All Good Things Must Come to an End

I loved this class.  Being relatively new to the program and not really sure of my skills I wasn't sure what to expect.  What I discovered is that I'm not too bad at rendering.  While there's lots of room for improvement, I was able to keep up with the class pretty well.  


When I was in 3rd grade my mother signed me up for art lessons.  I still have my original paintings; a still life or two and a horse.  I also took art in high school and have some of those projects; a perspective of the house I grew up in a and a Hawaiian sunset.  I also have some sketching I did my freshman year in college.  Other than that, I don't think I've ever really drawn since then which is too many years to count. 


What I discovered in this class is not only that I can do this but that I really love to do it.  Once of the reasons I left my job in corporate America is that I was craving doing something more creative but I didn't know what.  While I'm still unsure of the direction I want to go with design, I do like the creative process.  


Other skills I'm brining back to life are graphic design (sort of).  My first job out of graduate school was as a Marketing Manager for a small specialty food company.  With a marketing department of two I did lots of things I never would have done at a larger company.  My first day on the job I was sat in front of an Apple computer as asked to start designing.  Apple was pretty new back then and Microsoft Office didn't yet exist.  It was interesting.  In that job I went on to do some package design, all of our marketing sales sheets, oversaw photo shoots and designed our new trade show exhibit.  It was a great job but we were sold and I lost it.  I moved on to more mundane work and eventually computer work which I also liked.  However, here I am today realizing that these old skills are coming back to me.  Now with endless options in technology, learning about design, learning some principles of rendering and shading in different mediums, I have a lot of thinking to do on how I want to use all this.


Another thing I'm in the process of learning is who I am as a designer.  The process of putting together a portfolio is a challenge when you're not yet sure of the answer.  I'm sure as I move forward with my schooling and career, I'll continue to modify my portfolio style to better reflect my increased skills and understanding of what best represents me.


Finally, I've always thought about writing a blog but have never been sure how to do or what to write about.  Creating this blog has given me some confidence and food for thought on doing this.  I'm still not sure yet what I want to write about but at least I know now that I can.

Home Sweet Home

Although I've lived a number of places in the US, I've always considered Wyckoff, NJ home.  We moved there when I was 5 years old and my parents still live there . . .  well for a few more weeks anyway.  After 45 years, my parents will be leaving NJ and moving to MD into my sister's house.  While it's the right thing to do for many reasons, selfishly I wish they weren't.  Not because I don't want them to come to MD, but rather because Wyckoff will no longer be my home.  


Wyckoff is a small town in the NE corner of NJ about 20 miles outside of Manhattan.  Like most towns where I'm from, it has it's own government, schools, town services, etc.  It has a quaint downtown area where many of the old homes have been turned into businesses.  It also has a railroad that runs through it.  While it no longer has passenger service it still has freight trains come slowly through a few times a week.  


So what does any of this have to do with this blog? As I won't be going to Wyckoff anymore, on my trip there last week I took many pictures of town for my scrapbook.  The old train depot pictured below is a town landmark.  

The Victorian stick-style station was first built in 1870.  In 1966 when passenger service stopped, the Parent Teacher Organization in town has leased it and it became "The Economy Shop", a small consignment shop whose sales go to support the local PTO and to maintain the depot.  It remains one of a handful of these stations that have retained their architectural integrity.


The Wyckoff train depot represents my childhood and although I won't have my home in Wyckoff anymore, perhaps one day I'll live there again.  If not, I'll always have my pictures and great memories.

Modern Style

I grew up in the Northeast and lived in the south for 9 years as well so I'm very much a traditionalist when it comes to design style.  When I moved to Arizona, I tried to embrace a southwest style but after a few years remodeled to incorporate more traditional elements.  As I pursue Interior Design, I'm trying to be open minded to different styles that I may not be naturally drawn to.  Modern style is about as far away from my traditional roots as I can think of.  


When I look at this bedroom I try to imagine myself in the space.  I like the fact that the simplistic style does not detract from the wall of windows and the view. I think all the light coming into the space is what highlights minimal furnishings and unique shapes.  

As I explore modern design, you would think that this next bedroom would be more to my liking as it uses darker woods which are reminiscent of a more traditional style.  However, I find the room colder than the above.  Although part of that is due to the fact that you do not see light flooding the space, I think it's also due to having no other pops of color and a relatively uninteresting wall at the foot of the bed.

Finally, this kitchen is interesting . . sleek lines, lacquered cabinets in a bold color, and lots of light.  It's a great conversation piece.   

Given the three photos and my comments, I think that for modern design to work well, lots of natural light is a key to making it work.

