Dishing About Eddie Ross ~ Dining Delight!

First, I have to shout out . . . Wow!  Wonderful!  - and - Whoopee!

These simple words come to mind as I think of how I’ll be stalking following Eddie Ross and his partner, Jaithan, around our local, (Charlotte, NC), Metrolina Antique’s Show, on Friday afternoon, November 5th, (sold out).  Eddie is the king of making the process of styling look simple, yet planned.  Whether it’s a room or a table setting, he can scour any shop or flea market for overlooked treasures, add his magic touch, and . . . voila! . . . a masterpiece of design has been created!  I found out about his show schedule, relatively late, but was so excited to get squeezed in for what I’m sure will be a delightful afternoon.  (Thank you, Jaithan!) 

Eddie Ross during a recent treasure hunt.

A lovely setting, by Eddie, featured in “Southern Living” Magazine.  Love his use of vintage milk glass!

A recent feature about Eddie, in “Lonny” Magazine. 

I have a feeling I might find a kindred spirit,in Eddie, as I tend to have a weakness for beautiful tableware!  With only two of us at home; however, I tend to forget to bring out some of my seasonal pieces, unless it’s time for holiday entertaining.  Reading Eddie’s blogposts has inspired me to make as many of our meals a bit more special.  After all, what good does it do for it to be tucked away in cabinets?

Today, I decided to put a few flowers together, light some votives, pop in a few pumpkins, and bring out my Johnson Brothers’ pattern.

Mixing it up with old and new.

A layer of my transferware, creamware, and a charger.

A little bit of gilt goes a long way!

Pulling in some of the colors from my transferware, via flowers and pumpkins.

I love how the texture of the blue pumpkin compliments the mercury glass style vase!

The Johnson Brothers’ pattern is called “Frozen Up” and it’s resting in Lenox’s “Butler’s Pantry”.

I kind of have a thing for oak leaves and acorns.  Notice the border pattern and the votive!

As an interior designer, I do love to try placing things on angles, as in the napkins.  It adds a little extra zip! 

Because I have a “few” table patterns, the French vasselier stays dressed in a simple stoneware backdrop.

While it may seem a bit early for Thanksgiving-inspired table settings, I know there is a small window of time when I can use these dishes, so a few practice runs won’t hurt! 

I’ll be sure to do a follow-up post about my adventures with Eddie and Jaithan, as well as to record any found treasures.  I have a feeling another collection could be in the works!

All my best! ~ Wanda

PS - Contest Alert!  I’ll be giving away an autographed copy of Vicente Wolf’s “Lifting the Curtain On Design”!  All you have to do to enter is to leave a comment on any two of my posts, beginning with this one and by November 30, 2010.

 

I’ll announce the winner the first week of December 2010.  I hope you’ll enjoy a festive month!

In the Pink – By Design

In most recent times, to say that one is “in the pink”, is often in reference to being in good health.  In the days of old, it came from the fox-hunting tradition where a rider had reached his pinnacle of achievement, in the hunt, and was allowed the privilege of wearing the red jacket, also called, “pinks”.  Some think the modern translation might have also come from the riders, who would have the flush of rose in their cheeks, after the exhilarating trek.  Tradition would have it, only the men should wear the “pinks” and women should wear a black or navy coat. 

Mmmm?  I wonder how such a thing came to be?  We tend to think of pink, (or it’s precursor of red), to be more of the feminine persuasion.  In fact, if you ask many men, they would run far away from the notion of wearing anything in any shade, tint, or form of pink – or – cringe at the notion of having any part of their home accented, swathed, or pinkly punctuated!  Even some women will also share it’s not a color they would fully embrace.

Unless, it’s to don one of these . . . . .

. . . Then any man, woman – or even child, who has had a loved one, friend, or close acquaintance experience the disease of breast cancer, seem to happily cloak themselves in this proud shade of pink, to share their support and love.  In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s time to get “in the pink”, as we celebrate the pinnacle achievements of the survivors, and cherish the memories of those who have passed on.

