10 Tips for Remodeling: To Improve and Enhance

I’m currently working on an urban loft apartment. The criteria with which I was presented, upon our first meeting, consisted of three items: One – to enclose an open bedroom to provide privacy, Two – to provide alternate access to the shared master bathroom. (There is also a powder room, but the shower and tub were only accessible through the master bedroom), Three – because it is a relatively small footprint with voluminous tall ceilings, he was hoping to create a small second tier for additional square-footage. I understood these items to be his intended “improvements.”

While on-site, at the first meeting, it was (and is always) impossible to limit the observations to only those isolated areas of concern without seeing all else that is occurring around the space. Therefore, I consider the extra comments that I offered for minor changes to be “enhancements.” These are things that have not had or do not have priority in the eyes of the client and might have even gone unnoticed forever. Items such as adding a wing wall at the front entry to screen view from the door through the kitchen, concealing a new tall closet of matching cabinetry directly behind the wall to add storage to the kitchen, add a clerestory window and bookcase with cabinets to the new wall between the master bedroom and living area for borrowed light and additional storage!

Occasionally these offerings are met with a shrug, hmmm or a “maybe” and not really considered to be of great value, but more often than not they are greeted with exclamations like ‘Oh, I never would have thought of that.” “What a cool idea!” “I would love to have that.” And it is with this enthusiasm that my client responded.

So when considering remodeling or identifying the primary improvements needed, begin with the priorities then layer design details of additional enhancements and you will create a master plan that can be executed over time in phases in a preferred or practical order of priority.

1. Begin with your list to improve the function and enjoyment of your environment.

2.Prioritize the list and guesstimate costs to establish a starting conversation regarding budget.

3. In addition to cost – consider pairing like-kinds of things together such as adding or removing a wall which involves framing, sheetrock, texture, paint – it might be cost-effective to do all items related to these trades even if they are not the same priority.

4. The distinction between improving and enhancing is a fine line because improving does enhance, however I consider improving more practical and enhancing with embellishments that are less critical, but make further improvements and enhance the quality of the space. Such as crown molding, improved base trim, unobtrusively installed mirrors, windows, updated hardware, etc… https://bit.ly/2HCYrU

5. Storage is always welcome. Look for opportunities to add cabinets, vertical spaces to maximize your footprint, second-tier countertops, raise cabinet heights even furniture to provide additional storage. https://bit.ly/2GZglUa

6. Passing daylight through to interior spaces is more common in offices than in residences, yet for the same reasons of “borrowing” light in commercial spaces, skylights, vertical slivers of glass, transoms and clerestories are valuable assets when it comes to bringing daylight into pockets of darkness. https://bit.ly/2HCddKU

7.Evaluate your existing lighting. Adding dimmable ambient light to rooms to supplement existing down-lights such as pendants in kitchens, translucent lamps shades on table and floor lamps, even well-concealed under-cabinet lights will add control and mood enhancements. Spot light wall art and sculptural pieces, illuminate corners with up-lights (up through trees, behind chairs), and consider changing to LED lamping (bulbs) for longer-life, cost -effectiveness and a full range of colors!

This up-light filters through the plant from behind the chair casting interesting shadows and illuminating an otherwise dark corner.

8. When considering new flooring know your needs as there are so many options for soft under-foot, freeze-proof to carry outside, ease of maintenance, durability, non-slip, and of course the many aesthetic preferences.

This interlocking vinyl floor has remarkable graining look, color and texture and provides soft “give” underfoot. These new luxury vinyls defy our early perceptions of faux finishes.

9. Stacking laundry machines have provided terrific opportunities for added space in laundry rooms, more cabinets, counter space, laundry sinks, craft areas and more! https://bit.ly/2HpkKih

10.Opening walls enlarges spaces – even a peek-through, but also create the interest of depth and layering of dimension, color and light. https://bit.ly/2GZrMLj

Posted On April 15, 2018 By pattisays In built-in bookcases, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, custom furniture, design, design process, design solutions, design trends, faux flooring materials, hiring an interior designer, home improvements, illusions of space, inspiration, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design trends, interior enhancements, kitchen cabinets, laundry rooms, lighting, lofts, planning a remodel, practical design, privacy in design, remodeling, Subscribers, trends, update design, updating, urban living, value of good design /

“Wonder Time” & Creativity

I love the creative process. I love darting from idea to idea – the random electric jolt that results from spontaneous concepts that will create something wonderful, if not significant and the gratification of the final product!

