Loft Spaces

There are few spaces so awe inspiring as lofts. High ceilings, bare beams, brick walls--a blank palette and the perfect setting for allowing creativity to flow.

French Country Photoshoot

I staged a photo shoot for Castle Antiques. The assignment was that I feature a clean modern take on their antiques. This is a 20,000 foot warehouse, stuffed to the gills, so locating the right pieces can be somewhat confusing, to put it mildly.  But I valiantly muddled through. Below are the results.

Juan's Residence and Decorating with Living Things . . . I think that I shall never see . . .

                                                                    . . . a poem as lovely as a plant

When I first became aware of interior design, I remember visiting a few homes that all felt really good in a similar way. The design of each environment was radically different, so it took me a while to analyze what it was that gave me what I can only describe as a “special feeling.” After meditating on this enigma, I had an epiphany—they all had plants! Plants give life and movement to a room which nothing else equals. When it comes to exteriors, even the most beautiful architecture will feel barren without foliage. Somehow living things resonate with the life within us. 

When I began my latest project, I had a hard time convincing my client that he needed plants. Fortunately, his wife already had a passion for plants, so I was able to persuade him. He told me repeatedly that he wanted some sort of sculptural accessories. Plants served this purpose. Small plants graced the tables and while large ones added drama.  When he saw what plants can do for a room, he was convinced. Although I was only able to get a pair of large Ti plants in initially, he’s now hooked and promised to add some palms. With any luck, I will have created a “plant monster” 

I show here not only my work, but the designs of others who have realized living beauty in their spaces—sometimes minimalistically and others full-on. For me, the phrase “too many plants” is an oxymoron.     

  

Unafraid of Color--What the Fauvists Knew

I am absolutely obsessed with color.  Years ago, although I rarely wore make-up, I owned a huge collection of eye shadows. Whenever I passed a cosmetic counter, the eye shadows unashamedly called out to me.  I was simply powerless to walk away. I even had to buy green, although it ill-suited me, because my collection would be incomplete without it.  Today my obsession has switched to nail polish, although—again—my nails are usually bare.

You might say I suffer from Chromophilia, a term coined by contemporary aesthetic philosopher David Batchelor, refers to intense passion and love for color. 

It makes me very happy when I find a client who also loves color. Of course, painting in neutrals or subtle colors can be enjoyable too. But on today’s blog, my desire to “own” color went rampant. Below is the result.