Design Beat: Seattle

Spring Edition

2012-04-05T16:35:00.000-07:00

Spring is a time for birth, renewal, freshness, and the amazing energy that comes from seeing bright green leaves unfurl and fragrant blossoms bursting with their tempting scents! I have been so inspired lately by the lengthening and warming days - and it seems like there is a lot that's fresh and exciting on the design & fashion scene, too:

GR Home/University Village neighborhood

Brainchild of Graciela Rutkowski and overseen by the stellar Diana Paradis, this breathtakingly beautiful store is a necessary indulgence.

Not only does GR Home have gorgeous wares (found objects, the best furniture for all rooms in the home, unique accessories) but these women are obviously having fun. Shopping here is a mini party - but all business, of course.

Many of the lines we designers have come to know and love are found here: Lee, Hickory Chair, Rosanna, Arte Italica, and a bevy of stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Gracious House to Home

Near GR Home is Gracious House to Home - wonderful "almost antique"furniture, jewelry, vintage table wear - there's a lot to decide among here. Tracy and Deirdre are knowledgeable and friendly - great stuff! Gracious House to Home, near U Village.

Altstadt Interiors

I've written before about this jam-packed consignment store and interior design firm, also near U Village (is there a trend here?) and their incredible finds. But time to revisit!

I recently helped my son furnish his 100-year old studio apartment near downtown Seattle (more on that in a subsequent post) almost entirely from Altstadt Interiors: this Deco bed frame, a vintage 9 x 12 Oriental rug (virtually wall-to-wall in his space), deco sofa, etc. Budgets were spared and it was an adventure in shopping!

Inspiring Fashion

Not to rush things, since summer isn't even here yet, but I am head over heels in love with this look for fall 2012 from Dior:

....and this current "Street Chic" item spotted on the streets of Paris by Elle Decor...

Details

For those who love innovative design as well as traveling abroad, some of the most fun pages to peruse are found at MODULE-R.com. Are these the most exuberant dual voltage adapters, or what? And they'd be easy to find in luggage.....

Or, how about this Highland Court fabrics advertisement? Stunning!

Books

I'm intrigued by a new design book called, "Be your own decorator", by Susanna Salk, published by Rizzoli.

My eye was initially caught by the cover because it's actually the same photo - of a Paris apartment, naturellement! - that I ripped from a magazine and pasted to my Vision Board a while back.

But this excerpt from Ms Salk drew me in: "Unlike many artists in other mediums, interior designers never hoard their secrets. They are a gloriously generous bunch, much more concerned with making the world a more beautiful and livable place than worrying about whose idea it was to put that vase over there."

Mais, oui!

Neighborhood Beat: Madrona - Update

2011-06-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

I wrote about the Madrona neighborhood back in September of 2010 and gushed about the funky charm of its little commercial area. Since then, there have been some changes and updates - and other news I just want to share!

A welcome newcomer to 34th Street is Guesthouse, Kate Sehulster's stylish little gem! Guesthouse carries a mix of vintage and new furniture and accessories, books, fabric, rugs, garden accessories, found objects - a little bit of everything you need for a chic nest! Look for a very interesting new store opening next to Guesthouse in the near future.

Last fall, I wrote about June restaurant. Recently, I've had a chance to eat there several times and, I must say, the food is - fabulous! Featuring updated Parisian bistro fare: steak/frites, French wines and cremant by the glass and an incredibly inventive chef (green apple prawn cocktail, pureed cucumber gazpacho with coriander cream, tempura fiddlehead ferns) - it's all thrillingly delicious!

In personnel news, our friend, Jef Fike (owner of the bygone - and justly lamented - Cassis Bistro on Capital Hill) is now the catering director at another fave Madrona eatery, St Cloud's. We have never had anything short of a stellar meal there. And their catering menu is enormous - can't wait to partner with Jef on an event!

Sadly, another Madrona business I mentioned fondly in September, has departed Madrona. I'm very sorry to see Decor on 34th go....

Make an excursion to this charming neighborhood by the lake for unique shopping and fabulous food!

Thom Filicia book signing

2011-06-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

The professional design organization of which I'm currently president, Northwest Society of Interior Designers, teamed up with Masins Furniture recently for an informal gathering with Thom Filicia, formerly a star of Bravo's "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy". Elle Decor magazine described Mr Filicia as "affable" and I can tell you, he is! What an approachable, friendly fellow!

