GEORGE Interior Design

Emerald City

2013-01-20T06:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all! We're back after a very busy holiday season which we hope you all enjoyed. The new year brings new beginnings, and that includes Pantone's new color of the year for 2013. After the vibrant and energetic Tangerine Tango got us fired up last year, Pantone is opting for a cooler but equally lively hue to spotlight for this year: Emerald.

Emerald green is a rich and luscious jewel tone that conveys a sense of elegance and timeless beauty, but also reminds us of the earthy and calm tones of nature. Check out these beautifully done interiors which utilize emerald hues:

A Golden Moment

2012-10-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

I always had a preference for silver accents when it came down to the question of silver or gold. From kitchen cabinet hardware to jewelry chains and ring bands and the metal letters on the car that indicate its model, I've always preferred the silver hue of nickel and chrome to the golden hue of brass. Lately, though, I've been loving the gold!

I was digging deep and asking myself the tough questions that lead to this change of heart. I thought about all of the reading I'd been doing about one of my favorite periods in art history lately: the Vienna Secession. Images of Gustav Klimt's beautiful gold leaf paintings and the white and gold contrast of Joseph Olbrich's Secession Building in Austria started popping into my head. Aha! Perhaps that's what has been influencing me. Check them out:

Gustav Klimt's Adele Block-Bauer I:

Joseph Olbrich's Secession Building and its details:

The Vienna Secession developed in the late 19th century and carried on into the early 20th century, with its active years about parallel to that of the Art Nouveau movement. It was comprised of a school of painters, craftsmen, and architects who sought to reject the pomp and formality of the flamboyant architecture and design that dominated most of the 19th century. They instead favored a return to more natural and functional forms. There was no strictly unifying "look" to this artistic movement, but rather a collective spirit to the art and designs that defined it. The movement's motto was, "To the age, its art. To art, its freedom."

Now let's look at some fun, modern day pieces with golden-hued designs that I've been loving lately! (Mind you, these are not Vienna Secession designs. They're just pretty. And golden.)

Looking Up: Ceiling Designs

2012-10-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

Oftentimes it seems that plenty of attention is given to the walls and floors of a room, but the ceiling remains a missed opportunity. The ceiling is one of the largest surface areas of a room, and can be a great place to add some beautiful details. Below are just a few examples of what can be done. Let’s take a fun little trip back into the past and take a look at some historical examples for inspiration first!

Gothic fan vault details:

Painted Italian Renaissance ceiling:

Scottish architect Robert Adams' detailed ceiling design from the 18th Century:

Art Deco stained glass ceiling in Buffalo City Hall:

Aren't those ceilings gorgeous? Now let's take a look at some examples that can be applied to a modern day home. From exposed ceiling beams to nail head trim--yes, nail head trim on the ceiling!--there are so many possibilities:

Sporty & Whimsical: 10th Street Kids' Rooms

2012-09-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

In the last post we showcased the 10th Street project's elegant new beach kitchen, but this week we'll share the fun kids' room redesigns. The boys' room needed a fun new look to reflect their hobbies, so we went with a cool baseball theme and coordinating colors. Take a look!

For the girl's room, we infused some fun pink and green hues and lively patterns for a bit of whimsy:

Thanks for stopping by!

Beach Elegance: 10th Street Kitchen

2012-08-31T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hello all! We're so excited to show you a project that is just wrapping up. Take a look at what the 10th Street kitchen used to look like:

The finishes and color scheme were too dark and formal for this house by the beach, the original lay-out which included a small island and a bar were awkward, and overall the space just did not function as well as it could... the goal was to transform the space into something that reflected a lighter west coast beach mood and could be a full service kitchen and HQ for this busy family of 5. A look at the kitchen remodel in progress:

Here's a sneak peek of the kitchen dining area as we wait for the dining table and settee to arrive to accompany the dining chairs and that gorgeous chandelier:

A close up of the iridescent tile we used for the kitchen back splash:

And the house is nearly complete! Those bar stools are a temporary, but quite useful as we wait for the new ones to arrive. If you're wondering whether that's a ping pong table in the bottom right hand corner of the last photo... you're absolutely right! The wonderful family that lives here is fun-loving and while the family room is filling in, they figured why not

Happy Saturday!

