tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65803197995628683232024-03-12T20:42:20.859-07:00Ambi Design-The BlogAmbi Design Studio is a boutique interior design firm in McLean, VA that was created by designer Shanon Munn. This blog is devoted to the products that enchant us, people who impact us and projects we are working on. You can check out our website at www.ambidesignstudio.com or find us on facebook.Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-33627757385701009922013-04-05T13:28:00.000-07:002013-04-05T13:31:06.470-07:00Small Spaces, no worries!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9121248/list/My-Houzz--Fashionable--Organic-Style-in-a-Compact-Virginia-Condo" target="_blank">Houzz.com</a></td></tr>
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One of the design strengths that I pride myself on is my space planning ability. <a href="http://ambidesign-theblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/our-tour-of-dc-design-house.html" target="_blank">I think that the deck that we designed for the DC Design House</a> (see below photo) was a good example. Another good example is my little sister's condo in Arlington. Read the <a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9121248/list" target="_blank">story on Houzz.com</a> today about it! It is a 600 some square foot condo that had little personality when she got it three years ago. We just officially "finished" it up a few months ago. Northern VA magazine did a great feature article on it this week if you live in the DC area.<br />
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Five tips on small space design:<br />
1. Open spaces up to each other. Seating groups and dining areas and working areas should have visual flow. Example, in my sister's condo it would have been wrong to have a sofa face the TV. The back would have cut off the dining space.<br />
2. Keep furniture open and airy. The bookshelves in my sister's desk area are great because you see the wall behind. It keeps the room looking "wall to wall". The open benches on the deck I designed did the same thing.<br />
3. Utilize the height of a room. Window treatments should go as high as possible. Storage should go tall (read the article to see my sister's closet!).<br />
4. Mirrors and reflective finishes bounce light around reflection around a space to help to make it seem larger.<br />
5. Clear furniture or furniture with legs shows floor and helps trick the eye into thinking a space is larger.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t93Rrv9pBJs/UV8scXKQRNI/AAAAAAAAATA/0YFxmEFoK6k/s1600/dcdh_0104sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t93Rrv9pBJs/UV8scXKQRNI/AAAAAAAAATA/0YFxmEFoK6k/s640/dcdh_0104sm.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<br />Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-11823689074797182762013-01-07T14:38:00.002-08:002013-01-07T14:38:52.817-08:00Adorable and functional go hand in hand!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5QNPTH8eIo/UOtN7p0a4RI/AAAAAAAAASk/K5IviO1UHJE/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5QNPTH8eIo/UOtN7p0a4RI/AAAAAAAAASk/K5IviO1UHJE/s400/photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is funny that my first post in months is going to be about measuring cups. But it is =). If you know me well you probably know that I have a little bit of an inherited obsession with kitchenware (sorry mom, I let the cat out of the bag!). I usually keep a fairly tight rein on it because I also don't care for mis-matched sets. However, Amanda made a very good point while we were baking my client Christmas goodies this year, I was severely lacking in measuring cups! Part of that is just the way that I cook. I don't measure- a pinch of this, a shake of that. However, when you bake you need to be precise. So, now I had a green light to buy a necessary tool for my kitchen!</div>
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Obviously as a designer I am very cognizant of style. But most of my clients will probably attest that I am also very concerned with practicality. And this adorable set of nesting doll measuring cups combines those two worlds perfectly! </div>
Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-83739761075227899702012-10-12T07:45:00.000-07:002013-01-07T14:44:27.393-08:00Today's article in the Examiner is worth taking the time to read!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today's Examiner is featuring a home I worked on two years ago. Julie and Lisa brought eclectic tastes and personalities to the project and I wanted it to reflect in their home. They had a collection of family antiques and pieces from their travels but nothing gelled together. The most challenging part of the project was trying to improve the visual and functional flow between the sunken family room and the dining room above. The daybed achieved that goal, keeping the railing area visually free, but allowing interaction between the areas. Another challenge was combining the focal points (TV with the fireplace) and the intimidating height of the adjacent wall.</div>
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<br />Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-38158640598143269292012-10-02T11:48:00.000-07:002012-10-02T11:48:16.973-07:00Think seasonal =)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Michele Lerner once again graciously included me in one of her design articles for the Washington Times. This time her article was focused on small (low budget) ways to bring the feel of the season into your home without going over the top. She always writes a great article- please check it out (click the link below)!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/sep/27/cover-story-small-changes-give-feel-of-new-season/" target="_blank">Small changes give feel of new season</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Not all of my ideas were included so I will share more of them with you. I always try to have all of my core pieces fixed- they don't change. However, little changes make a huge difference. One of my favorite ways to personalize a cabinet or built-in is by adding either colored mat board or a fabric covered piece of Luan board behind the shelves. It is a spin on painting the back of the cabinet- but it is not permanent. Then, when the fiery orange color you have up for the fall feels like it should be Christmas red, all you have to do is change the board out! I have done this many times with great success and little effort.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fabric covered back in the cabinet I custom made for my daughter's room.</td></tr>
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I also love displaying fall squash and gourds in a big bowl in my living room (currently holding sea-shells). They have beautiful colors and last forever. And when you are done with them you can eat them! I don't buy the mini pumpkins, I buy acorn squash, butternut or spaghetti squash and smaller pie pumpkins.</div>
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Also, don't forget to address your sense of smell. I love the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg- but they seem out of place in the summer. Cinnamon sticks tied with ribbon or pine cones soaked in extract and discreetly displayed or candles placed in strategic places help to bring you into the holiday spirit. </div>
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And for my children I keep all of their holiday books put away until the appropriate season. They love seeing their favorites and they help to dress the table tops.</div>
</span>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-39725106555539911092012-09-20T11:18:00.003-07:002012-09-20T11:18:48.901-07:00Strike INAPPROPRIATE from your vocabulary!
