While I was in NOLA for the KBIS show last month, I had an opportunity with a few of my other designer friends to visit a local New Orleans artist: Amanda Stone Talley!  She is a huge talent so it was quite a thrill being invited for a tour of her spectacular carriage house/gallery/ home studio for a cocktail (or two) to see where she lives and works and to admire her incredible work!

A peek inside her studio where the magic happens.

Amanda creates vibrant abstract pieces with a lot of energy.  Using flowing, intertwined lines and harmonious colors, her pieces have distinct character.  The strength of her lines is reminiscent of Picasso’s work.  All of her pieces manage to feel carefully crafted while still encapsulating a highly kinetic sensation; your eyes flow along the twisting lines as you get drawn deeper into the piece.

Her work lends itself well to contemporary design, and I’m not the only one who thinks so.  Several of her pieces have been translated into fabric and wallpaper designs that are perfect for the home!  The paintings themselves provide quite an impact within any space it occupies. I recently introduced a client to Amanda’s work and they are now considering purchasing one as the finishing touch to their renovation in Palm Springs.

Amanda herself has the energy and engaging nature that you see and feel in her paintings.  She warmly welcomed us into her home, gallery, and studio and she was incredibly charismatic in her presentation of her new wallpapers.

Myself, Andie Day, Amanda Stone Talley, Meredith Heron, Carmen Christensen in the Studio

Amanda rocked this frock by tying a few yards of her fabric around her neck…instant sophistication.

If you like Amanda Stone Talley’s work as much as I do, I would love to help you redesign your home with her pieces.  Contact me at Interior Makeovers, Inc. to learn more.

Stay Inspired!

Photo Credits:

1. Amanda Stone Talley

2,4,6. Lori Gilder

3. Decor Pad

5. Carmen Christensen

In this week’s World Tour of Design, lets hop over the pond to the Emerald Isle to take a look at the beautiful design and architecture of Ireland.

Ireland bursts with loads of tradition and culture with an architectural interior design that encompasses many warm and expressive decors. From the quaint thatched roof cottages to the large churches, castles, forts, school houses and even converted lighthouses, Irish design is characterized by an almost whimsical connection to their rich history and a practical grounded connection to the land. With the Gaelic and Celtic cultures, homage is naturally extended to wholesome expressions and strains of Irish religion.

Traditional Celtic knotwork and Irish interlace stand as basic symbols of decor in many Irish homes. The designs are intricate and flow fully around picture frames with traditional pictures of history and family.

Irish linen consists of sophisticated, usually reversible patterns regarded world over for its fine weaves. The unique Jacquard and Damask weaves represent outstanding craftwork found in pillow cases, bed sheets and duvet covers.

Today’s modern country styles rest on rustic backgrounds of the lush, green “Emerald Island” concepts that have characterized rustic Irish life.

The Irish House and Home architectural interior design magazine promotes a look of feminine textures and layered neutrals augmented by emerald green – this year’s shade picked by Pantone. Calm color palettes include whites, neutral grays and soft lavenders with colorful stripes extended to accessories. Kitchen designs appear with urban retro looks that engage vintage furniture and ornate candelabras with attractive untreated wood surfaces.

Contact me at Interior Makeovers, Inc. by calling 310-788-0990 for help designing your own home with Irish flair.

Stay Inspired!

Photo Credits:

1.) Realtor.com

2 + 3.) Irish House and Home

4.) Houzz

After returning from the exciting #BlogTourNYC event and The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show also known as KBIS, I was able to see some emerging trends and new products in the industry and enjoyed the opportunity to spend time and exchange ideas with the incredibly talented designers.  The National Kitchen and Bath Association, which was also a Sponsor of #BlogTourNYC, has outdone itself with KBIS 2013, and with good reason: this year marks the NKBA’s 50th anniversary - and they are celebrating in NOLA!

NKBA began as the American Institute of Kitchen Dealers in 1963, intended as an organization to help designers, builders, and other industry professionals communicate and learn from each other.  In the past 50 years, they have grown to an organization of nearly 60,000 members while still staying true to their original goal.

