On a rainy day, I tend to be extremely productive.
Something about rain kicks me into high gear.
I had an interesting project to focus on today that took my
concentration and muse to full tilt.
Whenever you are challenged professionally it stretches your
creative brain and brings the light in on all that you can do for that
client. I love a good challenge. Finding large scale pieces of furniture
that will not overwhelm people, but work in larger scale rooms.
It is fun to alter space by softening it. Funny how larger furniture
just speaks to comfort before even experiencing it hands on. Then
of course wood and accents keep it interesting and add surprises.
So now after choosing the major pieces, I get to do the real fun part by
selecting textiles, details, and play with possible layouts to keep it fun.
I am lucky to have this client as part of my studio. They appreciate fun
pieces, bring some attitude into selections, and trust me to do this right for them.
With a new build, the choices are endless and can be overwhelming to some people.
Helping them visualize use of space first, design scale, and watch how the concept
comes alive in their eyes is a favorite part of this process.
Next week we will move on to the real pretty parts of the concept and everything
will begin to speak their language. Luckily this couple appreciate each others opinions
and seem to be able to make decisions easily. A dream come true.
We are having fun getting to know their "design personality" as we talk through
how pieces can be used, and how they can be detailed to pull this all together.
I have the distinct luxury of having a few days to absolutely focus on them, their
immediate needs for keeping the project timetable on track, and have access to them.
Out of town clients are not always accessible to the designer on their project.
The weather for the last couple of days has really helped.
Rainy days are gifts from the design Gods.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
As I sit here waiting for Grandma's Apple Dumplings to finish baking
Comfort food.
Everyone has their own vision of that.
What does it mean to you and your family?
Comfort interiors are even more important.
I recently had a client that used the term
"nurture me" when she described her goals
for interior design in her new home.
We focused on soft tactile textiles that were softer
to the touch than what most people are used too.
We focused on soft lighting, and privacey in her interiors.
She needed cuddle spaces, and reading spaces, and small
entertainment spaces. She is a busy executive and cherishes
her time at home. It "feeds my soul" was her explanation.
Our accomplishment came as she began entertaining in the
new spaces and the environment supported her need for comfort.
She felt comfortable inviting people in and not giving up her private
spaces, and her nurturing spaces while the house was full of family and
friends.
We all have a vision of what personal comfort is. To some it is a space
to practice your faith. To some it is a hot soak, after the kids are tucked
in before you become a partner and person at the end of a crazy day of kids,
schedules and work. To others it is carving out "me space" from a home full
of noise, cooking, activity and entertaining.
Whatever it is to you, you must embrace it and support it with good design,
and an understanding that space like this is no accident. It is a part of a design
process where needs are established and programmed into a final product.
And now, as I pull the apple dumplings out of the oven for my returning
college son to eat before bed, I move through the house to my comfort haven.
My bath has been drawn. My bed is turned down. I am comfy and winding down
from a busy day of solving problems, and will just focus on my life, my breathing,
and sleeping like a baby. Who could ask for more? Sweet dreams!
Everyone has their own vision of that.
What does it mean to you and your family?
Comfort interiors are even more important.
I recently had a client that used the term
"nurture me" when she described her goals
for interior design in her new home.
We focused on soft tactile textiles that were softer
to the touch than what most people are used too.
We focused on soft lighting, and privacey in her interiors.
She needed cuddle spaces, and reading spaces, and small
entertainment spaces. She is a busy executive and cherishes
her time at home. It "feeds my soul" was her explanation.
Our accomplishment came as she began entertaining in the
new spaces and the environment supported her need for comfort.
She felt comfortable inviting people in and not giving up her private
spaces, and her nurturing spaces while the house was full of family and
friends.
We all have a vision of what personal comfort is. To some it is a space
to practice your faith. To some it is a hot soak, after the kids are tucked
in before you become a partner and person at the end of a crazy day of kids,
schedules and work. To others it is carving out "me space" from a home full
of noise, cooking, activity and entertaining.
Whatever it is to you, you must embrace it and support it with good design,
and an understanding that space like this is no accident. It is a part of a design
process where needs are established and programmed into a final product.
And now, as I pull the apple dumplings out of the oven for my returning
college son to eat before bed, I move through the house to my comfort haven.
