Be Transported By Turquoise

Pillows by Jonathan Adler

In this economic climate, it may not be easy for people to fly off for a tropical island getaway—as much as they crave the tranquility and escape that it promises. But there might be another way to achieve the same effects by staying at home.

With turquoise named as Pantone’s color of the year for 2010, it will be easy for homeowners to bring the benefits of this soothing yet energetic color into their homes. Although it’s not the idyllic paradise of the Caribbean, adding turquoise will be a great way to freshen and update a room.

Fallingwater House

This fall I was finally able to make it to the Western Pennsylvania foothills to see Fallingwater House, Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece.  As part of my curriculum in design school, I learned about the many homes and other buildings that he designed.  Fallingwater by far intrigued me the most.

Fallingwater was designed for the Kaufmman family who ran Kaufmman’s Department Store in Pittsburgh, Pa. At that time, Pittsburgh was known as the “Smoky City” due to pollution from all of the steel working plants. This land south of Pittsburgh was their escape from the city. When they commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to build them their ultimate getaway, they were expecting a view of the waterfall. Imagine their surprise when he presented plans for a house that actually sits over the waterfall!

I was impressed with how integrated everything was both outside and inside. Everything was built in including the closets, desks, nightstands, beds, and sofas. He designed the whole home to draw the outside in. One way he accomplished this through expansive windows that open seamlessly in the corners to let in the the sounds of the water falling around the home.

If you ever get to that area of the world, I strongly encourage you to take a trip down to Fallingwater. I guarantee that you’ll be inspired to think about how to integrate design with your surroundings just like I was!

Taking Another Look

I recently attended a party that had a caricature artist as entertainment.  Feeling especially brave,(maybe it was the two glasses of wine) I had my picture drawn.  It was uncomfortable having someone stare intently at me and not know what he was drawing.   Everyday we look in the mirror and see what we want to see.  It was interesting to see what someone else sees.

I think that like me with the artist some people are afraid to hire an interior designer to come into their homes.  They fear that the designer will be ultra critical and impose their will on them.  A professional designer takes great care to interview the homeowner to find out how they live and how their  home functions.  Then the designer makes recommendations that will improve the quality of living and welfare of the homeowners.

Having a design professional take a fresh look can make all of the difference in a successful project.  While it may be uncomfortable at first, I can tell you from my experience with the artist that it is interesting and refreshing!

Here is my caricature.  If I can be brave, then you can too!

Cartoon

Outdoor Living

Here in Orange County, we enjoy the outdoors.  An easy way to increase the square footage of your home is to create an outdoor living space.  It can be simple or much more elaborate depending on your budget and space.

Many companies are now creating easy solutions to outdoor living areas.  Consider using outdoor fabrics that look and feel like indoor fabrics. They soft and beautiful.  I challenge you to know the difference!  These fabrics are 100% solution dyed acrylic and resist staining and sun damage.  I have even used these for indoor spaces where dogs or children are of concern.  Drape your patio cover, add coordinated pillows and throws and voila you have a warm inviting outdoor space!

Make a focal point out of either a gas-powered fireplace or wood burning fire pit.  This way you can extend the season that you can enjoy your patio.

Unite the outdoor and indoor space by using similar flooring materials.  This tricks the eye into thinking that the spaces are one.

Outdoor Living Space

Mix It Up

Don’t be afraid to mix elements in design.  This bath combines natural stone with man-made glass tile.  The stone adds an organic feeling warming up the more cool industrial glass tile.  The look is cool calm and comfortable.