Juxtaposition Design

Cheap pants from Gap > Ratatat concert

2010-09-09T23:24:00.005-04:00

I have been busy lately. Busy learning, adjusting, sleeping (I go to bed at normal people hours now! Yay!).

First things first...

I really want these pendants, specifically the gold ones, and a gold studded bracelet to match.

One Light Only by Lee Broom

Now back to business. Here's my life update:

I'm a real, live interior designer now! I started my job two weeks ago at a fabulous international retail design firm and I could not ask for anything more in life right now. LIVING. THE. DREAM.
Because of the aforementioned, I have 2 new favorite stores that I have dropped fat cash at in the last 3 weeks: The Gap and Ann Taylor. I'm obsessed. And, if you work for these companies and happen to be reading this sentence, feel free to send me many many clothes in exchange for your mention..just an idea.
I've done a little blogging for Contract Magazine's blog, TalkContract. Check out my first post here
I was also published in IIDA's (Michigan Chapter) Fall 2010 Newsletter
A co-worker introduced me to toxel.com and I cannot stop reading. Also stumbled across Victoria Tornegren's blog and I think I want to be her.

That's all folks!

Is That A Fashion Blogger?

2010-08-03T16:27:00.008-04:00

Nope, just the trendiest mannequins that I've seen on the market! Don't these just scream Hedi Slimane and Rumi Neely?

I'm extremely interested in working in the retail design industry so I'm always reading magazines and blogs focused on that sector of design. I usually just pass through that mannequin section, not putting too much thought into it, but yesterday while browsing through VMSD something really caught my eye!

These fashion-forward mannequins by Rootstein battle even the most fabulous fashion blogger poses. Let us compare...

As far as I'm concerned, Rootstein is getting it right. This forward-thinking manufacturer is providing the perfect opportunity for branding a retail space with the fashionista consumer in mind. With these recognizable poses and "21st century urban youth" figures, shoppers will easily connect with the shopping environment. How do you feel about these mannequins? Are they a good in-store marketing strategy?

Images via Rootstein, Chictopia, Fashiontoast

Distressed

2010-07-31T14:14:00.003-04:00

I'm an absolute sucker for the character a good reclaimed wood floor provides, but this product made of recycled wine barrels by Fontenay Woods really ups the ante.

The Cooperage line from the Vintage Barrel Collection displays the authentic stamps and markings from the original wine barrels.

The Fontenay site shows the flooring being used in actual wine cellars and other spaces directly related to wine. But, I picture it perfectly in an industrial loft, restaurant, or retail space. Where would you use this flooring?

Via Designer Pages and Fontenay Woods

2010-07-05T01:21:00.000-04:00

I Sure Love a Good Concept.

2010-06-24T17:16:00.001-04:00

Sometimes designers just get it right. It's that moment when everything just comes together and makes sense in the most simple way (even though you know how hard and complex it was to get to that point), and you can't help but think "why didn't I think of that?".

The Mangrolia Chaussures stores designed by visiondivision is a project that got a lot of hype in 2009. But, I wanted to revisit it because I think the concept is a perfect example of one of those "aha!" moments.

Project: 3 stores, including 1 flagship store
Location: Réunion Island, France
Main Materials: Plexiglass shoeboxes that can be configured and stacked in various ways
The plexiglass boxes are the unifying design component between all 3 stores and they also act as a sort of trademark for Mangrolia

The flagship store, located in Saint Denis, is conceptually known as "The Ocean". This is designed to be the most spectacular of the 3 stores.

The store is comprised of 2 floors; the upper floor which has the plexiglass boxes installed into the floor in the shape of a flowing river which lead from 2 main entrances to a staircase. The staircase leads to the basement floor, which is entirely covered in the plexiglass boxes.

This concept creates an awesome and interactive retail experience for shoppers. Rather than having shoes displayed on typical shelves and table merchandising systems, they are now seen from the viewpoint you would actually see them from when wearing them. Shoppers could easily places their foot on top or next to a pair of shoes they are interested in and then take them out of the plexiglass box to try them on.

Boxes will also be used to display legendary/famous shoes to also act as a "shoe museum" to attract additional customers.
The Saint André location, taking on "The Library" concept, utilizes the plexiglass boxes as stacking units to create different rooms throughout the store. Each of the rooms takes on a different theme (i.e. casual, formal, sport) to provide another unique shopping experience.

The last location, Le Port, has "The Loop" concept. All components of the store, including cashier stations and seating for trying on shoes, are integrated into a loop created of stacked plexiglass boxes at varying heights. The main shoe display areas sink into the floor to create an ease of circulation.

What do you think of this concept? Anything you would add or change? Have you seen anything like this before?

Images via www.visiondivision.com

Hire Me!

2010-06-23T03:25:00.004-04:00

Well, I am officially on the job hunt. Today I finished sorting my way through Interior Design's Top 100 Giants. Phew! That was a feat in itself. They are not lying when they say "looking for a job is a full time job".

What I'm wondering is, where else do you, everyone out there in the blogosphere, look for interior design jobs?

I'm specifically interested in retail, hospitality, corporate, mixed-use, and residential developments (lofts, condos, affordable housing, etc.) and I typically check the ASID and IIDA job boards, sometimes I'll browse through Simply Hired's listings, and I LOVE all the awesome listings Dezeenjobs has (it's just too bad that all the jobs are located in Europe).

Head in the Clouds

2010-06-21T00:59:00.005-04:00

While in Chicago this past week for NeoCon (the National Exposition of Contract Furnishings), my friends and I went on an awesome architectural boat tour (courtesy of Wendella). While we were out on the water, I noticed the clouds were doing some particularly cool things. We had blue skies with big puffy clouds on one side, and darker gray clusters of clouds on the other. These clouds, mixed with the reflectivity of those well-known skyscraper windows allowed me to capture some really amazing moments with my camera. All photos are unedited.

"Okay...so...I might have bought too much furniture"

2010-06-19T22:35:00.006-04:00

Does anyone else get infuriated when the image of an interior designer is essentially ruined by HGTV? I just watched as a certain "designer" was first astounded by the large size of an artichoke light fixture and then later could not fit the 2 lounge chairs that were originally intended to be used. I know that mistakes do occur in the real world of design, but what happened to measuring, drawing plans, and specifying product correctly?

On the other hand...

There's TV personalities and designers like Candice Olson and Taniya Nayak that can help create a positive image for interior designers. While in Chicago last week for NeoCon, I was walking past the ASID (which by the way has an awesome new website) booth when I spotted a familiar face. Low and behold...it was Taniya Nayak in the flesh!

What makes Taniya so awesome? She graduated with a masters in interior design from the Boston Architectural college, she is the founder of her own commercial/residential firm, and she portrays what she does realistically when in front of the camera. She was very lovely in person and offered up advice on getting started in the field.

Featured Design: Nha House by Delaine Isaac

2010-06-08T19:43:00.009-04:00

New York-based architect Delaine Isaac is innovative, driven, and extremely passionate about what he does. He finds inspiration in music and is always working to raise the design bar by combining film and architecture. Delaine and I connected via twitter and I am now lucky enough to be sharing one of his awesome projects with you!
Nha House, which is Vietnamese for "House" House, is a beach house meant to stand out among the rest. The all glass facade provides a contemporary aesthetic and gives users the perfect opportunity to take in all the beautiful beach views. A prefabricated solid concrete structure creates a smooth, enveloping exterior while also lowering construction costs and cutting down on build time. Delaine Isaac also incorporated a slightly lower than normal ceiling height to provide extra strength in case of California's unpredictable natural occurrences.
Project Name: Nha HouseDesigner: Delaine IsaacProject Type: Beach houseConceptual Location: Laguna Beach, CaliforniaStructure: Prefabricated concreteSize: 150 square metersSoftware: Cinema 4D

Floor Plans:

The three floors are connected by a spiral staircase.

The 2nd and 3rd floors have access to exterior balcony spaces

Section:

Architectural Details:

Please leave critiques, questions, etc. by commenting below and visit Delaine Isaac's website to contact him or find out more about his current projects.

Next Big Thing: Cutouts

2010-06-06T18:46:00.014-04:00

The cutout trend has swept its way through the fashion world and is now finally starting to hit it big in the world of interiors. As I started to notice more and more cutout pieces, I immediately thought of Alexander Wang's work (2009-2010 lines).

