A Work In Progress – Interiors Reflect Life

My new business cards arrived today!  Proof positive that good things do come in small packages.

Even though the main design has been completed, it’s still a work in progress.  The website is going to take a little bit longer to be updated, so rather than limit myself to the old logo, I chose to do a small printing to have on hand, knowing the web address and email will be changed.  It takes a while to transition from where you’ve been to where you’re going.  Some people believe in one big reveal.  I’ve been in the design world long enough to know things don’t always happen overnight.  Design is a process of layering and adding depth.

A great example is a custom rug which is in progress for a client’s breakfast area.  (You’re seeing the backside as we were chalking out the angle for the bay area where it will eventually rest.)  The material had been on backorder and we could have gone back to the drawing board, in order to have instant gratification.  We knew; however, the pattern was perfect and the tone worked so well with an adjacent cabinet.  Waiting was not just an option, it was the right choice!

Here is a photo of the cabinet base, right after completion.  I plan to share some professional shots, when the area has been completed.  (Website and design work often seem to overlap!)

Just like my clients, I can become anxious to see all of my design business materials and my internet presence come to fruition. I also realize that I’m looking for my changes to last a bit longer than a few months.  All of my decisions affect the impression of who I am and what I’m about. 

While you might feel your home is only about you, when you really think about it, you want it to tell you’re story to others.  Does it reflect the real you?  Have you taken your time to be certain it’s not just about filling space but that you’ve allowed for the time to collect what you love?  Does it present both style and substance?  Does it show you care about your environment and those who dwell in it?  What do you value?  In order to move forward in making the best design decisions, take a few minutes to ponder some of these points. 

Everything surrounding us pertains to design.  It’s all in how you view it and it’s usually a work in progress.

Live your best life by loving the home you’re in! ~ Wanda

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A Day of Interior Details

Yesterday, I visited a project that was about three years in the making.  (I’m talking about from the blueprints to the finished home.)  We keep adding little layers as this home is like a special woman who enjoys having a little extra attention.  It makes for an extra glow!  It is also the type of place where the words “simple” and “minimal” just can’t be applied.  There is also a fine line to the process of layering.  Too much, too soon, can be overwhelming.  My philosophy always is, “It’s easier to add than subtract”, so with clients who can embrace that concept, we create not only magic but memories, as well.

 

Sometimes I have some pieces in my treasure trove, of which I’m not sure where they’ll eventually be placed, but I have a “feeling” they will certainly land in a lovely spot.  This Belgium tapestry was one such item.  It was a little small so I had the workroom add an aged velvet with cording.  I ordered custom iron rods from Helser Brothers.  They do beautiful work and made the brackets so that I could reverse the acanthus leaves, from top to bottom.  The tabs and rods allowed for the tapestry to be stretched out in order to prevent wrinkling in between.

Here’s a close-up of one of the brackets.  Beautiful!  (Since I’m only 5’1”, I was so happy my new Canon G-12 camera zoomed to capture that shot.  Just wanted you to know I didn’t climb a ladder to get the photo and risk ruining my career with a broken neck!)

The groin vaulted ceilings are a magnificent architectural detail.  If we had only allowed for a flat painted surface, the depth would have been lost.  Adding soft texturing, which compliments the marble floors, let the lines pop forth.  After standing back, just one more layer did the trick . . . the hand-painted leaves are a reference to the light fixtures. 

We’ve decided to build a couple of custom wall-mounted tables for the walnut paneled library.  My inspiration will come from the cast stone fireplace supports. 

The scroll pattern will be repeated in some corbels.  My fabulous craftsperson, Phillip Stapp, will make these pieces seem as if they have been in place, from the beginning.  He was so pleased he had just acquired some reclaimed walnut boards! We changed the original function of the room, from an office to a retreat.  It’s now home to a pool table and some comfy chairs. 

Here is the area we’re going to address.  I can’t wait to show you the finished results.  Stay-tuned, in late March, for some new photos!

