My Design Secrets

This Currey & Company chandelier has a hint of formality, but the washed wood would work well in beachy, casual interiors too.

Carolina Rustica is one of the many wonderful vendors I have included in My Secret Database.  They carry a fantastic selection of lighting and furniture and their customer service is top notch.  Today, Richard Sexton, the owner of Carolina Rustica, is here to offer some tips on selecting a suitable chandelier for your room!  And please keep your eyes peeled because next week Carolina Rustica is sponsoring a fantastic giveaway here at My Design Secrets!

Enjoy!  Lorrie

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 One frequent question we hear from our customers here at Carolina Rustica  is “What Size Chandelier Will Work For My Room?” Most homeowners are concerned that the size of their room is the only thing that determines the dimensions of a chandelier.

Nothing could be further from the truth.  

 There are many factors that determine the appropriate chandelier for a given room, but one of the most important is:  Do You Like the Chandelier?  After all, you are the one who is going to live with it! 

So, first it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with what’s out there.  We offer chandeliers from 25 different vendors so we are sure there is something for everyone.  So browse through and see which companies catch your eye. 

 Here are some other factors to consider when choosing a chandelier:

Room Considerations

• Room Dimensions
• How high is the Ceiling?
• How much natural light is available?
• What is the décor of the room?  (heavy furniture, light contemporary, etc…)

Lifestyle Considerations

Lanterns look great in your foyer, kitchen, or just about anywhere!

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Some “Suggestions”

Next, it’s a good idea to figure out how large your chandelier should be.  There are, of course, many rules of thumb available to those homeowners who are more mathematically inclined.  Since we don’t like to be limited by design rules, we will call them suggestions:

Suggestion #1

In an 8’ x 10’ room, take the sum of the width and depth (18) and that is the approximate size in inches for the diameter of the chandelier.  So in this example, we would have an 18” diameter chandelier.

Suggestion #2 (For Dining Rooms)

Chandeliers should be hung about 30” above the surface of the dining room table.  This is a pretty good rule, but again, the height will really depend on the style of the chandelier.  If the 30” measures to the bottom of a crystal, hanging it a little lower may not make a difference.

Suggestion #3 (For Dining Rooms)

A very general suggestion for the dining room is to size the chandelier to about 75% of the width of the table.  Again, this will depend on the style, configuration, and number of lights on the chandelier.   Other designers suggest that the chandelier should be about 12″ narrower than the total width of the table.

 Carolina Rustica has thousands of chandeliers from some of the best-known names in the lighting, such as Currey and Company, Hubbardton Forge, and Hinkley Lighting.  

You can begin shopping for the perfectly sized Chandelier by clicking here!

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Today, I would like to introduce you to a very talented interior designer, Joel Robare.  Joel is recognized for his innate creativity, open approach, attention to detail and superior service in interior design.  He has been kind enough to answer a few questions and share some of his work with us today.  Thanks Joel!  Enjoy everyone!  ~ Lorrie

Could you describe your path to becoming a designer?
I was bitten by the creativity bug early, drawing and painting ever since I can remember. My first apartments lived like stage sets!  That said, it surprises most people to know that I started with a business management degree – how efficient!  I think the experience gave me the ability to run my business with my head in the clouds and my feet on the ground. A friend once told me we all have to ” do what makes our heart sing.”  If you are near me, you can probably hear my song without straining your ears too much!  I love what I do and am inspired daily.  

Can you describe your philosophy of a “lifestyle-driven approach to design?”
Have you ever walked into an interior that takes your breath away?  That is our aim when we work with our clients.  We create interiors that speak to their own inner voice – going beyond current trends and catalog pages. Our interiors speak of the people who live and work inside them.  Our life-style driven approach takes into account everything our clients are willing to share with us.  We start with an comprehensive interview that asks all the right questions. Have a dog?  Have children?  Have a problem with hiding clutter?  Don’t want to hide clutter?  There IS a perfect interior for every person, and I believe we create it…beautifully.  Our clients become intimately involved with their own homes and they love our work!  Some of their testimonials have been very touching.  

