Sep 24

A Most Illuminating Lighting Course Proves – It Exists!

By pattisays In ceiling lighting, color and temperature re: interior design, color of light, Concealed lighting, custom lighting, design tips, design trends, element of surprise in design, fashion and design, furniture finds, hiring an interior designer, interior design, interior design trends, Kelvin, kitchen lighting, LED, lifestyle, lighted fabrics, lighting, Luminous furniture, medical offices, multi-media design, murals, OLED, smart surfaces, temperature of light, theatrical design, video walls / 1

As is often the case, after attending an engaging and informative continuing education class, I am compelled to share at least a fraction of the energy that I experienced today. When a class is good, it is energizing. This was a most illuminating lighting course!

We know that as interior designers that light plays a significant role in creating a scene. Whether task lighting, ambient lighting, spot lighting or washes of color – light plays an important role. What’s so exciting and compelling is the technology that is so rapidly changing the possibilities!

The profound change is a result of the perfected application of Light Emitting Diodes – LED lighting. Lynne Wilkinson takes the complexity of physics and speaks in plain language with a humorous and entertaining delivery distilling that which is incredibly complex into digestible information.

Here’s a link to Philips for more information:

https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-li/led-light-bulbs

So today I want to impart a tiny bit of the exciting content of this day. If a child asked you – “what is light?” How might you answer that? Um…well…it’s uh…Electromagnetic radiation. Duh! After clearing that hurdle, we settled into distinguishing the technology between incandescent and fluorescent and a number of other lighting sources. We discussed temperature Kelvin, luminescence, illumination and the atomic composition of protons, neutrons and electrons that are involved. So how is this interesting to YOU?

Well…inasmuch as we in the field have kept step with much of this terminology throughout our careers, and the sci-fi interpretations of the possibilities – the future is HERE! If you just look at I-Phones being only 10 years old, yes, 2007 – we’ve come a long way baby!! Nearly anything you can imagine already exists! And if it doesn’t yet, the brains in the incubators are racing to discover and invent the next iteration of these amazing possibilities!! Look at these cool dots and dashes dramatically streaking across a living room ceiling!

You probably know that LEDs are energy efficient. Have you noticed how dramatically their price has come down in the last, say, three years? They used to be $50 and now they are under $10.. They burn for 50,000 hours…but as they diminish, the quality of their light changes – they will burn long after the accuracy of their illumination has changed. Do you care?

So many health issues are still being discovered with regard to the effectiveness of lighting. Circadian rhythms – how your body is biologically on a timer. How it needs rest and waking hours. What interferes with the natural melatonin in your system that can affect your health. Dark is for sleep. Blue light versus red light can interfere with your good sleep? Here’s a hint – don’t leave computer screens or cell phones on in your bedroom – get rid of the clocks and other light-emitting devices when you are trying to sleep. AVOID the cool colors – blue especially.

To take this to a higher level of interaction, artificial lighting can be “tuned.” We know it can be dimmed and change color – but tuning is the technology of changing the temperature and related color to compliment the activity in the space. Your living room can be tuned to track the time of day to compliment warm early morning, bright cool mid day, dimming down to the warmth of an evening glow. Do you care? Maybe not today – but to better organize and track a busy day, this can be soothing to compliment your morning coffee…energize you into a more productive mode as the day progresses and calm you as the day closes. It might be handy if you lived in Scandinavia where the days are shorter and the desire to create a sense of daylight’s progression is real.

In an operating room – do you want your surgeon to see well into your body parts? By tuning the room in zones, you can place certain colors of light over the surgery to better illuminate and contrast the focal point or dim the light to read monitors better (as in many endoscopic procedures where they go in with a camera and don’t even see the action except on the monitors which are better read with a darkened surrounding quality of light or lack thereof), or brighten other areas where medical implements, keyboards, etc need brighter light to do the job. The understanding and ability to control these various light levels, colors and luminescence is becoming very apparent. Might ultimately be invaluable.