He willingly signed many copies of his new book, "Thom Filicia STYLE" (in mine: "big kiss!" - I was pretty proud, but then I found out he wrote the same thing in the others..... oh well!). The book is loaded with photos, humorous anecdotes, and practical decor tips. Proceeds from its sale go toward breast cancer research and awareness, a subject close to his heart.

Masins had plenty of Thom's furniture designs and fabrics from Kravet on hand. Love the Ikat-inspired prints, above.

We seemed to hit it off splendidly - but I think that just might be the way he is........

Style on a shoestring - Assisted Living apartment

2011-04-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

How can one bring style and beauty - not to mention warmth - to a generic vanilla assisted living apartment in 2 weeks, and include a Tempurpedic memory foam mattress (definitely the priciest component), for under $4500? It was a scramble, but we pulled it together by hanging family photos as wall art and sourcing items from Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Ballard Designs, and Altstadt Interiors, a Seattle homewares consignment shop.

The end result is a cozy and welcoming refuge for a woman who is losing her memories......

..... the reading alcove, before:

....... and after......

..... from this......

......to this......

She appreciates the transformation....and feels comfortable here. Alzheimer's is a devastating disease and whatever I can do to make it a little easier for my mother is worth it.

The Chronicles of Alliance Wellness' fabulous new office - Finale

2010-12-13T16:09:00.000-08:00

Dr Viv and the staff of Alliance Wellness moved into the new office in late July. Not everything was totally finished, but it was complete enough for them to able to provide the stellar patient care they are known for!

It's almost hard to believe that what is now this:

.....was once this:

The floors are cork in a bamboo pattern, the gem-like, custom counter top was fabricated by local company, Novustone, from concrete and recycled glass.

There are light-filtering panels atop the interior walls, featuring grasses pressed between layers of resin, made by Lumicor, a local company.

Abundant storage for patient records was provided by local company, Organized Spaces.

But what really sets this medical office apart and infuses it with a spa-like, almost zen aura, lives in the details:

.... billowing, sheer, azure drapery panels and Roman Shade, which can be glimpsed in the photo, above, and at the top.....
......porcelain wall sconces in massage/acupuncture treatment rooms.....

......rectangular mirror-framed mirror and square sink in the bathroom....

......grass weave shades in the front offices.....

.....bright, interesting fabric on the lumbar-supporting pillows....

....gorgeous designer wallpaper throughout.

It's a beautiful, warm, welcoming space that just begs to be lingered in, whether one is injured or just in need of a pampering massage!

Focus on Design 2010

2010-09-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

The Northwest Society of Interior Designers' Puget Sound Chapter, the professional design organization of which I'm the current President, is kicking off Design Awareness Month this October by hosting Focus on Design 2010!

Focus on Design 2010 will take place at the Seattle Design Center on October 1st & 2nd. The event will provide the local and regional design community with opportunities for growth, networking and education. The 2-day conference features 16 unique, fun, and informative seminars as well as hands-on training sessions. Attendees will be exposed to one-of-a-kind local artisans, businesses & suppliers at the "Hidden Local Gems Showcase". Friday evening will end with a cocktail party hosted by The Catherine Person Gallery. Saturday offers additional seminars as well as exciting architectural tours by The Seattle Architecture Foundation. The tours will be followed in the afternoon with champagne and sweets at SDC. Mark your calendar now, and subscribe for weekly updates via e-mail at waysandmeans@nwsid.net. You won’t want to miss this exciting event! Find detailed information on seminars, speakers, sponsors and scheduling visit the NWSID website. See you there!

Our partners include: Seattle Homes & Lifestyles magazine, AIA Seattle, NKBA Puget Sound Chapter, The Seattle Design Center & The Seattle Architecture Foundation.

The Northwest Society of Interior Designers, established in 1977, is a non-profit regional organization of interior designers dedicated to promoting excellence in design.

Neighborhood beat: Madrona

2010-09-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

One of Seattle's lesser-known, ultimately walkable neighborhoods with a small town vibe hugs the westerly slope adjacent to Lake Washington, between Leschi and Denny Blaine. (Many Seattleites who are not longtime residents might not know that Denny Blaine is the neighborhood just south of Madison Park/Washington Park....) It's funky, stylish, artsy, and homey, all at the same time.

For food lovers, there are many delicious choices. Some of my personal favorites are St Cloud's, where I've had only absolutely mouth-wateringly wonderful food.....

....the recently opened June - French wines and innovative ingredient pairings....

