Exceptional Home Designs by Architects Johnston Marklee

Exceptional Home Designs by Architects Johnston Marklee. Perched on a hillside with picture windows facing the horizon, the open-concept plan maximizes the incredible views, from Rustic and Sullivan Canyons to Santa Monica Bay. Minimalist interiors are notable for their lack of walls, resulting in an awesome open interior that promoted socialization. The main living area is overlooked by an upper loft, where a library offers privacy while maintaining a connection to the rest of the house. Johnston Marklee











This incredible house design by Los Angeles-based architecture firm Johnston Marklee makes a striking addition to its surroundings. The irregular-shaped hill house features a contemporary silhouette with a minimalist white facade punctuated by lots of windows – a wonderful contrast to its lush, leafy backdrop of Pacific Palisades, California. This 3,300-sq.-ft. slope house features modern interiors, sun-soaked through the home’s numerous windows and skylights.

photo credit: Eric Staudenmaier. Via: trendir

Standing Still In Time

In an often fast-paced world, there are times when we must stop the clock.  It’s not by choice but by life that we must do it.  I’ve been trying to muddle through a week where there is no muddling through.  We lost a family matriarch - my husband’s mother - on Sunday. 

(via Ms New Boots)

When someone has had a lengthy illness, the realization comes that you have already gone through much of the process of losing them.  There is a continuous flow of adrenaline in averting or addressing the next health scare.  Waiting for the call to come and not knowing what the call will be.  There is the struggle to sustain a balance between crisis and care, work and play, duty and devotion, energy and exhaustion, and having those around you understand that this is not the ‘normal’ path you are used to walking.  It’s a bit like tossing a dart at the board, on any given day, and figuring out where you’ll land.  It’s an understanding that we don’t have all of the answers, the ability to define our expectations for others, much less, for ourselves.

There are many people who have walked this path, before, and others who are just taking their first steps on the journey.  As much as we might like to make it a sprint or a run so as to not feel the effects too deeply, there will be moments where our feet will be weighed to the ground, where every bump in the road and every stumble will remind us that this is also a part of living. 

For these moments, we stand still in time - so we’ll remember.

Everything changed the day he figured out there was exactly enough time for the important things in his life.

~ Brian Andreas, Storypeople

Trust in Design, Trust in the Process

So . . . today’s post is going to be short and sweet.  I’m reviewing notes from an all-day meeting with truly a favorite client and I’ve got a large list to tackle.  I’m not saying she’s a favorite client because I know she reads my blog posts or to butter her up to any of my upcoming ideas.  We’ve been working together for almost eight years, (second round of projects),  so I’m pretty sure, by now, we’ve moved past the ‘courting phase’.  (smile)  If you noticed, I said we spent an entire day together.  It moved by like lightening because we were so in sync and were having the best time!

(If this doesn’t describe the process of design . . . )

Well, even though ‘fun’ is definitely what the process of design should include, that’s not the big topic of conversation, here.  Trust is the biggest factor in my designer’s book.  You’ve got to trust me and I’ve got to trust you.  It’s a simple and yet complex concept.  The only way to make it happen is through open communication.  That part sounds easy but it’s amazing how omissions can lead to that yucky feeling of not being on the same page.  Then the trust factor starts to diminish. 

(My client has been through a couple of remodels so she knows this mantra very well!)

Thankfully, while never taking a sacred relationship for granted . . . (I do create paperwork to foster that trust – working drawings, project scope lists, etc.) . . . I can get more accomplished with this favorite client because we are on the same page.  If we wasted energy constantly second-guessing our working relationship or the information being shared, we would never be able to move forward.  This is not to say we don’t ever re-imagine or re-visit a couple of our ideas, but because we do it together, it makes all of the difference in the outcome.

(A glimpse of her laundry cabinets, after a compete re-do)

I also recognize a referral as the other ultimate vote of trust.  My client shared one had been passed on, yesterday, because she wanted someone else to have the same experience we share.