What’s your favorite tint or shade of pink?

Leave it to clothing designer, Betsy Johnson, to add her twist of whimsy to this palette!

And, by the way, she is also a breast cancer survivor.  Click on the page to read her story.

Stomp out breast cancer in style!

Let’s kiss it “goodbye”!

Let’s cheer on my high school friend, Teresa Worthy Howard, as she heads out for her third walk, as a survivor.

If you can – donate!

Let’s make sure more women can remain, “in the pink”, and don’t forget, men can get breast cancer, too.

All my best! ~ Wanda

. . . . .And just one more little inspiration board from my Facebook page:

Design Projects Are Under Construction!

Thankfully, my desk isn’t quite this bad . . .

. . . but it’s a reminder of how important it is to stay on top of the management of interior design projects.  Interior Design is more than the “pretty” selections we make.  In fact, the behind-the-scenes or the “during” process can be downright unattractive.  Most people are anxious to get from point A to point Z, in the blink of an eye, but aren’t interested in managing the work that takes place in between.

Sometimes it’s difficult to have a concept of how the whole process will come to completion.  I’m glad I have my “virtual design vision” to rely upon.  Of course, I appreciate all aspects of design.  I actually thought my client’s “before”, framed-out-dome was quite beautiful.  The fellow who did this was an artist, in my opinion!

Okay . . . This might be the scary stage for some!  In order to arrive at an aged, metallic copper finish, the dome had to be base-coated in a pumpkin color.  For the folks, in my area, who are Clemson Tiger’s fans, this color could have been cheering them on!  Beauty can be in the eye of the beholder.

Each additional layer brings the room closer to focus.  Remember, if you have any doubts, be careful in pulling the plug midstream.  If my client had done so, in the “pumpkin” phase, we wouldn’t have made it to these glorious results.  Having a professional designer by your side, during all of the project applications, gives you peace-of-mind . . . and a hand to hold.  (And a big Thank You goes to my fabulous decorative artist, Whitney Preslar Bayer ,for her consummate professionalism and talent, on this massive home project.) 

Now, the table is ready for setting and for receiving guests.  (And for the professional photographer!)  We left the chandelier a little higher, if she decides to use a taller arrangement for special events.

I’ve been working on my “Designing A Room At A Time” series.  It’s still a work-in-progress, because, aside from being a Design Blogger, I am first and foremost, an Interior Designer.   Client projects are under construction so they’ve been needing my time and attention.  Just like any project I undertake, I want to make sure my list is complete in order to allow for the best outcome. 

In the dining room, shown above, here is the list for creating this room, from floor to ceiling:

1. Review plans with architect.  (In this case, we swapped the dining room space, for a living room.  The original dining room was to be in an area with a 24’ foot high ceiling and a glass dome.  There would have been difficulty in placing a chandelier in the glass dome, maintenance issues, and we wanted the room to feel a bit cozier for guests.)
2. Space planning, based on meetings with architect, builder, and blueprints.
3. Meet with framer to design dome size, dependent on depth of room space above this ceiling.
4. Meet with woodworker to determine molding profiles, size of crown mold, and flex molding for dome base.
5. Select cast stone base mold.
6. Meet with electrician to review layout of outlets, switches, positioning of chandelier, and wall sconces.
7. Meet with smart home wiring company to determine placement of security sensors and audio speakers.
8. Select flooring – polished and honed marble combination with inlaid stone border around the perimeter.  Meet with installer to review placement.
9. Select door styles, (not clearly shown in photo), wood species, stain color, finish type, hardware style, and function.  (May want to open to loggia or keep fixed.)
10. Get specs for windows to begin the window treatment design process.  Pay attention to where attachment may be needed to decide if board mount is better.  Discuss options with workroom.
11. Pull color palette together for walls, ceiling, dome, windows, and chair seats.
12. Source fabrics, trims, hardware, furniture, and future accessories/artwork.
13. Double-check all measurements, post completion of construction, for accuracy against blueprints and changes.
14. Create quotes, order product, coordinate deliveries, and installations.
15. Be available to oversee all processes.

