Be Inspired No. 96 - Unexpected Red Theory

 

It's been said that red lipstick is the beauty equivalent of a shot of espresso. I think that's a great way to explain the recently popular design topic known as the "unexpected red theory".   This design theory means adding a shot of red to a room even if it doesn't seem to go with the existing color palette. I mean why not? Have you ever seen a red lip that ruined an outfit? And a Louboutin red-soled shoe that clashed with a dress? It's a signature, iconic color accent so the theory seems to a workable thought process in shaking up a design plan.

Fancy yourself as a barista and whip up a shot of espresso for your next design project. Start curating those red elements into your design resources and find joy in why James Bond likes his martini shaken not stirred. Let red have its moment. But remember to keep it classy. 

So, if we approach the unexpected theory of red like adding a shot of espresso to a design plan let's have some fun and look at it like making the perfect shot. There is a careful process to creating the perfect shot of espresso. Grinding and weighing your coffee - your grounds should be powdery and fine, using the finest setting on your grinder. Apply this to adding red to the design plan - it should be of fine quality, tried and true with thought put into the red element to give the perfect dose and yield (what is the ratio) in the space.

Next in the espresso shot process is time - this is the fine-tuning step. Distribution and tamping - what is the level of the red before we tamp it into place on the design plan. Then we ultimately pull the shot - this is the discovery step. We try the red element, tasting its flavor in the design plan. Perfecting the art of the unexpected red theory takes practice, patience, thoughtfulness until we discover the most pleasant interruption for the design plan. Once we have sipped the perfect shot of the unexpected red theory it is pure bliss. We've shaken things up and it feels good.

Steps to the Perfect Unexpected Red Theory Shot

• Grind and Weigh: Make sure your red element is the finest ground and the right dose.
• Time: Fine tune the red element, change the grind (red element) until is the Goldilocks bed.
• Distribute and Tamp: Add your red element to the design plan and tamp in place once you know the level is just right.
• Pulling the Shot: Shift the red element until it feels like the perfect espresso shot tastes. Perfecting the unexpected red theory takes practice, don't give up until it's right.

The way to destroy a pleasure is to overindulge. The unexpected can become the expected when overdone. Take the unexpected red theory and treat it like a unicorn. Respect it like the perfect shot of espresso. It is not for every design plan. It may very well be your Pina Colada song, your one-hit wonder of this design theory and that is just fine. You did it well and you gave the world a classic that is memorable. 

Artistry is found in so many of life's journeys. The artistry of conversation. The artistry of a writer. The artistry of a baker. The artistry of a painter. The artistry of photography. The artistry of the barista. Application of a talent is the definition of artistry. How we take something brewing in our soul and interrupting it to the world is our artistry. Pay attention to this because once you do you will be in awe of so many people. More often than not this artistry is shown to us by humble persons because they are just doing what they are built to do without need for applause. But don't withhold that applause. Dish out encouragement and joy and you will be rewarded. 

Show your artistry in the design plan. This has such an impact on how your client lives their life in their home. You affect that, do it well. Whether it is the unexpected red theory or another element of your design plan for them, do it well.

How loud or subtle the unexpected red theory is in the design plan is individual. The intensity of the tone of unexpected red, the dose of the unexpected red. The unexpected red could be a hidden gem that is picked up by the eye after the rush of the overall design plan is drunk in.  Or it's what greets you right at the entrance into the space. 

The unexpected red theory can be like walking into a surprise party if you like surprises. It is either right for you or it's not. If you are not sure, then play with the theory. Look at the design plan and add a small dose of unexpected red if it feels comfortable try changing the dose to a larger amount, a bit much then back it down. You'll find your perfect shot of espresso, or you'll find you prefer a perfect plain cup of coffee.

The great thing about this unexpected red theory is that it fits into any plan regardless of the design style. I wouldn't define this unexpected red theory as a trend. Designers have been adding a pop of color to interiors for many years. Red is just having its moment and it brings an energy to a design plan that can be felt instantly. Red in the dining room will increase appetite and liven conversation. Red captures attention and conveys confidence. Red represents passion, joy, and warmth. Not a bad combination of things to add to our home.

Be inspired by the unexpected red theory. What will your shot of espresso taste like in your design plan?

Sources: BHG, House and Garden UK, Clive Coffee, Home to Love AK, Katharine Paravicini, Instagram, House and Home, Foter, Charlotte Gaisford, Sherrill Furniture, The Nordroom, Kelly Wearstler, Decorilla, Laurel Bern Interiors, This is Glamourous

Interior Design Reference No. 4 - Repetitive Design When is it Right?

