Category Archives: design

Design Presentation Guided Decision Making

Image credit Becki Owens Las Palmas Project

For the recently completed Shambhala Guesthouse project, we started with the main objective of retaining the classic Caribbean architecture of the main house while steering the interiors in a transitional direction which would blend both traditional and contemporary elements.  As this was a new client primarily based abroad, the groundwork of design decision making was laid through design presentations.

Image credits 1. SabonHome 2. Bon Made Concord Californian Bungalow 3. Jill Egan Interiors

These design presentations allowed me to gain an understanding of what styles and finishes appealed to the client.  These visual surveys are an effective tool, particularly for busy clients who may not have a great deal of time to commit to these early stages. 

Image credit 1. The House that Lars Built 2. Stacy Zarin Goldberg ; DESIGN: JWS Interiors

They are also wonderful aides for clientele who may not have a high level of comfort or interest in the design realm, but they know what they like when they see it.

Image credits 1. Cassandra LaValle 2. Becki Owens Summit Creek Kitchen 3. Studio McGee Mountainside Retreat

From these Design Presentations clients can tune in to various finishes, fixtures, furnishings that speak to them and pinpoint what they like and what they do not. 

Image credits 1. Marie Flanigan Interiors 2. Atlanta Homes Mag 3. Janette Mallory Interiors

This feedback then helps us to further the design process.  At this stage I can work more efficiently knowing what the client is receptive to, and what styles or particulars to avoid.

Image credits 1. Studio McGee Sunset House 2. Leanne Ford Interiors 3. Katherine Carter Design

Once broad concepts have been introduced and narrowed down, then we focus on priority decisions which are often dictated by the general contractor in addition to the selections which have the longest lead times.

Image credits 1. Nune Sheena Murphy 2. Natasha Levak 3. Heidi Caillier Design | Photography: Haris Kenjar 4. Alie Henrie Design

Clients arriving at an initial meeting with a collection of inspirations and visual references, protocol is often established and we can move directly into the ideas stage.

Image credits 1. Kate Marker Interiors 2. Aragon Interior Designs 3. Frenchyfancy

After feedback on more generalized ideas, we progress to client preferences.  In this phase it can be really helpful to compare and contrast visual references side by side.

Image credits 1. Marie Flanigan Interiors 2. Pure Salt Interiors 3. Studio McGee Park City Contemporary

Once client preferences are clear, we advance to specifications.  For example, this client decided upon wall sconces for the en suite baths so the following DP (design presentation) listed 2-4 options of specific fixtures, along with the dimensions and pricing.

Image credits 1. Twelve Chairs Interiors 2. Vanitas Studio 3. W Design Collective 4. Emily Henderson

This project has just completed and I look forward to sharing installation images soon!

One Nine Interior Design

A year ago I was approached by TDMG Concordia, to consult on a new beachfront project planned for Long Bay.  They had already advanced nicely with the architectural plans but a few modifications called for a renewed consideration of the interior design.  Familiar with many of TDMG’s island builds, and the sterling reputation that precedes the company, I was thrilled to be asked and eager to begin work.  The prime location of the project to be, pictured above.

By March of  2020 we had made excellent progress but life as we knew it, and subsequently the project, came to an abrupt halt due to the pandemic.  The carefully curated textile and material samples I kept in neat order in my office for months with high hopes that they would not need to be shelved altogether.  Just as my optimism had begun to dim, TDMG brought welcome news that One Nine would endure . . .  as long as we could reimagine the project with directives from the new market needs.  We immediately set to work and here lies the first glimpse of the new One Nine revealed.

The process has been incredibly gratifying, not only from the standpoint of  working with highly professional and experienced teams at both TDMG and TKCA, the property management company, but also in that there was opportunity for improvements with each decision.  We started with something great but we committed to and arrived at something exceptional; lower density, higher style, less units, more spacious and luxurious.

I look forward to sharing the more on this project soon! For more information on pricing and availability, please reach out to TDMG.

Spring 2015 High Point Market Highlights

Four Hands Furniture

Four Hands Furniture

Last April I had the opportunity to travel to North Carolina for the spring High Point Market.  As this was my second time at market, and intended for a single project, it was much easier to navigate.  Unless you have been, it is quite difficult to grasp the fact that there are 180 buildings, 11.5 MILLION square feet of showroom space filled with amazing furniture finds!  We ticked off our to visit list quite efficiently and managed to discover a few new vendors. .One day I hope to go for the full week and not rush about ever mindful of the ticking clock!   Here are a few highlights pictured below:

DSC04167

Cyan Collection

Cyan Collection

Gabby

Gabby

Orient Express Furniture

Orient Express Furniture

Phillips Collection

Phillips Collection

Studio A

Studio A

Teracea

Teracea

High Point Market

high point market fall 2014

Last October I had my first High Point Market experience, the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world.  Wow, what a whirlwind; a feast for the eyes and a trek for the soles!  To summarize:

Current Demographics

  • 180 Buildings
  • 11.5 Million Square Feet of Showspace
  • 75,000 Attendees Each Market
  • More Than 2000 Exhibitors
  • 100+ Countries Represented
  • Tens of Thousands of New Product Introductions
  • Approximately 10% of Attendees Are International

American Leather

It was amazing, it was highly productive, it was inspirational, and it was overwhelming!  Here are a few highlights from my favorite showrooms.  Above American Leather, below Asian Loft

Asian Loft Barloga Studios

Above Barloga Studios, below Brownstone

Brownstone Currey & Co

Above Currey & Co, below Four Hands

Four Hands Natuzzi

Above Natuzzi, below ROWE

Rowe Surya

Above Surya, below Teracea

Teracea 2 Teracea Visual Comfort Lighting

Above Visual Comfort Lighting, below Benson-Cobb Studio

Benson-Cobb Century

Above Century, below Noir

Noir

Below Studio A Global Views.

Studio A Global Views

Saving Grace

In July I had the great pleasure of styling for a brand new build nestled into Leewards exclusive little neighborhood bay.  What a location!  We watched this home take shape block by block over the last year and knowing COAST architects were behind the design, we knew it would be sure to impress.  Sure enough, feast your eyes on these gorgeous images by Steve Passmore.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

I loved the dark rich wood floors featured throughout the house as well as the window and door detailing.  The textured fabric chandelier added a cozy glow to the Master Bedroom.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The Master Bath was one of the most spectacular rooms of the house.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Imagine sinking into this grand bathtub and looking out to this view.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Because of the well conceived orientation of the home the views are a prominent feature throughout the house.  Everywhere one turned that famous Turks and Caicos turquoise beckoned.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

How could one work with this enticing sight!  The lovely owner, a Caribbean loving Canadian, must have had the same thought as she designated this room to be multi-purpose; art studio, massage room, study, whatever the nature of the day demands.

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The foyer is a great introduction to the house, the rich wood floors meet your feet and contemporary, earthy furnishings greet just beyond the door.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The kitchen is so spacious it begs to be the center of family and friends gathering place.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Dining options abound, no wonder the countertop acts as a giant cutting board!
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The living room conceals it’s flat screen television as a reflective mirror.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

I adored these distressed vintage looking letters, much more so knowing that they represent the first letters of each of the owners childrens names.  Quite the monogram but the SEA that lies just beyond this house . . .
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

quite spectacular.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The location, the house, the pool, the beach makes for one completely stunning package so it’s no wonder a buyer fell in love with this house instantly, snatching it off the market in record time.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Luckily I had the chance to style for one amazing wedding here on October 27th, I’ll share those images soon!
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures