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.
The neighbors…
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.
The serene sound of a fountain can provide mesmerizing relaxation. Like white noise, but better. Close your eyes, in close proximity to a little fountain, and be lulled into a wonderful respite zone. Even indoors, this is an effective relaxation element…outside the birds and breeze contribute to the joy.
Pets reap benefits too! Kona gets a refreshing sip from the fountain!!!At night, that same fountain offers gentle water sounds and an interesting sculptural effect.
Social distancing and isolation – these two popular terms that have defined so much of our daily living in the last several months and imparted a negative connotation. They paint a picture of living more at home – alone and even “out-of-touch” – literally. All of my childhood I heard the phrase “ne touche pas!” My uncle’s favorite, for sure! And now I hear it in my mind all the time. Don’t touch the shopping cart, door handle, people’s hands, “ne touche pas!” and if you do – wash and sanitize to a fare-thee-well!
Yet, on a positive note, this stay safe – be safe – living at home has spawned creativity to maximize that environment and relieve stress. It means, more than ever, expanding your outdoor options from placing a pair of chairs and tiny table on a previously unused, diminutive urban balcony or adding a palatial pool in your backyard…there are many options in-between depending on your circumstances and means.
Our cousin in Tucson has created a lagoon effect with the dark bottom and mosaic trim. an oasis in the desert.
Water features are an amazingly therapeutic design element. Water suggests cleansing. It is refreshing and renewing. Water has promise. It can also suggest escape.
The Calgon add campaign of decades ago resonates today for those of us who remember…”Calgon, take me away…Lose yourself in luxury” The escape and indulgence of a relaxing soak in a tub. The gentle buoyancy relieves tension and encourages rest. It often suggests leisure. It is a luxurious, pampering exercise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yjGPgs0_S0 Here is a video from the 70s to take you back to “Take me away…” Come back Calgon!!! We miss your commercials now more than ever!!!
Taking that refreshing water scene outdoors is one of the most popular design projects trending today. From DIY to major construction people are discovering ways to escape without leaving home. Water features provide virtual escapes and actual refreshment for many people seeking that added dimension, diversion and sought-after pleasure in their lives.
A friend in Phoenix has tricked out her pool with fabulous landscaping, spectacular iridescent glass tiles and LED lighting – the luminous colors an be changed with her mood!!!!
Swimming pools, a gorgeous grotto, lap lane, all afford the luxury of submersion and even exercise.
The sound of a small water feature to a creek-like landscape addition in your yard – the projects are many. This DIY guy created what he fondly calls “Covid Creek” – a project that took several weeks of focused creativity and back-breaking work all prompted by being stuck at home. The results are a magical mountain stream flowing beneath the trees in their modest-sized backyard. A creek-like water feature or pond can offer a respite to sit beside, dangle your toes and imagine scene far from the confines of our limited environs. You would be amazed at what beautiful illusions can be accomplished!!!
A babbling backyard book built as a therapeutic DIY project during the COVID confinement.
Such multi-sensory water features offering the touch and feel of water, gentle sound and visual beauty are powerful design elements to exercise the senses. Our senses suffer with redundant stimulation. The reclusive limitations of recent months have us stagnating with sameness. It’s the variety if stimuli we are so accustomed to experiencing that keeps things interesting and alive. Moving water is one of these exceptional sensory stimulations.
Organic garden sculptures – chiseled granite boulders with re-circulating water – meld with the landscaping.
Whether a tiny fountain or in-ground pool…even a galvanized livestock tub – investigate your options. Regard your environment and study your spaces to select the best design elements for your setting.
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.
After experiencing and pondering the value of incorporating nature’s elements into architectural planning in the previous blog, I find myself winding into the countryside from sea level to a mile high into jungles and ultimately pine forests, across vast expanses of rivers and towering bridges spanning grand abysses…and stopping at a modest panaderia (bakery) on the side of the road.
You can’t tell a book by its cover as this simple little rural structure – standing alone – looked curiously intriguing and quaint enough, with an unpaved parking area transitioning to well-tended pea-gravel. Traffic cruised by, on the way across the bridge.
