Las Vegas Summer Market Finds

Attending Las Vegas Summer Market was a bit different than attending High Point Market in North Carolina.  Normally, I wouldn’t have traveled during the summer to a dessert where temperatures reach 112 degrees, but when your very good friend and fellow interior designer, Wendy Glaister from Central Valley California, invites you to join her in a speaking presentation to other interior designers during Market, of course I was on board. 

Las Vegas Market is where furniture manufacturers and artisans showcase their new and upcoming products for the year to retail buyers and interior designers.  Market happens twice a year in the spring and the fall.  I was curious to walk the showrooms in Vegas to compare the difference between east coast market to west coast market.  Searching for what was different and new out in the western part of the country.  What I noticed was a lot of bling in lighting, pillows, and rugs.  Metallic threads running through hand-made area rugs.  The MASTOUR showroom featured fine handwoven silk and wool Tibetan carpets.  A few eye-catching rugs were two from their Modern Couture collection.  Both having neutral gray tone backgrounds of mottled color.  The interesting detail in these rugs were the metallics used to create the design woven into the rug.  The silver metallic makes the design.  The Tib400 with star-like sparkle pattern won the purple ribbon for Best in Show.

Another interesting showroom was Howard Elliott.  Just loved their twist on their collection of furniture and accessories.  Represented by, interior designer and brand ambassador, Justin Shaulis.  Justin’s spring 2018 curated collection has a classic and modern feel.  Combining some of the classic details with beautiful finishes.  The Howard Elliott selections can also be customized in color.  Their featured wall of glossy and colorful painted mirrors displays some finishes to choose from.  The mixing of metals and Lucite was also a big show stopper.  Colorful artwork in this collection was most definitely one of my favorites.

The Four Hands showroom caught my eye with their mid-century furniture designs, however, with something different.  I’m not one to drool over mid-century modern, however, there was a softness to their pieces.  Enthralled with the mixing of finishes such as the round white dining table paired with textured upholstery, black iron framed seating made this vignette interesting.  Also, a favorite of the olive-green velvets that covered their upholstered framed sofas.  Definitely worth a look for those who would like to test the waters in mid-century design.

Of course, I had to stop by the Visual Comforts showroom to see what was new and exciting in their line of lighting and to catch a glimpse of the wall of Kate Spade lighting designs.  Noticed in not just the Visual Comforts showroom but also in Currey and Company’s lighting showroom were larger scale and very colorful table lamps.  One spectacular ceiling light fixture displayed by Currey and Company was with the large gold leaf and new gold leaf blue ceiling light. 

If interested in seeing more of what Las Vegas Market had to offer in these showrooms, check out their web site.

·        Howard Elliott, www.howardelliott.com

·        Four Hands, www.fourhands.com

·        MASTOUR, www.mastourgalleries.com

Currey and Company, www.curreyco.com

Adult Coloring in Custom Design

As a child one of the first creative activities I remember is my mother coloring with me and my siblings.  It was one of our favorite past times.  Before my creative journey in sewing and before my sister’s creative hand with her painting skills, utilizing all the colors in the crayon box was the mission at hand.  I also believe it was one of my mother’s favorite activities she shared with us.

A current project of designing a grand but charming foyer entry for clients has taken me back to those color book creations.  When searching for the perfect mosaic tile that would create initial wow factor upon entering the home, I remembered a few key words the clients described in our initial meeting. Sapphire blue was an important element that needed to be met in the scheme of this project.   Most certainly sapphire could be brought in from the staircase runner, however, these creative and hands-on clients preferred a touch of blue in their mosaic tile floor.  After searching for samples and designs, it was apparent a meeting at the Boston Design Center would most certainly curb their appetite for finding the right design and color.  Walking into Discover Tile was like entering a world of patterns and color, an adult crayon box.  The selections were endless.  Finding a pattern that allowed creative license of choosing the colors desired was the perfect solution.  With a copy of the pattern given to us, as a page in a coloring book, and a container of colored pencils, my clients went to work.  On the floor we were coloring each mosaic piece on the page that would be the prototype for the sample of tile to be made.  This was certainly an example of adult coloring at its best.

