A Gust of Wind

Artist Paul Cocksedge premiered this installation at the London Design Festival this past month. Each piece of paper is actually a curled piece of  Corian.

These new outlet plates by BOCCI are an incredibly clever design.  Very nice and clean.  The plates are inserted into the wall and plastered over, leaving them flush to the wall. They also have jacks for data and phone cables as well.

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Outdoor Rooms: Creating a Haven

Since the days of the Greeks and the Romans, people have been enjoying spaces outdoors. As we continue deeper into the summer days, some of the best moments can be spent enjoying nature from the confines of our homes. A sunny Sunday morning coffee or a twilight dinner spent with friends are just some of the ways to utilize this space.   The possibilities are endless, serving as a place of solace or an entertainment area.  There is no better way to enjoy a garden than to spend a lazy summer day in the beauty of your outdoor space.

When designing the outdoor room, there are several factors to consider:

Space

Distinguish how you will use the space. Will it be for dining or perhaps lounging? Will there be a cooking area?  What is the flow of the space from the indoors out? The layout of your garden will dictate how it should organically be situated and how you will place seating arrangements.  Make the space visually interesting, considering different levels, private nooks and overall balance. Simplicity is key in arrangements and always seeking to maximize the garden surrounding you.

Color

When choosing any type of palette, take your cues from the flowers and plants that are within your selected area. Play with textures to create interest. Sophistication comes when you can balance the hues with your own natural surroundings and climate.

Furniture

When selecting furniture for outdoors, there is now such a vast variety to choose from. Anything from a simple teak bench to more sleek modern designs can be found at any price point. Consider how you will use the space when making furniture selections. Will you dine more often or would it be better to have a seating arrangement? Comfort in an outdoor space is paramount. Take advantage of views when considering furniture placement. Also keep in mind storage pieces and flexibility, such as furniture on casters that can be easily rearranged while entertaining.

Fabric

When selecting any type of fabric, remeber to make it mildew resistant. One of the leading fabric companies is Sunbrella, with their fade and mildew resistant fabrics that will stand the test of time. Always remember to store your fabrics when needed in harsh weather conditions.

Lighting

Lighting is so important to an outdoor room, giving just the right ambiance. Up lighting, lanterns and lamps, as well as strung lighting can all give the space  a warm glow in the evening. Don’t be afraid to use lighting, keeping it subtle and soft and highlighting any architectural interest.

Fire/Water

Nothing enhances an outdoor space more than a fireplace or a water feature of some type. Create seating areas around these focal points to play up these elemental features. Both are relaxing and peaceful expreiences not to be missed outside.

When creating an outdoor space, find what is most relaxing and elegant to you. Always bear in mind how you want this space to be a comfort to you, using any style that is interesting to you. Make it timeless, avoiding fads of the moment. Create a space that will be utilized for years to come in your home and enjoyed by your family and friends.

I was pleased this year to be a part of the Landings Association’s first Christmas Showhouse. It was a really great experience for all involved and quite a bit of money was raised for the Savannah Community Health Mission. Now that it is over, it is my job to find a home for the pieces chosen to be showcased. There are 4 Phillipe Starck “Ghost Chairs”, 2 Calligaris Snowflake Chairs as well as one of the most beautiful Peshawar rugs from Pakistan. It is hand tufted 100% wool, 8×10 with a Ziegler design. It is absolutely stunning. Please contact me if you have a perfect spot for it in your home!

Also, the artist I was lucky enough to exhibit  was Sam Ward, you can see his paintings in the above picture. His work is currently on display and for sale in Arcanum on Whitaker St. in Savannah.

Image of the Day

Dining room by Malaysian furniture designer Jiun Ho. He has some absolutely incredible designs; clean lines, simple fabrics and rich texture.  He now works in San Fransisco as a furniture designer with several different lines and in architectural interiors. He produces such elegant work.

www.jiunho.com

An absolutely exquisite short film about architecture art. Completely compelling and inspirational for me as a designer. It definitely blends two of the things I am most passionate about together and is done in such an artistically beautiful way. The score that they accompanied it with is quite lovely as well.

2009 Landings Association Holiday Design Show House

I would like to invite you to join me in the first annual Landings Holiday Design Show House which I have had the great opportunity to be a part of this year. Admission is donation only, the proceeds of which will go towards Savannah’s Community Health Mission, offering free primary healthcare to Savannah’s uninsured residents. There are 6  local designers who have participated, each designing a different room, mine being the dining room. Please visit  at 37 Little Comfort Road at The Landings in Savannah. The Show House will be open every weekend, 2pm-5pm Saturdays and Sundays until December 20^th.  Hope to see you there!