Those that knew, turned in. We pulled off the road and were told that this couple had a wonderful bakery and were promised an exceptional treat! Fresh empanadas that would bring remarkably satisfying mid-morning joy.
Very tidy and thoughtfully eclectic, this little destination bakery is a precious find.
Oh, were we in for a surprise! At the entry, I stopped to shoot the whimsical cup of coffee mosaic set in a field of stone and concrete. I thought – what a fun design element to greet arrivals and set the stage. But I had no idea to what extent I was about to be elated. What unfolded so exceeded my expectations that I wanted to stay all day!!!
Happy stone and tile-work adorned the pathways. From the textures of stone and brick, tile and wood – it was an organic fantasy – an unexpected design experience.
Simple, yet spectacular – simply spectacular!!!!!
Ceilings of colorful floral blooms – perhaps wisteria – suspended from their vines and other plantings intertwined with the structure.
Spotless and meticulous the eclectic elements were a harmonious creation.Stone walls, wooden slats, vines and adobe all worked together to define the spaces.
The wafting aroma of fresh baked goods – it was more than delightful. From warm savory clouds with mushroom filling and another with chile-laced sausages – and an array of sweet strawberry, cream and pineapple empanadas to corn muffins, banana muffins and more! All nestled beneath colorfully woven cotton tablecloths.
Light and delicious – the best empanadas ever!! With a tiny sprinkles of granulated sugar, for a sweet crunch, before sinking into the fabulous fillings! Muffins challenged any others and savory treats were so satisfyingly delectable. Little buttons of banana slices on top denoted which were the banana muffins!!
Rich Mexican coffee with a touch of freshly ground cinnamon and luscious hot chocolate were served in custom-glazed “barro ware” complimenting the fresh-from-the-oven confections.
The exhibition baking kitchen overlooked the serving line. The buffet of pastries thoughtfully explained by our gracious and welcoming host, Jesus!
Carmen presents fresh strawberry tarts just from the oven!!! A combination of old and new – tradition and technology meet in this cozy kitchen.
Fragmented spaces open, yet enclosed, offered intimate pockets in which to pause and enjoy.
Color-pops insert themselves effectively around the interior and exterior spaces.Inviting seating areas semi-concealed offer private repose. Tucked away – more areas to enjoy…
Clever use of clean blond wood shavings on the floor of the main covered patio created a wall-to-wall carpet of fresh aromatics complimenting the inviting aromas emitted from the ovens. Rocking chairs and rigid sturdy versions, with a fun little rope swing, all surrounded by tropical plantings made a cozy area to gather.
Soft underfoot and subtly fragrant – the wood chips make a great shag carpet!!!
As I meandered around exploring all the interesting spaces, textures, colors and plantings, I marveled at the sensitivity with which this had all been crafted and assembled. It was artful interior design with an exterior feel – open air and charming, with a decidedly handcrafted, Mexican sense of place.
Slices of handsome tree trunks make perfect stepping “stones” with graduated heights.
It was an eclectic collage of furniture, structure and organics – living and static – that was welcoming and artful, delightful and so pleasing, that it was a treat for all the senses.
The cool morning air of the mountains mingled, with the comforting fragrances, creating an atmosphere inviting gentle conversations of people gathered around good food and artfully relaxed surroundings.
Peek in places and through doorways to find worlds of design
waiting to be discovered!!!
Neighborhood covenants, zoning, physical practicality, budgetary constraints…all enter into whether it is realistic or desirable to save vegetation when clearing land for development. Carving around existing growth can be a tedious and costly addition to a project. But there are times when it is a design asset – an imperative even – to the over-all setting and effect of the scene.
Saving trees when designing a built environment is a challenge
that often pays off.
A spectacular backdrop to this seating area – the decades old tree is the focal point.At night – well lit – the same tree towers with dramatic illumination in the darkness as the rear “wall” of this seating area.
Raping acres of woods for barren subdivisions and adding back newly planted saplings the caliper of a quarter is unfortunate and takes years to satisfy. FHA requirements were the tell-tale token of bringing green back after a bulldozer’s brutal removal of all plant-life on a property. That lanky stick standing in the center of a dirt patch, that might get sod or seed…or rock, was a pitiful attempt to give back to the environment. However, in addition to broad-sweeping examples, individual decisions to saver rather than remove can prove valuable.