Back to interior design applications and concerns – the idea is to create effective, appropriate light and not see the source. I have always said this especially in the realm of landscape lighting – yes outside. I never use the “runway lights,” rather I chose to conceal the light source and have it spill, wash, spot and filter without giving away the source of the light. It is more subtle, effective, natural, soft, and pleasing. So in a kitchen, don’t let the under-counter lights be spotty, reflected on any adjacent dark or shiny surface, use smaller aperture ceiling fixtures (cans), hockey pucks in cabinets create shadows…with all the new LED tapes, fixtures and diffusers these faux pas are very avoidable.

Lightology has an exciting site full of great images, ideas and information

http://www.lightology.com/index.php?module=how_to&sub=new-recessed-lighting

As recently as 18 months ago we were remodeling a bar and wanted to use LED tape the full-length beneath the long countertop – but the cost was significant. Today, that cost is a fraction of what it was. So I might be re-visiting that bar detail!!!

So many lights can be field modified cut and shaped. With the perfection of Organic LEDs, seemingly limitless possibilities exist. Imagine your laptop being so pliable that you can roll it into a tight tube and pack it effortlessly without fear of cracking or breaking. Light-weight and completely flexible. They exist.

Imagine an entire wall in your home that is a touch screen that can be installed as easily as wallpaper. Yes, pliable and paper thin, glued onto the wall and operate as a computer – all your news and information at your fingertips at a scale that commands the room. Smart surfaces – they exist.

Learn more from Planar

http://www.planar.com/products/led-video-walls/led-calculator/#!/welcome

Learn more from Corning:

https://www.corning.com/au/en/about-us/news-events/features/willow-samples.html

Back to now – smart homes can do so much from an app on your phone and lighting is a huge part of that control. You already know that you can turn you lights on and off from your phone on a beach in Tahiti. But did you know that your phone can be as small as a lipstick tube or small flashlight and have a retractable screen of flexible OLED – easy to hold, pack, carry and with a simple tug, click or push of a button reveal a thin full screen? It exists.

Learn more about OLED:

https://www.oled-info.com/introduction

Architecture and interior design benefit greatly from this technology, but are probably the last to be jumping on the bandwagon. This technology is introduced in so many other aspects of our world before it gets to mere offices and residences. Fabric panel walls that have lights IN the fabric and can be controlled for color and movement, resin furniture glowing from inside that can be used outside in all-weather, stair treads that sparkle with glass embedded into them and coffee tables that have pressure sensitivity that when you touch them they respond. So many of these creative applications are already very cost-effective and remarkably accessible.

Here is more about glowing furniture from Marceladick:

Led Furniture

A German company, Cerion, making exciting glass pieces embedded with LEDs

http://glassprocessing.eu/dg-glass-furniture-glass-processing-3d-laser.htm

Glowing ceiling layers that once were inconvenient to replace lamps (bulbs) often were left dark rather than scale the heights to maintain. Now the long lasting light sources produce their glow for many years.

Fashion is also enhanced with the advent of these light sources in the actual fabrics. Models sporting luminous layers, glowing translucence, sparkling luminescence adding elements to clothing imagined. Think about draperies!

Here is a fashion-forward blog to share:

About the Materials

These exciting applications will be sure to get you thinking about the many possibilities. Love light? Use light!!

Sep 17

Fireplace Facelifts

By pattisays In architecture, before and after, design process, design tips, design trends, fireplaces, hiring an interior designer, interior design, interior design trends, lifestyle, Refresh, remodeling, tile /

The warmth of summer is still here…but it’s time to plan for fireplace season!! Officially fall begins on September 22 – just a few more days. It will be too late once the chill is in the air – so, be ready! If your fireplace needs a facelift – start thinking now!! The materials available, the accents and pizzazz, dimensional modifications and trim carpentry all contribute to the array of options to make your fireplace a fabulous focal point.

Whether a traditional-ish style, a southwestern kiva or a contemporary statement, there are certain steps that will transform instantly…or reasonably soon!!

Here are some examples of finished products AND works in progress…perhaps some ideas for your lifestyle!!! First we have a fairly contemporary home that was recently acquired and needed an update. The fireplace wall was flat and had no dimension or personality. Usually viewed as a focal point, a fireplace should command some respect.

