SPANISH STYLE BRINGS INTERIOR SPICE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted On October 30, 2017 By pattisays In architecture, before and after, Color schemes, context of interior design, creative process, custom design interior design, design, design process, design tips, design trends, drama of color, hiring an interior designer, interior design, interior design trends, lifestyle, personal expression, remodeling, Spanish Colonial, Staircases, stone, tile /

Designing with the Brand in Mind

The grand opening of a project is always fun. Months of planning and construction resulting in a finished scene.

It’s not an easy path nor is it always as planned, but this project, conducted mostly long-distance, with only two field visits, is a great success.

Great clients make great projects. It’s a team effort and it helps that everyone is on the same page. The designer is a navigator, lighting the way to get to the end result. It can be a circuitous path. Like all projects, there are decisions and modifications, priorities and compromises.

Arizona Facial Plastics, having created a brand and provided a concept with which they wanted present their practice, sought an interior which instilled confidence, with the refreshing, pampering atmosphere of a spa, but with the aura of a conscientious, progressive medical environment.

In the fast-paced ever-expanding world of aesthetics, it is important to emphasize the quality and experience of service offered. In this clinic the services range from complex surgical procedures (performed off-site) to all of the cutting edge procedures and treatments desired by today’s discriminating clients. World-class products and state-of-the-art equipment and procedures are provided here, in the clinic, with quiet confidence and confidentiality.

To achieve their goals, we first focused on the brand and its style and colors. A crisp, serif-style A underscored with an elegant scroll, warm, soft charcoal compliments the bold cool gradated turquoise set against a fresh white ground.

Selecting finish materials began with the flooring and cabinetry. As is true with all interior projects, it is best to begin with the items that have the least options. There are fewer carpets and cabinet finishes than there are paint colors, for example.

We found the perfect carpet with a broadloom that provided a forgiving pattern, multiple textures and yarn colors. The complex product had an organic pattern of plush cut turquoise pile set in relief from a loop comprised of a grayed lavender and pale green citrine. Having made this selection, we then extracted individual colors of vinyl tile to compliment the carpeting in adjacent exam and procedure rooms. Gradated white porcelain tiles were used at the point of entry set against the contour of the carpeting in the waiting area creating a fluid, curvaceous transition and guiding, directional flow to the interior of the suite.

Once the flooring was selected, the cabinet and counter-top materials were next. A translucent yellow-green citrine engineered solid surface material was selected for the transaction counters at the reception desk and medical assistants’ work area. Dark charcoal plastic laminate was used for casework and select counters while exam room cabinets had a pencil-sketched floral patterned soft green laminate playing across the counter-tops.

An accent of sparkling glass and stone mosaic tile face the reception counter at the point of arrival.

Behind the receptionist, an elevated planter of succulent “sansevieria trifasciata”, regarded for it’s exceptional oxygen-producing properties, is a refreshing organic backdrop. Above, custom drapes filter light from the sloped ceiling atrium windows.

Non-representational expressions of color were selected for the wall art throughout the space.

For the waiting room, we commissioned photographer, Katie Barry Councilor, of Smoketree Photography, to create a custom collection of abstracted body forms in grey scale. We then enhanced each image with their brand’s cool turquoise color, in the negative spaces, creating a series of artful stretched canvas images flanking their logo.

The take-away for clients is a serene, yet reverential experience which instills confidence and promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. The subtle reiteration of the AZFP brand’s turquoise color throughout insures that the clients will be refreshed and reminded of their pleasing experience when they encounter that color even after leaving the clinic.

Hope you enjoy these before and after shots!!

Posted On October 1, 2017 By pattisays In aesthetic medical, before and after, branding in interior design, Color schemes, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, context of interior design, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, custom design interior design, design process, Design Team, design tips, flooring, graphic arts, hiring an interior designer, interior design, interior design trends, medical offices, mosaic tile, photography, remodeling, tile, timeless colors, trends, window dressings, workplace design / 2 Comments

Inspiration Discovered in Familiar Materials Used in New Ways

While at the stop light, I found myself behind this gorgeous fire truck and by the time I thought I should take it’s photo, it was pulling away and I was making a U-turn! So I quickly grabbed the phone, fumbled for the camera icon, and snapped this shot over the dash through the windshield as it powered up the street.