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSlwf_k5Dis/UFtb6T3f3gI/AAAAAAAAAQs/38_pQzFhe5A/s1600/IMG_2477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSlwf_k5Dis/UFtb6T3f3gI/AAAAAAAAAQs/38_pQzFhe5A/s400/IMG_2477.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful pile of treated silk velvet pillows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you are working on putting together your fabric schemes
it is important to think about practicality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes a rugged recycled polyester or outdoor solution dyed acrylic
fabric just makes sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially if
you are family that actually LIVES in your house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But sometimes a fabric that is entirely inappropriate is
just too irresistible to refuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
then?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have to tiptoe around that
chair, or ottoman or pillow forever?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Should you ban your kids, and dogs and wine drinking friends from that
room?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heck no!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Treat it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-15_Ut8QKcoU/UFtb-mehZbI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/cIa_fKhg3WM/s1600/IMG_2480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-15_Ut8QKcoU/UFtb-mehZbI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/cIa_fKhg3WM/s320/IMG_2480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">approx 2 minutes in! </td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What exactly does that mean and how do you go about it? Well, there are several ways to get it done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. The best way: Ask the furniture store, fabric store or designer
that is helping you procure the fabric to send the fabric out for a stain
protection treatment BEFORE it becomes a piece of furniture or pillow. There are a
number of companies around the country that specialize in this. They take your fabric and soak it in a
solution that helps to protect
your fabric from both oil and water borne stains. It also, helps repel dust and
dry soil and makes the fabric physically stronger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A treatment will run around $60, but depends
on how much fabric you are treating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This lasts for the life of the fabric.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next best
thing:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hire a local fabric/stain
protection company to come to your house and spray your new furnishings, carpet
or draperies with a stain protecting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most places have a per square foot price and a per room or rooms
price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This type of treatment needs to
be done annually, but is highly effective if maintained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The DIY way:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buy a can of stain repellent treatment and go
to town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is initially cost
effective, but does not last long and must be maintained religiously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Additionally, you can add to the life of that delicate silk,
or linen that you chose by adding a knit backing treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is especially important if you are going
to be doing upholstery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask your expert
to help you identify if this is a good decision for your particular
fabric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A usual trick to figure this out
on your own is to pull the fabric on the diagonal (bias); if it stretches a lot
then it needs to be backed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Design without boundaries- it's now possible!</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-38674301163707643862012-08-23T13:23:00.002-07:002012-08-23T13:23:47.508-07:00My secret weapon...BABY WIPES!!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bridgat.com/files/Tushies_Babywipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.bridgat.com/files/Tushies_Babywipes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Ok, you might think that this is a totally random post. However, part of designing a beautiful home is maintaining a beautiful home. The little wipes that keep my two year old squeaky clean are also my little trick for keeping lots of things clean around the house!<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago my five year old was running from her bathroom to my bathroom with a toothbrush loaded with bright aqua toothpaste. Well guess what managed to find its way onto on my white silk draperies that are hung in the bedroom next to the bathroom? You guessed it- toothpaste! I looked at the dime sized spot in horror and then sprung into action. I pulled the excess off with toilet paper and then ran to my son's room to get a packet of wipes. After just a few seconds of rubbing with a wipe I could see that the aqua colored stain was lightening. The real test was if it was going to dry with a wet water ring. I grabbed my blow dryer and dried the spot quickly. I couldn't believe that it came out almost perfect! A few years ago I had gotten some water on the same material in another room and it left terrible water marks on the bottom hem- makes me wish that I had tried my wipes instead of taking them to the dry cleaner who couldn't do anything for the spots.<br />
<br />
Besides saving my draperies I have used baby wipes to spot clean rugs, clothes, handbags and wallets and my car upholstery. No special brand, but I generally use the least expensive unscented, sensitive skin variety available to me.<br />
<br />
So fear not! You can be a mommy and have your white silk too!!!Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-38801001387265727382012-08-01T09:28:00.000-07:002012-08-01T09:28:55.362-07:00The simple, but well dressed bed! How many pillows are enough?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5NuVnIlL8E/UBlS5-esMWI/AAAAAAAAAP4/3z9rsNs7sj4/s1600/_DS_7463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5NuVnIlL8E/UBlS5-esMWI/AAAAAAAAAP4/3z9rsNs7sj4/s640/_DS_7463.jpg" width="436" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For a Master Bedroom king sized bed: One long custom kimono inspired pillow with contrasting velvet pleats and decorative frog closures and two custom silk king sized pillow shams stacked in front of the off-the-rack Bloomingdales linens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I have worked with a number of clients who are still carrying the 80's and 90's mentality that more is more when discussing bed pillows. I admit, In my career I have designed upwards of 12 decorative pillows on one bed! Who the heck has the time to take off and put on that many pillows each day?! Not me, that's for darn sure. So in the last few years I started streamlining the pillow schemes that I designed for my clients. I try to keep it to 3 decorative pillows (plus sleeping pillows) or less. I find that one larger pillow has more impact than several small pillows and helps to keep bed-making easy. Take a look at the photos to see how this method can be translated in several different styles. </div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGih2lxEVP0/UBlTKLUIUSI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Rdb_tHC6Y-M/s1600/_DS_9393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGih2lxEVP0/UBlTKLUIUSI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Rdb_tHC6Y-M/s400/_DS_9393.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For a Master Bedroom king sized bed: One custom, long embroidered pillow with box-pleat edge stacked in front of two custom blue silk king shams with flat flange stacked on stock West Elm linens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DR7jA3OkCZ8/UBlSJyHVNZI/AAAAAAAAAPw/HkcOVHiHbSI/s1600/IMG_1909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DR7jA3OkCZ8/UBlSJyHVNZI/AAAAAAAAAPw/HkcOVHiHbSI/s320/IMG_1909.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For a boy's full sized bed: One large decorative pillow with self welting with one decorative square throw pillow in front of Bed Bath and Beyond linens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-31096277151159389492012-07-19T13:54:00.000-07:002012-07-19T13:57:21.633-07:00Having Fun Digging!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzEZBMe0IYU/UAhwks2sQpI/AAAAAAAAAOY/xg2wshmCfCw/s1600/FirstFloor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzEZBMe0IYU/UAhwks2sQpI/AAAAAAAAAOY/xg2wshmCfCw/s320/FirstFloor.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The auction/showroom floor (Not air conditioned if you can believe it! Wear a tank top =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Earlier in the month I was asked to design the front window of <a href="http://www.weschlers.com/" target="_blank">Weschler's</a> Auction House. The experience reinforced my belief that you can create a beautiful room setting at any price-point (some of the items are auctioned at a true steal!). <br />
The challenge was especially difficult because the 4th of July holiday week left them with a low amount of available inventory. The first few times around the store the combination did not seem apparent. It wasn't until a wing chair was pushed in the door about a half hour after we started that the combination clicked. The best part was the "treasure hunt" feeling that we had while digging for accessories! Amazing what little gems were hidden in that place!<br />
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<br />Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-87747775520575149632012-07-05T14:27:00.000-07:002012-07-05T14:30:18.582-07:00Your tour of the DC Design House!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So if you didn't know- I was chosen to do a space for the DC Design House. It is a great event that benefits the Children's Medical Center. We got the awkwardly shaped Master Bedroom deck. It was 6 feet wide and 40 feet long!<br />
We have gotten some great press from the project including the Fox5 morning show, HGTV on-line, Home and Design, Washington Gardener, the Washington Post on-line and lots and lots of other features. <br />
To appreciate what our challenge really looked like, here is the BEFORE picture:<br />
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Pretty drab, right?<br />
Here were the main issues:<br />
- The impossibly thin dimensions created a floor plan challenge.<br />
- Working with the peeling floor and the awful existing railings (you can't even see the worst part, the terrible gold cornucopia things in the middle).<br />
- The deck felt very exposed and lacked intimacy.<br />
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Solutions:<br />
- By designing a custom row of pedestals (placed over the angle supports that hold up the railing) and benches (placed in the gaps between the supports) I was able to create visual height and interest and create one long continual focal point that unified the two seating areas we designed.<br />
- By laying down a row of patterned indoor outdoor rugs I was able to hide the existing floor and create a nice indoor-outdoor feel.<br />
- Adding accessories like custom printed artwork (the photos are of espalier trees that are in a private garden in Georgetown) and custom mirrors (made by my sister's talented boyfriend!).<br />
- The new sheer canopy that was supported by metal brackets that I designed and had custom made helps to give the sense of intimacy that was missing.<br />
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The FINISHED project!:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7zsVsxr9Ec/T_YBItPG17I/AAAAAAAAAMs/GnUZaJ6gZhQ/s1600/dcdh_0108sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7zsVsxr9Ec/T_YBItPG17I/AAAAAAAAAMs/GnUZaJ6gZhQ/s400/dcdh_0108sm.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The custom metal work I designed was made by <a href="http://phoenixhandcraft.com/" target="_blank">Phoenix Handcraft</a> (see more of his work in my DreamHome Room). <a href="http://www.paportner.com/" target="_blank">PAPortner </a>Construction once again followed through with help on the installation.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQnD1NPsy9w/T_YBT5DKNcI/AAAAAAAAAM0/WuNwnew-Pyc/s1600/dcdh_0101sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQnD1NPsy9w/T_YBT5DKNcI/AAAAAAAAAM0/WuNwnew-Pyc/s400/dcdh_0101sm.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The benches and pedestals I designed were fabricated by Kaleo at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/KALA-Studios/161562279809" target="_blank">Kala Studios</a> the sectional was borrowed from <a href="http://www.offenbachers.com/" target="_blank">Offenbacher's</a> Patio.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you to <a href="http://www.sunbrella.com/" target="_blank">Glen Raven</a> who provided the outdoor Sunbrella cover fabric.</td></tr>
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</div>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-26198232442174465602012-06-09T21:53:00.002-07:002012-06-09T21:56:59.418-07:00Wood Floors- Prefinished VS Finished On-Site<div style="text-align: center;">
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I admit, for me there was really no argument before. I was a bit of a snob- finished on-site was the only way to go! However, I have had a few products come my way recently that might be changing my tune. A client I have been working with wanted to have her floors refinished to a richer, more modern color. However they are living in the home and there was no real opportunity to have them out for the week that it takes to refinish floors. Plus, we would have had to try to move out all of the furniture during that time and put it into storage. It was not going to be an inexpensive endeavor! This was the perfect time, if any, to use a prefinished floor. What had driven me away in the past was the beveled edge that was a dead giveaway that the floor was prefinished. However, after discussions with the contractor on the project and after doing some research I found out that a few manufacturers have begun making prefinished flooring that has a perfectly flat edge. We were able to do the project in a manor that allowed the client to be inconvenienced as little as possible. Areas were done in stages which allowed furniture to be moved from room to room instead of out all at once. And it is beautiful- definitely a floor to be proud of!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Carlisle Floors</td></tr>
