May 10

Conquering the Fear of Color – A Q&A Interview with Patti

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, apartments, architecture, artistic expression, bar, bars and restaurants, beauty behold it, blue and white, branding in interior design, breweries, Centerpieces, chairs, color and temperature re: interior design, color forecasting, color of light, color Q&A, Color schemes, color trends, colors, commercial design, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, Contrasting colors, corporate branding, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, custom furniture, dark colors, design, design and marketing, design challenges, design details, design process, design Q&A, design scenes, design solutions, design theme, design tips, design trends, designing a new home, designs in nature, DIY design, drama of color, eclectic design, eclecticism, element of surprise in design, fabrics, favorite colors, good design, good taste, graphic designs in interiors, hiring an interior designer, home, home decor, home improvements, how to select colors, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior accents, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, Interior design pro tips, interior design pro-tips, interior design trends, interior enhancements, joy, kitchen, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, kitchen remodel, kitchen remodeling, lifestyle, living with color, logo development, logos, modern cabinets, modern interiors, paint colors, painted cabinets, painted furniture, personal spaces, personal taste, planning a new home, planning a remodel, Q&A, re-upholstery, remodeling, reupholstery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, selecting colors, Subscribers, Talavera Tile, tile, timeless colors, tips for new home design, trending design, trends, Uncategorized, update design, updating, upholstery, value of good design, white color schemes, white kitchens /

The serenity of neutral color schemes has a significant place in interior design. However, it is more about the fear of color that I approach this article today. Committing to color arrests most people – they want it and admire it but are fearful about selecting and committing to bold colors.

Beautiful neutrals are a color all to themselves. Layers of whites, creams, grays offer sophisticated schemes.

However, that is not all that causes clients to reach out for assistance. Even if they have made a decision about taking the leap, it is how much, where and with what or to what the color is applied or occurs.

A white kitchen receives a patchwork of blue and white Talavera tile as a backdrop adding depth and interest.

In addition, upon closer inspection, we have incorporated a fine detail of an aqua glazed Spanish tile running horizontally and vertically through the patterned tiles.

I remember when architect Antoine Predock’s project for United Blood Services in Albuquerque https://bit.ly/3LBQbDv made a splash – a really RED splash when he stuccoed the entire exterior brazenly brilliant, bold, blood red! It was astonishing – astonishingly effective!!! https://bit.ly/3NNQihd If a picture speaks a thousand words, color is right there in conveying remarkable communications.

From branding to personal style, color is key.

The addition of our tongue and groove walnut wall established the theme for the rest of the furniture in this interior.

With freedom to select colors for this new brand, the signage and interior finishes all contribute to a unified statement using a dark cadet blue, warm gold, and caramel colors throughout the space.

From T-shirts to interior finishes, the brand is reflected and reiterated in colors throughout.

My staff recently investigated information from projects. They posed questions and gathered observations regarding my use of color. Photos, at the end illustrate some specific color decisions and why. The resulting questions and answers are as follows:

Patti Hoech‘s design practice has been and continues to be an exploration and emphasis of the subtleties and strengths of color. It is an integral part of her work. We wanted to know why and when she discovered this specialization in her design sensitivity and how it relates to her approach to effective design decisions. We are asking clients and colleagues to pose questions to get the answers.

Why is color so important?

Patti Says: Color is power and peace. Color is important on so many levels – personal joy (or aversion), perceived temperature, brand identification, seasonal interactions, emphasis, and contrast. Color is everywhere. Understanding and harnessing it for specific purposes is key.

This new backsplash had a specific purpose, which was to acknowledge the existing rust-colored porcelain sink and the intensely green marble stone countertops. By pulling those two colors into the tile selection so strongly and interspersing other colors that complemented the palette, the result was an effectively unifying design detail.

How do you determine the color specifics for your projects?

Patti Says: What color brings you joy? What color tells your story? Interviewing clients about their color preferences – being an important question begins the dialog regarding what colors to incorporate and why. This can be personal preferences or aversions or specific colors relating to branding whether it is new or existing. Also, existing fixed design/architectural elements might also play a significant part in developing an effective color scheme.

This couple wanted turquoise and other blue tones to weave through their interior. By selecting a neutral backdrop in the floors and walls, it allowed the accent color to punctuate the space from several key pieces of fabric and finishes.

Do you believe color affects the lives of your clients in their homes and workplaces?

Patti Says: Absolutely!! Color can insert many subliminal effects that impose on people’s perception of a space or graphic. Color can evoke emotion, instill comfort or agitation, rekindle memories, spur appetite, affect perceived temperature. It can embed recall for commercial brands. Color can be a clever tool.

In this interior for Boba Tea, we played with the colors of the flavors and the multi-colored tiles to correlate to the fun experience of sucking the tapioca pearls.

How do you navigate color trends?

Patti Says: Trends are necessary to keep our market moving. Capitalism is based on consumer activity, and nothing generates purchasing frenzies like stimulating new trends in the market. However, basing design decisions on trends must take into consideration the intended longevity of the design. Much of color trends are based upon pairings and combinations of color. It is those combinations that can “date” a color scheme – not so much a specific color. It is how, where and with what it is used that pegs it.

A classic, well-balanced color combination of blue, white, and yellow is a comfortable warm and cool with a neutral that transcends trends. Fabrics and finishes contribute to how one updates a classic color scheme.

Do you feel you are a forecaster or influencer?

Patti Says: I believe that I have imparted and am still providing thoughtful, challenging color consultation to my commercial and residential clients. Having prospective clients request designs based upon others that we have produced is telling and flattering. It means they have confidence in the decisions regarding long-lasting color schemes – if not timeless, in some cases. However, it must be said that design elements that present the color often determine – in many ways – how well a selected color or color scheme “holds up” over time. Considerations regrading patterns, materials, and elements can and might be either improved or modified over time while maintaining the same color scheme. Forecasting anticipates color trends. I have successfully influenced clients to make selections based upon an anticipation of future color directions in the market or merely go with classic combinations that have been proven over time. . .

