May 03

Remodeling Process and Presenting the Same Accessories in the New Scheme

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, bathroom remodel, before and after, cabinet pulls, color and temperature re: interior design, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, colors, context of interior design, creative process, creativity, decorative accessories, decorative arts, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design tips, design trends, DIY design, eclectic design, engineered countertops, existing materials, hiring an interior designer, home, home improvements, illusion of space, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, joy, master bathrooms, mirrored walls, mirrors, mosaic, mosaic tile, natural stone, paint colors, painted cabinets, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, practical design, raised panel cabinets, re-purpose, re-purpose cabinets, remodeling, residential restrooms, selecting colors, stone, Subscribers, textures, tile, timeless colors, update design, updating, white color schemes, white interiors /

It’s true. If you think designer’s projects go more smoothly than the ones they do with and for you, you’re wrong. It’s true – they don’t! It’s about Murphy’s Law and I have been remodeling our master bath for months. Starting in November and as recently as this weekend personally installing (DIY) the stone surrounding our mirror, it is still not finished. But it’s close.

The full-wall mirror was re-used. During the removal and transportation to be cut-down, the edge cracked and had to be cut down…we lost an inch or so – no big deal EXCEPT that it then affected the dimensions of the new stone surround that had already been determined. Oh well…we now will have to cut the tile – had intended not to have to do that. One of the many little surprises and delays. We had to order more stone and will now engage the installer to cut the ones that would not fit the new and slightly non-parallel conditions .

It’s actually fun to tile…until you have to cut it. It is like frosting a cookie and then pressing it onto the wall. It goes quickly and gives instant gratification. But when things are not perfectly parallel, something has to give. That’s when we cut. (Or call someone to cut!!!)

The effect, of having almost all of the mirror surround finished, gets us that much closer. The effect is great and is beginning to feel like the intended design.

The shower before and after is providing the open expansive look that our little shower enclosure didn’t provide. Despite the facts that the footprint is nearly the same and the old enclosure was all clear glass – albeit framed in gold finished aluminum – this new single panel of 1/2″ clear glass and white-on-white floor and walls looks clean and open. Not a snail design – but, no door. Prepared to add a white shower curtain on a custom curved aluminum ceiling track once winter returns – but for now we’re enjoying the refreshing and comfortable atmosphere.

We elected to use stacked stone on the rear wall of the shower as our house sits at the base of the majestic Sandia Mountain and selecting stone seemed more grounded and contextual than other decorative options – of which there are a million from printed concrete, glass mosaic, embossed porcelains…the list goes on…

Decorative elements are beginning to “read” against the new finishes. The same Portuguese ceramic footed rectangular container holds a bouquet of white washcloths. Yes, I think that the rolled terry towels look like rosebuds and I have always enjoyed the softening effect they provide amidst all the other hard surfaces. Plus they are handy on the countertop for clean replacements.

Footed Italian porcelain has had wash cloths in it for years and stays on the new counter top in a slightly different location.

Behind the terry rosettes, notice the pair of Heisey open and lidded pair of stemmed glass vessels that I use for make-up brushes and cotton balls respectively.

The same crystal wide-mouth vase holds and dispenses the facial tissues. I love the effect of the white-on-white coiled folds of the tissues. They are soft and read interestingly through the cut crystal.

I’m a LEO and find myself discovering and enjoying subtle references to lions. Our front door knocker and this cache pot that I’ve had for over 20 years as examples.

Nothing in this new scene is new. These accessories are all the exact items that were scattered on the countertop previously! Funny how the exact same decorative accessories work so well in this new interior!

A silly little collection of found things in a family inherited vintage pressed glass bowl including a glass marble, square frosted glass coke-bottle-colored mosaic tile, various sea shells and fragments, a squashed bottle Coca Cola bottle cap from Mexico, a hemp cord DIY necklace with a shell pendant…

Another glass tray that was also on the previous countertop presents my fragrances, a few products, a bobble-head turtle, my Waterford ring stand stacked with costume glass rings, my tragic, yet miraculous jade bracelet (save for another story), a fossilized bone – in – stone I found as a child, my white framed sunglasses which might seem selected for the new color scheme – when, in fact, they are a result of my love for white framed glasses and these that I bought even though I didn’t like the would-be “reader” small lenses – I kept. I don’t like the way they look on – so have relegated them to the master bath for emergency dashes to the outdoors, on the upstairs deck when my other sunglasses are downstairs!

Still to complete…the stone mirror surround, hang the glass shade for the new pendant light fixture, install the towel/robe plugs, install the polished chrome drawer bar handles to match the new square door and drawer pulls, clear all the remaining stone pieces, thin-set and grout bags and boxes from the tub deck, install the new window sills…

Re-evaluate your existing accessories (and/or furniture) before feeling the need to change everything when you remodel. Watch for the completed before and after shots of this remodel soon to come. Well, relatively soon!!

Apr 19

Designing with Your Story in Mind

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, architecture, art and interior design, art assemblages, art custom commissions, artistic expression, bars and restaurants, branding in interior design, brew pubs, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, context of interior design, corporate branding, creative process, creativity, custom art in interior design, custom design interior design, design, design and marketing, design challenges, design details, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designing with a purpose, dining and design, dining rooms, eclectic design, exterior - outdoor design, good design, Graphic art, graphic arts, graphic designs in interiors, hiring an interior designer, historic properties, inspiration, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design trends, interior enhancements, logo development, marketing the story, mosaic, mosaic tile, murals, Nexus Brewery, nostalgia and design, patchwork, patterns, personal expression, photography, pieced work, practical design, quilts, restaurant design, Subscribers, textures, the story, tile, trends, urban art, value of good design, wall treatments, your story / 1

Is your story important? Does anyone care about your story? And what does this have to do with interior design?

