Fine Art in Interiors

4 hours ago SURROUNDINGS -- I attended an interesting lecture today given by Susan Lanoue of Lanoue Fine Art and Dennis Duffy of Duffy Design Group on the use of fine art in interiors. The luncheon/lecture was for interior designers and how we can best work with our clients.

I've previously blogged about Lanoue Fine Art. It was so nice to meet owner Susan in person and hear her thoughts on the selection process.

Here are some of Susan's tips for designers and also if you are looking for your own home:

• Don't match the art to the drapes. This is a pretty standard truism. Art is something that is "of its own" and is not an "accessory" to the space.
• Who is the piece for? Is this a family space? Will there be sensitivities to certain subjects like nudity?
• Buy what you love, but...
• No two people will experience a work of art in the same way because we all "see" the art through the lens of our personal experience. So, don't expect that everyone has to love a piece - because it may not happen. But, if one of you really loves it and the other can tolerate it - then it's something to consider.
• What are you trying to do with the space? Do you want the art to bring peace and tranquility or do you want it to add that final exclamation point that's always exciting and surprising?
• Consider your budget. The subject of budgets is always a tricky one when working with clients. And when the subject is fine art - the whole thing can get even trickier. How do we know what a piece or an artists is worth? If we know the budget - then we know the type of artist we should be considering. Generally, there are four levels of artists: Emerging (valued in the hundreds of dollars); Mid-Career (valued in the thousands of dollars); Established - maybe 20-30 years - (many, many thousands of dollars) and Museum or Blue Chip (priceless) Sounds like a Mastercard commercial. well, some big bucks at any rate. I would also add that as with many other aspects of interior design, if there is something you want - a piece by a particular artist for instance - it's worth taking the time to save your money for it. Don't settle just to fill a space. The best design, and collections, really should have a certain organic quality to them and it's okay to take the time needed to have the best. Patience is key!
• A final comment from Susan was to remind the designers in the room that we don't have to be experts in art in order to help our clients. Galleries and art consultants are available to help us select the perfect pieces for our client's needs.

One service that Susan offers which is really wonderful is that she Photoshops images of the art into a photograph of the space so that clients can see what it might look like. Here are a couple of examples:

I've done this with window treatments but it hadn't occurred to me that the same thing could be done with art! Smart!

Dennis Duffy - a very successful Boston interior designer and owner of the new DScale Modern in the South End - shared that early in his career he thought he should leave the buying of art and accessories (that last 10% of the project) to his clients - so that they could really put their personal stamp on their homes. And, this certainly seems to make sense. But, as we all know - whether it's that last ten pounds or the finishing touches on an interior space - it often never happens. Or, worse, clients muck it up with pieces that are completely the wrong size or quality for the space. It's a delicate balance - because as I said above - one shouldn't rush these things just to get them done. The best scenario is to have an established long term relationship between designer and client.

Dennis and Susan spoke about the importance of the right lighting to showcase the art. Let's face it - the best piece of art in the world is nothing if it's in the dark (the cave drawing of Lescaut notwithtanding). So, give some thought to the art during the building stage when lighting is being installed. If not, additional expense will be required to retro-fit the right lighting into existing fixtures.


Dennis shared photos of some of his projects. The image below was especially eye-catching. This living room in Florida is triple height - about 25 feet! Even he said he had no idea at first what he was going to do to make the space feel more human scale. He commissioned the two pieces of a man and woman looking down on the living room. While not for everyone - it's whimsy does certainly make the space much less serious and overwhelming.

Dennis' website shows many interior shots that include spectacular works of art.

Anyway, it was a very interesting lecture and I hope you think so as well! Thanks to Arclinea for the invitation and for hosting another great design event!

Multi Functional Furniture - Tao by Colico Design

18 hours ago DRESSYOURNEST -- If you are a big fan of multi functional furniture, then you might like Colico Design ingenious idea named Tao. The main attribute of the Tao is its ability to transform into different looks and in effect different pieces of furniture. The Tao can be transformed from two chaise lounges to a double bed with [...]