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<br />Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-61326156824599917212012-03-25T21:23:00.006-07:002012-06-12T11:55:31.003-07:00Your personal tour of our 2012 DreamHome-Design Craft room!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The overall: Stark Carpets fabricated this rug for me from my custom design. It turned out stunning!</td></tr>
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The last couple of weeks have been especially busy for our office. We have been installing client projects and our <a href="http://www.dcdesigncenter.com/dcdesigncenter/index.cfm/dreamhome/overview/tourtherooms/office/" target="_blank">2012 DreamHome</a> room which opened on the 15th.<br />
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Each of the designer's rooms were to be inspired by a piece in the Smithsonian Renwick Galleries upcoming show- 40 under 40. My room was inspired by Christy Oates' Crane Chair (see our earlier post on the show and Christy). I decided to create a woman's power office. My muse was Vera Wang. Like one of her famous dresses, I wanted to create layers of detail that would be full of quality and sophistication. I loved working with the other designers (Jeff Akseizer, Christine Philp, Kori Keyser, Scott Cooke, Catherine Hailey, Will McGovern and Miriam Dillon) and found it interesting how they each interpreted their art pieces into room designs. <br />
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If you click on the link you can see more of the room details and watch a little video that shows some of the elements in detail. There is nothing like seeing the room in person though- the layers of texture can not come through in photography. The beauty of this Design House is that it is FREE! So all of you out there should grab a friend and head down to the DC Design Center's 5th floor to see it.<br />
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Enjoy some of these detailed photos!!! Did you know that our room has connections to the Dalai Lama? See below... =)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrfPoXzKGng/T2_gh7xpI0I/AAAAAAAAAKo/7cyZYOIQhP8/s1600/DSCN7590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrfPoXzKGng/T2_gh7xpI0I/AAAAAAAAAKo/7cyZYOIQhP8/s320/DSCN7590.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I designed custom bookcases- <a href="http://www.facebook.com/phoenixhandcraft" target="_blank">Phoenix Handcraft</a> made them gorgeous! Hines sells this criss-crossed metal based coffee table. Henredon did the sofa and Michael Cleary provided the awesome stacked acrylic lamps.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCtf0jCclTQ/T2_gfrYmHzI/AAAAAAAAAKg/Owm0wC-vDEs/s1600/DSCN7589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCtf0jCclTQ/T2_gfrYmHzI/AAAAAAAAAKg/Owm0wC-vDEs/s320/DSCN7589.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end-table is another custom piece. Phoenix Handcraft did the metal and mosaic work. Notice the great multi-color pillow fabric? It actually was the first fabric we found for the room. Stoddard Interiors fabricated the pillows and draperies for me. The drapery has a beautiful pleat that she does incredibly well. They look beautiful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leather wrapped wall panels, <a href="http://www.angelhomsileather.com/" target="_blank">Angel Homsi Leathe</a>r, in a diagonal pattern- you don't need anything hanging over a fireplace this pretty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycJFe3fsJzk/T2_gpDLcMVI/AAAAAAAAALA/ISotBlVzEZc/s1600/DSCN7603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycJFe3fsJzk/T2_gpDLcMVI/AAAAAAAAALA/ISotBlVzEZc/s320/DSCN7603.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the "puddle" effect at the bottom and the folded detail at the corner of the fireplace frame. The sparkly bits in the fireplace is recycled glass.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willem Smith provided the desk chairs. The Dalai Lama sat in the cream colored one when he visited DC last year!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.europeandesigninc.net/" target="_blank">European Design, Inc</a> in Manassas did the embroidery of our custom criss-cross pattern and did a wonderful job. It really evokes the inspiration piece.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYFFVilbHB4/T2_p5MaBdXI/AAAAAAAAALw/yPoz135o504/s1600/DSCN7593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYFFVilbHB4/T2_p5MaBdXI/AAAAAAAAALw/yPoz135o504/s320/DSCN7593.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Baker table and a Niermann Weeks console set up a pretty niche. One thing that the contractor I used, <a href="http://www.paportner.com/" target="_blank">PA Portner</a> did for me is paint the trim. Notice the high gloss shine? You can finally get water based paint in a true gloss finish! Yay!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TASGKmLxq2c/T2_qKN9zJ3I/AAAAAAAAAMI/uykNvtPWStE/s1600/DSCN7596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TASGKmLxq2c/T2_qKN9zJ3I/AAAAAAAAAMI/uykNvtPWStE/s320/DSCN7596.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judy Koessel from <a href="http://www.koesselstudios.com/" target="_blank">Koessel Studios</a> provided the wall coverings for the room. She is amazing! We chose a simple grass-cloth styled design for the main walls and this cross-hatched pattern for the accent niche. Amanda loved gluing these little glass gems onto it =). I wish you could see the texture of this in person! Marly's Superior Interiors did a beautiful job installing the wall treatment for me.</td></tr>
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</div>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-28021611602139687402012-03-21T18:38:00.001-07:002012-03-25T21:32:06.310-07:00DC Design House preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc7mTTnyAf0/T2p_wOxmtUI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/zP_OJBN3-j8/s1600/designhouse_rendering+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc7mTTnyAf0/T2p_wOxmtUI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/zP_OJBN3-j8/s640/designhouse_rendering+1.jpg" width="521" /></a></div>Hello readers! Apologies for the long break. Let's just say that I've been burning the midnight oil recently. So while this really should be a posting about our newly installed <a href="http://www.dcdesigncenter.com/dcdesigncenter/index.cfm/dreamhome/overview/tourtherooms/office/" target="_blank">DreamHome</a> room I have to say that I have failed to take any real photos of the space to share with you all. I will be visiting Friday and I promise to return with detailed photos to show off our new installation! Please check back in a few days, I promise you will not be disappointed!<br />
