Posts Tagged International Interior Design
A Colorful Home!
Posted by Irene Turner in Color, Projects on April 15, 2010
Every now and then I work on a project that really stands out in one way or another for me. This one is all about happy color! A bit closer to home this time, this project is located here in the East Bay of San Francisco. My client was born in India. While being completely Americanized, he and his daughter did want to maintain a bit of their culture while bringing in a comfortable and modern American feel for their home. This was a decorating project only, meaning we did no renovation or construction, save changing out the counter tops in the kitchen.
The most enjoyable part of the project for me was their appreciation and love of color which is found all over India. I combined lush colors of mango, red, orange, fuchsia (for the daughters room) and a deep cobalt blue. You would think that with all this vibrant color that the energy would be overwhelming. But there is still a meditative and quiet quality to this space. It’s all about creating space with a clear intention of what we all wanted the outcome to be. That’s what I call the Energetics of Space™.
Art also played a part in creating this colorful space, both from nature as well as wall art. Of note from nature are the streaked sodalite countertops we added in the kitchen and the magnificent crystal placed under a photo by David D. Livingston. The rich stone countertops we found at Dennett Tile in Santa Rosa who did a great job of fitting 10 different slabs together to create a stunning stone landscape for the kitchen. And as a last mention is the large modern work of art we placed as the focal point in the dining room by Linda Mayne. The colors of this piece was the inspiration for all the colors of the living space and tie the rooms all together. It can be seen from every vantage point when walking from one part of the house to another. Linda is a master at expressing the joy of color through her work.
Check out the video below…could you live with happy colors like this?
Hope
Posted by Irene Turner in Holidays on December 17, 2009
If gratitude is the gift of Thanksgiving then hope is the gift of Christmas. Hope is one of those elusive qualities like faith and gratitude. It’s a quality that is born within and that needs to be cultivated with care, love and grace. Hope is more then wishful thinking or an optimistic attitude, it is a way of living. When times are as difficult as they have been globally, hope can seem very far away. So this season I believe that the greatest gift we can give each other is the gift of hope.
I received the video message below from my friends at the Humanity Healing Organization. It made me realize that in this time of hardship and change many people are experiencing hopelessness and a sense of doom. Without hope life can appear dark and people can be filled with despair. I do believe that hope can be passed from one person to another. I believe that hope is a gift from Spirit, and it is a thing of such sublime beauty. So in the spirit of the season let’s make it a practice to generate hope in both our life and the lives of those we come in contact with. If this is the only gift we give, then we will be truly blessed as we bless another!
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo Buscaglia
Photography as Art
Posted by Irene Turner in Art, Product, Spirit on December 14, 2009
Every now and then I run across an artist who’s work truly inspires me. Devadatta Best is one such fine art photographer.
There is a sublime spiritual quality in his work, no matter the subject, that comes across and moves my soul.
And the range of his subject matter is amazing…From:
- Human portraits that capture the inner essence of a person
- Wild Life action photography that captures a moment making you feel as if you were present
- Flowers illuminated in such a way that their beauty is seen as a true work of art
- Water…the new oil…presented with such focus that you can see the value of each drop
- And his wonderful photos of deities that capture both power and passion
- Crystal worlds and galaxies as seen by immersion into the crystal itself
Whatever the subject is he captures the energy, the essence! Therefore, calling his photography “Light Inspired Art” is perfect. It is light and feels divinely inspired.
I feel that the beauty captured in his photographs definitely uplifts the energy of any room! I always recommend these photographs as a beautiful and intimate gift to give to yourself or a loved one. One that will last a life time and grace any space it is in. To purchase Devadatta’s photographs you can contact him directly at: devadatta@lightinspiredart.com
I would love to know and/or see what art moves you… Contemplate how you could build a room around your favorite piece…and what do you think it would do to your space…Let me know!
