Home & Design 100 Top Designers

Proud to be in such good company!

Skip Sroka

This is the work of my friend Skip Sroka, interior designer extraordinaire. This project is featured on the Home & Design website right now so you can read all about it. When I came across these pictures though, I thought they were exceptional examples of the principles and elements of good design. Case in point, the room above is a perfect example of how symmetry done well makes for calm and pleasing outcome. The palette also lends itself to the classic as these neutrals will never tire. Note the ceiling in this first picture, the subtle architectural detail, and how it is carried throughout for wonderful interest and flow. This gradation is also seen on the fireplace surround. Lovely rhythm.

The softness of the palette is remarkable showing perfect restraint. I love the floor detail. It is not overpowering; it is simple, elegant, and classic.

The ethereal beauty of the palette and furnishings is so calming.

The banquette is so inviting in this room it just draws me in. I literally want to spend time here.

Soft, spa-like.

Note the repeat motif from the hard wood floor in the dining room on the carpeting. What a wonderful connection from the public to private space.

This home will be as in style in 10 years as it is right now. Why? Because of the attention to detail and excellent editing. The most complex pattern seen is still organized and repeated in at least two places. This makes the senses happy ~ they note the familiar pattern and feel comforted at the same time a bit exhilarated from the punctuation. Simply magnificent. But that's Skip. Kudos!

Out and About

I am not sure if I will get use to seeing my picture in magazines (center bottom photo). This was a fun night at the Home & Design's 2011 Designers Choice Awards. My friend Karen, Julie (senior editor), and I posed for the snapshot. Bob took it. He's always at H&D events and a true pleasure to see. There is my buddy Skip Sroka too. He is a barrel of fun. The talent in the room that night was fantastic. I enjoyed soaking it all in.

LaRon Landry

LaRon Landry plays for the Washington Redskins. He's a fantastic safety. His last two games have made me swoon. Yes, I am a football fan. That is true... but I was hoping the Redskins would be on top of their game these last couple of weeks ~ and they made me proud! Why did I want them to be on top of their game? Well ~ I like the them and I have several autographed jerseys and footballs from the Redskins for the silent auction at my Gala on Saturday. What jerseys do I have signed... Donovan McNabb, Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, and LaRon Landry. LaRon played exceptionally well this past week. I also have 50 yard line tickets for the Redskins ~ Eagles game in our live auction. YAY! All their memorabilia and the tickets should sell well at the Gala. Thanks Guys!!

So when I was perusing one of my favorite shelter websites, Home & Design, I saw a feature on LaRon's home. I just had to take a look. It's quite nice...

LaRon hired interior designer Janelle Marshall who did a lovely job...

Notice anything about the following two rooms?

I'll give you a hint...

Yup ~ that's LaRon. He played for Louisiana State University and apparently crushed them there too. Well... he was a first round draft choice. I think the poor dear lying on the ground knew LaRon was going in the first round that day!

Thanks LaRon for the tour of your home and playing sooooo well! And please sell well!

And thanks Bob for taking such fine photos (I may be a little biased given that Bob take's my photos too :)

What are the Benefits of Working with an Interior Designer?

Home & Design Magazine, the elite luxury shelter magazine in the Washington, DC area, asked me to be a "Pro" for their Sourcebook 2011. This is one my favorite magazines so it was quite an honor.

Thank you Home & Design for considering my an expert and sharing my thoughts on "What are the Benefits of Working with a Interior Designer?" Here was my full answer (in the amount of words I was able to :-)

The benefits of working with a designer are many. First, designers are trained to develop the design concept encompassing both aesthetics and functionality; to cull it from the client’s heart & mind, interpreting their vision bringing it to life. Second, costly mistakes are avoided as palettes, furnishings, fabric, etc. are specified from an organized plan; not only a space plan but an overall plan that puts all the pieces of the puzzle together. Third is the service designers provide from concept to completion. Clients are able to relax and leave the labor to the design team.

This is a question that arises time and time again and that people really do ponder. It is not just about style. It is also about luxury, comfort, security, peace of mind, quality, understanding the principles and elements of fantastic design, service... the list can go on and on.

Tell me ~ what are some of the reasons you would use or recommend using an interior designer?

Thursday's Room(s)

Today for Thursday's Room(s), I am featuring the work of David Mitchell, also a DC area based interior designer. I was perusing one of my favorite sights, Home & Design, and literally stumbled across this project. I studied the pictures for a bit, formulated some thoughts, and then read the article. Here are some more photos...

Here are my thoughts... what I love about this work is the soft palette which allows the individual pieces and elements to shine. But that is not what caught my eye ~ the juxtapositions did. If you read my blog, you know that I adore juxtaposition in designs. This element allows maximum interest and almost never allows redundancy (aka boring). He's masterful at this. The very first picture boasts this so well ~ note the traditional wood chair next to the contemporary side table ~ the connection?? ~ the curves! Understated voluptuous is what I would call it. Is that even possible? Yes, yes it is. The marriage of old and new find its way into each segment of his design. In the dining room, the contemporary buffet appears effortless in the traditional space. He kept the chandelier simple which amplifies the palettes airiness. You can read the article for yourself. It was fun to read after forming my own impressions. I like his philosophy which the homeowner also appreciated. My hat is off to Mr. Mitchell this Thursday. Well done, David. Well done.