Whether you are marketing yourself or your business, your story has merit. It is about identity, branding and connecting. It is about letting people in a bit. It is about sharing history, experiences and process. It is about your unique reason for doing what you do.

For the past several months, I have been working with a client on a combination of interior design, graphic design, exterior design…it is all intertwined. A successful design laces together all these design elements. And that brings me to “the story.”

Even Facebook features a section to tell “your story.” Yet, my client resisted presenting/using the story of this new business venture as a part of the design. He told me that was “so seventies.” That he had read that it was a dated concept that was no longer relevant. I begged to differ. For months I begged to differ! We agreed to disagree.

I believe that this is similar to many interpretations of design. What might be considered “dated” is often the manner in which it is used or done – not the thing itself. Whether a color, a font, a style of furniture, a wall tile or wallpaper, an architectural detail or form…so many design elements are considered dated due to their context. Often, this is fair to observe. But, mix it up a bit and use things differently or with other different elements than the original trend presented and – Voila! You have a perfectly valid, even fabulous design – think outside the box!

The idea of a “story” is not unlike the “mission statement” which became a standard feature decades ago in every company’s presentation on printed media, lobby plaques, conference room walls, break rooms… Some say it is passe, but when something is good and has meaning – re-consider. Like “the story”, “the mission statement” identifies goals and intent…when paired with the story, it provides an overview of the who, what, why that inquiring patrons want to know.

So back to the story…about “the story.” When a business or any concept is respected or liked, revered or praised, it is natural for people to wonder “How did they get started?” “How did they come up with this idea?” “What is their history in this business?” These are common questions that clever ideas or designs invite. So why not satisfy that interest, create a buzz…Let’s give them something to talk about!!!

In this world of disconnection, making connections seem all the more important. What used to be a natural exchange – of communication, ideas, sharing – is now something that has to be inserted with greater intention.

So this new business, for which I have been designing, is a barbeque establishment. There are a million. They have certain things in common. Without my enumerating them here – can you envision some common denominators that you might connect with barbeque joints? As is true with any venture, I asked: “What makes this one different? Better barbeque? Maybe. Cool interior? Hopefully. Are those the only unique traits? Is that the memorable take-away? It certainly isn’t a bad one – the idea is to have great food – and a fun environment, but what else might contribute to the experience of this barbecue being unforgettable? What might you have, to tell your friends, to spread the word?”

My opinion was a combination of an intriguing brand and “the story.” But before I go further, they coined a word to express their beer brewing prowess – exbeerience! This will enter into the story as we go along.

Now maybe my opinion about their story was so worthy of consideration because there was so much to this story. That certainly helps. It happens to be a great story with layers of interesting twists and turns – riddled with history and significance. Plus, it had a local interest angle that has the potential to create a buzz far beyond their actual location.

To begin to tell the story, I encouraged the development of a unique logo for this specific branch of the brand. Taking the lead to design it, and incorporating it into interior/exterior design was part of my vision for a complete design package and presentation. Extracting from the story to create the logo seemed natural. The private persona was becoming public.

As we developed the logo, featuring a wood-carved graphic of an original log cabin/smokehouse, the story was recorded and edited down to a summarized version.

It was available for printed material, social media, and as art to be presented on walls. Yes, it was intended to become a decorative element too.

The Story became a focal piece in the interior along with authentic, original photos of the log smokehouse and an interpretation of patchwork quilts entitled Urban Piecework made from leftover ceramic and porcelain tiles, glass and clay assembled in wall-mounted panels throughout the interior and exterior spaces.

Photos of the original smokehouse in North Carolina will soon be presented to further reiterate the story on the interior walls.

Urban Piecework commands the interior with bold mosaics reminiscent of patchwork quilts – an intriguing backdrop installed both inside and out.

Connecting with patrons, followers, clients, friends, family and acquaintances is valuable. As a business, it wraps who and those elements that are important to you in a familiar cocoon of context. It can instill a level of comfort and confidence in addition to sparking additional interest that might have taken longer to establish, without the introduction of your story.

The final multi-dimensional and multi-textural wall-piece featuring the story and mission is a striking 4’x6′ multi-textural panel. It offers patrons an opportunity to get a few questions answered as they enjoy their “exbeerience” at BLUE.

It was a privilege to promote, extract and produce this story and contribute such an important and valuable element to this business’s marketing and solidifying it’s new, exciting chapter of their brand.

Consider your story. Own it. Share it. Celebrate the uniqueness of your story. Design with your story in mind.

Mar 25

When Extraordinary is an Understatement.

By pattisays In art and food, art of cooking, artistic expression, artistic talent, artists, bars and restaurants, beauty behold it, branding in interior design, chefs in art, Chocolate, Color schemes, commercial interior design, concrete floors, context of interior design, contrasts for balance in design, cooking and design, creative process, creativity, custom lighting, design, design and marketing, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design tips, design trends, desserts, element of surprise in design, fanciful design, floral designs, flowers in design, Food and art, food and interior design, good design, good taste, handmade, hiring an interior designer, how to select colors, inspiration, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, joy, lifestyle, metal and wood furniture design, party themes, personal expression, personal taste, Subscribers, the art and design of food presentation, urban living, value of good design, white interiors /

A few years ago, awesome crept into our vernacular and took over. It stole our ability to select options for descriptive excess or exception. Everything from accolades for a job well done, positive reinforcement for anything, to a spectacular sunset, a great new outfit or a startling meteor shower – everything from a tad past the norm…to something truly fantastic – became awesome. Our language offers so many superlatives, yet we have gotten so lazy.