“True Art makes the divine silence of the soul break into applause.” Hafiz
Holiday Flowers
Posted by Irene Turner in Holidays on December 10, 2009
Flowers and plants are natures way of decorating seasonally. Here are some wonderful ideas from Laura Dowling, a Parisian educated florist based in Washington DC, and now florist to the White House.
I love the arrangement she did on the left …Candles and flowers.
Candles and flowers are a classic combination and provide the finishing touch to any table setting.
In addition, the Claddagh, a16th century Irish candle decoration symbolizes eternal love and friendship, and provides a perfect subtle energetic statement for your space.
Decorate a silver candelabra with flowers and greenery for an elegant look or even insert candles (securely, of course) in bouquets with your choice of flower and/or plants.
She also has some great directions for creating holiday wreaths and arrangements that reflect the spirit of the season. Enter her web site and go to projects…there are actual “recipes” using not only flowers but bountiful fruit and vegetables found seasonally at local farmstands. See the Apple and berry wreath directions below for a sample of the information on her web site. It’s a quick and easy way to add beauty to your home! I love this particular wreath because I love the combination of apples and berries which utilize a traditional color motive with an unexpected twist!
APPLE AND BERRY WREATH
What you’ll need
1 12 inch straw wreath form
Stem wire Floral wire
Floral picks (4 inches)
35 small red delicious apples
1 bunch of red holly berries
1 bunch of red rose hips Trailing English ivy
Directions
•Pierce apples through the center with the stem wire. Working from side to side on the front of the wreath, wrap wired apples around the form, twisting tightly in back to securely fasten each piece of fruit.
•Cover the entire wreath form with apples.
•Cut small bunches of berries and rose hips (about 2 – 3 inches in length). Wire the berries and rose hips to floral picks.
•Add the bunches to the wreath, interspersing the berries among the apples.
•Wrap trailing ivy in and around the wreath as a finishing touch.
Green Pre Fab Home
Posted by Irene Turner in Architecture, Home, Nature, Sustainability on December 7, 2009
Pre Fab Homes can stand for Pretty Fabulous! Marin based Michelle Kaufmann first came out with her eco friendly, pre fabricated glidehouse in 2004 and it’s is still a beautiful and viable answer to modern home construction in our world today.
The Glidehouse was designed “to collaborate with nature.” Built with eco-materials and made for solar, wind, or geothermal power, the “glide” in the prefab house’s name refers to both the wall of sliding glass on one side of the building and the bank of storage opposite. Sliding wood panels give you the option to use the shelves either as display or as a hidden clutter-catcher. Naturally, the glass wall helps out with lighting and heating, meaning the electricity bill will be lower even if you do connect the Glide to the grid.
Some eco features of the Glidehouse include:
- using healthy finishes such as non-toxic paints and formaldehyde-free cabinetry.
- meets the Energy Star® program standards for energy efficient homes and meets the performance standards of the American Lung Association Health House program.
- insulated with an air-barrier, open cell foam insulation, and all wood-to-wood framing joints are caulked, which makes the home airtight, energy efficient, and less likely to produce mold.
- uses water-saving plumbing fixtures, on-demand water heaters, and a mechanical ventilation system that is 30% more efficient than typical forced-air systems.
- energy efficient, dual-pane glass windows and doors are placed throughout the home maximizes cross-ventilation and natural lighting, minimizing the need for artificial lighting and climate control.
Since 2004, Michelle and other architects and designers have come out with other models that have expanded on, and hopefully are changing, the notion of what a pre fab or modular home can be.
While Michelle has recently closed her company she has joined forces with BluHomes, a privately owned business that uses quality design, sustainable materials and leading technology to build pretty fabulous pre fab homes.
There are many design elements that still need to be improved to be totally energy efficient. However, I am encouraged by the strides that Michelle and other designers have made to design beauty wholistically. A design and construction model that is sustainable and more affordable then our traditional construction practices. I believe that this is another way that our world is changing for the better as we move forward in the 21st Century. Take a tour and hear Michelles philosophy below.
