The Eyes Are The Window To The Soul

I’m scurrying around, trying to get as much accomplished before my upcoming cataracts’ surgery.  (Yes, that’s in the plural as I am having both eyes done, within a week of one another.)  Everyone assures me it’s “no biggie” and I totally trust my doctor in his capabilities.  I think it’s more the idea of the “no lifting and bending” that has pushed me into a frenzy of doing everything which might require that kind of activity! I also have a little bit of the unknown as to how well I can see, in the between periods of each surgery and new reading glasses, etc.  Naturally, as one who relies on good vision for my career and for everyday function, I’m determined to follow the doctor’s orders, watch the activity level, use the drops, leave off the make-up,(UGH!), and behave myself! 

In creating this week’s post, the topic of visual appreciation was definitely at the forefront.  I was reminded of this quote from Aristotle, “The soul never thinks without a mental picture.”  I am definitely a visual kind of gal.  As a designer, even if something is not right in front of me, I have the ability to close my eyes, scrunch up my forehead, and a vision comes to me as to the essence of a what a room or area should or could be.  (Yes, I do really scrunch my forehead!)  It may be from my ability to take in my surroundings and to mentally catalog scale, color, texture and the like, so it can be pulled up for later use. I see things and feel them, in my soul, all at the same time.  Even with my professional design education, I still embrace this process.

While I do have this gift, (and I humbly acknowledge it as such), I still would miss seeing all of the beauty the world has to offer if I couldn’t experience it with my own two eyes!  Sometimes, the next best thing is through pictures, so I’ll take you with me on a short journey, to see the places, people and things I love. 

Here we go! . . . .  .

My husband, Roger and our dogs, Magnum and Freckles.  I love seeing him in his “element” – in the mountains, in the river and with his “boys”!  (And - he might remind me, he had his beard, in this photo.)

I love to watch the ebb and flow of the tide.  This photo is one I snapped at Kiawah Island, SC.  If I have a frantic day and need to slow it down a notch or two, I pull this picture from the memory bank and imagine breathing in the salt air and I feel the breeze.  (Okay, one sensory response at a time.)  Time to go back for a visit, soon!

This chair pulls together so many of my favorite elements.  I love shapes, especially those with curves.  I love the crispness of the color palette, which holds many of my favorite hues.  I love the pattern . . .  it’s playful and sophisticated and organic.  I like the way this wing chair style seems as if it’s holding open its arms to welcome you. (Courtesy of Thibaut)

This wall sconce by Centro Stile contains so many favorites.  I appreciate the hammered finish, the spiral shape and I do like beautiful metals – translated – a little “shiny”, now and then!

(How fun . . . found photos of orchids where the pots almost match the flower, below.)

In my opinion, there are few artisans who are able to duplicate the beauty of Mother Nature.  This Aecidium Carnette – of the Oncidium Orchid family - is breathtaking beyond words.  (And easier to enjoy than to pronounce!)

I love visual texture!  The composition and juxtaposition of different surfaces intrigue me. The chippy, painted primitive cupboard, the still life painting, the smoothness of the pottery, and the industrial-style steel light fixture come together in a happily, harmonious manner.  The variation prevents the all-white walls from feeling too sterile. (I’ll leave that for the operating room!)

I do think if food looks good, it tastes even better!  (And for some reason, I am fascinated by all of the food channel shows when cake decorating is the feature.)  Mmmm – Red Velvet Cake!

Misty clouds, settling on the mountains . . . a reverential view.

Seeing this reminds me that a “snails pace” isn’t always a bad thing.  In fact, had I been walking the path, too quickly, I wouldn’t have been able to take this shot. (Now, it’s quiz time.  Is there something vaguely familiar about this picture?  Hint – scroll up to the forth photo and the eighth one.) 

Yes, I do think images convey a bit of information about our soul, or rather, to those things of which we are drawn.  I often use photos for helping clients discover more in-depth information about where to begin in the design process.  Often, they will not see how all of their selections even make sense.  The key to understanding is in the observation.