That is interior design – creating something that enhances an interior – an interior (and exterior) space and all the elements within that serve people. Designing an interior which solves problems, increases enjoyment, and hopefully has staying power is the goal. Unless intentionally transient and intended to be impermanent, offering a design that has staying power transcends trends and creates without a framework of only the present.

If you are a client, potential client or an associate in this crazy, wonderful business don’t you ask yourself, “How does creativity happen?” An idea? A need?

So the idea occurred on-site as I sketched a pattern that I thought would be the perfect statement and backdrop for all else in the house.

The kitchen had some expensive elements that were not practical to change. Existing cabinets, natural stone counter-tops and ceramic tile flooring all had to stay.

The original sketch realized in an nearly black, charcoal and cream tile pattern with an added opportunity for the client to turn an error into artistic expression.

Well this client asked and made a creative discovery: “George (young-adult son) Juan (tile installer) and I had a lot of fun figuring out…the tile work behind the stove…That was supposed to be solid black..didn’t even get ordered…and George worked with the left over pieces and designed that (solution) himself!!!! I think it’s amazing and will always be so special bc of how it came to be!!”

“Basically, what happened was we ran out of the tan colored tile and only had some smaller-than-half pieces left from the cuts.” Resulting in George’s creative solution!!

Personal experience with years of working with a variety of people has shown the extraordinary difference in how each individual perceives and proceeds through the design process and related creativity. For some, the design process is an exciting adventure to be navigated with or without the aid of an exhibition leader (professional designer) to explore and travel the amazing paths of color, balance, detail, elements and combinations. For others it is not only not an exciting adventure, but one of frustration, anxiety and sheer obligation to complete a necessary task(s). Like a project with a deadline – finite and compulsory. Where’s the joy?

To design for others is the name of the game – the professional practice. In order to effectively design for others, one must have empathy. To extract a client’s wishes and create for the express purpose of making them look good, feel good, enjoy their environment, produce well and feel empowered all requires getting into their world. When you effectively do so with the genuine desire to make better, you empathize with their concerns, desires, sensitivities, and needs in order to design effective solutions.

How the brain perceives things and how sensitivities are realized, by different individuals, is remarkable. From our amazing, autistic grandson who finds wonder in very focused things from red cars to distinct shapes and colors, words and pictorial representations of them, to my dementia-challenged nonagenarian mother who clings to her very core appreciation for beauty and everything well designed; perceptions, sensitivities and levels of awareness continually astound.

Elsie de Wolfe a Renaissance woman of broad reaching creative ability said “I am going to make everything around me beautiful – that will be my life.” I wonder now if Mom knew of this amazing woman and heard this phrase that so reminds me of her, but sadly she would not be able to grasp or convey any possible recollection of that now.

I place an enormous emphasis on what I call, “Wonder Time.” Everyone needs time to “wonder.” We should all take more time to WONDER. It is in those moments that amazing things can happen. Realizations can be illuminated, ideas are formed and dreams materialize. It is a time for creativity. Do you take time to “wonder?”

For my once-toddler cousin, I remember the moment so clearly. We were on a mission to get something from the car. It offered an opportunity to have an mini adventure and explore the parking area of our beach house. We had descended many stairs to come out at ground level into the dark, shadowed carport of the massive exposed-concrete structure. It was spooky and mysterious in the twilight. As we made our way holding hands through the shadows, she all of sudden said “I wonder…” and was clearly deep in thought pondering something of our adventure that I wish I could remember. But her phrase, “I wonder” is clear as a bell, to this day, more than 30 years later. I looked at her and asked “You what?” Wonder was such an abstract word – a BIG word for such a little person – that it made me wonder what she knew about wondering!!!!! We dashed back upstairs and I announced to the gathered group – “She wonders!!” And began to explain our experiences in the depths of the concrete carport. The blooming result, of that toddler full of wonderment, is today a highly observant and creative young adult.