Wish Nests
Posted by Irene Turner in Product on December 4, 2009
WISH NESTS
These jewel like gift items are designed by Alise Sheehan. Called wish nests they have a simple beauty and a wonderful significance:
A bird nest is a symbol of the home. It reminds us that we strive to make our home a place where family members grow and prosper. Considered a good luck symbol, the bird nest represents all the love and warmth, enthusiasm and commitment required in creating the happiest of homes.
I’ve personally given a number of these to close friends and loved ones. I often cut a small piece of paper (the size of a chocolate kiss tie) and write my gift blessing and loop into the nest before wrapping. I recently gave one to my step son and daughter in law for the birth of our first grand child! It’s a beautiful way to commemorate such an auspicious event.
To order go directly to Alise Sheehan’s web site…Or…
For those of you who live locally come and see Ron and I, downtown Graton for our Christmas Event on Saturday, December 5th from noon to 4 and get a chance to see these beautiful jewels in person and purchase for all your Christmas needs!
And…in the spirit of the season, please bring a packaged food item to donate to Food For Thought!
Transported by Beauty!
Posted by Irene Turner in Architecture, Spirit on December 3, 2009
I think of all the places I go to get transported to another realm, another place, another mindset…The Cloisters in NYC is one of those places, especially in the fall! The cool crisp air, with the smell of fallen leaves…the view from the windows of the Hudson River flowing below…the colors…the stone…and when you go after 3 in the afternoon, Gregorian chants play taking me to a different century and a different land. I am transported in bliss and all else falls away! What is it about the energy in that place that “feels” different? All I know is that when I lived in NYC, when I needed an escape I went there…and today, when I visit I always go back.
Where do you go to get transported by beauty? Do you have a special place?
Comment and/ or send pics, video or slide show and I’ll share your post.
Renovation Plans
Posted by Irene Turner in Home, Projects on November 30, 2009
This particular project in Carlsbad, CA began in November of 2006 as my clients and I sat in a restaurant for our preliminary meeting. They had owned their tracked home for about 5 years and wanted to do a “small” renovation to make the space more family friendly. We sat there discussing their needs and how they envisioned themselves living in their space over the next 20 years. We discussed how they wanted to take advantage of their western view of the ocean (and the accompanying sunsets) with indoor/outdoor living, and how they planned to entertain. They wanted their home to be the place for family and friends to hang out.
Sitting there I began to draw the floor plan on a napkin. The prize napkin went to the architect/engineer and from there the project started to roll. The finished plan ended up being bigger and more expensive then originally anticipated, but it was what my clients wanted and they were realistic, adopting the mantra…”we don’t need to get everything done at once.”
- 2006 completed both the floor plan and the interior space and design plan
- 2007 became the year of the actual construction of the shell and the basic working parts for the bathrooms and kitchen
- 2008 we completed all the hard finish details such as lighting fixtures and some basic decor pieces
- 2009 we began the process of finishing off the decorative details such as: faux paint for the powder room and custom painted tiles for the oven backsplash by Brenda Salazar
- 2010 we will complete furnishing the family room and begin on the master bedroom…and so it goes
It really is “all about having a plan”. If you have a plan it doesn’t matter if you complete your project all at once, or do a little at a time. The plan becomes your road map so that every time you purchase or add something to your space it feeds the end result, a beautiful and wholistic space that reflects you and you feel at home in. A plan also gives you a “shopping list”. Knowing exactly what you are looking for ensures that everything in your space will be something that you love and not something you settled for to finish quickly. Before you go ahead with your project be sure to have your complete plan. Check it out!
<
The Beauty of Gratitude…
Posted by Irene Turner in Holidays, Home on November 26, 2009
I’ve always loved the Thanksgiving holiday…over every other holiday. I like that it isn’t about gifts, more, bigger, better etc… I like that the whole idea around Thanksgiving is…to give Thanks!
