, and it was completely finished, it was a done deal. A minor miscommunication resulted in a great gain for my clients!

The cabinet on the far right side of the room is where the closet had been built and it tapered into the acutely angled wall on the right. It occupied a valuable portion of the room that was ultimately made available for furniture and artwork.

We contracted with an outside custom cabinetry shop to build custom casework in both the bedrooms. This was for maximum storage and space utilization, aesthetic appeal and very practical function for each of them. One, for the husband’s office (still working full-time) and the other, for the wife’s office/study (also still consulting and volunteering) which was also to double as a guest room with sleeper sofa. When challenged with acute space utilization parameters, designing to maximize a small space is like designing a “tiny house,” or a motor coach or a boat – every inch matters!

I guess the point of these two modifications, regarding the flooring selection and the space gained by removing the closet, is that details are important and when confronted with standardized plans, capturing any opportunity for modifications that can make the space more personal is invaluable. Custom built-ins maximize the footprint taking it vertical for storage and display space.

We then had a very light space with very specifically designed custom cabinets in the offices, warm-colored flooring and we added more lighting in the ceiling for spots and a more ambient spread of light – all with dimmers. Table lamps contributed to the ambient light in each room.

At this point we began to fill in with finishes and furniture to make the space their new home. From carefully selecting pieces from the previous residence and placing them on the floorplan for arrangement and scale, to culling the artwork for the best original pieces and specifically nostalgic objects which also each had an assigned place in the new home, we began layering their things in the new apartment.

The previous kitchen had stunning custom cabinets that we designed in 2004 in a knotty, medium-stained wood tone. About 5 years ago we replaced the original tile we had selected in that previous 2004 kitchen, with a “new” tile which was lighter and patterned. Therefore, for this brand new space, we selected a mottled glossy white glazed tile – super neutral and fresh with a traditional feel. The subtle variation in the glaze contributed to the handmade look of the material and resulted in a clean, neutral, monotone color scheme with the white cabinets and light granite slabs. To add a bit of detail and freshness, we tiled the island with a large format Talavera tile of a pale, organic, celery green pattern on creamy white field.

Due to space limitations, we elected not to place even a small dining table, in favor of a cantilevered overhang of the island countertop with counter stools. Weather permitting, there is a four-top table that we placed on the balcony for alfresco dining.

We had also re-done the master bedroom in the former residence from the warm gold and brick Spanish colonial theme, from 2004, to a refreshed navy and cream just a few years ago in 2021. We moved the key pieces from the master bedroom furniture and recreated the same feel in the new, smaller bedroom space.

The owners fell in love with a new, creamy upholstered bed which replaced the enormous, dark, albeit spectacular headboard panel from the previous room. This new, upholstered headboard was curvilinear – sort of a camel-back. We commissioned an Albuquerque artist, Alane Foug, to paint a series of miniature paintings to follow the contour of the headboard and splash a bit of pinks and greens into the blue and cream scene. We changed the bedside lamps and had them made from large jardinières that we found at a local treasure shop.

We “punched up” the living room by keeping very few key pieces while purchasing a few new, necessary, and accent items. A new, smaller, sleeper sofa, well-designed recliner, pair of small-scale curio cabinets and an area rug completed the scene. We found the curio cabinets in a consignment store which always adds to the fun of discovery and eclecticism.

We reupholstered a large, round ottoman and a carved Queen Anne reproduction side chair in a creamy neutral, but accented with a pop of a rich brick heavily woven fabric for the ottoman and lumbar pillow. We also kept the handsome cocktail table and massive sideboard.

By combining familiar treasured pieces and updating with necessary new pieces, the finished product was both familiar and refreshed.

As I previously mentioned at the start of this series, connecting with an interior design professional who can assist with the process of planning the move, placing the furnishings, selecting the finishes and colors of the new space, finding things to better fit the new rooms, while curating the things that mean the most or work the best is invaluable.

Helping to organize, make decisions, prioritizing, placing items on a floorplan to better understand size and scale – what to take with and what to leave behind. It can be exciting, but it can be emotionally stressful. Parting with things that have been collected over a lifetime is a huge chapter to turn.   

In contrast to the previous article about the single woman being displaced in a less than enthusiastic manner, this case was about a mutually decided new chapter – an adventure. It was completely voluntary and well planned. Downsizing can be emotionally draining at best, but when the decision is mutual, it can be exciting and fun! Making any downsizing situation positive is the key!

