Anonymous ~ Why I LOVE Blogging!

"Dear Anonymous,

You left me the following kind message today and it was so touching that I thought I would share it with all three of my loyal readers:


"Comment"

"You are at best a skinking f****ing cow. You've published a book on window treatments? Wow, what's next a book on faux (f**k) finishes.

Lard Ass.

Professionals don't comment on others work. Get it - pro. You pro-found hog."

"Anonymous"

(quote edited with * to protect the unprofessional)

Let us digest this deep and meaningful comment, shall we?

First: I believe you meant stinking with a T not "skinking" with a K unless "skinking" is some new form of insult that I am not aware of ~ very possible. However, I am glad to report that I do bathe daily and apply deodorant liberally so if you did mean stinking I may have to disagree.

Second: I was a bit of a cow the last few years ( Wow, do you actually know me?) But I am happy to say that I have lost 40 pounds since last October and am actually probably well out of the cow category at present. Thanks for your genuine concern about my health.

Third: I have actually published three books not one:

The first on window treatments ( it's only 585 pages and filled with 3000 original designs and illustrations done by myself so I can see how it is easily dismissed).

The Second on Bedding ( again only 580 pages and thousands of original designs and illustrations).

The third is a professional marketing manual and software system for the interior design trade. A mere 350 pages ( so embarrassing!)

I am currently writing two more, haven't decided on the finished length yet. I'll be sure to let you know.

Fourth: I do not presently plan on writing a book on faux, or as you so eloquently put it, "f**k" finishes but never say never. I did however spend many years doing decorative painting, murals and faux finishes for my clients during my scant twenty years as an interior designer.

Fifth: I believe the "Lard Ass" comment was referring to my "cow" like appearance to which I will again refer to my recent weight loss. I will admit to still having some excess lard on my ass but a bony ass is just unsightly, not to mention uncomfortable.

Sixth: Since you claim that "professionals do not comment" on the work of other "pros" I will have to defer to you because you are obviously hands down far more professional than I will ever be. You'd better alert all the other designers, writers, and publishers in the world though, I don't think they are aware of this highly professional rule.

Seven: In answer to your question "Get it pro?" I must say, Oh yes, I get it alright. It's crystal clear my friend, no need to remind again. You are the professional and I am a sad and underachieving amateur. After all anyone famous enough and as accomplished as yourself that they don't even have to identify themselves and can go by the name anonymous has to have a formidable resume of achievements.

Eight: As to your sweet parting words " You Pro-found hog" I must say that I am duly impressed with your use of the English language. Your verbiage is so very descriptive and visual. However, I must again refer you to my recent weight loss as I do not believe that I fit into the hog catagory either. I am well within my thin range. Not to say that I might not become a fat ass again at some point in my life. One never knows - does one?

I must tell you my dear "Anonymous" that you are the very reason that I love blogging. You just never know what you are going to find when you open up that comments page. Thankfully there are people like yourself who make the great personal sacrifice to police the internet in order to protect the "professional" out there from wanna be's like myself. I applaud your good work and please don't hesitate to come back over and over so you can keep me in line.

After all, without readers like you what would be the point of sharing a careers worth of hard earned knowledge and expertise with interested readers?

I don't want to keep you from your important work but I would like to leave you with one parting comment?

****** *** ******* ***** ****** *** ** ********** !

Till next time, XOXOXO

Read More

Restoration Hardware ~ Rough Luxe or Bust

The new spring collection from Restoration Hardware comes straight from the floors of the January Maison et Objet show in Paris. Looking through the new catalog I was transported back to the show where Belgium influenced design reigned supreme. RH has gone all in with this trend across the board in their offering. It’s rough luxe from them or nothing.

I love this style but I wonder how a catalogue based vendor such as RH can bank on being so heavily invested in one design scheme? Does this trend have long enough legs to stand on it’s own for a significant period of time?

One point that concerns me is that rough and distressed product often does not have the quality of construction to last for many years. The very thing that makes this style so appealing, it’s rustic finish, can mean a short lifespan. Little or no protective finishes on the wood products, raw fabrics and distressed surfaces offer little defense for the reality of daily wear and tear.

Some products look like they would hold up better than others.

I am in love with the resurgence of the giant Chesterfield sofas! Nothing says sit down and get comfortable like one of these behemoths!

I do wonder if these industrial light fixtures will become the arc lamps of the 1210’s.

This looks a bit “old hospital room” for me.

I love love love this setup. The mirror is divine, and those chairs! Yummy.

Great ottoman, can you see the tufted top? I like the raised lip around the edge.

Time will tell if this look will have staying power. I’m sure like most trends parts of it will stick around and others will wane away. See the entire collection from Restoration Hardware here.

Which items do you think will have what it takes to win the test of time?