Oh! How I love pixie dust!

Thank you, dear *client, for your faith and trust.  You are truly appreciated!

(*privacy being honored)

Home Minimalist Modern Organic, Natural Style Architecture

Home Minimalist Modern Organic, Natural Style Architecture. Home design modern organic. Austria Caramel Architect enterprise architecture design contemporary style house. Design of a curved wall, with a contemporary exterior details in a round concrete patio and pool. Simple minimalist interior space. in view of the grass in the glass, it provides an organic appearance. This house to live a minimalist. Architect Caramel. Via: DigsDigs

“Bamboo-zled”

At any given period of time, certain design motifs or elements become prominent in interiors, and even though they may wax and wane, they never completely disappear from view.  Because so many folks seem to be attracted to an Asian influence, as well as a bit of a 1960’s flair, one such motif, bamboo, appears to be staying strong. 

  

In the Victorian period, there was a fascination with the East.  Bedsteads, armoires, tables, shelves, and many other furniture pieces incorporated a bamboo profile.  A lot of these were designed with a natural tone or they had a tortoiseshell finished effect.  It’s not uncommon to see today’s trending accents to be painted with a bright, glossy finish.  (I would only suggest this for the 1960’s pieces, rather than the Victorian antiques.  I’m purist when it comes to covering up the lovingly mottled finishes!)

The creative juices began to flow when I perused the pages of catalogs and the internet screen!  There’s something so delightful in adding the organic touch of bamboo to everything from modern, French, or even rustic cottage decors, taking care not to over-fill the room with too much of a good thing.  That’s why we can tire of certain elements.  It’s easy to go to the “theme extreme”!

I’ve created an editorial of possibilities.  I would love to know your favorites!

Feeling “bamboozled” by all of the choices?  I sure hope so! 

Decorating the Apartment, Minimalist Loft in Como, Italy by JM Architecture

Decorating the Apartment, Minimalist Loft in Como, Italy by JM Architecture. Decorations made ​​by creative people from JM Architecture. Redecorate the apartment in Como, Italy. They've done a sterling job. The biggest concern is to maintain the original shape and shell intact.







On top of Bringing new functionality to the flat, it's the extensive use of wood (lovely hardwood floors in there), the assembled beam steel staircase with open treads, the finished white walls and the stylish lighting That got our eyes







JM Architecture transform an old space into a modern apartment. Via: freshome

Giving For Gallons

We all know how much a fresh coat of paint can transform a dull and dingy room.  It’s just natural for surfaces to take bumps and scrapes, over a period of time, and a little TLC goes a long way.  Now . . . imagine what your walls and trim might look like after over ten years of wear and tear, not to mention hundreds of visits a day from many different guests.  Not such a pretty picture, right?

(A great example of how paint and some new, simple pieces of furniture were used in a teacher’s lounge makeover – via Casa Sugar and Brian Patrick Flynn.  There’s no reason for functional spaces to be stark, old, and cold!)

I know how much it means to my personal clients when I help them to transform their rooms or homes.  It brightens their outlook and creates an environment where they feel more positive, more productive, and a brings a greater sense of pride.  Now . . .  imagine, due to many different circumstances, there is no home to call your own and the only place you have to rest your head is on a bunk bed or a cot in a dining hall with those ten-year-old, scuffed-up walls staring back at you.  Life can be tough but there can be a softer place to land.  I’m absolutely sure of it!

(Can you spare a donation for a gallon of paint?  $25 will help us to cover 400 square feet!  The Union County Community Shelter is a 501-C3 non-profit organization so your PayPal donation will be tax-deductible.  Just be sure to specify your donation under ‘Special Projects Fund’ and you can also make a note for this to be applied to ‘Giving For Gallons’.)

