A quick overview. For close-ups and greater detail, SEE Blog.
A quick overview. For close-ups and greater detail, SEE Blog.
A quick overview. For close-ups and greater detail, SEE Blog.
A quick overview. For close-ups and greater detail, SEE Blog.
A quick overview. For close-ups and greater detail, SEE Blog.
clients
Bath & Powder
Your Design DNA
“A person’s uniqueness should be celebrated by her environment.
And that’s the true essence of Personal Design.” — Sally Anderson
Every Person has a
Unique “Design DNA”
One of my greatest passions is to help clients discover their own personal “Design DNA” — that highly unique core value inside each person that responds to a very specific environment in which they feel most energized, comforted, delighted, and truly at home.
Even if a client feels totally blank about what their home’s interior design should look like, we can always make exciting discoveries together if that person is willing to explore new possibilities.
Case in point: the velvet wing chair (above) came from a thrift store. This marvelous vintage piece was in pristine condition though it was made in the 1970s — so we used it “as is.”
In fact, some of my greatest success stories have come from such clients who struggled — at the very outset — to define what they wanted. But as we discover a client’s Design DNA, I work within their budget to help build their dream environment.
Whether it’s architectural design or interior design, embarking on a new project requires a good understanding of the creative process. One highly significant premise of creativity is that constraints of any kind, including budgetary, can often be a catalyst for innovation. For example, it’s not uncommon for us to re-purpose items the client already owns and loves, or to seek out furniture from unexpected sources.
However, the sunroom in Kathy’s new house was an opportunity to showcase some lovely inherited furniture pieces that had been family treasures.
Everyone’s Design DNA is highly unique. To illustrate this, I’ve shown two bedrooms below that express the dissimilar tastes of two clients.
Becky and Joel’s Bed & Bath
For this couple, I was hired both as architectural and interior designer for their new home, and I had the pleasure of collaborating with the homeowner, Joel, to develop some of his specific layout ideas.
Their master bedroom features rustic half beams, luxe carpet, and a wall color that creates a classic and restful environment.
These homeowners love a well-accessorized environment with room to make changes from time to time, whether it’s art, linens or even furniture.
The adjoining Master Bath is remarkably lovely and spa-like in Carrera marble mosaic with soft dusty aqua walls, so we wanted to make a beautiful homogeneous transition from the bedroom carpet to the bathroom tile as well as to the hallway tile leading to the Living Room.
Sharon & Warren's Bedroom
By contrast, this couple’s bedroom is quite minimalist. Initially, Sharon had no idea what she liked other than to start fresh with a soothing color scheme. As I spent time with her, we discovered that she liked simplicity, and she’s fairly transitional in taste. She wanted an uncluttered look that wouldn’t need to be changed for a long time.
The aesthetic desires she and her husband shared were greatly influenced by the demands of daily living. They’re both nurse anesthetists who work long grueling hours, usually getting up long before sunrise. Making work demands even more complex, Sharon’s husband regularly pilots himself to work, flying out of state to his medical practice. Adding one more layer to this mix: they are cattle farmers.
Needless to say, their domestic universe begged for rest and simplicity. And they didn’t want to spend even 5 minutes extra making a bed each day.
So I designed three simple pillows that complimented a custom minimalist headboard. We covered the headboard in a great paisley damask that sets up the tone-on-tone silver theme of the Master Bedroom.
The window treatment utilized charcoal sheers that effectively soften the daylight but that still give a great view of their farm outside. The fixed drapes are in a cream linen — boxed pleated and very beautifully tailored. A hidden blackout drape can be drawn for light control as needed.
Their Master Bath follows the same minimalist theme: it is everything they wanted — nothing less and nothing more.
Personality Expressed Through Environment
Another contrast in styles can be seen in a pair of home offices — one for the husband, the other for the wife. This is in another home for which I did both the architectural and interior design.
Brian is a seller of steel to industrial markets. His office needed to represent the caliber of work he does and provide a distinguished ambiance for occasionally meeting clients in his home.
I designed the office around a painting he treasures that depicts New York City before the Twin Towers came down. To frame that art, I designed a custom library wall that our company treated with a weathered finish in rubbed-black over a deep Italian red. Everything here is geared to Brian’s personality and professional expertise.
His office opens to a covered porch with an outdoor room complimented by a fireplace and a fabulous view of the golf course just outside.
His wife, Susan, wanted a much more casual office located right off the garage Mud Room (below) and rear entry hall which put her close to the busy “Grand Central” activity of the home’s core. With easy access to her entry and convenient parking, this office not only gave Susan a personal work space, but it gave her a quick and convenient place for informal meetings.
We utilized a buffet and writing desk she already owned. Adding custom cabinetry gave her much-needed function as well as a display opportunity for her blue and white porcelain collection.
Susan is a gregarious woman who is highly involved in the community. She’s a person who can do anything and is active in everything, so this office perfectly fits her lifestyle, business demands, and creative work.
A person’s uniqueness should be celebrated by her environment. That’s the true essence of Personal Design because every person has their own unique Design DNA -- and I love developing it to maximum expression!