2012-08-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

A nearly 20 month old Selby sends you her best wishes from the Deep Roots plant nursery this morning in Manhattan Beach.

A Cheery Corner

2012-07-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

A built in breakfast nook is two things I love rolled into one: aesthetically pleasing and functional. They maximize the use of space in your kitchen or dining area while looking and feeling oh-so-cozy and elegant. Take a look at some of these great examples:

Happiness is Blooming

2012-07-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

A couple years ago I took the Fundamentals of Interior Design class in my program. I remember that my instructor had a list of five basic elements that every room should have, and that one of the elements was "something alive" - flowers! I believe that this is true. Flowers are inviting and can bring so much life and cheer to a room.

There are so many wonderful varieties of flowers that you're sure to find something suitable for your room, whatever style it may be. Take a look at the chart below for some tips (originally this was a chart meant to help with floral arrangements in wedding planning, but I think it's pretty informative in general!):

My favorites are peonies and hydrangeas. What are yours?

Roses:

Lilacs:

Calla Lilies:

Gerbera Daisies:

Peonies:

Poppies:

Tulips:

Hydrangeas:

GEORGE Projects: HDC Stadium Club

2012-06-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hello and happy summer! Judging by the weather, beach season has officially arrived! We imagine that along with hitting the beach some of you soccer fans might also be watching the Euro Cup, which brings us to our next project--the Home Depot Center Stadium Club. The Stadium Club restaurant overlooks the 27,000 seat soccer stadium, which is the proud home of MLS teams Chivas USA and Los Angeles Galaxy. The Stadium Club is also often utilized for concert events that take place at the HDC.

The space needs an updated design, and we've been hard at work brainstorming and planning one for it. Take a look at what it currently looks like:

And a few sneak peaks at ideas we have for the new space...

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project!

Bathrooms, Creating Warm & Cozy - Part II

2012-06-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

A few posts ago we showed you this bathroom in its original state and then under construction. Everything is all patched up and polished now, and what a difference it is! Check it out:

Custom Cabinetry built by Bob the cabinet maker. This cabinet maker has been working with the clients for many years and they have a wonderful relationship with many successful projects together.

A close up of the beautiful glass tile detail around the solid surface vanity:

The shower tile combination turned out stunning. Bold, sleek and sexy:

And it's moments like this that make us so happy that we do what we do...Just look at this beautiful happy homeowner in her now perfect-fitting tub!!

See you next time!

Zig Or Zag?

2012-06-09T08:01:00.002-07:00

Lately it seems like I've been spotting chevron patterns everywhere I turn - on floors, on walls, on furniture - EVERYWHERE! I see it in my dreams. However, it was when I stumbled upon these lovely detail images on the Taj Mahal that I think I officially fell in love:

Aren’t those details gorgeous? From fun and bold to elegant and understated, the chevron pattern is a nice decorative element that can add movement and depth to an interior. Its cousin, the herringbone pattern, can also achieve similar effects. The only difference between the two is that chevron consists of planks or tiles with edges that are cut at an angle while herringbone consists of rectangular planks or tiles. Thus, the chevron pattern has a distinct line (or illusion of one) running down the middle while herringbone is pieced together more like a zigzag jigsaw puzzle. A minor detail, but when you’re a design junkie it’s all about the details!

So which do you prefer? Are you Team Chevron or are you Team Herringbone?

Chevron:

Herringbone:

A Bath By the Sea, Part III

2012-06-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

And voila! We are so excited to take you on a photographic tour of this finished beauty. Take a look:

We are loving the way the light shimmers down the Vihari glass tiles!

