Category: projects

project : spending hiatus week 3

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

You’ll be proud of me. I haven’t bought a thing. Or at least an unnecessary thing. Unless you count the bottle of champagne I picked up for a picnic lunch with some girlfriends earlier this week. I know, not exactly a necessity for a Tuesday lunchtime picnic but we needed it. Go ahead, you can say I cheated and I’m ok with that. It was totally worth it. Other than that, no cheating. I’ve been good. Promise.

During this hiatus, this Portland map is the only thing I’ve come across that I really want. I think it will help me get to know all the Portland neighborhoods. I’m a visual learner. But I can wait, at least until the spending hiatus is over. They have NYC, San Fran and Seattle among others. On another note, Jevan’s doing well with his hiatus too. From what he’s told me at least. He can be kinda sneaky that way. He’s cheated too. Just once and on something completely forgivable. Tickets to see Arcade Fire in Portland at the end of September.

Photo: Ork via Sally

scouting : magenta and charcoal

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

magenta and charcoal pillows

I have been on the lookout for interesting magenta pillows for a client. I came across these silk and cotton ikat pillows last night and it wasn’t until this morning that I realized they would be perfect for her charcoal and white bedroom. Found here. Thanks to Ink + Wit for the introduction.

project : spending hiatus week 1

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

I love summer. What I really love are all the things that go along with summer. I love the sun, the warm weather, the relaxed attitude and most of all, I love the clothes. 75% of the things in my closet revolve around summer. Strange because I live in a pretty wintry environment come December and the 4 months following. I have no idea what I wear during those months but summer, it’s my favorite. Fall is right up there too but summer still wins. Let’s just say, I’m happiest when it’s summer. OK, you get it.

In prepping for our move, last week I went through the closet. I pulled out all the things I no longer wear or love. I realized how fortunate I am and then realized I don’t need anything else. I have plenty. That’s where the spending hiatus kicked in. This hiatus isn’t economy driven, even though NPR and my country are telling me I need to go out and spend more to get this country back in line. Hello tax break weekend. But that might be part of the problem? Maybe we’re buying because it’s there, not because we love or need? That puts us in debt or even worse? So many questions.

This spending hiatus is based on me being more aware of what I already own and realizing that I don’t need as much as I think. I want to buy something because I need it, love it and it’s made to last. I want to save for it instead of splurge on it. Remember lay-away? How fun was it to finally get what you had been paying for week by week?

The photos above are from the Satorialist. Ironic because fashion is the worst about trends and keeping up with the next. Each new season boasts a list of must haves. But, yes there is a but, what I love about them is all are so simple, classic and make basics look really great. What’s even better? I own all of those things in my closet at this moment. Not the exact pieces but similar and I never thought to wear them in this way. Denim shorts with a blazer, a black knit dress with my Chucks, what about a ladylike blouse with a slim black pant? I think I was in a rut and trying to buy my way out.

During this spending hiatus I want to be creative about what I wear, what I buy and even how I design/work. I shouldn’t be talking my clients into buying all new if it doesn’t really follow the same philosophy I’m trying to live by, especially if the things they own already work. Isn’t that what a lot of interior design is all about, working with the space you have?

So now that you’ve made it through my rambles, Week 1 is going swimmingly, in case you were wondering. I feel more creative because I’m working with what I have instead of dreaming about what I don’t. And I like feeling creative. Guys, don’t feel left out either, the boys over at Down & Out in Denver blogged about a way to transform trousers without spending a dime. And thanks Joslyn for getting me going on this.

Doesn’t it take just 30 days to make something a habit? How’s your hiatus going?

Photos: the Satorialist

project : august spending hiatus

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

This past week, I started getting serious about packing up the house for our move to Portland. I went through my closet, tried on things, got rid of things that I haven’t worn in a year (I stand by this rule), and put other things in an alterations pile. I also started going through the rest of the house and filled up other boxes, I only made a small dent. And we even had a a big yard sale at the beginning of summer. I kept thinking, we have so much stuff. Over four years worth being stashed and stuffed into corners and closets of this house. Then yesterday, I read Joslyn’s post on her spending hiatus. It got me thinking about all the stuff we have verses the amount I’ve packed verses the amount we use. It made me realize, we don’t need more stuff. So, Joslyn, I’m on board. I’m not buying anything non-essential for the entire month of August. I even have Jevan in on it. Anyone else?