Being inquisitive is part of that creative process – the “what if” of it all. I use that often in my design practice…”what if”…and “if, then.” It is not finite, it is a process that presents itself and a variety of tangents continuously. Designer Todd Oldham observes that creative people are different and if you are not one, you will not understand the need to be creative. He knows that “as a creative person, you can actually survive off of your ideas.”

I agree. For some, creativity is a necessary aspect of being. It is a way of seeing. It is unavoidable and random. It is essential. It is life affirming and life giving. You either are one of the “creatives” or you are not. Yet creativity exists in each of us. It is not learned, but it can be honed.

The sensitivity that comes with this profoundly innate sense is sometimes an onerous burden. Being pleased by design details around you from nature to the built environment, from fashion to well-designed freeway overpasses, details matter and a great joy is the benefit. However, details can have the adverse affect, if not well executed. If they are not well placed or well designed details, they can grate and annoy, raise blood pressure and cause all manner of anxiety. It is an onus to be so sensitive to details. Poor lighting in a restaurant, imbalance of surface textures, ineffective or inappropriate colors – it is all about that phrase “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and if the sensitive person is presented with jarring elements that they behold or consider to be in error, it can be most unavoidably disturbing.

The placement of this fireplace an bar so grated on my sensitivities that it was amazingly uncomfortable being in this space. A challenge for correcting without structural modification for sure!

Like creative writers and their critics, who have often expressed their strength in the power of words…for designers and artists of many media, it is the power of color, lighting, pattern, and composition.

Good design is never out of style.

Posted On April 8, 2018 By pattisays In artistic expression, beauty behold it, before and after, blue and white, Contrasting colors, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, creativity, decorative arts, design, design process, design solutions, design tips, DIY design, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design trends, joy, kitchen, kitchen remodeling, lifestyle, patterns, personal expression, planning a remodel, practical design, Refresh, remodeling, stone, stone countertops, Subscribers, testimonials, tile, update design, updating, value of good design, Wonder / 1 Comment

For the LOVE of Fine China – USE IT – Inspired Table Settings

From the Diminishing Dining Room of last week’s observations, https://patriciandesign.com/category/dining-rooms/, I decided to further the conversation to encourage a new-found appreciation for having fun setting dinner tables! I found fodder from Kentucky Fried Chicken served on formal silver platters to wipe-clean placements of dazzling designs to dress your tables. A collection of tireless designers defend the use of fine china – own it, buy it, find it, inherit it, enjoy it, keep it and use it – don’t send it to the thrift shop!!!

Yes, the art of fine dining seems to be set aside in favor of ease and expediency, but this article from The Washington Post’s HOME section (thank you Feath – my clipping service) brings it all home to use and enjoy. It is a celebration of art, design and playful creativity.

Not everyone loves to entertain, to create the “tablescape,” to even bother to put together an outfit to wear. Not everyone loves to get dressed in the morning – it is a chore, an obligation, a mere necessity. That’s unfortunate in my estimation. For those of us who do – love it – it is all about having fun with fashion or interior design is just that – FUN!

Last spring I began a series of emails that I blasted to our mailing list called COOK + PARTY. It was (and will continue this next season) a collection of weekly recipes paired with table-top art pieces. In our gift boutique, we represent an incredible collection of artists who create fabulous tableware. I paired a piece with a recipe each week to inspire and encourage everyone to use “functional” art in their daily lives and specifically for entertaining and even the family dining table.

https://patriciandesign.com/category/art-and-food/

Recent fodder revealed a great source for fabulous wipe-clean placemats from Caspari. For decades a fine source for the best paper cocktail napkins, Caspari offers these bold patterns and colors, prints of fine china and fabulous fabrics – re-use and easy to clean – why not?

https://www.casparionline.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=placemat

A previous fall blog that I wrote illustrates the open-mindedness of looking around to find inspiration for seasonal table dressings. The decision for your table-top inspiration can be spontaneous – just go outside and look around!

Among the refreshingly optimistic designers that were quoted in the Washington Post article:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/that-old-fussy-china-can-fit-your-casual-lifestyle-designers-talk-about-how/2018/02/21/46761538-0084-11e8-8acf-ad2991367d9d_story.html?utm_term=.3a6fde2e5124

Barry Dixon, from the verdant rolling hills of Warrenton, Virginia, specifically points out that this process of setting your table should be fun! Don’t pull-out the same things each time – mix it up! Change it up by adding color and pattern differently with every new opportunity.