At the expense of sounding like an advertisement or otherwise paid spokesperson, I write today of a late-night confection experience that is truly like no other. An experience so artful that I could not take enough photos. Artistic delights at a bustling urban eatery where flowers and gold leaf adorn each piece of fanciful frosted awesomeness. Ha -there it is! Had to add more to the mere “awesome,” though!

Extra ordinary – extraordinary – beyond the norm – beyond ordinary, yes, that is an understatement for what I am about to reveal. Yet, that is the moniker of this extraordinary establishment – Extraordinary Desserts!

Several years ago we were treated to a late night surprise. Not knowing our intended destination, we were taken winding through the streets and came upon this little structure the read like an Asian garden. Twinkling lights peeking through wooden slats softened by lush tropical vegetation – the scene was magic. Once we realized the focus of this cozy pocket, we were enchanted. Patrons stood in line to pass along the “extraordinary” dessert cases displaying all manner of outrageously beautiful desserts. Once they decided and paid for their selection, they gathered in intimate twosomes or small groups to savor the delectable delights they had chosen.

Last night, we decided to rediscover this uniquely sweet spot and Googled our way into downtown San Diego. What we found, by happy accident, was a second location – an urban edifice presented on a crowded sidewalk packed with people waiting eagerly to be seated and begin their indulgences.

After leaving our name with the greeters at the podium, we squeezed through the throngs to get a peek at the cases full of magical wonders. Ok – you think I exaggerate…so now begins the photos…

When extraordinary is an UNDERSTATEMENT, you know you are in the presence of something quite special. Maybe that’s why people invent words like splendiferous or supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

The rich velvety and textured frostings and layers of fabulous flavors awaited us as we scanned the displays.

Floribunda- yes, gilding the lilies (orchids as it were) – nothing was too over-the-top! The rich velvety and textured frostings and layers of fabulous flavors awaited us as we scanned the displays.

Seeing so many astonishingly spectacular desserts in one place all for the spontaneous taking is almost too much to bear. You mean I can HAVE that right now??? I can have a piece of many of them – RIGHT NOW?????

Emulating fine Cerelene Limoges, the would-be doilies of parchment paper rimmed with gold detailing and lettered with Extraordinary the details were dazzling! No stone left un-turned, they thought of everything to make this a tantalizing treat and patrician presentation!

The interior offers seating at the bar and tables organized throughout. Two tops or ganged together for a crowd, everyone was so focused on their prizes – beauty set before them – animated chatter wafted through the sugar-spun air! Some chose to sample several knowing that they would take a goodly portion home. Others savored a single serving of a beautifully flavorful masterpiece.

And yes, there’s a book about the cakes – Karen Krasne – appears to be the brain behind this bounty. I look forward to meeting her. She has an amazing machine with a well-oiled staff. Everyone was efficient and friendly and shared in the enthusiasm that was being expressed all around.

The shelves are filled with teas and other sweet temptations, interesting vessels and serving pieces.

The lighting is dim and the structure envelopes the interior with white-washed frosting of voluminous space punctuated with dark cylindrical pendant lights and pierced bubble-like panels back-lit for added interest, subtle luminosity and dimension.

Raw, polished concrete floors, steel tables and molded wood chairs give a nice balance of warm and cool, rigid and suave – while clean and almost hygge in feel.

Perhaps, in the world of custom confections and TV foodie competitions, these desserts might be within some semblance of a norm – but only from the finest of creatives, in circles of which we usually do not run.

But having cavorted last night through the cheerful melee of confection connoisseurs – albeit one doesn’t have to be clubbed over the head or knighted by the cooks of the kingdom to appreciate what we experienced – we are sufficiently spoiled both visually and flavor-wise to be tough to ever satisfy again. Good design. Great design. Extraordinary design is often still an understatement!

Mar 18

BEFORE AND AFTER for Busy Young Couple Making First House a HOME

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, art and interior design, artistic expression, before and after, breakfast rooms, cabinet pulls, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, colors, context of interior design, Contrasting colors, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, Design Team, design tips, design trends, drama of color, drapery treatments, eclectic design, element of surprise in design, fanciful design, flooring, good design, handmade, hardwood floors, hiring an interior designer, home, home improvements, houses, how to select colors, inspiration, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, kitchen, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, kitchen lighting, kitchen remodel, kitchen remodeling, lighting, Mexico, mosaic, mosaic tile, nostalgia and design, paint colors, painted cabinets, patterns, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, raised panel cabinets, re-purpose cabinets, Regional design, Santa Fe, New Mexico, selecting colors, Sherwin Williams, southwestern design, stone countertops, Subscribers, Talavera Tile, terracotta, tile, timeless colors, traditional kitchen design, trends, update design, updating, value of good design, wallcovering / 1 Comment

Busy lives in a new town, he in his residency and she working in a busy OR, they bought a house – their first house – and asked for help making it theirs.

They have traveled the world and collected art along the way, a disparate inventory of things that caught their eye, spoke of their experiences and reminded them of people, places and things to savor once home.

Home, that was the task. Create HOME in this new, old house. Built mid-century, it was simple, clean with some patchy remodeling from previous owners reflecting rather common decisions, with limited funds. We needed to discuss priorities and budget, evaluate what should stay and what needed to be changed.

They both had a love of Guatemala. Their travels there left them with dreams of color and pattern, handmade functional art and an exotic sense of place. Having these elements ingrained in their longing, they expressed a desire to have that sense, but with a bit of a modern twist.