Playing off the colors in this corporate logo, the interior design reflects and further strengthens the brand. This company invited us to design various locations in three different states over the course of several years. The interiors have held up against the ravages of changing trends and market directives.

What has influenced your appreciation for and interpretation of color in design?

Patti Says: It started at an early age. Observing the world around me. Nature, architecture, decorative arts (china, textiles, artwork), fashion, logos/brands, trends, regional colors, seasonal colors, cycles of color…Pinks, turquoises, yellows of buildings in the West Indies, bold color statements of Mexico…Color is profoundly important and signature in its application. From fish to birds, flowers to leaves – color captivates me and urges me to find words to express it and continue to have it a primary part of my descriptive vocabulary. As an omnipresent element in the design process, color is unavoidable, but to enjoy it so fully and embrace the limitless range of options is an exciting artist’s pallet of possibilities which stimulates me at every turn.

The magic of color on architectural exteriors can be amazing. Here in Burano, Italy my dear friend captured the colors! Similar to what we see in Guanajuato, Mexico and the sunny islands of the West Indies.

I attribute much of my color awareness to my mother. I remember being greatly influenced by her sense of color and design. Her sensitivity and talent were innate. She selected fabrics that had unusual color and pattern combinations. When orange, avocado, brown, and gold prevailed in the 60s and 70s, she selected the olives with chartreuse and gold for the less formal areas of our lives and leaned into Lily Pulitzer’s dynamic colors and patterns for her clothing and a pastel version of soft pinks and verdant greens for our more formal areas. The master suite was primarily yellow with beautiful bits of blues. Beach scenes always emphasized blues and greens. Nothing in our world was on common trend, but an artful interpretation of color combinations, eclecticism and comfort. Pairings of orange and brown were never her happy place nor was gold and brown. But orange and PINK – YES! Pink and green especially! And browns were recognized in context with stone shades of greys and tans. I believe that sense was greatly influenced by richly organic, textured stone walls of the West Indies – Danish architecture in the tropics where limitless colors of greens and blues punctuated with flowers were all around.

As a result of this of this early introduction to the value of color, my personal spaces reflected similar sensitivities. Beginning with pink in the early years I graduated into blues, turquoise and greens for my teen years. The final scheme, in my room in the home in which I grew up, was a dusty pink, clay, and mocha-rose. No one in my world had that color scheme in the late 70s and it was difficult to assemble. It helped that I worked part time in a design showroom in Georgetown where handling the amazing abundance of fabulous fabrics was a daily inspiration. Throughout my life experiences color has been a constant distraction. Not in a bad way, but rather a noticeable, unavoidable interruption that causes me to pause and take note. Ask anyone who knows me – I stop and remark about color at every turn. For better or worse, I comment on color. It is a deep appreciation that I enjoy sharing. And the most rewarding is discovering color for clients who yearn for it but don’t quite know how to find and use that which would make them feel the joy of color!

A dear friend in Mexico recently took a leap in selecting an accent color for his seaside villa. Once an all white interior, which was lovely and fresh, he wanted a new look that provided contrast and strengthened his color theme. The yellow accents made me smile when he unveiled his new look!

Color plays a major role in discovering and expressing personal style. Fear not – color is your friend. Find your style. Live your style. Love your Style.

Mar 03

Whimsically Wonderful and Woodsy Transformation and the Design Process

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, architectural woodwork, cabin design, cabin interiors, Color schemes, colors, comfortable colors, context of interior design, creative process, creativity, custom cabinets, custom design interior design, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design solutions, design theme, design tips, design trends, designing for animals, designing with a purpose, designs in nature, drama of color, eclectic design, engineered countertops, faux finishes, faux flooring materials, fireplaces, flooring, focal points, hiring an interior designer, home, home decor, home improvements, houses, how to select colors, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior accents, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, Interior design pro tips, interior design pro-tips, interior design trends, interior enhancements, interior paint, kitchen, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, kitchen remodel, kitchen remodeling, lifestyle, living with color, lodge designs, modern cabinets, mosaic tile, natural stone, nature, paint colors, painted cabinets, personal expression, personal spaces, personal taste, planning a remodel, practical design, re-purpose cabinets, Regional design, remodeling, Santa Fe, New Mexico, selecting colors, Sherwin Williams, slate floors, southwestern design, Subscribers, tile, timeless colors, traditional kitchen design, trending design, update design / 1

Once upon a time there was a quiet little house in the woods. Nestled among the juniper and pinons of the rolling hills of Estancia, the little house lacked design details to make it feel a part of its surroundings. The owners and their dogs had lived there for a decade and realized that a move was not pending and therefore it was time to bring the house into its own.

Color was the primary element that they wanted to introduce – that along with a look better suited to the organic, woodsy setting and updates for fixtures and finishes. So, this plain, dated house in the woods began a magical transformation. Not wanting to embrace the sleek white and grey trends of the day, they expressly requested warmth and color.

The interior was plain vanilla with warm honey-colored wood accents.

Beginning with the floor, we selected a porcelain tile that had a finish simulating a mottled slate. The outstandingly durable, slip-resistant material had earthen color variegations in the various pieces which were highly effective at concealing dusty dirt and debris from the out-of-doors and camouflaging the anticipated dog hair that was shed about. The resemblance of the tile to cut stone was remarkable. Due to its multi-color rendition of ochre, rust, charcoal, black and sand offered many tones from which to grow the design’s palette.

The flooring was a bland combination of slippery wood laminate and 12″ ceramic tiles.

The new porcelain slate floor tile is multi-toned and rich with warmth. New wall colors and cabinets are peeking from behind…

Rising from this new base for the interior scheme, we selected a dark, black/charcoal stacked stone. The smooth ovoid shapes added further organic texture with a subtle woven appearance to the surface of the fireplace.