Years ago, when planning a patio expansion and exterior kitchen, friends brought the plans to me for a quick check before committing to the design from the design/build contractors that they had engaged. The new patio plan meandered along nearly the entire back facade of the house. With all the exciting kitchen layout and bar, seating areas and dining space, I instantly focused on the fact that their beautiful red-bud tree was gone – not in evidence on the pans! I exclaimed about it and was told that they were told it had to go. That was about 10 years ago – or more, yet it still stands today having modified the design to include a tree-well in the patio and opening in the proposed high-ceiling patio cover. The stunning multi-truck tree thrives, in the ground as it had for decades, and climbs skyward through the opening spreading widely toward the second story of the home. A wonderful, living, sculptural element, in the space. Good save!
Warmer climates invite the indoor/outdoor melding of living spaces. We all try to achieve them despite bitter cold transitions and near, if not complete shut-downs “off-season.” But in the tropics, outdoor living spaces become remarkable dimensions to expand living.
Sculptural trees are powerful elements viewed from inside and outside.
This past week, that situation came to mind as I enjoyed several examples of incorporating nature into the design scheme. Yes, landscape design is just that. Landscape architects do just that. They design exterior spaces with organic material. But what I was feeling recently was two complimentary things – one that designing in and around existing growth is so satisfying and in some cases, the living plant material becomes the architecture – not merely compliments it.
In addition to their sculptural beauty, they add balance, scale and a canopy over the exterior rooms.
This past couple of weeks, we have see the results of 2 years of preparation and construction which transformed of a piece of partially vacant land into a seaside resort. Several key palms and a couple other key trees were saved and hundreds more were brought to the site to complete the design. The towering new trees showed signs of shock with their dried frond tips – but will surely survive.
What has been a foreground of some landscaping and virgin jungle ,with houses beyond, was bladed and terraced last year in preparation for a new project. Buildings and pools appeared, jungle growth was removed and a few key organic elements retained. The recently finished scene is dramatically different – incorporating specimen trees throughout the property into the new plan.
When landscaping becomes architecture you know you have crossed an exciting line. What I mean by that is to have the growth become walls – to have the vegetation read as though structural framework.
This terraced dining patio is framed by massive bamboo and other large trees and plantings. They are substantial enough to read like screens, if not walls, framing the space. From a canopy of growth, strings of LED lights are suspended as though from the ceiling – a ceiling of branches over this enchanting outside dining venue.
A tree house is another example. The tree is the structure – the framework to begin the additional elements that create a suspended room.
This entertaining and imagination-spurring book by Philip Jodidio is worth investigation. Here. find extraordinary examples of trees as the structure of other amazingly fanciful spaces!
By observing examples in your world, you will see, when designing around and in concert with the natural landscaping, the effects can be dramatic and of great value to the scene. On your next project, consider the possibilities of saving rather than removing – incorporating and celebrating nature’s design elements!
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.
If the Basilica in my last blog didn’t get your juices
flowing about incredible public art spaces, the Library of Congress was our
next stop. Yes, it houses nearly everything having to do with writing,
recording, documenting…but the building itself is amazing! It in itself is a
wealth of artistic detailing. The interior has more gold leaf – not gold paint
– but hammered metal gold leaf – than any other building in our Nation’s
Capital. Inside and out, the craftsmanship of the stone carvings and
architectural embellishments is magnificent. This inestimable landmark is so
much more than the sober name suggests.
We parked in the garage of Union Station and walked the few
blocks past the Supreme Court and the Capitol Building to our destination of
the Library of Congress. The brilliant blue skies behind the bright white
edifices belied what some regarded as the oppressive heat. I however am a heat
freak – it’s summer – bring it on!
Columbus Fountain at Union Station also known as the Columbus Memorial is a public artwork by American sculptor Lorado Taft, located serves as a tribute to the explorer Christopher Columbus.The Supreme Court – cool, brilliant white against a striking blue sky – at 100 ° Crouching to get a shot of our Nation’s Capitol Building.
