This is the second part of last weeks Blog...you may want to review it in order for it to make sense..
I am having a little fun today with all this . I am exploring the person who wrote the original article about "101 Designer's Secrets" (House Beautiful 5/2012) It seems that she is not a designer, but a freelance writer who specializes in articles about Interior Design, Horticulture, Archetecture and Food. Which explains why she wrote these '101 secrets'.
To a non-design person these little tid-bits of design wisdom might ring true, but to someone who has worked in the field for years, these blanket statements of fact are not something I would ever claim or suggest you adhere too.
The one that is stuck in my 'craw' today is by a designer named Kate Ridder who believes that:
" A bed should be 23 inches off the floor, no higher".
This got me thinking.. so I took my yardstick up stair to my own bedroom....Oops it's 26 inches..But I think it looks terrific. I have a large spacious bedroom with well sized furniture and 15 foot Vaulted Ceiling. I also wanted it the same height as the matching Bachelor chests that I use for nightstands. They are large and are very balanced in the room...plus lots of storage. I then remembered hearing of a study done years ago by Domain, a high style retail furniture company. (a store in the King of Prussia Mall). They queried their customers and found that most people really prefer to climb up into a bed...not down into it. Perhaps Ms Ridder works primarily with Far East design or perhaps she is very petite...I don't know...so I "Googled" her web site and checked out her work. Just as I suspected...very clean Mid-Century modern designs with a touch of Asian influence. No big comfy looking beds here.
After I "Googled" Ms. Ridder, I "Googled" the author of the article, Lisa Cregan. On her web site she listed all the articles that she has had published with pictures of the magazine covers.. I clicked on the one for the "101 Interior Design Secrets" in House Beautiful May of 2012...and to my surprise.. the online version of the article only listed 35 Designer Tips (which are good starting ideas)... Ms. Ridder's belief was not one of them....Do you think Ms Cregan might have received some feed back from those of us in the field?
The moral of this story...as before...there are no hard and fast rules in Interior Design...And when in doubt...GOOGLE THE SOURCE......and now for me....I am going to climb into my Great Big High bed and have a wonderful and regal nights sleep.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
SO MANY RULES....TO DE-BUNK...
I have been so focused on my "Design Sleuth" blog in the Pottstown Mercury's town square that I have ignored this blog and now I am going to bring it back to life with enlightening ideas and hopefully your questions and comment...In that blog I was very busy lately discovering new music venues and wonderful art and theater, and all things... not self promoting....but I am not an entertainment or art critic...I am a Designer. So I am going to take this blog in a more profession direction for a while. Hope you enjoy...
A Designer friend recently presented me with a list of "101 DESIGNER SECRETS" that she found in a prestigious design magazine. This group of "Top Interior Designers" where interviewed for their personal tips and rules.. As I was reading some the "rules" I felt like screaming...No, that's not true in all cases! I found some of this to be a tad bit arrogant.. as interior design is an art form and therefor has no rules. An idea... that in one situation can feel quite off, when applied in another situation can be quite perfect. So for the next few weeks or months.. I will examine some of these "design secrets"..and free you all to be as creative as your heart desires..because good design is about "Your Home" and "Your likes" and what feels good to you.
The first "Rule" I will contest is by a designer named Carey Maloney.
"don't hang a mirror between windows. The spatial void it creates distracts from the view. And don't fall prey to using mirrors in every room or over every mantel. Mirrors are not art, and a room needs art."
Well, there is one concept here I will accept. Don't hang a mirror over a mantel... and the reason is quite simple. When you are sitting in that room.... look at the mantel from the seated place..if you see the reflection of the ceiling, and or opposing wall.. then perhaps a wonderful piece interesting of art would be more appreciated. And as for hanging a mirror between windows...well that depends on so many things.. the space between the windows, the size of the windows, the size of the mirror, the frame design housing the mirror and how does it work with the size of the room. I recently let a client hang wonderful antique mirror between two windows in the guest room we where working on and it is quite prefect and the best place in the room to show of this beautiful piece.
And as for the idea of "Mirror's not being art"....well that is just plain silly. I personally a a large Venetian glass framed mirror, which is one of my most elegant possessions. If your personal collection includes several interesting and wonderful mirrors that relate to each other, have fun with them and hang them as an art grouping on one wall. It could be a great focal point.
One myth down and many more to go...and if you have design questions about your personal project, please feel free to email me and I will give you some ideas to think about....See you again soon with more rules to debunk...
Posted by Carolyn at 2:32 PM No comments: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
A Designer friend recently presented me with a list of "101 DESIGNER SECRETS" that she found in a prestigious design magazine. This group of "Top Interior Designers" where interviewed for their personal tips and rules.. As I was reading some the "rules" I felt like screaming...No, that's not true in all cases! I found some of this to be a tad bit arrogant.. as interior design is an art form and therefor has no rules. An idea... that in one situation can feel quite off, when applied in another situation can be quite perfect. So for the next few weeks or months.. I will examine some of these "design secrets"..and free you all to be as creative as your heart desires..because good design is about "Your Home" and "Your likes" and what feels good to you.