<div>Our next task: the <a href="http://www.dcdesignhouse.com/" target="_blank">DC Design House</a> project will install in a short couple weeks. I can share a little preview of our bowling alley shaped deck. We will be featuring some custom built benches and pedestals, a wall of acrylic art panels, billowy sheers and funky prints. This swing chair is sitting at my office and is stunning in person, can't wait to install it! <br />
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</div></div>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-51573336095634917302012-02-14T21:18:00.000-08:002012-02-14T21:19:07.870-08:00You've probably never seen anything like this!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charma and Margaret</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">In my 13 years as a designer I have been lucky to work with a host of talented people. One of my favorite people and one of the most amazingly talented artists I know is Charma Le Edmonds of Shelter Studios. She just completed an AMAZING feature wall in a clients house. This wall is so unbelievable, not only because of the scale and complexity of the pattern but because of the amazingly power it exudes in strangely subtle manor. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The following photos are a progression over 11 days. You have to see the process that she used to create this piece of art!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wqBGb0w42w/Tzs99D29qTI/AAAAAAAAAJg/95kRhW_sFy0/s1600/IMG_3037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wqBGb0w42w/Tzs99D29qTI/AAAAAAAAAJg/95kRhW_sFy0/s640/IMG_3037.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1WAZremk744/Tzs98KuiH9I/AAAAAAAAAJY/10I03nThBGc/s1600/IMG_3036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1WAZremk744/Tzs98KuiH9I/AAAAAAAAAJY/10I03nThBGc/s640/IMG_3036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-72478482767679549102012-02-07T21:33:00.000-08:002012-02-07T21:33:22.287-08:00Thinking warm, despite the cold!Even though it is only February it is the perfect time of year to let your mind wander to the outdoors. Because my focus is interiors I don't get to work on exterior spaces as frequently as I might like, so when I do get those periodic opportunities I am always shocked by the new products that are on the market.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sunbrella.com/images/gallery/_MG_7976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.sunbrella.com/images/gallery/_MG_7976.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from sunbrella.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Can you believe that the photo above is of exterior fabrics? Who thought you could have a gorgeous damask pillow with decorative trim living on your deck chair. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lloydflanders.com/SiteManager/ImageGen.ashx?image=/media/10746/Hamptons3.JPG&width=500&altimage=%22/media/321350/comingsoon.jpg%22" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.lloydflanders.com/SiteManager/ImageGen.ashx?image=/media/10746/Hamptons3.JPG&width=500&altimage=%22/media/321350/comingsoon.jpg%22" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from lloydflanders.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The above lounge furniture could easily be in sexy living room setting. But we are lucky enough to be using it on the deck that we have been asked to design for the DCDesign House. You got it, another show house- this is going to be a busy, busy spring! We'll share more details and drawings as we get farther into the design.<br />
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</div>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-35928760508603322592012-01-22T21:12:00.000-08:002012-01-22T21:12:40.619-08:00In the works....We were picked to be part of the DC Design Center's DreamHome this year! We are honored to be chosen. The show is going to be in conjunction with the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery's <a href="http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/renwick40/" target="_blank">40 under 40</a> exhibit that will be done this summer to celebrate the Renwick's 40th anniversary. So in that same vein 8 young designers in the DC area were chosen to create room designs based on artwork in the exhibit.<br />
My artist is Christy Oates and creates fantastic functional pieces of art/furniture. Take a peek:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/2/93539/1312640/420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/2/93539/1312640/420.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crane Chair wall panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/2/93539/1312640/422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/2/93539/1312640/422.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crane Chair set out</td></tr>
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So in addition to our normal client load we have been managing the details of getting our room completed.<br />
Here is your sneak peek of the design. More details will follow in the next month!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYc4aWmuwYo/Txzr8L1xsyI/AAAAAAAAAIY/y-0Q7yZihCg/s1600/DreamHome_rendering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYc4aWmuwYo/Txzr8L1xsyI/AAAAAAAAAIY/y-0Q7yZihCg/s640/DreamHome_rendering.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-65080653481449391692012-01-04T20:02:00.000-08:002012-01-04T20:02:05.223-08:00Are you an art offender?! Fix it- here's how!Over Christmas break I spent a little bit of time helping my mother-in-law hang artwork. She had been wanting to put the pieces up for a long time but wanted to make sure that it was done properly. Since nearly every one of my clients has shared the same affliction of hanging their artwork too high I realized that hanging or rehanging artwork is a fantastic way to make your home look better without spending much money.<br />
Here are some tips that I have learned over the years by watching and learning from some of the best professional art hangers in the business:<br />
1. First make sure that your art is wired properly. It should be wired across the back toward the top of the piece. Most other hangers (combs or center D rings) will not keep your artwork straight. <br />
2. Use the proper hanging hardware. Do not use nails or J hooks. The ones that you should buy have "nails" that look like stud earrings. They come in different weight options and it is better to err on the heavier side.<br />
3. On a standard 8' wall almost any piece of art is best hung at 5' (60") on center. First measure the overall height of the artwork and divide by two to find the center. Then subtract the distance of the wire from the top from that distance. If you add this number to 60" you will locate the height that your hangers should be placed on your wall.<br />
4. Hang two hooks for pieces 12" or wider. The hooks should be placed about 1/2 of the width of the piece apart. So for an 18" piece your hooks should be 9" apart. <br />
5. Level your artwork and stand back and admire your handiwork!<br />
<div><br />
</div>Avoid hanging art too high (these are also too far apart)!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://yourdecoratinghotline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/art-bad-freshome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://yourdecoratinghotline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/art-bad-freshome.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from www.freshome.com</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Small pieces hung in a more successful arrangement.</div><br />
<a href="http://www.ambidesignstudio.com/portfolio/set3/image03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ambidesignstudio.com/portfolio/set3/image03.jpg" /></a>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-35663006756914527232011-12-19T19:09:00.000-08:002011-12-19T19:09:04.517-08:00Sweet Treats- easy on the eyes and the palette!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_5ay5pJWpY/Tu_1ccJFb5I/AAAAAAAAAIM/h8HfzWAPBOU/s1600/IMG00498-20111219-1929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_5ay5pJWpY/Tu_1ccJFb5I/AAAAAAAAAIM/h8HfzWAPBOU/s320/IMG00498-20111219-1929.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>My associate designer Amanda is an awesome baker. Her specialty seems to be brownies, but I have yet to have a subpar treat from her.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This morning she brought in sweet tins of the most delicious mint chocolate brownies. This got me to thinking about homemade gifts and how much they show you care. Especially as time gets more and more precious I realize the true meaning of these handmade offerings is much more than meets the eye. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I came across a blog by a graphic designer who showed her creative side in her baked offerings. Take a look at the colorful creations that Kimcreativestar.com made for holiday gifts. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kimcreativestar.com/Portfolio/Cures_for_Boredom/Entries/2011/1/1_PANTONE_CHIP_COOKIES!_files/PMS%20Cookie%20Tin-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.kimcreativestar.com/Portfolio/Cures_for_Boredom/Entries/2011/1/1_PANTONE_CHIP_COOKIES!_files/PMS%20Cookie%20Tin-1.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from Kimcreativestar.com<br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And of course if you have any questions on how to pack and ship your treat boxes, just talk to Martha. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/275461/how-to-ship-cookies/@center/276951/christmas-cookies#/180540" target="_blank">packing holiday cookies.</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Be creative and have fun baking- no one will be disappointed!</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/web/features/feature3/ft_holidaycoo20_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/web/features/feature3/ft_holidaycoo20_xl.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from marthastewart.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-62654783801574654492011-12-11T20:30:00.000-08:002011-12-12T13:49:23.898-08:00Christmas Decorating- It's in the Details<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8XX0fFg72c/TuZ2kgkj-fI/AAAAAAAAAHw/h_-1ngZovlw/s1600/DSCN1196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8XX0fFg72c/TuZ2kgkj-fI/AAAAAAAAAHw/h_-1ngZovlw/s320/DSCN1196.JPG" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blog entry by Amanda WELCH</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><blockquote type="cite"><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There are many things we can do to make our homes beautiful and welcoming to our guests during the Holidays. From simple, beautiful touches to un-predeicatble placement of decorations, there are many changes we can make to create a festive atmosphere.</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">One simple but beautiful decoration we love are these glass icicle ornaments. They are hand made so each one is unique from the next. They catch the light, and add an eye catching sparkle wherever they are used. Of course we love to see ornaments on the Christmas tree, but you could get creative and find many other uses for them (see some examples below)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.oliveandcocoa.com/images/uploads/529_Nordic_Icicles_b_L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn.oliveandcocoa.com/images/uploads/529_Nordic_Icicles_b_L.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From oliveandcocoa.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Another great way to make your home beautiful at the Holiday's is to place decorations in un-predicatable places. Many people over-clutter their surfaces in their homes with Christmas decorations, creating a very busy look. Think outside the box and spread your decorations around! Decorate your hanging light fixtures, your banister, or hang decorations over the doorways. Unusual placements create interest for your guests, and also create beautiful spaces without clutter. Those icicle ornaments we love: they would look great hanging in a chandelier or with some garland on a banister! Any ornament that is particularly beautiful or special can be placed in a chandelier or on a banister, rather than getting lost in a Christmas tree.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICN_GNhBF2U/TuZ2mDzU_EI/AAAAAAAAAH4/5F-Ik7kpYOM/s1600/DSCN1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICN_GNhBF2U/TuZ2mDzU_EI/AAAAAAAAAH4/5F-Ik7kpYOM/s320/DSCN1525.JPG" width="271" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svbsNjTOPwE/TuZ2nDYIBhI/AAAAAAAAAIA/93QMBwfY6RM/s1600/DSCN1531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svbsNjTOPwE/TuZ2nDYIBhI/AAAAAAAAAIA/93QMBwfY6RM/s320/DSCN1531.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><blockquote type="cite"><div><div style="font-family: Calibri;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><blockquote type="cite"><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Photos from Amanda's creative mother Judy</div></td></tr>
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</div></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We hope you are all having a very happy Holiday season, and that these little tips will help you while you are making your home beautiful for the Holiday's! Until next year....</span></div></div></blockquote>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-67220107598524698772011-12-04T18:54:00.000-08:002011-12-05T19:56:17.776-08:00Tasty and Pretty- Use Holiday Food to Decorate!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-CuvXrQygo/TtwxWOmXwhI/AAAAAAAAAHU/1h2taykYYQ4/s1600/_MG_7233lrg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-CuvXrQygo/TtwxWOmXwhI/AAAAAAAAAHU/1h2taykYYQ4/s400/_MG_7233lrg.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A table setting by Ambi Design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One of the things that I like to do in my own home is decorate with edibles. During this time of the year where life is so centered around family and entertaining it just makes sense to highlight and feature the food that is so integral to the celebration. Plus, the dual purpose nature of your displays make them a great way to stretch your household budget.<br />
Some of the ideas I have used:<br />
-Clear glass apothecary or spice jars of red and white peppermint disks help to spread the festive atmosphere to the kitchen. You could use any other food that you enjoy that fits your holiday decor.<br />
-Green and red pears and apples in various sizes look great on the family room coffee table in a wooden bowl and puts a healthy snack right at arms reach.<br />
-Bowls of nuts or pretty ribbon candies are beautiful left out on end tables. If they are going to be sitting for a long time look for a bowl with a glass lid.<br />
-Instead of a formal centerpiece I have used tiered display stands to showcase pretty baked goods on the dining table. It doesn't have to be a formal cake- decorative cookies or breads look great too. If the baked goods lack color you can add an edible flower to the mix.<br />
Have fun and be creative! That fruitcake from your great aunt might make the perfect edible (if just a tad dry =) holiday centerpiece!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JpUbKurkWZQ/Tt2RwWrrZvI/AAAAAAAAAHk/MHkux6HFgZ0/s1600/buddah+hand" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JpUbKurkWZQ/Tt2RwWrrZvI/AAAAAAAAAHk/MHkux6HFgZ0/s320/buddah+hand" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added 12/5<br />
Look at this Buddha Hand fruit that I saw at a client's house today- <br />
so cool, and a perfect example of decorating with food!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-10293353411603354692011-11-26T21:15:00.000-08:002011-11-27T13:39:46.804-08:00Just say no to fake (or at least do it right)! Version 2: ChristmasWe travel over the holidays and we have a cat that likes to eat greenery, so combined this means... fake tree. Yes, some of you may be gasping right now, but it's true! And honestly, I don't really mind. I've learned some tricks to help make a sparse fake tree look lush- here are my secrets.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-HA0BlamVk/TtHB62Ck6vI/AAAAAAAAAGo/cIAYYiTqsC8/s1600/IMG00452-20111126-1444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-HA0BlamVk/TtHB62Ck6vI/AAAAAAAAAGo/cIAYYiTqsC8/s320/IMG00452-20111126-1444.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>The fake tree. Notice the holes. Not cute!</div><div>1. We hang three strands of lights, winding them in and out of the branches.</div><div>2. I fill the holes with holly. Here is my stash. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nmPx91iQ7Vs/TtHB7ghViUI/AAAAAAAAAG4/3EsofLV2Y7M/s1600/IMG00453-20111126-1444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nmPx91iQ7Vs/TtHB7ghViUI/AAAAAAAAAG4/3EsofLV2Y7M/s320/IMG00453-20111126-1444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>3. I then hang silver mirrored ball ornaments as far toward the trunk of the tree as I can. The mirrored balls help to reflect the lights and create an illusion of depth. Before I am ready to even decorate I have put 62 ornaments on the tree.</div><div>4. Here is how it looks at this point (with the beautiful glass icicles I just bought- look for a future posting on my fav holiday decor). Now that I have fixed the "architecture" of the tree I am finally ready to hang the decorative ornaments. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpNjB8eDytg/TtHB7C9a-4I/AAAAAAAAAGw/SoAMY15cHK8/s1600/IMG00466-20111126-1631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpNjB8eDytg/TtHB7C9a-4I/AAAAAAAAAGw/SoAMY15cHK8/s320/IMG00466-20111126-1631.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. I personally keep the color palette simple white, red and silver. Finished!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMjUBpxU9cw/TtHB6vd1RrI/AAAAAAAAAGk/2st-0dBkHRA/s1600/IMG00474-20111126-1704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMjUBpxU9cw/TtHB6vd1RrI/AAAAAAAAAGk/2st-0dBkHRA/s320/IMG00474-20111126-1704.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-30216832024023166432011-11-16T19:45:00.000-08:002011-11-16T19:45:05.030-08:00Keeping it simple!Simple furniture does not necessarily cary a simple price. Yes, there are manufacturers who create fun, inexpensive, modern furniture (Ikea, West Elm and CB2 immediately come to mind). However, a truly hand crafted piece of furniture with simple lines will typically carry a decent price tag. What is the reasoning behind this irony?<br />
I was at a new client's house this morning and she was telling me about a pretty, contemporary console table that she had made by a metalsmith. Apparently the metal worker declared after finishing the piece that he would never make another piece of furniture for her. He told her that he had spent much more time working on her piece then he spent on his usual ornate designs because each joint, weld and polish mark had to be perfect since there was no ornamentation to hide little flaws. This holds true for most types of furniture. Simple pieces are the perfect foil to display an artisans talents, where the cleaner the work, the cleaner the piece.<br />
Take for example this simple but stunning desk from Thomas Moser that I have coveted for years. You can't really appreciate the amazing joinery from the photo, but you can see some of the simple structural details that help make it great.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thosmoser.com/images/cache/bowfront-desk-1-2256e86e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://www.thosmoser.com/images/cache/bowfront-desk-1-2256e86e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-74659157038941575642011-11-09T18:21:00.000-08:002011-11-09T18:21:20.083-08:00Lovin' the sun!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know if winter's fast approach has anything to do with my current obsession with the sun. Call it vitamin D deficiency or what you will, but you can't deny that this motif is mesmerizing!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.koesselstudios.com/site/pics/763/105211/362920/496291/DeSol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.koesselstudios.com/site/pics/763/105211/362920/496291/DeSol.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from koesselstudios.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just got the new Koessel Studios wallpaper book. This is a new pattern called Del Sol that has relief printed rays and a beautiful iridescent glass bead in the middle.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/archivesE/upload/8668/216/XXX_8668_1284674473_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.1stdibs.com/archivesE/upload/8668/216/XXX_8668_1284674473_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from 1stdibs.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This motif has appeared throughout history. It's definitely a classic, but still seems modern. Check out this 1940's French mirror from Carl Moore Antiques on 1st Dibs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6B0sgqjS6o/TrszWyrDR3I/AAAAAAAAAGU/ErgmLhovTRw/s1600/_DS_3888-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6B0sgqjS6o/TrszWyrDR3I/AAAAAAAAAGU/ErgmLhovTRw/s640/_DS_3888-2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here is one of my projects in McLean, VA. The sun seems right at home in this dining room. With all this talk of the sun I think I am feeling just a little bit warmer!</div>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-28084044302882824582011-11-02T19:13:00.000-07:002011-11-02T19:13:03.922-07:00Did you see us in the Post?