Today’s interior designer wears many hats.  While some may specialize in certain areas, we all still must be involved in the project management.  The wise client will select someone who can be a team player and act as the liaison for translating the pieces of paper to a real life experience.  Rooms just don’t pop off the magazine pages or the internet screen!

Back to my “construction site”.  I’ve got more lists to make into reality.  What project do you have in progress?  I would love to know more about it!

On A “Lighter” Note – Simple Summer Living

While I’m “officially” on hiatus for a few more days, I know many Americans are also “officially” kicking off the summer vacation season, or are planning for all of the fun times which coincide with it.  In order to have more summer fun, it’s best to keep it simple . . . cooking, entertaining, and even our daily routines.  It’s also the time of year when designers look at rooms, laden with heavy textures and colors, and clients are ready to open up their spaces, allow for more movement, and let the sun shine in!  Think of all of the phrases we’ve coined, containing a form of the word, “light”.  (Lighten our load., A lighter spirit., Lighten up., . . . to name a few.) 

So . . . . in the spirit of keeping this “light and simple”, I’m sharing some related posts from some other blog and design websites. 

Grilled pork tenderloin and a simple salad – from my friend, Amy, of “She Wears Many Hats”.  Click here for her recipe.  (I love that she uses “Yum-Yum” as her food tab!)  Amy is an avid blogger from upstate South Carolina.  We tweet, from time-to-time, and have met in real life at a recent book signing for the Pioneer Woman.

Leave it to the team at Martha Stewart to find simple solutions for outdoor living spaces!  Some cedar decking, placed on squares of wood, then pushed together, create this portable deck area.  Cluster some potted plants and you are done!  I also love the stacked pot fountain.  It’s a quick day project with rewarding results.

Sheers panels, as shown in this room setting from “Traditional Home”, provide an easy and airy solution for spur of the moment window treatments.  Later on, you can always layer side panels.  Some great blog reads, regarding window treatments and design, are:  terri’sfabrics.co.uk and Jackie Von Tobel Home

Need to plan a get-a-way?  Visit my friend, Julia Rosien’s blog, Go Girlfriend.  You’ll enjoy reading about her travel experiences, as she removes the complication from planning your travels.

Or . . . Is your home the arrival destination?  Quick ship bedding from Eastern Accents, (and a shameless plug, here), available through my design firm, can upgrade a plain Jane, (or John), room from economy class to a luxury suite, in a short order of time.

Of course, this is a great simple solution, too!

Have a safe and special Memorial Weekend.  Please take a moment to honor those who have served us well.

 

Experience the best about design!  Wanda

If Walls Could Talk

As an interior designer, who has been guilty of participating in the “wallpaper removal movement”, I have to say, I have a renewed interest and love of how the latest array of beautiful coverings have made their way back into focus.  There are so many crisp and delightful patterns!  If you took them out of the picture, (literally), such as in the room settings below, the outcome might be a bit blasé. 

My expert installer, Steve, will be so pleased to know he can go back to his title of, Steve the Paperhanger, rather than his moniker, of a few recent months ago, “Steve the Paper Stripper”.  (So sorry – sometimes I do have to get past the stuffiness often associated with interior designers!)  It should be known, while some folks are courageous enough to attempt to install their own paper, I heartedly recommend using a local experienced craftsman.  If you are investing in quality goods, why not invest in the best presentation of it?

Talk Topic:  How to bring the garden indoors? ~ Green and Grillwork.

Talk Topic:  How to create vertical balance without window treatments? ~ Pink Plaid Placement.

Talk Topic:  How to lower too tall ceilings?  Juxtaposing Jacobean

Talk Topic:  How to add in a large pattern?  Coordinating Color Compliments 

If after viewing this lovely display of fabulous walls, you still are nervous about the prospect of adding wall coverings as a design element, let’s talk about it.  Most of my vendors offer the option to purchase large, full-length samples, so you can have a better visual.  If you need to tie in some existing patterns, such as a rug, artwork, or existing fabrics, a bit of assistance will give you the confidence to forge ahead.  This is one of those design decisions which can also offer almost immediate gratification.  In a day or less of installation – viola! – a new room!