We salvaged the existing natural granite slab countertop and unfortunate surface-mounted sink. The granite was a practical save and the sink came along for the ride. In order to integrate the granite as though intentional, I selected a multi-colored Talavera tile that specifically had a dollop of mustard glaze in the design picking up that Dijon field color in the speckled granite. As is my usual preferred mode of installation, we took it wall-to-wall as a complete wall-covering.

We also saved the cabinet boxes and doors, but needed to give them a lift from their median caramel stain on oak. Deconstructing the colors in the design of the Talavera, we knew we wanted blue cabinets – so the paint shades were fanned and the color pinned-down. To give the cabinets that wabi-sabi look of loving wear, we sanded the edges after the painting was finished. We also added cabinets over the stove for additional storage space and utilization of that blank wall.

We removed all the doors and drawer fronts, filled the holes from the old pulls/knobs and painted them off-site. We painted the boxes in the field. Granite was salvaged along with the sink.

New paint, Saltillo flooring, Talavera tile and cabinet pulls along with new appliances gave an updated look to the scene.

In real life, when practicality rules, certain things have to give way for the good of the whole. The whole being the pocketbook and other elements that take precedence at the time. So we live with the radiant heaters, keep the chandelier for now, until they have one fabricated to their specifications, use a machined rug instead of a handcrafted piece and know that over the years they will massage this starting place and truly make it their home.

Continuing to dissect the colors from the new wall tile, our colorful young couple wanted more color…we chose individual values of bold paint colors – smoky turquoise, slightly burnt orange and brilliant golden yellow to intersect the planes throughout the space.

Typical mahogany doors common to that era of home interiors, the decision to match the white trim would have been easy, but we labored over the existing natural, tropical wood and decided to keep it in the mix.

Although the nearly immaculate, original hardwood oak floors were revealed after removing the wall-to-wall carpeting, the kitchen floor throughout the rear vestibule and laundry room was an inexpensive and uninspired sheet vinyl. Saltillo clay tiles were the answer to furthering the Guatemalan feel. More commonly associated with Mexico, these clay tiles are historically the plebian choice. Taking many forms, some artful enough to be the cornerstone of patrician interiors in fine mosaic installations and other patterns and designs, clay tiles – glazed and unglazed always add an artful, soulful human element. Speaking to that, we inserted 2″x2″ glazed Talavera accent tiles into the floor’s new Saltillo field in the vestibule creating an almost area-rug-like definition.

The dated floor-plan enclosed the kitchen separating it from the rest of the living area. The very first comment made by our clients was questioning if we could open that wall – connecting with the living room and large picture window beyond.

The mottled cobalt blue light fixtures add another punctuation of color over the bar along with the parrot green barstools that our home-owners spontaneously nailed in an irresistible lust for even more color!!

Rather than trying to continue the existing “Dijon” granite, white Talavera tiles were used on the new pass-through bar counters – both high and low on the new cabinets.

The first phase of this colorful project has set the stage for an enjoyable work-in-progress for years to come as they now have a basis for design, more collectibles to come, and all they enjoy from places near and far. The upcoming annual trip to Guatemala, in April, will reinforce the joy and appreciation for this special place “home base” in their lives.

The dogs look in eagerly, but are limited to their expansive backyard, their vestibule and full run of the master suite.

Although they selected a durable denim twill fabric to reupholster their sofa and loveseat that they were gifted from a friendly neighbor, the primary living area is – for the most part – “off-limits,” but that seems to work for everyone in the family!!!

Mar 10

Patti’s Pick for a Floral Fabric for Spring…Artistic Accents in Many Colors

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, artistic expression, Color schemes, color trends, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, decorative arts, design, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designer fabrics, designs in nature, fabrics, floral designs, floral fabrics, flowers in design, hiring an interior designer, home, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, nature, pinks and greens, Refresh, remodeling, seasonal interior design, selecting colors, Subscribers, throw pillows, trends, update design, watercolors /

Blossoms are bursting forth and spring is near…Flowers have a decidedly feminine bent, but due to their organic nature and natural occurrence as the season begins to unfold, I truly believe that they are a gender-less element of rebirth, warmth, optimism and wonder.

In our backyard, these minis are ahead of their more attenuated cousins!

Interior designers welcome floral fabrics as contributing to the pattern mixes, accents and animated offerings amidst other geometric, stripe and solid pieces.

Floral fabrics – here on a textural ground, bring artistic accents to an interior!

Yet, men don’t gravitate to floral fabrics unless perhaps they sport a tropical shirt in the summer – the uniform of the relaxed, vacay, free and festive escape! You might not find a floral throw pillow on their sofa when batching it. But why not? Spring is spring, flowers are flowers – who doesn’t like them? Embrace your natural instincts! Be brave! Go beyond the aloha shirt and fling a floral throw pillow on your sofa!

Ok…perhaps without the fringe? This denim-blue color on a linen texture is not too flowery – but makes a bright, fresh statement!

Ok – forget the possible gender gap on this subject…

But I did tip-toe outside on the patio tile this morning chilling my toes, to hop across the still dormant grass, in order to take these shots of the first bulbs forced through the crunchy soil to greet the season.

Our daffodils are one of the very first signs of Spring here in the high desert…not indigenous, for sure, but a happy addition to the garden!

In previous spring seasons, I have written about cutting branches before they bloom in order to “force” the blooms for early bouquets indoors…and inasmuch as several of the flowering trees have begun to burst, including Bradford Pears, our is close, but not quite there.