Texture, color, form…the design is transformed…

The mantle and hearth were both the plain vanilla white of the walls and despite the fact that white can be crisp, clean and fresh – the owners were eager for bold commitment to color. In keeping with the pine columns and other cabinets and architectural detailing, we wrapped the existing form of the mantle in knotty pine finished with a honey stain to coordinate with the existing wood accents. The hearth became an undulating slab of Cambria quartz material in a craft-paper bag/sand color also derived from the swirling “slate” floor.

The graceful shape of the hearth was enhanced with the addition of the stacked stone and new slab surface.

Towering from the now strengthened façade of the fireplace, the tapered form of the chimney was begging for the color-pop that the owner’s desired. The honey color of the pine along with the warm tones in the flooring invited a golden ochre paint to command the space.

Specifically requesting the insertion of the owner’s favorite accent color – turquoise, we departed from the warm, earthen tones and punctuated the scheme in the new kitchen cabinets.

The original kitchen…tile floors and countertops, oak cabinets with off-white painted walls.

Salvaging the existing boxes and painting the faces, fabricating new doors, drawers, upper glass cabinets and end panels, the open kitchen is the fulcrum of the house. We see the trending minimalism of little or few cabinets in the kitchen, perhaps open shelving…however, this couple wanted even more concealed storage to keep their cooking and entertaining accessories out-of-sight, but close at hand.

The kitchen transformation features new color, new faces, additional upper cabinets with etched glass panels, luminous glass tile backsplash, new quartz countertops with a new bowed shape for the island…all while keeping existing appliances, cabinet boxes and layout of the space.

Repeating the slab material of the fireplace’s hearth which passes through from the living room to the kitchen, the new Cambria quartz countertops continue the craft-paper bag/sand color. The slate floor wraps up the face of the island for a durable kick-surface and visual continuity.

But wait! To further the focal features of the kitchen, we created a custom mix of colorful glass segments suggesting an interpretation of fallen aspen leaves golden and glossy in the damp of late fall/early winter precipitation. The combination of golden ochre and dark amber with the luminous turquoise of this stunning wall treatment dramatically contributes to the whimsically wonderful colorful scheme.

Saving the bathrooms for another story…there is more to be said about this woodsy transformation. Stay tuned and do not fear color! Embrace the context of your special places.

Jun 14

Before & After – A Startling Transformation

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, ambiance, artistic expression, bathroom remodel, before and after, blue and white, built-in bookcases, cabinet pulls, chrome, cocktails, Color schemes, color trends, composing, construction, contemporary fabrics, contemporary interiors, context of interior design, creative process, creativity, custom cabinets, custom design interior design, decorative accessories, decorative arts, decorative mirrors, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, Design Team, design theme, design tips, design trends, designer fabrics, designing small spaces, designing with a purpose, drapery treatments, eclectic design, eclecticism, fabric design, fabrics, fanciful design, flooring, good design, good taste, graphic designs in interiors, hiring an interior designer, historic interior design, home, home decor, home improvements, home spa, illusion of space, interior accents, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, Interior design pro tips, interior design trends, interior enhancements, joy, lifestyle, lighting, marble, martini, mirrored walls, mirrors, modern cabinets, modern interiors, mosaic, mosaic tile, natural stone, nostalgia and design, painted cabinets, patterns, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, powder rooms, raised panel cabinets, Refresh, remodeling, residential restrooms, stone, Subscribers, textile design, textiles, textures, tile, timeless colors, traditional fabrics, trending design, trends, update design, updating, vanitydesign, wall treatments, wallcovering, white color schemes, white interiors, window dressings / 1 2 Comments

Last August 11, 2019, I left you hanging with a radical bathroom remodel that was in the throws of being transformed. The title of the blog was Everyone Loves Before and Afters. https://patriciandesign.com/everyone-loves-before-and-afters/ Here today, I am excited to present the finished product and a little more to the story…

Everyone DOES Love “before and afters.” The original blog identifies the material process of the project, but as important as the material applications are the emotional aspects of design and precede the material selections.

The home is a bungalow style home from the 1950s. Charming architectural elements and traditional details set the stage, sensitivity, and the emotions behind any design decisions we were to consider. See the first phase of this home’s updating design in the primary living space at this link: https://patriciandesign.com/project/classic-blue-white/ The kitchen was also re-finished. Maintaining the same design layout and appliances, the new finishes resulted in a startling transformation. https://patriciandesign.com/project/kitchen-transformation/

The challenge in this project was to retain the character and traditional charm that the couple so enjoyed about their home, while introducing new, modern design features and trends melding with traditional design elements. New custom cabinets for the vanity and linen storage/display unit along with the re-design of the shower – eliminating the tub and making a “doorless” access and a pocket door connecting to the adjacent guest room were the three key construction components.

Dated finishes done in the 80s, by previous owners, were common and bland. The tub and shower were enclosed with by-passing glass doors in aluminum tracks and frames.

This bathroom was the dated and fussy room that we presented last August. The tired and dull finishes needed replacing and refreshing. It was to be a complete make-over to compliment other recent improvements in the home.

Once the general concept for the remodel is determined, the “what if” stage begins. The stage where ideas are tossed about and decisions lead to other decisions. The options are massaged giving way to different combinations and considerations.

After all the options are discussed the plan is adopted – a combination of everyone’s input. Hopefully not design by committee, but in this case the couple, in whose house we were working, and the me, the designer. After the design is determined, the input of the general contractor and/or the sub-contractors can come into play. They are generally given the opportunity to evaluate existing conditions and voice opinions and procedures or details that their expertise can bring to the project. Everything is considered until a cohesive plan is developed.

New cabinets were locally fabricated to not only insure excellent craftsmanship, but to customize the fit (left to right) and provide specific drawer configurations for the desired new height of the cabinets with an additional sink.

The tub was removed, and the new shower enclosure was clear glass and given a wider footprint to allow for a jog which eliminated the need for a door. The shower valve was relocated from beneath the shower head to the opposite “pony” wall, making it easier to operate the temperature and flow without getting wet first!