Turn on the Lights!

There's nothing that sets the mood of room more than lighting.   Often overlooked, as I've done myself, it does make a huge difference.   Having lived in spaces with poor lighting for a long time, I'm very aware of it in design.  Here's my thoughts about lighting.


There's nothing better than taking a nap with the southern exposure of the sun streaming into the room.  I've always lived in a home with the main rooms having southern exposure.  It's a deal breaker for me.


It's a must that lighting in a dining area be on dimmer switches to adjust according the the occasion and mood.  In fact, the more with dimmer or 3 way options the better in my book.

I'm not a fan of the only lights in a room being in the ceiling.


Task lighting gives a room a whole different feel.  Much more warm and cozy. 


I like having a spotlight angled over a fireplace.


Although I know their good for the environment, I'm not a fan of the new types of bulbs.  Their ugly, can't be dimmed and five off a weird color of light.


I love white lights on a Christmas tree.  They're the only lights I'll have on in the room at the holidays whenever possible.  I love the glow they give off.


I'm not a fan of wall sconces as they're to restricting to wanting to change the furniture arrangement of a room.


A table lamp is a good way to add fun and whimsy or a touch of color or a surprise element in a room.


I HATE lights on a ceiling fan.


Under cabinet lights in a kitchen are preferred when possible.

The 5th Wall?

To me a ceiling is very utilitarian.  It's painted white and something to look up at when you're bored.  When vaulted it's hard to put crown molding up, which I love.   When too high, it's hard to change recessed lights, repair ceiling fans or change batteries in smoke detectors.  I've live in several homes with vaulted ceilings and while they give the illusion of space, I find they make the space cold and impersonal.


That said, I've also seen some beautiful ceilings . . . in cathedrals and castles in Europe, in the St. Peter's Basillica, in the mansion in Newport, RI, and a lodge in the mountains.  In my current home I have a tray ceiling in my bedroom painted with a mural.  


I'll admit, that thinking about the ceiling is something I'll have to make a conscious effort to do.  

When did it all begin?

My first answer to this is Fall of 2010 when I took the Intro to Interior Design course.  I was bored and looking for something to do.  I'm new to the area and also was looking for a way to meet new people.  I figured it would be fun.  What I didn't realize, is that I might actually want to pursue this as a career, or at worst a hobby.  

Now that I have a few more courses under my belt I look back at some things in my life and think that maybe there were signs all along that I didn't follow for a variety of reasons.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, when I was in grade school and the first man walked on the moon, I started drawing elaborate floor plans for living in space.  When I owned my first home, I was all about trying to "do it right".  I wanted to make sure it coordinated and looked like a magazine.  I'm not sure I achieved the latter but I did OK.  When I was in graduate school, an architectural firm in Boston my father worked with created a summer internship for me to work on marketing for them.  For various reasons, I had to back out of that at the last minute.   I've also always had a keen interest in real estate and have been to a zillion model homes and HGTV was a new best friend when it came on the air.

Given where I'm at now, I often wonder what course my life would have taken if I'd taken that summer internship.  I was in graduate school at the time pursuing my MBA.  I wanted to be a product manager for a consumer goods company.  Although the internship was in marketing, it was in a totally different industry. Had I worked there I may have realized at a much earlier time in my life that I loved this type of work.

They say life's a journey and things happen for a reason.  I guess this is the journey I was meant to take.

Beach House Getaway

One style I love is a cottage beach style.  My dream home would be on water or with a killer ocean view.  I've always liked to be near water.  It's calming to me.   I love the idea of white washed wood that's a little worn.  Comfortable furniture with pops of bright colors.  I like blues, and sherbet shades of yellow, green and orange, or on the other end of the spectrum, black, cream and tan.  A clean, clutter free space that's bright and open but also has cozy nooks for reading, napping, playing games or just sitting and watching the ocean.

To me this style is all about relaxation and feeling at home.  

Interior Design Hopes and Dreams

My journey into Interior Design is a result of long-time hopes and dreams although I don't think I ever really knew it.  While I was happy with my corporate career, over the last few years I've wanted to do something more creative although I never knew what.  After leaving what I was comfortable with for 20+ years it took me another 2 to land back on the East coast where I'm originally from.  Once settled in I decided to take an Interior Design class just for fun.  It was then that I realized that I wanted to pursue this.  I'm still not sure what I want to do with it so it's hard to say where I want to be in 5 -10 years but this I do know.   I'd like to stay self employed (if possible) as I like the flexibility.    This could be free lancing for someone else or a company or with my own design business or some combination of both.  