In fact, thanks to KBIS and the NKBA I was among eight designers invited to the show to design and present various spaces geared to a specific demographic using a new interactive and experiential platform called QueX Technology.  (More on that in my next post).

Consumer education is a major goal of the NKBA, and one of the points they have stressed through the BlogTour is that they want consumers to understand the true value of working with a design professional.  With the increasingly easy access to design resources like Houzz, HGTV, and even blogs like this one, the DIY trend has blossomed among homeowners who want to create a whole new look for the home.  If you have a strong grasp on color theory and psychology, small home upgrades like painting are pretty straightforward, but there are numerous small and subtle factors that affect what works and what doesn’t work within a space.

The trained design professional, especially one with extensive experience, has encountered these challenges and caveats and knows how to work within a space making it the best it can be.  A picture of your dream kitchen online or in a magazine is incredibly inspiring, but a trained designer will guide and execute all the elements of the project customizing that design – geared specifically for their client.  This ultimately creates a truly successful project -while saving you time-money-and stress!

Stay tuned for more information from the KBIS show and the Design Studio work I did there!

Photo Credits:

1.) KBIS

2.) NKBA

After the breakfast at the Poggenpohl showroom in the beginning of #BlogTourNYC we were able to make our way through the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, Jenn-Air, another sponsor of the tour had a huge presence at the show.

I spent some time in the Jenn-Air booth looking at the variety of top-of-the-line appliances on display, which included some beautiful wall ovens and a stunning, slightly arced stainless steel downdraft hood that retracted back into the countertop when not being used.

The Jenn-Air Accolade downdraft vent combines exquisite style and innovation.  It is constructed of glass and stainless steel, and when operational, the glass panel washes LED lighting over the cooking surface.  The hidden controls help contribute to its sleek and modern design.

Seeing all these luxury Jenn-Air appliances took me back to my childhood for a moment, remembering when my parents remodeled the kitchen of our home back in the mid-70′s.  As a part of the renovation, they installed the Jenn-Air  indoor barbecue.  Not the most popular appliance to add into a kitchen then, but growing up in Winnipeg Canada where the sub zero temperatures  would plummet to 40 degrees below zero on any winter day, I guess you could say that barbecuing indoors was a way for us to extend our very short summer season – or so we believed.

Well Jenn-Air has come a long way since then.

They displayed several luxury specialty appliances at the show, including a wine cooler and their new built-in coffee maker.  Incorporating a few of these innovative appliances into your kitchen renovation will set your kitchen apart from the rest…just like the barbecue my parents installed into our family kitchen just a few years ago.  .

Jenn-Air is a highly respected company for luxury appliances and their products have been featured in many prominent kitchen designs, including the House Beautiful kitchen I mentioned in my last post.  At the show, they not only had their booth, they also showcased their appliances Jenn-Air Master Class Culinary stage, where they sponsored a series of Master Class Studio seminars.  All told, it was an incredible experience to see the new products and innovations coming from Jenn-Air!

Thank you Modenus and the #BlogTourNYC Sponsors Poggenpohl, Blanco, Silestone, Miele, Mr. Steam, Du Verre, Barber Wilsons, Jenn Air, Victoria + Albert Baths, NKBA

Stay Inspired!

Fourth Photo via House Beautiful

In my last two posts, I discussed two of the three sponsors present at the media breakfast I enjoyed on my first day on the #BlogtourNYC, which took place in the showroom of our third sponsor: Poggenpohl.  Poggenpohl is a German kitchen design company that has been truly revolutionary in the past 120 years – they’re even responsible for introducing the concept of the kitchen island, proving they are driven by innovation.

Poggenpohl now offers the largest range of color and material choices with an emphasis on natural walnut and ash heartwood  cabinet fronts. Blending these wooden fronts with their new neutrals in colors of white, sand and grey creates a new modern aesthetic proving that modern design can be interesting, warm and inviting.

Recently, Poggenpohl partnered with Hearst Publishing’s Designer Visions Showhouse to create unique kitchens that were designed to reflect the styles of three well-known design magazines: Elle Decor, Veranda, and House Beautiful.  With the help of two other #BlogTourNYC sponsors, Jenn-Air and Silestone, and designers Matthew Patrick Smyth, Antony Todd and David Rockwell, they were able to create three truly dreamy kitchens.  My favorite tile source Ann Sacks were also a partnered in this Showhouse.

