The designer in me is always intrigued by what is to come. What is the next trend. How do we improve upon what is available to us today. While I find the following kitchen fascinating due to its ingenuity, innovation, and what is defined as truly green (ecological…not just green-washing) its aesthetic needs improvement (of course). However, like all great ideas and prototypes it has to start somewhere. In concept this is brilliant and I am excited to see where it lands aesthetically in the kitchen of the future.

The Ekokook is a sustainable kitchen, and by sustainable it is more than just energy efficient and made of recycled products, that truly defines reuse and respect of our environment. The Ekokook kitchen from Faltazi uses three built-in microplants to recycle water and break down waste.  Based on its various compartments there is a zone for washing, food storage (both dry and cold), prep tables appear from what seems to be with George Jetson ease, a steam oven (yes you can cook with steam and I’m not talking the steamers of vegetables we currently nuke in the microwave), a gas burner, and there is a hood used for extraction. This kitchen by design is efficient, compact, and supports the concept of  cradle-to-cradle by reusing every resource.

Will the kitchen of the future look like this? Probably not. Will the kitchen of the future incorporate the concept and function of the Ekokook? I hope so and would like to say most definitely. While I’m not sure how quickly it will hit the mainstream you can bet on finding elements of this design in cutting edge European homes first and it will eventually find its way to the United States in homes that are “off-the-grid”. In time some of these elements, I hope, will find their way into everyday appliances, fixtures, and features of the modern day kitchen (of the future). Do I want my own kitchen to look like this? Absolutely not, though I would be more than open and willing to incorporate some of the same functionality.

I like the words that Faltazi uses to describe this kitchen as stated in the July/August/10  issue of icon (an ASID magazine and newsletter for those of you that are not familiar), “All the air, water, wind and sun that reach a habitat must be seen as scarce resources to be captured and used.” This is so true despite the fact that some live in areas that they may not feel the affects of our dwindling natural resources the fact is…they are dwindling, and quickly dwindling. Faltazi goes on to say, “Each drop of water must be collected and used to the utmost before being evacuated to external networks.” Quite insightful and highly interesting. If you are a bit of a gadget geek like me and you often find yourself with your eyes wide and mouth open in amazement at what technology can do today you really should check out more information on the Ekokook at www.ekokook.com (tip, select EN for English on the left toolbar of the website).

At the end of the day Faltazi has incorporated some of the elements we have available to us today, such as recycling and composting, and taken it a few steps further by making all components convenient, compact, and at hand. With the Ekokook concept and design no longer can a person say that recycling, reusing, and being environmentally responsible isn’t convenient.

In the process of transforming my home office I have thought a LOT about window coverings. What makes sense for the space? What helps to soften the room but doesn’t block the Western view of the mountains? Do I layer the look? etcetera etcetera etcetera

This brought me to the conclusion of a few tips about window coverings…

One: Typically it is smart to layer window covering to control the light level as well as insulation (i.e. keep heat in or out depending upon the time of the year). It is OKAY to have a cellular shade, wood blind, sheer, or flat roman shade layered underneath a drapery panel. This tip may seem basic to some of you but I do frequently get asked this question so I thought I would confirm it here. Visual example:

Two: Only have space for a shade or blind but want to soften the look or add a sense of design? I recommend a valence or cornice board. It is the opportunity to add color, print, and create a sense of richness to what can seem like a college dorm or rental unit.  If you are considering a valence (of which I’m not a HUGE fan) an option is the French Valence but this may be more traditional or feminine than needed for some spaces. Visual example:

Wondering what the heck is a cornice? A cornice is  essentially decorative framework (fabric, wood, molding, etc.) that is used to conceal the curtain fixtures at the top of a window casing. This option might sound rather formal but you can make them more casual and they are definitely a great way to polish the style for your space.  Visual examples:

Three: Curtains, panels, drapes, and such. Any one of these are a standard option but be creative and consider them the jewelry for the window. Depending on what you are hoping to achieve give an unusual texture a try, find a funky print, or simply add a pop of color. Rule of thumb…minimally your drapes or curtains should graze the floor (no highwaters please). You may also want to pool them somewhate for a more formal look. The more you pool or puddle the fabric on the floor the more romantic and formal.