This flat, non-dimensional, facade was weak at best. Under the guise of upscale, the granite surround provided little impact – if any. It was a non-commitment, to making a statement. In order to give it some presence, we brought it forward – just a touch – only a couple of inches, to provide dimension and mass.

By encapsulating it in black porcelain tile, it added strength and emphasis. The blank wall above it – with the outlet – probably housed a TV. Naked – it was surrounded by white painted sheet-rock walls above the weak granite surround.

To have added the dimension and contrast of materials and to have COMMITTED to the entire wall – it now commands respect. It has structure. Not to mention, the black TV melds into the facade and is not naked in the room.

In a completely different scenario, this quiet corner kiva was simple, yet lacked detail. The original 40+ year-old broken red quarry hearth was a bit dingy in its newly refreshed interior.

The new color scheme is blue and white and therefore, with the New Mexico context, we added Mexican Talavera tile to the face of the hearth (could have been Portuguese or Greek – classic navy and white is worldwide in its history of classic style). In addition, for depth and detail, we placed a creamy, broken edged sandstone on the top of the hearth and also on the upper mantle ledge.

The result is fresh and classic – a simple, timeless update that will stand nicely for decades to come.

This next example is still in the process of transformation. An attempt at a traditional statement of wood molding – the golden oak, insipid tile and flanking brick were in dire contrast – not the good kind of contrast. The entire statement was weak, yet screaming in its ability, to call attention as the focal point that it was, to command the space – albeit, ineffectively.

To begin – as a band-aid for a temporary fix, we painted the wooden mantle and surround and even the inset tile. Knowing this was temporary, it was an inexpensive, non-structurally modified, place-holder.

This project is currently taking another step to modify the fireplace. As time and budget allowed, the hearth was squared – eliminating the angels and some of the over-generous depth. Flanking brick walls were painted a contrasting gray.

Soon to be completed….watch for this finished product.

The idea of this missive is that there are subtle changes that can take the “curse” off of a design dilemma. And there are certainly many transformative changes that will take things up a notch.

The next challenge in this department of fireplace facelifts will transform this dated design element. Currently in the design phase, this flat-faced and dated surround has great promise. The modifications will be remarkably easy and dramatically effective.

How does your fireplace speak about your interior design and living area’s focal point? Stay tuned!!!!

Sep 10

Commercial Finishes – What They Say – What They Convey

By pattisays In bars and restaurants, beach, branding in interior design, breweries, coastal, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, context of interior design, creative process, design, design process, design tips, design trends, environmental design, faux finishes, faux flooring materials, flooring, hiring an interior designer, inspiration from nature, interior design, interior design trends, medical offices, patio, practical design, remodeling, tile, trends, wood-grained porcelain tile, workplace design /

When planning a commercial project, how do you separate your personal taste from an objective view of the program for the business? This situation has occurred twice in the last year with my practice. Well, there can be blurred lines. There can be design elements that work in both environments. There certainly are offices that mimic residential living rooms – contemporary or traditional – modern or historic, but it should directly relate to the type of business and the brand of that business. What does the space say with regard to conveying the intent of the business?

The selection of materials comes first. The bones of the building – what’s exposed, what’s concealed, flooring, wall treatments, etc…The first project was a medical related business – corporate office for a product line. The neighboring space was a physician’s office and treatment suite. The common space had existing concrete floors. The woman leading the design decisions for the medical corporate offices wanted to continue the concrete into her waiting area and throughout the offices with area rugs in each room. A small-scaled water feature, in the form of a grey box, is located adjacent to the seating and a distressed chest and metal sculpture are also part of the scene. Her selection of chairs were heavy, gold tapestry, over-stuffed and tufted. They were placed around a round table in the center of the room. All I could see was a setting for a Victorian séance. It in no way reflected the clean, crisp, fashionable brand that they had established to represent their rejuvenating medical product line. Rugs invited tripping hazards and the look was in no way speaking the language, of the intent of the business or its brand. It spoke directly of the woman’s home, from which she replicated her eclectic taste in the office.

