Big ideas for small spaces

There are so many things to recommend smaller abodes: lower utility bills and potentially smaller carbon footprint, ease of cleaning, lower cost to furnish - but there's also that they just feel good to be in!  A stunning, huge house that's perfectly designed and decorated is impressive, sure, but not really attainable for most.  There have been many shelter magazines lately devoted to the subject of small spaces and I say, more, please!  

Here are some ideas to incorporate that make diminutive places really effective....

I love this elegant entryway carved out of a tiny vestibule - it appeals to me on so many levels.  The slipcovered console is an inexpensive, yet elegant, way to add some glamour.  The wood ceiling and Venetian plaster walls are energetically grounding.  And, of course, using a mirror is the best way to visually enlarge a space!

Furniture that does double-duty:

A console becomes a nightstand and increases the storage space....

.....a built-in daybed has storage underneath, can seat guests and even be a guest bed....

....more underneath storage, this time in a kitchen.


Furniture that saves space:

A secretary desk is always a wonderful option:  it can hold books, paperwork, keepsakes, become a bar - the only limit is imagination!

Well-designed space-saving furniture layouts:

.....a built-in banquette is cozy and enlarges the floor by shifting the arrangement toward the wall....

....a sectional is always a good option....

....and a wash stand with built in linen storage keeps things organized.


Rooms that do double duty:

A neo-classical work space that is also a dressing room .....

.....a library that is also a dining room.

Visually expanding:

.....glass cabinet doors open and enlarge the view and the mirrored backsplash really creates a feeling of abundant space, while brightening the room....

.....mirrored cabinet doors have a similar effect..... 

This kitchen has a mirrored backsplash AND amazingly precise organization.  So many good ideas here - and it looks fun to work in!

Ann Sacks makes a fabulous 4 x 8 mirrored field tile called Versailles......love it and can't wait to use it in my own kitchen!

Countdown to Maison et Objets 2014

11 months to go!  Now that I’m focusing my travel planning energy on France (and Italy, too, since we’ll be starting the voyage there), just as you seem to see a particular make of car - constantly - when you begin to even consider buying one, I feel like like I’m seeing French-inspired design everywhere I look:

I believe it’s never too early to begin detailed planning so I’ve been researching flights, train schedules, car rental agencies and, most importantly, Paris apartments…..

There are some amazing rental companies in Paris and they offer everything from the uber-pricey to places that looked like a college kid just decamped for a semester abroad.

I love this Myra Hoefer–designed pad (though it's probably out of our price range!) through Chez Vous, a Sausalito, CA company:

J'adore this unit on Ile St Louis offered by Special Apartments, except that the bedroom is a loft…may not work.  But isn't it grand?

I love both of these apartments, from Guest ApartmentServices:

.....sigh....so much to think about - but what fun problems!  A bientot!

Dreaming of Paris.....

Those who know me know I love all things French:  the language, the architecture, the food, the wine - j'aime tout! 

All of this.....

Oh la la!

I've just started planning a September, 2014 trip to Paris to attend Maison et Objet - the French interiors and accessories market.  I have always wanted to go to this show because, as a designer, I think it's important to stay current - and what better way than by experiencing products that might not be seen anywhere else, learning about new market directions and just absorbing the ambiance of an industry trade show in Paris?!

So, I've been researching apartments in Paris through Special Apartments and Guest Apartment Services, zeroing in on the arrondissements we want to stay in (4 and 6) and, along the way, I discovered The Girls Guide to Paris.  Not that I'm a girl anymore - far from it, actually - ha! - but this website and the accompanying blogs are terrific!  And useful...

The funny thing is, though, while researching Paris apartments, I discovered that many have been decorated in a sleek, modern, Euro style - which is really cool, but not what I envision in my home away from home in Paris.  I'm trying to find a place with modern appliances and plumbing (!), but feel like I stepped into another time - like Gil (Owen Wilson) did in Midnight in Paris.  

And, what's really ironic:  my own home looks more Parisian, to me, than some of the apartments I've been finding.... Amusant, n'est-ce pas?

.....stay tuned....

Spring Edition

Spring is a time for birth, renewal, freshness, and the amazing energy that comes from seeing bright green leaves unfurl and fragrant blossoms bursting with their tempting scents!  I have been so inspired lately by the lengthening and warming days - and it seems like there is a lot that's fresh and exciting on the design & fashion scene, too:

GR Home/University Village neighborhood

Brainchild of Graciela Rutkowski and overseen by the stellar Diana Paradis, this breathtakingly beautiful store is a necessary indulgence.

Not only does GR Home have gorgeous wares (found objects, the best furniture for all rooms in the home, unique accessories) but these women are obviously having fun.  Shopping here is a mini party - but all business, of course.