The first "Rule" I will contest is by a designer named Carey Maloney.
"don't hang a mirror between windows. The spatial void it creates distracts from the view. And don't fall prey to using mirrors in every room or over every mantel. Mirrors are not art, and a room needs art."
Well, there is one concept here I will accept. Don't hang a mirror over a mantel... and the reason is quite simple. When you are sitting in that room.... look at the mantel from the seated place..if you see the reflection of the ceiling, and or opposing wall.. then perhaps a wonderful piece interesting of art would be more appreciated. And as for hanging a mirror between windows...well that depends on so many things.. the space between the windows, the size of the windows, the size of the mirror, the frame design housing the mirror and how does it work with the size of the room. I recently let a client hang wonderful antique mirror between two windows in the guest room we where working on and it is quite prefect and the best place in the room to show of this beautiful piece.
And as for the idea of "Mirror's not being art"....well that is just plain silly. I personally a a large Venetian glass framed mirror, which is one of my most elegant possessions. If your personal collection includes several interesting and wonderful mirrors that relate to each other, have fun with them and hang them as an art grouping on one wall. It could be a great focal point.
One myth down and many more to go...and if you have design questions about your personal project, please feel free to email me and I will give you some ideas to think about....See you again soon with more rules to debunk...
Posted by Carolyn at 2:32 PM No comments: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Reason to rejoice...and more
I was spending some time at my favorite furniture store the other day and meeting with several manufactures reps..and viewing their new fabric offerings. Just as I predicted..the new color offerings are the rich blues and saturated tones of green..fabulous red prints..clear warm yellows and pumpkin oranges...the dusty, watered down shades with their mushroom colors and grey tones finally are taking a back seat to lovely rich colors that we all love.
And just in time for the January sales to come..
Which brings me to another point..Its time to decorate for the holidays..and although the economy is not completely back to normal...there are wonderful signs of renewed optimism all around us...the Philadelphia Eagles stadium is going green..with plans to create all its own energy with the sun..And how about that GM stock? It hit the market higher than expected. My Stock in Ford is also doing very well..
In closing.. this holiday season we will be careful with our dollars..we all learned a big lesson...but we can celebrate on a refined and rich level..like we've not done in a long time...with color and lots of it...to make our homes festive and generous in a new way...and if you can..buy an extra turkey for your local food pantry..they still need our help...
And just in time for the January sales to come..
Which brings me to another point..Its time to decorate for the holidays..and although the economy is not completely back to normal...there are wonderful signs of renewed optimism all around us...the Philadelphia Eagles stadium is going green..with plans to create all its own energy with the sun..And how about that GM stock? It hit the market higher than expected. My Stock in Ford is also doing very well..
In closing.. this holiday season we will be careful with our dollars..we all learned a big lesson...but we can celebrate on a refined and rich level..like we've not done in a long time...with color and lots of it...to make our homes festive and generous in a new way...and if you can..buy an extra turkey for your local food pantry..they still need our help...
Monday, September 27, 2010
"bring on the Blues"
The new home design magazines all arrived the other day and I was overjoyed with the advertisements...especially fashion advertising..they were all filled with blue. Rich and Royal. The saturated hues that we have not seen for several years. It is exciting because if it is in apparel this season we will begin to see it in home furnishings next season...they fallow each other...
Blues are season less colors and work well with the foliage colors when used with the deep teal tones to rich navy/purple tones...it can really liven up a sage or bronze/gold palette...and what would a spring pallet be with out crisp blues with yellows and fresh Greens.
There is also historic significance to the return of the Blues...In times when we want to feel confident, secure with a sense of well being we tend towards these colors...could the discomfort of the financial disaster be coming to an end? Works for me...bring on the blues...
Also you will note several new "before and afters" on the web site and there are several works in progress that we will have completed and displayed by the end of the year...
Blues are season less colors and work well with the foliage colors when used with the deep teal tones to rich navy/purple tones...it can really liven up a sage or bronze/gold palette...and what would a spring pallet be with out crisp blues with yellows and fresh Greens.
There is also historic significance to the return of the Blues...In times when we want to feel confident, secure with a sense of well being we tend towards these colors...could the discomfort of the financial disaster be coming to an end? Works for me...bring on the blues...
Also you will note several new "before and afters" on the web site and there are several works in progress that we will have completed and displayed by the end of the year...
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
How A Designer can help you....what to expect...
Many people think the idea of hiring a designer is an extravagance..But in reality, a design professional can actually save you a great deal. And not just money...We often are the "go between" with couple with totally different ideas of what they envision...and a good designer will incorporate both visions into one FABULOUS look... on projects such as kitchens or other major renovations...certain choices can actually cost you money at resale time...
When your ready for design help, do your homework and check out their portfolio, ask if they can work with your budget...and of course you want to check with other clients that they have worked for.. The final consideration should be how you feel when interviewing the person..you are going to be working very closely and if something is annoying on the first visit... it will only get worse as you get into the project...Are they listening to what you say, do they have good communication skills both verbal and digital...In this day and age most good designers will have a web site and email...and they use it...the last thing you want is to be waiting for your designer to return your call...I use email for all important communications..it enables me (and the client)to keep accurate records of conversation and also include my all my Tradesmen on the same page with the same information....
