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

THE SWITCH-UP

I want to show you guys how easy it is to change the mood of a room by switching one or two key items. The photo below is from Elle Decor's Favorite Rooms of 2011. The room is very clean, simple, modern and understated. The furniture gives the space a masculine feel, but by adding the Love artwork it becomes more feminine. The chairs are iconic Mid-centruy and the concrete table and accessories gives the room some natural elements. Watch what happens when we switch up the pedestal table with some other styles.

Elle Decor

This iconic table by Eero Saarinen is a safe switch-up because it's from the same era as the chairs. By replace the existing table with this one, we would be giving the room a very definitive Mid-century style. The color palette in the photograph is monochromatic white with black as an accent, the Saarinen Table would push it into a black and white high contrast scheme. 

saarinen table

I picked this table based on the artwork in the image, it feels like a Pop piece and it also makes me think of Palm Springs. The Bianca table by Bradley Hughes would add more of that glitz and glamour into the room.

bradley hughes

This table comes from B & B Italia, a leader in high end modern furniture design. I picked it because it's a very traditional form and it would add a level of polish and tradition to the room. Because the table is lacking decorative details, it remains fairly modern.

b & b italia

The Drain Table by Marcel Wanders is a humorous table that would add a spark of youth and cheer into the room. The bright color adds some warms and a burst of life and the glossy red plays off of the Love artwork. It's made out of aluminum sheet and there's a glass panels covering the hole in the center. When you see this table in person it has the illusion of a deep sinking hole in the center.

cappellini

A very different approach to adding warmth into the photo is with this table made out of natural drift wood. The warm wood brings some of the nature in the background, into the for-ground. The glass top keeps the space airy and light.

pieces atlanta

Consider this game if you have a room in your house that's feeling a little stale. It's fun mixing different styles and eras together to create unique moods. Don't be afraid to try something new!

MONDAY PRESENT...FOR THE DOG LOVER

1. Puppy Uppers- Jonathan Adler for $138.00
This cookie jar is part of the Candid Canisters Collection, there is also a Kitty Crack canister. Amazing!


2. Pet Wire&Dine Feeder- Doca Pet for $115.00
This company designs some really great dog feeders, I think this one is my favorite but there are some close runner ups.


3. BASTIS Tail Hooks- Ikea for $1.99
I love this little stocking stuffer. They're cute little wall hooks, perfect for hanging Fido's leash by the door.


4. Leather Collar- Juicy Couture for $45.00
This super sweet designer collar would look so cute on fluffy white puppy, it also comes in black and they both have a signature Juicy Charm.


5. Sushi Plush Toys- Sushi Pups, $5.00 each
For the more cultured k9 


6. Fairisle Sweater- Juicy Couture for $58.00
No words needed, adorable.