COVID did change work and home forever! It merged the two closer to each other. Homes should always be functional-just adding good lighting and a comfortable reading or laptop space changes an unused area to a highly purposed destination. The more you like the space the more you will use it. Just because your paperwork is messy doesn’t mean it should be relegated to an undesirable spot. Due to the nature of design good natural lighting has always been a priority. Even with custom options for your office you may gravitate towards the best view and exposure. The messy part doesn’t have to be located with the workspace. Workspaces are very mobile these days so just choose the spots that allow you to be the most productive. Filing doesn’t need to be near the workspace for instance. An uncluttered space necessitates storage. Old tax returns can be in remote storage with one year deleted every year-the same with files kept just for backup or reference. It would be great to have a file drawer in the kitchen for appliance info, food and recipe references. Current work in progress may be in a more decorative temporary file. Eliminating my condensing to computer files saves so much space. Prioritize what you need for function, make it look great and you will use it more! If you won the lottery what would you do? This exercise helps create a vision beyond your usual thought process and by breaking down those dreams they can turn into reality! No excuses, find your perfect spot and crank it out!
Getting cozy during COVID
Many times when my clients move they just want to settle in so we make the most of what they have. Later when they are ready to make improvements, we do upgrades. Most of my clients want the home to be refreshed every few years.
First you see the move in shot. We had a small rug under the cocktail table and could have used one or two chairs between the fireplace and piano. Now well into COVID behaviors, homeowners across the country want to be comfortable and aren’t going anywhere. Reading and television viewing have become priorities. You’ll see in the after shot, we added a rectangular rug with the curved sofa and fireplace to pull the new chairs together with the curved sectional. The bold black curves in the custom rug pull the television, hearth and piano together. A round black ottoman and round table between the chairs complete the new look.
Do you need a refresh? On most projects the timing is a little slower but my vendors are working hard to be safe while also maintaining their businesses.
Design Projects Evolve
The first picture shows a bare wall in a great room. The house is a builder flip. I have worked with this contractor for 35 years and weighed in on the layout. With a large bare wall as the focal point for the entire living area, it was important to fill the space well! A linear fireplace and TV were the priorities. The first drawing was just a starting point. Large format tiles were the intention, but upon looking for them discovered long strips of marble and I liked this idea better. Upon sharing this with the contractor and subs, it was decided to just buy a slab and the beautiful continuation of the natural material evolved. Lighting was added under the hearth. The TV will be framed by the elements. Design is in the details! LuxeSpecs.com has solutions!
What is Wrong With This Room?
What is the problem with this room? Often an interior designer is asked this question. Luckily they know the principles and elements of design and can figure it out! In this case, the bathroom ceiling was too high. The remodeler framed in a lower ceiling to correct the proportions and the room was immediately more comfortable.
Something Old, Something New
A few medallions added to a flat ceiling can create interest in a very subtle way! One of the artists I work with cut this stencil for our home from a wallpaper pattern that was similar but smaller. We added it to the ceiling for interest.
There are also replications of the historic ceilings that can be effective on higher ceiling for detailing. For an historic and interesting application check out the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception recreating the look of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Begin with a base coat of Sherwin Williams Duration Home in matte finish, stencil on sizing and proceed with metallic leaf, aluminum leaf and additional varnishes and stencils.
Here is a creative use of stenciling! It is combined with hand painted tiles for hood detailing is this luxury kitchen.