My bath has been drawn. My bed is turned down. I am comfy and winding down
from a busy day of solving problems, and will just focus on my life, my breathing,
and sleeping like a baby. Who could ask for more? Sweet dreams!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Design is Life
I raised five children in an extremely well designed house where no rooms or furniture were
"off limits". Whenever friends and their children would stop by they would always say "where do you want the kids to play?". I always said "this is their house, they play everywhere". I used to tell the kids that they had to respect the things in the house that we all cherished:
Our family
Our time together
Our life of giving and sharing
Our friends and family
I never remember telling them not to touch anything, or not to be in a certain room. We lived all through our 7200 square foot house. I always said that it was "bullet proof". And it really was.
I had a very large firm of over 22 designers. We did design work for some of the toughest clients that there were. Healthcare, government, schools, law firms, insurance companies, nursing homes, and the homes of all of the execs that trusted us with their lives at home and at work. These were not easy interiors to design. They had to have form follow function (Sullivan said it - and we believed it) and had to last until the next budget allowed for replacement, which could be a long long time. We understood life safety codes, fire codes, and wear data. We were experts in ergonomics and programming spaces to fit the person and the need. But most of all we were designers that listened to the needs of a diverse population and solved problems with limited dollars and lots of enthusiasm.
Christy Associates Inc. was a long standing community leader of driven professionals of the highest calibre. We always had fun, and we always worked hard. The results were vibrant and energetic interiors that really made a difference to a vast client base.
The most important thing was that it was really fun. My designers were empowered to interpret needs, deliver great design and to make the most of every budget dollar spent.
We were always dealing with a recession, State of Michigan budget cuts, cut backs in spending from one sector or another. Design in Michigan is no mecha. It is mostly survival of the fittest, and the rest is sheer grit and stamina. After leaving the state and taking my practice to Ohio,
I began to realize how much fun design was all of a sudden. I could not get over how nice it was to work with positive people, budgets that were not constantly cut, and people that seemed to really care about this business of interior design.
Design is life. It is light, tones, drama, neutrals, positive feedback, making a difference, sharing ideas, listening, and knowing when to speak. Design is what I choose to do because it makes so many people happy. Design is what I choose to do because it really feeds my soul.
There is no other business that does all of these things with an accent color and a splash of light.
I love this business because it is how I live. It is positive and it is real. You can touch it, and walk into it. You know it is there because it supports all that you do. Design is my life.
"off limits". Whenever friends and their children would stop by they would always say "where do you want the kids to play?". I always said "this is their house, they play everywhere". I used to tell the kids that they had to respect the things in the house that we all cherished:
Our family
Our time together
Our life of giving and sharing
Our friends and family
I never remember telling them not to touch anything, or not to be in a certain room. We lived all through our 7200 square foot house. I always said that it was "bullet proof". And it really was.
I had a very large firm of over 22 designers. We did design work for some of the toughest clients that there were. Healthcare, government, schools, law firms, insurance companies, nursing homes, and the homes of all of the execs that trusted us with their lives at home and at work. These were not easy interiors to design. They had to have form follow function (Sullivan said it - and we believed it) and had to last until the next budget allowed for replacement, which could be a long long time. We understood life safety codes, fire codes, and wear data. We were experts in ergonomics and programming spaces to fit the person and the need. But most of all we were designers that listened to the needs of a diverse population and solved problems with limited dollars and lots of enthusiasm.
Christy Associates Inc. was a long standing community leader of driven professionals of the highest calibre. We always had fun, and we always worked hard. The results were vibrant and energetic interiors that really made a difference to a vast client base.
The most important thing was that it was really fun. My designers were empowered to interpret needs, deliver great design and to make the most of every budget dollar spent.
We were always dealing with a recession, State of Michigan budget cuts, cut backs in spending from one sector or another. Design in Michigan is no mecha. It is mostly survival of the fittest, and the rest is sheer grit and stamina. After leaving the state and taking my practice to Ohio,
I began to realize how much fun design was all of a sudden. I could not get over how nice it was to work with positive people, budgets that were not constantly cut, and people that seemed to really care about this business of interior design.
Design is life. It is light, tones, drama, neutrals, positive feedback, making a difference, sharing ideas, listening, and knowing when to speak. Design is what I choose to do because it makes so many people happy. Design is what I choose to do because it really feeds my soul.