I had previously written a blog post regarding a desire to donate my design services to my local community shelter, in Union County, NC.  We were in the beginning stages of figuring out what to do to get the wheels of change and shelter updates turning.  Well, that train finally has its engine tuned and it’s rolling down the track!  Pretty soon, it will be time for a paint crew to dip their brushes into some fresh paint.  The thing is, we really need the paint and supplies! 

We’ve spoken to many different vendors and no one has been able to offer us the 100+ gallons we need to move on with the project so the next best thing is to ask if any of you would consider making a dollar donation, equivalent to one gallon.  Twenty-five dollars to be exact!  Even if that’s a bit steep for your pockets, right now, we’ll be happy to take whatever you can give. 

 

Thank you, in advance, for helping the shelter with reaching this goal.  If you’ve made a donation because of this post, be sure to let me know!  I want to personally thank each and every one of you!

Minimalist House Design - Garden Design

Minimalist house design, minimalist design for the home garden are as follows.





For a minimalist garden are usually located in a narrow area, not all plants and ornaments deserve put there. "One vote, which has a narrow land will look more narrow,"



To create a minimalist garden, there are several characteristics that need attention. Storey buildings generally minimalist style with geometric shapes or boxes. This form is the impression stuck firm and rigid. With the presence of the park is expected to reduce the impression of rigid.



Minimalist garden should feature natural accent with a material that is not too much, especially if the house has a large window. Moreover, according to Arwindrasti, aspects of health and comfort of residents is very important when creating a minimalist garden. You should know, minimalist narrow desperate need of oxygen supply. Well, oxygen demand can be obtained from the photosynthesis of green plants. Therefore, multiply the green plants in the minimalist garden. Oxygen can also be obtained from the element of water. Therefore, the present pool plus a waterfall or fountain, is the right step.



Where should a minimalist garden located? Very flexible. You can put it on the front, rear, corner, side, even in the house. If you love the element of water, you can put a minimalist garden-themed water park in the front of the house.



If the park was in the back of the house, make a simpler design. Avoid forms that resemble the mountain, because it will foster a narrow sense. If you want to bring lawn, you should select a small and delicate leaves like grass howl.



Another case for the minimalist garden are present in the house. Plant the right to park in the house is a family of palm-paleman. Green leafy plants with slightly yellow tinge, Dracena fragrans, is also worthy of your choice.



Actually, many types of plants that inhabit the park suitable minimalist. "Importantly, easily maintained, green, and the price is cheap,". Some of them, namely:

• caladium linium
• Calathea Majestic that has fresh green leaves
• Yang Liyu, which often adorn the pool area.
  
  

For these types of flowering plants, you also have many options. Call it for example, peacock flower, Alamanda, trumpet, jasmine, and yellow. Not only beautiful, yellow flowers are tiny but fragrant scent of your garden can be both. In fact, if planted near the carport, this interest could serve as a barrier or fence. There are still other options? Of course. Plants sri fortune, even Anthurium, fitting also for your minimalist garden.



Not just ornamental plants. Fruit crops could you show the type of park this one. Instead, choose lean stature trees and vertical growth. For example, trees Ceremai, Sugar-apple, and pomegranate. Plants such as glodok towering fir poles or wax can also be an ornamental garden. via: kibagus-homedesign

Dream Walls

Just last week, I had a meeting with a client about updating a guestroom and an adjacent bathroom.  Her bedding is still gooorgeous and in fine condition.  We just had the room re-carpeted and we also wanted to re-paint the armoire.  (A follow-up post on chalk paint to come.)  Well, one thing always leads to the other and then we discussed repainting the whole room and the bath.  I always liken this to a woman deciding to get a facelift and doing only the right side of her face, without the other.  You can’t leave the left one still sagging!