I have aspirations to buy, renovate and sell homes.  My dream job would be to do production work on a design show.  I also have an interest in Kitchen and Bath.  So we'll see where all this leads.  Hopefully great things!

Texture

Texture . . . . perhaps my favorite element of design.  To me, texture more than anything is what gives soemthing life and personality.  It's visually interesting to look at and to touch.  When I thihnk of texture i'm drawn to more natural elements such as stone, wood, mteals, and leather.  Two interesting things I saw recently when working on a class project were a laser cut sheet steel curtain (Mary Brogger) and leather floor tiles made out of old belts (Ting London).  

British Colonial Design Period

At this point, there isn't any one style that I can say I really love.  I've been very traditional my whole life but I'm trying to think outside the box.  I find I'm attracted to bright bold colors and patterns but not sure I could leap into that in my own home at this point.  However, I recently did a class project and I selected the British Colonial style and became fascinated with it.  I think partially because I like the idea of the caribbean, however, I found the history of how it came to be very interesting.  I like the formal mixed with the casual and color.   While the old Caribbean Plantation homes seem to have many antiques, some of the new hotels, etc that incorporate the style use much more casual pieces.  I like the idea that the style can be achieved going in a number of directions to accomplish a feeling.  The style uses a lot of texture through natural materials such as wicker, jute, leather, wood, and stone.


The next time I take a vacation to the caribbean, I'll be seeing architecture and interior design in a whole new light as it pertains to the history of the style.

Portfolio Direction

The portfolio - that's an intimidating word.  Being new to design, I'm mostly concentrating on what I can include in this and I really haven't thought too much yet about the direction.    Every time I sit down to formulate ideas, I come up short.  I've spent my whole life in corporate america where everything is streamlined and consistent and creativity isn't exactly encouraged.  Any business cards, presentation and correspondence always has to be done on company standard templates, logos etc.  Therefore, trying to think of how I want to express myself is a challenge.  I'm sure, however, it will be clean and simple which best represents me.

Color

I love color . . although some who know me may be surprised to find that out.  I'm not sure it's evident when you look at my clothes or personal space.  My closet has a lot of color in it although it tends to be solid rather than patterns.  There are a few exceptions to that such as stripes and a tropical print dress.  Somehow when I try on patterns I just don't feel comfortable.  And anyway, isn't color blocking all the rage at the moment?

As far as my space, I do use more interesting color.  The three homes I've owned were new homes I built so they were standard "builders white" everything.   I'll admit, it took me awhile to get around to decorating and in each home, once done and seeing how all the color on the walls warmed up the space I wondered how I ever lived with all white.  My first home was done in the early 90's in North Carolina and was jewel tones.  Hunter green living room, burgundy dining room, navy blue and white powder room and all in the kitchen.

My second home was in Arizona and I was determined to try to fit into a southwestern style.  After purchaing a southwest print area rug with purples, oranges, reds, etc. and cream/gray tile, I eventually redid that space.  An oriental carpet in sage green, burgundy and tan.  This led to a large burgundy faux finish leather wall in the family room and dining room, tan and sage green in the rest of the space. I also swapped out the old tile for maple hardwood in a walnut stain. 

My current home is in Annapolis.  It's a new home and was the builders model, so it was "done" when I moved in.  Being in Annapolis, it had a bit of a nautical theme with blue and sand.  While not necessarily my preferred color scheme, I have yet to make any changes.  My favorite room is the guest bedroom which has cream colored wainscoting 3/4 of the way up the wall and then chocolate brown walls.  I love it.

So to me, color is extremely important to make a space warm and comfortable and established the mood and feeling of the space.

Design Philosophy - What's Mine?

My design philosphy is that there is no right or wrong.  It all boils down to what you like.  While what you choose may or may not be appealing to others, in the end, it doesn't really matter . . . .  beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.   That said, however, I think there is a difference between good and not so good design.  To me, a good design is one in which there is a sense of peace.  I don't want to feel uneasy or awkard in a space.  The space should feel full but not overstuffed.  It should have some new and some old, some color and texture and make me feel happy.  I also think great light is essential.  While I myself prefer natural southern exposure, good light does not have to equal a lot of light.  It's what's appropriate for the space, use and mood you want to set.  Soft light may be appropriate for a formal dining space, while bright light for a childrens room or craft room.

It's important to remember that when you design a space it's not mine so if the style the client wants isn't exactly my taste, I have to put that aside, and create a space that fulfills the needs of the client.   So the one most important thing I would use to define my design philosphy is to listen to the client and create what's right for them.