Gratitude is a divine state. To be grateful makes us feel good and gives us a sense of well being. We know that people who are more grateful are happier, less depressed, less stressed, and more satisfied with their lives and social relationships. Grateful people also have a greater sense of purpose in life and more self acceptance. Grateful people find it easier to cope with life transitions, they grow more from difficult experiences, and in general they sleep better.
So, what are some ways we can increase gratitude in our lives? Personally when I am going through difficult times I keep a gratitude journal. I force myself to write 10 things I am grateful for every night before I go to sleep. I call my family and friends and tell them how important they are to me and bask in the warmth of their love. I look around my life with “new” eyes and give thanks for the beauty in my life. I am learning to do this every day of my life and because of this, I feel better in general.
This Thanksgiving why not share your gratitude with your friends and family and use the beauty of gratitude to uplift your space at the same time? Transform words that express heartfelt sentiments into decorative motifs for your table….stencil it on table cloths, napkins, and create napkin rings with little bits of gratitude. Write quotes or heartfelt sentiment on strips of paper and wrap around your glasses. Stamp colorful messages and designs onto napkins. Wrap a series of candles with felt letters and spread the words down the middle of your table. But most importantly…tell the people that you love why you are grateful that they are in your life.
From our family to yours, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and we are grateful for you!
Coco, Before Chanel…A True Style Setter
Posted by Irene Turner in Spirit on November 24, 2009
This movie has been out in the US for a couple of months now. I saw it about a month ago, and I’m still thinking about it. Why? Audrey Tautou is terrific as the ground breaking designer we know today simply as…Chanel. But most of all I think it’s for the following two reasons…
One, visually, it’s beautiful! The people, the clothes, the times. The camera has a way of showing how she, Chanel, sees everything from a nun’s wimple and collar, a pair of mens pj’s, to fishermen’s clothing with an eye to the innovation and creation of a completely new direction in fashion. A true creative soul who sees inspiration all around her, in the daily things we take for granted, or don’t even see after awhile.
And two, while I knew she was innovative…after all we still talk about the Chanel jacket, Chanel faux pearls, Chanel sailor pants & jersey fisherman tops etc… I didn’t fully realize how she was also a woman who challenged the established concept of socially acceptable behavior . A woman who followed the voice of her heart and who didn’t let anyone else dictate her path. I find THAT inspirational!
While quirky and temperamental, she was a true maverick. She gave women a sense of freedom by giving them back their bodies: bodies that were confined and drenched in sweat, due to the era’s strict fashion dictates…tight corsets, layers of underclothes, and padding galore. So, while I’ve always admired her as a designer and even today still love Chanel, I have developed a great admiration for her as a leader, and not only in fashion.
The movie is definitely worth seeing and I’d love to hear your opinions!
Slow
Posted by Irene Turner in Taste on November 20, 2009
A new book is coming out, “SLOW:Life in a Tuscan Town” by Douglas Gayton. Personally, I can’t wait! What is it about Italy that attracts us so? Italy is the sixth (depending on what is happening in California) largest economy in the world. But when you go there, you see shops closed for hours in the middle of the day, everyone seems to be drinking wine and espresso, smoking Marlboro Reds, and it looks like no one’s working! What is going on in Italy? Mmmmmmm…they are living life!
Ever since I went there the first time when I was eight, I’ve been attracted to Italy. I love everything about it from the food & wine, to the art, the music, the people, the architecture, to their aesthetic sense of style and design . But most of all, I love the simple beauty of their lifestyle. I think I was in my early 20′s that I decided to become…Italian! And, I’m not the only one.