Cool Bedroom Radio Clock Shaped like a Capsule

18 hours ago DRESSYOURNEST -- Small and interesting objects are used to add some color, or to make a boring place a little bit more interesting. Created by the Hong-Kong based Sequoia-studio “Gélule” is a concept radio clock shaped like a capsule with a backlit LCD display and an omni-directional speaker and is a great object that can attract attention [...]

Floating Media Drawer from West Elm

19 hours ago DRESSYOURNEST -- Have you ever needed just one more drawer, or a little more space to store a few things, without buying a new piece of furniture ? If your answer is yes, then West Elm has an interesting idea that could solve this problem …. their new floating media drawer — a stackable, single drawer that [...]

Vila Isabella by Brasil Arquitetura

19 hours ago DRESSYOURNEST -- Vila Isabella is a 330 sqm project that was completed in 2007 and was designed by Brasil Arquitetura. This project is located in Hanko, Finland. The building displays a personality of its own in between the bleak and untouched nature, without imposing itself onto her. Its integration into the landscape will be orchestrated according to [...]

Words of Wisdom

19 hours ago SURROUNDINGS -- My bfffff (that's a lot of forevers!) Beth MacLeod is a mezzo soprano and all around pretty remarkable person. She lost her husband last fall (you may remember my blog post and subsequent blog dedicated to her husband and my friend Med) and yet always keeps her eye on the future.

She was just profiled in our local paper The Patriot Ledger's Her Story column. Here are four things they asked her:

Proudest Accomplishments
I have two. The first is the birth of my son, conceived in my fourth in-vitro fertilization treatment during my late husbands’ battle with brain cancer. The second is the production of Carmen that I produced, directed and starred in last summer with South Shore Conservatory’s Opera by the Bay.

Perfect Day
A glorious summer day where I sleep in, have a light breakfast and then head to Duxbury Beach with a good book. After a few hours, I would return home to a barbeque with friends and family and end the evening with a fabulous performance.

Looking Forward
I have a huge summer ahead of me – teaching as a part of the Duxbury Music Festival, as well as performing Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus with Opera by the Bay.

Pass it on
The most important thing I have to give is this: Live in the moment, and do what you love. I promise that as you draw your last breath, your in-box will still be full but if you have a loving family and friends and a life filled with joy, you will have no regrets. Take this diva’s advice – live to the max. Laugh every day and tell people that you love and appreciate them every day.

Beth's production of Die Fledermaus is this weekend - Friday night in Duxbury, MA and Saturday night in Hingham, MA. Click here for ticket information. Hope to see you there!

Media Talk: I'm in Elle Decor!

Thursday, 24 July 2008 SURROUNDINGS --
Ok - that headline is a tad misleading. A photograph that I took at last years' Dining By Design event in Boston is in the current July/August Issue of Elle Decor. So, I'm excited to see my name in the magazine. Check out page 94 in the mag or click the image above for a closeup!

Maybe I need to invest in a better camera or stick with my Kodak?

Lighting like I've never seen it

Wednesday, 23 July 2008 SURROUNDINGS --

New England Design Hall of Fame

Wednesday, 23 July 2008 SURROUNDINGS -- Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2nd annual New England Design Hall of Fame, sponsored by my friends at New England Home Magazine.

The deadline to submit your nomination is August 1st!

ps - and no, this isn't a ploy to be nominated!

Top Design: A new gig!

Wednesday, 23 July 2008 SURROUNDINGS -- I'm very excited to share that I am going to be joining the Blogging Top Design team covering all things on Season 2 of BravoTV's Top Design. I'll be working with The Scarlett, Laura K and Tbone, who also bring us the wildly successful fan blogs Blogging Project Runway and Blogging Shear Genius.

I'll still do some commentary here on ::Surroundings::, but there will be much, much more on BTD. Top Design premiers on September 3rd. Stay tuned!

Changing Building Facade acts Like Pixels formed by Natural Light

Tuesday, 22 July 2008 DRESSYOURNEST -- When you are looking at these pictures this might look like a modern piece of architecture, but after you’ll see the video attached below you’ll see that Flare is more than that. Flare is a modular, computer-driven system that creates a moving skin for the facade of a building and it was created by Christopher [...]