While I will be off, this week and the next, perfecting the “peepers”, I will “look”forward to “seeing” you, again, soon.  After all, you are on the list of my favorites!

Cheers! - Wanda

May I Show You to Your Table?

I’ll have to admit, I have a weakness for beautiful place settings - china, crystal, linens, centerpieces . . . you name it!  Because Americans are trending towards being home and sharing our leisure time with family and friends, I thought it would be nice to feature some beautiful settings to inspire you.

Casafina’s Arabesque Pattern – A nice transitional design.

I admire the artisan’s touch in finely crafted dinnerware, whether it’s a pottery design or the hand-painted and enameled lines of delicate bone china.  It’s such a treat when I help a client prepare for a gathering and to set the mood with their selections of choice.  If they are a collector of various patterns, we can often mix and match them for a more eclectic look.  If they prefer a contemporary setting, we keep the lines clean but interesting with the use of color and table accents. If I am asked for guidance, in making a purchase of new dinnerware, I ask many questions regarding: What type of entertaining is anticipated? . . . formal, casual, some of both? Will the place settings be put in a dishwasher or microwave? Can the client perceive having more than one pattern or color palette?  Neutral is always a great way to begin.  Color and pattern can be brought in with the linens, accents and floral creations.

A wonderful example of color use by Carolyne Roehm.  The simplest of plates become so much more exciting!

 

 

These are my “go-to” books!  Carolyne Roehm is the arbiter of good taste!

I can just feel my heart flutter with happiness!  (Veranda)

The foundation of texture and color often begins with the table linens.  I have seen some very interesting combinations of fabrics tone down fine china for a more casually elegant occasion. Imagine a silk tablecloth topped with a burlap square and then glass chargers, silk plaid napkins and a Flemish still life of flowers and fruit as the centerpiece!  Using deep eggplant, coral and green, it brings the table to life!  No stuffed shirts at this party!  Conversely, Italian pottery plates, with a fine damask patterned cloth and cut crystal, can bring a forth a richly appointed dining experience.  Don’t let your mind be limited by what you might believe are the only “go-to’s”.

A simple silver tray becomes it’s own table top for a special      breakfast presentation.  (Courtesy of Carolyne Roehm)

Floral centerpieces can definitely produce the wow effect for your guests.  There is always something so nice about having fresh flowers to make both the host and the guest feel the gathering is just a little extra “special”.  If you have made impromptu plans, don’t allow a time crunch to stress you or be concerned about your favorite floral shop being closed.  There are always many things to be found in your garden or yard.  Even if it’s a mound of moss, strategically placed in a bowl with other found objects, or a collection of shells, as shown in a photo above, a centerpiece or tablescape can be created, in a pinch, and no one has to be the wiser.  

A bridal event is made even more romantic with a mix of peonies, sweetpeas, and lily of the valley.  Who needs food?  (Courtesy of Carolyne Roehm) Love the robin’s egg blue as the backdrop!

If you prefer a “warmer” color palette, these peach and coral tones are so sophisticated and pop the design from the oriental vase.  A whimsical touch . . .  the “petit pois”, tossed to the side.  (Courtesy of Veranda)

The idea of casual elegance is to stay refined, while adding an element which tones down the formality.  The birch bark containers, the leaves and the mushrooms tucked into the centerpiece, offset the etched crystal ware.(Courtesy of Veranda)

Yes, I do really love beautiful tableware!  I have to confess, I have seven different patterns of china and everyday dishes.  Ssssh!  Don’t tell anyone.  They may think I have an obsession!

Cheers!  Wanda

Luscious Lilac and Lavender!

I don’t often hear many people describing purple as their most favorite color.  Perhaps the idea of using this hue, in an interior space, is of concern due to the intensity.  The concept might be overkill for some.  When I mention softer versions, such as lavender, lilac, or periwinkle, I can almost instantly feel a wave of relief in discussions about this color palette.

