You hear it all the time, if you want to change a space and you don’t have a lot of money to spend…paint the walls! This is so true but I am here to tell you that is only one way to make a change. An even better way to make a design change with a little more style is to use a Stencil!!!

There are many ways to integrate stenciling into your decor-on tables, curtains, even lampshades-as there are many sources of inspiration. I have focused on inspiring you, my amazing followers to use stenciling on the walls. As you enjoy the photos I have collected as examples, think about how different the spaces would look if the walls were just painted a solid color…the difference a stencil can make is quiet amazing. I am even taking on my own little project of using a stencil in my bedroom. The photos will be coming soon

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My Sketches

I recently re arranged my office, not only to improve the function of the work place but also to re-inspired me to new heights. While engrossed in my adventure to freshen up I happened to come across an old sketch book of mine. I used to do a lot of sketching of ideas, working things out by drawing the details before they actually became a reality. I did my best to carry a sketch book with me where ever I went so I could quickly capture my inspiration as it occurred. I haven’t been doing enough of that lately with the advent of Auto Cad, a program where drawings are computer generated, and with my small digital camera in my purse at all times. I don’t know whether it is laziness or the advent of technology, but I must say that looking back on these quick hand done sketches that they have a certain charm that the computer or the digital camera just can’t achieve. There is something to be said for hand drawing. When I am off traveling I work on my perspective drawings, capturing the amazing architectural details of my surroundings. When I went to Design School we were taught to hand draw and I filled copious sketch pads. I remember my first art class where there were nude models. I was very young and very naive and to learn to draw the human body anatomically correctly was a big challenge. Hand drawing is a very good way to train the eye to see details, and details are the stuff that design is made of. There is something magical about capturing the essence of something with a few lines.

The first sketch is of a valance that I was putting on some French doors and a window in a kitchen. The idea was to add a little bit of fabric but not to cover the natural light that came thru. It was a great way to enhance and frame the windows.

The second sketch is of a master bedroom retreat area. I wanted to really dress that space with lots of Fabrics and layers. We went with rich blues and gold’s to compliment the French revival influence of the home. Layers, Layers, Layers!

The next sketch is of a lobby that I am working on right now. I am not completely finished with the design so…it’s a work in progress. To highlight those circles on the right of the sketch…that is windows to the conference room. We plan to tent the windows and have a subtle circular design on them. I am excited to see that completed.

A sketch for the arrangement of toss cushions and bedding, which were made of 3 fabrics: Gorgeous damask brown, Anjelica – a beautiful creamy gold linen, and a deep green and brown pin strip Egyptian cotton. Funny I even added a little quotation: “Each Day Dawns but once”.

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When is comes to designers like Candice Olsen or Larry Laslo people generally can image the STYLE or DESIGN that has made these designers world renown. Each of them found their style or knitch and perfected it. For me design is completely unique and different with each and every project. Local Kitchen Desiger Moorea Hoffman, has a similar philosophy and she describes that spared philosophy beautifully:
“Unlike many designers, I don’t have a “signature style.” Rather than a fault, I see my ability to design in multiple styles and genres as a gift. From French Country to American Traditional to Clean and Contemporary, I embrace all styles—as long as they are well-executed.

As a designer without a preconceived vision of what is “good taste” I can help my clients to achieve the best possible version of their own vision.

If design is a story told not with words but a vocabulary of color, texture, rhythm, pattern, and proportion then my clients are the authors of their homes and I merely the editor.

Because kitchens are so difficult and expensive to update, it is important to view trends with a sense of perspective. Most kitchens are remodeled only every twenty or even thirty years. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most homeowners. The best way to ensure that your kitchen style stays fresh-feeling is to define its style by that of your home.

An “Italianate” kitchen in a modern home will quickly feel like a trend that’s past whereas the same kitchen in a Mediterranean style home will feel timeless and perpetually appropriate—and therefore comfortable.”

