Well, not as small as the Chilean miners experienced after having been encapsulated in an underground tomb without prior planning to make such an accidental situation become a long-term living space and we’re not talking about designing for the astronauts in the space station…but planes, trains, boats and motor coaches…all are unusual spaces that provide fun and challenging design issues. We were recently thrilled to be recognized by Tucson Lifestyle Home and Garden magazine, in their October 2010 issue, for a casita project that qualified as an example of good design for a small space.
The interior design of a two bedroom three bathroom townhouse however, is far different from space utilization and design details in any of the unusual aforementioned references. And, and inasmuch as we have designed for nearly all of those unusually tight interiors, it is still a design test to see how to maximize the real and perceived space of a smaller footprint – even a townhome.
To start, it’s volume. By enhancing and utilizing the vertical opportunities and also the open connection between the interior spaces and the exterior, it expands the perceived footprint of the area. Lift the ceiling, bang out a few more windows, add skylights and clerestory slots…and you will change things exponentially. Bring the outside in – if you have unused spaces outside that can easily be incorporated into the interior – go for it! We captured an outside atrium space and created a patio-like interior dining room, incorporated interior windows for light-borrowing purposes and opened former glass clerestories into non-glazed open connecting spaces.
It’s like the Taco Bell Chihuahua – be small but think BIG! In interior design, it’s all about perception and practicality in space utilization/maximization. In today’s economy it’s all about making the most with the least…throttle back and take stock – creativity is often spawned by the challenges of limitation!

I’m late tonight…the thunder sounds suggest that the weather might be turning…really? We’ve had promises of dipping temperatures for the past week – but with that rolling, booming sound – we wonder to what temperature we will awaken…and deal with as we face the day.
It starts with – what to wear…chilly, hopping up and shivering around all the while watching Steve Stucker tell us that it will be 70+ by mid-day. Yes, it starts cooler and gets warmer as the day progresses – but if it’s rainy tomorrow – it might not make that increasingly warmer daytime temperature.
So what do we do to make this seasonal adjustment? We do several things. We change our menus from salads and lighter fare to stroganoff and savory baked dishes. The cold cheese and grape platters become warmed brie, chutney and nuts. Stove-top oatmeal might replace those out-of-the-box cheerios. Hot toddies versus towering iced concoctions…the list goes on…
Similarly, what do we do at this time of year to make ourselves comfortable regarding our interior design? We’re drawn to fabrics that are more of the soft snuggly chenille, velvet, woolen textures rather than the cool slick chintz or otherwise crisp lightweight cottons. We want comfy throws on the sofa within easy reach to wrap and cocoon in like a toasty burrito. Colors go from cool refreshing tones of blues and all manner of pastels to bricks and orange tones. It is absolutely true that you can change a person’s perceived temperature with the colors around which you surround them. Might the half warm/half cool purple be a color for all seasons? Hmmm…
That is NOT to say that you would not create a perfectly comfortable summer environment with brick colored patio cushions – however, if you had the luxury of changing with the seasons, you might select a color that suggested a reprieve from the heat. Texture plays a part too – that same brick patio cushion in a smooth fabric versus one of plus chenille would be an entirely different effect.
Days are shorter, we light more candles. Scented candles shift from berries and flowers to spices and evergreen fragrances. Here are plump, multi-textural down-filled purple pillows – a color for all seasons and an inviting throw! It’s fun and rejuvenating to move with the seasons embracing the best aspects of each! So snuggle, celebrate – enjoy!!!

Here we are smack dab in the middle – well, a little past – of October and the official October Fest has come and gone, Balloon Fiesta came and went and we still have tons of green leaves intimidated by the seemingly summer-like weather, clinging boldly to the trees, discouraged from transitioning into fall.
If it isn’t real fall leaves that brings the season into its colors, the retail onslaught of decorative embellishments starting in August bombards us into forced recognition. This year though has been different. This warm weather keeps toying with us and our would-be interior seasonal expressions.
I’m not one to deck the halls with boughs of oak leaves, small colorful gourds and cinnamon candles, but when I am in an environment that presents that scene and celebration of the season, I am prone to smile. I’ll buy a flowering mum and some real squash that I will use during the next few weeks…but as a designer, it’s funny that I can embellish for others to the max – but for my own taste, it’s a more minimal effect.
Fall is comforting. We come inside and nestle into our interior environments leaving all but the hearty to gather around the chimenias and fire pits on those chilly and even colder nights. But tonight it’s balmy. The crickets are still chirping and flowers are still blooming in the gardens and pots – some straining with the extra long growing season and others thriving with the marvelously mild air. We’ll sleep another night with our doors and windows wide open. Not for long…
It’s bound to happen, the chill will come in like the fog on little cat feet and before you know it, it will be winter for the duration. And although we have relatively mild winters here in Albuquerque, it is still that distinct seasonal change that invites fires in the fireplaces, a change of wardrobe, migration indoors for living spaces and for me – a switch from tequila and rum to red wine and scotch (vodka is a non-seasonal or all-seasonal beverage)!
Yes, the seasons are important and the scented candles, fires in fire places, snuggly throws, warm scarves, boots and increased textures and layers of clothing offer the opportunity for expression and enjoyment of that seasonal change every time!
So rearrange the furniture, gather around the fireplace, plan the dinner parties, dress your tables, change your pillows, bring in the cinnamon and pumpkin decorations and fall blissfully into fall!