Unless you are a preteen girl, or a huge Prince fan, the varying shades of purple should be used sparingly, in order to maintain a peaceful or sophisticated atmosphere.  Using a tint or grayed down version can also “keep the peace” within this color family.

This color block illustrates the various degrees of intensity.

 What beautiful shading in this violet specimen. Photography by Matt Jones

Pop a vase of Delphiniums, into a room, for a dramatic touch of color.

Shades of lavender and lilac are often used in healing or meditation rooms.  They are part of the purple spectrum which promotes good judgment, spiritual fulfillment and energy flow.  Too much of a good thing can also create a “higher vibration”, which, according to Feng Shui experts, may create irritability and discourse.

Lee Jofa – Fioretti – Plum – A most “mystical” fabric pattern.

We often think of purple as being the color of royalty.  Children tend to favor the different variations, as well as artists. Key words associated with shades of purple are:  wisdom, relaxation, passion and excitement.

A fun way to add a temporary touch of lavender . . . paper monogrammed coasters - FineStationary.com

Lee Jofa’s Dorothy pattern adds a definite feminine   twist.  So pretty!

Thibaut’s Luxembourg Damask grounds this bright room and reminds me of a deep shade of a fine Bordeaux.  The full effect is shown on the chaise, below.

The examples of geometric fabrics, above, should dispel any thoughts of limitations to only a feminine persuasion.  (We can’t leave out our male audience!)

This Pearson Company embroidered silk was used as an accent in a bedroom chair. It’s even lovelier in person!

I just loved this block-printed card from Etsy, by Shellie Garcia of Soulflower. The temple design brings home the meditative properties of purple.

 

I found this fabulous design on Creative Montage’s blogspot.  Aimee designed my logo but her expertise is much broader.  Read her post for the inspiration story!

Now . . . would you believe, after all of these examples, I never considered lilac, lavender, violet or any of the options of purple, as a favorite color?  I am happy to use it in a client’s design project and, as a designer, I am open to many color options – as well I should be.  I may just change my mind after having been on this little journey for my post.  What about you?  How can you envision bringing this most special color into your world?

Cheers!  Wanda

Out-Of-The-Office – See you on July 6th!

This week’s post is a little bit of a word play.  I am away from my traditional office work but I am focusing on ways to make my home office more functional.  Many of my clients know, while I maintain an interior design studio, the “mental command center” of my business tends to function from the home office computer and surrounding desk area.

Loved this set up from Better Homes & Gardens.  A whiteboard helps me to visualize my priority items.  It also lets others in on the activities, too.

There are pros and cons to working from home.  The pro is - on days where I don’t have client meetings - getting some design and office work accomplished only requires a few steps and I am there!  It’s eco-friendly . . . no gassing up the car to make the trip.  (And true confession time . . . no make-up application saves time, too!)  The cons can be - it’s always here and makes me accessible to work a little more than I might need to be, some days.  I have to make a concerted effort to be sure I don’t “plug-in”, all of the time.  It also requires a bit of organization because I don’t want work spilling out beyond the office doors. 

I love Russell + Hazel – Their tagline is, “Add life to your work”

I am spending a little of this holiday time, working on getting things back in order.  Good design is about order, as well as aesthetics.  In fact, I am not sure how one has a great aesthetic quality if things are not in order.  It’s kind of like not being able to see the forest for the trees!

Pottery Barn has some of the best wall solutions for clearing a desktop.

Being that this time is supposed to be my long holiday weekend, I’m just  popping in pics showing some of my finds for office organizational tools.  No matter what your profession might be, interior designer, attorney, teacher, consultant or household manager and team supporter, I hope these will get your cogwheels turning for getting your spaces back in order. 

The Neat Company offers a scanning solution for receipts, business cards and documents, which can be integrated into your PC or Mac.  Loving this one!

And . . . . if you choose to just sit back and relax, put this in the “to look at later” folder and have fun!  I’ll be doing that, soon.  No emails, phone calls, paper piles – just Happy 4th fun!

Cheers!  Wanda