It's EASY being Green!

Whether your designing your new dream kitchen from scratch or  just updating your current one, "going green" doesn't have to be extremely expensive or consist of impossibly unattainable or unsustainable life changes.  Developing an Eco-friendly kitchen can be great way of taking little steps towards shrinking the huge footprint created and negative toll taken by the average home on the environment.  The online article from Better Homes & Gardens titled, "Eco-friendly Kitchen Ideas", list 21 easy steps you can take in becoming are more sustainable, earth friendly family and home.  Here are just a few...

• Use Low or NO VOC paints and stains when refinishing or repainting that do not pollute thru off-gassing
• Select building materials such as cabinets and flooring that do not contain toxins such as formaldehyde
• Add potted plants, greenery or even an herb garden to help contribute to indoor air quality by acting as a natural air filter and release oxygen.

• Select water saving faucets and fixture to help reduce water waste. (A water flow rate of 2.2 gallons of water per min. or under is suggested)

 

• Choose and install appliances that conserve energy and labeled with such certified agencies such as "Energy Star" that follow and meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the E.P.A.

 

 

• Use natural material such as wood, cork and linoleum that don't contribute to toxic off-gassing or have a large manufacturing foot print.

 

 

 



Shedding Light On A Old Family Heirloom

My partner Aaron has had these two old lamps sitting in the basement collecting dust since as far back I can remember... Well, at least as long as I've known him!  When I moved in almost a year ago, one made its way to my side of the bed, and it's been collecting dust next to my face, (which seems like forever now).  I jumped at the chance to re-do one for our DIY Lamp project this semester, and the following is a detailed account of the results.

The lamp that I choose was the smaller scale of the two, each very much resembling the other, however, the lamp selected for the makeover had a little narrower in diameter base.  Each one had been beautifully hard carved / turned by my partner Aaron's grandfather and had a beautifully rich marbling of wood grain and rhythmically spiraling curves, banding, and cut-ins all away around and up-and-down the shaft of the lamp.  Each was also given a handmade pleated shade with small decorative gold glitter banding glued around the top and the bottom of the shade...  One shade in hunter green, the other in white.

The problem I was facing was how to keep the integrity of the lamp, the beautifully hand carved lamp base with its mesmerizing watery wood grain, without destroying or covering up the charming characteristics that each lamp was lovingly bestowed by his grandfather who had since past.

I decided to scrape the shade all together and chose one with an updated silhouette in a color way that would pop against the backdrop of our "Olive Branch" dusty grey-green bedroom walls, but also be easily moved from one room to another, complimenting its new placement if happen to be the case in the future.  I decided to purchase an inexpensive Black cylindrical shade from a local retailer which gently diffuses the light and causes for the upper and lower light filtration to sort of take on an hour glass feel when fully illuminated.

For the base, I decided to use a small decorative leather banding that closely matched the color of the wood grain, and used a hot glue gun to apply it within the inset rings horizontally around the base.  This helped to highlight the wood grain and divided up the rings and banding given to the shaft with his grandfathers skillful woodwork-ery.

The final result ended in a priceless family heirloom being restored to its original splendor without taking away from its hand carved natural characteristics with a fresh, classic, and timeless addition of a new shade and enhanced banded silhouette.

The results are shown below in a series of Before / After pictures.  ENJOY!

Creative Ideas for the Hostess with the Mostestest

November 20, 2013:  Today is my partner and myself year and a half anniversary.  I'm struggling with the idea as to what to get "the person who has everything"?!  This debacle is the similar to the one I often find myself in this time of year as Holiday gatherings kick into full gear.  We've all been the overwhelmed crazy person wearing circles into the isle at Target, asking what one could possibly bring to a host that would leave a lasting impression, a memorable surprise, and a welcomed retreat from the everyday and mundane.  