One of my favorite curtain panels available at the moment are the Firenze Embroidered Panels from Ballard Designs. They are a nice balance of pattern and color that you won’t tire of nor will they become dated quickly due to the classic trefoil design that dates back to medieval times.

When considering a curtain panel there are various types that include tab-top, pole pocket, and such. You can even be creative and use clip rings. Do not over-think these options, first find the fabric and curtain panel you like then consider the options (if you have them) of how they are hung from the curtain rod. Keep in mind the more you expose the curtain rod the more casual the look. And whenever possible feel free to be creative with the finial…but only if it balances well with the style of the curtain. Sometimes things can just get too busy!

Four: Curtain rods come in all colors, lengths, and finial options. There is no steadfast rule here but when possible consider matching the curtain rod to the other fixtures in the room. If you have brushed nickel door handles then you might consider a brushed nickel rod. Stuck with the lovely bright brass of the 80′s … my best recommendation is black or rubbed bronze (the darker the better). 

Hang the curtain rod at the line of the ceiling or at least several inches above the window frame. This will heighten the room. Also, try extending the rod several inches out on either side of the window. When the drapes are open this will prevent the window from being blocked by the fabric of the curtain panel. If you must use tie-backs then they should be at chair rail height (i.e. 32″ off the floor) or just below. Visual Example (sans tie-back):

Five:  Still want to let in the light but need the visual privacy? In my last home I used inexpensive decorative window film (available at Lowes) on my bathroom window and the french door in my bedroom. This can also be accomplished with the frosted window paint that you can do yourself (it’s a spray paint). Visual Example:

There is so much more to share but these are the basics and hopefully enough to get you inspired to think about the options in the universe of window coverings. More to come as I work toward completing my home office!

Summer days and beaches…who wouldn’t be inspired?

So simple yet beautiful.

The white murals and white tables are quintessential beach bistro.

I love the color and layers of texture in this beach photo taken a few months ago…

Can you tell that all I am really doing today is daydreaming about the beach and attempting to hide the daydream behind the guise of the beach as design inspiration…much like my boyfriend is hiding behind the surfboard instead of smiling for a photo. 

Perhaps that is why I haven’t really gotten to the point of sharing inspirational design ideas today…

Back to the daydream!

For the first time ever the people spoke and were able to vote on their favorite design. NeoCon attendees channeled the Jetsons and picked the following as a sampling of  their winners for various commercial furniture categories.

I get this aesthetically but as a person that has spent many hours in corporate meetings… not ideal for comfort. But maybe that is the point and it will make a person pay attention during the meetings. Pretty but not practical…even for the impromptu meeting.

The following table is my favorite of the lot but still beyond my flavor of design. For some reason this doesn’t feel new and it seems we have seen this before.

I appreciate the following for their pure design and construction but once again cannot envision sitting in either for more than a few moments. 

And last but not least it is George Jetson’s office chair. Space age and interesting and probably somewhat comfortable but not my first pick (it looks kind of cheap).

For a person that absolutely adored the Jetsons as a child and can even consider watching an episode or two as an adult,  I cannot picture myself using any of these items in a space. I like more warmth and comfort. All of these pieces are beautiful for their aesthetic, line, and simplicity, but I’m more of a practical person and designer so I think I’ll pass on the People’s Choices for this year.

For more from NeoCon 2010 go to: http://contract-network.com/2010/goExpo/public/index.php

West Elm sent a little preview email guide out to the trade of what is to come this Fall. There are a few items that I thought were unique and there was additional inspiration for projects on my own “to-decorate” list.

First I thought the art by Mike Miller was inspiring. If you have the time and energy to try this yourself there is great inspiration for creating a display of unique images collected over time (example resources: old calendars, gift cards, wrapping paper, or even magazine/newspaper articles and ads). Or if you want the immediate gratification of hanging something different than the norm on the wall give these silhouettes a try. I’m also drawn to the hanging lamp…if only I had a place for it.  The other inspiration in this room is the rich deep blue/teal color on the walls. Very classic, classy, and sophisticated!