In my opinion, cutouts translate well to interiors. This style creates a fresh avant-garde aesthetic that is also quite flexible. Pieces like these give designers the opportunity to play with unique lighting options, as they can be illuminated in various colors, lighted to cast cool shadows, etc.

Designer Marcel Wanders has been a cutout creating front-runner. They're popping up in his various furnishing lines as well as his interiors/architecture.

Residence in Amsterdam (Marcel Wanders)

Residence in Jakarta (Marcel Wanders)Crochet Lamp (Marcel Wanders)Crochet Table (Marcel Wanders)Crochet Chair (Marcel Wanders)Random Light (Marcel Wanders via Moooi)

More cutout pieces:Cubical (Coco Design)

Roses (Vibieffe)

Forest Arm Chair (Janus et Cie)

Creep Table (Susan Bradley)

Veritas offers some of their resin panels that I don't believe are actually "cut out", but they can provide that same cutout effect. You can checkout Verita's products at NeoCon, booth 7-6052.

Floral (Veritas)Lancet (Veritas)Kaleidoscope (Veritas)

Arktura is a manufacturer that is taking this trend and running with it. I am absolutely loving their pieces and I cannot wait to see them at NeoCon (booth 7-4114)!

Coral Coffee Table (Arktura)Hive Coffee Table (Arktura)Ricami Stool (Arktura)Nebula Console (Arktura)

The Polish Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai takes this trend to the next level. Everybody Polska!
Architects/Designers at Morphogenesis in Delhi, India incorporated a cutout screen into their Delhi Art Gallery project,
What do you think of this trend? Do you have a favorite cutout piece or interior?

Portfolio | Portfolio | Portfolio

2010-06-03T21:10:00.009-04:00

For a couple of weeks now, I have been looking at examples online, organizing all 4 years worth of my work, and photoshopping up a storm. Today I bought this modern-looking portfolio cover and a pack of polypropylene sheet protectors to showcase my work! Find it (any many awesome others) at paperhaus.com.

Ice Nine Screwpost Portfolio Cover by Case Envy

Helpful Tips I found:

Don't forget to purchase portfolio refills/pages if you are only purchase the cover
Portfolio KITS come with printable pages and a protective cover and/or expander kit
Polypropylene sheet protectors "have become the industry standard" and are top loading
Polyester sheet protectors have high transparency and strength and are top and bottom loading

I also found this book to be very inspiring and insightful. Flaunt by Bryony Gomez-Palacio and Armin Vit has detailed information on exactly how each feature portfolio was made and what materials/manufacturers were used, as well as interviews with each portfolio creator and professionals who hire designers. You can purchase the book in PDF ($15.00) or standard book format ($24.99).

If anyone has additional tips/tricks or a PDF example you would like to share, please post here or email me at juxtapositiondesign@gmail.com. I would LOVE to hear from you!

Updates:

Brittany H. of Chicago sent over a wonderful portfolio presentation, Thank you!
Brand new informative post on IIDA's Student Blog: I ♥ I.D. by guest blogger Kristyn Ivey
Daniel McClintick of Portland shared his editorial-style project booklets - Holla to another past ASID prez!

Inspiration = No Sleep

2010-06-03T03:43:00.003-04:00

I am having the absolute worst time shutting my eyes and getting to sleep because this woman's lovely blog has just inspired me beyond belief. I must calm down my brain and convince myself to continue reading tomorrow!

The Lowdown: 3form's Full Circle Program

2010-06-01T14:15:00.026-04:00

3form's Varia Ecoresin has been gaining extreme popularity for the past few years. I'm quite sure that all 39 of the interior design students in my graduating class at Michigan State have specified Ecoresin at least once in their college career.

We all know that Ecoresin is sustainable and had endless cool design options (from simple panels to custom lights to insane installations)...but I had no idea it was this cool...

Thanks to an issue of FRAME Magazine, I found out that 3form collaborates with artisan communities in Mali, Swaziland, South Africa, Nepal, Columbia, India, Indonesia, and China for their Full Circle program. The FRAME Magazine article really peaked my interest, so I went to 3form's website to find out more information.

3form offers 32 different resin panels that are a part of the Full Circle Program. This means that the decorative inner layers of these 32 panel options stem from traditional crafts made by artisans and farmers all around the globe.
Think about specifying a Full Circle product for an interior design project and help:

Provide an income for artisans and farmers in impoverished areas

Fund an educational program to fight illiteracy

Improve living conditions

The Products:

Unravel

Migration

Ithemba

Connection

Banana Fiber

Sada

Electra

Latice

Structured Bamboo

Lasso

Palau

Asha

Capiz

Bamboo Rings

Fossil Leaf

Did you know about 3form's Full Circle Program?

Photos via 3form.com

Feature Design: The Cube by Lior Vaknin of Prototype Studio

2010-05-31T17:18:00.001-04:00

Lior Vaknin, founder and owner of Prototype Designers in Tel Aviv, Israel, is a young and innovative designer who is definitely on the interior design radar. I was very pleased to be asked by Mr. Vaknin to feature his work because I was a fan of his modern barber shop and have seen in featured on a couple of my favorite blogs in the past. Lior Vaknin values structural integrity and flexibility and is known to play with different shapes and forms.

Name: The Cube

Designers: Lior Vaknin and Sabi Aroch

Location: Rehovot, Israel

Completion Date: 2009

Unique lighting and layered shapes play an important role in this design

Various cutouts help create a highly flexible space. Users could utilize these cutouts to place food during buffet-style meals or to simply display ever-changing accessories.

Happy Memorial Day!

Trend Alert: Draw On the Walls

2010-03-30T14:17:00.004-04:00

Since I am currently at work on my interior design senior thesis project, I have been looking high and low for inspiration, products, furnishings, technology, etc. As I have continually kept my eye out for inspiring spaces, I have noticed that designers have begun to create spaces featuring walls with hand drawn/painted murals that actually look like hand drawings or sketches.

For me, this concept was perfect since my thesis project is an art/design incubator facility. Below is one of my initial sketches showing the entry way to a retail space with a giant wall mural of sketched hands. This becomes a literal translation of art into space and shows the importance of the hand - an artist's most valuable tool.

I was initially inspired by the Leo Burnett Office by Ministry of Design (Singapore)

Painted mural of the company's founder

And before I knew it, I began to notice all of these other spaces...
School of Life by Susanna Edwards (London, England)

Hand drawn by Charlotte Mann

The Smokehouse Deli by The Busride (Delhi, India)

Hand illustrated over a 25 day period

Gift Shop by Belenko (Odessa, Ukraine)

Painted onto walls and furniture

I find the literal translation of a drawing into space or playing with the concept of 2D versus 3D really intriguing and I also think that it creates quite an impact . What do you think of this trend?

In the Presence of the Za [Zaha Hadid Visits MSU]

2010-03-26T14:29:00.004-04:00

Ground was broken for Michigan State University's new Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum on March 16, 2010. With a passion for design, art, & architecture, as well as a love for all things modern and contemporary, I couldn't pass up the chance to go and get a glimpse of renowned architect Zaha Hadid (I even requested to get out of studio early for the occasion).

Excitement was definitely in the air as my boyfriend, my best friend (a fellow Zaha lover), and I waited for the ceremony to start. Finally, Zaha stepped out of a car looking chic in all black with shiny patent leather lace-up shoes and an architectural-looking silver handbag comprised of multiple geometric metal plates. I was lucky enough to snap these pictures:

Fly through/conceptual video. Gave me chills.

I feel so so lucky to be a student at MSU and I will never forget being in the presence of the lovely Zaha Hadid. GO GREEN!

The Future: Design for Designers

2010-03-03T17:38:00.003-05:00

Today I began my way through 30 conversations on design. This project involves professionals of all disciplines (architects, designers, brand leaders, etc.), yet their words can span the depths and speak to all creative minded people.

I have not made it through all 30, but one of my favorites so far has been Ric Grefe, the CEO of AIGA (the professional association for design). See what he has to see about design here and the other 29 conversations on design here.

