Talented Tuesday – Creative Montage

I just got off the phone with Aimee O’Boyle, the owner and graphic designer, from Creative Montage.  We were discussing some of the next steps I needed to take with the beautiful new logo she created for the rebranding of my interior design firm.  I was reminded of how fun it is to work with someone who not only shares an artistic vision, but she also has a wonderful system in place to make the work process go smoother.  People tend to forget great design is not all about the “pretty” things.  There is a lot of work to providing these services, no matter what that area of specialty might be.

Of course, we do hire designers in order to make all of the “behind-the-scenes” efforts transfer from concept to creation.  In my instance, I take it from pen and paper to a room.  In Aimee’s case, she puts it all on paper – literally!

Without further adieu . . . I give you . . .  Creative Montage!

First, I’m so impressed with Aimee’s offerings on her Etsy site.  From her save-the-date cards to invitations to monograms.  So many choices!

For those of us who appreciate even more custom choices, Aimee knows one size doesn’t fit all.  I think what surprised me the most is how reasonable her custom work is.  It all depends on how many options you need for her to create.  She’s happy to hear about your inspirations, but I can tell you from personal experience, when you give creative people some space to “do their thing”, you’ll be so happy with the results!

What a gorgeous vignette of her custom work:

Aside from her talents for couture bridal and life event papeterie, Aimee designs beautiful business pieces:

And then there is the Letterpress work.  Swoon worthy!

As an interesting aside . . . I’ve never met Aimee in person!  I was in the process of thinking about creating new business cards, about a year ago, and I happened upon her work on a Flickr site.  I did a little Googling and then found her website.  The rest just fell into place.  There was not only something about her work, which drew me in, I could somehow read her spirit through the screen. When she answered my call, I knew I had landed in the right place!

Today’s post isn’t just about talent, as you may have already concluded.  It’s also about doing business with people you know, like and trust.  Sometimes you can’t always put your finger on it, so let your intuition give you the nudge.  It’s usually right!

Thank you, Aimee.  You’re helping me to put my best foot forward! ~ Wanda

Making The Right Choices in Your Interiors

In a previous post about interior design, I requested for consumers to ask themselves the question, “Why do I want to hire an interior designer?”.  I shared how it allows for them to really focus on what their design goals might be.  As a professional designer, I also ask that same question when I receive a potential client’s call.  One of the biggest responses will be, “I don’t want to make a mistake and I need help in knowing what is ‘right’ for my room.”  I’m very sensitive as to how intimidating the process of interior design and making all of those decisions can be.

(Pay attention to the little details, if you want a well-designed room.)

Let me share a few thoughts about making the right choices.  First, the definition of ‘right’ can mean several things, but in many cases it means the individual: 

1. Is interested in being educated about making wise decisions.  They want to know the “why behind the buy”.
2. Needs or wants a caring advocate.  It’s not just about hand-holding.  There is a language to interior design and it often needs translation to other vendors, contractors or craftsmen involved in the process.
3. Needs assistance so the project looks professionally done and not something amateurish in the execution.  A designer, who has experience and ongoing education, has developed an “eye” for a finer process. 

These folks still want the home to reflect their personal style but with that extra sparkle brought forth by things being done “right'”.

 

(This chair, from Leathercraft, exemplifies the “right” about craftsmanship and quality.  The gentleman, who does their nailhead trim, has been with them for several decades.  The hand tufting was completed by a different expert craftsman.  The leather was hand cut, from a custom pattern, by yet another craftsman.  The legs were furniture-finished, by a separate expert.  Notice how the Ikat patterned fabric is perfectly in alignment.  The fabric pattern cutter made sure of it.  So many hands, working in unison, created not only an heirloom but a lesson in that good design is always good and the differences can be appreciated by the touch and the eye.)

(The dovetail joinery, in a drawer, not only provides a beautiful finish, it’s one of the strongest ways to connect a drawer face to the sides.  The joints oppose one another so that the drawer box stays intact for years of use.)

