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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Where Does YOUR Inspiration Come From?

 





If you were to ask ten different people where do they get their inspiration you might get an answer like…….

“Everywhere, I look everywhere for inspiration!!”

I think that is a safe answer, but I think it actually goes a little deeper than that.



In working with clients for over 30 years I have learned to watch their facial expressions, and body language when talking with them about design.



I have watched what makes my clients light up, or become inspired. Sometimes I will see that light turn on when I am describing a room to them, sometimes it is when they see a picture of a room, or an actual object.



On shopping trips when I show my client a possibility of an element for their room, they will either light up like a kid on Christmas morning, or look at it with a tilted head, as if to say, "It is Okay!Sometimes  they will glaze over as if to say, “Well, she is the designer so I guess it is a good piece.”



As a designer you always want your client to light up, and become inspired. It is important to understand body language, and your client in order to best serve them in the design of their room.

You as a homeowner also need to be in tune with what inspires YOU!. 

What makes you smile like a kid at Christmas when you see it? What draws you in to take a closer look? Basically what inspires you?!!

Are you inspired by color, texture, shape, pattern or style?





I would venture to say it is probably one, or two of the above words that  will first draw you in, or inspire you. 


Personally I am almost always drawn in by color first. Once I establish that I love the color I will then look at the pattern, and then the style of the object, or room.


I discovered this early on in my teen years when shopping with my Mom.

As the day would go on we would start to notice that everything we really liked, or were drawn too that day would be a particular color. It would be a blue day, a green day, or a yellow day. One color would stand out among all the others.


Have you ever noticed what draws you into a room design, or a particular an element in a room?

 Next time you go shopping stop, and think about what drew you to certain items.


You know how it is, you are walking throughout a store, and all of the sudden you see, “IT!” you immediately have to go and look at it closer. What was it that drew you in?


I have a friend that is always drawn in by the texture that is a room, or an element. If it has texture, and looks like it could tell a story she will be drawn to it.



Another friend  is drawn in by the color red! If it is red she will have to go over,  pick it up, and examine it!


Source: google.com via Julie on Pinterest

If I go shopping with another friend, she will inevitably be drawn in by the smooth gleaming texture of porcelain pieces.


Pattern is another element that will inspire people. One friend in particular is drawn in by anything paisley or plaid. Ralph Lauren is her man!! We all know how well Mr. Lauren uses plaids and paisleys.



What do you notice yourself being drawn in/inspired by, color, texture, shape, or style? I think if  you really stop and think about it you will be able to zero in on one of the above elements.



Once you discover what draws you in, you will have one or two of the key elements that is important for you to have in your interiors.

In all of the above images which key elements drew you in the most?

“Enjoy the Process!” Of:

Becoming inspired by:

 COLOR, TEXTURE, SHAPE OR STYLE!!
 
 

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Do You Have A Name For Your Design Aesthetics?

 


  I Do! and you can too, just keep reading on to find out how I came up with the words to describe my design aesthetics.


SIMPLE- UNDERSTATED- ELEGANCE





Do you usually think of Simple, or Understated when you think of Elegance?

If you have read my blog for very long you will read the term, Simple Elegance or Understated Elegance allot.

I thought I would define what that means to me and show you some examples of what it looks like. Of course this is just my opinion, but it is a look that I am always trying to achieve in my own home.
When we think of simple we don’t usually think of elegant.

Simple means: having few parts or features; not complicated or involved

Elegant means: luxurious or opulent in a restrained, tasteful manner.

You will notice that both definitions have something in common, restraint, uncomplicated, tasteful. I think these are the words that best describe what
 Simple- Understated- Elegance means to me.

I am going to show you some images of rooms that display Simple-Understated-Elegance. I understand that design will always be subjective, but I also feel that it is important to understand what types of design and why we are drawn to a particular look.

The look I feel most drawn too looks like the following images:


This first image has a wonderful simple design in its straight lined furniture pieces, and yet it has a soft elegance to the room by having a soft curve to the upholstered pieces. 

It also has beautifully framed windows, and millwork. The  sophisticated artwork also adds to the elegant feel in the room. This room has a serene feel to me. How does it make you feel?



A lovely little nook. Simple? Yes! Elegant? Yes!!
Simple in its uncomplicated straight, and simple lines and colors. Elegant with its oval window with curved grill work, and the beautiful, traditional brass sconces. Simple Elegance at its best.


This works space has a rough hewn desk and natural finished floors. How could this possibly be elegant? 

Look at the windows, the curve of the simple chair, the lovely vase of flowers. The soft lavender colors also add to the elegance in this image. Soft, subtle, simple, understated elegance.


T
his room has a simple, and casual elegance. The table, and chairs have simple lines as do the two matching chest on each side of the fireplace.