.....the local institution, Hi Spot Cafe, elegant bistro Dulces Latin Bistro , the newish Bottlehouse Tasting Bar and, of course, amazing cupcakes and espresso at Verite Coffee and Cupcake Royale!

For home furnishings and accessories, I love browsing - and buying! - at Decor on 34th ....

.....or the Glassybaby store and hotshop.

One of my favorite jewelry designers, Xenia Callahan, combines vintage chains, stones and baubles in new and wonderful ways, and is featured at Hitchcock, a chic and charming boutique.

And last, but certainly not least, of my faves is the kitschy, warm, welcoming canine wonderland of Fetch Doggie Daycare and Grooming. My dog, Samantha, (you can catch a glimpse of her in the window, above) LOVES spending time at Fetch! When I pick her up, not only is she beautifully groomed but she's happily exhausted from running, jumping, and playing - her favorite activities! Below is a shot of the check-in area - how fun is that?.....

Madrona has something for just about anyone - check it out!

Neighborhood beat: Georgetown, etc: Cassis Catering launch and Grand Image Block Party

2010-07-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

Mid July was a feast for the eyes as well as the appetite! First the appetite part:

Our friend, John E Fike, (known to his friends and family as "Jef") satisfied a Francophile's dream by producing a bash at the way-cool Georgetown Studios to launch his new (old) enterprise: Cassis Catering.

When he owned Cassis Bistro, we lived nearby and were fortunate to dine there at least once a month. We were heartbroken when he closed and, now that he's restarting, so to speak, I'm delighted to announce that Charlie, Cassis' chef, is back, too!

We corralled a few good friends into attending (thank you!) and even our son donated his serving skills! It was quite the luscious experience: Coq au vin, Basil/Tomato/Sweet onion salade, specialty cocktails - oh la la! My next catered event will be feature Cassis Catering, that's for sure!

The night before the Cassis launch, Grand Image organized a Block Party at their studio and all the neighboring businesses joined in: Urban Hardwoods...

3Form Light Art, Resolute Lighting, among others.....

There was fresh pizza, wine, beer, appetizers, gourmet hot dogs - alongside art and artful furniture & accessories! And, best of all - sun!

The Chronicles of Alliance Wellness' fabulous new office - Weeks 11 and 12

2010-07-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

It's the next-to-last posting before the completion of Alliance Chiropractic's new office at the Ruby condos on Eastlake! The move will begin soon - was there ever such an aesthetically-pleasing chiropractic office? It's been an amazing and wonderful pleasure to be involved with this project from the beginning. What a great and collaborative team: the supremely appreciative, understanding, calm, wise client; visionary architect/project manager; super construction team.... I have been blessed to be a part of this and am so thankful!

Here's the latest photo of the Reception area..... the fabulous lighting fixtures and window treatments will be installed very soon.....

The view from Dr Viv's office, below........

Stay tuned for final photos soon - with furniture, lighting, and window treatments! It just gets better and better.....

The Chronicles of Alliance Wellness' fabulous new office - Weeks 9 & 10

2010-06-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

It's starting to resemble a bee hive at Alliance Wellness' new office at the Ruby condominiums on Eastlake! Along with a new office, there's a new logo:

The cork flooring and carpet squares were installed last week....

....and the walls that haven't been wallpapered were primed..... and then painted. The reception area is coming along nicely! I'll be posting more frequently now that the changes are so dramatic ....

The Art of Textiles

2010-06-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

I recently had coffee with Pat Nugent, owner of Patricia Nugent Textiles, in her charming. light-filled cottage/studio. I was treated to a private trunk show featuring her extensive collection of antique textiles (dating from 1790 to 1970), vintage clothing, and hand-painted design documents. The design possibilities were endlessly flowing!
(We had a delightful time, and had earlier discovered that we not only had many acquaintances in common, but that our children went to school together - what a small world!)

Garments from mid- 20th century, above, seem like new.

The metallic and watercolor hand-painted design, above, is one of the first steps in a textile design - and is perfect for my living room just the way it is!

The samples, above, date from the late 18th century to early 19th. They look so modern, particularly the geometric pattern.

Pat tells me that a certain national clothing retailer has recently purchased cabbage rose designs from her - think Ralph Lauren circa 1980's - and they will likely be used in new and different ways than the original, similar to the one below.....This is such a gorgeous, intricate pattern when viewed up close and like an Impressionist painting, becomes more clear at a distance.

The meticulously cataloged antique textiles are kept away from light and dust to maintain their pristine condition, like the sample below...