Many of the lines we designers have come to know and love are found here:  Lee, Hickory Chair, Rosanna, Arte Italica, and a bevy of stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Gracious House to Home

Near GR Home is Gracious House to Home - wonderful "almost antique"furniture, jewelry, vintage table wear - there's a lot to decide among here.  Tracy and Deirdre are knowledgeable and friendly - great stuff!  Gracious House to Home, near U Village.

Altstadt Interiors


I've written before about this jam-packed consignment store and interior design firm, also near U Village (is there a trend here?) and their incredible finds.   But time to revisit!

I recently helped my son furnish his 100-year old studio apartment near downtown Seattle (more on that in a subsequent post) almost entirely from Altstadt Interiors:  this Deco bed frame, a vintage 9 x 12 Oriental rug (virtually wall-to-wall in his space), deco sofa, etc.  Budgets were spared and it was an adventure in shopping!

  
Inspiring Fashion

Not to rush things, since summer isn't even here yet, but I am head over heels in love with this look for fall 2012 from Dior: 

....and this current "Street Chic" item spotted on the streets of Paris by Elle Decor...

Details

For those who love innovative design as well as traveling abroad, some of the most fun pages to peruse are found at MODULE-R.com.  Are these the most exuberant dual voltage adapters, or what?  And they'd be easy to find in luggage.....

 Or, how about this Highland Court fabrics advertisement?  Stunning!

Books

I'm intrigued by a new design book called, "Be your own decorator", by Susanna Salk, published by Rizzoli.

My eye was initially caught by the cover because it's actually the same photo - of a Paris apartment, naturellement! - that I ripped from a magazine and pasted to my Vision Board a while back.

But this excerpt from Ms Salk drew me in:  "Unlike many artists in other mediums, interior designers never hoard their secrets.  They are a gloriously generous bunch, much more concerned with making the world a more beautiful and livable place than worrying about whose idea it was to put that vase over there."

Mais, oui!

Neighborhood Beat: Madrona - Update

I wrote about the Madrona neighborhood back in September of 2010 and gushed about the funky charm of its little commercial area.  Since then, there have been some changes and updates - and other news I just want to share!   

A welcome newcomer to 34th Street is Guesthouse, Kate Sehulster's stylish little gem!  Guesthouse carries a mix of vintage and new furniture and accessories, books, fabric, rugs, garden accessories, found objects - a little bit of everything you need for a chic nest!  Look for a very interesting new store opening next to Guesthouse in the near future.

Last fall, I wrote about June restaurant.  Recently, I've had a chance to eat there several times and, I must say, the food is - fabulous! Featuring updated Parisian bistro fare:  steak/frites, French wines and cremant by the glass and an incredibly inventive chef (green apple prawn cocktail, pureed cucumber gazpacho with coriander cream, tempura fiddlehead ferns) - it's all thrillingly delicious!

In personnel news, our friend, Jef Fike (owner of the bygone  - and justly lamented - Cassis Bistro on Capital Hill) is now the catering director at another fave Madrona eatery, St Cloud's.  We have never had anything short of a stellar meal there.  And their catering menu is enormous - can't wait to partner with Jef on an event!

Sadly, another Madrona business I mentioned fondly in September, has departed Madrona.  I'm very sorry to see Decor on 34th go.... 

Make an excursion to this charming neighborhood by the lake for unique shopping and fabulous food!

Thom Filicia book signing

 The professional design organization of which I'm currently president, Northwest Society of Interior Designers, teamed up with Masins Furniture recently for an informal gathering with Thom Filicia, formerly a star of Bravo's "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy".  Elle Decor magazine described Mr Filicia as "affable" and I can tell you, he is!  What an approachable, friendly fellow!

He willingly signed many copies of his new book, "Thom Filicia STYLE" (in mine: "big kiss!" - I was pretty proud, but then I found out he wrote the same thing in the others..... oh well!).  The book is loaded with photos, humorous anecdotes, and practical decor tips.  Proceeds from its sale go toward breast cancer research and awareness, a subject close to his heart.

 Masins had plenty of Thom's furniture designs and fabrics from Kravet on hand.  Love the Ikat-inspired prints, above.

We seemed to hit it off splendidly - but I think that just might be the way he is........

Style on a shoestring - Assisted Living apartment

How can one bring style and beauty  - not to mention warmth - to a generic vanilla assisted living apartment in 2 weeks, and include a Tempurpedic memory foam mattress (definitely the priciest component),  for under $4500?   It was a scramble, but we pulled it together by hanging family photos as wall art and sourcing items from Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Ballard Designs, and Altstadt Interiors, a Seattle homewares consignment shop.  

The end result is a cozy and welcoming refuge for a woman who is losing her memories......

..... the reading alcove, before:

....... and after......

..... from this......

......to this...... 

She appreciates the transformation....and feels comfortable here.  Alzheimer's is a devastating disease and whatever I can do to make it a little easier for my mother is worth it.