Symbolism is executed with every inch of the design details
both inside and out of the imposing Library of Congress. Ascending the exterior
stairs sets the stage for arriving at a monument of immeasurable wealth of
human dissertation and history. Here I can only touch on the tip of the
iceberg…
Picnic tables out front at our Library of Congress…relax, grab and bite and read a bit before going back to work!!!
From an inauspicious beginning of modest expectations to
greater expanses with devastating fiery catastrophes in between, the Library of
Congress has an amazing story. Thomas Jefferson played a significant role in
re-building the foundation of what we now have today.
While waiting for the tour to begin in the magnificent
Thomas Jefferson building, we were directed to two remarkably entertaining exhibits
on the lower level – a Gershwin gathering and a Hope homage.
The George and Ira Gershwin Room is a tribute to the two
brothers and their contribution to American music. This nostalgic and very
familiar subject matter makes you hum and tap your toes. The exhibit presents
George’s piano and custom-designed writing desk, Ira’s table and typewriter,
self portraits and myriad documents that trace their lives and amazing careers.
The Hope for America Exhibit focuses on the varied careers
of Bob Hope along with other recognizable entertainers. The exhibit offers the
satirical humor – crossing party lines – both socially and politically for
which Hope was so appreciated, admired and beloved. Hope received the U.S.
Congressional Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his
commitment, in his nearly 50 year service, entertaining the men and women of
the armed forces abroad.
As the actual tour began, we were introduced with a short
film as an overview of what was to come. We were then guided up a staircase and
gathered in what was a most astonishingly beautiful, expansive space full of
piercing, daylight, sunbeams glancing off incredibly detailed architectural
stone carving and sculpture. Vast murals, vaults and arches in the 360 degrees
of beauty from floor to voluminous ceiling was staggering.
” Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the
nation’s oldest federal cultural institution. The Library seeks to spark the
imagination and creativity and to further human understanding and wisdom by
providing access to knowledge through its magnificent collections, programs and
exhibitions.” Thomas Jefferson stepped-in to save the Library of Congress
after a few inauspicious starts. Not
enough time devoted here to a history lesson – learn more at https://www.loc.gov/ – but this grand space into which we entered is
the Thomas Jefferson Building.
The focus of this blog is to share a bit of the art and
decorative embellishments of this stunning architectural environment –
beginning with the Commemorative Arch by Olin L. Warner (1844-1896) featuring a
young man to the left and a bearded elder man on the right signifying that the
process of learning never ceases…
Grand staircases on opposing sides of the space are adorned
with carvings of “putti” – Italian for little boys – as they are
pictured representing various occupations from gardeners to astronomers – the depiction
of each vocation is fascinating with what it means to have that respective
knowledge to pursue one’s career path.
Beneath the string of putti are representations of the 4
corners of the globe depicting figures of each, Asia paired with Europe and
American paired with Africa.
Minerva, the Roman Goddess of Learning and Wisdom is aptly
featured in a series of statues and images.
Most fascinating to me, up in an adjacent domed ceiling area
was the “Evolution of the Written Word,” a series of lunettes by John
White Alexander (1856-11915). Having previously written about the importance of
handwriting for a million reasons that go beyond, but are directly connected
to, this depicted evolution, I found this to be simple, yet profound. It is a beautifully
rendered and fascinatingly distilled artistic expression of a very significant
timeline. Beginning with The Cairn – we see them stacked stones on beaches for
fun and on paths in the wilderness as markers, but here Alexander renders
primitive man communicating by stacking stones to possibly mark the dead, a
passage or a place of significance.
As the history progresses, Oral Tradition becomes the means
of communication – but only/obviously in personal contact. Words are created.
Then Egyptian Hieroglyphics enter the scene with images representing words
depicted on surfaces.
Picture Writing on animal skin – and ultimately more refined
to vellum – becomes a more mobile means of communication.
Theologians recording ancient stories of biblical history
brought monks to the art of the written word in compilations of the Bible as
the first manuscripts/books became recorded.