"Creative Cents" Project

2010-02-27T14:52:00.004-05:00

This past summer, one of my interior design professors contacted me to ask if I would like to be involved with an interior design competition through the Greater Lansing Housing Coalition. I jumped at the chance for 2 reasons:

1. This was my first chance to fully execute my own design from conception to implementation
2. This project allowed me to play a part in the revitalization of the Baker-Donora neighborhood

I had 30 days and $300 to create a design conducive to "a single mother with 3 children that have very busy and scheduled lives"

Below is a short documentary on the project created by Three Rogues Productions (Eric Eding and Melody Teodoro-Kurtis)

In the end, my room received the most online votes and I took away the award for "most creative accent piece" for this table that I created (with the help of Joe Barros, owner of Progressive Remodeling). It has a reversible inset; 1 side painted with chalkboard paint to keep kids occupied, and 1 side painted white for when the mom has guests over.

Natural Design

2010-02-27T04:26:00.002-05:00

I find such beauty in the way people naturally design/decorate for themselves. The way people live says a lot about them. Would really love to get my hands on Apartmento Magazine

Interior Design FMLs

2009-11-22T00:03:00.004-05:00

I'm sure most all of you are well aware of the infamous fmylife.com by now, in fact you may even visit the site to get your daily dose of "humor at someone else's expense" in.

But, within the last couple days, I have gotten my own dose of FMLs...all of which are related to interior design.

1. For my Japanese Pop Culture class, we were all asked to bring in Hello Kitty something to basically just prove the point that they make Hello Kitty EVERYTHING. We could even print something out that we found on the internet. As I started my searching, I came across a Hello Kitty Hotel. I thought to myself, "well this is interior design related, right up my alley!" Then, as I sat down in class the next day, I looked closer at the image and noticed 4 bondage straps on the bed. FML.

2. I am currently president of the Interior Design Student Organization at my school. We have weekly board meetings that are held in our student lounge. We always have trouble fitting everyone around the tables in this room, but this Wednesday when I walked in to set-up I was pleased to find that the tables were arranged in such a way that there was probably enough space to fit everyone! I placed an agenda at every seat and then took a seat at the "tip" of the tables, only to notice that I was staring down the length of a very...phallic-looking arrangement. FML.

3. I am in an Office Systems course where we are currently learning to use CAP studio in CAD to create functional office spaces using panels and the like. I worked diligently on a floor plan for our 2nd where we are required to fit 20 workspaces into a small office area. In an attempt to do something unique and creative, I tried placing my panel systems on a diagonal. As I finished my first attempt at the space planning of this office space, I found that my panels had formed a series of perfect swastikas. Needless to say, I completely started over. FML.

New!

2009-10-19T10:22:00.003-04:00

I started another blog strictly for organizing photos and things that I like. I sometimes find it necessary to draw conclusions and try to figure out what it is that attracts me to certain things...so I guess this is a blog more for myself than anyone, but feel free to look.

Lisa Inspired By...

Hopefully I will find some time to update Juxtaposition as well.

Thought of the Day

2009-08-06T22:02:00.003-04:00

When interior design integrates itself into your life...

Cultural Tour

2009-08-01T23:22:00.006-04:00

If you've ever fallen in love with a city and wished you could bring that city's feeling and energy back with you into your home, Teo Jasmin might be able to help. Teo Jasmin is an interiors company based in Paris, France that specializes in digital printing. Their decorative pieces are adorned with the quintessential images from cities such as Paris, New York, London, Venice, San Francisco, and Japan.

Here is some of their feature pieces from the 2009 Teo Jasmin collection:

Just one Teo Jasmin piece added to a room can easily create a bold graphic element.
Here's some of my favorite products featuring places that have stolen a pieces of my heart:

New York

London

Italy

Juxtaposition: Interior Design & Skateboarding

2009-07-25T23:30:00.000-04:00

What could be better paired with the "glamour" of interior design than the badassness of the skateboarding lifestyle?

This post was inspired by an ad campaign that always caught my eye whenever I passed by it in Interior Design magazine. This campaign is for the Software upholstery line by Patty Madden. According to the website, the line is "an energetic new brand of high-performance upholstery that will move any installation to the edge of what is possible", so it makes sense why they chose to showcase this fabric along with snippets of skateboarders in order to enforce the brand of the product.

After noticing the Patty Madden ads, I found some other pieces that combine skateboarding culture and design. Below are bamboo skateboards covered with architectural renderings that can be hung on the wall as art or used to do kick flips until your heart is content.

Next, is a coffee table that takes on the look of a mini ramp, and is actually skateable, too. Both pieces are by the Test Collective.

Lastly is a set of stairs that leads into the basement of the Roarockit skateboard school. Sick, dude.

P.S. Happy 20th to my favorite skaterboy <3

Photos: Hedi Slimane, Patty Madden, Test Collective, Roarokit

Credit: notcot.org, MoCo Loco

Juxtaposition Design Will Be Returning SOON!

2009-06-17T22:24:00.001-04:00

Anyone still out there?

IIDA Student Blog Feature

2009-02-02T13:00:00.003-05:00

Well, I've been on somewhat of a blogging hiatus again...which means that the new semester at school has started and it has come back in full force!

I wanted to drop a quick post today to tell you to check out the IIDA Student Blog. I had the pleasure of writing a guest blog for them, and it was published today! I did a post on the variety of interior design magazines available - check out the Student Spotlight post here!

Something My Interior Design Classmates Should Enjoy

2009-01-07T00:15:00.002-05:00

After endless hours of Revit and/or CAD last semester, my classmates will either laugh or die a little bit when they see these chairs by Jaebeom Jeong. These chairs are an exploration of the relationship between computer generated and the traditional forms, and is sure to make you feel like you've stepped right into your Revit file.

Grid Chair:
"The structure of chairs we have known is a creature experienced by association effects, and nothing more than functionally having the minimum structure to sit."

Made of stainless steel and walnut with a black stain finish

R60 Chairs:
"This chair embodied an image of infinity repetition derived from reflex action and virtual image."

Made of stainless steel, poly carbonate sheet, and ash with a black stain finish

I think this makes me a true interior design geek for enjoying this. I would honestly consider having one in my home.

Source: Home Rejuvenation Photo Credit: Jaebeom Jeong Design Lab, Young-tak Han

A Look Back & A Look Forward

2009-01-02T01:49:00.003-05:00

Two thousand eight is officially gone and two thousand nine has come straight out of left field! Seriously, where does the time go?

I had a pretty tame NYE. It was spent reminiscing with some old friends, flipping cups, determining the geekiest new years resolution, and thinking up the worst possible escalator situation (which, if you're wondering, would be getting kicked out of a party by a huge bouncer with a bat and having to exit by running down a slippery up-escalator. Or maybe it was having to climb up a slippery down-escalator while carrying 20 pizzas and wearing an easter bunny costume).

Anyway, what I wanted to do is take a look back at the most popular Juxtaposition Design posts!

1. Interview: Interior Design Idol - Serge Van Lian

2. Finds at the Michigan Design Center: Part I, Part II, Part III

3. The Row Video Revisited

4. High-End Sleeper Sofas

5. Student Project: Ergonomic Chair for Acoustic Guitar Players

6. You Could Be My Black Kate Moss Tonight

7. Master Renderer: Paul Maguire

8. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition That I Worked On!

9. American Apparel Goes Green

10. Extreme Update: It's Move-In Day!

I can't wait to see what 2009 holds for this blog & I would love to hear any and all opinions about what you would like to see more of/less of/new stuff here on Juxtaposition Design.

Thanks & Happy New Year to everyone!

"When Fashion Meets Interior Design"

2008-12-29T08:41:00.002-05:00

Wear Your Chair: When Fashion Meets Interior Design is a book written by Judith Griffin and Penny Collins and is one that I am definitely interested in exploring. Wear Your Chair looks at historical facts to explore the overlap of a number of different discipline, most prominently fashion design and interior design.
Judith Griffin is a full-time university interior design lecturer and Penny Collins is a fashion design professor. They decided to join forces to create this book after teaching a course together in 1994 that was for a combination of interior design and fashion design students.

