Term 5 Final Project: Advanced Residential / Piano Mansion

Do you all remember me talking about my major studio project for the fall, and then basically disappearing off the face of the blogging earth? Well, let's just say that this project consumed and challenged me more than any project to date, but that the satisfaction of completing it (and getting a great mark) was well worth the long hours, piles of discarded ideas, and even tears.

If you recall, my original concept for the house was the piano (as the client is a family of musicians), but as I developed the project further, I moved away from such a literal shape and idea into a larger concept of the stage and performance, into a liveable concert hall idea. I kept some of my original concept, such as the pitched roof, but basically, I wanted the home to capture and reflect the feeling of grandeur associated with attending a night at the theatre, as well as creating a liveable environment that was simultaneously conducive to entertaining, parties and performance. Here is the final result (click on photos to see them in larger format):

I was basically architect, structural engineer, landscaper and interior designer for this project and I also had to consider barrier free elements as one family member is in a wheelchair...did I mention the plot of land we were given was on a cliff like hill? That's a lot of hats to wear in ten short weeks, but I am so happy I pulled it off and proud of myself for not giving up!

Here's to a new term! xo

Project Pimp my Dollhouse & Some Big News

Happy Monday everyone! Is it weird that I love Mondays? (Probably because it is my only day each week with no school or work...does it even count?)
 Today I'm so excited to be over at Kim's fabulous blog, The Green Room Interiors, participating in her fun series, 'Pimp my Dollhouse'. Basically Kim asked a few of us here in blogland to each create a design board for the living/dining room in her own place, which she calls the dollhouse. Today is my day to share what I've created! The main guideline was that we had to incorporate the following elements:

 I mean with these as starting points, you can already tell the room is going to be amazing!
To see what I designed, head on over to Kim's Blog!

 I also have some very exciting news to share with all of you!
 On Saturday I found out that I got a new part time position as a KITCHEN DESIGNER for a particular hardware store that we bloggers absolutely adore. I have worked with this company for the past 8 months in the flooring and decor department, but this new position is much more in line with my career aspirations.
I couldn't be more thrilled, it is an excellent opportunity for me while I complete my degree and I can't wait to take on some clients and start designing!

Lastly, it's time to pick a winner for the $50 Minted Giveaway!
Congratulations to another Kim, who said "If I won, I would spend the money on one of the beautiful art prints, like The Peony Bottle! :)".

Hope you all have a great week! xox

The Tale of Two Sittings: Double Seating Areas

FYI The English major in me loves the cheesy title of today's post...
I love the idea of having a living room with more than one seating area.Obviously you need a lot of room to achieve this, but it feels so refined and charming. One for lounging, one for having intimate conversations by the fire...the combinations are endless really!

David Jimenez via Architectural Digest

Sarah Ruffin via Domino Book of Decorating

Sarah Richardson via

Nate Berkus via The Things that Matter (only electronic image I could find...excuse the numbers!)

Windsor Smith

Windsor Smith

I love the top two images with the chaise or bench dividing the space, they have my heart. It's a clever furniture choise because the chaise can be used for either sitting area as it is open on both sides. Windsor Smith's use of the back to back sofa is pretty neat too. What do you all think?

Dark grey walls

I love the contrast in these spaces.  With the dark walls you can set off so many wonderful soft colors and it gives such a beautiful back drop for the textures of the wood and the gold frames.  I could just move right in.

Wishing you a wonderful Thursday and a big thank you for reading here!

Images from found via


 

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San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2013: Catherine Kwong

This years San Francisco Decorator Showcase is a beautiful mix of old and new with an emphasis on a unique set of juxtaposed details thanks to Catherine Kwong and the other talented designers.   Catherine designed the Living area of this amazing home and I love this space just as much as I loved her own beautiful home!

Catherine Kwong designs a decadent
rock 'n roll hideaway for the 2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase.
With custom furnishings and an emphasis on luxe materials, Catherine
Kwong brings her signature elegance and modern point of view to create
a grand living room.
“The design was inspired by Mick and Bianca Jagger in the 1970’s - the
young and wild, traipsing-to-Saint Tropez years,” said Catherine Kwong.
“I was doing research for a client and discovered all of these beautiful old
photos of Mick and Bianca that depicted a wild romance. They were
impossibly stylish and full of excitement, with a bit of scandal, of course.
So I designed this room for them; a place for late-night parties with rock
royalty and the jet-set. I wanted the room to be just like Mick and Bianca:
luxe and decadent, but with a rock 'n roll edge.”
The star of the room is the dramatic painted floor, which serves as a rich
canvas for the room’s artful mix of luxurious textures, details and lines.
Inspired by the iconic paintings of Cy Twombly, the floor was
hand-painted in exuberant brushstrokes by decorative painting firm,
Stancil Studios.

Please visit the showcase now through May 27th

Interior design : Catherine Kwong
images: Bess Friday
a special thank you to: Jessica Mullens

 


If you would like help creating inspirational spaces for yourself contact us!