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LuxeSpecs

LuxeSpecs

Celebrating the most versatile sculptural design!

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It has been uncommon in my 30+ years of interior design to use any resource more than once, but the record goes to John Gleason’s sculptures! These twisted, simple designs are so versatile that they always come to mind as adding to the space with great versatility that works with so many different types of art and design styles! This is the fourth installation I’ve done with John’s art. This time an office with curved walls where we used three sculptures. Artists often do custom designs to fit the space perfectly. Visit John at the Quantum Art Gallery on Main Street in old town Scottsdale!

Let’s hear it for Traditional!!

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Are you a hold out for a more traditional interior even though all we’ve seen and heard for years “now” is contemporary?

Current TV programming such as Bridgerton and Outlander make all of your favorite treasures come to life again! Check the shows for inspiration and dare to incorporate your own spin on integrating your favorite pieces.

After years in design working on so many second homes, I admit it is fun to see these interiors with the continuity you just can’t get from an eclectic look. The brand new pieces fit the spaces exactly and the finishes and fabrics blend from room to room.

 However, nothing says home like your favorite furnishings surrounding you! So don’t hold yourself back! If you love the traditional style with an eclectic mix of colors, woods and finishes, make it your own and enjoy!

 

Art Adventure!

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Art and sculpture are the most personal additions to your interior! From postcards that you frame from your own trips to your emotional purchase at an art fair (an artist that may become famous) or a Sotheby’s purchase with investment potential. Art comprises the most interesting visuals in your home. Variety is the key. When visitors enter your home, everything they see should have a feeling of compatibility. As you gather art over the years, re-mixing your pieces gives a refreshed look. Each piece needs to compliment the others. The combination may include a landscape but with contemporary squares that repeat similar colors, a complete departure with an architectural remnant or sculptures mixed in on shelves or showcased on a pedestal. Family photos are great for hallways or master bedrooms. Unique pieces can be dispersed to secondary rooms, hallways and baths. The mix creates an expression of your personality and interests!

Many times over the past 20 years I have needed a simple sculptural feel for fluidity. Scottsdale artist,John Gleason, at Quan’tum Art always creates the perfect size and shape! He is hard at work in his gallery in old town Scottsdale. Stop by for a new look or a custom piece for a hard-to-fill bare spot!

John’s website
Studio address: 7077 E Main St, # 16, Scottsdale, AZ

 

 

Leftovers?

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The contractor/client always ends up with the leftovers from his clients’ moves and spec homes. So his office was a hodge podge that didn’t even have adequate seating for his staff meetings. He needed a revamp! World Market had this great work table with pull out seats! We positioned it in front of the window with northern light. We gave the room unity and interest by adding vertical stripes. He had staff in there working the next day. Everyone was happy with the change and a new look.

Color Makes Big Impact

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From dark to light is the least expensive way to make changes to your décor whether it be wall color or cabinetry. In this home, the client selected a gray tone even though my color choice was slightly closer to the travertine color on the floors. The rugs in the kitchen with both colors pulled the palette together. A new lighting fixture replaced the ceiling fan. An updated lighter look!

Need a Refresh?

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These are clients I have worked with for many years. They need an update from time to time! It is so gratifying to work with returning clients as the results get better and better. The living area in this remodel has a new rug, two chairs, a small round table and ottoman. Look at the difference! Stay tuned for new additions. 

A Chance to View One of My Favorite Projects

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Just prior to the 2008 recession, I was working on a spec home that local architect had designed in Verrado. I had introduced him to the contractor and the contractor had two other investors. During one of our meetings, we also met with a potential residential client. The “architects” were actually architectural designers. (Architectural designers can do a lot of architectural type work without the education and requirements for an architect.) I started working on the project and obtained samples for the exterior materials. The contractor and I also knew the structural engineers. The project had stalled. The contractor and I worked on the samples and re-draw of the plans, the home passed review!

I have had three outstanding CADD assistants over the years and I had an especially good one at the time. The interior of the home was all drywall without detail. The client wanted Rural Mediterranean style. After some discussions, we felt we could draw the interior for the client to review. He approved it

  • an interior atrium for growing orchids
  • a mirrored display area for orchids in the dining room
  • a large entertaining area and kitchen complete with pizza oven
  • master bath with overhead rainshower
  • lit onyx divider with showers behind (pictured)
  • theater with the client’s favorite movie posters
  • leather insets in the wood beamed ceiling
  • all custom lighting fixtures (pictured)

The client approved the drawings and because most of the workers had no other work due to the recession everyone just kept working! The client did not want photos taken at the end of the job. After all these years I can finally look back at the work as he is selling the house! 

 

A Cleaner Bathroom

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As we have all experienced a year with increased focus on cleanliness, here are some options for your bathroom.

Changing to a bidet may be as easy as adding a Toto Washlet C5 bidet seat to your current toilet! Touchless faucets and self-closing toilet lids make for less contact on germy surfaces. Faucets may be voice activated, have temperature memory and a 20 second washing mode. Look at these Grohe Ladylux L2 Smartcontrol Faucets!