Last week I “thought” I would be completing the final revisions of floor plans for my Brentwood project and move on to the design development phase. But the reality is we now have a slight deviation from the original scope of the project and a tweak to the client’s wish list.
And because my clients intend to live in this home for many more years to come – it’s imperative that we get it absolutely right – now during the schematic design phase! Designing an ultimate dream home is a process or metamorphosis if you will. A project of this magnitude can at times be completely organic, as it can shrink and grow ten times over, but at the end of the day – it is transformed into a magnificent home.
As a designer my primary objective is to personalize my clients’ home to fit THEIR lifestyle – by creating an environment that THEY emotionally connect with.
We’re now entertaining the thought of a small addition to the second floor. With an extra 200 square feet directly off the master bedroom suite, it will provide my clients with the added space to incorporate his and hers walk-in closets (Mrs. R’s dream) and new office space. (Meeting with the contractor next week for a budgetary assessment of this concept).
On the first floor plan we’ve enlarged the kitchen and provided some additional square footage to the front of the home, which accommodates the ideal entertainer’s kitchen.
To compliment this dream kitchen, we will now incorporate what appears to be a growing “must have” trend – the in home bar. Located just off the living room, this customized “club room” will be ideal for a small group of friends to gather before and after dinner – while the kids are off playing in the family room or outside on the sports court. Think about it. A mature space with a customized full service bar, seating and TV would be a welcome change from the family room ambience. Sounds great – doesn’t it?
Actor Jeremy Renner’s home bar Photo Credit: Jeff Lipsky for People Magazine
I’ve devoted today to completing the final revisions of the perfect floor plan to my client’s home renovation design. The scope of this very exciting project has been known to shift, change and grow over the past few months as we continued to dig deeper into the “true needs” of their busy family life. Over time we explored various combination’s and permutations of space, scale and volume as it related to their lifestyle– and I can now say with confidence I will be presenting them with (what I feel to be) the ideal new floor plan for their charming (yet dated and spatially challenged) Cape Cod styled home.
The Oscars are by far the most prestigious award ceremonies in the world of film – and an absolute “must watch” for me! I love the fashion, the style and the glamour of it all. The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards excellence in all aspects of the film industry and speaks to the underlying theme of Hollywood glamour, sophistication and elegance.
So, its only fitting that Architectural Digest – who sponsored the Greenroom for the ninth consecutive year – and AD’s new editor in chief Margaret Russell awarded the contract to Michael S. Smith – a most talented designer who’s sophisticated signature style seemed to be the perfect fit for this year’s Greenroom. Just ask the Obamas – it can’t hurt to have the White House as your client .
The Greenroom is a backstage lounge space where – in this case – the presenters can relax and prepare for about 15 minutes just prior to heading on stage. This year Mr. Smith’s inspiration was drawn from the serenity and repose of a 1940’s library.
83rd Annual Academy Awards Greenroom Designer: Michael S. Smith
Feast your eyes on other Greenrooms of Oscars past……
82nd Annual Academy Awards Greenroom Designer: Roger Thomas
Photo: Mary E. Nichols
The inspiration for this space came from the paint-spattered floors of scenic department.
81st Annual Academy Awards® Greenroom Designer: Stephen Shadley
Photo: Mary E. Nichols
Mr. Shadley, a scenic artist turned interior designer to the stars created a dramatic focal point with a photographic backdrop giving the illusion of overlooking the LA skyline. Hollywood magic at its best!
80th Annual Academy Awards Greenroom Designer: Carleton Varney
Photo: Mary E. Nichols
This space is clearly a flashback in time to the “Golden Age of Hollywood”. The designer Carleton Varney inspired by the brilliance of his mentor Dorothy Draper (Interior Design Icon who professionalized the interior design industry in the ‘20’s) and her sketches of the Beverly Hills Hotel and Arrowhead Springs resort.
79th Academy Awards Greenroom Designers: Matthew White and Frank Webb
Photo: Erhard Pfeiffer
Palm Springs California, the hub of Mid-Century modern design and architecture, is currently hosting its annual Modernism Week from Feb.17 – Feb.27th 2011.
What is Modernism Week?