What was the inspiration for your featured project?
The featured project on our website is a home for San Francisco newlyweds.  Putting together a home is really the first decision making process any young couple takes on.  As a designer, we have to ask a lot of questions and use a bit of light psychology to bring two lives together under one roof.  Our inspiration was “a fresh start” and we worked hard to assist them in finding their combined voice.  I think they both learned a lot about each other in the process – almost as much as we learned about them! (The discussion on the nursery was important for all of us…) We layered in a lot of pure functionality (easy maintenance, extra storage, private spaces) with layered bits of personality they identified with individually.  She was most interested in the past like antiques and creating moments that stir her memory like the wallpapered powder room and painted cabinetry. He was very interested in the home’s tactile components like the Aga range, walk in shower, and building out his garage.  Our job was to add completely fresh elements, a cohesive color story and a few “wows” like the glass stripes in the kitchen floor and that lush mosaic tile backsplash.  Our work combined with their individual preferences led to a cohesive whole that both expressed their personality to the world – both as individuals as well as a new couple. 

Joel, could you share a few tips with our readers on how best to marry style with practicality/functionality?
Marry is the word of the day!  If you read my blog, you will see I love lists.  Here is one for your readers:  JR Studio’s 5 steps to making any situation stylish. 

The Urban Retreat by Garrow Kedigian

Today, I would like to introduce you to Garrow Kedigian.  Born in Montreal, Canada, Garrow attended the prestigious architecture program at McGill University before moving to Boston to work in the in the office of renowned interior designer William Hodgins.  After six years with Mr. Hodgins, Garrow moved to New York and went on to work with designers Marjorie Shushan and Eric Cohler.  In 2001, Garrow established his own design firm and since then he has successfully presided over a wide variety of projects.  His portfolio includes a 20,000 sqaure foot barn-turned-residence in Greenwich CT, a multiplicity of apartments and residential projects in Manhattan,  residences in the ever stylish Palm Beach, and large corporate headquarters and office spaces in New York.

This year, Garrow has been invited to participate in the presitigious Kips Bay Decorator Show House.  As a Kips Bay newcomer, Garrow didn’t get first pick of the major rooms.  In fact, he ended up with the smallest room, 95 square feet, tucked away on the 5th floor of the house.  Having a love for small intimate spaces, Garrow was ready to take on the challenge. 

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Garrow’s theme is based upon one of his first projects he ever did, for a client on Park Avenue.  “She was an intellectual, versed in the classics, who needed a place to get away from her husband and kids, where she could read, eat and be away from the day-to-day hassles,” he explained. 

In Garrow’s Own Words

“We turned a small maid’s room into a multi-use space, with vibrant colors, the underlying classical theme of Greek mythology. The walls are a deep orangey/brown, and painted paneling lines characterize the walls and ceiling throughout in a softer deep mocha color, making the space like a jewel box. Color and paint are key. The room is all about the paint, since there is little original architectural character to the space, the wall paint and colors create architectural detailing from where there is none.”

“The banquette, which anchors the corner, is upholstered in a deep chocolate brown velvet for sumptuousness and surrounds a quirky high table, from Amy Perlin Antiques, which double duties as a dining table or work surface. The marble console writing table, from 145 Antiques, has accents of the wall colors coming through in places. Whimsical pillows accent for color and texture and thread the Greek theme through again. The ceiling light, from John Sallibello, is an explosion of whimsy, brass and elegance. The carpet is a custom Greek Key, done in tones to compliment the walls. Above the banquette is an interesting mirror to help expand the small space, in gilded geso. At the opposite wall from the mirror a giant painting of the Russian poet, writer, and idealist Maya Kovsky.”