Photo: microbabi

color story : girlie with an edge

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

I have a client in her 20′s who I’m helping turn her beige (and slightly masculine) condo into something a little less beige and masculine. This is her first place, she lives on her own and there’s no reason her home shouldn’t fit her personality. The starting point was an incredible upholstered chair that she already owns (see top left). I then found a few images to set the tone for the style, girlie with an edge. To balance the florals, and add in some sophistication I pulled in some gray/blues and a dark chocolate. This adds a little drama to the girlie-ness but still feels young and fresh. I’m also working to design a pattern for a stripe using all the colors above, I love a good contrast. Stay tuned for more.

Images: clockwise from top left 1. the K.I.D Collective. 2. Mandr 3. a page ripped from the J.Crew catalog. 4. a page heisted from the W Magazine at my dentist’s office.

tres birds workshop

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

For the past 9 months I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside Tres Birds Workshop on the Quivas Street Residence. My time was spent on the interior lighting, bathes and cabinetry for the home. Details are coming together and the house is almost complete. So I thought I would give you a quick peek at one of my favorite exterior details, the brick. The bricks are mostly reclaimed and create an incredible pattern on the south side of the home. It’s so subtle not every passerby would notice. Part of the charm, I guess you could say.

Regardless of how much I think I know, design is always a humbling process. It teaches me patience, openness, and I’m constantly evolving. I love the process. Watching nothing turn into something. I love the creating of space. And hopefully it’s a space that can stand the test of time. More than anything, I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to work with such an incredible crew.

Photos: Tres Birds Workshop. To see more of the home, click here, then residential and finally the six squares at the top right.

little shop of…

Friday, May 14th, 2010

Last year, my neighbor cut down a tree that was dying. I was able to grab a few stumps to use as side tables for the front porch, remembering a Martha Stewart Living magazine article on painted furniture. After sitting out in the elements for a few seasons, I decided said stumps needed a little sprucing up. Read below for a very simple DIY.

Be sure wood is completely dry. If the wood isn’t dry, the enamel will bubble. Although very little work, this project takes multiple days due to paint dry time. So don’t expect to complete it in a one day.

Tools required:
Hammer
3-4 metal Furniture glides per stump – 3/4″
1 QT of White high gloss enamel paint
Paint brush
Electric sander
different grains of sand paper

  1. Sand stumps tops beginning with a course grade sand paper working to a fine grade until the top is smooth to the touch.
  2. Prime the top surface of the stump with a brush. Keep an eye on any drips. Let dry and sand lightly by hand with extra fine sand paper. I let m
  3. Apply enamel paint to the top with a brush. Let dry 2 to 3 days.
  4. Sand lightly by hand with fine paper. Apply another coat of enamel. Let dry for at least 2 days.
  5. Hammer furniture glides into bottom of stump.

Photos: the K.I.D Collective. Green bud vase. Idea from an old Martha Stewart Living mag.

little shop of… : big jenga

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Remember Jenga? 54 wooden blocks stacked in rows of 3′s on top of each other. Pull out a block with only one hand on the tower at a time and place the block on top to create one giant, unstable tower? Of course you remember. I wish I could tell you I came up with this idea all on my own. But I didn’t. Last Saturday for Cinco de Derby, (that’s Mexican Food, Mint Juleps and Derby hats for the layman) our friends Kellie and Kyle created Big Jenga out of 2×4′s. This was so much fun to play. And is a great DIY game you could create for some outdoor fun this summer. Leave it to the creators of Cinco de Derby to invent Big Jenga.

Each 2×4 is 12″ long 10 1/2″ long. There are 54 of them. Enjoy your weekend friends! I’m off to build my own Big Jenga.

scouting : front porch

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

A few weeks ago I worked with a client to style their front porch and select house colors. I pulled together two options and realized I didn’t share this one with you. This scheme lends itself to the farmhouse style. Everything here is durable and serves it’s purpose in a very utilitarian way but will look good for years to come.