I have zoomed in on this spotlessly, shiny, magnificent machine for the effect of today’s story subject. This wonderful, patriotic, service – truck struck me not only because it was colorful and sparkling, but much of the high contrast and bling came from the diamond tread wrapping the handsome body.

Earlier in the week a client casually mentioned how cool it would be to use some of this material as an interior design element! Little did he know that his simple off-the-cuff comment inspired me to investigate and plan to do just that! I was minutes from presenting to this very client when this photo op occurred. Serendipitous perhaps?

What sparks the imagination? How do things evolve? What fun it is, as a part of the Creative Process, to explore the possibilities of unexpected materials used in new ways. In this case, the material is perfect to promote the theme of the brand – a successfully growing business related to cars and the repair and restoration thereof.

I won’t reveal the business just yet – it will be a dramatic unveiling soon-to-come. Suffice it to say, I am enjoying the process, with a great team, of expressing and furthering their well-established brand, in the development of the interior and exterior design.

Back to the diamond tread. You’ve seen this used on fire trucks, tool boxes, tailgates, flooring, trap doors…and much more. It comes in glossy aluminum as shown here with its brilliant, bright, bling – also in stainless steel (a bit more expensive), and a dark carbon version. It comes in large sheets – a couple of different sizes and thicknesses.

I have also discovered here, while on the search for materials for this project, a dark iridescent porcelain tile with a bas relief pattern simulating this amazing tread. This material like other faux finishes has it’s practical purposes – but like porcelain wood or porcelain stone – it is NOT the real deal. I have elected not to present this, for use on this project.

So stay tuned to the exciting insertion of this sheet metal in our new interior design. Just enough – not too much – right where it will be effective – and make the best statement.

The takeaway is that the excitement of introducing different materials effectively – not gratuitously – but with a purpose – is part of the fun of design. The daily inspiration that comes from new projects and people, ideas and opportunities!!!

And in light of our holiday weekend – a perfect time to feature the shiny red truck that inspires and represents the outstanding individuals in the service and rescue fields – Happy Labor Day!

Posted On September 3, 2017 By pattisays In aluminum, branding in interior design, commercial interior design, context of interior design, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, design, design process, Design Team, design tips, faux finishes, faux flooring materials, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, interior design, red /

Regional Design Fun!

So many regions, so little time!!!! All the design directions available based upon where you are and what you love – just think!! Regional design provides a strong connection to the surrounding environs. From selecting artwork to color schemes, decorative accessories and even room scents, creating regionally specific interiors is a fun way to go. Often reserved for second homes, the novelty of focusing on the design theme specific to the region does not always reflect real life.

Real life is usually comprised of a variety of experiences, tastes, acquired objects, interests etc…designing around a specific regional theme is more deliberately focused and therefore not as eclectic as a person’s true life experiences and resulting accumulation of possessions and reflection of varied interests.

Seaside design would incorporate decorative accessories, fabrics and colors to represent the surroundings such as nautical themes and the elements of the natural scene incorporating seashells, seascapes, etc…

Therefore, the primary place of residence in such a locale would reflect that context but not necessarily be completely designed around it. The second home would have the novelty of centering the design exclusively on that seaside theme.

Here is a stunning example of the Americana By the Sea Bungalow! A spritz or burning of Votivo’s White Ocean Sands in this scene – oh heck – why? Just open the windows and breathe in the salty sea air!!!

While in the metropolitan Washington area, one can’t help but notice the architectural influence of colonial times and the interiors which reflect the same.

Steeped in the history of our relatively young country and the pre-colonial decorative arts that came across the water to the New World, the antiques, reproductions and embellishments are telling.

This whimsical casita in Santa Fe illustrates the colorful folk-art of both old and New Mexico, bold paint colors, graphic transitions, and the enchanting architecture of adobe charm. As a second home, the extravagance of collecting and displaying in a fanciful setting is a fun, on-going project!

A corner cabinet by acclaimed folk-art painter Barbara Peabody makes a bold statement housing additional collectibles from Old and New Mexico. A giclee print of a fabulous watercolor by Susan Weeks – the art of decoratively detailed cowboy boots.

Where do YOU live? What themes from your area do you incorporate in your interior design? Get out there are soak it in, gather ideas, start collections, buy local and have fun!!!!!!

