Pursley Architecture

Last week I went to hear Architect Ken Pursley speak at Stark Carpet.  I have long admired the thoughtful, classically-inspired, yet modern aesthetic in his residential work and it was a treat to be able to see what and who has inspired his designs.

He recalled an esoteric assignment from one of his studio courses at Auburn:  In an effort to better understand the world around him (and presumably interpret that 'world' in his work) he and his classmates were asked to go outside, close thier eyes, and observe what they heard.  He remembered that the first sound he noticed was the drone of cars, which rose from silence into a distant hum, gradually increased in intensity, peaked, then faded away again into silence.  As he continued to listen, he also realized there was a perpetual, ever-present, and soothing sound which was underlying all other sounds around him: the sound of crickets.

He pointed out that that in his work, there is both the traffic and the crickets.....the 'traffic' being the influence of those movements or historical styles that in their time emerged, grew, and gave way to new ideas and movements, thus shaping our history and the landscape:  Renaissance, Neoclassical, Arts & Crafts, Modernism.....each period unique and significant in what it has to offer.

But as important to his work are those 'crickets', the ever-present, timeless elements that are remain relevant, and meaningful, no matter the period.  Designs that represent both today, tomorrow, and yesterday.  

I wondered whether the work he chose to share during this talk were his favorites, since while I found them beautiful, I felt that there is so much work in his portfolio that is remarkable.

I am lucky enough to have had the opportunity to see in person some of his recently completed projects and in-process work, which continues to awe and impress in their simplicity and beauty.   I have also had the privilege to work with Ken and his team.  It is not surprising that his office is filled with a group of individuals who are as warm and friendly as they are innovative and talented.  Perhaps that is part of what makes their work so memorable.

Photo by Bronwyn Ford

We all succumb to the latest styles and trends, and this is not a bad thing.  However rooting ourselves - our personal style and our beliefs - in very basic, real, fundamental ideas and thoughts is what gives our lives and work stability and permanence.

I look forward to seeing more work by Pursley Architecture, as they continue to re-invent the old and push the boundaries of the new.  And I will always try to pay special attention to the soothing sound of the crickets.

Check out their website at www.pursleyarchitecture.com.

All photos by Pursley Architecture, unless otherwise noted.

Why should you work with an interior designer?

Interiors by Sarah Richardson

It seems like an unnecessary luxury during these difficult economic times, doesn't it?   And it is a luxury to be able to hire anyone to do something that you could probably do yourself.  But if you are designing a new house or even just considering spending a few hundred dollars on updating a room - it's probably worth it to consult an interior designer.  Here's why:

1. You need a plan

Number one, numero uno rule is that YOU NEED A PLAN.  Have you ever found the most wonderful ________ (insert noun here - preferably something to do with home furnishings) that you simply loved, and could not live without, and had to have (even though you had no place for it?).  Sure - everyone has.  Now, raise your hand if you ever found the perfect place for said item?  That's what i thought.  Without a plan, these coveted items simply collect dust in your attic and never see the light of day.  Having a plan allows you to make your shopping trips more meaningful and focused, and the decisions easier.  And cheaper.  You won't be buying a bunch of things that you may never use.  If you have a plan, you know when you buy something that it will be perfect, and it will fit into the plan that will ultimately make your home a more beautiful place to live.

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful

2. You don't have time to do it yourself

I used to be a do-it-yourselfer, but that was before I had 2 small children and a full-time job.  I don't have time to do anything on the weekend, much less shop for new clothes.  This is why we hire people to clean our houses and maintain our yards.  There is simply not enough time to do it all, no matter how much we actually enjoy doing it.  Ask anyone who has ever built or renovated a home:  the number of choices and decisions are endless.  It's comparable to planning a wedding.  You almost have to take a sabbatical from your job in order to get it all done.

3.  I know people

A good designer has contacts.  Lots of contacts.  A designer will know exactly the best tradesperson (i.e. painter, contractor, wallpaper hanger, carpet installer, drapery workroom, cabinetmaker, etc.) to get a job done well.  The will have relationships with these tradespeople, and those tradespeople want to work for them because they will give them more work if they do a good job.   Absolutely ANYTHING is possible with enough time, money, and the right contacts.

4. You want to save money

I realize this sounds counterintuitive, since you have to pay an interior designer for their services, but see reason #1 above.  Have you ever bought something and once you got it home (or even after you lived with it awhile) you just never thought it looked quite right?  We all have.  Then we either try to design the room around this item, hoping that new throw pillows or a new rug will somehow help the situation. (It doesn't).  Or maybe we give up and decide to cut our losses, sell it on Craigslist, and start over.  Either way, you are wasting money.  Wouldn't it be great to get it right the first time?
 

Interiors by Brooke Gianetti

5. I've done this before

. . . and I know what problems you will run into (and you will always run into problems).  Granted, even the best designer won't be able to foresee every possible problem but a seasoned professional will have seen his/her fair share.  And when problems do arise, good designers will either know a good trick to get you out of the bad situation or (see reason #3) they will know someone who can.