Modernism Week Mission Statement“Modernism Week promotes public awareness of the desert’s mid-century modern design and architecture. Modernism Week celebrates the post-war design aesthetic and culture through educational and charitable activities”.
This eleven-day event celebrating Modernism is held in various venues throughout Palm Spring’s Coachella Valley. From exhibits and seminars to celebrity home tours and glamorous parties – there is ample “desert chic” for everyone.
The downtown streets are buzzing, design shops and galleries are booming and the Convention Center once again hosted the 2011 Modernism Show (Feb 18-21st).
I look forward to this event every year. Not only is it a chance for our family to spend some quality time together with my folks who migrate down to Palm Springs from Winnipeg – it ‘s also great fun for Steven and I to transport ourselves back in time of the Rat Pack to “celebrate all things modern” (and grab a little lunch and a mimosa at our favorite place-Jake’s). I come away incredibly inspired by the modern classic furniture design, the textures and patterns of wall coverings and fabrics and the overall warmth and elegance of Mid-Century architecture as a whole.
The Modernism Show itself featured almost 80 exhibitors and dealers from all across the country representing some of the most refined and classic 20th Century furniture, decorative objects and fine art. Weaving up and down the aisles, you couldn’t help but stop and chat with the dealers to learn of the fascinating “stories” behind each of these pieces.
Driving through the older communities of Palm Springs and wandering through the open houses is by far a highlight for me! From A-frame to butterfly roofs the classic Mid-Century homes have distinctive characteristics.
Here is a glimpse of just one of the open houses where Mid-century modern meets Hollywood Regency. Mid-Century homes were typically smaller in scale and square footage – which is evident in more track house communities.
By the way this little gem is for sale…fully furnished!
Architect: William Krisel and built by the Alexander Company 1957
The style was very much influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and his principles of organic architecture.
Exteriors evolved from more severe flat roofs to gradual roof pitches, with post and beam construction and many times glass walls.
Expansive windows allowed for a more direct relationship between the interior and exterior – and typically created a more casual and relaxed style of living.
The rear of the home became the family retreat and circulated around the pools, patios and barbeques.
Celebrated the open floor plan where living spaces flowed easily from ones space to another. It was a departure from the more compartmentalized traditional homes and provided the homeowner with greater flexibility in determining the living/dining zones.
From 1940 to1970 young architects were commissioned by some of Hollywood’s elite to design and build their desert oasis – far enough away from the Hollywood scene. In fact Feb. 24th’s scheduled home tour is highlighting Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms estate designed by E Stewart Williams in 1947. The true essence of desert glamor and I’ll be missing it.
It was one week ago that I arrived in New York – my heart palpitating, palms sweaty and thrilled beyond belief to be in my favorite city among the 18 top designers, architects and writers invited to participate in Brizo’s Fashion Week Event.
Just to remind you – Brizo is an award winning luxury brand of fashion forward faucets and fittings for the kitchen and bath. Their brilliance comes from fusing technology, high fashion and design together, resulting in state-of-the-art products that promise to transform any kitchen and bath renovation into a high-style lifestyle.
Brizo graciously covered all expenses for the 18 of us to converge in New York City for a 3-day design-focused event where we would learn everything possible about their sexy luxury brand.
Honestly, Brizo’s marketing strategy is almost as brilliant as their product line. By sharing their fashion forward and highly innovative brand with us in such detail – it in turn allows each of us to spread the word on to you.
I was somewhat familiar with the Talo faucet, (which I included in a post back in December “Inspiring Kitchen Products of 2010”) yet had never specified a Brizo product…..and that’s about to change!
Here’s a brief video of this state-of-the-art faucet that will revolutionize the way we operate in the kitchen.
So now let me give you a glimpse of our adventure as it unfolded.
The Original Invitation to Brizo’s Fashion Week Event
Day 1
A travel day for all of us. Arriving from – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Denver, Alabama, Florida, Baltimore, Boston, Montreal, New York and Halifax. (Hope I didn’t forget anyone)
We were picked up at the airport and chauffeured to the Hotel in style – with just enough time to freshen up for Brizo’s meet and greet cocktail reception. It was here that we finally had the chance to meet everyone face to face – my fellow designers/bloggers, the PR contingent from MSL Chicago and the Brizo marketing and product teams. What a special group of people.