Posted On August 6, 2017 By pattisays In art and interior design, artistic expression, beach, context of interior design, creativity, custom design interior design, decorative arts, design tips, design trends, drama of color, fanciful design, folkart, historical interior design, inspiration, interior design, interior design trends, lifestyle, painted furniture, Regional design, Santa Fe, New Mexico, travel and design, trends /

Design Inspirations in the City Different

Do YOU know the way to Santa Fe, to play off of a song by another title? Up the hill and beneath a brilliant blue sky, the thunder clouds scatter with dramatic splendor. Past the cedar dotted landscape with punctuation of piñon the seasonal monsoonal green is blanketing the desert. A thrilling view passing swiftly, outside the window, like a series of paintings capturing surreal scenes – always picturesque.

It’s July in The Land of Enchantment and a weekend getaway, in Santa Fe, promises stimulating design treats and artistic inspiration! Every visit is familiar – yet new. Around every corner, there is detail and color, decoration and un-selfconscious art.

Just when you think the Santa Fe market is saturated with myriad fabulous dining options, Paloma hits the ground running, on Guadalupe Street, to shake things up a bit!

The joy of experiencing the very new restaurant of an amazing friend was exhilarating! Marja Martin, la propietaria of this great new venue Paloma, brings limitless talent, outstanding vision and distinctive creativity to everything she touches.

The quite well-seeded Santa Fe dining scene is recipient of her newest endeavor. Already a well-established and well loved caterer, her artistic sensitivity and smart culinary concepts – that have been her signature – now result in a presentation of stunning unpretentious decor and exceptional flavors. She’s giving patrons bold flavors and creative combinations inspired by true dining experiences, with our many-faceted Mexican neighbor’s to the south. The result is fun and transporting, in its authenticity.

Walking home, to the lovely casita of dear friends, the gates and doorways, patterns and particulars – uniquely New Mexican in their expression of design offer photographic treats. It’s magic. It’s exciting. It should be on everyone’s list to take the time to explore.

It’s as though history and current trends collide to create a patchwork of texture and color all to stimulate the senses. Exotic flavors and international everything all presented in the confines and context of this extraordinary place.

Interior design and exterior design bombarding from every pocket including this provocative little prose to ponder at Sonder. Get out there are feed your senses!

Posted On July 31, 2017 By pattisays In architecture, art and interior design, artistic expression, bar, bars and restaurants, commercial interior design, context of interior design, creativity, custom design interior design, decorative arts, design, design competition, dining and design, exterior - outdoor design, floral designs, food and interior design, handcraft, inspiration, interior design, interior design trends, Mexico, mosaic tile, nostalgia and design, restaurant restrooms, Santa Fe, New Mexico, summer, travel and design, trends, window dressings /

Windows – to Dress or Not to Dress

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!

Posted On July 15, 2017 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 /

Everyone Needs a Little Country Sometime

I would like to share a treat of a house in a magical setting along a quiet waterway in the lush rural lake community of Edgerton, Wisconsin. A most talented friend has created a riverside home from a modest rambler. What was a dated structure with limited interior appointments, low ceilings, tiny high windows, and ordinary fixtures is now a soft, sophisticated, space outfitted with treasures gathered in the countryside, filled with history, character and antique charm.

Hands on and knowing exactly what she wanted to achieve, she began collecting interesting fixtures and hardware, furniture pieces and finishes. She hired a remodeling contractor, but worked closely with him and his architect to detail every facet of this home. Unwilling to compromise certain features, she enlarged all window openings, reconfigured the entry, gutted the kitchen, redesigned the bathrooms, ripped out the ceiling exposing structure – increasing volume exponentially – and added a garage.

Exposed beams, new white-washed tongue and groove boards applied to raised ceiling, a found wooden column used for structural support, new crown molding, bead-board wainscoting, re-designed fireplace surround, and creatively concealed storage closets, have re-shaped the entire character of this interior so dramatically that all who entered, not having yet seen this incredible transformation, were awed.

Hearing their comments as they passed through the spaces was amusing in their commonality. Everyone was amazed at the amount of work done, creative elements incorporated, fun finds she had collected to transform this modest house into this cozy cottage. Her two cats have wonderful vantage points to watch the activities in the rooms below as guests gathered to celebrate the weekend’s family wedding festivities.

Daylight streams through windows and floribunda gardens around the house are now communing beautifully with the interior.

Ever-so-soft blues, with whites of every shade, create a soft backdrop to collections of fine china to vintage scales and myriad eclectic antiques.