In this months online addition of Martha Stewart Living, the staff and Ms. M offer up several creative ideas that can be hand made or purchased and strewn together, brightening up anyone's kitchen, garden or living space with interesting and thoughtful offerings that are both useful and one-of-a-kind.   

focus INflame

With the autumn season in full swing and the cooler weather expeditiously encroaching, people are turning their attention inside-out by bringing the outside-in and spending the season surounded by friends and loved ones.

In a series of developing stories titled One-Of-A-Kind-Rooms,  the staff of Elle Decor bring you indoors to shed some light on a few uniquely designed living rooms with "One-Of-A-Kind-Fireplaces" that are sure to spark your interest and warm your soul.

The fireplace in the living room at Dar Es Saada, the Marrakech guesthouse of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, was created by American-born designer Bill Willis and inlaid with tile from Fez; the cocktail table is by Jean Dunand, and the chair in the foreground is Syrian. 

A mantel crafted from driftwood, and fireplace tools from TJ Hooker in a Montana guest room decorated by Philip Hooper and Sally Metcalfe. 

Chakib Richani designed the stainless-steel fireplace surround to contrast with the walnut-clad walls of a home in Faqra, Lebanon; the chaise longue and armchairs are from Cassina. 

In a Chicago library designed by Eric Ceputis, fireproof black porcelain tiles line the floor and a nook behind a suspended fireplace. 

A stacked-stone fireplace divides the living room of interior designer Joe Nahem and Jeff Fields’s Long Island home and serves as its centerpiece; the floors are reclaimed oak, and the windows and doors are by Marvin. Nahem designed the sectional sofa, and the vintage Nakashima cocktail table was purchased at auction; the 1950s slipper chairs are upholstered in Larsen’s Botanicus fabric from Cowtan & Tout. 
 

The living room's wood ceiling, wrought-iron chandelier, and fireplace are original to the house; the Swedish trestle table and the marble plaque of Virgil are 19th century. 

"I would rather have taste than love or money." - William Haines

Charles William Haines, better known as William Haines with American movie goers and "Billy" Haines within Hollywood's inner circle began his illustrious and influential career as a film star in the early 20's and 30's.  Discovered and signed first with Metro-Goldwyn Mayer in 1922 and later teaming up with Columbia Pictures, William Haines drew enormous fame and box office success with cinema classics such as The Midnight Express and Brown of Harvard.  Haines grew tired of the consistent pressure from the studios regarding his sexuality and his relationship with life long partner James "Jimmie" Shields and eventually quit the film business all together. 

Haines never strayed too far away from his Hollywood roots and the family and friends he garnered while working in the film industry.  Haines and Shields stepped out onto the design stage as antique dealers early on, but as "Billy" Haines' reputation as a interior design grew with the Hollywood elite, so too did his confidence, personality and unique "unusual flair" for design.   Haines, along with prominent architects such as James E. Dolena, Roland E. Coate and A. Quincy Jones helped to transform Hollywood into the glamorous, sophisticated, and chic contemporary it is today.  Haines will forever be remembered and eternally imitated for "his balance between formal and casual, style and substance".  Together with fellow designers such as Ted Graber and Micheal Morrison, Haines created classic pieces that were described as "triumphs of form and function".

Throughout his career, Haines had been privy to design homes for stars and long time friends such as Joan Crawford and Gloria Swanson.  Haines famously worked with influential clientele like Betsy Bloomingdale and Ronald and Nancy Regan for whom he designed a room in the White House.  Haines further cemented his legacy with such historically legendary designs like "Sunnylands" estate for Walter and Leonore Annerberg and even designed a Dessert Chic living room for the Golden Gate Expo in San Francisco at the 1939 World's Fair. After his death in 1973, Haines' contribution to the film industry was celebrated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  Continuing his stylistic vision and creative genius in the arena of interior design, William Haines' work will forever be remembered, recreated, and revered the world over with the help from the William Haines Designs agency located and operating out of none other than the land AND the style that Haines himself built... Hollywood, CA U.S.A.!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited:

 