Wear Your Chair sounds very intriguing and I am especially interested in gaining more insight on a few key topics:

How much the influence of personal fashion has on material or color choices made my interior designers, as well as the everyday person decorating their home. Is it more likely for people to choose to use a color in their home because they personally look good in it?
Life becoming style
Interior designers/architects who have crossed over to the field of fashion design and vise versa

After giving thought to making interior design choices based on personal fashion taste in regards to me personally, I think it holds true that I am attracted the most to interiors that have the color or feel of an outfit I would wear. Although I can't say I would ever wear these cream or ivory colors (seen in the bedding I chose for my dorm room) against my pale skin. Have any of you experienced this in your interior design choices?

Also, let me know if any of you have read the book/what you think of it

Wear your Chair can be purchased from Fairchild Books or Amazon

You can also listen to a pretty cool interview with the authors to learn more about the book at runawaydesign.com

P.S. Happy Birthday to me, I am officially not a teenager anymore. Weird!

Source: runawaydsign.com Image: Fairchild Books

Juxtaposition Design on American Apparel's Daily Update

2008-12-25T00:17:00.004-05:00

Not too long ago, American Apparel's Daily Update blog featured a little article written by yours truly! They posted about this article that I had written concerning their first LEED certified retail store. Click here to go the the Daily Update post.

I felt a slight sense of "eek!" since they mentioned the surprise I had towards the fact that they hadn't "gone green" with their retail stores sooner. But, in the end, I couldn't be more excited and honored since American Apparel is definitely one of my favorite stores!
In other news:Just discovered that Mary-Kate Olsen was ice skating at Rockefeller Center's ice rink the exact same night that I was at Rockefeller Center and I completely failed to see her. Did I mention how much I love Mary-Kate Olsen?Lame :(

Photo: http://www.mary-kateolsen.us/pictures/displayimage.php?album=231&pos=6

NYC & anticon.

2008-12-23T15:43:00.004-05:00

I got back from New York on Saturday night but, I have been sleeping a lot because I now have a really lame cold. My boyfriend and I made this 10 hour road-trip to New York for the Anticon 3rd Annual 10 Year Anniversary show at the Knitting Factory. Anticon is a record label comprised of almost all of our favorite music artists, so we knew that we couldn't pass up that chance to see them all on the same stage.

Here's a little photo re-cap of my trip:

Doseone telling the oral and musical history of Anticon (click for video)

Picture with my 2 favorites. Epic.

A Manhattan afternoon.

Alias killin' it!

Yoni Wolf (of WHY?) doing his solo set.(click for video)

What we were all waiting for - the cLOUDDEAD reunion. (click for video)

Then the 3rd night, we decided to head to Times Square and partake in touristy things.

Wes and I at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. This should probably be our Christmas card.

Happy Holidays! And also, a quick shoutout to May of the blog Mayk All Day Everyday. I randomly discovered May through Dapper Kid. May not only has awesome style, but was also coincidentally at the Anticon show, so be sure to check out her blog!

The Row Video Revisited

2008-12-13T23:58:00.003-05:00

One of my very first posts was about the video for one of Mary-Kate and Ashley's fashion lines, The Row. But, I wanted to take a second to revisit this video because as I started to flip through Influence, I discovered that this video is actually shot in Mary-Kate (and Ashley's?) house in Los Angeles. The first room you see is done in Mary-Kate's bedroom. I thought that was pretty interesting to find out since I fell in love with this space the very first time I saw the video.

Also, sorry for the absence. I have been catching up on sleep that I lost during the semester as well as planning a last minute road trip to New York (more details on this later).

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition That I Worked On!

2008-12-03T18:59:00.005-05:00

Yes, I really am that bad of a blogger. I totally forgot to tell you all that this past Sunday was the day that the episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that I participated in aired! Whoopsies...

I was trying to find some videos of the episode on YouTube so that it could be watched right here. Unfortunately I didn't have any luck with that. But, you can watch the full episode from abc's website here. (You might be prompted to install something for the video player. It only takes about 3 seconds to do so.)

However, I did find the next best thing for you to watch right here:

Below is a video walkthrough of the entire house. The video actually shows the master bedroom closet that I slaaaaaved away at organizing and getting camera ready. So be sure to check that fabulous closet out...at precisely 3 minutes & 18 seconds.

Hooray for 15 seconds of fame! Well...sort of.

One last CONGRATULATIONS to the Nickless family & a WAY TO GO to the Holt/MSU/Lansing/WhateverOtherCity for really coming together as a community.

Source: abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/

American Apparel Goes Green

2008-12-02T11:29:00.004-05:00

No, don't worry...the color green will not be splashed on every wall. You will still be able to find American Apparel's signature white walls with white gridwall systems and huge over-sexed graphics in the newest Manhattan store. But, what makes this store different is that it is the first American Apparel to be designed with sustainability as a focus.

Really though, it took American Apparel THIS LONG to actually take the plunge and build an eco-friendly store? They are one of the few companies that really prides itself on sweatshop-free manufacturing, all American made products, and support of immigration rights. They even offer organic t-shirts, tanks, and underwear. With all of the "good" they are doing, it was only before so long that they adopted this into the design of their retail spaces.

Store Profile:

Location: West Side of Manhattan (Hell's Kitchen)

Designer/Architect: Jordan Parnas Digital Architecture, Brooklyn, New York

Goal: To "go eco-friendly without screaming green"

Eco-Friendly Aspects:

Compact fluorescent lamps
recycled tiles
locally sourced wood flooring (certified by the Forest Stewardship Council)
LED illuminated storefront sign

LEED Certification: Anticipating LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification

Photo Credit/Source: www.jpda.net, vmsd. Magazine

You Could Be My Black Kate Moss Tonight

2008-12-01T16:10:00.003-05:00

Let me just apologize for school taking over my life. But, a week from today and I will be on winter break, which means doing absolutely nothing productive except for blogging, updating my online portfolio, and applying for summer internships.

Here's an interior for the day:

Yeah, that's a Kate Moss tapestry hanging in the living room of the Slayton House by world renowned architect I.M. Pei. I think it's bold and an awesome way to bring some high fashion (literally) right into a space.

What do you think? Who would you want on a tapestry hanging on your wall? Is that creepy?

Photo Credit: www.slaytonhouse.com

Finds at the Michigan Design Center: Part III

2008-10-24T23:03:00.000-04:00

This last part has a lot of random things just like that last 2 parts, but there's a good amount of art featured in this post.

I found the art piece above this bedroom display really cool. The orange chairs in front of the bed (though I doubt those would ever be there in real life) really help bring this "space" together. (The Designer Group)
Dining table from The Designer Group with an awesome asymmetrical base.
A very striking piece found at the TRA Art Group showroom
I guess this is just some sort of storage piece, but I really liked the shape and the single thick stripe down the center. (The Designer Group)
From the Baker showroom - An art piece that makes me think of Animal Collective
There were a bunch of different pieces like these at the TRA Art Group showroom. That's a monitor screen in the middle. I'm not in love with the idea of having to plug in a piece of art, but it's still a cool idea - and reminded me of being at Tate Modern in London.
A little piece of flooring from Beaver Tile & Stone. It's a leather tile surrounded by what is probably a metal alloy tile.
And one last sweet bed from The Designer Group! It's the white version of the first bed in Part I. The iridescent bedding added a unique touch and I also really like that cowhide chair.

So, that's about it for my trip to the Michigan Design Center. I hope I was able to show some pieces that maybe you haven't seen yet and also introduce you to some awesome companies/manufacturers.

Finds at the Michigan Design Center: Part II

2008-10-23T20:29:00.002-04:00

Time for part II!

This was one of the first room set-ups that really grabs your attention as you walk into The Designer Group showroom. Again, black & white accented with a huge pop of color. Usually red and yellow together freaks me out because I automatically think ketchup&mustard, but I actually love it here.
This chair was also in The Designer Group showroom and I fell in love with it as soon as i noticed the corset-esque detail on the back. I also really like the fabric it is upholstered in. I'd love to have a pair of these in a future living room of mine, positioned so that you can see their backs, of course.
A Buddha accessory from the Baker showroom. There were a ton of Asian accents throughout the Baker showroom, somewhat surprisingly to me. Asian inspired design has obviously been popular for quite some time now, and this just shows that it's not going anywhere yet, which is okay for me since I love Asian-inspired things.
I loved this chair in the Baker showroom. The fabric it is upholstered in creates a really cool effect - it's elegant but also because of the way the fabric catches the light, I think it creates almost a distressed look. Reminiscent of these two American Apparel shirts: 1 & 2
Another chair from the Baker showroom. I love the deep button tufting and this paired with the gold also creates a bit of an Asian feel (although I could just be making this up in my own head).
And lastly, I found these accessories from Baker really interesting. I like the shape and the variation of grays and blacks. And, what I really liked about them is that they reminded me of one of my favorite necklaces - cornicello necklace (the one I have is from Urban Outfitters).