Outside a recently completed multi-tiered pond emits soft trickling background sound which wafts inside through the many open windows. Not to be reticent about being hands-on, this tenacious designer personally packed 23 loads of boulders and large stones into her truck, off-loaded and placed around the periphery of the pond. She planted tiny creeping vegetation among the stones, water plants, multiple trees and perennials to establish instant-gratification landscaping in her expansive backyard, which is a lush verdant botanical expression that grows abundantly right down to meet the river.

A great get-acquainted bonding of disparate family and friends occurred when we collected buckets of roadside flowers to make arrangements for the reception venue.

Wild bouquets punctuated with spectacular domestic flowers from the gardens surrounding the cottage provided fun activity and contributed to the charm of the scene.

Everyone needs a little country sometime.

Posted On July 8, 2017 By pattisays In architecture, artistic expression, beauty behold it, color trends, context of interior design, country living, creativity, custom design interior design, decorative arts, design, design tips, design trends, DIY design, exterior - outdoor design, fireplaces, floral arrangements, floral designs, furniture finds, Garden, handcraft, inspiration, interior design, interior design trends, landscape design, lifestyle, natural designs, nostalgia and design, party themes, personal expression, re-purpose, Refresh, remodeling, rural design, stone, summer, timeless colors, window dressings /

It’s Not Quite Right. How Do I Fix It?

You know things are not quite right…at a glance, it all looks good – but something is not quite right… too loud, too quiet, bland, boring, just not interesting, not working, not quite right – but you can’t put your finger on what is bothering you or why. I could be talking about blind dates – or the significant other that everyone thinks is terrific, but you know that it’s not what you want or need right now. Can you fix this? The similarities are astonishingly comparable to observations you might make, or discomfort you might feel, in your interior environment. Replay that list of disappointing observations you might find, in a would-be he or she, and apply it to you interior. See how funny/similar it can be!!

Fixing people is not quite as easy as making changes in your property. But the similarities, in evaluating, being uncomfortable and not being able to put your finger on the exact problem and making the decision(s) necessary to rectify things, are. Identifying the problem is often the roadblock.

Maybe you’re just tired of it and you want it refreshed. Do you want something new? Do you want to change it around – rearrange? Can you do that? Do you need to start over or can you salvage the best parts and improve others?

Having scrambled all of these people-personality traits and interior features, let’s focus on the subject at hand – interiors. This conversation occurs often. Someone will bring to my attention something that either bothers them, or an idea that they think will improve their space. More times than not, I realize that the objective view will notice that the items identified or ideas offered are not at all what is wrong or, by changing, will improve the space.

Case in point, an appointment scheduled to discuss large windows in a great room. The client thought that the room needed draperies. It would have been an expensive installation regardless of the cost of the fabric – just due to the area to cover. I have used this example before, because it is so prime. My first questions were: Is this for sun-control? To which she answered that no, she faced east and had a generous overhang on her patio. Is it for privacy? No, she assured me that nobody lived east of her and that was not a concern. Is it as a decorative element? Her answer was cautiously enthusiastic that yes, she thought that a decorative drapery treatment was just what she needed to improve the look and feel of the space.

I scanned the room seeing the tired, stained carpet, poorly arranged furniture, toys strewn about and piles of papers on every surface…and I knew that draperies were not going to improve this scene. Because it was their primary living space and they were obviously hard on it, I suggested that she trade her carpet for tile and a large area rug, I helped her rearrange her furniture, suggested toy bins, and advised against the draperies. She had the good fortune of a relative in the flooring business and so I helped her select the tile and carpet to be cut into a rug and her installation was quickly completed, at far less cost to her than window treatments would have been. With paint to refresh, the end result was so successful that she could not stop talking about how the transformation made her feel so good and that she just couldn’t see it – hadn’t bee able to decide what needed to be done.

Feeling good about your interior spaces. Your private space needs to make you feel good for so many reasons…security, comfort, relaxation, motivation, joy, inspiration, identification…Times change and styles change, some things are classic and some are fleeting and trendy. Your interior responds to your place in time. Refreshing it is a natural response to changing times and life stages.

Recently I was asked to look at the walls in a kitchen. They were a medium sage against a natural blond wood ceiling. We had just lightened the walls of an adjacent room. She said “I think I want to change my wall color – don’t you think it’s too dark?” So I looked around and pondered…it’s a cozy room, the color is neutral and contrasts well with the wood ceiling…I wondered, is it too dark? How will it change if we select a new color – specifically a lighter color? I knew that they enjoyed spending time in this space, more-so in the winter as they had many wonderful outdoor areas to spend time in the warmer months.

