Monday, March 31, 2008

Gratitude


Gratitude - The state of being grateful; thankfull

I was talking to my older sister on the phone last week. I can't really remember the day because we talk every day.., it's nothing for us to talk 3-4 times a day and that's on a week day. But since I've been blogging on design I was looking for ideas from her that particular day...I needed inspiration! She suggested I do a post on gratitude..."Gratitude?" I said. The first thought that popped into my mind was; What does that have to do with interior design? I didn't say that, but, I thought it. How ungrateful would that have sounded coming out of my mouth,as though it were some totally foreign concept. Yet, since then, I've been quietly contemplating and now I'm ready to talk.

If gratitude is the state of being grateful then I confess I cognitively live in a grateful state of mind. At the core of my being is the certitude the hand of God wakes me each and every day I rise. For that I'm eternally grateful. When I contemplate the history that's come prior to my existence and the struggles I won't have to face; I'm grateful for the time and place I've entered the world. I'm grateful for the people in my life that have given to me, shaped me, and loved me. I'm grateful that I can do the same for others as well...Grateful for being confident, trusting, loving life and have a heart to love others and encourage them to their fullest potential and highest good. I'm grateful... that I can be grateful.


Thursday, March 27, 2008

Drapes

Although I have a strong affinity for the use of natural elements in interior design and don't like rooms to look "made up" and stiff, I do have leanings toward a "proper"southern sensibility, that won't allow me to feel comfortable about a room unless the windows are properly dressed. I absolutely love drapes. It's the long flowing swooping fabric in lush silks, damask and heavy linens, always lined. Fringe it. Bead it. Embellish it the more. Then there are tie-backs, and decorative drapery rods, topped off with finials in an abundance of finishes. A well dressed window is like a well dressed woman of a certain age on her way down the red carpet. Glamorus, sophisticated, fabric flowing behind her as she strolls down the aisle....what a statement!






images: Traditional Home
Sources:
One
Drapery Fabric: Florio Collection,Butterfly Vine/Moss and Lady Slipper Vine
Cabinets: Chinoiserie
Two
Drapery Fabric: Translucent Muslin
Three
Drapes: Real Simple Design
Walls: Painted by Design Red
Interior Designer, Gail Plechaty, Real Simple Design
Four
Drapery Fabric: Red, Highland Court and Yellow JAB
Chandelier: AF Lighting, Candace Olson #6772-6H
Five
Silk Drapes: Florio Collection
Chair & Bench Fabric: Nomi Fabrics
Black Leather Chair: John Rosselli & Assoc

Six
Drapery Fabric: Raspberry Silk, Jim Thompson #3159104
Area Rug: Masland Carpet
Seven
Drapery Fabric: Robert Allen, "Hearts Journey/Shadow"
Daybed: Sutton Place
Chair: Baker, Thomas Pheasant #7841


Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Why is it Green?

Sunset Magazine's first urban Idea House project is in San Francisco's Mission District. It's built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) principles. LEED is the U.S. standards organization that measures sustainability. That's why this project is green. The interior scape is contemporary in feel but not the cool beige/taupe minimal contemporary seen in far too many shelter magazines. The interior design by John Lum Architecture is full of texture, color, and new ideas. The rich aubergine velvet seat cushions on the sofa are unexpected and work beautifully with the texture in the frieze area rug. That's just a start. With such surprises in the use of color throughout the house, pattern and color on flooring and tiles, and the digital fabric designed accent wall in the bedroom, this design project opens wide the door in contemporary design. It's a serious delight!





images: Sunset Magazine
Sources:

Living Room
Sofa: Propeller, Drop In
Coffee Table: Propeller, Munro
Area Rug: Room & Board, Oasis Shag
Chair: Design Public, Blu Dot
Floor Lamp: Room & Board, Spun, white
Bar Counter: Concreteworks

Master Bath
Counter: Concreteworks
Tile-Wall: Marin Designworks Glass Tile, Raindrop, Aqua
Vanity: Kohler, Purist wall mount vanity






Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Sycamore House

If there is one house that represents the style and environmental thoughtfulness of how I would like to live it would be the Los Angeles house by architect Russell K. Johnson known as Sycamore House. Nestled in a fire prone canyon of the Angeles National Forest the house is built to withstand the southern California natural disasters of earthquakes and seasonal wildfires. The interior is built to take advantage of passive solar heating as well as radiant heating in the floors. Mr Johnson incorporates stucco and tempered glass for the exterior. These materials provide excellent fire resistant and insulation. The floors are ground and polished concrete and the kitchen counters are Caesar Stone, a quartz product. This eco wonder is contemporary, stylish and environmentally sound.

the house skeleton is steel
double paned tempered glass-southwest facing
polished concrete floors
porcelain tile walls and floors -no need to paint
images: LA Times


Sources:

Light Fixture: Artemide
Countertop: Caesar Stone
Propane Fireplace: Heat N Glo
propane fireplace on a Caesar Stone pedestal
guest bedroom - takes advanage of natural light all day
ironwood decking is termite and fire resistant
Sycamore House is surrouded by native plants and Syscamore trees
images: NY Times





Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The love of Teak

When I think of teak I think of far off tropics in southeast Asia. Teak is used extensively there as a wood for furniture. I love its use in an outdoor environment where it takes on a soft patina as it ages. Its highly resistant to termites and rot and takes on a soft gray in color with weather exposure. Reclaimed and recycled teak have become extremely popular in the US and Europe. It's a highly durable tropical wood that only gets better with time.


The teak deck adds a place to relax among this Indian garden pool.I understand why this homeowner in Oakland, CA preferred reclaimed teak for a backyard gazebo over using wood from a big box store.
image: NY Times

Reclaimed teak from Indonesia is used for floorboards in this Minnesota
house. The weathered boards add to the old world charm.
image: NY Times
Teak is a popular wood for Indian furniture makers. I would use these chairs in a sun room, patio setting or any room where I want to add a rustic element. White cotton canvas cushions add sophistication or a floral print for a casual feel.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Time to Spring !

Now that we've officially sprung into spring and the days are a bit warmer, at least they are in the mid-Atlantic, I'm feeling the need to see more green and florals in decor as well as plants and flowers. Yes, trees are showing the tiniest of buds and the smallest of shoots are coming forth in the garden so there's nothing tangible yet to bring inside. In a few weeks I'll be able to force a few branches and clip a few daffodils.

What I've loved to do for years is decorate with plants and visit my favorite wholesale floral shop in Alexandria. Decorating with plants is a year round way to take the edge off the sparseness of winter. It's a great way to commune with living things inside when its gloomy and cold outside. The great benefit of decorating with plants is improved air quality...you're creating a micro climate. Air quality is increased the more plants you have in a space. But, don't create a jungle! Trim, water, feed and displace to visually enhance your environment. Cut flowers can also add color and warmth to a room like nothing else....they're the accessory that adds the greatest impact for the least cost. Think of cleaver and creative ways to table scape and pull it all together with flowers and plants!


image: NY Times





Monday, March 10, 2008

Foyer

The foyer is more than a place to enter, gather oneself before proceeding on. The foyer is a place to be welcomed, greeted... a place to anticipate what happens next and you observe your surroundings. That's why a foyer should always be warm and inviting... a place to tell your guest you're in a safe place, you can relax. There's more in store for you to enjoy as you're invited in.... welcome.









Thursday, March 6, 2008

Time Out

Doesn't it always seem extra special when you attend an event outside? Whether under a canopy, a safari tent or under the stars, just the thought of dining outdoors sets the expectation of an event full of grandeur and simple elegance.



image: NY Times

image: NY Times

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Settee

When it's French it's a settee. When its English it's a love seat formally the courting chair. Whichever term you use a settee is always lovely and can be used as a filler piece in a foyer, under a stairwell, also outside on a patio or manicured lawn. In a small townhouse or condo use it in the living room with a contrasting upholstered chair...no need to stress about lack of space, it does the job well.

Alluring in the boudior
Tuscan style in rich hardwood
Mi casa es su casa...la patio... Casa Midy
Is it time for tea?
Classic English chintz... pretty
image: Thibaut