The darker wood on the vanity and cabinet adds a touch of warmth:

We hope you enjoyed viewing our bath-by-the-sea as much as we enjoyed designing it!

A Bath By the Sea, Part II

2012-05-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

After a little framing/plumbing/electrical magic....

It was time to install the main event... the floor to ceiling tile. The white subways are a hand glazed ceramic capped off with a matching chair rail and then above that, there are shimmering Vihari iridescent glass tiles in color Wabi. The iridescence truly creates a dazzling effect that reminds us of calm waters out at sea.

We are loving porcelain wood floors for bathrooms these days:

Stay tuned for the final touches on this wonderful little bathroom! Find more posts about this bathroom here: http://georgeinteriordesign.blogspot.com/

A Bath by the Sea, Part I

2012-05-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hello all! We have the beginnings of a new project to share with you today. This bathroom has storage issues and definitely needs a fresh, updated look. As you can see in the photos below, most of the toiletries are crowded on the vanity counter top since there is not enough storage space. The original space has a bit of a coastal theme, but the overall look was just a little outdated (hey, it happens). Take a look for yourself!

Our goal is to transform this bathroom into a tranquil haven with improved functionality, oh and be beautiful of course!!

And spoiler alert... this Vihari irridescent green glass tile is going to be the star!!

Let's Tango!

2012-05-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

Lately, we've really felt the urge to tango here at George Interior Design... tangerine tango, that is!! Pantone's color of the year for 2012 is tangerine tango - a hue that evokes warmth, fun, and optimism. Adding a little tangerine tango can really bring a splash of life and vivacity to a space. A tad bit can go a long way as an accent color, or you can go all out for a bolder effect. Keep scrolling for some inspiration images:

This is a versatile hue and it's hard not to be in love with the energy it brings!

Green Pastures

2012-04-29T05:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday!

Meet Anne

2012-04-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

We've acquired some fresh talent here at GEORGE Interior Design...meet Anne. An extremely gifted artist, a confident and very poised young woman, Anne is also well-versed in the technical skills like CAD, Photoshop, Illustrator and Sketch Up that we use around here everyday. Anne has brought fresh energy and a wonderful aptitude for learning on the fly and making herself extremely useful. Look for her upcoming posts of interests and send her a welcome shout out when you have a chance!!

Wallpaper Decadence

2012-04-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

If you’re thinking of redesigning a space with a bold yet timeless statement, consider one of De Gournay’s many fabulous hand-painted wallpapers. The company offers exquisite wallpaper designs, many of which are inspired by 18th century Chinoiserie and 19th century French designs, all of which are customizable. From elegant and traditional to clean and contemporary, it seems that these wallpapers can find a home in many interiors and instantly become the star of the room. We are absolutely in love with their designs, and you can see for yourself just how fabulous they look in these rooms:

The wallpapers are created through a 300-year-old traditional process that takes time and dedication, making the end product authentic and unique. De Gournay artists and designers draw their inspiration from historic designs, researching the meaning and stories behind them, and then creating their own one-of-a-kind wallpaper art. The results are delicate, elegant, whimsical, and timeless.

We’ll leave you to dwell on these gorgeous images while we dream of elegant Chinoiserie paper. See you next time!

More on Shades of Gray

2012-04-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the awesome feedback we've been getting on this beauty. We so appreciate it! We have installed the new clear glass sphere light fixtures:

And we've installed the 2-tone gray curtain hung on a ceiling trac:

We've also installed the very sleek aluminum entry door with a bright white frosted piece of glass.

While we wait for the rug, art and furnishings, we are touching up the beautiful resin swirl floor, done by Steve Seleska at Resin Floor Studio and doing final paint touch ups. The backsplash, above the pebble caesarstone countertop, was given a venetian finish (I'll have to get you a close up shot!) and the little alcoves were painted to match the curvy plaster wall. The alcoves were uplighted and downlighted for special effect and the cabinet has toe-kick and uplighting over the flyover. The plaster wall and the curtain wall are washed with light and then there is of course ambient lighting for everyday use.

