A couple, who love to travel, also love to bring their travel experiences home . . .
The timeless details of European influences . . .
The craftsmanship by local artisans and the interior design by Wanda S. Horton.
Vignettes of design share the beauty of the details! My best to you and your home ~ Wanda
My husband and I have a standing joke about his perception of things. When I ask him what he thinks of something, even if he likes it . . . and I mean, REALLY likes it . . . he still uses the expression, “I think it’s fine.” For someone, like me, who is much more descriptive about my level of enthusiasm, he might as well be saying, “It’s mundane, ordinary, okay, or passable.” Sigh!
When I use the word, ‘fine’ in reference to interior design, it takes on a whole new meaning. It’s about the originality, the quality, and the process. Being in this industry, for almost thirty years, I very much appreciate the inspiration and execution behind pulling off an original design concept and to see it evolve into form. It’s like watching a beautiful butterfly emerge from it’s cocoon. Others may not have the vision for what’s about to hatch, but the miracle first hidden from view can be quite stunning!
I often think of the times I’ve done work in show houses or for charitable events. I’m able to chose how to invest my time and product in the most creative of ways, a bit more carte blanche, as it were, for what the circumstances allow. It’s where I often receive the comment, “I never would have thought of that but it’s beautiful and it works!” Don’t you think that’s one of the reasons people are attracted to design? They love being delighted by the element of creativity?
My favorite projects, (while still acknowledging the client is in the driver’s seat), are when I’m allowed the freedom of the creative process. In the business that I’m in, I work with other creative types, too. Photographers, decorative artists, graphic designers, workrooms, etc., will all tell you, when they try to work in more controlling circumstances, their output feels more stifled and ordinary.
Last year, about this time, I was in the midst of creating a couples table for an event. The process was the same as if I had been designing a room. From the furnishings source to the decorative painter, there were a total of eight individuals who had a part in making the intangible come to reality. It all began as a vision in my head, and I translated it to a cursory design board so the other folks could share the vision, too. And by the way, I’m a big fan of the design team concept!
If you read the fine print, in the bottom right corner of the design board, (above), you’ll see the set-up time was tightly scheduled. I had to have my creative ducks in a row, well before everything landed at the venue. It took much of the entire day, with some last minute tweaking before closing time.
With the exception of the vintage china, the crystal, and the flatware, everything for this setting was a custom creation and was hand-crafted.
The mirrored mats evoked the wow factor! My decorative artist has a special process. (The secret’s in the source!) The hand-sewn, linen table square was also hand-painted and crystals were applied. People couldn’t believe it when they saw it. They thought we just embellished an already printed cloth.
The floral designer brought out various containers and we discussed the available seasonal flowers. I wanted to float tea lights, in wisps of ribbons, and to keep the flowers airy, as well.
He really listened and the end results were amazing!
So many little details . . . and so much joy!
If you’ve been reading my blog, for a while, you may recognize these photos from another post. I still love looking back over the project and thought I would share it, once more, with a reminder of a few important observations:
What questions or comments do you have about the process of design? I’m happy to share!
It’s all “fine”! - Wanda
But first, an important message from our sponsor.
Well, isn’t that how all contests are? You build the anticipation and then cut to a commercial? In the case of a blog contest, it might not be so dramatic, but I am so excited about revealing the winner as this was my first contest! Thanks to everyone who commented and shared your thoughts on my “Details In Design” series. It was great fun to put this together!
The contest ended on April 30th and the winner will be receiving a $75.00 gift certificate from Wisteria.com, to indulge in anything they might like. I wonder what they’ll choose? . . . .
Will it be a set of jewel topped bottles?
What about a French Country cake stand?
Perhaps a set of Tapas dishware?
Maybe some clever book boxes?
I’ll admit, while it’s tempting to go shopping for myself, I do think it’s better to give than to receive, so I’ll share the contest results.
And the winner is! . . . . .Tamara Matthews-Stephenson, of Nest by Tamara! Tamara is a fabulous blogger and interior designer, from New York, so her win makes this give-a-way very special, indeed. I’m honored to have her posts, along with all of the others, as I so enjoy her writing and capturing of great design. Congratulations, Tamara! Be sure to email me with mailing instructions for the gift certificate, by May 30th. (icbwbusiness@gmail.com)
Thanks, again, to all of the participants. You are all winners of my heart!
Cheers to you! Wanda