Of course what I absolutely LOVE in this image seems to be on the “not for sale” list. The console table in the background is unique enough that it doesn’t feel like it was bought off the shelf from a chain furniture and accessory store. But of course…it isn’t for sale. However what is going to be available that I think is another inclination of West Elm leaning toward a less trendy and more classic contemporary style are the rug, throw pillows, and mirror. The layers of tactile and visual texture are once again more sophisticated than the typical West Elm style we have seen over the last few years. I am also drawn to the color palette. It is grown-up, a bit masculine, and definitely earthy. Beautiful!

And last but not least I’m sharing this image with you not because of what is actually shown but as an example of how to address the need for a cocktail table that suits a sectional. I recently added an L-shaped sectional to the family room and have been on the search for something that is the right scale yet still allows space for a drink, magazine, and the ever present remote control. It’s easy to fill up the room quickly with a typical rectangle or round coffee table. I like the juxtaposition of the two options in this image. The natural piece of wood with the low table allows that visual interest and the opportunity to place a unique item yet still provide a function. The scale is right and there is still room to walk around the furniture.

Thank you West Elm for your inspiration today!

P.S. Look for Fall preview items to be available in August.

I continuously get the question, “Where do I start?” or better yet, “I’m so overwhelmed that I haven’t done ANYTHING”. Are you stumped by decorating according to a color palette? Do you feel a bit lost, so much so that you are simply paralyzed in making decisions?

Well I have a basic guideline that may help. I’ve blogged about this before but thought I’d bring it up again because it seems everyone often feels a bit lost in design and choosing color palettes in various ways.

Where to start:

1) With a RUG

2) Choose your WINDOW COVERINGS. Typically I recommend two, one for light control and insulation (example, lined bamboo shade) and then the second being the fabric drapes. The only trick here is to connect the tones in the window coverings with the rug (example, warm, cool). IT IS ABSOLUTELY OKAY TO MIX PRINTS…in fact, it is very trendy at the moment.

3) The SOFA is the next item. This is typically a larger investment in a room so choose something in a neutral tone that you can change its surroundings over time to suit your taste.

4) CHAIRS (likely to be upholstered or leather) fall in line after the sofa. This is a great opportunity to bring in another color (found in the rug or drapes) into the palette.

5) OCCASIONAL TABLES. Material, style, finish, could stem from the furniture items you have already selected for the space. This is also a great opportunity to mix styles as no designer is a fan of the matchy-matchy set of furniture. Try a different material such as metal legs, glass top, or reclaimed barn wood to name a few.

6) OTHER FURNITURE ITEMS. Examples are other occasional tables, unupholstered chairs, bookcases, ottomans, and such. Fill in the space with eclectic items you find from various sources. This is also something that most likely will happen over time. There is no need to buy everything and fill an entire space immediately. The best environments develop organically over time…just don’t wait until you have it ALL to add something new to the space.

7) NOW you are ready to choose your PAINT COLOR. Pull the paint color from the rug, fabrics, or inspirational accessory you picked up along the way.

Of course this ideal order is only if you are starting with a blank slate and nothing in the room. Most of us, in reality, already have several pieces we intend to reuse or keep in the room such as the sofa, chairs, and finished floors. If this is the case then I suggest choosing an accessory, a new rug, a piece of art, or an inspirational fabric and use it to set the palette for the space.

That said, you most likely already have a “general” idea for the paint color or dominant color scheme. That is okay, just don’t pick your paint color until you have found some of the other items first. It is MUCH easier to match paint to  a fabric, rug, or accessory than it is to try to match all the things in the room to the paint color already on the walls. Besides…paint is probably the cheapest thing in the room at only $25 per gallon or so!

 Happy Painting or Should I Say Color Picking!

The home I recently moved into is…well, let’s just say it’s beige. Beige walls, shades of beige in the tile, and even the ceilings are beige. I’m not opposed to the color, it is just TOO much beige. So I am slowly but surely making a few changes in select rooms just to change it up a little bit.