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Mar 01

Hidden Talent Exposed

By pattisays In Abstract Art, Albuquerque, New Mexico, architecture, art and food, art and interior design, art custom commissions, artistic expression, artistic imagery, artistic talent, artists, bars and restaurants, beach design, beauty behold it, coastal, Color schemes, color trends, colors, commercial interior design, commissioning an artist, Contemporary Art, contemporary interiors, context of interior design, creative process, creativity, custom art in interior design, custom design interior design, decorative arts, design, design and marketing, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design theme, design tips, design trends, designs in nature, Discovering Art, discovering artistic talent, drama of color, element of surprise in design, fanciful design, fine art photography, floral designs, flower power, flowers in design, focal points, good design, good taste, Graphic art, graphic designs in interiors, handwriting, hidden talent, hiring an interior designer, home decor, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior accents, interior design, Interior design pro tips, interior design trends, interior enhancements, joy, large format photographs, lifestyle, marketing the story, Modern Art, modern interiors, murals, nature, orchids, personal expression, personal taste, photography, public art, Refresh, Regional design, restaurant design, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Set design, Subscribers, travel and design, trending design, trends, tropical flowers, urban art, value of art, value of good design, vintage cars /  1

Hidden talent – that remarkable artwork that appears (seemingly) out of nowhere, on a par with great masters of the medium. I considered this element of surprise – looking back several decades to a local painter, Wilson Hurley, who had more than one very different, distinguished career and diverse life experiences before he delved deeply into his passion for painting in his 40s. Once exposed, his paintings revealed his extraordinary talents and he become a nationally recognized treasure for his sweeping landscapes and a variety of other subjects.  

On that note, I have just gotten off the phone with a very good friend, in Florida, Houston Evans. I have recently learned that he is a passionate weekend photographer! An amazing photo appeared in a Facebook post and I was astonished by the enchanting image, color and composition. I was instantly captivated – and curious. Upon closer inspection, his stylish swashbuckling  signature made me realize that this hobby was subtly becoming more than that – yes, he had his mark digitally mastered and is probably THE perfect brand for his diverse and stunning work.

“Star Power” is the luminous celebration of a pineapple.

As I quizzed him about his interest in photography, I learned that he attributes his eye for art, color and design to his mother who’s side of the family has spawned other talented artists, in his generation. He has been posting on Instagram for quite some time – hundreds of images. I didn’t know. I didn’t “follow.” He is modest about his photos and does it for his own amusement, pure pleasure and personal enjoyment – that he likes to share. “I don’t do it to imagine it on someone’s wall.” Yet this observer believes that there is where it absolutely should be! Many walls…many places! #houstonevansphotography

He plays with the medium and all the tools and tricks of the trade. He enjoys the freedom of experimentation. The results are controlled, yet spontaneous. From high resolution to fuzzy pixels that require distance to assimilate. Up close for precise detail and soft smears for imagination to take hold, the variety of clarity or lack thereof are a part of the experience and expression.  

“Makin’ Hay” has an enhanced pointillist treatment – a Van Gogh-esque subject with a twist.

From my interior designer’s perspective, his bold images would be key focal points in the drama of architectural spaces – interiors from Miami to Honolulu and on around the world!!! I can see the towering orchids in hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants and swanky condos everywhere!!! I am eager to find a project, for which his work would be the key to the scheme, unveiling a spontaneous design resulting from the inspiration of the image.

“Oblique Orchid” screams floral superiority as a commanding focal image.
“Shooting the Bird” speaks to paradise revisited!!!

In the beginning, the photos stood on their own merits. Evans keeps his originals – some of which remain just that – in their original form, while others are tweaked or more radically manipulated to create stunning subjects and compositions.

This brilliant, fresh simplicity of “Aqua Eye” observes the droplet’s reflection in the center of the cheery chartreuse petal.
Coming upon a cool caddie “Daddy Long Legs.”

I can see his limitless fantasies contributing to the imaginative narrative of Meow Wolf, gracing hotel lobbies with larger-than-life orchid explosions and commanding condo walls with magical statements of tropical color, subject and form. Translucent installations of LED illumination could result in magnificent walls of design influence.

“No Flies on Me” is a fantasy of oozing colors and form melting and melding around the psychedelic dragon fly.

The digital age is advancing with such a pace that we are all caught-up in photos of food, whacky selfies and sunsets on fire…but having an artist’s eye, to truly see the potential and master the tools that are now available – using them to create valid and valued masterpieces of art, is extraordinary.

“Copy Cat” reflections mirror a chorus of color from sky to watery impressionistic likeness.
This “Roadside Attraction” must have been a startling scene to distract dazzled drivers.

I truly believe that his work is exceptional – full of heart and soul – and spectacular fun!!!!!!!! I’m thrilled to learn of these images and now enjoy the continued progress of his discoveries and creations. Let’s see where this goes!!!!! He just might be coming out of hiding!!

Yes, his selfie – “Prickled!”
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Feb 24

Focus on an Artist, Patricia Forbes and the Art of Custom Design.

By pattisays In Abstract Art, Albuquerque, New Mexico, ambiance, art and interior design, art as gift ideas, art assemblages, art custom commissions, artistic expression, artistic talent, artists, collage art, Color schemes, color trends, colors, commercial interior design, commissioning an artist, Contemporary Art, context of interior design, Contrasting colors, creative process, creativity, custom art in interior design, custom design interior design, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, Design Team, design tips, design trends, Discovering Art, discovering artistic talent, drama of color, eclectic design, element of surprise in design, fanciful design, floral designs, Graphic art, graphic designs in interiors, handcraft, handmade, hiring an interior designer, home, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, joy, lifestyle, lofts, Modern Art, multi-media design, patterns, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, red, Subscribers, textures, trends, urban art, value of art /  

Collecting art, investing in art, loving art, designing with art…one aspect or all of the above, art in interior design has many facets. I have written previously about and presented a workshop about “I want a piece of art to go with my red sofa,” a kind of raspberry in the face of curators, collectors, critics and appraisers who would never take or condone that approach. But the desire and need exists and as a interior designer it is wonderful to work with artists who can and want to respond to cues, take on commissions and create for specific parameters.