Even the bathroom at Pat's studio is filled with vintage books and artifacts......

I can't help dreaming about the designers, the patrons, the lives involved in the production of all of these wonderful textiles - and how little things really change; they're just ever so slightly tweaked to become "modern". Thanks for a glimpse into the past, Pat!

The Chronicles of Alliance Wellness' fabulous new office - Week 8

2010-06-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

It's week 8 of the project and now the really fun stuff begins!

The ceiling has been painted.....

.....Pete is efficiently and effortlessly, it seems, applying the wallpaper.....and what wallpaper! Absolutely stunning stuff.

.....and there are even stairs built to the garage now.

The interior design is emerging before our very eyes and, though the choices were intentional, seeing it suddenly there, in 3D, it has an almost retro vibe. The colors are reminiscent of early Mad Men episodes: soft aqua, taupe, grass cloth, cork. What began as inspiration is now becoming reality.....

.....it just gets better and better......!

The Chronicles of Alliance Wellness' fabulous new office - Weeks 6 & 7

2010-06-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

Alliance Wellness' new office at the Ruby condominiums on Eastlake is proceeding on schedule!

All the walls are constructed and in the process of a "level 4 mudding", as the contractor tells me. (That means very, very smooth, perfect for wallpaper. And we will have wallpaper!) Above is the latest view of what will, eventually, be the new reception desk location. I know it still doesn't look that fabulous, but it will in a very short time.

Imagine the finishes: walnut veneer, Novustone counter top (a blend of concrete and recycled glass), cork floors, Lumicor panels (plexiglass embedded with natural elements), dreamy sea-blue sheers....and lots of wallpaper. The palette was partially inspired by this fabric from Highland Court.

This will be a warm and welcoming office. The interior will be a reflection of the natural world just outside the doors, capturing the essence of soothing water, glorious sunsets, and vibrant city life. The location is incredible: on Eastlake Avenue East, tucked between the UW and downtown Seattle. The views of Lake Union, Gasworks Park, and Queen Anne are stunning.....and the staff is amazing! What could be better?

Dr Viv checks out the view from her private office, above.....

.....while I'm thinking about window treatments....and dreaming of dust-free days....

Designer Model Homes at Escala

2010-05-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

When I was a child, our family used to tour the latest suburban subdivision's model homes for entertainment....To my young eyes, they were sumptuously decorated and had an almost unattainable aesthetic.

Last week, as a professional interior designer - and adult - I toured Escala at the invitation of Wipliance and previewed five units decorated by local designers: Jeff Lamb, Dixie Stark, Rich Holliday of Masins Furniture, Dana Hamel, and Polina Zaika-Musa.

Escala is a swanky, sophisticated, urban environment. Many of the finishes are over the top, as evidenced by these photos of the lobby, above and left....

But Dixie Stark's design was warm and welcoming, above....

......and, though this unit was the smallest of the bunch, Musa Design managed a beautiful blend of contemporary and Asian furnishings, above. (photo courtesy of Musa Design)

I love this remote-controlled entertainment unit by Wipliance - a great space-saving high tech case good, with a luscious finish....

Escala is definitely cool!

The Chronicles of Alliance Chiropractic's fabulous new office - Week 5

2010-05-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

Progress report from Alliance Wellness at the Ruby!

We're almost in the middle now, aiming for completion by July 4th.....busy as bees. Before and After pictures are so dramatic; these are almost like real time, like being there. Can you smell the sheetrock dust? It's kind of a mess (not a good idea to wear high heels and black to a job site like this) and not very pretty right now, but trust me - it will be so cool!

The walls are going up, the infrastructure is in, and the ceiling will be painted in a few days. Here's the eventual reception desk.....

Stay tuned. Don't touch that dial - it's going to get very interesting! (But we still need a coffee place next door.....)

Really cool discoveries.....

2010-05-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

I was researching some European antiques for a project recently and came across a treasure trove of absolutely fantastic resources! It all started with the March issue of House Beautiful.....and the article "Blue as a Titian", featuring the exquisite work of Babs Watkins, Julie Watkins Baker and the amazing Eleanor Cummings, above.

I researched Ms Cummings (who is very difficult to find, by the way) and, in the process, came across a great Houston home decor store and wonderfully amusing blog: Indulge Decor, (check it out) which, capturing my attention like solving a good mystery, led me to some mouthwatering antique sites:

Kay O'Toole Antiques has some gorgeous, to die-for pieces like the items, above. (Check out the Indulge Decor blog posting on Kay O'Toole's home!)