Well, the NFL is – and “sporting” all manner of pink equipment to prove it!!! It’s exciting to see such a large, visible and popular organization – of big brawny men – getting so involved in the Breast Cancer Awareness focus. As they have said – they all have wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters too and it is quite remarkable to learn of how many have been directly affected by this disease in their families.
The concern transcends the traditions and mores of men in pink – but they still get a lot of mileage from flaunting their colors in direct opposition to their otherwise manly selves. Pink on a big, hairy, macho football player – you bet!! If they can do it – so can YOU!!
In addition to presenting this ever so visible color scheme in their uniforms etc, they are entertaining women, putting on programs, and holding events all for the express purpose of uplifting the spirits of the survivors and the ones currently battling the beast – they contribute tremendously to this great cause!
http://www.redskins.com/gen/articles/Redskins_Honor_Breast_Cancer_Survivors_At_Luncheon_161394.jsp Hail to the Redskins!!!!! (You can take the girl out of Washington – but you can’t take Washington out of the girl!!!)
So here are MY Ralph Lauren open-back pointy, fun, pink pumps – THE choice footwear for this month’s awareness!!! What’s YOURS????

I know people, who absolutely will NOT be interrupted when away from the office. I can understand this if the person of whom we are referring is not key to the operation of the business. However, I am talking about principles, manager/owner people who are in a service based business and when they are away – tough luck – they will not be disturbed. I don’t get it.
As our beautiful weekend getaway winds down, I’m reviewing it all – fall colors, cozy cabin, great friends, food and fun. Wild deer lick the tasty block that is perched on an upturned log, while boldly patterned black and white magpies dart through the trees and even scold the deer for imposing on their self-proclaimed territory. And as a perfect reference to last Friday’s blog about home offices, here was the office for the weekend – set amidst the changing golden aspen in Angel Fire.
The ability to manage work issues and utilize down time even when away can be a relaxing and reassuring feeling. To know that you are getting something accomplished is, for us, an important part of being able to take time away from home. Getting away is refreshing, rejuvenating and a great boost, however, to stay connected and to be able to respond and advise is invaluable. We don’t want our employees or clients to be delayed or inconvenienced by our travel schedule – to the extent that we can help it. Therefore, the reassurance that we are connected and also providing reassurance to our clients and staff that they can get answers, assistance or advice when we are away.
So thank you technology for the tethers that ties us and makes it easy to manage from afar!

Interior Design is a process and in order to be effective, that process needs an orderly path. Not all projects are intended to be sterile examples of the finite principles of good design, yet successful interior make-overs will effectively transform at least the appearance if not the function of a space. Yes, form should always follow function – as architect Louis Sullivan stated in 1896 – but if the function is established to be working well, then the focus becomes the changes needed for visual and sensory improvement.
To that end, there are endless paint colors. There are far less choices than that in other decorative elements. When planning a space, starting with the item of which there are fewer choices springboards the process and creates a base from which to build your design.
Here is an example of a rug determining the basis for the color scheme to follow. Even though there are myriad rugs out there, they are far fewer in number than there are paint colors! The small rug sample can be seen tossed on the floor near the original round rug. The wool yarns knotted in the new sample offer a collection of colors that are extracted to coordinate the scheme. The brick tones are repeated in the pair of ottoman, the golden tones become the walls, ceiling and trim, the green shades are used to refinish furniture and cabinets with a painted facelift, pink and aqua tones are found in the existing painting which anchors the room on the far wall.
Before and after shots are always fun. The warms colors of the new scheme bring all the elements together creating a cohesive and comfortable interior. The contrast of the undressed before shots and the fully appointed after shots – primarily appointed by new colors and finishes – illustrate the simplicity yet dramatic result of the makeover. Ta Da!