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“I like painting small spaces dark and dramatic colors.  This helps give the room boldness when it is lacking in its size. The use of mirrors strategically placed help expand the space and manipulate color/light source into the space.”

Congratulations Garrow and thank you for sharing this wonderful room with us!  The Kips Bay 2009 Decorator Show House is open from April 17th – May 17th in New York. 

Are you following me on twitter?  You should be!

~ Lorrie

Bonnie Flamm, owner of Bonnie Joy Designs, knows all about reinventing ones self.  Bonnie was working as a Paralegal for over 20 years when she “saw the writing on the wall” and realized that she would soon lose her job.  The two attorneys that Bonnie worked for took early retirement at the same time.  Hearkening back to the days when she used to draw floor plans for “fun”, Bonnie decided to earn an Interior Design degree and hasn’t looked back since.  Bonnie has also earned the title of Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists.  Today she is sharing a few photos with us of the major remodel she did in her own kitchen.  I love the aquarium!  Thanks Bonnie…

~ Lorrie

The inspiration for this in-the-wall aquarium came to me a few years ago when I went to Australia, and had a chance to visit the Great Barrier Reef.  Although I could not dive because I had an ear infection, I put on some goggles and swam around at the water’s top.  What I saw underneath me was truly amazing. In fact, had I not seen it with my own eyes I would have thought it was a movie set!

A few years later, when I moved into this house, I sat in the living room and realized that I had a chance to create my own work of beauty.  And so I set out to make my own private barrier reef, with one side being the kitchen and the other side getting framed in my living room.

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The tank proved to be so beautiful that it inspired me two years ago when I completely remodeled the kitchen.  I used the colors of the tank in the rest of the kitchen, and I put down black granite tile with blue specks to emulate a black sand beach.  I must admit that having this living aquarium is the best thing that I have ever done. It gives me continuous happiness, and provides a wonderful world in both my kitchen and living room. I would do it again in a heart beat.

Helpful Hint! Color can make all the difference in a room; here in combination with grays, the color warms the large open spaces of this dining room.

Living Room - Before

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Living Room - After

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Now, notice that the draperies were changed to a much lighter linen fabric, with glass tassels.  The chairs in front of the window were reupholstered, as was the ottoman.  The sofa has a beautiful English linen slipcover and tons of new toss pillows.  New art and fabulous trims gave this room a totally new look at a fraction of what it would have been to totally renovate the entire room. 

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I would like to point out something from this article that I think is VERY IMPORTANT to take into consideration!!  With an initial investment in high-quality pieces 10 years earlier, Michael’s client had the option to recreate this room without having to purchase new, expensive furniture.  By investing more on the front end, you will save money in the long run!! 

Thank you Michael!

~ Lorrie

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 I hope you are enjoying the guest experts who have come on board with My Design Secrets over the past few weeks.  I know you guys love listening to me but the wonderful thing about interior design is that every expert brings  a unique point of view.  One of my goals for 2009 is to bring you information from experts that specialize in certain areas and styles so you can get the inside tips and trick on how to achieve these designer looks on your own.  So if you are intersted in a topic we have not covered yet, please contact me at questions@mydesignsecrets.com and let me know.  I will be happy to share my expertise with you.  And if I don’t have the answer, I will find someone who does!

Enjoy this next article on light control by Larry Bem, a lighting expert here in West Palm Beach, Florida.

~Lorrie

There are options for every budget, whether you want to spend under $100, have several hundred set aside, or are willing to invest more than $1,000.

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The Most Bang for your Buck

Installing a dimmer is one of the most impressive and cost effective ways to use light. If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, this is it. The Lutron Maestro IR® preset dimmer, which is controlled by an integral micro-processor and can be programmed to recall a favorite brightness is a great solution for the do-it-yourselfer looking for a fast, dramatic effect. The product is easy to find (Home Depot, Lowes, online) and easy on the budget, at $47.50 MSRP. As an added bonus, dimmers like this reduce energy consumption of the light source.  