Beam Bed - Sun-Rays-Like Light Effect

Tuesday, 22 July 2008 DRESSYOURNEST -- The Beam Bed was designed by Ewan Robertson for Lagostudio. An original system of boards forms the base for the mattress, opening up in a sunburst arrangement from a central fulcrum. The way of supporting the mattress is therefore innovative and unorthodox, but decidedly functional and practical. Inspired by a figure of elementary simplicity and [...]

Chair made from Sponges by Marcella Foschi

Tuesday, 22 July 2008 DRESSYOURNEST -- The designer Marcella Foschi participated in the workshop of the Campana brothers in Milan sponsored by 3M and developed this chair made from sponges. The final design is not such a big deal, and I’m pretty sure that a lot of people could make something like this, but …it has something interesting, and I can [...]

“No Screw,No Glue” Stainless Steel Cabinets by Joost van Bleiswijk

Tuesday, 22 July 2008 DRESSYOURNEST -- The cabinets made by Dutch born designer, Joost van Bleiswijk is the antithesis of the flatpack furniture for they are not screwed or glued together. His collection of No Screw, No Glue cabinets as well as other items such as a serving tray, candelabra, lantern and even a trophy are all made of stainless [...]

Clothes Hanger Lamp by Hector Serrano

Tuesday, 22 July 2008 DRESSYOURNEST -- Hector Serrano designed this clever clothes hanger lamp which has two functions. It lights up your room or even closet as well as keeps your shirt unwrinkled, perhaps the one you plan to wear the next day. When you wake up some dull morning, the lamp will not only softly illuminate the room but will [...]

ECO-FRIENDLY Design for Children

Tuesday, 22 July 2008 TRENDOFFICE -- I just came accross this company -
I like not only the design of their products, but also their philosophy:

a harmony between modern comforts and being a good global
citizen. ... cleaner, less cluttered and healthier ways to live. A
lifestyle that supports modern products that are designed well and business
practices grounded in responsibility.

And they offer great eco-friendly and stylish products for children and babies:

This rocking chair will appeal to a child's interest in movement as well as scale, organic form, material variation and color. The form and material invite kids to play, read or simply relax. As research indicates that children often fidget in stationary chairs, the rocker's design provides a personal space rather than just a mere chair. The chair gives an easy rock to mellow children, provides comfort while reading or playing and the space below is a secret nook to store stuffed animals.Inspired by African stools that cup the body, the Mod Rocker's form is wide and low to the ground. Its sculptural shape is an aesthetic addition to any room in the home.

Mod Rocker & Mod Pad

Mod Topper: Conceived to complement the Mod Rocker, this tray/table can be used on its own or as a stool. When grouped together, the table and chair play on material variation, solid and open, sculptural and straight, movement and calm and function and form. The design grew from a fascination with the airplane tray: how intriguing it is to be gently moving while having a personal-size table of one's own! Older children can use the Topper as a bedside. This stackable, multi-use piece can be used for reading, drawing, snacking or sitting.
This Lima Table With Coasters combines comfort with aesthetics for a table that reflects the way children often sit… on the floor! The ergonomic shape of the table encourages a sense of independence with a sense of place; the small table is just right for one child or try the larger table for art projects, a group of children or family gatherings.The height is designed to comfortably accommodate children's legs in straight, on-knees or crossed-legged positions. The ply top with painted coasters make it a fun surface for eating, drawing, painting… and tea parties!Available in your choice of size.

Lovelines Organic Toddler Set Pixel Organics' philosophy is shared with that of a truly modern parent. As responsible parents, we need to make choices that have a positive impact on the future. They believe that taste should not have to be sacrificed for environmentally sound choices. Their mission is to create modern pieces that are parent, kid and environmentally friendly. Live green, sleep green and remember to eat your vegetables.Their 220 thread count bedding is made with 100% Certified Organic cotton. Their comforters are filled with REFILL, a recycled PET (beverage bottle) fill that emits zero measurable VOCs and helps reduce waste.Lovelines Organic Toddler Set includes:1 Reversible Comforter2 Fitted Sheets1 Standard Pillow Case -Lovelines-Organic-Toddler-Set

Small Lion Critter -These herds of cuddly Knitter Critters are handmade by a group of knitters in rural Kenya. They're part of a non-profit organization comprised of socially responsible businesses that provide a link between artisans and the marketplace. The Kenana Knitters group enables its workers to directly benefit from their efforts to create a self-sufficient community. They're committed to respecting and sustaining the environment and promoting and practicing fair and open trade ethics. Each piece comes with a tag signed by the artisan who knitted the little critter.