Seasonal flowers, yellow woven cotton place-mats, embroidered folk-art table runner, basket chargers beneath classic Limoges topped with ceramic napkin rings – it looks like spring!

Designer Timothy Corrigan tells us that many people find it too difficult to entertain with their best things because the onus of proper cleaning and put-away is too much! But Mr. Corrrigan points out the joy of using your best things every day – everyday is a celebration and what you enjoy should be used.

In another springtime setting…organic, rustic things with finery – black stones nestle fresh purple Campatula flowers antique Limoges and basket chargers – makes an eclectic table settings – it’snot all or nothing…it’s the combinations and scene that is being set.

Hutton Wilkinson – way out in L.A. where casual chic is the practice of distilling what migrated from the more formal sister coast to the east – noted that he believes presentation is the key to success. It isn’t so much about what is served (don’t tell the chefs that), but rather on what it is served and how it is presented. Imagine buckets of Kentucky Fried chicken served on elegant Georgian silver platters. That simple fast-food chicken becomes magnificently irresistible. You can’t say you’re too busy to cook with that creative solution! Wilkinson believes that presentation helps food taste better in addition to looking beautiful! He advocates buying china because it’s beautiful – not merely serviceable. I agree…it’s not all about the mundane purpose of eating off of it – but rather the joy of eating off of it!!

Making your guests feel appreciated and treating them to a unique, pleasing experience is a gift to them. A special treat to show that you care – going that extra distance of detail and design.

Color combinations, textures,patterns – wonderfully pleasing tablescapes are a treat for the eye. (So special Marsha!)

So don’t say it’s too difficult…keep it simple with Real Simple – the source for easy, ingenious ideas and simple truths……the following link for proper place-settings will get you started.

https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/entertaining/how-to-set-a-table

Patti says – “make it special every day.”

Posted On March 11, 2018 By pattisays In art and food, artistic expression, beauty behold it, Centerpieces, Color schemes, creative process, creativity, design, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, dining and design, dining rooms, DIY design, entertaining, fashion and design, fine china, floral arrangement, floral arrangements, floral designs, folkart, Food and art, food and interior design, handmade tableware, hiring an interior designer, inspiration from nature, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design trends, joy, lifestyle, natural designs, natural integrity of the materials, natural stone, organic design, party themes, personal expression, practical design, seasonal interior design, Spring, Subscribers, table dressings, table top, tableware, textures, trends, value of good design, weavings /

Diminishing Dining Rooms – How Do We Dine at Home?

Changes in social interactions, style of entertaining, cost of real estate and family dynamics all contribute to what we are seeing as the diminishing dining room. Yes, there are circles who still maintain and use formal dining rooms in their social repertoire.

Elegant entertaining, grand social gatherings and family traditions still support the validity of the formal dining room. However, the fact remains that the concept is changing.

It’s easy to digress from the focus on design and delve into the demise of the family dinner hour. that time when families truly gathered to share, enjoy, report, critique, discuss, plan…more and more fragmented we are losing what was a very galvanizing core of child development and character-building. But I digress…

Take the bachelor who would rather have his pool table than a dining table…moving it into the house first and making that statement clear.

Entertaining has become more casual, more spontaneous and geared to an open-plan of kitchen conversations, bars and movable group conversations. The act of gathering around a formal dining table after the customary cocktail hour is now more free-form.

Placed directly off the kitchen and connected to the family room – the open plan flows…

The cost of real estate certainly plays a part in the diminishing dining room. Space is limited and therefore consolidating the dining area to one rather than a separate breakfast space and formal dining room utilizes space to greater advantage. Having an unused dining room occupy so much square footage is wasteful.

Family dynamics dictate that with the busy schedules and conflicting schedules, the seeming luxury of a formal dinner-hour have changed. Whether in the breakfast dining space or formal (if there is one), the act of sitting together for a nightly ritual of dining is less being practiced.

Here, this dining area is in the den off the kitchen…a better use of the space by this family’s estimation.

