choices Archives | Platemark Design

The Best Designers in the World have the best Clients in the World

People love lists and superlatives, dating way back to high school yearbooks. But the publications are missing the juice: The best designers in the world have the best clients in the world.

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?

Shortcuts are Becoming Extinct

The driver’s seat upheld a particular status in our family — probably in most families I expect. The driver is in charge. The pilot navigates the dark, scary world where strangers live in big, dark houses and high beams are a weapon.

Does your Home Match (where you are in) your Life?

I bet your wardrobe does. Or your car, your wrist watch or even your boat. What about your home? Do you hesitate to invite people over?

The Best: My Favorites from Art Display to Outdoor Grills

Back by popular demand, here’s our roundup of eight superlatives. Call them our favorite things or our go-to brands. When you seek the best, you get what you pay for and you won’t be disappointed.

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.

Ignore Sunk Costs When Making New Decisions

We hold on to decisions from the past. Usually, I imagine, because there’s a complicated series of (emotional) connections we have to the value of things, and more importantly, what our relationship is to money and how we choose to spend it. I’m in the business of physical transformation and change. And at the time […]

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 completely hand-stitched? Is the hardware and buckles one of a kind? Can you have a say in the dimensions or how long the strap will be? What if you wanted it in […]

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.

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