Shape and Rhythm Details

You've heard time and time again... Its all in the details. I agree. We've been looking at some before and during pictures of a project and then some of the details. Today's detail is about shape and rhythm ~ two elements I pay very close attention to when I design.

In the detail picture above are the table, chairs, and chandelier I selected for the kitchen. First, the chandelier and table base have contemporary lines and finished in chrome ~ a nice connection. To warm it up and mix materials and periods, I used reproduction 19th century Parisian brasserie wooden chairs. To connect the great divide in material and periods, I echoed a shape. Note the soft V-like shape of the chandelier arms and the back of the chair. The eye is drawn to the shape connection adding a lovely vertical rhythm. I love that.

Do you see it?

Faux Iron

Have you ever seen faux wrought iron? It can be very beautiful. I have used it in moderation but have not had the chance to use it as a ceiling application. There, I think it is spectacular. These photos are from Faux Iron Solutions ~ my vendor for such things. Their website has other application pictures but these I find to be stunning.



I am not crazy about the dense design in the arched transom. I would prefer more negative space to let the light in but I do love the idea. I think the contrast in a ceiling applications are lovely. Too much of a good thing in some of the photos.... but individually, each use is beautiful. This is also a LEEDs qualified product as it is made from recycled material. Just think of what you could do with this... where you will be able to place since since it weighs almost nothing BUT looks like authentic wrought iron. It comes in many designs and finishes plus one may design their own. It also can be made fire resistant ~ that is a plus as I used it to hide under cabinet lighting over a stove top (excuse the picture... me and my little Canon)....

And yes, that is glass subway tile ~ go figure ~ glass tile in one of my rooms!

What applications can you see using faux iron in?

Juxtaposition ~ What?

A couple of weeks ago, my family had the pleasure of seeing Riverdance at Wolftrap Performing Arts Center. I have posted about Wolftrap before ~ a beautiful outdoor venue perfect to breath fresh air and fill the senses. Once again, my daughter enjoyed the show. She tried her hand, or should I say feet, at the traditional Irish tap dancing. It was precious. There she was dancing away as proud as can be with a glowing smile ~ never mind that she was just skipping around and trying very hard to keep her arms straight at her sides. "It's harder than it looks, mom, but I'm good at it," she said. I, of course, mirrored her and said, "Yes you are my love," with a glowing proud smile on my face.
Riverdance was stunning. My favorite part was the dual between the traditional Irish dancers and the jazz tappers that graced the stage. They were wonderful. They danced by themselves and then against and ultimately with the Irishmen. They even mimicked each other ~ that was hysterical! 'What a wonderful juxtaposition this is,' I thought. The show's director and/or choreographer, of course, knew this.
Naturally my mind wandered a bit to design. The term juxtaposition is used in interior design but really, what does that mean? Let's consider Taoism's Yin Yang for a moment ~ a classic juxtaposition. A portion of About.com's definition for Yin Yang is:

"What's great about the Yin-Yang symbol is that the smaller circles nested within each half of the symbol serve as a constant reminder of the interdependent nature of the black/white "opposites." It reminds the Taoist practitioner that all of relative existence is in constant flux and change. And while the creation of pairs-of-opposites would seem to be an aspect of our human software, we can maintain a relaxed attitude around this, knowing that each side always contains the other, as night contains day, or as a mother “contains" the infant that she will, in time, give birth to." Lovely.

Dictionary.com defines juxtaposition as "an act or instance of placing close together or side by side, esp. for comparison or contrast." So true in quality design. But how does this translate into interior design? Let's look at some photos....

This is a Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller design published in Traditional Home. I see the juxtaposition here as the traditional window treatments partnered with the more rustic table and chairs with the table illuminated by an antique metal swing arm floor table. So we have three 'opposites' coming together to form one beautiful vignette. The window treatments nicely 'hold' or frame the furnishings. The mixture of materials adds wonderful interest. Here is what the designers say about their work, "Our work is very much influenced by the harmonious mix of old and new that we experience everyday in New York. We like to soften crisp, new architecture by introducing the patina of a few, unexpected antique pieces, or vice versa, interject some contemporary art into more traditional homes. It makes a space timeless as opposed to a time capsule. " Well said and implemented.

This room is by Julio Quinones. I like this example because of the unusual tables he paired with the chairs. For harmonious interest, he adds color, shape, and form with a contemporary flair and yet does not go overboard. He keeps the pairing symmetrical to aid the organized feel of the room.

This design belongs to Vasi Ypsilanti and Margreet Cevasco. A wonderful example of green design and juxtaposition. Note the architecture, the incredible use of traditional arches and molding, next to contemporary bamboo and glass cabinets, next to traditional columns and glazing of the sink area that uses modern fixtures, next to the antique table base topped with clean, smooth, modern steel.... wow! The remarkable contrast is soothed by the earthy hues that compliment each other in nature every day. This room is an abundance of harmonious interest to me. I keep saying that, harmonious interest... but I believe the principle of harmony (unity and diversity) is paramount in good design. Another room....

This is room that I found on delight by design, a blog I follow. The writer of design by delight loved the farm table she found at a showhouse. She had the smarts to take pictures and I am very happy she did as this is another excellent example. Note the streamlined upholstered chairs contrasting with the table. Beautiful. Again, the soothing use of a neutral hue for the upholstery keeps the contrast in check and pleases the eye. Last photo, my own design....

In this transitional design, I used a traditional federal style sofa. The arms of the sofa mirrored by a traditional roll armed daybed. I paired them with mirrored and chrome contemporary tables and wood and chrome lamps. The latter selection served to lighten and brighten the deep hues and heavier furnishing.

So there you have it ~ juxtaposition 101.

Tell me about your juxtaposition designs; send pictures too! I'd love to see your interpretations!

All Things Glass

I love glass. I said that in Paula Zottoli’s blog in my Artist Series. Paula knows me very well. That is why she gave me earrings made from glass. Glass is a material that I adore because it is amenable. What do I mean by that?? Glass let’s one express themselves artfully in many forms and applications. It can agree with any palette and style as it can have color or no color, texture or no texture. It is also amenable as it is a responsible material - glass is typically an eco-friendly product. I also love light – light is paramount in all designs. Glass is amenable to light as it is open to its influence. When glass is unlit, it looks one way – lit – another. Recall from my principles and elements blog. Here it is again – the example of light versus no light. These are glass art pieces from Nuvo Designs. Directing light through glass gives a different interpretation – unlit = demure, lit = spectacular. I love glass.


I have also found that manufactures tend to be green in their processes to develop their glass products. Today, let’s look at glass for countertops – countertops – yes, countertops and such. I aspire to have glass countertops in my own home. I will have a style that looks like water – soothing and beautiful. How do they function compared to granite or other stone? Very well. Take a look at these companies and you will see what I mean regarding functionality and responsibility: Thinkglass by Mailhot, Vetrazzo, and Icestone. Take a look at these applications and products and tell me what you think.

This one is my favorite.

Recall the interplay between light and glass. I know this is a commercial application but I can imagine this next to a pool with a fabulous party!