If these walls could talk, they would say:  “What are you waiting for?!”

Thanks for the cheery wall chat!  Wanda

(Photos compliments of Thibaut Wall Coverings.  One of my favorite trade vendors and available through Interior Concepts by Wanda.)

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Great Beginnings, Part 2

So. . . the New Year is here, and you’ve packed away the decorations and cleared out or reorganized the clutter.  (At least the thought has arisen, right?)  As I promised my clients and readers, I’m working on a series, “Great Beginnings”, to be a guide for planning and implementing any home design project.

Space planning is just one of my first priorities in planning a room, whether it be a simple or a complicated layout.  I use a special program to scale the design and the furniture for the best fit.  (More on this subject, later . . . )

In a previous post, I addressed some points on organization, not only to open up space, but to plan it in a way which promotes for ease of living and less wasted time in trying to locate important possessions.  A method for achieving that was briefly covered in multi-functional rooms or even multi-purposed pieces of furniture. I’ll get back to some more detailed examples of that, in Part 3.  For now, I want to chat about what emotion or lifestyle you want your well-designed space to evoke.

Identifying this takes a little extra thought.  Many of my clients have collected pictures, prior to our meeting, to show rooms they like.  I study them carefully to see if I can put together a pattern, be it the color scheme, the design style, particular pieces of furniture or accents.  In most cases, the bottom line revolves back to how the room makes them “feel”.

Do you crave a cheerful, airy space – such as this room, featured on my AVA Living Space?  I named it the “Glorious Morning Room”.  It was designed for a shingle-style home and the original artwork, by Jan Yearwood, was the starting point for the color palette.  Many visitors have said this room made them feel happy.

Or . . . is it more your preference to create a cozy retreat, enveloped in texture?  My client’s dining room, dipped in delicious, dark chocolate, achieved the desire of having guests linger over coffee and cordials.  No dinner bell required.

Is your wardrobe more formal and tailored?  Chances are, you’ll love an elegant entry . . . smooth and polished, with the details of a custom couturier. (Custom build project for my client, with Arcadia Homes, Inc.)

If you are a free spirit, (or a ‘tween of the feminine persuasion), you’ll dream of a personalized nest to reflect your passions, plans and ponderings - with vivid hues placed in a play of patterns.  (Photographed by Chanda Pope – Room featured in “Little Ones” Magazine.)

The rooms, above, were completed down to the last ingredient.  They had to have a Great Beginning, in order to achieve the Best Ending.  I was so fortunate to have clients who allowed me to take them through the entire process, from the first questions to the finishing touches.  After all, even with the right recipe in hand, you can’t enjoy a cake, half-baked!

Stay tuned for Part 3 . . . “Thinking Inside of the Box”.  If you would like to receive these posts, be sure to subscribe to my feed, here, or on Facebook Networked Blogs.  (The buttons are to the right.)

Meanwhile, I’d love to hear about your dream room.  What does it feel like, to you?

Cheers to “Feeling Good”!  Wanda

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Dining by Design – Six Smart Solutions & A Bonus Idea!

Aside from the chill in the fall air, I get an extra little shiver when I calculate the fast approach of the holidays!  Thanksgiving is merely a few weeks away, and I know the dining room, often a room no one even walks into until Halloween has passed, becomes the emergency phone call many interior designers receive. 

At this date, while I may not be able to offer “major surgery” options, I can share six ways to “resuscitate” your dining room, depending on the availability of your resources.  I hope the Question and Answer format will address some of the more frequently sought solutions.

Question:  Do you always need to use a rug under a dining room table? 

Answer: There are no iron-clad rules for needing to use one.  I do; however, consider several factors before guiding a client in one direction or the other.  If, in the case of this room, there were no window panels or fully upholstered chairs, (and the entire room consisted mostly of wood), it would be my recommendation to add a rug for color, texture, and to soften the edges.  (Photo courtesy of House Beautiful.)