Other than the shower reconfiguration, new cabinets, and pocket doorway into the guest room all else was superficial cosmetic design features. This is where the layers of embellishment come into play.

During the process, there were certainly hesitations about the combination of patterns and finishes being proposed…however, you know you’re on the right track when the happy homeowner has fun accessorizing and creates the perfect towel/robe hooks!

DIY – finding these blue, wooden, open-work plaques, our creative homeowner bought polished chrome and glass doorknobs and attached them securely to the plaques – Voila!

In keeping with the traditional design direction previously adopted in updating the interior, the flooring was selected for its natural stone mosaic authenticity. With a warm grey selected for the custom cabinets and white herringbone patterned subway tile on the rear wall of the shower enclosure made for a fresh modern look.

A mix of patterns – a balancing act – the art of design. Do not be afraid.

But wait! These traditional elements and modern trends were further embellished with a second layer of curvy turquoise mirrors installed over the full-wall mirror – suspended between is a polished chrome sphere of open bands providing ambient light and additional task light for the vanity area.

Layer upon layer until the composition is complete!

Classic blue and white screen-print on paper with an overall pattern of vines and leaves fills in the voids creating a not-too-busy backdrop – adding further dimensions to the design.

Natural stone slab of a white crystal-like granite – looks like a stone quartz crystal.

Drapery fabric in a traditional floral on linen with whimsical, modern “martini glass” sheers soften the window and diffuse the incoming light.

The resulting completed interior is a radical transformation from the dull beige and peach of the previous scheme. Fresh and crisp – with just enough busy to be playful – the new owners claim that they smile every time they enter or even walk by.

Remember the first photo? The BEFORE & AFTER transformation is extraordinary.

Apr 18

Isolation Invites Innovation

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, apartments, bathroom remodel, before and after, built-in bookcases, ceiling lighting, chairs, cleaning, clutter, Color schemes, color trends, commercial design, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, construction, contemporary interiors, context of interior design, Covid -19, creative process, creativity, custom cabinets, custom design interior design, custom furniture, custom lighting, decorative accessories, decorative mirrors, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designing small spaces, designing with a purpose, drama of color, education, expanding spaces, exterior - outdoor design, furniture finds, good design, hiring an interior designer, home, home decor, home improvements, home office, how to select colors, illusion of space, illusions of space, indirect lighting, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, Interior design pro tips, interior design trends, interior enhancements, landscape design, lifestyle, lighting, master bathrooms, mirrored walls, mirrors, modern cabinets, modern interiors, multi-generational design, office furniture, open floorplans, paint colors, patio, patio design, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, practical design, remodeling, residential restrooms, reupholstery, room arrangement, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Subscribers, throw pillows, trending design, trends, update design, updating, upholstery, workplace design /

Here, today, find designer focus and pro-tips for improving our living spaces. Most of us have spent more time at home than we have in years. Sure, we usually wake up, prepare for the day and return in the evening, to end the day. Weekends are usually that bonus time around the house – unless we spend them on road trip excursions. However, being at home every day is unusual for many and has provided opportunities to critique and take stock. Go from “making-do” to making better, with a little focus on the details and some professional help!

New catch-phrases like “shelter-in-place” have become part of our vernacular. Staying home has resulted in massive numbers of internet orders, cautious home improvement store visits and related activity. The shared anxious energy and creative energy spawned, from our restricted living and working regimens, is “going viral!”

Well, we certainly never really considered that trendy term of something being popular being a REAL virus spreading across the planet – but the humor, common complaints and simple joys, of this surreal modification to our lives, are “going viral” all over the internet. From the vantage point of the design world, we are seeing a multitude of comments about people going stir-crazy and making plans for needed home and office improvement.

HOME DEPOT – Pick-up in the store or have it delivered FREE to your doorstep!!

We are finally – and I say finally, after nearly everyone else we know has done so – ordering storm doors. Yes, to leave open and let in the light of day!!! It has taken being around the house for so many consecutive days that has geared us to the circadian rhythm that our orientation provides and illustrated the need to avail our interior of a significant missed opportunity for natural light! Just never seemed that important…until now! We have labored over having lights (glass) in new primary doors, but after weighing the options for light, security and transparency have opted for clear, full-panel laminated glass storm doors with interchangeable screens, for fresh air – weather permitting.

Yes – Anderson DOES do double storm doors – but try finding that information on their website or even through Home Depot – they’re terrific – you just need to inquire!!!

This unique opportunity to be quarantined inside our homes has given us an opportunity to evaluate the flow, function and lifestyle within our private environments. Have you noticed any things that you want to change as a result of this confinement and forced, close-up evaluation?

Here are a few topics and tips that have come-up in recent conversations from both consumer/clients and designers:

More perceived space: Perhaps open a wall or completely remove a wall(s) and connect two rooms for better communication and visual enlargement of the floor plan.

Adding mirrored walls or individual mirrors add depth and also expands a space to give it a perceived increase in size.

Add cozy color and texture with area rugs, throws and accent pillows.

Add skylights for more daylight.

Change paint colors for a refreshed feel.

Remodel kitchens and bathrooms – people have been sharing intimate spaces and preparing meals significantly more than regular lifestyles dictate and now recognize limitations in their current designs.

Re-upholstery of existing pieces that function well, but need to be refreshed and modernized.

Purchase new furnishing to improve the comfort, function and visual appearance of the interior.

Desires for additional lighting or replacement fixtures, to improve and enhance the quality and color of light inside all rooms for tasks, ambiance, accent spots, indirect illumination, decorative fixtures and even landscape lighting to highlight the features of the plantings and exterior structures, have been heightened.

Workplace design has migrated into homes prompting consideration for a more efficient permanent pocket of living spaces designed for that specific purpose of home-offices. A few from our website portfolio are illustrated here…

Before – this cluttered space was serving as an office – but without organization or pleasing aesthetics.

