What is Luxury (in 30 Seconds or Less)?
Pretty things and expensive things get all the credit, but they're further down on my list.
Fear is the Latest Trend
Fear is the power that fuels inertia. I read somewhere that the all-white room is a byproduct of fear.
Downsizing, Yes, but Don’t Forget Upsizing Too
Many of our clients struggle with the challenges of downsizing. But what about upsizing? Typically out of college, we land our first job, maybe we shack up in a trendy urban neighborhood, then get married, celebrate a first born. But the inevitable arrives, planning for that second (or third) child?
Salon Style: Origins and Influence on Today’s Décor
Not for the strict minimalist, unless carefully and obsessively arranged, this approach involves hanging all the pictures closely next to and atop one another in order to fit them all in.
Are You Embarrassed to Have People Over?
Aren't we all, at some level a bit afraid of being judged? Our homes might be the ultimate reveal into our personal attics of shame.
Isn’t Paint Just Paint?
The one thing that will completely transform a room is an exceptional paint job. It's the type of application that people can understand and relate to, though rarely give much consideration to the varying levels of quality.
I’ll Know It When I See It
We've all said it, but this doesn't work all the time, especially when a kaleidoscope of decisions must be made.
The Nickel and the Dime
The journey of interior design transformation is often more valuable and memorable than the results. This means (to me) gently and thoughtfully leading the client through a series of carefully intended doors.
What Do You Do?
When asked what I did, I would usually get the same blank stare. Not to put down that career choice, it just doesn't incite the type of excitement and enthusiasm that saying “I'm an interior designer” does.
A Thoughtful Job Posting
Platemark has a job opening for a studio assistant. Here are the qualities and qualifications that best align with the position. Does it sound like you or someone you know?
On Speaking Up (When It’s Much Easier Not To)
Often times we see flaws, oversights and potential improvements that no one else sees. Should we speak up and point them out?
Everyone Always Wants What (They Regret) Their Parents Threw Away
You name it, someone will always chime in saying “Oh, my parents had a pair of those and I regret if they'd only kept them!”
20 Questions I Don’t Know the Answer To
There's a lot I know – and a ton I don't. Here's some questions to ponder with me.
I Make Decisions for a Living
A decorated home that consists of, say, 350 elements is actually 3,500 decisions. Or more. Probably more.
Things I Wish I’d Known Before Becoming a Designer
This isn't a post steeped in regret, pause or grudge. Rather, I entered this business quite deliberately, with much enthusiasm and energy. I never imagined…
I’m Also a Furniture Designer
I'm many things, apparently. Originally (and I mean teenager-originally), chef tendencies shaped my future. If you follow my blog, you can see that is apparent…
Video Killed the Radio Star
And customization is killing the luxury mass production stars. Is an $8K purse really luxury? Really? Is it even made out of leather? Are they…
The Ultimate Luxury: Lack of Choice
We now spend most of our time ... clicking the "compare" button so we can ruminate over decisions within our decisions. Until we're paralyzed by them.
Getting Your “Pillowscape” Right
No room is completely styled without an essential symphony of pillows. It's a key opportunity to pull together all the colors and textures that the furnishings,…
Why Does Everything Take So Long?
We're so impatient. Trust me, I'm the worst in that regard. Though ironically I'm perfectly suited for this job because I aim my shepherding powers directly at…
Doubt, Apprehension and Skepticism
Ideas for topics can hit me at any time. In this case, mid-sentence with a friend during a recent gallery opening, my mind interjected and I blurted out,…
Why You Can’t Get a Good Contractor (Hint: It’s not the Economy)
Answers to this age-old question are staring you in the face.
You haven’t redecorated in HOW many years??
Think it might be time to freshen things up a bit? Put less delicately, if you haven't managed to toss to the curb your console television from 1977…
Our Popular Kitchen Breakfast Nook
This picture has become one of our most popular photos to date. It's often featured in many blog entries and added to over 24,000 ideabooks…
Picture Perfect Renderings Bring to Life our Interior Design Projects
Clients can't visualize the way I can. There it is, that's the gist of what I offer to the world. That and eliminating the burden of choice…