Bradford pears are early bloomers…go outside and find some flowering tree or bush in your yard and cut a few branches. Leave them tall, long and lanky – if you have the space. Bring them inside and stick them in a bucket of water, or the vase you ultimately intend too use, and watch them bloom practically before your very eyes! It is a fantastic way to celebrate spring in your home or office!

The forecast for the Washington DC cherry blossom peak is early April.

A bit early still, but you can monitor the progress at https://cherryblossomwatch.com/

My personal pick for a fabulous floral pattern this season is Pindler’s Cherry Blossom. Floral patterns for Spring – and all year round! I like this one for its linen texture and loose watercolor style. It is relaxed and yet can be crisp – a very versatile print and fabric. It comes in 5 different color-ways and therefore offers many opportunities to incorporate in your interior schemes.

Pindler’s Cherry Blossom on linen – magenta

Sky, a second of the five color in the Cherry Blossom series from Pindler and Pindler

Artistic accents always a great design detail. We have samples of these fabulous finds at PATRICIAN DESIGN. Come visit our extensive design library for terrific trends, resources, ideas and inspiration!

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!

Feb 17

Time to Remodel – Finding a Theme

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, architect, architecture, art and food, art and interior design, artistic expression, artistic talent, artists, before and after, blue and white, breakfast rooms, cabinet pulls, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, colors, concrete finishes, context of interior design, creative process, creativity, custom cabinets, custom design interior design, decorative accessories, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designing with a purpose, dining and design, drama of color, expanding spaces, exterior - outdoor design, Federico Leon de la Vega, fireplaces, flooring, Food and art, food and interior design, good design, graphic designs in interiors, handcraft, handmade, hiring an interior designer, home, home improvements, houses, how to select colors, illusion of space, illusions of space, inspiration, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, kitchen, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, kitchen lighting, kitchen remodel, kitchen remodeling, lifestyle, lighting, mosaic, mosaic tile, natural stone, nostalgia and design, organic design, paint colors, painters, patio, personal taste, planning a remodel, raised panel cabinets, Refresh, Regional design, remodeling, Santa Fe, New Mexico, selecting colors, slate floors, southwestern design, stone, Subscribers, Talavera Tile, tile, timeless colors, traditional kitchen design, trends, update design, updating, value of good design, wall texture, wall treatments, wallcovering, white color schemes, white interiors, white kitchens /

Time to remodel the kitchen!! This charming little bungalow had already experienced its share of remodeling – well, not so much structural – although, many interior design transformations had occurred over the decades. In the mix, the well-used and enjoyed kitchen was feeling a quite tired and dated.

You might remember I have used this now completed project, in the last few months, during its transformation process to identify certain features and design practices. Here is the as-promised unveiling of the before and after photos for further discussion about the design process, intent and results.

We loved the mottled color and organic character of the existing slate floors and opposing green-grey beams with spanning boards of a caramel stain. These were the two elements that went well together as though intentionally planned. Yet in between, the pale, peachy pickled oak cabinets with their radius detailing and red-rose/black matrix of the tiled granite counter-tops, didn’t seem to speak at all well with the ceiling treatment and slate floor’s greens, rusts and charcoal tones. It was a dark, confused space.

When observing and “listening to” the house, it was evident that the current kitchen, in addition to being poorly coordinated, had absolutely nothing to do with the original architectural intent. The new owners had brought a few very fine antique pieces into the home. The mid-century circa 1964 age of the house accepted them on its original hardwood floors also adorned with their fine antique rugs…but something was missing. There was no cohesive thread running through the house. Over the years finishes and decorative elements had been selected and installed without any consideration for original materials or an attempt to introduce compatible and harmonious materials for the good of the home’s overall theme.

In all fairness, had the entire interior been gutted and a contemporary interior been uniformly installed into the framework/shell of the structure, I might have considered it a success. However, this multiple decade decor was a mix of disparate trends and preferences that had no commonality.

To begin the process of bringing this home into a cohesive design last year, we had redesigned the living room. There we introduced a classic blue and white color scheme derived from the Persian rug in the adjacent dining room.

To the corner kiva fireplace, we added a sandstone hearth and mantle with just enough blue and white Talavera tile trim at the base of the hearth to subtly coordinate with the new scheme. The Talavera was an appropriate material for this New Mexican bungalow.

The original fireplace had a dark, broken brick quarry tile hearth and no cap on the mantle.

The face-lift replaced the hearth material with broken-edged sandstone slab and matching mantle cap with Talavera detailing at the bottom.

With this living room having been so successfully re-designed, the obvious thought came into the discussion to continue the vernacular of the blue and white Talavera into the kitchen. As a bit of a purist when it comes to application and termination of materials, I was not content for a mere back-splash. No, if the tile were to be effective and commandeer the stage, it had to be used wall-to-wall as though an entire wall treatment.

Treating the Talavera tile as wall-covering, it continues from the kitchen, into the adjacent pocket-space housing a desk and laundry machines.

But wait! The addition of an earthy aqua handmade tile from Spain offered an appealing and unexpected accent woven intermittently through the Talavera. It created a coordinating thread from the colors found in the mottled slate floors and ceiling beams.

Pre-grout shot shows the individually cut 1″ pieces inserted as mosaics into the random field of Talavera

The cabinets were in excellent condition, but the doors were sadly dated and in no way spoke to the home’s other cabinets, doors and finish carpentry.

The confused interior finishes we in need of a transformation!

With the white raised panel theme throughout the home’s original appointments, we elected to salvage the cabinet boxes and replace the doors and drawer fronts with a similar raised panel detail. The same red oak was used and, with a glossy white paint applied, the grain “read-through” with a very intentional yet subtle moiré-like pattern. The new raised panel white doors and drawers, with crowning top molding provided a crisp, timeless motif. The random patterned Talavera used as an entire wall-covering was very effective. The kitchen was quite gussied-up!!