Next on to finding the perfect stair runner to complement the custom mosaic floor.  With the plan of the stair trends being marble, shades of blue and gray were sought.  On a mission to find the perfect colors, we ventured into our appointment at JD Staron.  After selecting a pattern for the runner, we were able to create the perfect color combination from yarn poms, a carpet color reference system, that were available.  Another form of adult coloring was taking place this time with colored yarn.  All in agreement with the colors chosen, a sample of the pattern and colors selected was off to the manufacturer.  Once the tile and runner sample are complete the final approval will be made.

Choosing colors and design elements of iron, marble, and venetian plaster for the upper walls and white paneled millwork for this entry will not only create a timeless and elegant space but will also fulfill the clients design goal of a timeless and charming foyer entry at the same time.

Creating with color is not only for the young but plays an important part in our everyday adult life.  Color creates emotion, a mood in a space, light, dramatic, calming are just some color results.  Adult coloring is a popular pastime today and proven to relieve stress.  A creative outlet for all.

Bright Ideas For Styling With Color In Your Home

Ever look at the rooms in your home and think there’s something missing, even though you might love your furniture and everything chosen to go with it, is there something that could possibliy add a bit more life to the space?

Color is what is missing.  For one who loves neutrals in my own space and turning around one day to look at my small living area, I just didn’t seem to love it anymore.  Everything just seemed to blend.  A perfect example of pieces I loved in the space but it was just missing some color.  Knowing as we mature in life our styles change.  My style for neutrals has remained the same for quite a while now, but embracing color in my living space was a change I was happy to make and it wasn’t through paint color on the wall. 

Changes were made through accessories.  An accent pillow full of texture and loads of color.  Hot pink florals, a bright green and yellow hummingbird embroidered on a gray and white textured fabric was full of style.  Perfect for the small settee.  The inspiration for adding color was with a turn of the head to see the mandolin sitting proudly on the settee, placed perfectly without knowing. 

Adding fresh cut flowers from your garden is another way to add brightness to your space.  I’m fortunate to step outside and cut fresh blue hydrangea to add as a centerpiece on the neutral coffee table made of reclaimed wood.  The blue is perfect up against the neutral color settee in the background.  Simple things like fresh fruit can add color to any space. 

Green apples, oranges, mixed with red apples add bright fresh color placed in a bowl on a table or even in a guest bedroom for overnight guests to enjoy.

Pops of color can also be added to a white fireplace mantle.  Embracing neutral for such a long time, summer provides the opportunity to be creative with fresh flowers and containers to place them in.  Finding an ivory background color water pitcher made of terracotta clay with a blue design was the perfect item to add additional color to my mantle.  Adding orange Parisian lilies to the pitcher added the height needed and achieved the goal for brightness.  Combining more blue hydrangea was a plus. 

Greenery is another way to add brightness.  House plants such as Boston fern are not only space fillers, but also add a sense of warmth and color to a room.  Succulents are another way to add color with various shades of greens and purples and can dress up a window sill at the same time.

Embracing color in a space can be done tastefully.  Having a neutral backdrop in a room helps when adding various colors at the same time to a space.

Bright Ideas of Adding Color:

·        Accent pillow full of color

·        A musical instrument (even if you do play, it’s a great prop)

·        Fresh hydrangea

·        Fresh fruit

·        Green plants

Home Styling With The Little Things

The sun has finally shed a bit of light on our most recent rain pattern.  With the warm sunshine brings some heartfelt appreciation for the little things that make a house a home.  To some it might be clutter, but to others these little things could be most cherished memorabilia.

Just by looking outside the window can bring some life and freshness to your home.  Gardens of plantings whether it be a small rose bush, hydrangea plants or by creating your own with potted flowers can provide interest.  For me it’s beach rose plantings that offer a sweet aroma every morning in the soft breeze. You don’t have to have a large and finely manicured yard to enjoy flowers and plantings that can be cut and brought inside your home to enjoy.  Potted house plants that will last year-round will also bring warmth and enjoyment to your living space.  I continually clip my begonia plant to create additional potted plants throughout the home.

Add some charm and interest to a bathroom.  Finding some unique items and thinking outside of the box.  I found antique iron birdbath in aged green that will be used for hand soaps or a potted plant.  Adding little details that will also create some interest, can be found in unique towel hooks.  I was lucky enough to hold on to a twisted iron and glass wall hook for use in the bathroom.  Creating an interesting display of wall mirrors will also add charm.  A little pre-planning when sprucing up a bathroom will result in satisfaction in the end.  Adding unique accent tiles with certain features will make the design stand out.  Iridescent hexagon tiles and glass mosaics that are installed on the shower floor or at eye level in a shower is an attention grabber.