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A Touch of Luxury

For the next level of programmable dimmers, try the Lutron GRAFIK Eye QS®, a more advanced lighting control system that allows you to manipulate light from six zones or sources to create four scenes. As an added bonus, this system can integrate light control with the control of up to three groups of Lutron’s Sivoia QS® precision controllable shades, and with the RS232/Ethernet interface which taps into audio/video and building management systems.

For this level of control and customization, you’ll need the help of an electronics integrator. The equipment itself will cost $1,360 for control of 6 zones, $1,120 for control of 3 zones. Bem says, “If you combined the power of three of these systems, you’d get a whole house makeover. An investment in GRAFIK Eye QS provides the level of lighting control you’d see in a more expensive lighting system i.e. microprocessor control, astronomical clock, and QED shade integration.” The system comes with a four button panel for control. You can add multiple remote keypads at each entry to the room.

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Casa Monecito - Faith Sheridan Interior Design

Faith Sheridan, of Seattle based Faith Sheridan Interior Design (FSID), has been gracious enough to share the story and photos behind the transformation known as Casa Montecito, a beautiful Mission Style home.  Faith is super talented and has been featured as the winning expert on the HGTV hit Designer’s Challenge.  She was also named one of Seattle’s top designers in 2005.  Faith is a fountain of design knowledge and has been featured as a “design expert” in numerous national publications.  Check out her website and her blog.  Thanks for sharing with us Faith!  And now…

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Mission Style Nostalgia: Architecture, Design & Lifestyle by Faith Sheridan

The Mission style house, inspired by Spanish church architecture of the 18th century, evokes a unique sense of place and time.  It is decidedly regional.  The original Mission style homes were built in California. Popularized during the turn of the century, these homes were grand estates that represented a distinct lifestyle.  Mission style is a curious juxtaposition of refinement, nature, and practicality.  Stucco façade, red-tile roof, distinguishing arches and twisted columns characterize the elegant architecture.  Stone floors, big wooden beams, and plaster walls cover the interiors. Stroll outside, you’ll find sumptuous gardens and cloistered patios.  Meanwhile, the deeply shaded porches and dark interiors make these homes particularly suited for warmer climates. 

One can imagine a Gatsby-like estate, but with a regional flair.  Place a home like this in Sammamish and you have Casa Montecito.  Part of the 2006 Street of Dreams home, Casa Montecito was built ground up.  Its intended homeowner was described as a couple with three children who have lived abroad.  This educated, well-travelled family also likes to entertain.

The goal was to design the interior that not only compliments the architecture of the home, but also is inspired by the lifestyle – a place where children can run around and friends and family come regularly for casual and formal entertaining.  The imposing 7000 SF space needed to feel warm, intimate, and comfortable.  Lastly, the kitchen had to mesh together today’s modern appliances with the house’s rustic, romantic characteristics. 

Casa Montecito Foyer - Faith Sheridan Interior Design

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Casa Montecito comes to life.

While focusing on the family’s lifestyle and the “collected” look as the guiding principle, interior designer Faith Sheridan set out to design the interiors of the house.  No details were overlooked.  History, travel, and family were captured in the finishes, art, furniture, colors, and objects.  The collective effect was a home full of personal memories - both old and new.  When possible, Faith hired local artisans and craftsmen.  The first level communal rooms represented the heart and soul of the house.

The formal living room paid homage o the traditional salon, a place to have conversations and entertain.  Two classic bergere chairs with worn finishes anchored the room.  The designer matched these Old World chairs with something from the New World – a reproduction of a chest on display at the Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of New Mexico.  The repeated element in every room  was the classic mission wrought iron chandelier and sconces.  Lastly, the plaster wall was hand troweled with no VOC American clay.

 

Casa Montecito Living Room - Faith Sheridan Interior Design

 

In the dining room, the clay was tinted reddish brown.  A Spanish needlepoint rug covered the stone floor.  Silk drapes opened to one of three outdoor areas. 