Meet and Greet
The Meet and Greet Continues In The Hotel Bar.
Day 2Morning
Met at 8am immediately diving into the Brizo Brand and Product Sessions. Here we learned about the Company, the Brand, where they find their product inspiration and their partnership with Jason Wu.
After studying the correlation between high fashion and faucet design it becomes quite clear how Jason and his very sexy and sophisticated Brand directly influences Brizo’s design philosophy and Brand.
The Director of Industrial Design Judd Lord walked us through the evolution of product design – from inspiration to concept to launch. I could have listened to him for hours – it is a remarkable and fascinating process.
Afternoon
Following lunch we broke into two groups where we were privy to top-secret products which are still in the development stage. We were asked to evaluate and rate these concept pieces and prototypes, to help Brizo with their marketing and design research.
After a brief overview from Sean Culman AIA on Biomimicry (innovations inspired by nature) we broke into five groups for a Design Challenge based on this principle and were asked to design a bathroom which solves the problem – How Does Nature Bath?
Evening
We were whisked off to the Landmarc Restaurant in the Time/Warner Center for cocktails and a delicious dinner. What a great night – great food – fabulous company and a ton of fun!
The first of many Limo rides.
Day 3Morning
We again gathered bright and early to tighten up our presentation boards for the design challenge – to be judged later that night. We had one final opportunity to primp before hopping back in the limos for THE Jason Wu Fashion Show! (Sponsored by Brizo)
The Official Invitation
Afternoon
Wow! It was a spectacular atmosphere to say the least. The paparazzi and fashion icons all under one roof was a little like attending a movie premier here in LA – but much more elegant and WAY MORE CHIC! Unfortunately after 12 minutes or so it was over and I was left wanting more.
Just Before The Big Show
Here are just a few of my favorite pieces from Jason Wu’s Fall 2011 Collection.
Feast your eyes!
Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton
Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton
Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton
Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton
Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton
Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton
Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton
Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton
Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton
Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton
Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton My Favorite Piece
Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton
Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton
Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton
Evening
The last official event of the evening was the Brizo After-Party with Jason Wu. The spectacular MPE penthouse space was the perfect backdrop for such a sophisticated group. Finally the much-awaited photo-op with Jason and learning of his trajectory in the fashion world was nothing short of inspirational!
The countdown is on! Tomorrow morning I’m off to New York and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week! I’m really over the moon excited for this incredible opportunity – so thank you again Brizo for being such gracious hosts!! I don’t know if I’m more excited to learn more about their state-of- the-art technology and fashion-forward designs – attending Jason Wu’s Fashion Show – or meeting this exceptional group of architecture and design bloggers.
Now I’d like to introduce you to this elite group of talented writers, designers and architects – so please take a moment or two and visit their websites/blogs – You’ll be glad you did.
I’m participating in an interesting “blog off” hosted by elocal USA – the Nation’s #1 Online Directories. It is a series intended to bring bloggers and professionals together to discuss the hot trends and topics in the world of home improvement and design while providing useful information and engaging conversation to you (the homeowner).
Here is the first question in the series.
Q: “When in the design process should plumbing and electrical decisions be made”?
A: Should the homeowner create a concept for the space first, saving all plumbing and electrical decisions for later, so as not to influence the creative vision?
Or
A: Should the homeowner make plumbing and electrical decisions first, designing a concept around the appropriate plumbing and electrical capabilities first?
Here’s a more detailed version of my answer:
A: I’ve lost count but I’ve probably designed close to one hundred bathrooms over the years. They’ve come in all shapes, sizes and budgets, yet at the end of the day each of my clients share one common goal: To re-design their tired, dingy and dated master bathroom by improving its overall function and bring it into the 21st century.
Whether it’s a partial remodel or a full bathroom renovation – you’ll be required to re-think the space from top to bottom, and in order to get exactly what you want – you’ll need to ask yourself questions like these:
What is our creative vision?
How do we make this space more user-friendly and elegant at the same time?
Do we need to remove walls, add space, add new or relocate windows, plumbing and electrical to get what we want?
Where is the best location for the spa tub and steam shower for two?