Read More

Lamp Love – Clayton Gray Home

I’m drooling <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> See more here

Read More

Trend Report: Emerging Color Forecast 2010

I showed you the primary colors shown at market in my post about Purples and Mauves but there were also some emerging color stars that will take on more importance in the next couple of seasons. A glossy almost lacquered Black is the anchoring neutral for this collection of ultra bight heavily saturated accent colors.

One of the less vibrant color combinations in this palette is black set off with metallic silver or gold and accented with the same chartreuse green that we saw commonly mixed with purple and mauve.

Designers Guild

By grounding this intense color with the use of an abundant amount of black the finished effect is sophisticated an surprisingly soothing. Playing with texture, sheen, create motion and balance in the room.

Gaudarte

We saw the same chartreuse accented with white and the effect was an intensely vibrant and bright space.

Gaudarte

This color combination was not for the faint of heart but would provide for a happy and vital space.

Gaudarte

I saw quite a few bold combinations of pattern and color used on modern furnishings much like the traditional combination upholstered pieces we saw a few years ago. This new trend combined traditional fabric motifs in super bright color ways all arranged in asymmetrical pieces that showed off a high level of contrast.

Furniture frames lacquered in super bright colors were neutralized with men's wear inspired woolen upholstery in various shades of grey and taupe. These pieces were set off with patent leather welting in various colors including black.

Another view of the back of the chairs. I saw many grouping of similar or very diverse chairs in assorted super bright grouped with small tables and set in a traditional dining room setting. Also worthy of notice is the rug used in this display. Seems there is a growing trend to repurpose old or surplus rugs by bleaching them. Bleach is applied randomly as on this rug or more uniformly on others to create a very worn look.

Another example of mix & match traditional patterns on a modern chair. This black and white beauty does a great job of combining fabrics with heavy texture, shine, and bold pattern.

This years Pantone color of the year Turquoise, was present in this super bright color mix. Here a lovely turquoise sofa by Shine Home was a big hit at Maison et Objet.

Shine Home

Reflective surfaces are a key component of this look so we saw many fabulous products printed on or painted behind glass. I absolutely love this look!

Provence et Fils

More turquoise mixed with high gloss black and white in high relief. Definitely Chinoiserie inspired I loved this vignette.

To go along with super bright furnishings we found super bright and super large graphic wall paper from Marburg.

Marburg

Another set of mismatched bright chairs in various finishes and styles.

The last color in this scheme is bright orange and I am talking serious Halloween or for you fashionistas out there, Hermes orange.

Tempered again with glossy black it is a strong statement to be sure. But one that I found surprisingly appealing.

This room really shows how intense the sheen is on the black furnishings and accessories.

Orange was also paired with white for high contrast.

It seems that this emerging trend towards bright color and high contrast is the direct opposite of the dominant trend of faded grays, neutrals and natural products mixed with soft hues of purple and mauve and the highly textured woods like oak and teak use for case goods. Only time will tell what the “new” look will be but I’ll keep my eye on this palette. I think it has legs.

What do you think about it? Fan of faded, soothing, ethereal interiors or longing for some uber bright pigments to brighten your day.

Please leave a comment and let me know.

Read More

More Oscar Fun with Architectural Digest & Roger Thomas

Click on the arrow to view

Well I teased you in my last post with the beautiful rendering by Jeffrey Schneider and now I have another special treat for you!

This time lapse video, so generously provided to us by Architectural Digest, provides a fascinating look into the real life step by step process of interior design construction and installation! It takes a village to raise a child and a huge team of very talented artists and craftsman as well as creative manufacturers and vendors to decorate this green room.

You can see Roger hard at work, arm in arm with his team, putting everything in it's place. He's the very distinguished looking gentleman with the white hair and although I couldn't see them ,I am sure he is wearing one of his signature pair of colorful shoes. Constructing and installing all at once in such a small space must have been particularly challenging. You can see the work table still busy as the furniture is already being brought in. This type of install is like a complicated symphony and it takes and experienced and talented conductor to pull it off.

The room looks stunning and has Rogers usual flair for the dramatic while at the same time addressing the purpose of the room which is to provide a quite, calming, space for nervous nominees! It is a room that could be installed in any home as a main living space. It's not overly themed or kitschy as some rooms have been in the past. I love the reference to the golden age of Hollywood with the painted floor, use of mirror, and formal seating arrangements. Perhaps I am a bit biased being a Las Vegan but I believe he has done a fantastic job!

What do you think?

Read More

Roger Thomas Does The Oscars!

Rendering by Jeffrey Schneider

Roger Thomas, my fellow Las Vegas designer and hospitality designer par excellence has been tapped to deck out this years Oscar Awards , Architectural Digest Greenroom! Thomas single handedly revamped Las Vegas style with such properties as The Golden Nugget, Mirage, Bellagio, Wynn, and Encore among many others all over the world.

He brought sophistication, class and distinction to a world formerly filled with plastic afrontery. Las Vegas owes much of its succes over the past twenty to Thomas and his muse Steve Wynn. I am so thrilled to see AI tapping into his incredible talent. Congratulations Roger - it's about time!

Read More