There is no other business that does all of these things with an accent color and a splash of light.
I love this business because it is how I live. It is positive and it is real. You can touch it, and walk into it. You know it is there because it supports all that you do. Design is my life.
New Color Statements
Color is a fascinating aspect of interior design that is fun to follow.
The nice thing about it is that it can be brought into a current interior
with a can of good paint, or well placed accent pieces.
Techno Color - is a new term for a grouping of colors that have
me intrigued. They are extremely liveable, and soft.
They gravitate toward pinks, soft blues, and soft greens.
All of this has to be punctuated with a bit of an urban look
in bringing in concrete, or stainless in an architectural way.
Also we need neutrals in the space that are dark in their undertones
and a bit subdued. Think Urban Contemporary with Arts & Crafts
combined.
What you get is a softness that trancends time. Not a trendy statement
here, but timeless in application.
You will not find Techno Color in your Wikepedia index. It is really
my terminology for a color pallette that is evolving in my studio.
I am using it in a fun project currently - truly inspired by an amazing
client that sees no color boundaries. We have dabbled in many directions,
but the focus on good Arts & Crafts antiques brings us back to this
color scheme of soft understated hues.
So I am off to have a day full of Techno Color and finishing up details
for a client from heaven.
The nice thing about it is that it can be brought into a current interior
with a can of good paint, or well placed accent pieces.
Techno Color - is a new term for a grouping of colors that have
me intrigued. They are extremely liveable, and soft.
They gravitate toward pinks, soft blues, and soft greens.
All of this has to be punctuated with a bit of an urban look
in bringing in concrete, or stainless in an architectural way.
Also we need neutrals in the space that are dark in their undertones
and a bit subdued. Think Urban Contemporary with Arts & Crafts
combined.
What you get is a softness that trancends time. Not a trendy statement
here, but timeless in application.
You will not find Techno Color in your Wikepedia index. It is really
my terminology for a color pallette that is evolving in my studio.
I am using it in a fun project currently - truly inspired by an amazing
client that sees no color boundaries. We have dabbled in many directions,
but the focus on good Arts & Crafts antiques brings us back to this
color scheme of soft understated hues.
So I am off to have a day full of Techno Color and finishing up details
for a client from heaven.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Devil is in the Details
I am reminded of why not just anyone can be an interior designer.
The sheer overwhelming amount of details that define my job are impressive.
From the beginning of a project, whether it is an existing space, or a new build,
the amount of decisions to be made, the organization and documentation of those
choices is extremely important to make a project function correctly.
Designers are lucky today. We have AutoCad, emails, 3 D programs that illustrate every
angle a view can take, digital photographs, blogs (like this one) to introduce the true essence
of who we are as professionals, and of course the cell phone.
It has changed so much that older designers often find that it is impossible to keep up with the
techno part of what they must do. Communication in varied venues challenges the creative
thinker to adjust to the client, and speak with their medium. If your client texts you, you must respond with text messages. If your client phones, you must answer their calls and be available when they have time to chat about a problem or a perceived solution. If your client wants face to face meetings involving all of the team, you must be willing to slow down and do this to speak
in their language, and hear them speak.
I was reminded yesterday during a meeting with a very precious client of mine that the most important role of a designer is that of a listener. That is why the mode of communication is so important. If we fail to hear our client express their needs, concerns, or problems, then programming has failed and we cannot possible solve their problem. We don't even know what it is.
So as we get innundated with text messages, emails, voicemails, and facebook page messages,
we must remember our most important role in the whole design process. We must remember that us receiving the information is paramount to the success of any project. We must stop,
listen to the message and then repeat it as a statement of fact.
I find the process of listening, hearing, interpreting and creating to be a fascinating series of steps that test the talents of the creative mind. It is not my taste that I reflect in what I do for my clients. It is their taste that I visualize, hone to perfection, and create in their space for their loved ones. When I do that and am successful, the ideas all become theirs. The choices are easy, and the decisions flow. That is my focus and satisfaction as a designer.
Thanks for listening.
The sheer overwhelming amount of details that define my job are impressive.
From the beginning of a project, whether it is an existing space, or a new build,
the amount of decisions to be made, the organization and documentation of those
choices is extremely important to make a project function correctly.
