Tag: inspiration
Design Dose
A serene bedroom retreat.
What Inspires Me: Wood
Even in its natural state, wood is so beautiful in its simplicity.
Wood is an element that can have such a variety of textures, patterns, and colors. One species of wood can look very different depending on how it is cut, stained, or varnished. Even in its natural state, wood is so beautiful in its simplicity. It is definitely something that inspires me and I love the idea of incorporating it in ways that aren’t typical.
Favorite Kitchens
I really like kitchens that have a modern edge with a rustic vibe.
The kitchen is, for a lot of people, the core of the house. It’s a place where families tend to gather, so it must be welcoming and comfortable. On the other hand, a kitchen also serves an important function and must meet a family’s needs for cooking and entertaining. Finding a balance between style and livability means making thoughtful choices for flooring, fabrics, and wall treatments, making the space easy to clean and maintain according to the family’s lifestyle.
No matter how big or small the kitchen is, it has to contain certain elements. When planning a kitchen, you need to take those necessary elements and figure out how to achieve that ideal balance of function and aesthetics. You have to be mindful of how heavily the kitchen will be used and the best placement of each item. There are a lot of factors to be aware of, from comfort to organization. Right now we’re seeing a trend toward modern, simplistic kitchens with very clean lines. Counters often have mitered edges and we see big, expansive spaces. The cabinetry tends to be simpler, without a lot of details, molding, or hardware. When you remove something, like storage, you have to also incorporate a new solution in order to maintain the kitchen’s functionality.
I really like kitchens that have a modern edge with a rustic vibe. Stripping elements down to a simpler form while maintaining comfort and practicality is an art form I truly appreciate.
What is your favorite kind of kitchen?
Waterworks Kitchen
Almost every element of the kitchen is part of the Waterworks Kitchen line, creating a complete design experience.
I was in NYC recently for an appointment, rushing because I was late. I stopped short when I saw a new Waterworks storefront with a beautiful vignette and just had to go inside even though I was running late. This Waterworks show room is not massive in scale, but what they fit in was so impressive. The line includes everything from sinks and fittings to cabinets and work tables. Everything has been designed with an eye toward both form and function, using the finest materials.
Almost every element of the kitchen is part of the Waterworks Kitchen line, creating a complete design experience. I saw simple lines and super approachable products that a wide range of people will gravitate toward. The cabinets are simple but come in sultry, interesting colors with smokier tones, not your typical white kitchen. I find the way they displayed kitchen sinks so interesting, showcasing vast array of ways to use them. One sink I loved was immense at 54 in long with two drying boards set underneath — so clever and really inventive.
Waterworks has expanded plumbing fixtures to the point where they have a grand scale and such a presence. The new lines are not typical and show an insightful reinvention of fixtures and other kitchen elements. Waterworks has turned a product that was already great into something really thoughtful. This is such beautiful hardware. I really appreciate how they’ve taken an element we all believe in at its simplest form and developed on it. Today’s clients don’t want a lot of hardware in a modern setting, which is why the Waterworks recessed options are so smart. The light fixtures are also quite modern and appealing with an industrial vibe, definitely something for everyone.
I walked out wanting to design whole Waterworks kitchen with all of the accoutrements that go with it. The Waterworks showroom is so well presented, it makes it easy for a client to envision their own kitchen design, and that in itself is a success.
Gift Ideas
Here’s a quick list of gift ideas I love.
During the holiday season, I try to think of what might be a little different to give as a gift. With all of the hustle and bustle, here’s a quick list of gift ideas I love. If you’re like me and wind up doing last minute shopping, meaning you need something in a pinch, one of these options might be perfect. Happy shopping!
What are your favorite gifts to give friends and family?
Drapery Hardware
Drapery hardware is a finishing touch on a space that has a lot of potential to add interest to window treatments.
One of my favorite parts of the design process is getting to the stage where I choose final details for a room. Drapery hardware is a finishing touch on a space that has a lot of potential to add interest to window treatments. The hardware is like jewelry for the window, complementing the room or adding ornamentation.
There are so many styles of rods and rings available, from contemporary elements to more traditional styles and everything in between. You can really customize the look of drapery hardware by thoughtful choice of materials, finishes, and accessories. The hardware can be sleek and minimal or make a bigger visual impact. Using contrasting rings with a bar is one way to achieve a memorable look. You can also mix darks and lights or use varying materials for an unexpected twist on drapery hardware.
In some cases, having simple hardware that is recessed allows the window treatments to be the focus. Hardware that doesn’t dominate the look of the windows is sometimes a better choice for a room.
Which look do you prefer?
Color Obsession: Navy and Plum
Navy and plum make a deep, sultry combo.
Navy and plum make a deep, sultry combo. What I love about them is how they are such a saturated. So many people want blue or navy for their interiors which is so typical to see paired with white or red — things that are basic. I want to be able to counteract with something else, and plum does that. It doesn’t create a high contrast, but the two colors pair well because they are on the same level of saturation. Part of my obsession is my serious desire to get away from what everyone else is doing. Yes, an interior is an investment, and some people are braver than others. I see so much similarity and safeness as a designer, so when I am working on projects with repetitive palettes, it is nice to jump outside the box. With a color like blue that everyone loves, I like the idea of being original and pairing it with something that isn’t the norm. Add a little spice!
1. Purple Ocean, oil on canvas, by Lynn Grayson
2. Fragile, photography by Cathleen Naundorf
3. 1950s Lounge Chair from Michel Contessa
4. Valentino Spring 2015
5. Galata Pumps by Louboutin
6. Tablecloth from My World Bazaar — fabric would make amazing pillows!
7. Hughes Upholstered Velvet Sofa
8. Over Dyed Vintage by Sacco Carpet
More Must-Have Design Books
I love adding to my collection of interior design books
I love adding to my collection of interior design books. There’s so much inspiration in all of these pages! Seeing what iconic designers are doing really makes me want to be a better designer myself. Books like these are an invaluable resource, allowing us glimpses at a wider world than we would normally see in our day to day lives and opening our minds to new possibilities. Here are some design books that would make a great addition to any design enthusiast’s home library.
As you all know, books are a passion of mine. Here are some recent ones that I’ve been exploring.
1. Artfully Modern: Interiors by Richard Mishaan
2. Jean-Louis Denoit: Interiors
4. Markham Roberts: Decorating the Way I See It
6. Mies
Rooms with a View
Over the weekend I went to the 19th annual Rooms with a View design showcase in Southport.
Over the weekend I went to the 19th annual Rooms with a View design showcase in Southport. Rooms with a View features vignettes created by twelve area designers using this year’s theme of Americanism: Timeless and Timely Design. The theme was a nod to the late Albert Hadley, the iconic designer behind the original idea for Rooms with a View. Each designer reinterpreted one of Hadley’s designs for their vignette.
Thom Felicia was honorary chairman of the event, which also included a boutique, book signings, food from local chefs, and a fashion show. The main attraction for me, of course, was the design. I love the opportunity to see what other designers are doing — it’s very inspirational and I’m always left feeling energized. Here are the vignettes I found most memorable.
If you made it to Rooms with a View, what was your favorite vignette?