After – this same space reorganized furniture placement, added new work-surfaces and cantilevered shelves to match existing teak pieces, creating an atmosphere of organization, enhanced workspace and display of personal hobbies and memorabilia.

Before – this room doubled as a sewing room and home office – but the lack of organization made it inefficient and unpleasant.

After – by adding storage, cutting a steel trundle bed (found in their storage unit) down to window-width, and rearranging the workspaces, this same room can now comfortably accommodate a guest, organize work and sewing spaces and pleasantly display art and memorabilia.

For both working from home and schooling from home – the needs, for this space, have become critical. Imagine, down the road, more on-line courses might be considered and even more opportunities to work from home now that the practice has been proven!!

Even a pocket tucked in the corner of a room can be ample space for quiet focus and an organized workspace.

Areas designed for study can also be used for arts and crafts and other projects.

Office spaces will reflect this modification in the working environment, by creating more flexible workspaces allowing a variety of scenarios for performing tasks between home and office and an increasing appreciation for a more fluid arrangement of office layouts and furnishings.

During this isolation, I have enjoyed several ZOOM continuing education classes offered by Knoll that have centered on workspace layout and furniture both at home and in corporate settings.

Here are more helpful tips from Knoll for your consideration when planning a home-office. https://www.knoll.com/shop/work-from-home/home-office-setup-guide

Patio perk-ups to expand the enjoyment outdoors – at both home and office – maximizing the livable exterior areas of either small balconies to expansive spaces, backyards, decks, improved landscaping, outdoor kitchens and fully-furnished furnished living spaces – are seeing increased attention to detail.

Woodard furniture – one of our favorites – has been designing and fabricating for well over a hundred and fifty years. Since 1934 they have perfected the art of metal furniture design and fabrication. As industry leaders, their expertise brings a collection of superior craftsmanship and a wide variety of materials and styles to accommodate both commercial and residential applications.

Let’s keep moving forward through this pandemic with positive vibes for creating enhanced living spaces – both inside and out – for more productive and enjoyable living!

Aug 11

Everyone Loves Before and Afters

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, bathroom remodel, before and after, blue and white, Color schemes, color trends, construction, creative process, creativity, custom cabinets, custom design interior design, decorative mirrors, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, Design Team, design tips, design trends, designing with a purpose, good design, hiring an interior designer, home improvements, illusion of space, illustration, interior design trends, interior enhancements, marble, mirrored walls, mirrors, modern cabinets, mosaic, mosaic tile, natural stone, painted cabinets, patterns, planning a remodel, powder rooms, Refresh, remodeling, shower design, stone, Subscribers, tile, trends, update design, updating, vanitydesign, wall texture, wall treatments, white color schemes, white interiors / 1

Everyone loves before and after shots – they are so telling, dramatic and fun to compare. How about during? This week, we are nearing completion of a project that has been in the works for the past few months. Not quite finished, here is a little story about the stages of the design process…

Are YOU planning a remodel…a room an entire house?

Once a project is identified, the options are studied. Usually each party involve has their preconceived notions…images and ideas come to mind. The mind is that arena from which it is tough to articulate images and especially between people. The design process requires that ideas need to be expressed, defined and argued – pros and cons.

This room was dated and fussy. The finishes were tired and needed refreshing. The project was described as a complete makeover to compliment other recent updates in the home.

The scope of work was to remove the tub, replace the cabinets, add a second sink and create an opening into the guest room. At that point, the “what ifs” began.

Healthy arguing ensues – meaning sharing ideas back and forth, explaining the approach and concepts. More like presenting than arguing. It’s actually a fun, creative process – full of choices, ideas and seemingly limitless opportunities. It’s the “What if…” stage. Sketches are used, arm-waving and samples, photos and words all contribute to the compilation of the ultimate design. Each person contributes to the process until a common plan is adopted.

Whether formal plans are needed depends upon the code requirements, if applicable (“cosmetic only” changes requiring no modifications to structure, electrical or HVAC – for example – might not need formal drawings). Therefore, the development of documents is dependent upon the requirements of the municipality and/or methods of the contractors. Regardless, sketches begin the process.

If code requirements necessitate permitting, the process must proceed through that stage prior to commencing the work. So after weeks of ideas being tossed about, a plan was conceived, client approved drawings were made and the process moved forward.

The scheme was set with the first materials selected – glossy glazed imperfect wall tiles for an interesting and textural herringbone pattern with a stone mosaic for the floor.

The demolition – always a shock – but “you have to break and egg to make an omelet!” Unbeknownst to anyone, the floor was rotted beneath the toilet and required repair. Mirror, glass block, tile and much sheet-rock was removed.

Old cabinets were removed and after all the dust had settled, the bare bones exposed and a clean slate presented, the new work began.

The new cabinets were to accommodate a second sink and slightly longer counter-top. To make sure access between the shower and counter-top was not too restricted, I designed a radius to ease the squeeze. Enrique made a template of the radius that would be represent his end shelving and counter-top. When Rocky Mountain Stone arrived to shoot their lasers to measure for their templates, the radius template Enrique had made was very helpful.

The end of this cabinet will have radius shelves with counter-top following the radius. Until then, Enrique made a template of the shape so that the counter-top could be measured in advance of end piece being completed and installed.

The laser process to template the counter-top begins…with the help of the mock-up of the radius!

Decisions regarding lighting had not been finalized, with the completion of the plans. Having eliminated the desire to have recessed fixtures, whether to use a center sconce, two flanking sconces or a single pendant in the center between the sinks was still up in the air. Love the pun! Debating a full height panel of mirror versus two wall hung framed pieces, was also undecided.

But here’s an “oops” when we discovered the power for the light fixture off-center for a center-hung pendant.

Taking the risk to be disappointed, but with little investment to do so, our client elected to buy the two curvy framed mirrors that almost promised to be too small. Upon arrival one of the two mirrors were broken. Bummer.

The inevitable, unexpected happens on every project…we had decided not too use these so rather than have the one of the pair replaced, we requested a refund. However, upon further study, we modified the design to accommodate both mirrors – we are re-ordering the second mirror.