Designers are lucky today. We have AutoCad, emails, 3 D programs that illustrate every
angle a view can take, digital photographs, blogs (like this one) to introduce the true essence
of who we are as professionals, and of course the cell phone.
It has changed so much that older designers often find that it is impossible to keep up with the
techno part of what they must do. Communication in varied venues challenges the creative
thinker to adjust to the client, and speak with their medium. If your client texts you, you must respond with text messages. If your client phones, you must answer their calls and be available when they have time to chat about a problem or a perceived solution. If your client wants face to face meetings involving all of the team, you must be willing to slow down and do this to speak
in their language, and hear them speak.
I was reminded yesterday during a meeting with a very precious client of mine that the most important role of a designer is that of a listener. That is why the mode of communication is so important. If we fail to hear our client express their needs, concerns, or problems, then programming has failed and we cannot possible solve their problem. We don't even know what it is.
So as we get innundated with text messages, emails, voicemails, and facebook page messages,
we must remember our most important role in the whole design process. We must remember that us receiving the information is paramount to the success of any project. We must stop,
listen to the message and then repeat it as a statement of fact.
I find the process of listening, hearing, interpreting and creating to be a fascinating series of steps that test the talents of the creative mind. It is not my taste that I reflect in what I do for my clients. It is their taste that I visualize, hone to perfection, and create in their space for their loved ones. When I do that and am successful, the ideas all become theirs. The choices are easy, and the decisions flow. That is my focus and satisfaction as a designer.
Thanks for listening.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Interior Design is Mostly Passion
I decided to become a designer when I was thirteen years old.
To me, nothing could match the excitement of actually changing my surroundings.
The idea that you could transform something ugly or worn or dated, into something
of beauty was just a bit of magic.
Once I attended a design school and began to learn the rules, the relationships of objects,
and the theories of use of color, my intellect intersected with my passion, and I was off and
running.
Then you add to that a client with a problem that you can solve. I was hooked.
Problem solving is where the talent meets the training and becomes magical.
I spent twenty two years building a practice in Michigan of interior design work
focused on extreme problem solving. I was involved in healthcare interior design
and got to make a difference in the healing and comfort of those in pain, and those in
some kind of professional care. It blossomed into an extreme passion for me.
Upon big changes in my life, directed by the karma life Gods, presumably not by me,
but by fortune, I was thrust into a community that was open and willing to embrace
the design that I am passionate for. This part of my journey is not only rewarding,
but also full of more magic than I could ever imagine. The grace and courage that it
takes to start over, leave your comfort zone and venture into a new community was
quickly replaced by the sheer adventure of meeting new people, and beginning to understand
that not everything in life is wrought by struggle and strife. Some decisions are just
simply made out of the sheer joy of enjoying what you are doing, and experiencing.
I love design more than I can say. It affords me the life that I live. Feeds my soul,
and connects me with the world around me in a way that beautifies it everyday.
I thank the karma Gods, the unspoken universe for helping me to stay with my
passion, when I was tempted to leave her along Highway 23 on this journey to my
new life.
It just keeps getting better.
To me, nothing could match the excitement of actually changing my surroundings.
The idea that you could transform something ugly or worn or dated, into something
of beauty was just a bit of magic.
Once I attended a design school and began to learn the rules, the relationships of objects,
and the theories of use of color, my intellect intersected with my passion, and I was off and
running.
Then you add to that a client with a problem that you can solve. I was hooked.
Problem solving is where the talent meets the training and becomes magical.
I spent twenty two years building a practice in Michigan of interior design work
focused on extreme problem solving. I was involved in healthcare interior design
and got to make a difference in the healing and comfort of those in pain, and those in
some kind of professional care. It blossomed into an extreme passion for me.
Upon big changes in my life, directed by the karma life Gods, presumably not by me,
but by fortune, I was thrust into a community that was open and willing to embrace
the design that I am passionate for. This part of my journey is not only rewarding,
but also full of more magic than I could ever imagine. The grace and courage that it
takes to start over, leave your comfort zone and venture into a new community was
quickly replaced by the sheer adventure of meeting new people, and beginning to understand
that not everything in life is wrought by struggle and strife. Some decisions are just
simply made out of the sheer joy of enjoying what you are doing, and experiencing.