And then an exponential leap in communication came with the invention of John Gutenberg ca. 1400-1468 of the Printing Press! Asia had its versions of printing machines even before Gutenberg, but inspired by seeing grapes at harvests being “pressed,” he put that concept into the process of placing individual letters in place and pressing them onto paper. Western Europe then had a movable metal type process that increased productivity of printed material – printing the first ……in Western Europe. The tour guide sadly explained to us that Gutenberg died a pauper as his investors, not patient with economic fluctuations, excused him from his rightful place in the business and left him to live out his life only to receive proper recognition posthumously.
It is the first complete book
extant in the West and is also the earliest to be printed from movable type. This
rare version is printed on vellum.
Unfortunately, at this point in the tour, we had to excuse
ourselves with a quick wave and thanks to our guide as we were departing later
that afternoon. Before leaving the building though, we dashed upstairs to
discover the main Reading Room – entering from a way upper tier, we had a
bird’s-eye view of this grand space. The scale was daunting and the spectacular
architectural detail was breath-taking. The WOW-factor was palpable!
The Reading Room.
Eight giant marble columns each support 10-foot-high
allegorical female figures in plaster representing characteristic features of
civilized life and thought: Religion, Commerce, History, Art, Philosophy,
Poetry, Law and Science.
Layer upon layer of intricate, symbolic details.
The 16 bronze statues upon the balustrades of the
galleries are a tribute to men whose lives symbolized the thought and activity
represented by the plaster statues.
Shhhhhhhhh……it’s the Reading Room
And with that – we only had enough experience and education about this incredible resource and monument of artistic beauty to whet our appetite for more and surely lure us there again for more information about all that comprises this amazing public gift and resource.
Ta Da!!! Seriously – standing there in awe…taken with my phone!
There are so many wonderful things to see and do – get out there and see it!!!
Artistically embellished
architectural splendor is an understatement for all the wonders that await when
visiting our Nation’s Capitol. Washington, D.C. is my home town. Growing up
inside the Beltway, venturing into the District for work or pleasure was once my
norm. I know I took it for granted. Like
many, when one lives and plays in a place, it often becomes routine. Work the
same place, drive the same route, play in the same spots…unless there is a
special concert to catch or event prompted by others to attend, one often
misses the wonders that are right around the corner.
Therefore, when I visit, I try to
make it a point to investigate and experience things I have never seen or
things that I haven’t seen for quite some time. This visit featured the grand
dome of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
It was the focus of our outing,
but the surrounding chapels and all there was to see became such an educational
and eye-candy dazzling afternoon of mosaic artistry that our eyes and neck were
fatigued from staring at the details and craning to view the enormous vaulted expanses
of blazing glory.
Lest you think I exaggerate, know that the majesty of the iconic images have been rendered in such exquisite detail and with such amazing colors of tiny, precisely placed tiles that the work makes you gasp and say “whoa” at every turn.
And this is just touring the many spectacular chapels on the way to the nave where the vaulted domed ceilings explode with color, detailed imagery and astonishingly expansive scale! It is then, upon entering this awe-inspiring space, that gasps and whoa fall away to near breathless speechlessness as eyes well with tears at the splendor.
The detail was similar to that of
the magnificent mosques we experienced in Istanbul – but there, we walked in
and BAM the spectacular space was huge and instantly revealed – definite WOW
factor – but here at the Basilica, it was a fascinating process of discovery as
we investigated each chapel and made our way up to the grand expanse of the
vaulted nave.
I am not going to give you a
guided tour of what we experienced, nor am I going to attempt to convey any
aspect of the historical tracings of the biblical references…but I am going
to attempt to impart the beauty and artistry that one doesn’t have to be a
catholic to appreciate. Photos can’t begin to accomplish what it takes to get
the full effect of these amazing designs, patterns, details…
Marble columns throughout the Basilica are identified by place of origin of the stone.
I encourage everyone to experience this majestic edifice and the beautiful grounds towering above the trees in NE Washington, D.C.. It will not disappoint. https://www.nationalshrine.org/
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!!
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.
Uniquely designed…
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?