It’s always so nice to step back into a project.  Not only am I able to enjoy seeing the work we’ve accomplished, I enjoy catching up with clients to share their latest events.  Even in a few months, those events can change the focus of their home and I’m happy to be there to make the tweaks.  I call it “planning with flexibility”. 

“Love the home you’re in and allow for the details to honor it well.” ~ Wanda S. Horton – Interior Design

All my best! ~ Wanda

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Making The Right Choices in Your Interiors

In a previous post about interior design, I requested for consumers to ask themselves the question, “Why do I want to hire an interior designer?”.  I shared how it allows for them to really focus on what their design goals might be.  As a professional designer, I also ask that same question when I receive a potential client’s call.  One of the biggest responses will be, “I don’t want to make a mistake and I need help in knowing what is ‘right’ for my room.”  I’m very sensitive as to how intimidating the process of interior design and making all of those decisions can be.

(Pay attention to the little details, if you want a well-designed room.)

Let me share a few thoughts about making the right choices.  First, the definition of ‘right’ can mean several things, but in many cases it means the individual: 

1. Is interested in being educated about making wise decisions.  They want to know the “why behind the buy”.
2. Needs or wants a caring advocate.  It’s not just about hand-holding.  There is a language to interior design and it often needs translation to other vendors, contractors or craftsmen involved in the process.
3. Needs assistance so the project looks professionally done and not something amateurish in the execution.  A designer, who has experience and ongoing education, has developed an “eye” for a finer process. 

These folks still want the home to reflect their personal style but with that extra sparkle brought forth by things being done “right'”.

 

(This chair, from Leathercraft, exemplifies the “right” about craftsmanship and quality.  The gentleman, who does their nailhead trim, has been with them for several decades.  The hand tufting was completed by a different expert craftsman.  The leather was hand cut, from a custom pattern, by yet another craftsman.  The legs were furniture-finished, by a separate expert.  Notice how the Ikat patterned fabric is perfectly in alignment.  The fabric pattern cutter made sure of it.  So many hands, working in unison, created not only an heirloom but a lesson in that good design is always good and the differences can be appreciated by the touch and the eye.)

(The dovetail joinery, in a drawer, not only provides a beautiful finish, it’s one of the strongest ways to connect a drawer face to the sides.  The joints oppose one another so that the drawer box stays intact for years of use.)

Even in the simplest of terms, when we hire anyone to help our home become a more beautiful place, we desire for it to be done well.  Just recently, a client wanted to get a project finished and the contractor who was helping her offered to provide his professional painters to keep the process going.  My go-to-guy was tied up on another project, so based on the contractor’s recommendation, we moved ahead with his people.  We are now having my painter re-do the project.  As my client commented, “I wanted the areas to look better than if my husband and I did it.”  The other fellows missed the mark.  (The old adage, “Good things come to those who wait”, often applies.  We will . . . the next time.)

Did you know it takes about 10,000 hours to become an expert in a field of practice?  If you are a consumer, ponder how you choose design professionals.  Do you know how they’ve become who they are, today?  What’s their training, experience and expertise?

Design is also about inspiration, creativity and passion.  I can attest that the desire to spend those 10,000 hours, (and many, many more), absorbed in the process of developing my skills, was definitely spurred on by passion!  Combining all of the above, should provide you, the consumer, with the best tools for making the right design decisions.

“Some critics will write 'Maya Angelou is a natural writer' - which is right after being a natural heart surgeon.” ~ Maya Angelou

Thanks, Maya, I couldn’t have said it better myself! ~ Wanda

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The Freedom To Create Fine Interiors

My husband and I have a standing joke about his perception of things.  When I ask him what he thinks of something, even if he likes it . . . and I mean, REALLY likes it . . . he still uses the expression, “I think it’s fine.”  For someone, like me, who is much more descriptive about my level of enthusiasm, he might as well be saying, “It’s mundane, ordinary, okay, or passable.”  Sigh! 