Question:  I have found some chairs, I really love, but I’m still searching for the perfect table and I have guests coming for the holidays.  Help!  Should I cancel?!

Answer:  Keep those guests on your list!  There are many online sources, with fast shipping, for inexpensive folding, round tables.  Some even go up to 66” or more.  You may also find some plywood table rounds to convert an existing table top.  Oversized table cloths can be ordered, online, and you can customize your look with a topper square or other layered linens.  I like the burlap/linen textures, as they can be dressed up or down.  (Photo courtesy of House Beautiful.)

Question:  I bought a new table and it has a heavier base.  Now my old chairs look too delicate.  They were antiques, given to me by my grandmother, so I can’t get rid of them.  What can I do?

Answer:  Slipcovering is a wonderful solution to help visually enlarge and “fill-in” the backs of chairs, without affecting their integrity or design structure. In the oval back chairs, above, the added “skirt” makes the seat seem fuller, thus creating a better balance with the table base.  (Photo courtesy of House Beautiful.)

Question:  I have a collection of mismatched chairs, an antique chest, and a table that is not really so pretty.  I’m limited with what I can do, right now, because other rooms need more attention.  Should I just ignore my dining room and leave it empty?

Answer:  Often, the dining room is one of the first rooms we see, when we enter a house.  If it’s left empty, it can give the impression that no one is “home”.  Some chairs styles are compatible and are made even more so by using the same fabric.  Eclectic mixes are often very interesting and can be quite nice, if some rules are observed.  Keep the color palette simple, so the eye will have a place to land and not be overly distracted.  Notice how the walls and trim, in the photo above, match the chair fabric.  The table is covered in a simple linen and the antique door chest acts as a server.  A natural fiber rug can be easily found and it adds a soft layer to the mix.  (Photo courtesy of House Beautiful.)

Question:  I have a larger, open dining room and it really is a rare occasion that I use it.  What are my options as this feels like a waste of space?

Answer:  As a designer, I think this is one of those rooms that can be missed, during family gatherings or special events/holidays, if it doesn’t exist in some fashion in your home.  I do like to see if I can figure out creative ways to multi-purpose rooms so their square footage has been captured and not lost.  One of the easiest solutions is a “dining/library”.  A library cabinet has similar lines to a china cabinet, and a combination of books and china can offer a nice balance.  The room above, has a console table tucked to the back wall, which can be utilized as a desk.  With today’s wireless connections, a laptop can be easily hidden when folks come over to dine.  (Photo courtesy of Traditional Homes.)

Question: I made a wise decision in selecting very durable fabric.  My chairs almost look like new.  I say, “almost”, because the legs have gotten a bit dinged up. I know if I have them refinished, the fabric will have to be changed.  Is there anything else I can do?

Answer:  Often, great furniture technicians can do some touch-up, if the damage is minor.  If that’s not the case, you might want to consider carefully painting the base frames.  To help with the natural wear, a light touch of steel wool, in areas where feet might brush against the chair’s base, will give a beautifully aged look.  I love how the bases of the chairs, above, really pop the fabric color.  This room needed that extra “oomph”. (Photo courtesy of Traditional Homes.)

An added bonus question:  I never have time to get to the florist to put together a centerpiece and I always feel like I’m missing that key element.  Do you have suggestions?

Bonus Answer:  If you have scheduled a party, weeks in advance, it is a good thing to make a checklist.  Let’s just assume; however, you are one of those generous souls who offers to host a dinner at the drop-of-a-hat.  I would always try to keep some unscented candles and open vessels or cachepots on hand.  They can be mixed in for that much desired ambiance.  From there, it’s amazing what you can achieve with things from the garden and the fridge.  If you look at the contents of the tablescape, above - clippings of foliage, architectural garden accents, as well as fruits and nuts bring the harvest home.

I hope this has given you the inspiration to send out the invitations, whether engraved, emailed or by phone, as the most important ingredient is the sharing of your time!

Cheers to everyone!  Wanda

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