It looks this cool in the middle of the day but next time, I promise to get a shot of it at dusk!

A (Soon To Be) Nautical Haven

2012-04-12T06:30:00.009-07:00

The Strand residence is a beautiful home by the beach with tall, palladian windows overlooking the ocean - a view to die for! Our client brought us in to deliver a new look and space plan for the living room. His look of choice.. sophisticated, nautical, light. Below are some photos of the space we will be redesigning:

As you can see, it's quite a challenging space. A lot of angles define the room:

New sofa, new coffee table and a lot of re-working of existing elements that just aren't quite right.

This home is a joy to step foot in and we'll look forward to keeping you abreast of as the changes unfold.

Silver Strand Phase II

2012-04-05T06:30:00.003-07:00

After the walls were prepped, our leather and suede art tiles and the cabinets were installed. Finish materials which had all been pre-selected...

were inspected and laid out to show their best sides...

Prototpes were made to ensure that the finished product exceeded every expectation of awesome (that's why Design Support rocks - thank you DS!):

And then, they were installed and the process of lighting them began...

Across the aisle, the wall tiles were carefully placed in a random pattern with just enough contrast to make them look really interesting:

Wow, we've come a long way since this!!

With cabinets and wall tiles in place, our in-wall TV, automated shades and cabinet lights (we are LOVING Lutron lighting control but more on that later) are on deck. In the meantime, we'll be working on doing something very cool with the entry door and furnishings... Did you even know you liked contemporary design so much!!!

Secular Easter Baking

2012-04-01T06:30:00.001-07:00

No matter what you believe, we wish you a very happy egg hunting and bunny rabbit season! Eating, decorating, and more eating Easter cookies...It is quickly becoming a favorite holiday around here!

Ultra-Luxe Man Cave

2012-03-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hello! Hope you enjoyed your weekend and are ready to tour another project. Silver Strand Residence is owned by an awesome power couple, and the space we're remodeling for them is used for entertaining friends and family, but is mainly utilized by the man of the house. In essence, you could say that we're designing an ultra-luxe man-cave. Ahh, every man's dream.

Here are some before photos:

A conceptual rendering for the client's approval:

And alas, after getting a great team in place, the budget and concept drawings signed off on, construction commenced:

Our GC Master used our CAD drawings to frame the backsplash and alcove locations in between the future cabinets and "flyover" element. We had to build the backsplash further into the room and then recess the alcoves right back in to make everything work just so. Let me tell you, those were some complicated drawings!! It wasn't long after framing and drywalling that we started pre-wiring for the WICKED lighting effects that were soon to come...

It's hard to see from this picture but we also recessed the adjacent wall about a 1/8" to prepare for the leather and watersuede tiles that we purchased from the Italian company, Studio Art (close up of tiles below). We also framed a cavity for and ran wires to a TV to sit flush with the wall. All of the components will live tucked out of sight in the cabinet that is preparing to be installed!

The room is small but literally every detail must be considered eight times over to get it just right. It has been a huge adrenaline rush and just you WAIT to see how amazing the cabinets turned out!

Selby Days

2012-03-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

Happiness Is...

Happiness Is...

What's Up Pop?

Elephants!

What? Too many??

Can't Get Enough Beach.

Bye Y'all!!

Indulging in Purple!

2012-03-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

A few posts ago we introduced you to two-and-a-half year old Brayden's new room on Walnut Avenue. Today, we'll give you a mini tour of his sister Riley's remodeled room.

Take a look at what it used to look like!

And now for the transformation:

Like Brayden's room, we added a chair rail to give definition and clean lines to the challenging angular walls. We then painted the walls a light beige color below the chair rail and a pastel lavender color above to match her bedspread. The white Roman shades with purple borders were also added to give the room a chic look that's still appropriate for a little girl's room. We placed a large rug over the lovely hardwood flooring in Riley's room to give it a softer, cozier feel. Quite darling!