 

Back to design!  Even though we could have considered doing a wallcovering in the bath, she has some unusual ceiling corners which clip into the tub area.  We also had color specs to address and neutrals can really be tough, due to undertones.  There was no question this should be a custom job so I called in my expert, Whitney Bayer, for a consult.  I just cringe to use the term, ‘faux finishing’, because, over the years, it’s been overdone and sometimes quite poorly.  It takes the restraint of application and a practiced hand to carry it off.  I’m so lucky to have Whitney as my go-to person.  She’s also trained in the fine arts and I think this allows her to bring a different eye to each project.  Whitney also carefully chooses which projects she’ll take on, as well as the designers with whom she’ll collaborate.  Not snooty at all – just smart.  I’m lucky to be one of them!

Of course, I had to grab my camera and snap some of her latest sample boards!  It wouldn’t be right not to share them with you!

Oh dear Lord, please let me use this one in a client’s home . . . it would truly be dreamy!  Amen.

Flickr Tags: Interior Design Trends

Draping the Dining Table

Often, while I’m designing interior dining spaces, I’ll be asked about some of the accoutrements and accents which might be needed when a client decides to entertain.  I don’t know about your area, but it can be a challenge to find the perfect tablecloth and napkins to compliment certain dining decor.  There are a few options in department stores, but they aren’t always the best size or the materials might be a little on the “shiny” side. Also, if the main focus is on seasonal decor, but let’s say, your home isn’t resplendent in those colors, you may find your search to be limited. In those cases, I’ll turn my attention to creating a custom cloth. 

Dining alfresco in elegance.  The cloth emphasizes the seating and tableware hues. via Traditional Home 

Country Living features my preference for a longer table cloth.  In order to keep the corners from free-floating on the floor, a kick pleat with corner gussets will bring everything under control.

A fun and casual cover, from Anthropology, does offer a little more pizzazz with the sewn-on ruffling.  Do pay attention to the draping of corners.  You don’t want a guest to trip on them when exiting the table.

I love how this rounded cover has cording to provide a tailored, dressmaker touch.  It should fit over the top, just like a cap!

Sometimes it just works better to use a table runner for color when you’re not worried about protecting the surface.  They’re often easy to create, even if you’re not an expert seamstress.  William Sonoma provides their interpretation of an Ikat pattern in ink blue.

Don’t be afraid to pull out the placemats!  It’s all about layering for visual interest.  As you can see from this Veranda article, (via designer Michelle Nussbaumer), what might have looked to be pretty casual in the store, takes on a whole new look.  Think of how we love our sea grass and sisal rugs placed in a more formal setting.

Lace has made a comeback in all things interior!  Bring out those family, vintage treasures.  If they were left off your inheritance list, there are many antique shops and vendors who will be happy to add a bit of history.  Although not vintage, H&M has one that’s a real beauty.

If you’re ever confounded about how to determine the correct tablecloth size, I usually go by the rule-of-thumb of taking the table measurement and I will add 14” - 15” to each side for the cover’s width and length.  For example, a 44” x 72” table would need at least a 72” x 100” cover and you might have to adjust a little in order to find a ready made one.  It’s important not to have the cloth draping too deeply in someone’s lap.  The other option is to go full length, which means your table will be at least 29”- 30” high, so you would add that all the way around in order for it to drop to the floor.  Here’s a handy link to convert centimeters to inches.

The chart below offers a little “cheat sheet” of most pre-fab sizes and will give you an idea of how many people will be seated at the table.

Seats (Persons)	Tablecloth Shape	Tablecloth Size Width x Length (Net sizes are 2 inches smaller)
2 - 4		36x36" Round
2 - 4		36x36" Square
4 - 6		45x45" Round
4 - 6		45x45" Square
4 - 6		54x54" Square
4 - 6		54x72" Oblong
6 - 8		72x72" Round
6 - 8		72x90" Oblong
8 - 10		72x108" Oblong
8 - 10		72x126" Oblong
8 - 12		72x144" Oblong
12 - 16		72x162" Oblong
16 - 18		72x180" Oblong
18 - 24		72X216" Oblong
12 - 16		108x108" Round
14 - 18		108x108" Square
14 - 18		126x126" Round

How do you drape your table?  I would love to hear your ideas!