The transformation was dramatically successful!

The existing slate floor was beautifully organic and I felt, from a design standpoint, was a must to salvage. Making it look like an intentional selection – part of the new scheme – was imperative. Therefore, selecting a counter-top that communed with the tones in the floor resulted in a selection of concrete-like engineered Italian quartz material – balancing the floor with the next horizontal plane and ultimately with the stained and green-grey boards of the existing ceiling treatment.

The new concrete-like Italian quartz counter-tops coordinate well with the other materials.

Another asset was the connection to the outdoors, however the existing window over the sink was high and small.

The window over the sink was high and small…

By bucking the warranty of the Pella people, we had a new double-hung window made to close down onto the new counter-top that passed through from inside to out. They would not fabricate the window to do what we intended, so we had the contractor remove the bottom of the new window frame, thus rendering the warranty null and void, in order to have a completely open, uninterrupted pass-through when raised.

Amusing and interesting…existing family pieces of blue and white ceramics are being discovered and used as decorative accessories in the new kitchen!

We also captured the opportunity to open the opposing wall into the hallway adding pass-through light and dimension to the space. This exponentially expanded the space and made the encapsulated kitchen feel much less confined.

Before, the kitchen felt small and dark…

Opening the wall into the hallway brought in additional light and dimension.

To add drama to the newly created dimension, we discussed having a painting commissioned to pop an accent of yellow into the blue and white scheme on the far hallway wall. Lemons, a perfect citrus for the kitchen, was decided for the theme.

A miniature oil painting by Federico Leon de la Vega was used to Photoshop into the scene to inspire and convey the design intent.

The additional POP of yellow is a dramatically effective contribution to the overall composition. After consideration, the owners selected a local artist to paint the full-scale painting.

A local Albuquerque artist, Thomas Tomlinson rendered the lemons in acrylic with blue and white tile details.

In summary…keeping the original slate floor, existing cabinet boxes (replacing door and drawer-fronts only), with a bling of new chrome cabinet pulls, switching out the stained glass pendants, replacing the island’s surface with a handsome solid walnut top and a new coordinating concrete-like counter-tops on the periphery, with the decorative embellishment of the Talavera tile continued from the subtle introduction at the living room’s kiva fireplace, the transformation of the kitchen is stunning – not trendy – and was truly, uniquely designed for the architecture and forward, on-going contextual design conversation of the home.

Look around and listen to the environment for and in which you are designing. What makes the best sense for the design direction considering the function and context of your project?

Jan 28

WHITE by Design…

By pattisays In architecture, artistic expression, artistic talent, bars and restaurants, brick, cabanas, coastal, cocktails, color and temperature re: interior design, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, colors, commercial interior design, Concealed lighting, context of interior design, Contrasting colors, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, creativity, custom lighting, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designer fabrics, designing with a purpose, doorways and entrances, drama of color, Dunn-Edwards Paints, element of surprise in design, exterior - outdoor design, fabrics, Garden, good design, good taste, handcraft, handmade, hiring an interior designer, home, home improvements, houses, how to select colors, illusions of space, indirect lighting, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, landscape design, lifestyle, lighting, Mexico, mosaic, mosaic tile, natural designs, natural stone, organic design, paint colors, patio, patio design, personal expression, personal taste, pink, planning a remodel, Refresh, Regional design, remodeling, restaurant design, selecting colors, site furniture, site sculpture, smart surfaces, stone, Subscribers, summer, timeless colors, travel and design, trends, tropical, umbrellas, walkways, wall texture, wall treatments, white color schemes, white interiors /

With all the New Year buzz about the new color forecasts…I started taking notice of the seeming non-color, white. It is often considered the absence of color when in fact it is a very complex color of many shades and values. Just try to select a white and you will know what I mean.

When you look at white paint samples, you will notice the nuances. There are pink whites and blue white, grey whites and yellow whites. Each white is off-set and contrasting to another. You see the differences by comparison and by context. You think you have just the right white until you place it against another sample and see that it is grey or cream and then second guess yourself again…and again…How do you know which white is right?

Dunn Edwards groups their whites and pastels in a separate section of their fan deck as do other paint companies. What is interesting here is that the background is a sheet of white copy paper. Notice how is reads against the colors in the samples…it seems to be a purple blue color. This shot was taken under a full-spectrum LED lamp. The colors should be true. The range of “white” is amazing.

To intentionally design with white is bold. To have the confidence, to decide that white IS the color and that white IS the scheme, is challenging. To effectively design with white, you not only have to select the right white(s), but you have to know just how much of anything else might be effective yet not detract.

Le Leche in Puerto Vallarta is a fabulous example of designing exclusively with white. Only with minimal punctuation with black lettering on the wall of containers and also by allowing shadows is the white interrupted. But the blacks’ minor interruptions gives depth and fine detail.

White design can be cold or warm. Depending upon the desired effect, mood or function of the space, the whites need to be carefully selected. This is true with lighting as well. Warm whites or cool whites…what gives you the desired result?

Popular white string lights add festivity and a warm glow to an evening scene.

See how many lighting colors you can identify in this scene…Starting on the left, a cool pocket glows through the underbrush. The walkway has a warm pink-ish light. The very cool blues of the pool area give a dramatic read. A bold yellow accent peeks from the far left and also over on the right. The palm trees are wrapped in a warm white tube lights while the far right side illuminates the entry to the dining palapa with a cool white light source. The foam of the surf on the beach is captured with a cool white spotlight that maintains its naturally expected white color.