It's funny how many of these pieces I liked because they reminded me of something else.

I hope you enjoy these pieces and don't forget to come back for the final installment tomorrow!

Finds at the Michigan Design Center: Part I

2008-10-22T20:34:00.003-04:00

This is going to be done in installments so I don't overload your brains with design goodness. Sometimes that happens to me when I look at other blogs that have amazing picture after amazing picture after amazing picture.

I recently went to the Michigan Design Center along with the rest of the junior interior design class as a field trip. We went there with a focus on a project we are currently working on but I found a ton of things along the way that I loved and knew I wanted to share with my readers!

This first photo is from my favorite showroom at MDC, The Designer Group. I walked into this showroom just so overwhelmed because everywhere I turned was something amazing. My friend Jess and I were even lucky enough to meet the showroom manager and she told us a little more about some of the products.

This is a sofa from Roche Bobois. I also was a huge fan of the black to white art against the gray wall in the back.

More from Roche Bobois. I think these low to the ground seating pieces are a new product of theirs. If you check out their website, you can see the variety of fabrics you can get them in and how many different looks you can achieve with these.

And, more from The Designer Group! I thought this table with the little metallic squares almost looked as if it were studded. And we all know how much I enjoy studded things. And, studded things are making their way into mainstream fashion as well - check out Fashion Toast's DIY studded fringe boots here.

Is anyone else noticing a pattern with black and white? I'm starting to question whether this is a trend right now or if I just gravitated naturally towards everything black and white...hmm..

Anyways, this asymmetrical table from Roche Bobois also really caught my eye.

Yay! Something from a different showroom! I found these at the Baker showroom and fell in love. Black, studded, AND leather!? SWEET!

These were found at The Designer Group. The showroom manager told us something really cool about the wood these were made out of but I unfortunately can't remember what it was. I also think they may be a sustainable product.

Neutral bed accented with violets at Roche Bobois. I think the purple trend is definitely starting to pass but nevertheless, this still got my attention.

Some more Roche Bobois, Black and white accented with electric green made an appearance in their showroom on more than one occasion, and I like it!

Okay! Well I think that's enough for your brains to hold right now! Make sure to stop back for Part II tomorrow!

Interview: Interior Design Idol-Serge Van Lian

2008-10-14T23:12:00.000-04:00

Serge Van Lian is a rockin' 28 year old interior designer already running his own business. And, yes, he was a part of this season of Top Design. Serge earned his bachelors degree from USC and then continued on to work in the field of music after graduation. He then moved to New York and discovered that interior design was really his true passion

As I let him know, I really admire his style and view-point on interior design. I find it unique and I love how Serge isn't afraid to push the limits and just do what he feels is beautiful. I totally look up to this guy and want to be able to follow my dreams and tackle my own interior design business at a young age, just as Serge has done.

Now, on with pictures of his gorgeous work and the interview...

How do you think music fits into interior design

Music and design are the same in my favorite way...creating something from nothing. And in the end...the effect is the same...music and design can inspire you or make you feel a certain way. I just love it when a beautiful space inspires musicians to write a song, or a fierce song inspires me to design in uncharted ways . Both art forms are so omnipresent in our every day...it touches our subconscious and translates into our behavior in ways we probably don't fathom.

Has anyone ever told you one of your ideas was too crazy? and how did you deal with this?
Yeah...that seems to happen sometimes. Like painting a bathroom black, turning old library card catalogues into benches, hanging a weigh scale on the wall, painting a ceiling gold, using handcuffs as a bathroom door lock....some of my ideas have been deemed as crazy. Maybe it's normal to consider a few of these ideas crazy. What's hard for people to understand is that's it's bigger than the idea alone, it's how the idea fits into the design as a whole. I like to incorporate a lovely balance in design where the bizarre juxtaposes traditional, and they play off each other. I find that 90 percent of the time when someone thinks an idea is lunacy, they end up really liking it in the end when all the design elements are in place. There's nothing to be scared of...get a little crazy sometimes and you'll smile more!

How did you actually take the plunge and start your own business?
It's like anything else I like to do or want to do...I simply did it. I learned that the most valuable thing on earth is time, and I wanted to spend it doing what I love and I'm best at so I can inspire others . It's really about becoming what you want to be and owning it.

What is your favorite "trend"/concept/interior design thing to use right now?
I don't have a favorite trend right now, but lately I've been incorporating a little bit of industrial chic in my designs. I take electrical boxes and turn them into candle sconces, use raw pipe as legs on a bench, use metallic silver paint as an accent, and then maybe mix it with a crystal chandelier and other traditional elements to add a touch of luxury.

Are you interested in only residential design?
Oh yeah...right now that's my thing. Designing apartments in New York City is the most fun I can have without getting into trouble.

What would be your dream project to work on?
Amanda Moore's Hollywood home and it's gonna happen soon! Well...we may just start with her bedroom cause I'm busy in New York and there's only so much L.A. I can handle.. But I'm a happy young designer!

What is your best piece of advice for future interior designers?
Simply design, let go of your fears, surround yourself with what's inspiring, and use your intuition more than relying on trends. Also...work with clients that you really love and vibe with. See you soon Amanda! xoxo

"Break rules, break convention, break glass, break habitsmake real change in your space and your life"

Serge- Thank you so much for this interview. It was amazing to see all your answers and find out a little more about you! I can only hope we'll be able to work together in the future. Keep up the amazing work! I cannot wait to see Amanda's spaces and whatever other design successes that I know you have coming your way.

Photo Credit: www.sergevanlian.com

Stats

2008-10-13T16:54:00.003-04:00

Currently: Studying for a huge East Asian Art History mid-term exam

Returning: Tomorrow evening

When I come back: That exciting interview I mentioned a couple posts ago!

In the meantime: While I study up on a Buddhas, Shivas, Stupas, Yakshis, etc., admire this Indian inspired art by Julie Evans

Spotted on: http://jessicasutton.blogspot.com, Credit: http://julieevans.blogspot.com/

Bloglovin'

2008-10-10T21:16:00.000-04:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin´

Check it!

Student Project: Ergonomic Chair for Acoustic Guitar Players

2008-10-10T19:00:00.002-04:00

Here's my most recently completed school project:

The Guitarist's Pick...because the ergonomic seat is in the shape of a pick AND, hopefully it will be the chair that guitarists pick haha

Concept: Although this chair cannot heal callused fingertips, it can aid the guitar player comfortably endure hours of guitar playing and practice. The chair features an extremely comfortable cushioned seat in a shape all guitar players can identify with - the guitar pick. This shape also allows for leg comfort since there is no seat edge to press against popliteals or cut-off circulation. The chair also features an adjustable foot prop so that both feet can be flat against the floor for maximum comfort. The foot prop can swing to both sides to accommodate left-handed and right-handed players, and it also moves up and down. The low cushioned back provides support for the lumbar region while also allowing the user to lean forward while playing. Finally, the chair is constructed of lightweight materials so that the chair can be easily moved from practice room, to jam session, to stage.
Section cut and anthropometric data used (Hip Breadth, Knee Height, Popliteal Height, Buttox to Popliteal, Buttox to Knee, Lumbar Height)
The Guitarist's Pick with measurements adapted to the 5% female measurements (Scale: 1 1/2"=1'-0")
The Guitarist's Pick with measurement adaption to my personal measurements (Scale: 1 1/2"=1'-0")
The Guitarists Pick with measurements adapted to the 99% male measurements (Scale: 1 1/2"=1'-0")
Model, front-side view (scale: 3"-1'-0)
Model, back-side view (Scale: 3"=1'-0")
Model, top view (scale: 3"=1'-0")

Critiques are welcomed and wanted!

Tagged!

2008-10-09T11:48:00.002-04:00

The amazing AVANT-GARDE tagged me and I now must share 6 quirky little details about myself! I also would like to take a second and really thank Avant-Garde for being so awesome. She has consistently commented on my posts, pointed me in the direction of some awesome bloggers, and has just been an all around friendly blogger buddy! Avant-Garde: Simply put, YOU ROCK!Make sure you check out her blog, she really finds some of the most unique and "against the grain" products, especially lighting.
So, here's 6 details about myself:
1. I do not have a favorite color. It's just way too hard for me to choose just one. So, how do I deal with this? Color options, especially in interiors, seem endless to me, so it's easy for me to end up with possibilities just racing through my mind.
2. I'm pretty tall, about 5'10", but I love wearing the tallest heels & wedges I can find.
3. I love chocolate, especially peanut butter and peanut M&Ms. But when I eat them, I don't just pop them in my mouth, I have to bite each individual M&M in half so that the peanut or peanut butter filling is in one half and the other half is just the empty shell. I have no idea why...
4. I'm currently working on 6 school projects. Yikes.
5. As a future professional interior designer, my hopes are to own my own business and design retail spaces, boutiques, high-end residential spaces, new york loft spaces, unique restaurants, salons/spas, and maybe some studio type spaces.
6. For the most part, my non-interior design classes at school have been focused on Asian studies. I've taken an Asian-American focused writing class, an Asia and the World history class, and I am currently in an Asian History of Art Class. I'm very interested in Japan and India, and enjoy learning about Buddhist & Hindu concepts and art.

HEY:
Karly & Erin at Design Crisis
Jessica at Daucus Carota
Laura Ingalls Gunn at Decor to Adore
Erin at Design for Mankind
Camilla at Designalogue
Jaime at Design Milk
TAG, YOU'RE IT!

the rules: link to the person who tagged you, list the rules, tag 6 others, and leave them a comment to let them know you've tagged them!

Photo Credit: woostercollective.com

Extreme Update: It's a Wrap

2008-10-08T13:57:00.003-04:00

Finally! A chance to update!

Well, last thursday was the beginning of move-in/staging day. It started off with us being in a pretty big rush at the HDD studio to complete all of the custom home fashions for the house. That is, until we found out they were running behind at the house and we weren't needed for another 2 hours. At first I was upset because I missed class AND the Obama rally for this but, I came up with a solution.

Since I don't really have much sewing experience and they seemed to have the cornice-building covered, me and 2 of the other girls decided to drive back over to campus and catch some of the Obama Rally. It was really crowded and the line to get in was still wrapping around campus, so we ended up just standing outside of the gated-in area. I was only able to hear Obama's voice echoing through the microphone and I got a glimpse of his hands moving when I peeked between some tree branches. But, oh well, at least I ended up actually getting to go...and hey, I got to see this cute dog, right?...

Then it was back to the studio! We packed into the care and headed over to the Extreme Makeover check-in where a bus took us to the site. It was pretty hectic when we got there, contractors were still installing things and furnishings were beginning to be moved in.

We did a variety of random things there - help move accessories to the basement to create "accessory world" (they basically pile everything up in the basement and then go "shopping" for the pieces they want to use in the house), stand in the pouring rain/freezing cold, stage the kitchen, eat some food, steam window treatments, organize clothes, install window treatments, eat some more food. We worked at the house until about 3 am. I came home, slept for about 3.5 hours, and was back at the house the next morning!

Friday morning was really exciting! The family was coming home that day so everyone was in a rush to finish, cameras were rolling, and I ended up in the master bedroom closet getting it ready for it's big TV debut with one of the other HDD girls. This job consisted of organizing and putting the clothes in perfect roy g biv order. Since the master bedroom is "Ty's Room" we got to chat with him a little and snap a quick picture.

We eventually all headed outside for "Move that Bus" where my mommy was waiting in the crowd. It was so awesome to finally see the family and see the looks on their faces when they saw the house.

Unfortunately, I cannot share most of my personal pictures until after the show airs, which should be in 6 to 8 weeks. So, tune in Sundays 8/7c on ABC, this should be a really awesome episode!

Extreme Update: It's Move-In Day!

2008-10-02T11:00:00.002-04:00

This is going to be a pretty quick post so that I can run over to the Obama Rally here on campus before I head to the HDD studio to help with any finishing touches before we head over to the Extreme Makeover house!

Only 2 hours until all the work being done at the HDD studio has to be completed, and I'm sure every last hour will be used up. Then we will be heading over to the house to drop things off, move furnishings in, and help stage the house!

Busy day! Updates, pictures, a really really really really exciting interview, all kinds of stuff COMING SOON!

P.S. Dear Senator Obama,

Let's please coordinate our schedules better next time so that I can actually see you speak. But, since you're here, you might as well stop by the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build, where I will be, so that you can see some CHANGE in action!

Oh yeah, and go register to vote, fools.

Juxtaposition of the Day

2008-09-29T23:00:00.000-04:00

These chic 200 crystal glass tubes hanging in the middle of this broken-down warehouse makes me so happy.
This chandelier is available in a variety of sizes (150 drop, 100 drop, etc.) and has optional frosted bands around each drop.

I originally saw this in Designalogue and the chandelier is available at Yellow Goat Design - they have some other really awesome products as well so check themout.

Photo Credit: www.yellowgoat.com.au

Extreme Update: Door Knock&Demolition

2008-09-28T11:08:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the lack of update of Friday, a.k.a. the day of the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition door knock. But today is an exciting day as well for this event, it's the day of demolition, in fact it's probably being demolished right about now.

I'm prohibited from revealing much about the project so I will only be passing along information that has already been published in news articles and information that does not reveal any specific details about the project.

At work on Friday, we received an exciting shipment from Extreme Makeover since we have volunteered to make some things for the interiors.

It has been published that the house that is being demolished is a deteriorating 1860's farmhouse belonging to a mother and three sons. The husband/father was a respected nurse and environmentalist who passed away after a 7 year battle with hepatitis C. The family is now vacationing at Disney World while the design team and volunteers are taking over!

I had to drive past the street friday just to get my fill of excitement for the day.

Here's a couple photos I snapped:

A store with their sign reading "CONGRATULATIONS NICKLESS FAMILY"

The street is completely blocked off for miles around

And, Ty Pennington has apparently been spotted at Dublins, a local bar/restaurant, and my boyfriend is almost entirely sure that he was at the same thrift store as Ty yesterday.

Passed Bills

2008-09-28T10:27:00.004-04:00

So, a couple days ago I posted this to ask for your help and make people aware of the bills HB4937 and SB1515 that we're trying to be passed. These bills could have possibly made practicing interior design a felony in Michigan, but at the end of my post I also said, "Although, part of me does wonder if letting these bills pass would assist in the passing of the bills to license interior designers." and it looks like that's more the direction we are now heading in.

The Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Committee under Chair Senator Alan Sanborn, held a hearing on the bill, SB1515, that will step up the penalty for practicing a profession for which one is not registered or licensed. The penalty could ultimately result in a felony punishable by prison. This penalty could also be levied against schools that offer programs in violation.

Last session this bill died without a hearing. However, this time around Senator Sanborn himself sponsored this bill in the senate.

CIDR president and other members went into the hearing with the expectation that this bill would be voted out of committee. Their hope was that they would table the bill until the fate of the interior design bills clear. It is good legislation and will not concern interior designers when we are licensed. CIDR's purpose for testifying was to raise awareness with the seven senators on this committee of the consequences that could follow if the interior design legislation does not pass. Although all seven senators voted in favor of SB1515 thereby moving it to the senate floor, our mission was still accomplished,

Interior designers are exempted from this bill. Here is the exemption:

An interior designer may perform services in connection with the design of interior spaces including preparation of documents relative to finishes, systems furniture, furnishings, fixtures, equipment, and interior partitions that do not affect the building mechanical, structural, electrical, or fire safety systems.

Sadly, this section of the bill as written does not entirely protect interior designers. The majority of work an interior designer performs, particularly those practicing in commercial design, affects the building system.

When the interior design bills actually come before the senate Commerce and Tourism as well as before the senate, a huge response will be needed.

A dream come true

2008-09-24T19:50:00.003-04:00

2 (or maybe I should say 3) of my favorite things are being combined in one big book of fashionable goodness and I'm as excited as a little girl.