Principle and Elements of Design

They say anybody can be a designer.   I suppose that's true depending on how you define design.  Is design anything you want it to be or does it have purpose?  I think it's a bit of both.  On the one hand, if you like your space and it makes you happy then no matter what it may look like in anybody else's eyes, it's your design and your style so you can say you designed it.  However, if you don't like your space and it doesn't make you happy, then you may turn to someone else for help.  In doing so, presumably you'd be looking for someone who may bring something to the table that you can't.  One of these things is an understanding of the Principles and Elements of design. Understanding how to use things like color, texture, form, can be used to bring balance and harmony to a space while capturing the essence of who the space if for an how it will be used.


I'll use my sister's house as an example.  By self-admission, my sister doesn't have any real sense of style when it comes to her home.  When the house was remodeled 2 years ago, I served as her design consultant.  To ensure that she didn't revert to the home's 1980's pink and blue color scheme, I tried to keep her on track by researching options that would work together.  As the floor plan opened up quite a bit, color needed to flow from space to space in a cohesive way.  While blue is still used, it's no longer baby blue, but a colonial blue.  Pink was replaced with tan and a soft green which works in harmony throughout the space. 


To help add texture to her home, draperies were added to the new windows and french doors.  Although she's been in the home for many years, it never occurred to her to add window treatments to her windows.  Once done, however, she realized how much warmth they bring to the space in addition to breaking up the wall space.  At this point some of what is up are left overs from the "old" house but as budget permits, they'll be replaced with something more interesting.  


Finally I tried to address space and form by getting her to think outside the box and try a new floor plan in her family room.  The room is fairly large rectangle.  On the short ends there is a fireplace flanked by 2 windows opposite an opening into the kitchen.  On the long walls there is a triple window looking out on the porch opposite a blank wall.  To make the room feel cozier I suggested the sofa face the fireplace with chairs flanking the corners.  This made for a u shaped conversation area around the fireplace and allowed for views out all the windows.  It also separated out the back of the space where she has a computer and meant you didn't have to stare into the kitchen all the time.  I tried to create balance in the space with the furniture arrangement using the fireplace as a focal point.  Unfortunately, that lasted only a few months when she changed it back to what she used to have . . .  all the furniture in a line against the blank wall giving the room an awkward, cold, empty feeling as all the weight is on one side of the room with nothing on the other side.  So while her design may suite her needs, using the principle and elements of design created a much more inviting space.

About My Portfolio

The purpose of my portfolio is to showcase my projects and accomplishments, my talents and skills, my taste and personality.  It's not only for myself but future clients, employers, colleagues and friends.  I'm not sure yet what my overall style will be but I'm sure it will be fairly clean and simple which is reflective of my style and how I lead my life.  Years ago, I decided to simplify all aspects of my life.  My favorite color is green so I'm sure that will be incorporated somehow as well.


I do have a number of things to include at this point although they're mostly class projects:  architectural drawings and the art gallery I designed.  I have several design boards and while I haven't submitted them for any awards at this point, they have been selected to be posted in the hall at school.


As for real life projects, I'll be including pictures from my sister's remodel as well as the nursery for my nieces baby when complete.


I'm already self-employed so own my own company, however, I'm not sure if I'll play off that name or not.

Who am I as a Designer?

Who am I as a designer . . . . that's a good question.  I don't really consider myself a designer yet . . . well at least not one earning fees for their work.  In an informal sense, however, I guess I've been a designer for a long time.  Perhaps since I was a child and we sent the first man to the moon and I designed elaborate living spaces in spaceships for school projects.

As a designer, I don't know how I'd define myself just yet.  Do I want to concentrate in a specific area, or do I tend to want to design in a specific style?  I'm counting on the answers to those questions to reveal themselves as I continue my journey through school.  That said, however, I know the things I like.  


I love texture, whether it's fabric, wood, flooring surfaces or wall treatments.  I think a room without texture is not a very interesting one.  I also like color, although in looking through my closet you might not think that.  From a personal perspective I like colors with gray undertones.  To me that provides a warm, cozy feel.  However, when I see rooms with bold pops of color, particularly in a graphic, pattern I'm drawn to that as well.  I'm not sure I'm daring enough to use in my own personal space but I can see it in other's spaces.  As far as what I don't like, clutter is at the top of the list.  So much so that in my last 2 homes, I've treated my garage as a room and had the floors epoxied, walls painted and cabinets put in to hide any supplies making for a clean space!  


As I continue to explore the various areas of design as well as my own likes and dislikes, I'm hoping to determine who I am as a designer.