Next door, nearing completion, the physician’s group was being strong-armed into going the same route with the concrete floors. We love concrete floors in so many applications, but here – in these two spaces, they were existing, did not take the stain well and looked dark and dirty in the final polished presentation – NOT the fresh look of a sleek medical group. Not the finish to convey confidence and cleanliness. Treatment rooms had vinyl flooring for necessary maintenance, corridors and physician’s office had carpeting, but the docs rejected the contrasting finished product in the entry and restrooms and went back to the light tile flooring that was originally specified regaining the professional appearance of the intended design.

Faux wood porcelain boards are a fantastic contribution to the design offerings for both residential and commercial finish materials. Shown here on the exterior of a building by the ocean, the artsy peeled bark variegation of the pattern is striking and makes a commanding design statement.

It is carried through into the interior and back outside on the rear dining patio.

The idea is that a wooden building by a seaside is traditional – this is a stunning twist on that which was once a customary building material revisited with an invincible, high-design version. The use of wood for such a place would have been historically accurate.

The same is true when faux porcelain planks are used on the floors in the produce section of a grocery store – replicating a produce market or barn where fresh produce is collected and sold. Some high-traffic food-service establishments, bars or breweries often want the look of wood floors – to convey a context or scene – but are not durable and therefore not advisable. A home – almost anywhere including the obvious – in the woods or by the shore, with wood flooring might not be practical, but by using the wood planking porcelain, the look is conveyed while the durability and maintenance is made effortless.

Recently an owner wanted the “look.” That sleek modern look of grey porcelain planking. His business was one that dealt with automotive repair and restoration. In evaluating his brand and the nature of the business, real wood floors would never be the material of preference. So to use even a durable, invincible, porcelain version seemed out of place.

Concrete would be more the material of a garage environment. To make a corporate statement, concrete can be dressed-up. Porcelain tiles simulating concrete is an appropriate faux finish option – either way, preferable to creating an interior of grey weathered wooden planks. Watch for the completion of these projects in the coming months.

Adopting the use of materials merely because you like them or they are in vogue is not always the best approach. Consider the context, the intent, the statement materials make – how they “read,” what they say – what they convey.

Sep 03

Inspiration Discovered in Familiar Materials Used in New Ways

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 /

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!

Aug 27

Drama, Discretion and the Element of Surprise – Concealing & Revealing

By pattisays In architect, architecture, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, denial and reward in design, design, design process, design tips, element of surprise in design, hiring an interior designer, interior design, lifestyle, practical design, privacy in design, remodeling /

Have you ever had someone ask you to cover your eyes and then there is an anticipatory pause as you stand there anxiously or they guide you – no peeking – in your temporary darkness, to a point where they say “you can look now!” and you do so with great anticipation? The elements of surprise and discovery are put into play to create drama. Hopefully, the unveiling is met with the positive reaction that the presenter had in mind.

Recently I was called to the home of a wife and mother with a dog. Only she was in evidence and present for this meeting.

Her initial contacting our office and brief correspondence prior to meeting was done via email regarding her introduction and retaining me to assist her with her newly acquired home. Her first concern, conveyed even before we met in person, was one of achieving a “cozy” interior.

The home’s contents were partially dismantled as the original owners were in the process of boxing up and moving out. In all fairness, despite the unfurnished state, it was devoid of mystery or interest. It did offer a commanding view of the mountains seen very closely through an expansive north facing wall of glass. But as magnificent as the unrestrained scene was, the drama might better have been revealed by invitation rather than seen in its entirety, from outside the un-obscured glass front door and large flanking sidelights straight through the house and without interruption. This presented an exciting opportunity.

By invitation, I mean selecting who sees into your home and how far. Who sees the intimacy of the interior and the would-be personal vantage-point of the dramatic scene. The opportunity was to control this drama and give it even greater impact by concealing and revealing. The opportunity to create a design which offered privacy, bit of mystery and discretion – with the ultimate revelation of the startling glass wall and jaw-dropping view.

This sketch by architect Matthew Frederick illustrates the effective use of “denial and reward” to enrich the approach to the ultimate unveiling of the destination.

This home I’m describing offered little or none of these characteristics to entice the guest/viewer and, with that, certainly defied the word cozy.