These 3 things are Mary-Kate, Ashley, and Interior Design.
Yes, this book is going to be a dream come true, as cheesy as it is. I was already excited enough about this book just knowing the basics, a coffee table book about the designers and artists that have influenced MK and A over the past decade, but then I read THIS: "But I think the best part is their personal sections in which they share exclusive photos of their homes, family memories and prized possessions." (from marykateandashley.com)
Wishing I could see the interiors of where Mary-Kate and Ashley each live has been something I have thought about since probably middle school. I remember seeing an interview with them way-back-when where they gave a tour of their dressing room stating it was "shabby chic" and I specifically remember a white distressed coffee table with a vase packed full of white flowers.
The book is set to release October 28th, but it can be pre-ordered right now by clicking here.
I will now curl up with my favorite blanket and some pomegranate blueberry juice and study for my Human Dimensions exam tomorrow.
Photo Credit: phamova-olsen.ic.cz

Upcoming Event: ASID-MSU Student Chapter - 1st General Meeting!

2008-09-24T18:28:00.000-04:00

Be there or be square, classmates.

Interior Design a Felony?????

2008-09-23T23:00:00.001-04:00

Hey Michigan (or anyone who would like to help out): Immediate response is required to help defeat bills HB4937 and SB1515!

HB4937 and SB1515 (sponsored by Senator Sanborn) were just assigned a hearing date for tomorrow (Wednesday, September 24). These are the bills that will ultimately make it a felony to practice a profession for which one is not licensed or registered, and since there is currently no legislation for the licensing of interior designers in Michigan, this poses a little bit of a problem. This penalty is also extended to the schools that teach interior design.

Please email or phone each member of the Senate as well as your own senator with the message below. If you do not know who your senator is, use this link: http://senate.michigan.gov/ to find out. Please assist in this critical effort. Thank you!

Subject: Please vote NO on HB4937 and SB1515

Sample Text:

(Add as an interior designer, industry member, educator, interior design student, etc.) I am emailing to express my strong opposition to HB4937 and SB1515.

This proposed legislation puts the entire profession of interior design in jeopardy because it will ultimately make it a felony to practice a profession for which a person is not licensed or registered. Interior designers in this state are not licensed or registered.

In this state, fifteen colleges and universities have in place programs that provide a separate and unique body of knowledge that educate and train the interior designer. These bills will in due course prohibit graduates of these schools to practice their profession in Michigan.

Without the necessary statutory changes to HB4770, HB4771, and HB4772 now before the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee, interior designers will be put out of business by HB4937 and SB1515. HB4770, HB4771, and HB4772 sponsored by State Representatives Bill Huizenga and Andy Meisner will provide valid recognition to interior designers through licensure.

I ask you to please vote NO on HB4937 and SB1515. Thank you!

(Provide your contact information)

Senate Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Committee

Use this group link to email all the committee at once:

SenASanborn@senate.michigan.gov, SenRRichardville@senate.michigan.gov, SenJAllen@senate.michigan.gov, SenJGilbert@senate.michigan.gov, SenBThomas@senate.michigan.gov, SenGJacobs@senate.michigan.gov, SenTAHunter@senate.michigan.gov

Senator Alan Sanborn, Chair - Republican of District 11
T: 517-373-7670 - E: SenASanborn@senate.michigan.gov

Senator Randy Richardville, Vice Chair - Republican of District 17
T: 517-373-3543 - E: SenRRichardville@senate.michigan.gov

Senator Jason Allen - Republican of District 37
T: 517-373-2413 - E: SenJAllen@senate.michigan.gov

Senator Judson Gilbert - Republican of District 25
T: 517-373-7708 - E: SenJGilbert@senate.michigan.gov

Senator Buzz Thomas, III, Minority Vice Chair - Democrat of District 4
E-mail Address: SenBThomas@senate.michigan.gov

Senator Gilda Jacobs, - Democrat of District 14
T: 517-373-7888 - E: SenGJacobs@senate.michigan.gov

Senator Tupac A. Hunter - Democrat of District 5
T: 517-373-0994 – E: SenTAHunter@senate.michigan.gov

This is all pretty crazy, interior design a felony in Michigan?

Although, part of me does wonder if letting these bills pass would assist in the passing of the bills to license interior designers.

I shall now ponder this further...

Student Project: "Green House"

2008-09-23T12:15:00.004-04:00

This is the beginnings of my first group school project of the semester. We are working in groups of 3 to design a de-institutionalized long-term care facility for elders who are residents, or would like to be residents, of Porter Hills in Grand Rapids, MI. This concept of making these nursing homes feel more like an actual home is known as the Green House Project.

Since learning to program and conceptualize is a big focus of this class, we began with each team making a concept powerpoint presentation, so here's ours:

Critiques and ideas are openly welcome and wanted, I encourage you to leave a comment

Professor's Comment: "Overall good project description but this is not an assisted living facility"(This has already been taken care of and changed to long-term care facility)
Professor's Comment: "You might want to think about that the proponents of these types of nursing homes are pro-aging. They don't agree that aging is a negative things but a natural part of life. Old people may lose a physical capability but gain lots of things that younger people don't have such as wisdom, experience, etc. And they are happy with what they have and who they are."Professor's Comment: "Some of these things have nothing to do with young or old. For instance, music may be something that old and young people both enjoy even though they may not like the same kind of music"

Professor's Comment: "Creating outdoor spaces is a good idea but you need to think about how to secure the space for people with dementia so, they don't escape from the nursing home.""Nobody in a nursing home can walk fully on their own. If they can, they don't go to a nursing home!"
Professor's Comment: "Good idea" (regarding the "laughing" concept)
Professor's Comment: "The visual images should be related to your concepts that you discussed above"(we only included pictures of actual home environments to show that we want to make in as far from institutionalized as possible)

Professor's Comment: "It is overall good but can be further improved" "Not clear. How do you improve mind?" (regarding sentence "it is a place to improve the mind while inspiring a social community")

I think some of my professors comment's were due to some misunderstandings, but that just means our group has to work on communicating our concept more clearly. We are also trying to make our project have something really unique to differentiate ours from the other teams. Our first strategy for this was using a vibrant and warm color scheme. We figured that most people would be using the soothing greens/blues that are typically thought of, and while most people did, there were also a couple that went for the "fall color" route.
I look forward to your input!

Officially Pepped for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

2008-09-20T23:00:00.002-04:00

The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Pep Rally yesterday was awesome! I walked in there definitely not know what to expect, but what I found was a ton of volunteers, a ton of MSU students from the School of Planning, Design, and Construction and the show's production team. Here's 2 articles where some of my interior design classmates can be seen: Article 1, Article 2

The first people to speak to us were the people from Mayberry Homes, the company that is donating the actual house that is going to be built. They did a little introduction of their staff and explained how they got involved with the project.

After that, the producers of the show from Lock and Key Productions dove in and got everyone excited for the project. They explained how everything works, told us what kind of donations were still needed, and showed us various video clips, like the time lapse video I included below and others that left me choked up and almost in tears from time to time. But, that's Extreme Makeover for ya!

It's crazy how the show is actually completed, with the house being built in a mere 106 hours!

We were also told that Ty Pennington flys back and fourth between 2 projects during the time of the door knock/build! Talk about a busy life!

If anyone would like to make a donation towards this project and help the family in need please do so by clicking here

This truly is going to be one amazing experience and I might have some additional exciting news about the project very soon!

Rockin' Interior

2008-09-19T00:30:00.002-04:00

This space rocks, figuratively and literally. In fact, it's been rocking out for real for about 35 years now. This space I'm talking about is the legendary CBGB's at 315 Bowery in New York City. A little history on this place? It was founded by Hilly Kristal in 1973 and became famous as the birthplace for punk rock.