I love design more than I can say. It affords me the life that I live. Feeds my soul,
and connects me with the world around me in a way that beautifies it everyday.
I thank the karma Gods, the unspoken universe for helping me to stay with my
passion, when I was tempted to leave her along Highway 23 on this journey to my
new life.
It just keeps getting better.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Wake up to a luxury space that nurtures you.
As I woke this morning watching the morning sunlight spill on to my Aubusson rug in my Master Bedroom, it ocurred to me that not everyone gets this wonderful start to their day.
A nurturing soft space to go to sleep in, or wake up in is so luxurious. And easily done.
Soften the edges of your zen space.
Fill it with personal pieces that bring you peace.
Remember to use neutrals to make it more sleepable.
Remember to use luxurious fabrics, or the appearance of them to
lull you to sleep.
As they said about Mozart, don't confuse the senses with too many notes.
Give your mind and body a rest as it enters your sleep zone.
We are all multi taskers. The space where this should not be a priority is
the space where you sleep. Your sleep patterns change as you go through
periods of your life.
Waking babies. (up and down all night - able to fall asleep
on the doctors table waiting for her to see you)
Nocturnal teenagers. (waiting for return home, broken sleep)
Falling in love. (no time to sleep - but major cuddling - reading the New York Times in bed -
hanging out - feeling luxury - feeling soft and warm)
Dealing with tragedy or transition. (speaking to your God - lighting a candle for a loved one - finding peace in your inner world)
Illness. (allowing others in - total nurturing space)
The design of your sleeping space can evolve as your life evolves.
The constant in this is the need to find a comfort color, or color pallette that allows you
to let go of the world, end your day in peace and quiet, and nurture your soul with your sleep.
I love to use opulent fabrics, quiet colors, or soft neutrals, overstuffed furniture (with no sharp
edges) and the elements of fire (soft fireplace materials), water (adjacent to a bath space that
allows water sounds to enter the sleep space), light (windows that are large, able to be opened, and ideally doors for access to the outdoors), soft sounds, and entry area that allows transition to the space. Of course not every sleep space is ideal for all of the above, but with good design,
mindful choices and your personal situation in mind, all of this can be accomplished.
If you are doing all of the above without a professional, now might be the time to reach out,
embrace the designer that you trust and let them in. They will enhance your dreams and your
wakings with the current offerings of lighting, textiles, and combinations that work in your life.
Happy sleeping.
A nurturing soft space to go to sleep in, or wake up in is so luxurious. And easily done.
Soften the edges of your zen space.
Fill it with personal pieces that bring you peace.
Remember to use neutrals to make it more sleepable.
Remember to use luxurious fabrics, or the appearance of them to
lull you to sleep.
As they said about Mozart, don't confuse the senses with too many notes.
Give your mind and body a rest as it enters your sleep zone.
We are all multi taskers. The space where this should not be a priority is
the space where you sleep. Your sleep patterns change as you go through
periods of your life.
Waking babies. (up and down all night - able to fall asleep
on the doctors table waiting for her to see you)
Nocturnal teenagers. (waiting for return home, broken sleep)
Falling in love. (no time to sleep - but major cuddling - reading the New York Times in bed -
hanging out - feeling luxury - feeling soft and warm)
Dealing with tragedy or transition. (speaking to your God - lighting a candle for a loved one - finding peace in your inner world)
Illness. (allowing others in - total nurturing space)
The design of your sleeping space can evolve as your life evolves.
The constant in this is the need to find a comfort color, or color pallette that allows you
to let go of the world, end your day in peace and quiet, and nurture your soul with your sleep.
I love to use opulent fabrics, quiet colors, or soft neutrals, overstuffed furniture (with no sharp
edges) and the elements of fire (soft fireplace materials), water (adjacent to a bath space that
allows water sounds to enter the sleep space), light (windows that are large, able to be opened, and ideally doors for access to the outdoors), soft sounds, and entry area that allows transition to the space. Of course not every sleep space is ideal for all of the above, but with good design,
mindful choices and your personal situation in mind, all of this can be accomplished.
If you are doing all of the above without a professional, now might be the time to reach out,
embrace the designer that you trust and let them in. They will enhance your dreams and your
wakings with the current offerings of lighting, textiles, and combinations that work in your life.
Happy sleeping.
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