The whole Slow Movement, which began with a protest against the opening of a McDonald’s restaurant in Piazza di Spagna, Rome, created a sub culture in many other areas such as Slow Travel, Slow Living, Slow Schools to name a few. But the most well known area has been Slow Food. The intent is to promote producers who grow delicious foods in ecologically responsible ways and to bring together pleasure and responsibility, and makes them inseparable in relation to food. When I got off the tread mill of a fast life in a big city, I moved to Sonoma County. I am fortunate as here in Sonoma (actually the whole Bay area of northern California) I live in a hub of subscribers to the Slow Food movement. Beginning with Alice Waters almost 38 years ago, it is an area that is working towards supporting a food economy that is local, sustainable, seasonal , good, clean and fair. I am grateful to have chosen to live in the American version of Italy.
I love this whole concept of slowing down…it’s a beautiful balance to the other part of life in the 21st century that is about fast information in a viral world! It’s a conscious choice that each of us can make as we wholistically design our lives. I am truly looking forward to getting myself a copy of this book, and sitting down to slowly savor the beauty.
What do you do to slow down in your life? I’d love to hear, and perhaps share a few of your ideas!
Renovation Project: Cabo San Lucas
Posted by Irene Turner in Home, Projects on November 18, 2009
On one of our recent projects we were given the task of renovating a small condominium in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This two bedroom condo is one of 4 residences our clients travel between. While quite small, it is right on the water with a spectacular view of the ocean, the private beach and stunning sunsets. The intention was to capture the outdoor feel of sun, sand and surf, inside, with a slight flavor of Mexico through the use of color and texture…while still maintaining a bit of “starch” or structure to the space so as not to be to casual.
My clients very rarely expect to have overnight guests in their personal space, so they wanted it to be comfortable for the two of them on a daily bases. They wanted nooks and corners to be able to nap in while enjoying the view from all angles. They wanted an area that was somewhat hidden from everyday view as a dedicated office space. And, for the occasional overnight guest, they did want to offer them privacy with a bathroom of their own. They also wanted to be able to entertain friends and family for meals and get togethers as they wished.
So…we enlarged and opened up the living space by putting in 12 foot wide pocket doors to the second bedroom that when closed create the guest room. When open, the two rooms feel like one space with both rooms opening out to the patio making their living space triple in size with a complete sense of indoor/outdoor living. This made the small space feel so much larger! The office corner is tucked out of the main sightline, behind the side wall for the pocket doors, yet with a large mirror above the desk they have a view of the ocean from there too. With dining areas set up both inside and out, they can easily feed 14 at a sit down dinner. And…their master bedroom suite, which also opens up to the patio, is a serene haven for relaxation…just what they wanted.
With great clients and a stellar location, it was a fun and fulfilling project. Not bad for a 1200 sq. ft. condo…and a jewel of a winter retreat!
!
Women For Women
Posted by Irene Turner in Giving Back, Product on November 14, 2009
One of my favorite groups to support as a sponsor is Women for Women.
First of all I love the whole concept of women helping other women…our sisters/friends. The fact that W4W helps women survivors of war get back on their feet where they become an active member of their community both emotionally and economically stirs my soul.
In 2005 Kate Spade (one of my favorite accessory designers) and W4W partnered creating hand in hand to promote micro-enterprises for women in the still recovering communities throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. This micro -enterprise is the next step in an ongoing product development partnership. W4W International trains the women to knit, with creative direction from kate spade new york.
Together they produce these great knit products sold online and in Kate Spade shops around the world! Kate Spade epitomizes the concept of using her personal style and design gifts to creatively help other women.
To me this is an example of the energy of giving to and in turn, the outward manifestation of beauty it gives back . Check it out, these knit goods make great Christmas gifts, with the added benefit of knowing that you are giving back!
How to Transform Your Space With Music
Posted by Irene Turner in Home, Personal Style & Well being on November 12, 2009
I love incorporating music in spaces that we design…so, when I read an article about why music makes us happy, it really explained what I’ve always sensed about the vibe that music helps to create.