As I was writing this, I stopped and thought of the dining room scene from Meet the Parents and I cracked up reliving the events and they unfolded one ridiculous thing after another…and then I Googled famous dining room scenes to find other examples – because I was amused and curious…I found several memorable examples like the Griswold’s Christmas, Eat, Drink, Man, Woman, Tortilla Soup – oh and Tom Jones with Albert Finney – a classic!!! So many other wonderful scenes – but one day will it all be history? Mere memories of days gone by?

So today the open plans expanding the interaction between kitchen and dining – family rooms melding from the kitchen bar…the concept and lifestyles that dictate the practicality and ultimately the design directions are becoming redefined. And we also see the expansion of outdoor living – additional dining opportunities are ever blossoming on patios…

The exhibition kitchen concept that has driven restaurants for years made it into homes for the same reason – communing with the action and participants, connecting with the preparation experience and even sharing the preparation experience – dinner guests as well as family members often share the food prep as a form of socializing and entertainment.

The limiting idea that encapsulated the kitchen away from the activities surrounding it was in many cases to be dismantled. The disruption of encircling and kitchen, unveiling it and even incorporating it with the dining experience has become more the norm.

Still playing with colors…this wonderful dining room begins to take shape as an adjunct to the kitchen.

The kitchen is the fulcrum of family life. The dining room is not separate from it anymore. The dining space is part of the preparation space or very close to it. A kitchen island with bar stools are often the most popular perch in a home – for family and guests alike.

So this provokes thought about new home design, remodeling and re-purposing space, re-thinking how to best claim family time and related activities and designing around those practical considerations and needs.

Posted On March 4, 2018 By pattisays In breakfast rooms, creative process, custom design interior design, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, dining and design, dining rooms, Disruption in design, entertaining, hiring an interior designer, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design trends, kitchen, kitchen remodeling, lifestyle, patio, planning a remodel, practical design, remodeling, Subscribers, trends, value of good design / 1 Comment

A Dozen Tips for Planning a Kitchen Update

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!

Posted On February 6, 2018 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

Remodeling? How to Embrace Existing Conditions – Celebrate the Story

This happening scene provided fabulous fodder, to observe existing conditions being incorporated into a design, for great benefit on many levels. Applicable to all remodel projects – see what you think!

In this case, Night Club design. The styles are many, but the concept is of a commonality comprised of a few basic functions – a fun place to socialize, meet people and enjoy the entertainment of the overall scene often including live performances. We probably all picture the image of a flashy, glitzy environment.

We were recently in a most unusual space that combined the glitz and bling you might expect with a “nightclub” atmosphere, but juxtaposed with rustic finishes that were unique to the original architecture. This brick expressed in some of the remaining structural elements – walls and column/arched spans of structure – was warm and rich providing an unexpected pleasing combination that so easily might have been eliminated – concealed behind slick new finishes.

To play-up the vintage aspects of the space, ornate traditional chandeliers were suspended amidst myriad dangling strands of sparkling, golden LED lights. These provided a glittering glow of ambient light in the upper reaches of the space effecting both the downstairs and upper level of the club. This mixed lighting treatment was obviously the eye-catching emphasis of the interior.

Ample light was provided by the luminous chandeliers and thousands of dangling LED pin-dot lights along with the indirect lighting of the back-bar shelves. Therefore, the large steel domes that hung suspended over the bar needed not to contribute ambient light, but were limited to effectively cast direct downward light on the bar surface. Their golden interiors provided a warm glow while the exterior surface disappeared into the darkness.

The bar was quite simple and raw, yet read in enough of an interesting and complex fashion, to compliment the scene. The design was sufficient in its components and indirect lighting worked well with all the other design decisions.

The simple Tolix-styled stools were an understated easy fit with the other surprisingly raw materials of the bar.

To answer the need for friendly group conversations, there were comfortable places to gather with zoned seating areas of tufted leather sofas and leopard-patterned rugs, wooden grouping tables, then hi-top tables with stools and finally barstools along the length of the bar. The various areas provided options for patrons to pick the most inviting or appropriate spot to enjoy the atmosphere with friends.

Having choices in any hospitality setting is invaluable. It allows the patrons to make their own decision how best to utilize and enjoy the space. It answers different needs and appeals to different people for different reasons, therefore inviting a variety of patrons to invest their time and money in the establishment. A broader reach of clientele. A broader client base.