 


6. You have no idea what is out there

I have a client who recently told me (and I quote): '....you have opened our eyes to a new world - a world we didn't even know existed!  This new world of 'Awesomeness' as we all called it.....we both thank you and curse you'.

I loved that comment.  This same client also told me that a new phrase they've started using around the house is 'WWBD' (What Would Bronwyn Do?).

But enough about me.   In all seriousness, there is so much more to home decor than what's in Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Lowe's, IKEA.  I do purchase things from these stores and I am not knocking them, but if you work with a designer you will see all kinds of products - fabrics, furniture, lighting, plumbing fixtures, tile - in the most beautiful colors, patterns, designs, finishes that you could imagine.  They could be small companies, large companies, local businesses, or international.  Some of these vendors are 'to-the-trade-only' (meaning they do not sell their products directly to consumers, only through qualified interior designers) but others may be small boutique vendors in your home state.  They may be extremely exclusive and high-end, or they may be very affordable.  The point is, designers spend a lot of time searching for these vendors by attending furniture and gift markets and scouring showrooms to seek out the most unique and most beautiful products to offer their clients.  We do not want our client's homes to look like a page out of a catalog (a magazine, perhaps).  Plus, you should not pay a designer to order everything out of a catalog.  You could do that yourself.

Chandelier design by Bronwyn Ford

Bench by Bourgeoisie 3D

This isn't meant to be an exhaustive list, since certainly the most important reason to consult an interior designer is that they are trained professionals with a solid base of knowledge and experience.  An interior designer doesn't just have good taste - they have completed a degree program interior design and been trained to understand proper proportion, scale, balance, color, light, and space.   While much of it is an art, a big part of good design is in the appropriate application of these elements.   

I hope that this has helped you understand the value of your designer, why I do what I do, and why I would love to help you to create the home of your dreams.

Have a great week and thanks for reading!

Bronwyn

Moving Right Along

Lately, I've been tempted to begin each posting with 'I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post, but it's just been so CRAZY lately . . .'.  But I have restrained myself.    Fortunately I have lots of projects that are well underway and moving right along . . .

Eventually, the new front door

. . . like the farmhouse project, which is fully underway!  After holding my breath for quite a while, my clients have decided to move forward with the renovation.  The inside has been completely gutted, and they have already begun framing some of the rooms.  We've been putting together the lighting plan, finalizing the window/door schedules, and - oh yeah - we've totally re-designed the kitchen.   We're also in the process of picking out the color for the metal roof, stain for the decking, exterior paint scheme (photo above), and vintage wood for the refrigerator panels.

Demolition!

Living Room, facing pool

Standing in the 'new' kitchen

Recently I presented an out-of-town client with a whole house 'Design Roadmap', which she has been extremely busy implementing over the past month.  Sadly, I can't just stop by and see what's new, so every week or she will send me new photos of the products that have been arriving.  It is very exciting to see it all come together.

Vintage plates for a display wall in the kitchen 

Art over an outdoor fireplace

Fun pillows for the sofa

Fluffy Morrocan Rug . . . I think my little client must like it!

 

Renovation of the second floor of the condo project is also getting started.   We've picked out some great lighting from The Urban Electric Company.   It's a fabulous lighting company, self-described as 'a lighting design and production firm that prides itself on subtle design, uncompromising craftmanship and impeccable service'.  I am thrilled to be able to use their products on this project.  Here are some of the fixtures we're using:

A pair of small Belle Meade sconces over the banquette, in Antique Brass

The Melissa sconce, in antique brass with the black/gold square shade in the stairwell

The Mel sconce, in Polished Nickel in the middle of the mirror in the Master bath

In between all of these goings-ons, I had some fun at High Cotton Home recently when Thom Filicia, the 'interiors expert' on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, was in town promoting his line of furniture for Vanguard.   I was really impressed by the store, the party, and the beautiful people at the event.
 

You can just barely see me in this photo, talking with my friend in the peacock blue shirt!

Thom was very approachable and easy to talk to (in the very few minutes I had to talk with him!).  Anyway, it was a fun event, and great to catch up with good friends.

Here's a photo of Thom Filicia with Rodney Hines, owner of High Cotton Home, and my friend Ted.  Don't they all look fantastic in their blue shirts?!

It's been a busy few weeks, so I'm looking forward to the long weekend.  Have a good one!


Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn

Well color me happy . . . .

We just got back from a wonderful, relaxing vacation in Turks & Caicos!  It was an amazing trip.  The whole time I was there, I could not get over the amazing blue of the sea and sky.  I loved to glance out the kitchen window, and see the intense aquamarine color of the ocean peeking from behind the palm trees.  It was paradise!

I returned to work very inspired to create rooms full of color!   Over the past few years, neutrals have dominated interiors - just take a look at Restoration Hardware and their achromatic color schemes.  I appreciate that look, but I am ready to buck the trend and start using some bright bold colors that I love.  Luckily, several of my clients have been willing to embrace these new color schemes as well.