When I use the word, ‘fine’ in reference to interior design, it takes on a whole new meaning.  It’s about the originality, the quality, and the process. Being in this industry, for almost thirty years, I very much appreciate the inspiration and execution behind pulling off an original design concept and to see it evolve into form.  It’s like watching a beautiful butterfly emerge from it’s cocoon.  Others may not have the vision for what’s about to hatch, but the miracle first hidden from view can be quite stunning!

I often think of the times I’ve done work in show houses or for charitable events.  I’m able to chose how to invest my time and product in the most creative of ways, a bit more carte blanche, as it were, for what the circumstances allow.  It’s where I often receive the comment, “I never would have thought of that but it’s beautiful and it works!”  Don’t you think that’s one of the reasons people are attracted to design?  They love being delighted by the element of creativity?

My favorite projects, (while still acknowledging the client is in the driver’s seat), are when I’m allowed the freedom of the creative process.  In the business that I’m in, I work with other creative types, too.  Photographers, decorative artists, graphic designers, workrooms, etc., will all tell you, when they try to work in more controlling circumstances, their output feels more stifled and ordinary. 

Last year, about this time, I was in the midst of creating a couples table for an event.  The process was the same as if I had been designing a room.  From the furnishings source to the decorative painter, there were a total of eight individuals who had a part in making the intangible come to reality.  It all began as a vision in my head, and I translated it to a cursory design board so the other folks could share the vision, too.  And by the way, I’m a big fan of the design team concept!

If you read the fine print, in the bottom right corner of the design board, (above), you’ll see the set-up time was tightly scheduled.  I had to have my creative ducks in a row, well before everything landed at the venue.  It took much of the entire day, with some last minute tweaking before closing time.

With the exception of the vintage china, the crystal, and the flatware, everything for this setting was a custom creation and was hand-crafted.

The mirrored mats evoked the wow factor!  My decorative artist has a special process.  (The secret’s in the source!)  The hand-sewn, linen table square was also hand-painted and crystals were applied.  People couldn’t believe it when they saw it.  They thought we just embellished an already printed cloth.

 

The floral designer brought out various containers and we discussed the available seasonal flowers.  I wanted to float tea lights, in wisps of ribbons, and to keep the flowers airy, as well.

He really listened and the end results were amazing!

 

So many little details . . . and so much joy!

If you’ve been reading my blog, for a while, you may recognize these photos from another post.  I still love looking back over the project and thought I would share it, once more, with a reminder of a few important observations:

• Great design is timeless and can and should be enjoyed for more than a fleeting moment.
• You’ll get the most beautiful results when you allow creative people a little more room to spread their wings.
• Interior design is more than an overnight process.
• Interior design involves time and a financial investment.  (And the two do intertwine.)
• Quality always shines through.
• A vision can only be fully shared when the project has been completed.  The real picture will then come into focus.
• If your designer is happy, chances are you will be, too!  Let them do what they do best and your results will be rewarding.  (My clients always say, when they see me smiling, they know to expect the best!)

What questions or comments do you have about the process of design?  I’m happy to share!

It’s all “fine”! - Wanda

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Hiring An Interior Designer? Why?

What Are Your Expectations?  There are probably a plethora of articles about hiring an interior designer, what to look for, what to expect from them, and what to ask of them.

 

(Where to start?  Your designer will know. – Master Bedroom design beginnings – Wanda S. Horton.)

Ask Yourself Some Questions Before Picking Up The Phone.  Other than the obvious desire of wanting to live in a better designed home, having a need to freshen or fix-up a space, or the many different reasons you might need help with your interior spaces, there are also some important underlying questions to ask of yourself, in order to know if you’re going to make the right connection.  (Hint, designing minds want to know these answers, too!) 

Why do you think you want to hire an interior designer? 

• Do you think they will free up your time to do other things?
• Do you think they will teach you how to design?
• Do you want to prevent errors and make wise investments?
• Do you believe they will bring a sense of status to your project?
• Do you think they will bring a better function, aesthetic, and quality of life to your home?

What value do you see a designer bringing to your project?