The objective, as originally stated by my client, was to achieve a cozy interior. Presented with all hard surfaces of stone, tile, steel and glass, the problem seemed obvious, offering possible solutions was my task.

When I suggested a partial-height point-of-arrival wall be constructed inside the entry to stop the view and allowing one to assess and receive the guest and/or conduct a transaction, I was instantly met with “Oh, but it’s that view that my husband loves! He wouldn’t go for that.” And I’m thinking…but seeing all from outside the front of the house straight through and out the other side?

First roadblock. He who has strong opinion and, in his absence, is inserted into the conversation, without benefit of thoughtful exchange, strongly suggested that further evaluation of this option seemed moot. This through-space seen in its entirety, without interruption from outside the front door to the back of the house, was totally transparent and the representative (she) of the team was referencing his seemingly over-riding preference, in contrast to her stated concerns…cozy. Not to mention private.

To create a successful design, it is important to consider contrasting elements. All hard surfaces begged for softening counter-balance. Transparency suggested the need for partial obscurity – at least at the point-of-arrival.

Wouldn’t it be interesting to obscure some of that magnificent view from anyone who approached the door and rather invite those so chosen to discover the mystery and drama once they’re brought into the space? This addresses both privacy and drama with greater sensitivity while beginning to address cozy, by concealing the living space from public view.

Un-obscured glass on the back of the house is the private drama. Seeing the view from inside and connecting the outside to inside, for personal enjoyment is unique. By allowing only family and guests be given that vantage point, from the interior and private backyard exterior to the inside, is the privacy bonus. Drama and privacy achieved.

As with most things in life, you get more punch from the element of surprise. To have guests arrive, be received and then invited to proceed, to experience the drama, is far more effective than seeing it all without the heightened expectation or even unexpected surprise.

Aug 20

Color Schemes and the Complex Simplicity of It All

By pattisays In blue and white, color and temperature re: interior design, color forecasting, color of light, Color schemes, color trends, colors, Contrasting colors, creative process, design, design process, design tips, design trends, drama of color, hiring an interior designer, interior design, interior design trends, lighting, patterns, re-purpose, re-upholstery, recycle, recycle design, Refresh, remodeling, Sherwin Williams, temperature of light, tile, timeless colors, upholstery / 1

Color schemes are many. Color schemes evoke a mood or convey an atmosphere. They certainly can and often are responsible for imagined temperatures and/or seasonal sensations. What constitutes a pleasing color scheme? What constitutes pleasing? It all comes down to balance, layering and subsequent interest. It takes a enlightened eye and usually cannot be achieved by accident.

We are nearing completion of a living room that incorporates many design elements. Family heirloom antiques add a vintage touch along with the architectural style of the bungalow home. Contrasting these pieces is a sleek-lined, modern, sofa that we found and reupholstered. And while not driven or influenced by current color trends, we selected a scheme derived from the existing Persian rugs. By extracting the blue and white from the patterns to refresh the interior – a classic, timeless color combination – we blended a wonderful scheme. Finding the common denominator(s) blue and white, we sought to anchor all with this consistent theme. Differing patterns provided additional layering and interest.

Then, just last week while dashing through the DCA terminal for SWA, my eye caught the attention of several magazine covers all featuring blue and white schemes! Always in vogue, but not always featured as the cover story, this coincidental (or not) collection of blue and white photo images was a riot! I was forced to snap a few shots to send to my happy blue and white client.

If I described a new master bath remodel project as all white, I wonder what might come to mind. All whites are not created equal and the variation is startling when you see them in context, adjacent to one another. So here is the easiest example. A fan-deck from Sherwin Williams shows a collection of whites. They “read” very differently from one to the next. Yet taken one at a time – isolated from the rest – each would seem to be just plain white. Notice too how they differ from the white paper upon which they are printed – it is the spacing between the color chips – and even the white fabric upon which they were placed for the photo!

But there is really no such thing as “just plain white.” Once seen next to another, their unique qualities of hue come into play. A yellow white is creamy, while a cool white reads blue. It’s the context that makes the color more legible. Without that they could be assumed and accepted to be merely “white.”