 A plaid rug will always have a simple and casual feel, so what are the elegant elements in this room?  Look at the mill work, simple straight lines, but it offers up a bit of elegance.

 Notice the mirror frames, they definitely give a nod to elegance. The chandelier has beautiful elegant curves. This room has the best of both worlds, Simple- Understated- Elegance!!



Checks, rough hewn beams, the coffee table all very casual in feel. The gentle curve of the settee and the stately curve of the wing back chairs give this room its feel of understated elegance.

 The jewelry of the room, the chandelier, is graceful and elegant in its design.

The Conclusion:
You will notice a common thread throughout each  of the rooms description I have given you.

As I am diagnosing each room I am learning something about my own design aesthetics.

  • I like straight lined mill work with a nod to the past. I want my walls, and windows and doors to have some kind of mill work. 

  • My furniture pieces need to have clean, simple and sometimes curved lines. 

My elegant elements will be brought in with the lighting and mirrors. Fabrics will need to be solid or simple lines such as checks or stripes. 


What You Can Do To find your own definition:
 
    Are you learning anything about what you require in your own rooms to make them perfect for your own design aesthetics?

    It helps to define your style, give it a name like I did.
    Make it  two-three words that define it.

     Now go  look for rooms that visually describe those words. Make a collage.

     Pinterest is a great place to do this. Step back, look at your collage, and analyze the elements in each room that you like. 

    You will start to see a pattern, just like I did in describing each of the above images.

    If you had to describe your design style in 2-3 words what would your words  be?


    “Enjoy the Process!” Of:

    Defining your Design aesthetics and giving it a name!

    BTW:

    If you would like to see more of what I consider Simple Elegance you can go to my Pinboard HERE!

     

    Saturday, March 10, 2012

    OCEAN DREAMS

     



    It is no surprise to my readers that this girl loves the ocean!! Living in California I am very fortunate to live close enough to go on day trips, or weekend trips to beautiful places like Carmel California.

    But, living in California is another reason I will not be buying a beach house. I spent my millions on other things like food, shelter and clothing.


    Seriously, I do love the ocean and all it has to offer. As soon as I see the Monterey bay I take a deep sigh, and my breathing slows down, and I immediately relax.


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    Even though I know I will never live in a beach house in Carmel/Monterey  I still love to dream about owning one. I actually have a pinboard on Pinterest called Beach Elegance.

    I love a bit of casual elegance in my designs so when I see a room that would fit  a beach home that has a touch of elegance, yet is comfortable and inviting, I do what any good pinner would do, I PIN it!!

    Shall we go to my pretend beach house in Carmel/Monterey by the sea with it’s view of the Pacific ocean?

    Welcome to my home, it is named….. 
    “Dream Come True.” 


    I have lots of hats on my hat rack just in case you forgot yours.


    I think we could all enjoy relaxing in this family room.The only thing I would probably not have pictured is the coral throws and lobster pillows, that is just one step to far for me personally.


    What a great way to slip a chair, a billowy soft sheer fabric.



    The living room is still relaxed and comfy. This is one of my all time favorite rooms. The only thing I would change is to have a whole wall of windows to see the view better. I probably would not have any window treatments either, I love an open window!!

    I will fix you wonderful meals in my nice open kitchen. I can see the ocean right outside the kitchen window over the sink. I will actually enjoy doing the dishes with a view like this.











    Can you imagine having breakfast here every morning, and looking out the French doors at the ocean




    Shall we go down the hallway to the bedrooms?……..


    Here is the guest room where you will be staying……


    You have a nice deck outside the french doors to enjoy the ocean view.



    Of course you have your own private bathroom that also enjoys  your deck.

    Another guest room is available if you  like it better you can stay in here, it is your choice…….






    I have a bunkhouse for the children, they just love bunkbeds.


    The master bedroom is down its very own separate hallway on the first floor, all other rooms are upstairs so they have their own private quarters……


    We have a fireplace in our room, and at the end of the room is a seating area  with two chaise lounges in front of the French doors overlooking the ocean.


    We can sit out here and visit……

    If you need to take a nap here is a comfy spot …….

    I think it is time to go for a walk on the beach…….


    Source: heidiclaire.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

    Right by the back door in the kitchen I have your beach bags all ready for a day on the beach, sun hats included!!



    Oh look there is a shell!…….


    It is starting to get dark, we should probably head back to the house.


    Surprise! A little something for you to enjoy!!!!!







    It will be warm tonight so be sure and leave your window open so you can hear the ocean waves. There is nothing that will give you a good nights sleep like the ocean waves…..



    Sweet Dreams!

    BTW: Do you like a casual beach look, elegant beach look, or a Kitschy/cutesy beach look for your beach house? Inquiring minds would like to know!!