Even in the simplest of terms, when we hire anyone to help our home become a more beautiful place, we desire for it to be done well.  Just recently, a client wanted to get a project finished and the contractor who was helping her offered to provide his professional painters to keep the process going.  My go-to-guy was tied up on another project, so based on the contractor’s recommendation, we moved ahead with his people.  We are now having my painter re-do the project.  As my client commented, “I wanted the areas to look better than if my husband and I did it.”  The other fellows missed the mark.  (The old adage, “Good things come to those who wait”, often applies.  We will . . . the next time.)

Did you know it takes about 10,000 hours to become an expert in a field of practice?  If you are a consumer, ponder how you choose design professionals.  Do you know how they’ve become who they are, today?  What’s their training, experience and expertise?

Design is also about inspiration, creativity and passion.  I can attest that the desire to spend those 10,000 hours, (and many, many more), absorbed in the process of developing my skills, was definitely spurred on by passion!  Combining all of the above, should provide you, the consumer, with the best tools for making the right design decisions.

“Some critics will write 'Maya Angelou is a natural writer' - which is right after being a natural heart surgeon.” ~ Maya Angelou

Thanks, Maya, I couldn’t have said it better myself! ~ Wanda

Great Beginnings, Part 4 – Architectural Details

Most people think about the “big picture”, when structuring a list for beginning a new construction or interior remodeling project.  There may be obvious architectural space issues, such as handling walls, ceilings and flooring – or the “big box”, a I refer to it – and it may seem simple to create a wish or needs’ list.  Most of the time, it’s the little things which can transport a space from everyday to fabulous.  For my female readers, it’s very similar to the difference between putting on the basic, black dress, with no accessories, or adding just the right accents to really make it dazzle!  All the while, keeping in mind, we do want that “cocktail dress” to be made as nicely as possible, as it allows for several different ensembles to be created.

Do you speak the same “language” with members of the trade?  If not, a picture is truly worth volumes in preventing errors in communication. 

Yesterday, while I was out and about, doing some sourcing for antiques, I ran into a dealer friend of mine, who is in the process of building a home in the NC mountains.  As we chatted about the possibility of working together on her project, I reviewed a few helpful hints to get her thinking about how important these little details can be, in all of the decisions she will make, and in how to tie it all together.  Not only does this impact the final aesthetic, it’s also good to explore these items, so as to be able to allow for them in the budget.  It saves for a lot of frustration and surprises.  At the end of the conversation, she expressed excitement about working together, as it will bring her a sense of calm in knowing a trained professional would be keeping her design aesthetic at heart, as well as to help her carefully plan and manage the project.

                

Something as simple as a door style can make a big impact.  Door height needs to be relevant to the room height.  10’ ceilings?  Don’t choose a standard 6’8” door.

     

What about the hardware?  Certain types of locks require onsite customization.  (An added expense if not pre-drilled by the manufacturer.)  There is also the consideration of the design element tying into the other room objects and finishes. 

Air returns?  Codes and other structural requirements may dictate placements we just don’t love.  There are some great manufacturers, of covers, which allow for softer and less obtrusive appearances.  (Also notice the great little detail of wrapping molding around the switch plate, on the opposite wall.)

While some might say, “The devil is in the details”, I really enjoy this part of design!  In fact, I might even say I wear the crown of a “Details Diva”, because I appreciate the difference between the mundane and magnificent.  I’m not as interested in glossing over a project, just for a passing grade.  As in anything worth achieving, it takes time and the accumulation of knowledge.  HGTV-style, twenty four-hour makeovers, only really appear on camera, because of the hours spent behind the scenes, making it all come together for film.  (And I do really like some of the HGTV shows – A favorite having been Joe Ruggerio’s, “Homes Across America”.)

I worked with this client, from the original blueprints, through the whole interior’s process. Investment?  Some focused consulting hours.  Long-term satisfaction?  Priceless!

If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, there is nothing like calling in a trusted interior design expert, to help you sort through and create a priority list.  In the long run, your investment in time and services will be so worth it, as it saves stress, keeps you focused, and will allow you to maintain control over the outcome. 

Inhale . . . exhale!  Don’t you feel better already?

Cheerful planning to you!  Wanda

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