One of the first projects tackled is the guest bath that adjoins one of the bedrooms in the basement. It’s the largest guest bath in the home and it also connects to the basement family entertainment room. The beige box before:

Typically my first rule of thumb is to NOT choose the paint color first. However, in this case I did which I realize goes against my regular design advice. This room is an exception. It’s a bathroom, nothing too dominant is going to change. The tile, cabinets, even the mirrors and fixtures are definitely nice and will remain in the room.

Historically my preference is for Benjamin Moore paint but there isn’t a retailer nearby so I thought I would try one of Martha’s new colors now found at Home Depot. I’m a fan of Martha and thought this would be a good test. Looking for something a little bit in the gray family but still warm I landed on the color ”Brook Trout”. It’s a warm gray-brown or brown-gray, not far from the beige family but with much more depth. What I love about the color is that it really made the trim pop and the hickory cabinets standout. The beige box after:

The space is large and comfortable for a guest bath but very square. This results in what feels like wasted space therefore I chose to put a 3×5 area rug in the center of the floor. It gives visual texture, depth, and interest where it is difficult to create given that there is little open wall space for art. It also keeps a cold tile floor feeling warm under foot.

Keeping with a more natural theme I opted for a few dried flowers and a burl wood bowl on the counter top. The height and accessories that are a little bit masculine were needed. I found the vases and the burl wood bowl in an unlikely place… Kohls. With the desire to remain budget conscious I stumbled upon these items while I was shopping for the decorative towels. The splurge were the dried flowers from Michael’s, I spent more on them than the two ceramic vases combined! But I do love the texture…

Other details that I added were new guest towels and shower curtain in white, of course, because that always reminds me of staying in a hotel. I want guests to feel a little bit like they are on vacation. Hardware was also added to the drawers and cabinet doors. They are like jewelry, it’s a little added touch that creates a finished look.

I’m still looking for the right vintage or antique piece for the wall opposite the vanity, but that takes time and is something that you just stumble upon when you are least expecting it. In the end I’m pleased with the non-beige box and the fact that it no longer feels like a cold basement bathroom. All in all, not a bad transformation in one weekend!

You can find this post and other decorating transformations on:

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch!

On a recent vacation to Costa Rica I took this photo and today I am inspired to consider what lies behind the color red…

What is it about the color red that draws us in? Is it the energy? Vibrancy? The obvious…it simply stands out? When thinking about the color red in regard to interior design there are a few simple points to consider.

Red provokes the most physiological response in comparison to other colors on the color wheel. It can make the heart beat faster, it is invigorating, and it has been shown that it aids in the interconnection of brain neurons. Brain neurons? What does that have to do with interior design? Well, there is a science or theory to using color in your interior environment. You may be thinking the science of it is all great but really what it comes down to is the fact that it is an exciting color! … And I agree with you, however, you can’t ignore the rules of red.

In nature red is fire, blood, ripe fruits, and beautiful flowers in the rain forest. So naturally it is an inspiring and fiery color in the interior built world as well. Known to stimulate the appetite it is a great color for the dining room or kitchen.  Love the red poppies and countertop in this kitchen by Thomas Deir. It really makes it “pop”!  

You may wonder if red in the bedroom is a good idea or not given that it is so invigorating. After all how can one sleep if the space is too psychologically stimulating? Well, a bit of red here and there can really work. Also, the color red in the Western world is a symbol of love, passion, and affection which is perfect for the bedroom. My favorite examples of a subtle use of red in the bedroom include the following spaces. 

The red bedside lamps can definitely get you going.

What child wouldn’t love to wake up in this four poster bed in the morning? Just the right amount of color to make the room fun for a little one but not so much that bedtime becomes a battle!

Red is obviously a warm color and it can symbolize aggression…which can be good or bad (depending on the application). It has also been shown that it makes people work faster when used in the work environment.  It’s okay to be a bit aggressive in the form of initiative at work.

I love this example of the home office. It isn’t such a bright red yet it remains visually stimulating which helps to get some work done while at home.  In this space you will definitely “see the color red” … literally, though in a good way.

According to Feng Shui the front door is considered the “Mouth of Chi” where all good energy enters a space.  Red is considered to be the most auspicious color in Feng Shui.  Therefore painting the front door red is done to attract luck and good energy… or simply because it is also welcoming.