As a designer, I relate to what it would be like living in a candy store because that is what it feels like being around design resources. Fabrics, trims, wallcoverings, drapery hardware, area rugs, paint colors, accessories, and furnishings for example. And new arrivals feel like Christmas day. How does it all get narrowed down to all the right elements for a design plan? It happens by building a relationship with a client, asking the right questions, listening, visiting the home, looking at their dream boards, and the thing I find most important is silently observing. 

I want to create a plan that responds to the client. I want to design a room that allows the client to learn that it is okay to live in a home that can be beyond their wildest dream. Limitations caused by trend, copycatting, taking it safe, thinking about resell can be dangerous.  The design journey I go on with my clients is about discovery. Discovering them, period. Helping them write their design biography and then picking up the brushes and painting the picture in real life. That's how we learn together how bold or subtle their sanctuary is. Now let the designing begin.

Repetitive Design, when is it right?

So how do you know when repetitive design is right? I would have to say that you'll know just like you'll know when any other design plan is right. Frustrating, right? When I was expecting my first child and was taking birthing classes the one question, all the expectant mothers had, including me was, how do we know when we are in labor? The instructor's response was that you'll just know. As a new mother I was frustrated. That didn't really prepare me at all, why was I taking these classes? But after going through childbirth twice and experiencing just how different each was, I realize the instructor was absolutely correct - I just knew. This is no different in the design process. 

If you build the relationship, ask the right questions, listen, and observe. You will discover when your design plan is right. Repetitive design can be a bold statement, yet I have successfully planned it for some of my less than bold clients. 

A design plan does not just fall into place, it is a thoughtful process. Remember there are thousands upon thousands of design resources, and they all sift down to the perfect few. I have found with repetitive design that it can happen when you find that perfect fabric that you are head-over-heels with that maybe just using it on the upholstery doesn't feed the appetite enough. And you leap when you find there is a matching wallcovering that fills your plate with the serving of goodness you needed for your space. However, repetitive design can be accomplished without a matching wallcovering by upholstering the walls in the fabric pattern so don't fret if the fabric you love for the space doesn't have a match.

In repetitive design the principles of contrast and harmony are still important design elements, and it takes skilled control. Just how far do you take the matching fabric and wallcovering. Is it just some upholstery and the window treatments?  Are these used on the upholstered bed, walls, and window treatments? Is it just a small bench upholstery and walls? Go back to the process with your client, you will know when to say when.

Another part of the repetitive design process is to identify the interrupters. What is going to tell the eyes they are not trapped inside a box with no exit? These interrupters are not rude in nature - they are the supporting case to the repetitive flow. Some interrupters are the architectural ones like windows (if window treatments are not part of the repetitive fabric) or doorways already part of the space. Maybe the window and door frames will be painted a dark color which can provide a subtle interruption. 

The design plan checklist needs to include any addition of architectural mouldings that will be installed to interrupt, but harmoniously blend with the flow of the repetitive pattern or texture - such as picture moulding.  There are small detail interrupters to consider as well like nail head trim, passementerie, wood finish on upholstered pieces. All the case pieces, artwork and accessories that are put into the design plan are also interrupters. These well-planned pieces provide balance and rhythm, two more design principles, important to a repetitive design foundation. 

Both the vertical and horizontal applications of the matching wallcovering and fabric give the pattern or texture dimension and geometry to repetitive design. Keep in mind what the backdrop will look like will the wallcovering just go one accent wall or on all the walls; will it continue onto the ceiling. How will matching fabric drape at the window or bed treatment? What shape is the upholstered piece and how will that play into the space (remember comfort first, we do have to sit on these pieces)? All these situations need to be considered.

Repetitive design is not the easy matchy, matchy plan it may seem. It will take a skillfully thought process but keep the fun in it. Just make sure it doesn't turn out to be a "Where is Waldo?" game. Every piece must have its place in plain sight and for good reason. And repetitive design doesn't always mean print on print - beautiful repetitive design is just as stunning in neutral textures.

Be inspired! 

Sources: Atlanta Home Magazine, Decor Pad, Thibaut, Nicholas Haslam, Instagram, Things that Inspire, Eye for Design, Ltd., Round Top, Pinterest

Garden Design No. 33 - Basket Gardening

 

About 12,000 years ago people skillfully wove grasses, bark, roots and other plant materials into baskets that served a variety of functions. Gathering, harvesting, foraging, storing, cooking, and serving. Many years ago, my mom and I took a basketweaving class. It definitely was a beginner class and we walked away with the tiniest of baskets proud of our accomplishment. I thought my basket was pretty fancy because I actually wove in a contrasting row of navy, blue-dyed reed. 