In the Elle Decor kitchen, light sand-colored Poggenpohl cabinetry with contemporary pulls contrasts against a large, stormy Ann Sacks tile backsplash and rich gray Silestone countertops.  The effect is modern, sleek, and delicate mixture of masculine and feminine aesthetics.

In the Veranda kitchen, the presence of two large windows flooded the kitchen with light, allowing the designer to choose Poggenpohl cabinets in a moody gray with beautiful violet undertones.  Mirrored tile (one of my favorites) from Ann Sacks reflect the light from the windows, helping to create a brighter, larger-looking kitchen.

The House Beautiful kitchen has a lot of energy in its design, largely a result of the distinct horizontal grain in the Poggenpohl cabinetry chosen.  A mid-tone gray tile covers the back wall, while a light neutral Silestone countertop works with the light tones of the cabinets to create an airy and cheerful kitchen space.

Last year, Poggenpohl celebrated its 120th anniversary, making it the oldest kitchen innovator in the world.  They continue their legacy with cutting-edge design and an eye to the future, an approach that is bound to lead them through another successful 120 years!  I want to thank them for their sponsorship at this wonderful event, and I look forward to seeing more innovative design from them!

Many thanks to the  #BlogTourNYC Sponsors Poggenpohl, Silestone and Jenn Air.

Stay Inspired!

Photo credits:

1.) Quintessence

2.) Elle Decor

3.) Veranda

4.) House Beautiful

5.) Lori Gilder

Silestone by Cosentino was another of the generous #BlogTourNYC sponsors who was present at our welcome breakfast on the first day of the tour.  In addition to being a sponsor on the Modenus Blog Tour, Silestone is the manufacturer of a brilliant original compound of the same name, made with natural quartz featuring bacteriostatic protection.  For this reason, Silestone is an ideal material for kitchen countertops and bathrooms thanks to its completely unique antibacterial compound.

At the breakfast we had the chance to enjoy a presentation by the company’s Vice President of Marketing, Lorenzo Marquez.  He was proudly introducing a new line of neutral colors available for the Silestone collection.  Called the “Nebula Series,” this group of six new neutrals is inspired by nebulae, the cosmic clouds of gas from which stars are born.  These colors are beautifully subtle, with quiet veining that creates a sense of depth similar to looking into the night sky, especially the Doradus color.  Each color includes the standard features of Silestone products, including a non-porous, antibacterial surface with a high level of durability.  Take a look at this design featuring the Altair color:

What I was most excited about, however, was the introduction of the new White Zeus Extreme surface.  White countertops have always been a favorite of mine, and I’m not alone- so many of my clients have pined after them too!  White Zeus Extreme takes white countertops to a whole new level, offering the whitest white available on the market.  This surface is ideal for modern, transitional and traditional kitchens and bath designs and compliments stainless appliances beautifully.  Sleek and simple or  or distinctively detailed, just vary the edge style to suit your design aesthetic and you’ll have the perfect surface for your countertops.

When contrasted with black appliances and details, your kitchen takes on instant drama and sophistication: absolutely beautiful!

Some homeowners tend to shy away from white counters fearing they may be more difficult to maintain and keep clean, especially those as bright as White Zeus Extreme.  The joy of Silestone, however, is that its non-porous surface requires very little maintenance to keep its beauty.  In addition to its natural durability and antibacterial properties, Silestone doesn’t require sealant like natural stone countertops.

Between their low-maintenance features and wide variety of colors (in addition to the new neutrals they’ve just released!) the possibilities are endless!  This material is so versatile, I can’t think of a design where I couldn’t use it!

Be sure to stay tuned for more updates from the Blog Tour!

Stay Inspired!

Image 1: Lori Gilder

Images 2,3,4,5 : Silestone

Blog Tour was one of the most incredible and inspiring design experiences I’ve had the privilege to enjoy.

Day 1 began with a welcome breakfast at the Poggenpohl Showroom hosted by #BlogTourNYC sponsors Poggenpohl, Blanco and Silestone.