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you to the Washington Post for asking us to be a part of the on-going design series! We were asked to design a fun, family friendly, pre-teen hangout. Here is a link to the article: <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home-garden/house-calls-a-playroom-makeover/2011/10/27/gIQAb0ydfM_story.html">Post House Calls</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibhUgUbW6fw/TrH4AR42mSI/AAAAAAAAAGM/N-cCvHMroOA/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-02+at+9.56.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="411" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibhUgUbW6fw/TrH4AR42mSI/AAAAAAAAAGM/N-cCvHMroOA/s640/Screen+shot+2011-11-02+at+9.56.20+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from www.washingtonpost.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You may remember seeing our inspiration board a few blogs back. We utilized our usual technique of mixing high and low pieces to create a well rounded, balanced space. Fun, don't you think?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jTJcj18fO0/Tox4Y6mejhI/AAAAAAAAAF0/TdURGGMXvsM/s1600/Housecalls_final2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jTJcj18fO0/Tox4Y6mejhI/AAAAAAAAAF0/TdURGGMXvsM/s640/Housecalls_final2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-32983977236399855712011-10-26T20:22:00.000-07:002011-10-26T20:22:51.075-07:00Maximize your house!<div class="MsoNormal">Have you ever walked into a room and known immediately that the furniture should be arranged a certain way? Well stop, this a sure-fire way to cost yourself valuable square footage!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is how a living room looked before my client purchased it. There are three identical units that are designed very similarly.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kYZjr6Tjgok/TqjLziIPH5I/AAAAAAAAAE8/aHHanNuDS9M/s1600/l.r..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kYZjr6Tjgok/TqjLziIPH5I/AAAAAAAAAE8/aHHanNuDS9M/s400/l.r..png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">(Photo provided by Washington Fine Properties)</span></div></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This layout has its positives. Because the sofa faces the fireplace it does a good job of highlighting the focal point within the seating group. Both options create a very small, intimate conversation area. However, if you want your space to look as large as possible here are some things to avoid:</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">-Do not select an undersized area rug. This is the biggest mistake that many homeowners and designers make. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">-Don’t squeeze your arrangement toward the fireplace or focal point.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">-Avoid creating a walk space behind your conversation area. This makes the room visually end at the back of the furniture grouping.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">-In certain situations angling your furniture closes off the space and visually limits square footage.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">-Do not select furniture that is under scaled or over scaled. Pay attention to the seat and back height of your choices.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Here is an alternate plan that was created for my client and a photo of the in-progress design.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8U2k9Rkads/TqjMS70U0lI/AAAAAAAAAFE/nUuClJzMWwQ/s1600/floorplan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8U2k9Rkads/TqjMS70U0lI/AAAAAAAAAFE/nUuClJzMWwQ/s400/floorplan.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElRRJc39rbk/TqjMct3rriI/AAAAAAAAAFM/kwCrH9Miyq4/s1600/l.r.after.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="544" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElRRJc39rbk/TqjMct3rriI/AAAAAAAAAFM/kwCrH9Miyq4/s640/l.r.after.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Here are some ideas that we used that may translate to your space:</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">-One large room sized area rug (NOT installed yet) in the living room defines its function and makes the entire room fair game for seating. As an alternate you could consider a wall-to-wall or custom fit installation.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">-By selecting a sofa with a commanding length we visually balanced the fireplace. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">-Pushing the sofa all the way back to the wall virtually widens the room. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">-Creating two adjacent seating groups is conducive to entertaining because it allows for large groups while still allowing intimate conversations. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">-We designed armless chairs and loveseats in order to promote cross group interactions. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">-Appropriately scaled furniture fills the space without making it feel crowded.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">You may not be able to add square footage to your home, but you can certainly maximize it with your furniture arrangement- so explore all of your options.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6580319799562868323.post-64258217346308765582011-10-20T11:30:00.000-07:002011-10-20T11:33:51.676-07:00Amanda meets Philip Gorrivan!<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G4NGkQlDHpw/TUbVqErfedI/AAAAAAAAAVA/B4WIX0dTjLM/s640/11-0127_Gorrivan-72_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G4NGkQlDHpw/TUbVqErfedI/AAAAAAAAAVA/B4WIX0dTjLM/s640/11-0127_Gorrivan-72_sm.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(photo from philipgorrivan.blogspot.com)</span></div>For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Amanda, an associate designer at Ambi Design Studio. I met Shanon while I was working in the Duralee/ Highland Court showroom at the Washington Design Center.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I worked at Duralee/ Highland Court, I was introduced to a line of fabrics designed by Philip Gorrivan. I began to follow his design work, and I loved when his new fabric lines were presented through Highland court. His fabrics are BEAUTIFUL, and he is a talented designer. We love how his collections are so unified and can be used together in a space without looking “too designer”. He has created beautifully bold and colorful fabrics, as well as simply subtle patterns and prints. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><br />
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This week he gave a lecture at the Washington Design Center in the Duralee/Highland Court showroom. We had the privilege to listen to his lecture on his designs, fabrics, and inspirations. I was amazed at where he drew his inspirations from; anywhere from architectural details to world travel to doorknobs! He is an inspirational designer, and I was thrilled to get to meet him!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbHIPqcGYHM/TqBiQTBVHpI/AAAAAAAAADo/1AWCFGFnw3k/s1600/DSCN5393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbHIPqcGYHM/TqBiQTBVHpI/AAAAAAAAADo/1AWCFGFnw3k/s320/DSCN5393.JPG" width="217" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>Shanonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761983820854964699noreply@blogger.com1