And finally, you may want a designer to simply preview your plans.. and give you some assurance that what you plan will work....and we do that too..
Coming soon to my web site....new projects completed...before and after shots...
When your ready for design help, do your homework and check out their portfolio, ask if they can work with your budget...and of course you want to check with other clients that they have worked for.. The final consideration should be how you feel when interviewing the person..you are going to be working very closely and if something is annoying on the first visit... it will only get worse as you get into the project...Are they listening to what you say, do they have good communication skills both verbal and digital...In this day and age most good designers will have a web site and email...and they use it...the last thing you want is to be waiting for your designer to return your call...I use email for all important communications..it enables me (and the client)to keep accurate records of conversation and also include my all my Tradesmen on the same page with the same information....
And finally, you may want a designer to simply preview your plans.. and give you some assurance that what you plan will work....and we do that too..
Coming soon to my web site....new projects completed...before and after shots...
Monday, July 19, 2010
To Re-finish or Re-purpose
I had a conversation with dear friends yesterday that I often have with clients...They inherited Grandma's kitchen set and were at odds with each other about how to use it in their home....
ABOUT THE FURNITURE...When it was designed and built in the 1930's.. kitchens where not public areas of the home...they were strictly for food preparation and you would not entertain guests there..ever...and they were also very small...thus these pieces where not made of the finest cabinet woods and lacked any real style or embellishments..they where strictly the "work horses" of the furniture world..and these particular pieces...a tall cabinet, table and chairs are very small by today's standards..I would describe their style as "depression era cottage"
Now, my friend's home is an open concept layout and their taste is a mix of traditional and modern...and these pieces, although they function well in the space, their design and style is at odds with the rest of the home owner's furnishings...
Their question to me was: Will refinishing the pieces improve their appearance in the kitchen space? I have 2 questions that I ask in these situation...
1. Do you "LOVE" the piece? Does its provenance,(history..it was Grandma's) bring you great joy?
2. Is the piece of Superior quality?
If the answer to either question is No..then I don't recommend spending any time or money on the piece...UNLESS you are going to RE-PURPOSE them in another area of the home..In this case..give the cabinet a fresh coat of paint..in a white,pastel or bright color and it will look great and function well in a child's room as extra display and storage. Because it is not quality wood, I don't recommend refinishing...and the table and chairs..also treated to a great coat of paint, would work well in a basement/craft room as a game or work table
There you have it..in this case re-purposing wins out...Happy recycling to all..
ABOUT THE FURNITURE...When it was designed and built in the 1930's.. kitchens where not public areas of the home...they were strictly for food preparation and you would not entertain guests there..ever...and they were also very small...thus these pieces where not made of the finest cabinet woods and lacked any real style or embellishments..they where strictly the "work horses" of the furniture world..and these particular pieces...a tall cabinet, table and chairs are very small by today's standards..I would describe their style as "depression era cottage"
Now, my friend's home is an open concept layout and their taste is a mix of traditional and modern...and these pieces, although they function well in the space, their design and style is at odds with the rest of the home owner's furnishings...
Their question to me was: Will refinishing the pieces improve their appearance in the kitchen space? I have 2 questions that I ask in these situation...
1. Do you "LOVE" the piece? Does its provenance,(history..it was Grandma's) bring you great joy?
2. Is the piece of Superior quality?
If the answer to either question is No..then I don't recommend spending any time or money on the piece...UNLESS you are going to RE-PURPOSE them in another area of the home..In this case..give the cabinet a fresh coat of paint..in a white,pastel or bright color and it will look great and function well in a child's room as extra display and storage. Because it is not quality wood, I don't recommend refinishing...and the table and chairs..also treated to a great coat of paint, would work well in a basement/craft room as a game or work table
There you have it..in this case re-purposing wins out...Happy recycling to all..
Monday, July 12, 2010
a great sourse for DIY home renovationers..
One of my favorite things about being a designer is that shopping and bargain hunting is an important part of my work...and being the descendant of furniture merchants, bankers and master cabinet makers....I am genetically predisposed to be very good at it..and this week I found a fabulous source....during the recent unbearable heat...I retreated to my studio...the coolest part of my home...to practice what I preach...a bit of long overdue purging...I finished with a car load of odd blinds and hardware..all new but of no use to me...so I set out for the Habitat for Humanity resale store that I had heard about.. with hopes that they might want my "good stuff"....WHAT A SURPRISE...It was a DIY paradise..full of all things for home renovation...building supplies..hardware....cabinetry..appliances and furniture..some new some gently used.....and all at bargain prices...and they wanted my "stuff"....I really felt good know that my "good stuff" will find new life...and that my favorite charity will make some money... and that I would get a tax deduction....A Win-Win for everyone..I recommend that you check out their website for the store near you...and go forth and save!
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