HER OUTDOOR DINING ROOM

As Rachel Zoe says, "Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak". I love picking up on my client's personal style. A good designer should be able to have an idea of what a client likes before they can even explain what they like. 
I met with one client regarding a work space; it was a brief introductory meeting but I had a good idea of what direction I was going to go before I walked out the door. He wore a soft vintage American motor t-shirt with clean, well fitting jeans. He leaned back comfortably in his chair and spoke very knowledgeably about his business and the commercial property he owns. He swore casually and used a lot of funny analogies regarding relationships with women. From this first impression I knew he wanted an inspiring and humors place of business and I worked off a concept of Apple meets dive bar. Vintage neon signs, quality and eclectic artwork, simple industrial materials- all within a budget that made sense in relationship to the property's value. To say the least he was very surprised how far I was able to go based off of a first impression and I got the job.

As I sift through Tumblr and Pinterest for inspiration, I especially enjoy the fashion photos. I had the idea to pick a picture I was drawn to and to try imaging the client behind the photo. This pretty girl below has a casual and cheerful style. In my imagination she's girly, a little nerdy at heart and cares about the environment. That's why I pulled together a solar powered outdoor dining room for her. The color pallet is directly related to her outfit, the subtle geometric patterns blend well with the ruffly solar lanterns and humorous brass corkscrew. Our beautiful blonde and her study buddies can gather around the farm table for late night conversation over a couple bottles of organic wine.

her look is from Nordstrom

1. Solar Birdhouse from oooms

2. Stackable Acrylic Wine Glasses from Crate & Barrel

3. Brass Muse Bottle Opener from Jonathan Adler

4. Farm Table from Seabrook Classics

5. Surya Rain Area Rug from Rug Studio

6. Soji Solar Lantern from SFMOMA

7. Hot Mesh Chair from Blu Dot

8. Rope Ice Bucket from Haus Interior

9. Cross Dye Napkin Set from West Elm

I SPY: COPPER

After my post on De Intuïtiefabriek's handcrafted furniture, I went on a big copper hunt. The material is so beautiful; it adds a romantic warmth to stark contemporary spaces and if you allow it to oxidies and patina it will add an old world charm to a traditional space. It looks great in a cool setting, like below in the photo number 5. There are a couple brand new products on this color board below. The Etch Shade by Tom Dixon is one of my favorites; I recently used it in gold at a nightclub and the price is untouchable for the quality and design. Dixon just released this beautiful copper version and I can't wait to see it in person. Another new item is the Real Good Chair from Blu Dot. This laser-cut chair has been around for a while in colorful powder coated steel. The copper plated option is new and I'm sure it ages to a beautiful patina finish over time.

1. Sherman Residence via Dwell
2.Void Light Mini and Etch Shade in Copper by Tom Dixon
3. Grid Cylindrical Vase by Jaime Hayon for Gaia & Gino
4. Copper Mirror by Michael Anastassiades
5. Beautiful bedroom with copper accents pinned by Erin Lepperd
6. Copper Real Good Chair from Blu Dot
7. Brushed Copper Standing Mixer by Kitchenaid


Below is a copper bar top I commissioned for Escorpion Tequila Bar and Cantina, check out the chemical finish that will continue to change and age with time. Part of the bar was already built in the space with a traditional pub edge, so to get this look we inlayed a sheet of copper.

A small piece of advice I like to give to my clients is; don't be afraid to mix and match metals. If you like some of these copper pieces but your accessories are all brushed steel, get in deep with a variety of metals. In interiors or fashion I like mixing metals; if you consciously mix metallics then you don't have to stress out about your door hardware matching every last piece of metal in the room. Throw on a rose gold, a silver and a gold bangle and you have the freedom to use whatever other jewelry or shoes you please. See what I'm talking about below.

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