• History, William Haines Design, 2013, Website.  21 Oct 2013.  http://www.williamhaines.com/history
• William Haines - Creator of a Smart New Look for the Hollywood Scene, text by William J. Mann, Architectural Digest, 2000, Article.  21 Oct 2013.  Web.  http://www.architecturaldigest.com/architecture/archive/haines_article_012000
• William Haines,  Wikipedia, 7 Oct 2013, Online article.  21 Oct 2013.  Web.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Haines

SENIOR SENSIBILITY

My significant other had a birthday a few days back and  it got me thinking about our future together and my ongoing roll as personal Designer to my family, friends, and loved ones.  I refer to myself as a "Designer" just as loosely and broad scoping as the term reflects due to the nature of my abilities, interests, and ever evolving specific needs of my clients and acquaintances.  As a wise man and fellow "Designer" once said, "The only thing certain in life is death and taxes" -Benjamin Franklin.  As uncertain and unpredictable as our futures may be, (and as vague and far-reaching as  my calling card may portray), there is one thing we all know to be true...  We are all getting older!

The online resource BBHQ: Boomer Statistics states that after WWII between the years of 1946 and 1964, the United States experienced it's greatest baby birth explosion with 76 million births.  Those "baby boomers" as they are now referred to range between the ages of 49 and 67 and make up 26 percent of the total population in America, one of the biggest and most influential sectors of our economy.  As the age of our country increases, so too does the emphasis on social services involving senior care and quality of life and the need for Design professionals that specialize in senior care facilities and individual housing needs of the elderly.

Emily Henderson, a professional designer and winner of HGTV's "Design Star" and host of the HGTV's show "Secrets of a Stylist" have teamed up with Sunrise Senior Living communities to provided an extensive guide and online resource for people considering moving to a senior assisted community and ways to incorporate "form and function to create a senior friendly environment designed for comfort, convenience, and safety.

The following are a few bulleted examples that have been laid out by Emily Henderson and Sunrise design Team in their 2013 Design Guide:  http://www.sunriseseniorliving.com/the-sunrise-difference/design.aspx


PLAN A SMOOTH TRANSITION:

Moving into new living situation can be one of life's BIGGEST stressors for anyone.  By adhering to a few helpful Do's / Don'ts you can help to provide your loved one with a welcomed move.

Do:  

-Consider the size and layout of the space and only bring items that will fit comfortably

-Outline a list of key elements that incorporate your favorite daily activities

-Get creative:  Recreate elements from previous homes into your new "smaller" space

Don't:

-Make moving and packing decisions alone

-Leave loved ones out of the process

-Waste money on new accessories

STRATEGIES FOR SAFETY AND COMFORT:

-Finesse the Furniture by placing items that can be used for balance and keep the pathways clear for needed devices such as walkers and wheelchairs

-Improve Access by keeping everyday items waist high in cabinets and drawers, place phones near beds and seating areas,  situate lighting for ease of access and operation and outfit dressers and drawers with pulls for easy grip

-Prevent Falls by using slip resistant contrasting colored rugs that stand out from floors and hide electrical cords behind furniture or enclose them inside cord management products

-Increase Visibility by creating strong contrasts between large furniture, walls, drapes, and floors.  Use lots of natural light during the day and provide for well lighted paths and walkways through out the night

-Create a Fall-Proof Bathroom by placing seating near the sink and in the shower for ease and comfort while grooming.  Install non-slip strips and bars around the tub, sink and shower

DESIGN SOLUTIONS FOR AGING EYESIGHT:

-Create strong color contrasts between major pieces of furniture

-Outline windows with curtains and add cording to seating

-Use natural light to illuminate the space and help with sleep cycles

-Keep reading areas well lit and add under-cabinet lighting for food prep

-Use warm color palettes with warm reds and golds that are more distinguishable to aging eyes

-Incorporate nightlights and motion-sensor lights along pathways for easier navigation and reduce risk of falls

-Choose artwork and accessories that are bright, crisp and clear

-Minimize reflective surfaces that can reflect light

CREATING FAMILIAR SPACES FOR MEMORY SUPPORT:

-Thoughtful design engages the senses, (such as sight, smell, taste, and touch) and helps to develop an environment that is therapeutic, creates security and promotes self esteem.