I could not have said it better myself!

As I have said many times before inspiration is everywhere….I am currently working on law firm office, here is a number of things that have helped me get inspired for that project. Enjoy!

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Where do you look for inspiration…magazines, nature, art galleries, history book…there is hundreds of places to look and be inspired. I use many resources to help me create amazing spaces and there seems to be 1 that continually creeps into many of my designs, Historical Italian Design.
It is no secret that The Italians have an eye for design, whether its fashion, food, architectural, or luxuries interior, Italians have a way of indulging themselves by creating unique and amazing things. Here are a few examples of my design jobs that have been strongly influenced by the Italians.

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When you think you have seen it all, creative people like Eric Cohler step out side of the box just a little bit more. Lee Jofa, one of Kravet’s many brands, has launched a new fabric line designed by Eric Cohler, the Lodge Collection was inspired by the wilderness, adventure and exoticism of Africa. Rich in style, colors and bold patterns. ”I wanted to create a collection that had the flavor of a great house outside Nairobi in the 1930s, filled with wonderful antiques, textiles and native carvings,” said Cohler.

Cohler sought out rustic lodges from the Western United States to Kenya, Tanzania and the Kreuger National Park in South Africa, creating a definitive sense of destination with every design. ”All of these diverse places have one thing in common, a rich heritage of the great outdoors and a celebration of nature in all of her texture and depth,” Cohler continued.

The collections has a wide range of bold stripes and plaids to kitschy antlers, delicate blossoms and muted tweeds, clearly influenced by nature but also from Lee Jofa’s storied archives.

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When considering the interior of any space, Every Designer looks at the possibility of creating new areas within a space and/or breaking up the room to signify a focal point in more than one area. The secret weapon in creating this is a folding screen; of course there are many other possibilities to enhance the space, but there is no other piece of furniture that will decorate, divide and enhance a room like the folding screen.

Many people make the mistake of thinking because the room is big and needs division they must spend thousands of dollars on a wonderful piece because that is what will be the focus point. It is not true. I have found a wonderful folding screen that is described as “Fun and Casual” says Designer Milly de Cabrol who also agrees that “Screens really do decorate a room.” The 4-panel woven hemp screen by Vicente Wolf is one of her recommendations. This beautifully handmade screen would be a wonderful addition to many homes in the orange county area, adding a splash of tropical flavor to our beachy community’s. Of course, this piece does not come cheap, it is a whapping $5,625.

Now that is a bit high for many people and I am here to share with those of you that would not dare spend that amount on a screen, that You don’t have to! I have found 2 great alternatives. The first is from Pier 1 Imports and is only $200. The Kiona Floor Screen is also hand crafted and also gives the tropical feel of the other screen. The materials are bamboo and rattan. The second option is woven sea grass screen from a company in England, Argos. The amazing price for this item is $99. You will have to pay a bit more in shipping but that is completely worth the investment when considering that wonderful addition to your home.

I hope that these alternative screens will show you that you can always find a great deal if you just take the time to look for it. And if you don’t have time then give us a call, we would be more than happy to help you save money and make your home look amazing!

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Comfort & Sophistication

When I think of Giorgio Armani, I think sexy, wealthy, Italian men in beautifully tailored suits! As of 2000 Armani has extended there design abilities and now are designing and making furniture.

Giorgio Armani has done a wonderful job creating spaces that feel sexy, wealthy, seamless, and yes Italian. Just recently in Milan was The Next Wave of Fine Furniture, an event that showcases the new and unique design items. Of course, Armani was a part of this. Armani has recently partnered with bath manufacturer Roca to introduce Armani/Roca—a sophisticated bathroom concept that offers complete interior design, from a bathtub with a filling system inspired by infinity-edge pools to integrated light fixtures with optional chromatherapy to textural wall treatments. Available in 2011; 

www.roca.com

While implementing the Armani style in different contexts and with different shades, the

Armani Design Team has truly made their mark in the Interior Design world. It is not just a look it’s a feeling. Don’t take my word for it, take a few moments to view their website…it is truly captivating.

www.armanicasa.com

“I view the home as a perfect shelter, a place where I can totally relax within a harmonious structure of colours and shapes that influences my feelings and mood to foster a sense of inner calm. All my homes reflect different and significant aspects of my personality, my life and my changing priorities, evolving gradually over time, while retaining their original character. They reflect my tastes and my passions, my aesthetic code and my profound need for comfort and functionality.