Knowing when to add color to a white scene to achieve an intentional POP is an art. The color itself, the amount and placement is all part of the success of a good design result. From the fine black detailing in the previous shot of La Leche to this still-life composition of a tropical cocktail that I propped the other day, the minimal punctuation of color is key.

White mosaic shards of tile in the background of this composition featuring a peeled coconut and the POP of a pretty pink party umbrella result in a white-on white scene. Yes, this shot says PARTY with a perky smile!

The bench which served as the backdrop for the coconut cocktail is a dramatic serpentine sculpture of site furniture that plays with the white-on-white of the tile and grout.

Contrasting against the organic wood decking, this white monolithic bench snakes around the periphery of this outdoor lounge area. The sunset is casting a soft pink wash over the all white glazed tile.

Beach settings using white materials compliment the white sand and greenery of the tropical plants. From wood frame platform cabanas to the sprinkling of umbrellas, white is a wonderful, fresh color for a crisp clean scene.

Whites on whites…creamy sand colors to crisp white terrycloth, the white-on-white scheme is soft, inviting and clean.

Greenery compliments the white umbrellas and sunning beds on the lawn by the beach.

Palm trunks and other fruit trees are often painted white to protect against insects and what insects insist on climbing the surface are easily spotted by birds who appreciate the help to capture a snack! In this case, they contribute to the white design theme.

The soft creamy off-white folds of fabric offer a soft, inviting scene.

Shadows in the creases and depths of the folds add the dimension to the luxurious feel of the cotton damask fabric.

White stucco is dappled by shadows and greenery while given a warm, strong base by the brick pavers. White as an architectural finish is only successful if the context compliments it. This is true in all design.

Architectural color and texture of surfaces is a moving target. A recent discussion about a white building with black detailing would not have proved right for this particular use of white. The hard, commercial read would have been too severe for the intended effect. Yet that same project, with a warm white and an ochre accent, will be just the right combination to achieve the desired result. Watch for this project to be featured in a few months.

Architectural surfaces incorporating tones and textures of white provide interesting opportunities

Block and crumbled edge accent bands on the facade of an exterior wall.

White in design is an exciting selection. Knowing how, when and why to use it is a test of your creativity. Picking the right white is the challenge.

The limitless colors of white found in a pile of gravel…..

So the next time you think white, think a lot about it. Study the context and what you are trying to accomplish. Feel freed by the fact that white is a color to express and enjoy.

Jan 14

“COLOR IT FABULOUS” – A Color Game to Play and Learn!

By pattisays In airports, Albuquerque, New Mexico, architecture, art and food, art and interior design, artistic expression, artistic talent, artists, color trends, color wheel, colors, Company C, Contemporary Art, Contrasting colors, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, creativity, decorative arts, design, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design tips, design trends, Discovering Art, drama of color, fashion and design, floral designs, flowers in design, food and interior design, Graphic art, handcraft, handmade, hiring an interior designer, home improvements, how to select colors, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, lifestyle, Living Coral, Mexico, Modern Art, paint colors, painters, Pantone, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, quilting, quilts, remodeling, selecting colors, Subscribers, teaching, timeless colors, travel and design, trends, tropical, Tucson /

After last week’s Color of the Year observations, I furthered the subject regarding the importance, influence and value of colors.

I don’t know the science behind how individual’s eyes perceive and translate color… rods and cones and the anatomy of the eye as it speaks to the brain…but what I do know is that COLOR and the context of COLOR MATTERS even if it is not perceived exactly the same by everyone.

My parents were coincidentally both apt to notice, remark about and describe color specifically. To them, and ultimately to me, colors were something to regard and absorb, for better or for worse, and all colors deserved acknowledgement and specification.

I distinctly remember their descriptions, “Parrot Green, Sapphire Blue, Lemon Yellow, Fire Engine Red and Brown as a berry” – a compliment which indicated that you had tanned sufficiently! I think it was a result of our island home-away-from-home that prompted many of these titles. We, for sure, had no parrots making their presence known in Virginia! But for some reason, colors in the islands prompted unusual appreciation and scrutiny. This parrot green was like grass green but a bit more intense – saturated – not a dark green and certainly not a spring green – just a brilliant, clear, secondary green! The result of true, primary blue and yellow mated to make GREEN!

Color is a communication tool to convey – color. But what color? What type of color? What specific color? Is your version of a color the same as mine? Do we “read” color the same way? Do we express the description of color the same way? How might you explain a color to a person who is blind?

I’m writing this today from the tropics and it seems worthy to note that colors are abundant here in brilliant evidence through all seasons. Whereas in a decidedly changing seasonal and climate, colors come alive in spring, progress through changes and pretty much crash for the dormant winter months. Contrarily, the topics meld their rainbow of blooming floribunda, bounty of fruits and palette of these brilliant colors year round.

Maybe it is because we straddled both worlds. The lush, verdant, colorfully blooming and always reliable tropics countered by the decidedly and distinctly changing seasons through dormancy in the northern climes. There must be an appreciation for the change. The lovely, yet possibly monotonous climates that produce blooming color all year round might dull the senses to the seasonal reemergence and staggering beauty of new growth and blooming abundance and mute the verbal expression and appreciation thereof.

For example, my color antenna is always up and running. As I struggled with my pair of carry-on luggage monstrosities clearly in excess of 75 pounds (good thing there is only a size and not a weight limit!!), I came upon 2 art pieces in the Houston Hobby airport. The colors beckoned me. Although I had noticed them in swift passing, I couldn’t help wanting to see more. So I stopped and dashed back, disassembled my cumbersome haul and quickly took photos of these two paintings on exhibit, in the concourse, in order that I could enjoy them a bit later. Initially attracted by the color, they arrested me allowing and inviting an opportunity for further examination of their subject matter and detail later, when I had the luxury of time.