MAKING YOUR SPACE UNIQUE:

-Ones personal space should reflect individual tastes and interests

-Encourage social interaction by providing a guest seating, grouping furniture that promotes conversation, and display personal elements such as art, photos, awards and keepsakes that can open up a personal dialog with guest

BEFORE & AFTER:

BEDROOM

LIVING ROOM

WORK AREA

AREA CODES COLOR: This ain't your Grandfather's Red, White, & Blue.

In the recent article titled "How Geography Affects Color Preference", The Learning Channel's Lauren Makk discusses the how regional location effects the color trends and influences how homeowners select their exterior and interior color palettes.  Originally published in STIR, (Sherwin Williams resource that explores the connection between color and cutting-edge design), Makk examines the traditions and characteristics that make a particular part of the United States and how homeowners choose their hues that are indicative to their regional surroundings.

Lauren, a designer on the Learning Channel's Trading Spaces leans that "When it comes to regional color schemes, colors are driven by three factors:  architecture, nature and the people who enrich the culture" and goes on to contest "That trilogy really drives the way that colors and our lifestyles come together."

In New England, Makk says that historical influences and America's history blend with the region's Colonial, Georgian, and Federal-style architecture.  People tend to prefer deeper hues of gray and greens, reds and navies.  Other popular colors seem to correspond with the New England's natural surroundings imitating the gray Atlantic Ocean, the deep purples, icy blues and cheery yellows of summertime with it's wildflowers, all of which can be seen both inside and out of the home.

A little further down the coast the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern states seem to mimic their neighbors up North, however as Makk observes "The colors are very lively and a little sweeter" saying that colors like Sage and the tones of the native river rock take center stage in the regions mixture of Tudor, Arts and Crafts and Colonial homes.  Going still a little further into Florida, residences mostly made up of Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes reach for colors reflecting the blues of the water, greens of the foliage, and sun inspired yellows.

In the South, the rich history of the past and the wistful and playful architecture make way for a colorful display of rich blues, grays, reds, yellows and greens.

In the Midwest, homeowners tend to be driven towards warm and inviting colors induced by the influx of severe weather and storms.  Makk goes on to state that traditional colors like beige, taupe and creams tend to be the norm, however are slowly developing into richer and deeper earth tones and hues including wheat, gold-tinged browns and soft greens.  Tones that ccomplement the Midwest's diverse architectural styles, such as Prairie School, Farmhouse, and Arts and Crafts bungalows.  In the more urban areas, the Midwest's Scandinavian influence can be seen in the more modern "loft-style" interiors denoted by the use of bright, bold primary colors.

In the mountain ranges of the West, the people of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Montana stay true to their history with it's raw and rugged natural surroundings and landscape and is reflected in their use of yellows, greens, browns, blues, rust and golds.

With the Southwest ever so influenced by it's Hispanic and Native American roots, it's no surprise that the "traditional color schemes and certain palettes" of the ancient people of the land, are reflected in the use of colors such as beige, red-oranges, and Terra cottas commonly attributed to the adobe style homes still seen in this region.  Homeowners in the old world influenced architecture of New Mexico, Arizona and the high desert of California also prefer to design with chocolate browns, reds, yellows, and coppers.

Southern California tends to be just as exciting as eccentric as it's people by exhibiting colors ways that are bright and exotic as the landscape in which they reside.  Spanish culture seems to influence the bold and lively use of tangerines, marigolds, pinks, and lime greens.  

Makk finally reaches the Pacific Northwest where she describes the trend as being very monochromatic or, "a sort of fisherman's color scheme" saying that there is an abundance of grays, deep blues, and whites.  With the Northwest's architecture mixing Asian and organic themes, uses of colors such as greens, tans, reds, and golds also help to deviate from the mundane rainy season of the coast.