At the end of the day if you are considering the color red in some form for you home. Do not be afraid. Trust your instinct. If it draws you in and you like it because it is exciting then go for it. Some of us are just that kind of personality and you can pull off the color with nothing but success and style. You can’t go wrong because inspiration to use the color red often starts with something so simple that results in a style that stands out. You deserve to stand out so give red a try! 

As a person that works from a home office I’m a bit uninspired as to what to do with the space. There are great views of the mountains and open space via the western facing windows that I would like to honor.  Also, the space needs to be warm and inviting because it is part of our home…not to mention that it connects to a primary living area.  Given that I’m a bit uninspired, or perhaps simply overwhelmed with so much to do and not enough time, I have looked to Houzz.com for ideas on what might inspire the next step in the design process.

What I have already completed is the purchase of my desk and we have painted the walls. Now I just need to decorate. Ideas I like thus far…

The light fixture, good use of corner space, overall organized storage, and the photo placement stand out in this home office.

Though I am not a fan of the colorful butterfly graphic I do like the quirky idea of using clipboards instead of the ever expected cork-board.

This is a great idea to use a table lamp instead of the typical desk lamp. I also love the overall feel in this space…nice and clean yet still warm!

you can check the color at the door but I do love the boutique style artwork display.

Built in storage, traditional feel, and cute little cameo silhouettes are very appealing and spark some ideas for my own space.

I love the overall feel to this entire space. Funny enough the coffee table is the exact idea that I saw at a cute little local decor store. Though not suited for my home office I would love this coffee table (i.e. textile cart) in the family room. Hmmmm… you just never know where a little inspiration excursion will take you!

All of these images are great inspiration and ideas, though discombobulated in style there are little bits and pieces of each room that have me thinking more clearly about my own space. Over the next few weeks I hope to have the space complete! Look for more to come…

Today is a day to offer a little constructive criticism and to plant a seed of thought in your mind for the next time you are decorating a room. I cannot stress the importance of editing when it comes to design. If there is one piece of advice I can offer to anyone it is to simply take a step back and remove a few elements from a finished room. The results of the completed design will be much more pleasing.

It’s like the words to the song that we all remember from our childhood:

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn’t belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

Did you guess which thing was not like the others?
Did you guess which thing just doesn’t belong?
If you guessed this one is not like the others,
Then you’re absolutely…right!

Below are a few examples of what could be a successfully decorated room if a few items were edited from the space. Take a look and see if you can identify what things just do not belong.

If the number of mirrors is reduced and a few are replaced with round or organic shapes it would feel more like a home and less like a retail space.  Also the number of pillows makes one wonder where they should sit.

What works is the color scheme, overall feel, and the intention of the design. Remove a few elements and it will feel more welcoming and less confusing.

Simply clear the coffee table and start over. The fresh flowers are on the right track however a pale yellow or white would better suit the color scheme. A simple vase of fresh flowers and the coffee table books would be all that is needed. Less clutter allows greater focus on the true elements that work in this space such as the rug, coffee table, and fabulous throw pillows.

How does one enter the seating area? There are too many chairs and certainly too many lamps. Pull two chairs off to the side and if needed they can be added later for extra seating when entertaining a large group. The number of lamps is a bit of an overkill as well. Two is plenty to create a subtle and comfortable ambiance.

What works in this space is the blend of natural textures and earthly colors. Floating the furniture in the center of the room to create a comfortable conversation area is another successful design element in the room. Personally I would remove the vases on the sofa table and replace them one of the lamps off to the side. Also, this would allow for a place to set your drink or add a few stacked books on the end tables.

I absolutely love this little fireplace nook…but I can’t see the fireplace! Everything works with one exception, there are too many knitted bags hanging from the mantle. Two would be plenty. Once again the fabulous throw pillows reappear but in a different color. Could this be a subtle message to myself that I need to find these for my own home?

Ultimately the rule of thumb today is to edit, edit, edit. If you find yourself over-thinking a few items then I suggest not using them. The basic phrase “less is more” is true when decorating with all design styles.