1. Garrison Sconce: It’s amazing what a new light fixture can do to a space. This one is priced well (and on sale).  2. House Numbers: These numbers have an Arts and Crafts feel and aren’t the typical number you see on every other home. 3. Terracotta Pottery: I recommended to the client to reuse a lot of her existing pottery to save money and also because of the rich patina that takes a few seasons to replicate. The aged terracotta will add some warmth to an otherwise cool, palette of charcoal and galvanized metal. If you don’t have any pots lying around, you can find pottery at your local home depot or if you are looking for something a little more special check here. 4. Bench: Every porch needs a little spot to sit and enjoy. Often steps serve the purpose well, especially on a small stoop. This one is going to be large enough (they are expanding their porch) that a bench will be perfectly suited. 5. Rug: Instead of using a door mat size that will feel dinky on a larger porch, I choose the 30×48. It gives a little more substance to a sizable stoop.  6. Galvanized Metal Planters: An inexpensive alternative for a planter. You can also use these for a beverage container when hosting parties. If using as a planter, don’t forget to drill holes in the bottom for drainage. 7. French Flower Bucket: Traditional French flower buckets to flank either side of the door. I imagined a tall topiary type evergreen in each of these. Something to stay green year round. 8. Door Knocker: A great alternative to a door bell. You also won’t need to do any wiring.

If you are interested in a project like this for yourself or even someone you know, I can work with your budget, style and space. And don’t worry if you aren’t in the Denver area. This project was done with 1400 miles between client and designer. To see the entire process, check out the inspiration here. And the other scheme can be seen here.

in a nutshell

Friday, April 30th, 2010

Photos: clockwise from top left: Tile selection process. 1930′s street light from New Orleans before being cleaned up and given a new life. Color palette options. Getting an idea of how a dining room light will look.

I haven’t had much time to spend here the past few weeks. Or at least not as much time as I would like. As dorky as it sounds, I miss being here. I’ve found something I love and am pretty excited about that. I love it even more when you comment and email me stuff too. That really makes my day. My only issue, I’m not a fast blogger. It takes me time to do this. And I love every single aspect of it. I only wish I were faster.  So instead of trying to be faster, I’m going to post when I have the time. This will keep me from posting just any ol thing. It will also keep me from telling you all about Super Club, when what I really mean is Supper Club. That’s not to say that Supper Club isn’t super, because it is. But you get the picture, spell check doesn’t.

As much as I love being here, I also love being out there. I love working with people and I love interior design. It’s not as glamorous as one might think though. And I like it that way. I like the grittiness of it. I like the get ‘er done aspects. The deadlines, the ridiculous schedules and the compromises that turn out to be better than the original idea. I like to see the process from nothing turn into something. I meet with clients, architects and realtors. I meet with contractors, plumbers and electricians. I meet with the people who sell tile, sinks and hardware. I wear sneakers and old jeans some days and move dusty boxes. It’s never the same and I like it that way.

Photos: clockwise from top left: Wood and steel custom coffee table. Gallery Wall of cross stitched samplers. Siberian Elm re-purposed into a bathroom counter. View of a dining room.

The reason there has been so very little on here the past few weeks is because I’ve been out there. Since being booted from the nest eight months ago I’ve been busy. I’ve worked on the guts of a home for a hip snowboarding couple, I’ve remodeled a traditional home in Tennessee, paint, furniture, lighting, all along side my mom, I’ve styled a front entry from 1400 miles away, I’m in the process of taking the kitschy out of a kitchen in Boulder and am defining a style for a young working girl and her condo. As much as my projects range, my budgets range even more.

What I’m getting at with all this talk about me is, I want to work with you. I’ll come over to your place, your office, your restaurant, your back patio, whatevs and work with you. We can push furniture around, edit, discuss your style and where to source items that fit your budget. I’ll even pull together some inspiration for you. If you want drawings and sketches, I can do that. If you want to knock down walls or build things, I can arrange that to happen too. All the while, I’ll coach you through the process and select every last detail. I’m here to make your house feel like your home. And not your besties’ home. Your home. So when you get home, you feel really proud and happy to be there.