What do you think your investment will be in terms of design services and what your design service needs might be?

Other great questions: 

• What will your involvement be in the design process?  A lot?  A little?  Somewhere in between?
• Do you like watching design television, read a lot of magazines, or read design blogs?  What are your favorites and why? 
• Do you enjoy collaborating as part of a team? 
• Do you understand what the creative process is and do you have the patience to allow for it to unfold? 
• Are you ready to commit to completing a project or do you expect for it to be done in stages?
• How long do you think it might take to complete your project and how did you determine that timeline?  (Read about it?  Have an important event coming up?)
• What’s most important and in what order? - Function?  Look?  Quality?  Sustainability?  Price?
• What service do you most value and in what order? - Creativity?  Function?  Knowledge?  Time Management?  Project Management?  Money management?  Communication?

(Each element and layer brings forth the satisfaction of completion.  Taking away one part is like taking away brush strokes in a piece of art.  You’ll never see the total picture. – Master Bedroom design completion, Wanda S. Horton.)

After practicing interior design, for almost 30 years, I’ve seen a shift in the perception and appreciation for the skill sets and experience needed to do what I do best.  (This could be a totally separate blogpost.)  Let’s suffice it to say, I spend extra hours educating and reassuring a more apprehensive public about the benefits of bringing a designer on board.  A lot of questions are asked and I usually don’t mind answering them, as long as we’re making a forward motion.  I honor that it’s a mutual investment of time and it should be made wisely.

In my experience, I see how projects can become “stuck” when the creative flow becomes interrupted with too much afterthought.  I’ll admit, I’m more comfortable with a goal-oriented client, who is ready to get things done and in a logical manner of succession. I believe the best time to ask the important questions is in the beginning of the process. The outcome is much happier for all! 

. . . And usually, a happy designer is at their personal best!

Have a question?  Please do share it! ~ Wanda

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Love Hue

Rosebud Red and Passionate Purple.  Both are dramatic hues and can be a perfect match for those who love color.  When you have two strong color “personalities”, you have to be sure one doesn’t overpower the other.  It always helps if they are complementary in nature.  A beautiful waltz also never works without one partner guiding the other. 

A gorgeous banquet setting, from David Kahoi, featured in “House Beautiful”, provides the perfect illustration of balancing the relationship of color.  While the room is saturated in purple, the red really captures your attention. 

Because purple is a marriage between blue and red, it depends on the combination as to whether it leans more towards the cool, (blue), family or the warm, (red), family.  Red, being a warm hue, will always advance.  If you look closely, a few touches of it are popped around the space . . . in the banding of the table skirt, in the napkin, and the wall art.  With such a rich surrounding of purple, it was the perfect solution to match the trim and shutters as they would have provided too much of a contrast in a traditional white or neutral.  Placing the white on the ceiling allows for a wash of light and plays nicely off the French Bergere chair, to the left.

It takes a leap of faith to move towards a dramatic color scheme.  It also helps if someone, (little shameless plug here), is there to hold your hand and guide you along the way.  It can be a true, color love match!

Love the home you’re in! ~ Wanda

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Not So Neutral – The Love of Color

“2011 - Love The Home You’re In”™

Often, one of the first calls I receive after the “thrill” of the holiday season has passed, is in regards to freshening up living spaces.  The New Year has arrived and many of you have put away seasonal decorations, which always seem to add extra warmth to any interior.  The sparkle might seem to be missing and your home may be exhibiting the need for a little extra “love” and attention! 

Even if you’re feeling the purse being pinched by how much you gifted to others, there can still be some “uplifting interior moments” as the coffers are being replenished!  It’s time to hug your home!

Let’s start with color!

Just to give you an idea of how I conceptualize the process of layering a room, I created a virtual design board.  In this case, I might have had a client who’s been afraid to dip their pinky-toe into the color pond.  I wanted to show how lovely it can be to bring in the addition of one of the latest color trends, without it being too “trendy”.  I think this is where I see folks shying away from making the commitment.  They would rather court the idea and a design board allows them to take the concept on a “first date”, as it were!