But in an effort to determine if we wanted to have the broken mirror replaced or refunded. We held it up on the wall, as we feared, it was confirmed that they could not carry the space. We asked that the company not replace the broken mirror, but refund the cost.

We really loved the whimsical quality of the curvy framed mirrors and their distressed turquoise finish was a great addition to the otherwise blue and white scheme. So, a week later, after pondering the dilemma of the mirrors…I offered what seemed to be a radical suggestion (but not really), and that was to install a full-panel wall mirror – backsplash to ceiling – and then mount (over it) the two mirrors. To do so, our very able and talented glass master, Robert, would have to cut (prior to installing) holes in the mirror panel located behind where the framed mirrors were prepared for hanging. The result would be the pair of mirrors hanging on top of the full panel creating a floating, multi dimensional effect. Watch for “afters” in a couple weeks, of this completed installation.

As the project proceeds, the flooring is nearly completed and all but the finishing touches remain.

Pilasters were added at each end to stop the tile on an inside corner, rather than having it quit flush on the wall. The shower will not have a door, but nearly encapsulated with frame-less clear glass to give an illusion of a more spacious room.

Best to stop here and reserve the finale for the finished “after” shots as promised.

Jul 22

Living Room Transformation

By pattisays In ambiance, bar, before and after, blue and white, breakfast rooms, cats, Color schemes, color trends, colors, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, custom design interior design, design, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, dining and design, dining rooms, entertaining, family rooms, faux finishes, fireplaces, flooring, furniture finds, good design, hardwood floors, hiring an interior designer, home improvements, inspiration, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, kitchen, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, kitchen lighting, kitchen remodeling, lifestyle, lighting, Millenial, modern cabinets, mosaic, mosaic tile, natural stone, open floorplans, paint colors, patterns, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, practical design, re-upholstery, remodeling, sectional sofas, selecting colors, stone, Subscribers, tile, trends, update design, updating, upholstery, value of good design, wall-to-wall carpeting, white kitchens / 1 Comment

As an adjunct to last week’s story about the progressive young couple and their dramatic kitchen remodel, I thought I should finish the subject and tell about the adjacent living room transformation and comfortable family room on the lower level.

When the kitchen grew to become the focal point upon entering and the bar counter expanded into the living area, it reduced that space to now become a comfortable sitting room for guests to gather or the family to relax while activities are brewing in the kitchen.

Looking through to the dining room where a built-in storage bench was added along the window wall, offers additional seating. A new fabric-shade chandelier softens the light levels. All lighting in this remodel are on dimmers.

The former white brick wall had gently rubbed edges to suggest a distressed condition exposing the red brick beneath. The fireplace had an unrelated golden oak mantle and surround with insipid tile inset also used to cover the hearth. The tile was a glazed faux marble with a Victorian design accent feature.

By simply painting the oak white to match the rest of the wood trim throughout the home and also painting the brick a soft taupe/grey tone, the look was instantly transformed. But they still had that awful tile…so here’s a design tip: to buy time either while you decide or until you save-up for the next phase, paint the tile away!!! To accommodate a new TV that is to go over the mantle, the wood surround was shortened. Notice the extra piece of wood trim that was removed to lower the mantle.

The hearth was removed and rebuilt (without the cut-off corners) with brick and painted to match the wall. Lucky for them the hardwood floor went beneath the hearth – so when they modified the size, they didn’t have to patch the floor! Tile was removed and replaced with 2×2 mosaic Carrara marble to coordinate with the herringbone mosaic of the same marble in the new kitchen backsplash/wall (see last week’s blog).

A sofa found, for nearly free, was in good shape and reupholstered beautifully in this plush, durable navy solid.

The classic blue and white motif was punctuated with organic yellow.

The newly refinished original hardwood floors – taken from a golden oak finish to a rich espresso/walnut stain…

…with the blue and white wool hook rug creates a handsome contrast. The rug actually “reads” blue and white, but upon closer inspection has warm khaki tones, soft turquoise detailing and is quite complex.

This revitalized cozy ambiance of this new sitting area/living room is perfect for this growing young family!

And for a more expansive gathering space, the lower level family room received a new sectional sofa in a durable charcoal fabric and a low-pile small diamond patterned wall to wall carpeting to conceal what had been cold tile floors and make a comfortable room for all seasons!

Purrrrrrhaps someday they’ll have a cat to climb that crazy rope-wrapped pole!!!!!

Feb 06

A Dozen Tips for Planning a Kitchen Update

By pattisays In before and after, ceiling lighting, creative process, custom design interior design, design, design solutions, design tips, design trends, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design trends, kitchen, kitchen lighting, kitchen remodeling, lifestyle, modern cabinets, natural stone, personal expression, planning a remodel, practical design, re-purpose, recycle design, Refresh, remodeling, Subscribers, trends, update design, updating, value of good design, wall texture / 1

As we know, kitchens and bathrooms lead the features that often make or break a house sale. Investing in such improvements can not only enhance your living experience, but also serve you well when it comes time to sell. There are a few basic tips to follow as you embark on this could-be, (but need-not be) daunting project. Here are some important things to consider for all facets of the experience!