 

Casa Montecito Dining Room - Faith Sheridan Interior Design

 

Interpreting the kitchen with todays very large appliances proved the biggest challenge. The kitchen came with two refrigerators – a 48 inch Sub Zero and a 24″ unit with two drawers in the island not to mention a six burner stove, espresso maker, and dishwasher. Faith chose rustic wood finish for the cabinets. For the counter top, marble from South America was honed to be flat and matte to give a more natural look. The focal point of the room was a custom Kibak tile backsplash from Ann Sacks.

 

Casa Montecito Kitchen - Faith Sheridan Interior Design

Lastly, incorporating green materials was priority. Special green building materials included:

• South American Pear Wood flooring, a sustainable wood source
• Vida plank cork flooring
• Squak mountain countertops, a composite counter top made from recycled waste paper and fly-ash
• Paperstone countertops made with 50% to 100% post consumer recycled paper content
• American clay earth plaster was treated to the entire house. This mold resistant, hypo-allergenic, low toxic, easy to clean and repair material was the 2004 winner of outstanding green product award from National Association of Homebuilders.

History, nature, old, new, green  – all came together at Casa Montecito. 

Casa Montecito Master Bedroom - Faith Sheridan Interior Design

Casa Montecito Master Bathroom - Faith Sheridan Interior Design

Three tips to consider for creating this look:

1. Wrought iron on sconces, chandeliers and floor lamps conforms to the historical interpretation of Mission. Mirrors and art can be framed with wood or metal. Finishes on fixtures are not highly polished but instead rubbed or brushed.
2. The use of distressed finishes on some tables and chairs mixed with rustic painted or glazed on others sends a message of formal but livable use.
3. Fabrics communicate and continue the message of texture that comes from the floor and walls. Consider chenille or mohair combined with smooth woven blends. Add leather chairs and some silk for a sense of luxury, either on a chair seat or as throw pillows. Trims and tassels on pillows add a distinctive, custom touch.

 

Casa Montecito Powder Room - Faith Sheridan Interior Design

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This custom cabinet, designed by Erika Carolina Soza, is stylish and multifunctional.

Custom Wine Fridge Cabinet by Erika Carolina Soza.

The idea for this custom wine fridge cabinet came from the client’s desperate need for storage.  My client needed storage for her serving dishes and glassware, but didn’t necessarily want to display them.  We searched for the perfect piece that would coordinate well with her new dining table, yet fit perfectly in the space underneath the window, while still leaving room for the wine fridge they wanted to keep in the space.   Apparently we had too many requirements and the ideal piece was no where to be found without going way over budget.

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Personality Plus!!

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I came up with the idea of a custom piece, because this way we could get it built to our exact specifications, accommodate the wine fridge and choose the color that would coordinate well with the rest of her furniture. I then decided to give the cabinet “personality” by lining the inside with a large patterned black and white vinyl wallpaper (for easy cleaning and durability) and adding crystal knobs for glam.

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Since we were also using the top of the cabinet as a bar, there would be a high likelihood of drops and spills, so it was essential to add a glass top to prevent damage to the paint and wood.

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The end result was a unique multi-purpose piece that fulfilled all of the client’s needs and looked good while doing so.

Thanks ~ Erika Carolina Soza

Thank you for sharing Erika!  ~ Lorrie

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Patrick J. Baglino, Jr.

Get ready to take notes boys and girls.  Or at the very least, bookmark this page!  You are about to get a lesson in good design with Washington D.C. based interior designer, Patrick J. Baglino, Jr.  Patrick is not only sharing a few photos from his portfolio (which you must see), but he has also been kind enough to answer a couple of my questions. 

Working out of the trendy and vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood, Patrick has established himself as one of the premier interior designers in Washington D.C.  His interiors - he refers to them as ”Urban Sophisticated” - are innovative, eclectic and traditional with a contemporary twist.  Welcome Patrick!