Tara Shaw has fabulous things - true antiques as well as Tara Shaw Maison, a line of reproductions that I lust after.

Then there's Watkins Culver, which had this cabinet published in the April issue of Veranda :

And, also Robuck and Co

.......and Jacqueline Adams.

Makes me want to take a trip down South to go antiquing!

The Chronicles of Alliance Chiropractic's fabulous new office - Weeks 3 & 4

2010-05-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

The crew has been busy but changes since the last posting are subtle.

Electrical and plumbing infrastructure is going in now.

Tools of the trade, above.

Architect and designer making last minute adjustments to the lighting plan.

.......even the dogs are in on the action!

Soon walls will go up and, like a wonderful working sculpture, the office will emerge..... stay tuned!

The Chronicles of Alliance Chiropractic's fabulous new office - Weeks 1 & 2

2010-05-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

So, everything was going so smoothly - until the walls were opened up, that is..... and it was revealed that the floor was two different heights! Slight delay while more concrete was poured....

Concrete dried, framing went in..... See the future front reception desk, above.....

....and Dr Viv's new office......

Someday soon, there will be an Alliance Healing Arts sign out here, joining Ravish, Sushi Kappo Tamura, and Urban Smiles Family Dentistry - but we're still wishing that a coffee place would take the last remaining space......

The Chronicles of Alliance Chiropractic's fabulous new office - Prologue

2010-05-02T16:03:00.000-07:00

My client and friend, Dr Vivian Ledesma, (who also happens to be my chiropractor), bought an office condominium in The Ruby on Eastlake Avenue East in Seattle.

She asked me to help her design a warm, welcoming space - what fun! Not only is she a wonderful, caring doctor but the best client ever, so of course I said "Yes!" and started gathering ideas and materials back in December.

There were too many bureaucratic issues to go into but everything came together in the final hours and she closed on April 12th - also her birthday! - then the team met to go over the plan of attack:

Architect: Keith Smith, General Contractor: Mike Johnson, Dr Viv......

The Designer.....moi

Great things are coming.....stay tuned!

Nancy Corzine, Queen of Glamour

2010-04-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

I was inspired to see and hear Nancy Corzine, a truly stylish and gutsy woman, at the Seattle Design Center on April 7th. She was brought back to her hometown of Seattle by Elinor and Verve (a very stylish showroom!) to promote her new book, "Nancy Corzine, Glamour at Home". Best of all, she shared with a roomful of designers many of her life's most powerful moments - it was impressive and moving.

I have always lusted after her designs - they remind me of a 1930's Fred Estaire and Ginger Rogers movie set...

Wallpaper: it's back......

2010-04-07T19:46:00.000-07:00

It's a long story.......anyway, I just received my copy of the above book, "Wallpaper, A history of Style and Trends" by Carolle Thibaut-Pomerantz and am enthralled! Martha Stewart Living said, "The jaw-dropping images alone are worth the price tag." And, it's true! This is a coffee table-worthy book, not just for wallpaper aficionados or even Francophiles (like me) but anyone who appreciates the history of design and comfort.
Ms Thibaut-Pomerantz, a French-American decorative arts dealer who has the good fortune to divide her time between Paris and New York, deftly traces the history of this design essential from its 16th century emergence to today's refinements. A must-have book for any design library!

I first read about Ms Thibaut-Pomerantz in my latest issue of France Today, and was intrigued enough to order her book, partly because of this image, at right. Classically beautiful!

So what is it about wallpapers that add so much to a room? They are a wonderful way to bring in all-encompassing color and/or texture, and work especially well for small spaces.

Some of my favorites are: Vintage panoramique designs....

Vintage Art Deco and Art Nouveau....

....damask, flocked (yes - really! But cool this time around)......

Graphic, modern, or embellished.....

Even this fun pattern from Anthropologie....

Or a tres cool entry..... or accent wall.....

It's good wallpaper is back...

Neighborhood Beat: Madison Valley

2010-03-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

On the route to downtown from Madison Park, the valley used to be sort of a seedy area to pass through, back in the day - but not anymore! Now it's a destination for savvy shoppers and diners.

There are wonderful boutiques to treat all of the senses, for humans and their pets (or is it the other way around?), not to mention fabulous restaurants! It's becoming quite la petite France with Rover's, Voila Bistrot, La Cote, and Rover's spinoff, the soon to open Luc, sharing the neighborhood with Cafe Flora, Chinoise, and the Essential Bakery and Cafe.