I always felt deeply passionate about the home, even before I launched Armani/Casa. Today I would like to share my vision and philosophical approach to living with the rest of the world. I want to create interiors in which people feel at ease and improve the aesthetic quality of their lives.”

Giorgio Armani

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The French Interior Designer Bruno De Caumont has amazing style and a creatively urbane way of transforming a space. Recently he was published in Elle Decor Magazine, showcasing his newly decorated flat in Brussels. His relocation was the fuel for the spot light from Elle Decor, but the fact that his new home greatly reflects his personal design taste, is why I suggest you jump on board with me too follow up on this fascinating and inspiring designer.

Here is a little information on Bruno’s design history;
He did Interiors and set Designer for private parties.
Fabric Designer for MADELEINE CASTAING’s collection for Edmond Petit.
CO of Ambiance & Création. Producer of Art Deco reproductions.
Interior Designing of MADAME FIGARO et MARIAGE FRERES pavilion for MAISON & OBJETS show,  Paris – France

More currently he is the  Designer and craftsmanship of an entire collection of fine furniture. Production is limited to 50 pieces and shown at MAISON & OBJETS – Scènes d’Interieur Show, Paris – France

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Today’s market is saturated with options, price points, colors, styles, and configurations to help you create a retreat in your backyard. There are dozens of patio furniture stores, which are filled with up to date trends and ideas for you to look through and consider for your home. What they do not have is someone there to help you customize and create a unique outdoor living space just for you and your family.

Here are a few ideas to consider when taking on an outdoor living space.

~Don’t forget to layer. Add an outdoor area rug and accessories. This will add depth to the space and really help enhance the furniture you have selected.

~Don’t be afraid to add extra assent pillows. Yes, the outdoor sofa you select will come with on average 2 decorative pillows, but they will have a very limited fabric selection and be the standard 18”x18” size. If you add custom pillows it will give the space a more creative feel. Think about using different shapes, sizes and patterns.

~Lighting should never be over looked in any space, especially outdoors. You can create a true feeling just by having the RIGHT lighting. Make sure that the lighting and furniture compliment each other and have a similar but not identical feel. Consider a chandelier or fan with a light, if you have a covered area. This can really be nice for guests and help create a central point for seating and dinning areas. Always have outdoor candles or torches and lastly consider investing in solar lighting. You will save on your electrical bill.  

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A change in weather can make you start to re-evaluate what and how your home looks and feels…The following may be a few of the questions and thoughts running through your head.

~Do I like to host parties at my home?

~Does my home reflect my sense of style?

~Does my furniture enhance my enjoyment of my home?

~Do I need additional table space and/or seating for special events and holidays?

~Do I need area rugs that will help me enhance and divide my living space and conversational areas?

~What seating I have..Is it comfortable and practical for my family and guests?

~Is there areas that are darker and less used, maybe the lighting need to be updated!

~If I have a guest stay over, are they comfortable and accommodated?

~Window treatments, where are they?

~Just like a great outfit that needs jewelry, shoes, a purse and maybe a scarf…Does my home have the right accessories, to much or maybe not enough?

Image enjoying the home you’ve always dreamed of this year. Let’s get started! Give Chase Designs a call, we will sit down together to evaluate the opinions. We will give you a healthy dose of inspiration and a conversation about the endless possibilities. We’ll help you translate your dreams into a home environment you love!

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