Sometimes, when color trends are presented, such as Pantone’s Color of The Year – Honeysuckle, there can be a question about how much is too much?  By distributing color in small doses, it’s easier to embrace any new palette additions and to decide if you’re ready to take it to the next level.

This Lee Jofa fabric exhibits just one example of using a pattern to slip in pops of color.  There are also geometric patterns with similar accents.  I wanted to illustrate how even bright colors can transition nicely with earthy tones.

A room has more depth when handcrafted elements are added.  A Suzani pillow, from Claire Watters Etsy site, Material Recovery, was fabricated from embroidered, antique textiles. 

Imagine how interesting it would be to frame out a pen and ink-type print with a painted frame!  Even as trends come and go, this subject would always have a home.  (From:  Natural Curiosities)

Thanks for stopping by for a little design chat.  It’s time to get back to my interiors’ list for new and fun projects!

Don’t forget to give your home a hug! ~ Wanda

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Fresh Interiors For 2011

After The Holidays . . . One Step At A Time!

If your holiday decorations have made their way back to storage, you might be experiencing withdrawal from all things sparkly and bright.  It could make you feel a bit turned upside down!

The great reason for continuing to have all of those “pretties” placed about could be to distract you from some of the household “to-do” items you may have missed back in the fall.  (I have seen decorations left up until Easter!)

 

Now that the New Year has arrived, are you feeling a little challenged by the notion of adding one more thing to your list of resolutions?  How about considering this option?  Create a “love” list instead!  Isn’t it time to make 2011 the year of “Loving The Home You’re In?”™

 

I’m here to share with you how simple it can be by taking small steps, which add up in a big way.  You can lead a well-designed life! 

Rather than have you immediately focus on big areas or big projects, in the next couple of weeks, I’m going to share small steps to help you better embrace those projects when you’re ready for them. 

Here’s a good “Love List”, to start:

1.  Start with one room or a small cluster of spaces.  Getting one area completed not only makes for a positive impact, psychologically, it’s allows for a better focus of how the dollars are invested.  Trying to spread a one room budget, throughout an entire home, still leaves for projects unfinished.  Of course, expansion to other areas is totally up to you!

2.  Clear the clutter.  While this might seem obvious, clutter is not only about “junk”, but unless something serves a purpose, is a true treasure, or enhances the room, it’s hard to see the proverbial forest for the “stuff”.  This doesn’t mean you are 100% permanently removing those things, it just allows you to start with a fresh perspective.  For example, I’ll often have clients strip down bookcases, before I arrive, place the items on a table in a dining room, and we’ll “shop” in there, first, before eliminating or deciding to add or update the shelves.  The transformations are always amazing!

3.  Take a room assessment test.  Now that the room has been somewhat cleared, take a look at what’s going on in the background.  Do the floors or floorcoverings need attention . . . cleaned, replaced, or a new area rug?  Are the walls and trim scuffed and in need of touch-up or repainting?  Does the ceiling show stains from leaks?  Without lamps, is the room dark and relying on one lone ceiling fixture?  Do you have any trim molding details which are not in proportion to the size of the room or any molding at all?  As a designer, I take a good look at the bones of a space.  I can often tell if the homeowner is spending more dollars on furniture and accessories, in effort to compensate for some missing architectural definition or function.  Temporary or cover-up solutions are only band-aids and don’t necessarily address what the “design doctor” might really need to order.

No matter the style of your home, when completed, there are certain items that will make it sparkle and shine!

I’ll continue to share some special tips and advice, throughout the month, along with some regular posts.  I’m in the process of practicing what I preach, so the Horton household has been receiving some attention to the little things, as well as some business housekeeping.  A new logo, an updated website, and even a name tweak is in the works!  (Thanks to Aimee O’Boyle, at Creative Montage for her amazing talents!)

Stay-tuned!  2011 is going to be a great year for “Loving The Home You’re In”™ !