So, in this recent color scheme nearing completion, whites in context show their many colors. At first glance and if asked, one would say “the room is all white.”

Upon closer inspection (photos taken from a different angle seconds apart), that simplicity is replaced by a more complex, heightened level of awareness. This complexity is what adds interest and results in a better finished product than a true monochrome. What was a collection of white materials, in this master bath, is truly revealed as shades of white varying from ever so soft celadon to cream and grey to what might be read as actual “white” white.

Don’t trust your eye when it comes to color. Discover how paint on walls changes all through the day. Artificial light-sources alter the way a color appears. Context with other colors alters the way one perceives color. Color is fun! Colors are fun! When designing interiors, enjoy the process of layering and the varying effects colors have on each other. Simplicity is usually not really simple. That term can be deceptive. Making it look that way is an art. Encourage the enjoyment of discovery.

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!!

Aug 06

Regional Design Fun!

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 /

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!!!!!!

Jul 22

Exterior Design – Celebrating Summer

By pattisays In design, design tips, design trends, designs in nature, exterior - outdoor design, inspiration from nature, interior design, interior design trends, landscape design, lifestyle, natural designs, naturalist, nature, seasonal interior design, summer /

As summer blazes on and we continue to enjoy the freedom offered by expanding our living spaces into the out-of-doors, I’m contemplating the variety of versions of outdoor living that are made possible by different climates. While friends in the tropics of coastal Mexico are complaining about the inescapable sweltering heat and humidity these summer months, the rest of the upper regions are rejoicing in the mere fact that the bitter cold is replaced by warm air and things are growing and green and flowering and alive!

Various water features come to life springing forth suggesting the refreshing sight and sound of a trickling brook,

bumble bees light on flowers that would be disintegrating clumps of dead growth in winter,

comfortable enjoyment of TVs on patios that become desolate, barren, outdoor rooms in winter.

The reverse is trending too however, where organic materials, (stone, woven reed rugs, plants, wood, bamboo) are used bringing nature inside the home.

This connecting nature indoors the home is a refreshing, rejuvenating approach to design – in stark contrast to the crisp geometric inorganic feeling of other design trends. Taking it a step further is the seamless transition of the two.

Interior stone flooring flows out onto the patio…telescoping patio doors open allowing seamless transition between indoors and out.

“Transteriors” was coined by landscape designer Jamie Durie and his team who have enjoyed the broadening of his brand to link his exterior designs to the adjacent interior spaces with a celebration of sustainability and organic appeal. The brief mention in last month’s June 2017 edition of vmsd (Visual Merchandising + Store Design) was a validating article reinforcing my appreciation for the different climates and the design options and limitations we experience from zone to zone.

I’m returning this weekend to a project that I designed a few years ago in the Sonora Desert – it seems to have stood the test of time and is still referenced as a “Tangerine Dream” of indoor/outdoor living.

We didn’t have the luxury of telescoping doors opening glass walls to connect the inside with out, but we maximized the colors, materials, plants and design scheme to allow the transitional lifestyle flow. Stone and tropical plants inside speak to the same materials outside. Colors correlate and, in this case, the climate allows enjoyment outdoors all year around…with some minor limitations and yes, decided temperature changes.

But nothing like what occurs in the snowy climes where outdoor living – except some frigid winter sports – is all but closed for the season.

Advancements in technology and ideology have made transterior design much more viable – allowing for amazing options for furniture, fabrics,

kitchens, fireplaces, flooring (take that same material from inside right out onto the patios – if its frost-proof), lighting and more from which designers can create exterior living spaces. These outdoor rooms so emulate the interiors that the transition is often difficult to see. Not being able to discern the line between indoors and out is often the optimal effect – but not always…

Seasonal changes with interior/exterior design, like a change of clothes with the seasons, can also offer the expansion and exploration to entirely different spaces when the warm weather arrives that emphasize the design distinctions rather than trying to meld the two.

So venture out of your cozy bear’s lair the next time the crocuses begin to peek through the soil and the birds start to sing, whip out your rattan or faux wicker, teak lounges, hammocks, fabulous fabrics and potted palms and design your tropical summer retreat in your own backyard!

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!