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.  

 

Black & White and Shades of Grey

Whether one suffers from Chromophobia or whether one simply prefers to maximize with the minimum, a dramatic effect can be achieved in any style of décor using black and white and shades of grey. 

More on Chromophobia 

Bathrooms

If you think about it, the bathroom is the holiest room in the house. It’s a place of cleansing the body, both inside and out.  With some attention to aesthetics, the bathroom can also be a place to cleanse your soul. Yet so many bathrooms are dull, dull, dull. Merely functional.  How can this be when  there are so many options to turn a bathroom into an exciting place? The holiest of all rooms could be anything from over-the-top, Liberace style, to Zen simple, spa style. Moroccan tiles instantly create drama, while Shabby Chic spells relaxation. It’s no wonder many happy hours of my dreams are spent bathing in fantasy bathrooms. Below are some of the many examples of bathrooms with style.

Had to start with this one. I have already visited it in my dreams. Two differences: the floor had black and white checkerboard tiles and there were 2 tubs like this side by side for social bathing. I have to give credit to Ralph Lauren for having plundered my dream.

Here's Ralph Lauren again. He used the tiles from my dream in a different bathroom.

Recognize the guys? They're DeNiro and Hoffman. Guess they go for social cleansing.

Somewhere in Vegas. Where else?

Super girlie.

Liberace understood the holiness of the room. He made the commode into a shrine.

Liberace again.

And here's Liberace himself--worshiping, I assume.

For the dedicated Goth

Time to simplify

The King's bathroom. Elvis, that is.

Getting stoned in the bathroom.