Meadow fabric by Jffabrics for Duralee Fabrics

Little things of pleasure come in all shapes and sizes.  it could be as simple as the details on a fabric for pillows or window treatments.  A garden design fabric with a hummingbird and butterfly are particulars not everyone will embrace, yet still creates interest for someone who enjoys gardening and nature.  A sheer fabric with dotted frayed detail is a simple way to add some interest with the little embellishment of fraying threads.   Displaying your books of interest also adds a visual concept of who you are, your interest and tells a story of who you are.  These journals of information can be displayed casually on a staircase bringing color up onto the staircase through the book covers.

In the world of design, fine lines and contemporary living spaces are being noticed more.  Adding small details to a mantel to embellish and give style to the piece creates softness.  Pieces of detail can be purchased and added to furniture to create interest.

Miss Elouise

My most special little accessory to my home that brings me joy is Miss Elouise my fur grandbaby traveling to the local farmers market embellished with her stylish peasant kerchief always makes me smile.  What little things around your home make you happy?

Kitchen Design Tips from Matthew Quinn's Quintessential Kitchens

Boston Design Week was jammed packed with many informational seminars and presentations for the Boston Design Community as well as for the public to enjoy.  One that was sure not to miss was the presentation by award winning luxury kitchen designer Matthew Quinn.

Matthew Quinn has won the House Beautiful 2016 Kitchen of the Year award as well as designed kitchens for the Kips Bay Show House.  The Kips Bay Show House is an event where interior designers come together to decorate a Manhattan mansion every year that raises funds for the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club programs for New York City children.  The audience on Tuesday’s presentation was fortunate enough to listen to Matthew Quinn sharing his kitchen and bath design tips as well as launch his new book Quintessential Kitchens.  Here are some of his most noted design tips.

Matthew shared the statistics that 43% of men cook 3 times a week where women spend less time in the kitchen on an average of 2 times per week.  When designing a kitchen with high ceilings, for example, a 22’ x 62’ space, (imagine that), Matthew brings backsplash tile up to the ceiling line as not to have wall cabinets reaching the ceiling that would not be easily accessible.  Another tip Matthew shared was instead of using recessed can lighting in the ceiling, utilize wall sconce lighting installed high above upper cabinets.  A feature a lot of clients ask for is double wall ovens.  Instead of following normal practices, Matthew likes to install two single wall ovens adding an open cabinet with glass doors to the center of the oven wall which provides symmetrical balance.

For that European kitchen feel, hand-made wall tiles installed to the ceiling with floating shelves for storing everyday dishes is another tip that keeps the kitchen open.  One of Matthews signature designs is mixing metals.  Mixing brass and stainless is something noticed in most every kitchen design he creates especially on his range hood designs as well as the hardware on cabinet doors and drawers.  Again, Matthew incorporates lighting sconces over windows instead of ceiling can lighting.  For a classic look on countertops, he suggests using honed countertops and a polished backsplash tile for a very classic look.  One of my most favorite design tips was when clients request metal windows, which are very expensive.  Instead of going this route he shared his resource.  Kolbe wood window company is a company that makes windows with the smallest mullions that look like metal when painted.  If a floor to ceiling wine cabinet is desired, Matthew uses glass shower door enclosures, one on the left side of the wall for white wine and one on the left side for reds.  The center of the wall can be used for cabinets, shelving, and barware.  

Open shelving and wall sconce lighting

Mixing of metals stainless and brass on range hood 

Polished backsplash tile, honed countertop, iron-look window, wall sconce lighting and mixing of metals on shelf brackets

Matthew Quinn’s new book Quintessential Kitchens is worth the purchase and is filled with his design resources for someone in interested in designing their kitchen or bath.

Kitchen Design Tips:

·        Use wall sconces instead of recessed can lighting for high kitchen walls

·        Install large backsplash tiles to the ceiling line for a kitchen with high ceilings

·        Install two single ovens instead of one double oven

·        Store everyday dishes on upper floating shelves instead of upper cabinets

·        Honed countertops and a polished backsplash provides a classic look

·        Use shower door enclosures to create a floor to ceiling wine cabinet