Blanco, the German manufacturer and leading innovator in luxury sink and faucet design, is known for its elegant and cutting-edge fixtures….which is exactly what we witnessed first hand!  The ALTA^™ Compact faucets were proudly showcased front and center – displaying each new color and finish for all to see.

Color finishes include: Anthracite, Biscotti, Cafe Brown, Cinder, Truffle, White, Chrome and Satin Nickel.

This modern and sleekly geometric fixture is ideal for any classic,contemporary or transitional style kitchen.  Its compact design will also work perfectly within a butler’s pantry or for a wet bar, secondary sink or laundry room. This latest collection of faucets is designed with “real living” in mind.  They use less water, are highly durable and easily maintained which has universal appeal,  covering all demographics and lifestyles.

Did I mention that the Alta Faucet swivels 120 degrees and pulls out to provide its dual spray feature?  How’s that for flexibility?

The Alta Faucet isn’t just for compact sinks or spaces however.  Take a look at the image below.  It also compliments the generously sized architectural MODEX kitchen sink workstation – illustrating just how versatile this faucet really is.

From the showroom floor we had the privilege of hearing from Christy Emens, the Social Media Manager of Blanco America. She had plenty of insights to share into the award winning MODEX workstation sink and the new neutrals, specifically – the  SILGRANIT II – color Cinder. With a blend of gray, black and brown this new color integrates seemlessly into any countertop style.  Best of all it is resistant to fading, scratching and staining and will maintain its timeless beauty for years to come. A Modern Classic!

Now, if you want to go bold with a faucet for this sink, the Blanco Culina Semi-Professional clearly makes a statement!  Its tall and elegantly curving design features a flexible coiled steel spring spout, held in place by a magnetic holder.  It also has a dual spray feature and a water saving model available, which is perfect for the professional kitchens and the serious household chef.

Check back for more updates and information about the exciting home design products featured at #BlogtourNYC

To be continued…

Many thanks to the Modenus BlogtourNYC sponsors Poggenpohl, Blanco, Silestone by Cosentino, Miele, Mr. Steam, Du Verre, Victoria + Albert, Barber Wilsons, Jenn Air and NKBA!

Images 1 + 4: Lori Gilder

Images 2+3: Blanco

Stay Inspired!

Well the countdown is on. In five days I will be heading to Manhattan for #BlogTourNYC where I will meet and greet the brilliant Veronika Miller,CEO and Founder of Modenus and the creator of BlogTour, along with all the incredible Sponsors who have made this event possible.  Sharing this experience with 13 other design bloggers from around the globe will no doubt leave an indelible mark and I’m truly honored to be among such creative and talented designers and bloggers.  Thank you Veronika!

As an interior designer I’m constantly on the hunt for new and exciting materials and products that are innovative, strikingly beautiful and take some fresh angles on design. Introducing these unique elements into my design and renovation projects pleases my clients and sets their home apart from the rest.

One of the product Sponsors I’m looking forward to meeting and experiencing first hand at the Architectural Digest Home Show is Victoria + Albert, a British Company specializing in creating stunning free standing bathtubs and basins.

They will be featuring the Cabrits bath at the show and I’m ready to take it for a test drive. The organic shape of this tub is delightfully modern and its contours are designed for comfort regardless of your height.  A gently sloping bottom supports your body and a swooping, tall headrest area gives you the perfect place to relax your head during a long soak.

Another bathtub I love: the Ravello.  This bath glows with elegance and sophistication.  Its clean lines and gentle sloping symmetry make it a beautiful and unique element to any design style.

One of the most interesting aspects about the Victoria + Albert baths goes beyond their innovative style. They are fabricated from a material that is unique to them and their brand. It’s called ENGLISHCAST®, and it is made from a combination of resin and volcanic limestone. This unique material allows them to cast their tubs in a single piece, and the final product is stain resistant, extremely strong, and long-lasting.  Its insulating properties make it warm to the touch, and it can even be painted for a customized look.