So I thought about the room in winter…the dark walls gave it a close, soft, comfortable, cozy feel. But upon gazing around the room, I noticed that the cabinets had a modern, flat, radius design, worn in several places, were blond wood (when the rest of the doors and trim throughout the house were raised panel and all white), and in no way seemed to reflect the interior design theme of the rest of the home.

I offered that maybe the cabinet doors and drawers should be replaced with new raised panel versions. The boxes and hardware were in fine condition, the replacing of the doors and drawers would be less costly and intrusive than replacing all of the cabinetry. She expressed shock at this observation. I was suggesting keeping the wall color, refreshing the cabinets, painting them white and voila – a new, brighter kitchen without lightening the walls. It would retain the cozy feel, but with a fresh look! And I have since considered that the island might be another color – yet to be determined.

We have recently done a similar fix to existing cabinets – and the result was amazing.

Salvage what makes sense and spruce up/replace what needs it. Need help deciding how to know what to do and what not to do? Call your favorite interior designer!

Posted On July 1, 2017 By pattisays In creativity, custom design interior design, design, design tips, flooring, hiring an interior designer, interior design, joy, kitchen, lifestyle, practical design, re-purpose, remodeling, window dressings /

What is Custom and Why Do You Care?

A client and I had a discussion the other day about “custom” design. What is custom and why do you care? As we regarded her newly reupholstered furniture that had been delivered and placed in the living room, we began remarking about the “custom” nature of it all. A specifically designed audio/visual cabinet is currently being “custom” fabricated to add to this scene. Unique pieces of furniture with specifically selected fabrics to create an exclusive, personal scene. This “custom” collection/combination of existing pieces, recent “finds,” new pieces and designer fabrics doesn’t occur anywhere else on the planet. How personal can you get?

Here’s a peek…the beginning of the assembly of this “custom” scene. Crisp Scalamandre stripe on a fabulous find, paired with a rich navy and cream hounds tooth woven…rugs, lamps, pillows all still to come…

Creating a custom scene is like composing music or a painting. It is an art-form of balance. Balancing scale, color, texture, form…the many nuances…details….is the art of it all.

With all of the options on-line and in furniture stores, how do you begin to compose your scene? Where do you start? What do you keep and what do you replace? Why might you want to engage an interior designer?

Perhaps you need assistance getting started. A professional interior designer can help. So can several talented friends – but there is never only one way to do anything (too many chefs) and the right guidance can simplify the process and make the decisions much easier.

Too many chefs?

You need someone you trust, with whom to consult on the many design decisions. From floor finishes to ceiling treatments, window coverings to upholstery, furniture pieces and placement to decorative and functional accessories, lighting to audio/visual – a professional designer has the tools, colleagues and experience to assist you to realize your “custom” scene.

However, if you don’t have the desire or the patience with the creative process, you need not participate – you can go on an extended vacay while all is designed and completed. Voila! Or, you can expeditiously go on-line and buy what you like and hope it works well together and that it fits, that it wears well and results in the scene you want and need to bring you comfort and joy. Or not.

The same is true for commercial interiors. The scene should be an exclusive, custom design that reflects the unique culture, qualities, values, mission and brand, enhances productivity and satisfies the needs of the owner/occupants.

An accounting firm merged two existing, well-established firms. Old and new, grounded and progressive – the remodeled “custom” interior represents their newly defined culture.

A designer interviews the client in order to extract their desires. These many impressions of the desired design are often tough to identify and articulate by the client perhaps, but those illusive concepts, ideas, and desires are exactly what the designer gathers to cull the options, offer ideas and compose the “custom” scene.

For more on this, please visit a previous blog on the Creative Process https://patriciandesign.com/the-creative-process-of-interior-design/ and Custom Design Details https://patriciandesign.com/4680-2/and Custom Collection https://patriciandesign.com/2017/02/

Posted On June 18, 2017 By pattisays In commercial interior design, commercial remodel, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, custom furniture, design, design process, design tips, furniture finds, hiring an interior designer, interior design, joy, lifestyle, re-upholstery, recycle design, Refresh, remodeling, updating, upholstery /

custom design interior design