One of my favorite shops, anywhere, is Lavender Heart, above. Here you'll find candles, soaps, gourmet olive oils & sweets, jewelry, home accessories - everything to help "beautify" your surroundings. The owner, Holly Henderson, is absolutely one of the best resources for perfect gift ideas or self rewards - she's my go-to first choice!

Red Ticking (above and below) features antique and imported fabrics, furniture, and accessories from France ....and celebrates all things vintage, charming, and beautiful. Plus, owner Pamela Robinson is just delightful! James Huniford gave the store a shout out when he spoke at Nordex March 11. Well worth a trip. (photos courtesy of Red Ticking)

Another marvelous, not-to-be-missed shop is Veritables, in its "almost original" location. (The store consolidated its two locations on Madison a while back and moved a few feet to this location) This is gorgeous, high style decor. I love these Ikat-inspired, gilded pillows.....

Last, but not least of my faves, is a new showcase for Lisa Hunter,at Vian Hunter House of Fashion. So, I have to admit, even after my good friend, Bev, showed me her cool new black Italian fabric pencil skirt from Vian Hunter, I was skeptical - based on the signage, I really thought the clothes were going to be a little "old lady-ish". Little did I know Ms Hunter carries not only vintage garments from the 60's, but also features her own well-made vintage-inspired designs. OK, I admit I stopped in for "research" and walked out with a pencil skirt of my own along with a fabulous unique top! ("Designing Woman" was playing on her plasma TV - how could I resist?) I'll be back......lots....

The Secret World of Design...... Nordex 2010

2010-03-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

March 11&12 the Seattle Design Center hosted Nordex 2010, Seattle's version of "Market", in which the design industry is enlightened by national speakers, designers, professors, authors, and company representatives about the latest products and trends. After two solid days of speakers, products, and parties, I came away with one main concept: customization. That's the essence of design, isn't it?

The opening keynote speaker, James Ford Huniford, talked about incorporating his love of "found objects" into interior design projects - for me, the essence of "contemporary" and "green" - and gave us a preview of his new furniture line. Plus, he loved and gave a big shout out to local fab store (and NWSID member!) Great Stuff, purveyor of all things great and re-purposed.

Michael Bruno, the founder of 1st Dibs, was the inspiration for so many things and he illuminated his rapt audience with predictions for the next 10 years of design online. Hint: better printers, online portfolios, more cell phone use (really? more?), 3D modelling tools, design Utopia.......

Thad Hayes was the keynote speaker the second day of Nordex and, despite technical AV difficulties, he managed to share with us some wonderful designs. I LOVE the idea of large dining rooms with large tables for entertaining but placing a small table for two at one end of the room - perfect for intimate meals!

Joan DeJean, explained to us fellow Francophiles, how the French under les Louis Quatorze et Quinze, ushered in the "age of comfort" through the introduction of the "sopha". Oh la la!

I'm inspired again!

My Design library

2010-03-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

I was searching through my design books for inspiration, recently, and the thought occurred to me that it might be a good thing to share my library, so that others could easily find design books of interest. So, to that end, I'm launching my Amazon store this morning!

Here you'll find books featuring the work of some of my favorite designers:

John Saladino , above

Vicente Wolf

and Sherri Donghia (Donghia fabrics are incredible!)

as well as regional design source books from France, Italy and USA. Even some of my favorite coffee table-worthy cookbooks. Enjoy!

More about color.....

2010-02-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

I recently took part in a Pantone webinar and learned about the spring/summer 2011 color forecast. The palettes are very similar to the Leatrice Eiseman presentation I attended a few weeks ago. For me, and maybe for you, it's important to reiterate the many and varied influences on the palettes for the upcoming seasons:

Environmental Preservation - 70% of consumers support companies dedicated to preservation of the environment
Plastics - reuses of it in new, unusual ways - see some of Anthropologie's window displays fashioned from recycled plastic
Sustainability
"Re" words - Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse
Wellness and de-stressing
Food, in particular the fresh, wonderful items found in local farmer's markets
Africa - its colors and textures will be more and more evident
Anime - the super vivid colors will translate to products

So, what I'm taking from all of this is that greens will become a staple for a neutral palette; brights are here to stay for a while; calm, muted tones will be important, too; warm tones and interesting textures will be strong; and metallics in paint and fabric will be huge!