I’m very much looking forward to experiencing these products first hand.  Incorporating one of these spectacular pieces into a bathroom renovation project would be the ultimate in quality and style.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on them in the comments or on my Facebook page!

Stay Inspired!

Images Courtesy of: Modenus,  Victoria + Albert 

Your home’s environment can be easily ruined by excess clutter and unattractive storage solutions. Incorporating clever design tips into your home can be as simple as choosing the right furniture or implementing modern organizing innovations…always with a creative touch. When redesigning a space, it really is best to provide multiple ways to keep the visual accumulation of clutter at bay. We all have “stuff” that needs to find a permanent home and the reality is –  not everyone lives in a show house that dons the cover of  House Beautiful.  However, with some storage-savvy solutions, your home can be on its way to becoming ”camera ready”.

Recessing niches or shelves within the walls of a living room or office provides excellent storage and display options and is ideal for your highlighting your favorite collections and books. Just keep these shelves neat and organized.

It’s easy to take advantage of any space beneath beds or couches by utilizing storage bins or other containers, but you can also hide your clutter in plain sight with good design. Custom built filing cabinets can have a lot of character and look like an integrated part of your home — a far cry from those shabby metal cabinets you see so often!  Furniture that pulls double duty, like a bench that can store spare blankets or a mirror with hooks for displaying your jewelry, can also go a long way.

In this increasingly technological world, the cords that power our varied electronic devices tend to pile up and look terribly disorganized. A desk, entertainment center, or kitchen space with a mess of tangled and crossing wires can be fixed in several ways. For one, many gadgets are going wireless, so consider investing in printers, keyboards, mice, gaming controllers, and cable boxes that require little to no external wiring. With the growing popularity of laptops and tablet computers that boast ever-superior batteries, going cordless is a great option.

I would love to integrate clever storage design in your home.  Share your own questions and ideas with me in the comments or on my Facebook page!

Stay Inspired!

Images via Elle Decor, Better Homes and Garden, House Beautiful

It’s been a while since we last took a trip on our World Tour of Design where we last traveled to the beautiful country of Russia.  In this week’s World Tour, I’d like to head somewhere a little… warmer.  After all, spring is well on its way to the States, and with it comes fresh weather and the start of vacation season.  The warm, tropical island country of Cuba is full of refreshing design inspiration to welcome spring and summer into your home.  Let’s take a look at the common design features of Cuban architecture and interior design.

Prerevolutionary Cuba was known for a distinctive architecture heightened by the tastes and expenses of a rich entrepreneurial class. They maintained large sugar and tobacco plantations and mansions, and they sought interior design inspiration from the Art Deco and mid-century 1950s styles. These styles embraced luxury and comfort, integrated with a beautiful backdrop of tropical, earthy landscapes.

Many of the mansions in Cuba have been restored to their original architectural splendor, providing plenty of interior design inspiration for your home. Parisian-inspired accents like the matching torchères sculptures and blackamoor table of the marble hall of the Museo de Artes Decorativas, once a 1920′s mansion, can be easily incorporated in your own home.  The mid-50s mahogany spiral staircase at a Guatao chapel and the Cuban butacas and woven cane chairs gracing the original decor of Ernest Hemingway’s living room at Finca La Vigia are also elements that can easily be implemented into your home.

Beyond the historical influence, it goes without saying that tropical plants and palm trees are essential to Cuba’s island flavor. Open interior spaces evoke the spacious and relaxing experience of watching the sparkling ocean washing over sandy beaches.

Great colors to use in a Cuban-inspired design are lush shades of green, sunny yellows, orange, coral and expansive palettes of blue for tropical flavors. Light linens give expression to the easy flow of island winds, enhanced with light-colored floors and draperies.

Terra cotta also has a pronounced presence on the island. It is found not only in the architecture but also in the floor tiles and vases which helps promote an earthy feel that is natural to the island. Large, exposed windows are another important design element which connects the interior to the exterior environment that is another signature of Cuban interiors.

For more design inspiration, contact me at Interior Makeovers Inc. or by calling 310-788-0990.  I’d love to hear about your design visions for your home.

Stay Inspired!

Photo Credits:

1.) Architectural Digest

2.) Architectural Digest

3.) Houzz