The wildly organic plant life, featuring an animated orchid that tangled and writhed on the painting’s surface in a variety of verdant green’s set against a perfectly selected fiery orange table surface, was brilliantly alluring and seemed to set the stage as a precursor to my soon-to-be-destination in tropical Mexico. ARTIST: Lucas Johnson Still Life with Schomburgkia

A bit further down the corridor of the concourse another piece caught my attention. Similarly with its colorful invitation, but with entirely different subject matter which upon closer inspection was quite intriguing, a patchwork quilt of batik fabrics and collage with applied letters beckoning the viewer to wonder what might be beneath was magic. The woman or child and beloved pet in the center of the action nestled under a cozy and colorful quilt, wrapped in a cloak of starry darkness which might suggest clinging to each other against the foreboding imaginings of the night.

The intense collection of the brilliant colors contrasting against black was dramatic, mystic and inescapable in this powerful piece, It Helps to Think We’re Sleeping Underneath the Same Big Sky by artist Joo Young Choi.

Watercolor artist extraordinaire, Susan Weeks, captured this crate of mangos at an exotic market somewhere very south of here. Peru? Ecuador? I don’t remember. Susan gets around. And, Susan sees color and detail and renders it with remarkably exacting precision.

As I greet the day, I’m taking my stash of mangoes out onto the balcony to be seen and photographed in context. Reminded of how Susan rendered this succulent sweet fruit, with the delightfully “hairy pit” (nods to Tricia), I celebrate this colorful collection of nature in a sensational setting! These gorgeous tones of warm golden yellow, baby iguana green and yes, 2019’s rosy warm coral (Pantone’s “Living Coral”) are nature’s color scheme. The orbs are sensuous and the colors are excitingly bright and luscious.

Mango colors of rosy coral and warm, golden yellow are paired in this arched interior entry.

Here a similar scheme featuring one of our favorite Company C rugs illustrates the bold, effective power of color selection.

Try this exercise with color. I have no idea what your eyes see and your brain translates, but walk around and look at things in your world. Notice color. Notice individual items…book bindings to fresh fruit. Evaluate each color’s effect. Does it evoke any emotion…good or bad? If you wanted a painter to paint a wall that color and you didn’t have the paint selected, how would you describe that color in an attempt to get it on the wall as you desired?

In a more thorough test, you might be prepared with actual paint – like tubes of acrylic from the craft store. Get a print-out of a color wheel to illustrate the primary, secondary and tertiary colors. https://bit.ly/2SVKUMg Buy red, blue, yellow and white and use them to attempt to create the color being described. This could be a party game – but you would need to also have paint chips from the home improvement store or paint store to use as the prompts that would have to be described and used to match the success or failure of the person attempting to create the color.

Noticing color brings appreciation to the details and nuances of our color-filled world. The little exercise/game, to try to convey a color to another person based upon similar life experiences and references, is interesting. Please share your thoughts and experiences, dilemmas and frustrations with this project through the blog’s email.

I hope this encourages you to go forth with a new-found appreciation of color and how it adds layers of depth and interest to all that you see. Examine the natural world, or man-made creations in film, set-design, architecture, graphic advertisements, fashion design or interior design. See why color matters!

Dec 24

Christmas Centerpiece – Gilding the Lily of Locust Pods, Evergreen, Silver & Gold!

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, art and food, artistic expression, autumnal design, Centerpieces, Christmas, Christmas dinner table, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, decorative accessories, decorative arts, design, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designs in nature, dining and design, dining rooms, DIY design, dried flowers, eclectic design, entertaining, fanciful design, fine china, floral arrangement, floral arrangements, floral designs, flowers in design, Food and art, food and interior design, hiring an interior designer, holiday decor, holiday trends, home, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design trends, interior enhancements, lifestyle, mixing metal finishes, natural designs, natural integrity of the materials, Organic art, party themes, personal expression, personal taste, poinsettias, re-purpose, seasonal interior design, sterling silver, Subscribers, table dressings, table top, tableware, trends, winter design trends /

The return of the pods with a twist! Those gorgeously twisted mahogany colored Locust pods that fall every autumn and beg to be re-purposed, if not for their procreating seeds, as table dressings!!! Yes, I have embraced their raw, organic beauty for quite some time. Look back to my introduction to these handsome hulls and the first fabulous table-scape that resulted. https://patriciandesign.com/resourceful-creative-festive-fun/

The original autumnal centerpiece using the Locust pods a couple of years ago…

There have been many bouquets since. Then yesterday, as I walked my 10,000 step trek around a nearby park, I pondered the theme for this Christmas blog and another pod piece came to mind. One lone Locust tree there in the park had produced a blanket of pods that have been weathering these last couple of months – fortunately, not weathered too badly. I gathered 2 dozen of them and marched home with a purpose! Fists full and looking a bit curious, I passed several strollers wondering about my two unusual bouquets.

My idea was to tweak them from their natural autumnal brown to a gilded glory!

Spray painting on brown craft paper – both sides – instant transformation!

Yes, gilding the lily of lovely rich, natural pods to become wildly twisted golden spires flanking the traditional poinsettia of our Christmas table.

Last minute gold glass balls ringing the red poinsettia centerpiece,

a pair of silver reindeer, silver snowflake napkin rings, blue spruce cuttings from the backyard, scattered votive holders, crystal and china for the touch of formality and we’re ready for our silver and gold, red and green, festive feast!