I'd like to share with you some of my favorite, most inspiring fabrics that I've been working with recently.  Most of them I will use as accents - pillows, draperies, small upholstered pieces.  But it's these great pops of color that will make your rooms:

1. Robert Allen's Nesting Zigzag in Bluebell

Photo courtesy of Robert Allen

I have been on a big navy and white kick lately, both in my clothing and in my interiors.  This is a good weight fabric, and great for upholstery, especially an ottoman or chair.  It also comes in white on white, and yellow/white.  

2. Kravet's Latika

What a great combo of color and pattern!  It would work equally well in a traditional or a more modern room

3. Fabricut's Tilbury in Lapis

Photo courtesy of Fabricut

I fell in love with the pattern and color in this one, but I don't have anywhere to use it yet!  It has an interesting shimmer to it, which makes it a little more dressy.  Perhaps a dining room or formal living room?

4. Pindler & Pindler, (pattern name TBD)

This is such a fresh, fun fabric.  It will look great paired with Navy, red, yellow, black.....pretty much any other color scheme.

5. Clarke & Clarke's Blomma in Rouge

Photo courtesy of Clarke & Clarke

Clarke & Clarke has a bunch of unique, bold patterns and colors in their line.  This is such a fresh interpretation of cherry blossoms, and it comes in a bunch of great colorways.  

6. Kravet's Prospect in Lake

This reminds me of the sea, sky, and sand in North Caicos.  Incidentally, I specified this for a client's master bedroom BEFORE I left on vacation.  I guess my mind was already starting to dream of the sunny Caribbean . . .

7. Kravet - 31202

What a great color scheme:  turquoise, coral, and white.  Wouldn't this look great with those upholstered ottomans I bought for my client in this post?

8. Stout's Baton in Spice

I am using this great fabric as draperies in client's home.  It's such a happy fabric.

9. S. Harris Tabris in Champange

A little more understated than some of the others, but I was really struck by the great pattern.  Maybe a good choice for someone not ready for some of the other bold color schemes above.

10.  And last but not least, the new fabric collection by Eileen Kathryn Boyd for Duralee. 

Don't you just love her purple logo and starburst?  I was so impressed by the bright, bold colors in her new collection.  The colors are perfect - super saturated and full of energy.  This periwinkle embroidered pattern on white cotton is a knockout:

She is a designer who is not afraid of color, and uses it well.   I was so inspired when I visited her website and blog to check out her portfolio.

So what do you think?  Are you as crazy about them as I am?   Don't be afraid to use the colors you love in your own projects -  they will make you happy every time you look at them. 

As soon as I can, I will share photos of how I am using some of these fabrics in my projects. 

Have a great week!

Bronwyn  

The 'Halloween Crab'.....what a great combo of orange and purple!

 

I love my job

Last week's post about shopping really got me thinking about how lucky I am to be an interior designer.  There's not many jobs out there where you get to shop for a living!  And I meet the most wonderful, talented, friendly, hardworking people - both my clients, and those that I do business with buying products and installing beautiful homes.

I love the diversity of the work.  In any given day, I could be doing any number of things (other than shopping, which is not what I usually do):  Mainly, I am drawing and/or designing.  I spend hours every week at my drafting table, either drawing floorplans or elevation drawings and perspectives.  It's generally where I start a project (space planning) and end a project (perspective rendering), before the client gets to see the design. 

I also spend a lot of time selecting the finishes for a project - maybe it's paint colors, fabrics for upholstery, window treatments, wall coverings, tile, countertops, rugs, flooring.   There's a myriad of choices that it can be overwhelming sometimes (for me too!)

Getting messy is part of the job too.  I recently spent a very hot day at a job site, going over plans and design details with the general contractor and the client.  The home was full of dust and dirt, and I was sweaty and sunburned by the time I left.  But I had a huge smile on my face to finally see my project underway.  

Selecting furniture, lighting, and accessories is a big part of what I do.  There are so many different manufacturers and sources that it is overwhelming.  I try to stay very current on trends, so I read a ton of shleter magazines (House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Coastal Living, and Elle Decor are on my bedside table) and read lots of other blogs (Things that Inspire, Velvet & Linen, Pure Style Home, and Belgian Pearls are my faves).   I go to 'market' every spring and fall (otherwise known as the High Point International Home Furnishings Market) to find new sources, and I constantly scour magazines, catalogs and internet sites to find the perfect pieces for a client's home. 

    

After all that, I document, record, and organize.  I prepare invoices, proposals, and purchase orders.  I track all of my orders, and ensure that each project is on schedule.   I plan, order, follow-up, and schedule.  Though this part of my job is not nearly as exciting, I have an analytical side that doesn't mind (and actually gets quite obsessed) tracking all these details.  

It's hard work, but i really, really love it.  Sometimes if I'm working late at night, I literally have to make myself stop, so I can get some rest.  And even once I'm lying in bed, I keep reworking the spaces in my mind and dreaming of a new color scheme.  

Thanks so much for reading my blog.  I hope that you also love what you do everyday. 

Bronwyn