To begin, note what things about your kitchen you would like to improve – both functional and aesthetic.
Gather inspirations – make a hard-copy file or at least collect in a folder in your computer things that inspire you in your quest for your improved kitchen. Use kitchen design magazines, Pinterest posts or remodeled kitchen ideas that you Google-search. These ideas are a great springboard to narrowing your design direction and conveying your concept to your design professional.
Based upon your “inspirations” what is your color scheme? This direction will impact options and decisions for finish materials such as flooring, cabinets, countertops, back-splashes, wall finish and window treatments.
Is it merely a facelift? New cabinet doors and drawer fronts? Perhaps new countertops and back-splash. Or is it a complete gut and replace?
New appliances – replacements or additional components?
Sketch the layout of your new kitchen, if applicable. Make sure the available space accomplishes what you are imagining.
Imagine the finished product. Illustrations of the “after” design are the best way to accomplish this.
When in this process should you consult with a design professional? Perhaps after number 3 once you have gathered examples of your preferences…I let the list continue beyond number 3 to give you an idea of where in the process you might feel the need to have some qualified assistance!! An experienced designer will see things you don’t, know things you might not have considered and ideally maximize your budget by avoiding costly mistakes or missed opportunities.
For example, don’t miss opportunities for additional storage – this is a critically creative design detail that results, in great benefit, to the finished product.
In fairness to you and your contractor, try to establish a budget. Do a little homework. Gather rough costs for lineal feet of cabinets, appliances, design consultation and construction costs (a good resource are the home-improvement stores). Give yourself some latitude as this cannot be a finite budget at this early stage of the planning.
With your design pro, discuss contractors that fit the bill to what you are trying to accomplish. If you are only tackling cosmetic improvements, a general contractor might not be needed. For example, new wall finish, countertops and appliances or new cabinet fronts, a new light fixture…these are individual sub-contractor projects. But as soon as you get into moving plumbing and electric, adding or removing walls, puncturing the envelope with windows or skylights – you had better hire a general contractor to take responsibility for the scheduling, coordination, licensing and permitting of the work.
Once your scope of work is determined, you might need to get familiar with great carry-out in your neighborhood!!! That and a few great restaurants too, as you might be without your kitchen during a portion, if not all, of the process once the work begins!!!

Here are a few projects that we have documented with pretty effective “before and afters” to help you consider some of the above referenced tips.

These peachy pickled white-washed red-oak cabinets had classic lines and were in excellent shape after 30 years! The original owners were ready for an update.

Purely cosmetic (except for replacing the lighting) we saved the cabinets in their entirety, painted the boxes, doors and drawers. By shooting the fronts remotely, quality control was insured and caused less imposition at the residence.

Black accent pieces were already in play. The new black finish was a dramatic transformation. Using a special tinted varnish, proper prep and several coats results in a very strong new finish. All other finishes were replaced with a conscientious effort to coordinate with the existing flooring. The result “reads” as though it was all done at the same time. The floor tile looks good as new!

Similarly, we saved the cabinet boxes, but differently from the previous project, we added a few updated cabinet features and replaced the door and drawer fronts to a more classic raised panel detail.

Again the transformation was exciting, but by saving the perfectly good cabinets, we had far less disruption to the home-owners. Enhanced cabinet details for improved drawer glides, additional storage, new counter-tops, new lighting, and as is true with all of these projects “cabinet jewelry,” in the way of new door and drawer pulls and handles, adds the finishing touches.

This very dated kitchen from the early 70s, had a new owner – a single man – and he definitely didn’t want this provincial look!

In this case, a general contractor was in order. We opened walls, re-designed all the lighting, replaced all cabinets with new custom cabinets, appliances, flooring, counter-tops and back-splashes. The transformation is astonishing!

Feb 19

Design Dreams Come True – Custom Collection

By pattisays In artists, custom furniture, decorative arts, furniture finds, hammered metal, handcraft, handmade, metal and wood furniture design, modern cabinets, painted furniture, Uncategorized /

Designing is great fun. But the key to completing the circle that starts with an idea in response to a need (or not) is having that design come to fruition. I am grateful for having a great team of detailed design fabricators who make my dreams come true. And they spoil me. I think many designers will say the same thing. What starts on a cocktail napkin, torn piece of flimsy trace off a roll, a sheet of graph paper or more formally, working drawings, takes shape with the collaboration of designer and fabricators who are not just fabricators, but invaluable contributors to the finished products’ construction and design details. These are the seamstresses, upholsterers, carpenters, iron-workers and all manner of construction trades who bring these creations to fruition!

Several years ago we had a client who was daring in her desire to have a super modern loft. Her history of traditional furnishings and up-bringing was well in place in Washington state, but this opportunity to have a second home, an urban loft, made way for her exercising the juices that offered a new alternative lifestyle and a new “look.”

One of the many key pieces in this fabulous space turned out to be the cornerstone of a new custom collection that we fondly call PATRICIAN DESIGN’S “Hammered Home.”

As I planned the pieces for this fun and hip urban interior, I designed painted pieces, modern tonsus, a Nelson inspired coffee table, red and raw steel glass-topped dining table base, a new take on a drop-leaf desk and colorful mixed media end-table/chests all custom fabricated by my team, but I wanted something more, something that gave rich, detail and dimension, interest and art and this new line of custom furniture was born. The first piece, a nightstand/end table for a dual-purposed guest room/study combined clean-lined wood with steel. So with a quick sketch of the dimensions and form, my desire to have metal legs suspending it off the floor, metal accents but not severe – I thought, hammered?

The wood tone was to be a more milk chocolate than mahogany but tight-grained and true medium brown. The floors were an existing light engineered material and this brown contrasted nicely.

The next opportunity to introduce this combo theme of our “Hammered Home” design came with a young family’s need for a media armoire in the “family” room. Several years ago when “espresso” hit the design scene for the new trend for modern furniture, everyone from Target to Pottery Barn to Robb & Stuckey filled their inventory with the dark coffee bean wood finish. As a designer, I recognized the value of the trend and wanted to accept it, but take it a step further for these very smart and successful, yuppy clients.

In previous blogs, I have clearly stated that all trends are not created equal. some are passing fancies of color combinations that soon become dated or design elements that don’t leave a significant mark to pass the test of time. But the dark chocolate/coffee color enriched that which had so often been blond, light woods and cherry/cinnamon tones of recent popularity and contributed a valid alternate stain theme for wood furniture. The media armoire for a young family’s “family” room, was clean-lined and new. The bling was industrial enough not to be glitzy, but just enough silver-grey metallic to contrast against the dark wood.