I’ve mentioned more than once that having restroom design follow the theme and quality, of the rest of the interior, is imperative. As it relates to night clubs, it is often the meeting-ground for dating, meeting new people, attracting new people and therefore, the restroom should promote attractive feelings of approval and confidence in the guests.

Jazzing up the restrooms in keeping with the jazzy feeling of the club environment should be a natural continuation of the design scheme. That means mirrors – full length – not merely above the sinks, good lighting without down-lights to cast unappealing shadows on the guests.

Here the placement of sinks outside the restrooms frees up space in the stall areas, while adding interest to the extended restroom area. The design theme presents free-standing bureaus for the sink cabinets. Often shared sinks are used in these anti-room set-ups, but in this case opposing sides of the vestibule provided an attractive vanity area for men and a separate one for women.

What was so inspiring and interesting as we scanned the interior were the various zones all within this complex mix of original, traditional architectural elements and adding traditional if not vintage lighting fixtures paired with modern high-tech lighting effects and large brilliant monitors featuring exotic, playful, getaway beach videos. It worked.

Have you ever encountered a structure that at first glance did not comply with the supposed new program? Awkward supports, raw materials, exposed mechanical…so ,many “unfortunate” things to get in the way of your design. Often the “imagined” design over-rides the reality of the moment. The challenge is to allow the moment – the reality of the existing conditions – to participate in the process rather than being briskly eliminated without thorough consideration.

And the additional bonus might often be cost-savings and budget stretching while not betraying that benefit at expense of the finished design. Brilliant to have incorporated the “whatever it is” – wasn’t that creative and hence, interesting!! OK – I’ll take that!

To have concealed or negated the architecture would have been almost criminal – certainly a loss of architectural integrity and textural interest.

The crime of missing opportunities like the seemingly conflicting traditional elements with the need to be glitzy and modern is to be too one-directional . It’s like having “design-blinders” on that direct and focus a theme without recognizing the value of thoughtful salvage of content, contrast and context.

All of what we observed applies to both residential and commercial design. The takeaway is to consider existing conditions and, if applicable, embrace them. Give thoughtful consideration to the opportunities before glossing over them, concealing them or eliminating them altogether. Try to appreciate the gifts that might escape you if you insist on unnecessarily hammering and manipulating a space into submission – design submission. Rather, let it tell a story and contribute to the design process – which would more than likely result in a more unique and creative end project for that thoughtful integration of the existing elements.

Posted On January 21, 2018 By pattisays In architecture, bars and restaurants, bathroom remodel, brick, ceiling lighting, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, context of interior design, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, custom lighting, design, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, element of surprise in design, existing materials, hiring an interior designer, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design trends, LED, lighting, night clubs, nostalgia and design, practical design, remodeling, restaurant restrooms, Subscribers, theatrical design, trends, value of good design / 1 1 Comment

TRENDS DIE – What’s New for 2018?

I was surfing for fodder about the new color trends to kick-off this first mindful missive for the New Year and the color trends were all over the place – no consistency at all. From Ben Moore selecting Caliente AF290,

“Caliente is the signature color of a modern architectural masterpiece; a lush carpet rolled out for a grand arrival; the assured backdrop for a book-lined library; a powerful first impression on a glossy front door. The eye can’t help but follow its bold strokes. Harness the vitality.”

—Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore & Co.

to Sherwin Williams in a totally opposite direction proclaiming Oceanside SW 6496 their color of the year.

“A collision of rich blue with jewel-toned green, a color that is both accessible and elusive… A complex, deep color that offers a sense of the familiar with a hint of the unknown, Oceanside, bridges together a harmonious balance of blues and greens that can be found in what’s old and new.”

What? Are we straddling now? Do we have one foot in one color trend while the other stretches across the color wheel and causes us to nearly do the splits trying desperately to hang on?

The walls of my east gallery space were a spicy version of Caliente for nearly 20 years! Bold at the time and unheard-of for gallery walls – it was not to be changed for nearly 2 decades!!!

Whew – that was a run. I even named the retail space “Caliente.” And the color-band between the crown and picture molding at the back was a version of Oceanside – a lighter value of the blue-green hue.

The Grand Re-Opening July 2016 presented a dramatic transformation to a pale aqua resulting in a diametrically opposed feeling – a cleansing from what was crowded and hot to spare and cool.

But I digress…

Annoyed by the seeming authority, but weak contrasting rationale that I encountered with the wide range of picks and opinions, I left the paint companies and clicked over to the Pantone site. There I encountered their authoritative, ethereal color forecast of the year – Ultra Violet!!!!!

Yikes – they were coming at me from every conceivable direction!!! How on earth is any eager apartment dwelling or home-owning individual supposed to know how to go forward in sprucing up their space without fear?

Then I came upon a piece by Mehgan Nesmith Ugh, What’s With These Generational Color “Trends”? From observing the broad reaching trend surrounding millennial pink to snippets from other sources, I scanned the paragraphs amused, but still not satisfied. Until I arrived at paragraph 6 and there it was – the true fact that keeps the world moving forward – for better or worse – TRENDS DIE.

Yes they do and for good reason. I’ve said it before, take care in making costly selections that will stay with you past their prime. Trends are there for a reason. Designers dabble in creativity every day of the year to come up with things to tantalize, inspire, evoke, and entertain – and most importantly, SELL. Some of these trends stick. Then they are no longer trends, they transition and become classics. But to transcend the fleeting status of trend, “it” must have something very solid about its being.

And when it comes to interior design, with all the style trends for furniture, fabrics, architectural elements, finishes and decorative accessories – colors race through history like no other design element has or will. Colors rule and when they are good, they are very very good, but when they are bad, they are horrid!!!!! Thank you Mr. Longfellow!!

Take the massively graceful modern art piece suspended from the ceiling of the East Wing of the National Art Gallery in Washington, D.C. – classic – both in form and color. Red and black. Strong and simple. Bold and brilliant. Imagine if it were this year’s Pantone pick Ultra Violet Aghhhh!!!!!!!

Actually, methinks I protest too much. The shade of purple picked, by Pantone, is heavy on the blue rather than the red. The blue cast gives it a calm. Not whacky like Barney screaming purple – but, rather a royal shade. Nonetheless, it is better served as an accent – don’t buy wallpaper in it. Go ahead and paint the walls and have your fun – but know that you can change it without peeling off hundreds, if not thousands of dollars of wall-covering or re-upholstering your sofa like Meghan was tempted to do!!

It’s a color that stands alone – plays better by itself than with friends – like the child’s report card where the box that says “plays well with others” is not checked. In my estimation, it will read well with clean, crisp white. However, like Ms. Nesmith aptly says in her piece “if you are still curious about that Gen Z yellow, buy a vase!”

That’s how we play with colors and create a bit of collision, unexpected off-key harmony, intrigue and suspense. But it is not for the faint of heart and the chance of tiring of it is paramount. Trends die and colors are tricky.

So Happy New Year and Happy New Colors in your world to refresh and renew!! Thank you Meghan, for your lively contribution to today’s story.

Posted On December 31, 2017 By pattisays In Abstract Art, apartments, architecture, art and interior design, artistic expression, Benjamin Moore Paint, color and temperature re: interior design, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, color wheel, colors, context of interior design, Contrasting colors, contrasts for balance in design, dark colors, design solutions, design tips, design trends, drama of color, element of surprise in design, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, interior design, interior design trends, lifestyle, mobiles, Modern Art, Museums, National Gallery of Art, Pantone, personal expression, practical design, red, Refresh, selecting colors, Sherwin Williams, timeless colors, trends, value of good design, Washington, D.C. / 2 Comments

Commercial Finishes – What They Say – What They Convey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted On September 10, 2017 By pattisays In bars and restaurants, beach, branding in interior design, breweries, coastal, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, context of interior design, creative process, design, design process, design tips, design trends, environmental design, faux finishes, faux flooring materials, flooring, hiring an interior designer, inspiration from nature, interior design, interior design trends, medical offices, patio, practical design, remodeling, tile, trends, wood-grained porcelain tile, workplace design /

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted On August 27, 2017 By pattisays In architect, architecture, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, denial and reward in design, design, design process, design tips, element of surprise in design, hiring an interior designer, interior design, lifestyle, practical design, privacy in design, remodeling /

Windows – to Dress or Not to Dress

Last week I had a meeting with clients who have purchased a swanky little tract home, in a trendy new subdivision, which comes with a package of choices – a buffet where a smorgasbord of features and finishes are offered, but no custom deviation is allowed. They came to me stating that they intended to take possession, with the package that they selected with the project’s coordinator, and then promptly replace carpet and change paint colors prior to their move-in a month later. Wow.

