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Design Tip

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 Beautiful and Practical Design Solution

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On a current project in an apartment complex, the client just wasn’t happy with the existing dark brown accent tiles in the master bathroom. Of course, whenever there is contrast your eye goes to the dark color.  So you don’t use contrast unless it is the intended focal point! Up 5 floors, down a long hallway and over new white carpet is not the most ideal tear-out.  And let’s not forget that grout is made of sand and water! I called one of the detail painters I have used for thirty+ years as we have done many custom backsplashes. Would the same paints work to just paint the existing dark tile to a lighter color? Yes! With all of her past experience painting columns to look like stone, blending the new paint with the existing stone would look seamless. Voila! We saved the client time, money and achieved the end result we all wanted!

Cool Vibes for Warm Weather

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When the temperature goes up, we are ready for the beach! No matter the location or price range, a cool color palette of cream, sand, and blues creates a soothing space. With the most popular wood floor a sandy/grey neutral, the next step is upholstery with a casual inviting look. All of these elements can be quickly changed to some holiday pops of color, but for now will continue on with a cool look for summer. Art with sky and or water will carry the feel throughout. Accent pillows pick up the tones. Many options of upholstered chairs have swivel options and do not look like Grandma’s chairs! Rugs with neutrals and blues pull the seating areas together or add a bedroom accent. White is a great bedroom look and again bring in the blue accents. Get the breezy feel whether you are in the desert or on the shore!