All my best! ~ Wanda

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The Butler's Pantry – A Hidden Treasure In Interior Design

I’m often asked, as an interior designer, “What is on your clients’ luxury wish list?”  Some may presume their desires would be of major proportion.  In actuality, more of the conversations have been steering towards making the best use of an existing area, adding better function, while, of course, making it all beautiful.  I refer to many of these areas as “hidden treasures”.  They aren’t always hidden from view, but the optional uses could have been overlooked in the original house design plan.  Sometimes, if we can jump into the design process, and reallocate some square footage, we can carve out specialty niches for daily activities.

A wonderful example can be the Butler’s Pantry.  This is typically a room, found off of the kitchen – or - as in European homes, off from the wine cellar.  It’s usually used for storage, preparing food for service, and a various sundry of kitchen-related activities.  In some European households, the butler actually slept in this area in order to protect the silver pieces which might have been stored under lock and key.  In the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries it was not uncommon to find middle class homes, with a Butler’s Pantry included in a house plan . . . sans the butler!

In one of my client’s original blueprints, this space was planned for a small desk area and a pantry closet access.  I had chatted with the client to be sure she had enough workspace, and after determining it would be a tight squeeze, we moved her desk space and created this lovely layout of cabinetry. Asking the right questions, opens up options. We blew through the wall, at the end of the hall, for better egress to the dining room, added a china pantry, (not seen in this photo), and moved the door for the storage closet.  The architect did a beautiful job in placing the arched top window between the curves of the groin vaulted ceiling.  I worked with the stone counter installers to create a pleasant profile for butting up to the hammered copper farmhouse sink, as well as to provide for shaped side returns to the upper cabinets.  The delight is always in the details!

One of the other challenges was to work with a special configuration, due to the back of a spiral staircase coming into the area.  My clients wanted to have some added storage capacity.  The plan was to create a pocket in the wall for a small freezer.  In the end, there wasn’t quite enough space to use this option, so we changed the dishwasher to an ice maker, and let the dishwasher in the kitchen handle the workload. (A bit quieter for the adjacent dining room, too.)  We skirted panels over the deepest part of the curve, so it looks like a continuous wall of cabinets.  There is ample storage for larger serving pieces, cookie sheets, and all things related to entertainment.  My clients do love to throw a good party!

Here is a bird’s eye view of the footprint.  Investing in the whole team concept - architect, contractor, interior designer, and great service/product providers, allows for the best outcome.  Another set of eyes, coupled with the combined years of experience, lessen the likelihood for errors. 

The Finishing Touches:

 

Lighting:  Progressive ~ Granite:  Golden Tulip

 

The flooring is maahvelous marble!

 

Vietri “First Stones” not only added a bit of Tuscan color, they are also supposed to represent good luck, blessings, and prosperity for a new home.  We placed a set of two, on each side of the cabinet walls, so my client should be in held good stead!

Other Options:

If you have a small alcove, hallway, closet, or even kitchen corner, which may not be finding it’s best use, a little space design and ingenuity can go a long way!  

Small quarters?  A brilliant layout squeezes in storage.  (Courtesy: Violet Designs)

In another client’s kitchen area, I removed an old desk and side cabinet to create a separate butler’s area.  It opened up the space, gave her smarter storage, and it’s absolutely beautiful!  I drafted the above design for her.

Before and in progress photos.

This photo shows it almost completed.  I promise to post an update so be sure to stay-tuned!  I have the best wood craftsman, Phil Stapp!  (He hand-carved the side brackets on each end of the bead board back.)  Phil came back and removed the kitchen/family room door and we arched the opening to soften the edges.  It looks fantastic!  My decorative artist finished the cabinet and redid the original wall design.  New cushions and a rug are in the works. 

In my many years of experience, in interior design, I’ve never found it to be a more exciting time to help clients love the home they’re in!  I delight in finding hidden treasures of space and purpose.  You never know what jewel might be sparkling within!

What area would you change or add, in your own home?

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