The next version of this “Hammered Home” collection came in front of a stacked sandstone wall of bone white, creamy cream, a hint of gold and a tinge of iron rust. We picked the darker rust tone to contrast against the otherwise soft light stone wall colors – the rusty hue suggested a cinnamon colored alder – stain magic! This pair of low profile media cabinets housed all the components and an incredible bundle of wires streaming into the back of the cabinet from all points of the house – and it’s called wi-fi? Really? Due to the color scheme, we decided that a copper metal panel would really meld with the cinnamon-stain of the alder. So we took it a step further to enhance the copper, knock it down a bit and highlight the texture with a blackened rub that nestles into the hollows and allows the bas relief to shine. It is a warm, rich, dimensional textural wonderfulness.

So when a very fun client called last fall wanting a surprise for his wife – nightstands perhaps? I laughed because my husband often says that he’s getting me storm windows for a Valentine’s Day gift…funny – every girl’s dream!! But nightstands are at least in the realm of dreamland!!! So knowing the room and its existing color scheme, I decided upon a satin black with the same hammered blackened copper panels. The combination of the black and blackened copper was sensational. The style was more transitional than the previous clean-lined pieces – but it goes to show that this hammered metal design theme can transcend the styles…

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We LOVE working with this client as he knows that he either has an idea (a new nightstand) that we can create or he calls and asks – what can we create for the next event? Whether birthday, anniversary, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day – we have provided locally hand-loomed textiles wraps, wild embroidery throws, magnificent oil paintings, locally hand-crafted jewelry and more! How fun for him to know that each present is custom and unique, supports local artists and will be a treasure forever. Plus he doesn’t have to shop!!!!!

So we delivered our surprise cabinet last week on Valentine’s Tuesday, I stopped at a quickie store and bought some simple heart stickers – not much larger than a postage stamp, I stuck one in the drawer and one on the shelf of the lower cabinet and thought that whenever she opened this cabinet she will remember that it was her Valentine’s surprise!!! We had a key, took the cabinet to their bedroom, removed the old nightstand, replaced it with the new one…Voila! She came home to a really neat surprise!!! And might there be a matching one in the works?? We can’t say.

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Custom fun – support local artists and make your dreams come true!!!!!

Apr 30

Effective Staging & Improvments Clinch the Deal

By pattisays In before and after, clutter, colors, design, design trends, exterior - outdoor design, interior design, interior design trends, kitchen, landscape design, modern cabinets, mosaic tile, outdoor pools, remodeling, swimming pools, tile /

We staged a house this week. We TRANSFORMED IT! Wonderful clients for several years, who I regard as friends too, called to say they were moving out-of-state and they needed to quickly get their house ready for sale. So many things that we had planned to do and more, deferred due to life getting in the way, all of a sudden got put on the fast-track to get finished in less than a month!

When you think of staging a house for sale, you might think of a fall scene scented with stove-top cinnamon sticks warming in a pan. In the spring, as it is now, fresh flowers with floral fragrances wafting on breezes through open windows and doorways. We had the floral bouquets – just a couple – as centerpieces in the dining room and another game table in the family room.

But in order to really make this house attractive to the prospective buyers – millennials and their families – experience tells me that we needed to install profound punctuations of exciting new trendy finishes and colors.

I critiqued the kitchen for its old but good-as-new solid surface countertops with a dated, tell-tale sandwich of speckled forest green in between the bull-nosed edge of solid white. The cabinets were plain slab birch yellowed by time, with hand-crafted wooden handles. To place the emphasis where we would get the most “bang for the buck,” we kept the countertops, refinished the cabinets and added new mosaic tile and paint accents. 20160424_162546

A few years earlier, we had stripped adjacent identical cabinets in the dining area and re-finished them with multiple clear-coats of conversion varnish. In place of the two-screwed wooden handles, we installed three small conical-shaped brushed stainless pulls. By adding the third holes at each, between the existing two of the wooden pulls, the detail looked intentional and contributed to a modernized interpretation of the cabinet design. We now finished the kitchen cabinets to match which had been slated for the same improvements, but put on the back-burned until now. P1140111

The end wall of the kitchen, with a large pass-through opening into the dining room, leaving no significant wall space for art or other accessorizing, was the perfect element for a dramatic, eye-catching full-wall treatment. A mosaic of horizontal glass tiles in earthen blacks and beiges balanced the warm cabinets and maple flooring with a strength, pattern, interest and glossy bling. The same mosaic tile wrapped the room filling the back-splash between countertops and upper cabinets. 20160424_162701

Outside we painted the garage doors, wall sconce and patio trim with a new organic neutral mushroom green shade. The landscaping was enhanced with new river rock and a couple of large ceramic planters were placed by the front entry with mature plants creating a sense of establishment. The plain concrete entry porch was tiled with a dark earthy porcelain continuing up the step and into the entry foyer replacing the burnt orange tile that had been neglected from the decades old original finishes. 20160424_164027

Additional planters were purchased to scatter about – but a more effective idea to have a strong showing of them at the end of the pool anchored that setting with a stunning blue ceramic colonnade bursting forth with brilliant contrasting yellow Celtic Broom. Massing things can often create more powerful statements rather than sparse, weak distributions of the same.

The master bedroom suite had been remodeled a couple of years prior. Pre-fabricated white melamine closet components were replaced with custom fabricated birch closets and cabinetry to continue the theme of the original cabinets in the main level of the home. Updated granite countertops, new lighting and mosaic tiles jazzed the dressing scene and brought order for the young parents running this busy family.

Staging a home requires thinking about clearing the clutter and dressing the scene. But beyond that, looking at more powerful elements to repair and update can make an enormous difference in the appeal to potential buyers. This was evidenced by the comments that we overheard specifically about the more dramatic installations like the new mosaic wall, welcoming entry tile and effective row of blue patio planters that we decided to employ really clinched the deal.

Everyone Loves Before and Afters

Living Room Transformation

A Dozen Tips for Planning a Kitchen Update

Design Dreams Come True – Custom Collection

Effective Staging & Improvments Clinch the Deal

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