Technorati Tags:trends, design, furniture, interior design, home furnishings

Design Star 3 - The final three

Monday, 21 July 2008 SURROUNDINGS -- This week, the final three contestants were tasked with doing a makeover in a room of a family member. That's a lot of pressure. I missed the beginning of the epi, so I don' t know what the time and budgets were.

I thought Jennifer's room was the most successful - her hand painted walls were very pretty, she had a lot of great functional seating and her overall color palette was warm and inviting. Matt had the most difficult task of turning his mother's basement craft room into a craft/game room. He came up with some very interesting built pieces - such as a hidden room for Mom's kiln and the wall of drawers for her materials. The 4 leather chairs are huge and not the right seating to be used for a game table. The rug was nice. Trish's room looked better on television than it does in these photos, but, while an improvement over her parents original space, was pretty dull and completely unprofessional looking. I can't believe there was no comment made about the over pillow-ization on all the seating. It looked dated, it my opinion.

One thing I will say - shame on HGTV for not setting these folks up with real carpenters! They hamstring the contestants ability to actually do something interesting by not providing a professional level support staff - which is what designers work with in real life. Then the judges criticize them for not doing "design". This type of thing is a reason why this show seems so low-rent.

As for their on-air work - as I've said before, Jennifer is natural, much like Kim Myles; Matt is engaging although not energizing. While the judges love Trish and I do think she comes across as polished, I also think she's a bit brittle.

Trish was sent home and Matt and Jennifer are the final two.

What do you think?

Who will will Design Star?
	Jennifer
	Matt
pollcode.com free polls

Who do you want to win Design Star?
	Jennifer
	Matt
pollcode.com free polls

Sarah Jessica Parker on BravoTV

Monday, 21 July 2008 SURROUNDINGS -- I just read the following interesting tidbit on The Hollywood Reporter.com

Sarah Jessica Parker's art competition reality show has found a home at Bravo.

The network has picked up "American Artist," from Parker's Pretty Matches production company and wunderkin producers Magical Elves, as part of its development slate. Bravo is expected to announce the deal Sunday at the Television Critics Assn. press tour.

The hourlong show has been described by the Elves team of Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz as a "Project Runway"-style competition series that takes on the art world. Aspiring artists compete to produce various styles of artwork (painting, sculpting, etc.), which is then judged by a panel of experts. The network declined to comment.

Ball in the House

Sunday, 20 July 2008 SURROUNDINGS -- I went to a fantastic outdoor concert this evening! Boston based a cappella band Ball in the House really rocked the South Shore Conservatory's outdoor amphitheater. As a member of the board of overseers of the Conservatory, I attend a lot of performances, and this one was one of the most fun I've attended. The audience - a real mix of old and young - was singing, clapping and beatboxing away. Yes, I said beatboxing. The groups "drum section" - Jon J. Ryan (Jonny) gave the audience a quick lesson in vocal percussion. He is unbelievable! I was there early and got to watch them setup and do their sound check. Jonny was walking around the stage, moving mics and equipment, all while beatboxing away - in perfect time. The man is like a human metronome! All of the guys have wonderful voices and were so sweet and genuine! Not to mention - really, really good looking. There was more than one swoony gal, and probably a guy or two, in the crowd. They were very generous with the audience - hanging out after the concert to sign autographs (I got mine on the CD I bought) and chatting away. They were in Dallas on Friday, Massachusetts tonight, then off to Pennsylvania tomorrow. Busy, and tired, guys!

Some concert pics...

Luxury in Kitchens

Saturday, 19 July 2008 TRENDOFFICE -- Subdued luxury is the trend for this year in interior design. What is luxury when we are talking about kitchens? For me it is not exactly glitter and precious materials. It can be this gorgeous minimalist look with curved elegant forms - we are not made to work at straight lines. At a time when the kitchen is the new entertainment room where preparing food is a communal activity, it is ultimate luxury to have a well designed ergonomic workspace like this one (left) wich the Pedini Kitchen offers you.