Contrary to opinions from the high-brows, this is not to say that these artists lack artistic integrity or meaningful self-expression. Their value is as any other – determined by what the market will bear. The basis for this writing is that we work with many artists who love their work. And creating it (even under direction) brings them and their patrons joy.

Featured here is the up-lifting, colorful and texturally abstract work of Patricia Forbes. We have enjoyed commissioning her for specific interiors over the years and are never disappointed in the quality and creativity of her pieces.

For scale, diminutive Forbes poses by her Vertical Stick series.

With so many mass-produced art offerings at the trendy home decor stores, it is refreshing to encounter new clients who are at the start of their nesting years, establishing their own domains, selecting things that bring them comfort and identity and who’s appreciation lies in acquiring original art.

Designing an interior is about comfort and personal identity. It is about surrounding oneself with things that work – both functionally and aesthetically. Individual’s requirements, in either of those departments, can vary greatly – but suffice it to say, each person or couple or family unit creates a home environment based upon their likes and needs (and budget).

Enter the interior designer. When calling on the assistance of someone outside the intimacy of the home, the client is hoping for and expecting a successful custom-tailoring of their requests based upon the experience of the professional.

When designing an interior, it is exciting to use existing pieces already owned by the client. It is gratifying to arrange and place those items in ways not yet imagined – thereby justifying the investment in design consultation. After an intense session of rearranging furniture, artwork and decorative accessories the “ta-da” moment is one of near instant gratification and satisfaction.

When an interior needs a little something to pull it together, fill a gap, create an accent or establish a focal point, it is great fun to engage the creativity of an artist to custom design a piece to fit the need. Approaching an artist for the express purpose of acquiring a piece of their work to enhance a space is  an exciting venture. It is a personal connection between artist and patron that creates a communion, a bond.

Here I took inspiration from a single panel that Forbes had constructed and requested a series of 9 panels grouped in a grid to make a larger statement on the wall. The interest created from a grid of images adds movement and dimension to this series already complex with sculpted texture and applied layers.

Color, texture, size, style, subject (or not) all are aspects of art that are to be considered for the personal  interests of both artist and patron. If the patron has selected an artist to approach about a commission it is as a result of experiencing their work and appreciating it. The artist, in response, is to accept the parameters of the request and enjoy the challenge and process of creating the intended/desired finished product.

The intensity of this rich red wall was decided early in the design process. As we built layers of existing elements and introduced new pieces, the desire for a custom installation became apparent. This Urban Elements series was a collaborative effort between Forbes and me to provide a bit of an edgy, industrial vibe to this eclectic urban loft. Note too that the end table and coffee table were locally crafted for the project by Kirt Kirkpatrick

Forbes’ creativity is rooted in pattern, color and texture. Primarily non-objective, her pieces are compositions of movement and dimension. Working with a layering technique, she builds her action with a collage of papers and fibers, paint and stain. Action is key when describing Forbes’ artwork.

She creates for herself, but when called upon to collaborate on a project, her eager curiosity for what might result is enthusiastic and ever-promising. About her style and self-expression she states “When I have created a joyfulness and vibrancy in the work, I know I ahve created an experience I wish to share.”

When asked…

1. How/when/why did you start your abstract technique of layering colors and textures?

Forbes has always been drawn to color as a means of her personal expression, once she “experimented with acrylic materials that would hold a texture and  started playing with those using combs and rubber spatulas and sticks to mark in the materials” she was hooked.  “Metallic and interference paints call to me — so I began to combine the over the textured backgrounds, and  then discovered that with acrylic one could imbed paper.  It was really experimentation and discovery of what these amazing materials could do…”

2. What is the most satisfying aspect of your art  for you personally?

The element of surprise is what gets Forbes excited! “When something comes together almost unexpectedly and I wonder how I did that — it’s always a search for the right combination of elements, colors, textures, feelings.”  When they all come together she experiences great satisfaction.  “It’s like turning over pieces to see what fits. Sometimes I have to turn over a lot of pieces to get the right combination — sometimes wondering whether to continue.  Seems like it is always worth continuing the work to a happy conclusion.”

3. Why do you enjoy commissions to create specific pieces for interiors/patrons?

Forbes expresses genuine gratitude for her patrons. “I feel honored and appreciated when someone likes and appreciates my work and invites me to do something special for their home or office space.”  

4. What pleases/satisfies you about this custom commission process?

The process of working together with  her patrons is positive creative challenge. “I enjoy the collaborative aspect and going through the process with a client or designer and receiving their feedback as the work progresses.”

The satisfaction for a designer in partnering with an artist is designing and realizing a vision to complete a space. Bringing visions to reality.  I often say that my team provides tremendous support in making my dreams come true. From artists and craftspeople to seamstresses and all manner of contractors, it is truly a team effort to achieve great results!

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