As a meditator I have often found myself “calmed down” by some of my favorite chants. When Ron and I have company we find ourselves selecting music to “set the tone” for the evening…for example:
- Classical for a small mellow affair
- Rock and Roll for a larger party were we want a lot of energy
- International music mixed with current favorites for a dinner party
When I exercise or walk I find myself listening to music with a beat, something that makes me want to move faster.
Music as a healing influence, or therapy is at least as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato. Today it is widely used in the field of alternative medicine. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) continually conducts studies and promotes a vast amount of research exploring the benefits of music as therapy. They have found that music therapy benefits children, adolescents, adults and the elderly with conditions ranging from muscle tension and chronic pain to alzheimer’s disease.
I believe that the energy, the vibe of music permeates the walls of a room and helps you create the support and atmosphere you want in your space. You can use music in your home or place of business consciously as a tool to create whatever feelings you want.
When was the last time you sat down and just listened to music, letting it lift and sweep you into another place? What music do you listen to when you want to relax? feel happy? celebrate? What feeling do you want to create in your space? Just some of the things to think about when experimenting with music in the next week. Let me know how it goes!
9 Tips to Move Through Change
Posted by Irene Turner in Personal Style & Well being on November 12, 2009
We live in times of change!
In hindsight, change is usually for the better. However, as we move through change, life can feel challenging.
During transitions, emotions of fear, anxiety, depression, sadness and emptiness are often present. Our breath becomes short and quick. Our thoughts move over and over the same thing, like the gerbil on his wheel. We continually re-hash this uncertainty, this space of the unknown and feel stuck!
How can working with the energetics of your space or ESp help you to move through periods of change?
1• Harness your thoughts-meditate, read or listen to something uplifting.
2• Watch your words-use words mindfully. Write down positive words to give them energy.
3• Breathe-practice yogic breath work. Take 5 to 10 deep breaths.
4• Physically move-walk; exercise; move your limbs.
5• Move things -By moving things you move energy. Open your windows; turn on lights; clean; move, organize, throw away clutter; move furniture around.
6• Surround your self with beauty! Get out into nature. Pick one rose and float it in a beautiful bowl, next to a candle and the picture of a loved one. Play beautiful music and scent your home with natural oils as drops on a light bulb, on a pillow or in a diffuser. Whatever is beautiful to you!
7• Make conscious decisions- surround your self with positive people and events. Turn the TV off. Don’t read the news, instead read beautiful poetry, a self-help book. Learn something new.
8• Gratitude- give thanks for what you do have.
9• Stand in your power-smile!
“You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself, your thoughts. That is something you have charge of.”~ Jim Rohn
I invite you to contemplate the following: What can you move around and change in your thoughts and in your space, to help ease times of change and get energy to flow? Let me know what you do!
YELLOW!
Posted by Irene Turner in Color on November 11, 2009
When I was a teen I had a yellow bedroom. Throughout my drama filled high school years my bedroom was a place of refuge and solace. Ever since I’ve had warm feelings when I see the color yellow. Well…it’s back!
Ever since Michelle Obama appeared in a lemongrass wool and lace dress (by Isabel Toledo) on inauguration day, color forecasters have predicted the return of yellow…and today, it’s appearing as a favorite hue across industries. Symbolizing hope, optimism, warmth, and a strong sense of self, bright yellow uplifts us creating a ray of sunshine even on a dark day.
Add touches of yellow through flowers, towels, pillows and a sweater…get bold and paint a room. Some of my favorite classic yellow paint colors come from Benjamin Moore, such as: Sunshine on the bay #347 or golden honey #297. Remember, I’m not talking gold, but true bold yellow.
So for a quick pick me up, think and look at… yellow!
Don't make these mistakes! Free downloadable report reveals
The 5 BIG Mistakes
you must avoid when hiring an Interior Designer.
We will NEVER rent, trade, or release your information to any third party for any reason - ever. We respect YOUR privacy. Connect with Irene
Networked Blogs