Hiding out in the comfort of your home, a mountain retreat or your favorite beach escape – working outside the office takes on limitless possibilities for some and if you are among those lucky ones – well, fooey on you!! It has opened up many design opportunities though, from dual-purposing rooms in your residence to maximize the available technology from the road.
Home offices once were simply a desk tucked into the kitchen cabinets where clipped coupons accumulated, recipes were housed, household expenses were paid and a calendar of doctor and dentists appointments was kept. Not anymore!
The first consideration is whether this is your only office – or is it a secondary location to your primary place of business. If it is the primary office – will you need to see people – employees, clients, associates that might make you consider having a direct outside entrance to your office space – avoiding impositions on your personal privacy? Do you have the luxury of assigning a specific room in your home to this purpose or will you have to insert an office area into another room? This probable dual-purposing can be quite challenging. Space utilization, efficient function of the space, and comfort all come into play in even the smallest of spaces.
Funny, as I write this blog today, we are winding through the mountains, on the way to a weekend getaway in Angel Fire. Laptop, new Droid (Incredible – Ha!), wireless connection for the road…armed with the necessities of the technology that changes by the minute making such conveniences – well, incredible!

It is great fun and essentially satisfying to work with artists to create custom items for projects. It takes time to cultivate a group that covers the many disciplines of artistic media. Whether we are creating custom stair railings, garden sculptures, pottery serving platters, jewelry, furniture, cabinets…the list is endless! Ironworkers, painters on canvas and/or board, painters of large scale murals, faux finishes, woodworkers, furniture craftsmen, potters, seamstresses, upholstery magicians…we enjoy working with all manner of artistry and craftsmanship!
Last week I had a client admire a vibrant chartreuse lotus bowl by artist Penne Roberts that we had on display in the shop. It makes quite a statement with its large wavy form of a flower-like design embossed with intricate geometric patterns. The client admired it but lamented the fact that she wished it would come in a golden sunflower yellow – “Poof” said the fairy godmother of artists who love to create custom orders! And with that, Penne was contacted and we met to discuss glaze colors and the bowl is currently built, drying and waiting for the bisque layer and the final coat of golden yellow glaze!
Here are a few of these magnificent lotus bowls! Specify your color and “poof,” it shall be!!

While shopping for a rug with clients today, watching the men flip the heavy knotted wool of the exotic handmade art pieces, at Tribal Arts, one after another as we critiqued the myriad colors and designs, I was taken back over the years and through all the times that I have experienced this incredible task of selecting just the right rug! Today the search was for an 8×10 which is certainly not the largest, but still takes good shoulders and backs to flip.
The nap of the rugs requires that you move from one end to the other to experience the color change that often occurs. Depending upon the type of yarn – silk really “pops” and wool, depending upon the texture of the nap can read like two completely different rugs from one side to the other.
Seasonal flipping of your own rugs can be a good thing, for two reasons, actually. First it will rotate the wear areas and secondly because if the nap is doing its thing, you will feel like you have a different colored rug! Perhaps you want the lighter side as you enter the room for summer and the darker side when you enter the room in the winter – or vice versa.
As I left my clients, having successfully experienced a unanimous vote for one of the 6 rugs that we had delivered to their home to try, the one pictured here that was more square in shape and had a most interesting and unusual background pattern, I was reviewing in my mind all the flipping that occurred and as I silently said to myself…”rug flipping… cow tipping” for no apparent reason – except for the sound of it – and therefore, there is really nothing that the two have in common except the gerund form of the verbs! Cow tipping might be fun in some circles, but I never wanted to do that to a poor cow – and I would prefer that someone else flip the rugs while I watch!

With the evenings cooling and the days getting shorter many retreat to the indoors and call it the end of a season with regard to outdoor living. However, from a portable clay fireplace or chimenia, to a full scaled fireplace, fire pits and portable gas heaters (and even installed surface-mounted heaters or radiant panels), the possibilities for warming that cool air and moderating the temperature around your patios are many!
This handsome stucco, stone and tile fireplace was completed last week – and only took a little over a week from design through sturdy masonry construction to finished product – ready to burn baby! We designed it to coordinate with the architecture and accent finishes that we had previously designed for the home. The travertine tile on the surround was also used on the floor of the patios and continues inside throughout the entire home. Stone ledges add texture and linear detailing and surfaces for candles at night while the glass and granite accent tiles incorporated into the travertine face are derived from other locations in the home to create an abstraction of color and texture.
The grand under-cover patio of this second photo illustrates how expansive and extensive your outdoor living space really can be. Located in the higher elevations near Santa Fe, this patio has an even more limited season for moderate temperatures. Yet the generous fireplace and flanking bancos piled high with down pillows covered in weather resistant yet exciting acrylic fabrics is a great place to gather on cool nights.
So enjoy this Indian Summer and gather round the campfire – or shall we say patio pit – or whatever…