Some of our readers, including Alicia’s husband,  are under the impression that furniture should be purchased as a “set” and should “match.”   I should note that Alicia vehemently disagrees with her husband!   

And I do too!

Patrick, in this living room that you designed, which is fabulous by the way, you have incorporated a variety of different materials and finishes.  Can you explain to our readers why this works?

I enjoy an eclectic mix in most rooms I design. I believe the use of different materials and textures add visual interest and excitement.  This living room combines dark wood finishes along with painted finishes as well as metal, mirrored glass and natural stone. Additionally, leather, damask, embroidered satin, smooth silk and velvet fabrics are employed in this design.

These different finishes and materials not only look beautiful individually, but they work well together to create a harmonious mix.  The red velvet chair and crimson painted bench adds dramatic “punch” to the room.  The painted tables provide a nice foil to the java wood finishes.

A graceful swirl design is found in the silk tufting of the rug, the stone ivory lamp, the legs of the coffee table, the curve of the klismos chair back and the base of the metal mirrored side table.  While the materials of each of these pieces are different, they all share one common element or theme.  They are united by the flowing curves and swirl design.  This commonality is best defined as harmony in interior design.

Next, let’s tackle lighting!

Patrick, our readers express their frustration when trying to achieve the proper balance with lighting.  The common complaints are that it’s too bright, too dark, provides no ambiance, etc…  You have done a nice job of striking a good balance in this particular bathroom you designed.  How were you able to accomplish this?

In order to properly light any space it is always important to consider different types of lighting methods.  Generally, a well-designed room will benefit from general or overall lighting, task lighting and accent or decorative lighting.

In this bathroom, I used recessed halogen lighting in the ceiling to provide general lighting throughout the space. These lights are on dimmer switches. (I am a strong believer in the use of dimmers, as they have a magical way of adding instant ambiance and comfort to a space.)

In order to provide crisp, bright lighting near the sinks and mirrors, I installed task lighting fixtures in between the mirrors.  The lights, which are essentially glass cylinders, provide up-lighting, down-lighting and is the perfect task lighting for applying make-up, shaving, etc.

The open shower also has a light set into the ceiling which not only balances out the recessed lighting and the fixtures at the mirrors, but also provides additional task lighting for the shower area.  This light looks great when left on while all the other lights are turned off.  It is the perfect night-light or accent light.

Thanks for the great decorating tips Patrick.  Have a great day everyone!

~ Lorrie

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Interior design/photo credits by Kathryn Waltzer.

Kathryn Waltzer, owner of Kathryn Waltzer Interior Design, has been designing interiors for over 18 years in Los Angeles, California.  She is a graduate of the Interior and Environmental Program at UCLA Extension and is a professional member of the ASID. 

Influenced by travel, art, music, and fashion; Kathryn artfully incorporates the essecnce of each subject into her clients’ projects.  Kathryn is inspired by clients who are interested in pushing the envelope and working with visually exciting ideas.  By studying in detail how people use their homes, Kathryn turns that knowledge into an enduring aesthetic that is both pleasing to the eye and functional.  We are very pleased that she has taken the time to share a little more about herself with our readers.  Enjoy…

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How/why did you get started in interior design? 

I always loved the experience of being drawn into a space, because of the mood or feeling that was portrayed.  I wanted to do it for myself and for others.  I would have to say I love creating environments for happy homes because that is where we all gather as families and spend most of our lives.  So why not make it a special place to suit our needs and maybe even inspire us?

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 Could you share a couple pictures that inspire you?

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A simple, tailored traditional drapery heading reminds me that opulent and luxurious doesn't have to be busy. Interior design/photo credits by Kathryn Waltzer.

A simple but elegant bench showing an unusual leg detail with a dried gourd accessory. Interior design/photo credits by Kathryn Waltzer.

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