Braided Rugs

Braided Rugs

I have a fondness for braided rugs. Growing up in a traditional, rural home with lots of country accents, my parents had several braided rugs in various rooms and I felt like they were the obvious choice for area rugs. My brother and sister and I used to play right on...

Form follows function – that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.
– Frank Lloyd Wright, 1908

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Frank Lloyd Wright Quote

To me, I’ve always interpreted the phrase “form follows function” as meaning that the shape of something should come from its intended purpose and utility, usually as it relates to architecture, interior design, industrial design and the like. According to what I’ve read, the phrase originated from another famous (Chicago-based) architect, Louis Sullivan.

In my practice, I’ve generally always made design decisions based on how I think my clients will interact with an object. What will their reactions be upon first seeing it? What about each time they walk into the room? How will they use an object throughout the years, across different seasons, when at home alone, when entertaining guests? How does the object fit with the rest of the furnishings in the room?

My number one focus when selecting furnishings for a room is “Will my clients be comfortable and want to use the items I’ve selected?” After all, what’s the point of creating a beautiful design if it won’t be regularly used and enjoyed?

I Love Pendant Lighting!

I Love Pendant Lighting!

Pendant lights add a great finishing touch to kitchen islands, peninsulas, dining areas, bar areas, reception areas and retail counters or displays. They take a lighting plan to the next level by adding lots of interest and pop, and they add a little whimsy or...
Natural Woven Shades

Natural Woven Shades

I often use woven wood or natural woven shades for living rooms, family rooms, offices, dining rooms or bedrooms, when flexibility for light filtering and privacy is desired. These shades come in a wide array of natural tones, fibers and textures that complement many...
Dark Sky Compliant Lighting

Dark Sky Compliant Lighting

Although I’m an interior designer, I frequently select exterior items for clients including roofing, siding, doors, decking and exterior lighting. An important category for exterior lighting, especially in areas that are home to wildlife such as sea turtles, is “dark...
Small Bath Solutions

Small Bath Solutions

I recently worked on a renovation project at a home in a beautiful coastal setting on Cape Cod. The overall space was open, airy and contemporary, with a large family room and dining room, but with small and compact bedrooms and bathrooms. The bathroom sizes and...
Exterior Color Design

Exterior Color Design

As part of the design team on multiple building and construction projects, I’m often called upon to select exterior colors and materials. I work on a lot of new construction and renovation projects with builders, developers and home buyers. For residential projects, I...

Color is the finishing touch on everything.
– Marc Jacobs

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Color Your World

No matter which project I’m working on, color is a finishing touch. But, it’s also part of a conversation and initial concept with clients, and a common thread from start to finish. I help clients discover which colors they’re drawn to, and coordinate colors and materials from room to room to establish a flow that looks and feels good. Once the overall color scheme is set, splashes of color in furnishings, art and accessories definitely add “the finishing touch” on any project!
 

Happy Spring!

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

I specify flooring for just about every project that I work on, focusing on the right product or type of material that will look great and prove to be a smart choice. Luxury vinyl flooring has become really popular, and is proving to be a great solution for different...
A Fun Fort Myers Interior Design Project

A Fun Fort Myers Interior Design Project

I’ve been fortunate to work with a new client in Florida for the past six weeks or so, planning paint schemes and furnishings for a move from one very nice home on Sanibel Island to another, equally lovely home in Fort Myers. We started with selecting paint colors for...
Beautiful Lighting Options

Beautiful Lighting Options

For new construction and home renovation projects, lighting such as chandeliers, pendants and surface mounted fixtures (sconces, vanity lights or ceiling lights) can add a wonderful finishing touch to overall project success. A key to lighting design for interiors is...

The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. It is about the realities of what makes for an attractive, civilized, meaningful environment, not about fashion or what’s in or what’s out. This is not an easy job.
– Albert Hadley

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The Essence of Interior Design…

A great quote from Albert Hadley, a preeminent American interior designer (1920-2012). Interior design truly is about people and how they live, work and enjoy their surroundings. Interior design optimally supports peoples’ needs, preferences and interests, and creates environments that people feel good about day after day. Although trends come into play, successful interior design provides continuity, comfort and functionality.