Many of my memories include a basket. The most vivid, of course, were our Easter baskets. Ours were actual woven baskets and all of my siblings and I had a different basket unique for us. Our parents hid our baskets, and the challenge was to find them before we had to get ready to leave for church in our handmade Easter outfits. 

Fondness is how I describe my basket memories. From Easter to gathering my own small garden's harvest to a trip to Paris. All these memories draw me to basket gardening. The Provencial, natural, and organic aesthetic give any plant a serene stage. Boxwood's mounds still hold their architectural beauty. Grasses dance to a softer melody. The colors of spring bulbs hold a more saturated palette. Herbs look like a carpet you want to sink your bare toes into. Vines tumble over the edges in a gentler way. Spring lettuce seems to make crisper salads. And cactus doesn't seem as prickly. 

What are you waiting for? Basket gardening is at home in any garden, gathered at doorways, on the paths, by the pool, on the alfresco table, in the lanai, in the kitchen garden, holding blooms, ornamental trees, or fern. 

Basket gardening may take some practice. Definitely make sure your baskets have a good liner. The baskets may come with a liner, but if there isn't one included don't pass on that perfect basket. You can easily add one with heavy duty plastic and a couple minutes of your time. The basket liner is necessary whether you are putting soil directly into the basket for your plantings or putting potted plants into the basket. 

There are baskets that are specifically for outdoor use, however you can use any basket and seal it to protect the reed from moisture. This will prevent mildew and mold from growing on the basket. Be certain to do this outdoors and let the basket completely dry before planting. A spray sealer like Danish oil in a clear natural works best.

Another thing to consider with basket gardening is the surface your baskets will be sitting on and preventing them from getting saturated with water from rain or the splash of the pool. If the baskets in these areas are not elevated in some way the bottom of the basket may, over time, give way. Consider a protective base like a transparent plant basin or decorative platform to slightly raise the basket from the ground to help prevent this from happening. Bases will also prevent damage and make it easier to turn your baskets for even growth.

Basket gardening beckons a more simplistic selection of plants than other container gardening recipes. Have fun, play with your options. The just right plants will find the just right fit in your basket shapes. And yes, it can be veggies! Imagine the vibrant color of your hot peppers in a basket! 

There is a sweetness of fern, blooming plants, spring and fall bulbs and vines growing in baskets and a quirky stateliness of boxwood and I love that. But I have to admit ornamental grasses and succulents growing in baskets get a lingering look from me. And don't get me started on lavender in basket gardening, it takes me back to Provence. 

Traditional old school, tried-and-true blooms like pansies, geraniums, and petunias are just plain pretty and stand boldly on their own in basket gardening. Basket gardening with medicinal plants like aloe vera and bee balm keep these remedies handy. And basket gardening your favorite tea flavors helps contain these fast root spreading plants. And if you are an herb "petter" like I am basket gardening your favorite herbs not only keeps them at the ready for garden to table meals but also that quick pet as you walk past with your favorite book to catch some sunshine. 

So, what self-care will your basket gardening give you? A sway of grasses dancing to a silent tune? A whiff of fragrance from the breeze that gave a gentle shake to your gardenia. The tumble of the string of pearls that look like baubles from your favorite necklace. The vintage basket itself that you planted in that brings back memories of that favorite, tucked away shop? The brush of the herbs in your basket gardening that makes you want pasta every night. Or the perfect glass of iced tea brewed from mint harvested while the raindrops were still on the leaves this morning?

Just like a farmer rotates his crops perhaps it's time to rotate the containers in your garden. Putting away the urns and clay and bringing out the baskets. Or perhaps it's time to mix it up and partner a variety of the right containers with your baskets. Consider your front landscape being more formal and your backyard landscape being more relaxed with basket gardening. It is your painting, pick up your brushes and start, you can always paint over your canvas and begin again until it's the interruption you want.

A gathering of basket gardening with high and low plants provides a great outdoor screen to hide that secret single lounge chair, your getaway. Want to invite guests from nature? Plant for the butterfly and they will come. Plant for the bumblebee and it will come. Accessorize for the hummingbird and it will quietly visit. 

Be inspired! Start planning your basket gardening thoughtfully and reap the rewards.

Sources: Masion & Objet, Neptune, Clean and Scentsible, House and Home, Authentic Provence, Tumblr, Sweet Southern Blue, Liz Marie, Whatsoeverish, Gommaire, SFO Museum, Pinterest, Instagram