So in our initial walk-thru of the construction site, they explained that they had pre-wired for motorized blinds in most of the windows. They had already met with a window dressing consultant and this was the status of that decision process. I was curious as to how they had arrived at this decision, so offered an example of a previous consultation that I had had – which I have referenced in prior blogs.

Years ago a woman called and wanted a consult to discuss draperies. When I arrived at her home, I encountered large east-facing sliding doors flanked by equally large towering side-lights. The primary living space, where this wall of glass was located, had soiled, tan, wall-to-wall carpet, furniture poorly placed in disarray and toys scattered everywhere. All surfaces were over-flowing. I knew at once that no matter how much we threw at those window, it was not going to improve the appearance of this environment.

So I asked her the three basic questions regarding window treatments. ONE, do you need privacy? TWO, do you need light control? THREE are you after a decorative element? She responded to each. “There is nobody behind me – the lots drop down off the bluffs without privacy issues, the overhang of the patio provides plenty of light protection and I was hoping for draperies to improve the decor.” At which point, I objectively assessed the situation. I told her that spending a significant amount of money on draperies and without need for other window treatments, noting her soiled carpet and fragmented space, I would suggest replacing the carpet with hard-surfaced flooring and began to work with her to rearrange her furniture and discuss bins for the scattered toys. She enthusiastically told me that her brother-in-law was a tile installer and so I suggested that we find a tile and let him replace all the carpeting in this common area from front door through kitchen, down the stairs and throughout the great room. I assisted her in the selection of the tile and also recommended a fresh paint color. The next time I visited, I saw the dramatic transformation. With the new clean flooring, rearranged furniture and toys stashed in bins, she had transformed her space into a clean, fresh and easier to maintain interior. I could have sold her thousands of dollars of draperies – but it would have blown her budget and it would not have been the right thing to do. Instead they had less than $500.00 consultation to get them on course.

The right thing to do is what clients count on when they engage services for advice. There is never one solution, but there are responsible versus irresponsible options. Window treatments are one of many considerations when planning an interior design.

Regarding these new clients, after our discussions, they may end up opting not to dress all the windows. They might use the money elsewhere like painting the walls, taking their floor tile out onto the patio and entry slab – many things that they are considering as they plan this new interior.

We have recently been inching our way through another project to re-do a (excuse me for saying) dreary living room. It too is the primary living space for this home. I say “inching” as we began with a concept based upon rearranging the furniture. Then we began discussing the possible color schemes and styles that might transform the room and transition well from their periphery spaces. Wonderful, existing, family antique, furniture and rugs set the stage. We had the good fortune of things falling fairly quickly into place. I’ll save the design process of this project for another time, but as it relates to this subject, we are regarding window treatments as one of the final layers of design detail. Here we had existing wide blade blinds that were still perfectly functional. They could be drawn-up to the top, used down either with blades closed to provide compete privacy – or opened to varying degrees offering filtered light and a modicum of privacy. We felt that as things progressed and having removed the original valances, that the windows could stand being enhanced.

The choices are many. We considered full-length drapery panels, short curtains, top treatments such as upholstered cornices or fabric valances – pleated, swagged or shirred and more… We weighed all options and decided upon the structure, tailoring and fabric coordination that upholstered cornice boards would contribute to the scheme.

These boxed, stepped cornices add so much to the soon-to-be finished project. Yet right when we think that this is the crowning detail, sheers are considered to soften the blinds and further filter the light softly streaming through the windows. Here we are in the process of experimenting with the sheers which still need to be hemmed and finished.

In this case, my wonderfully talented client will be doing some of her own sewing on these finishing touches – and perhaps some pillows – a bonus to her and their project! Stay tuned for the amazing finished product…complete with clever re-claimed “finds,” dramatic re-upholstery, fireplace modifications, custom audio-visual cabinet and finishing accessories!

Posted On July 15, 2017 By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, before and after, context of interior design, custom design interior design, design, design process, design tips, design trends, hiring an interior designer, interior design, interior design trends, practical design, Refresh, window dressings /

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