Well, CBGB closed in October of 2006 but by November 2007, it was announced that fashion designer John Varvatos would be opening a store in this space. And, so he did, while simultaneously preserving everything that CBGB previously stood for. I personally think John Varvatos is a perfect fit for CBGB, he has always had a love for rock music and even Alice Cooper is a wearer of the John Varvatos brand.
Store Front
A view into the boutique where you can see vintage guitars framed under glass and rare band posters that Varvatos searched long and hard for.
Some of the most important details of the space are pictured above, including a vintage TV, an original coat rack now used to display jeans, walls covered in graffiti and stickers that were dusted off with paintbrushes and preserved like historic frescoes, a stage displaying shoes that can still be used for jam sessions, and bins loaded with John Varvatos' personal vinyl collection.(and this is my shoutout to Detroit Rock City since Varvatos grew up there)
And this has to be my all time favorite photo of the space. The 30 gorgeous chandeliers juxtaposed against the rugged rock n' roll surroundings just totally depicts my overall view on design. (This is the kind of thing I was going for with my new header that I recently added...oh juxtaposition!)This photo also shows a pretty good view of the oak floors that the design team reclaimed from barn salvage and stained to make them look worn.
I will now go off and dream about doing a perfect project like this when I am a professional interior designer.
Photo Credit: Interior Design Magazine (interiordesign.net)

EXTREME!

2008-09-18T11:00:00.002-04:00

EXTREME MAKEOVER:HOME EDITION

Well, I'm pretty sure this news has already spread throughout the Lansing area but for those of you who don't know, Extreme Makeover Home Edition is coming to Lansing. That's right, Ty Pennington and his whole crew are heading up a project practically right up the street from where I live.

Everyone's getting pretty pumped about it, especially my fellow-students and other people in the trade want to really get in on the action. I personally signed up to volunteer individually, but Hart-Davidson Designs (where I intern) has signed up as a group, as well as the School of Planning, Design, and Construction here at Michigan State University.

The company teaming up with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Mayberry Homes, has requested the MSU School of Planning, Design, and Construction to put teams together. This includes teams created from all disciplines - Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Construction Management, and Urban & Regional Planning. The interior design team will be 2 teams of 10 ID students that are being selected by the heads of the department. Still waiting to hear more info on this like how the students are being selected and who is actually being selected (will report back on this :D ).

Either way, I hope to be involved in SOME way, whether I'm just a person in the masses waving my arms behind Ty Pennington and yelling "MOVE THAT BUS!" (see picture below) or if I actually get to have my hands in on the work/design.

Tomorrow I will be attending the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition kickoff pep rally (hopefully with the bf in tow):

September 19, 2008

8am - 10am

St. John's Student Parish

327 M.A.C. Avenue, East Lansing

I will update with all the EXTREME info after tomorrow's pep rally

Photo Credits: extreme makeover: home edition & seattle.redfin.com

Newdio

2008-09-13T04:03:00.006-04:00

Well, as some of you may know, I intern as assistant project manager at Hart-Davidson Designs. HDD is a company that is truly growing at a rapid pace, which is good since the plan is to "take over the world" one day (according to the owner, Leslie). Our most recent development in helping us move towards taking-over-the-world-status has been moving from our 800 sq. ft. studio on Leslie's property (deemed the Oldio), to a 2,000 sq. ft. retail space (deemed the Newdio). The move was stressful and tiring, but extremely well worth it!

Here's some before photos where you can see the ridiculously huge and open floorplan we have to work with, as well as the icky icky paint colors that I guess somebody thought was a good idea...hmm....

Here's us in the process of painting all of those huge walls what we like to call "HDD Blue". The goal was to make this new studio resemble the old studio as much as possible. The old studio is a style Leslie likes to call "industrial barn". This consists of barn-like architecture, jean fabrics, galvanized steel roofing, some silver peg-board, etc.

And here's what the studio is today! It is still a work in progress, but it's coming very very close to finishing. These photos are actually from the way we had the studio set up for an open house to recruit interns, so the furniture arrangement is a little shifted to make room for all those chairs you can see in the lower left corner of the first photo. The second photo is of our logo painted on the wall, I painted the letters while Leslie and one of the interns painted the dragonfly. And, the bottom picture shows a view into our little kitchen area (minus the refrigerator)

And, in celebration of all this new-ness, I also made a NEW layout and NEW header for my blog! Yay!!!

Master Renderer: Paul Maguire

2008-07-21T20:35:00.013-04:00

Renderings and interior illustrations always amaze me. I've drawn almost all my life so, as an interior design major, I view rendering as an important artistic outlet. Rendering adds a personal touch and a uniqueness that could never be achieved through the use of a modern computer.

I commonly get to do presentation renderings at my current interior design internship at HDD, but I still definitely want to improve my rendering skills, it's one of my major goals. I have noticed an improvement just through the work i've done at HDD, but I've also been meaning to sketch as much as I can....which I have not been doing a good job of. As I was thinking of other ways I could improve my rendering skills, it came to me. I knew I needed to research artists and emulate the ones that make me think "I want to be able to do that!". I decided to take it one level further and try to catch an interview (via email) with these amazing renderers. This is not only a great learning experience for me but I hope to help out my readers as well. And so I introduce to you my first renderer interviewee...Paul Maguire:

What is your name?

Paul Maguire

What company are you involved with?

No company, I work independently.

How did you get involved with interior renderings?

I got involved with a small design office run by one of the instructors at the Cleveland Institute of Arts, where I attended school. I had some friends working there, and they encouraged me to get involved. I taught myself to do perspective drawings, then interviewed for a freelance job. After 3 years I moved to New York, and have been working in the field ever since.

What materials do you commonly use?

Pencil, prismacolor, watercolor.

What is your favorite medium to work in?

Pencil

What is your favorite rendering tip/secret?

Practice, practice, practice.

What do you find to be the most difficult part or rendering?

Each rendering offers its own unique challenge. I think the most difficult task is to convey the spirit of a place, rather than just the details. In addition to the architecture itself, the activity within the space and the lighting are the most important.

What has been most beneficial to your rendering skills (classes, books, experimentation, etc.)?

Looking at and emulating the work of artists I admire. Watching them work when I'm able. Instructional books are almost no help.

Do you have any advice for students that want to improve or pursue rendering?

Do as much drawing as possible. Sketch all the time. Experiment. Challenge yourself.

Anything else you would like to say?

Drawing skills are still highly valued in architecture and design at present, even with the ubiquity of the computer. Designers with good drawing skills are never out of work, and also seem to be the most talented at design. I believe an ability to sketch one's ideas clearly shows a basic understanding of form, which leads to a solid design sensibility. Even in the fields of animation for film and video games, the initial concept work is done by pencil artists. Computers do mostly finish work. If you must use a computer for your illustrations, use it as a tool rather than a solution.

You can check out more of Paul's renderings here. They are all quite amazing.

Photo Credits: www.maguirender.com

Next Big Thing: Fringe

2008-07-20T22:46:00.006-04:00

More specifically, suede leather fringe. It's everywhere in fashion right now and interior design usually ends up following suit. Even I had give in to this trend with the purchase of some TopShop sandals and Minnetonka boots.

So, where exactly will leather fringe pop up in the design world? I'm thinking toss pillows. My initial though was a square pillow with just rows of overlapping fringe. I tried to find a picture of this online but it apparently doesn't exist yet. I did find a few good options though:

I'm not sure when or where this trend will pop up, but I think it will come eventually. As for now, I'll just have to wait and keep searching or fabricate one myself. I saw the perfect trim to make what I had in mind at Joann Fabrics just the other day.

Photo Credits: topshop.com, google image

A Look Inside: Rick Owen's Apartment

2008-07-10T21:03:00.003-04:00

For those who don't know, Rick Owen's is an amazing American fashion designer with an avant-garde and edgy style. His pieces are extremely popular among young Hollywood - you'll see everyone from a pregnant Nicole Richie in one of his dresses to Ashley Olsen in one of his famous leather jackets.

So here's a look into his industrial-wilderness, antler-scattered, Paris apartment;

Personally, I find this last picture a litte far...to the point that I wasn't even going to post it. But, at the same time...it just wouldn't be Rick Owens without it.

Photo Credits: www.owenscorp.com, seaofshoes.typepad.com, stylezeitgeist.com

Back to Blogging

2008-06-24T01:29:00.002-04:00

Well, I've totally neglected this thing ever since I got back from Study Abroad/London. So much happened there and I was away from a computer so long that once I got back I felt like I had no idea where to begin. But, I am going to get back into my blog as soon as possible! I have tons I want to post on...the hard part is figuring out exactly where to start. Possibly right where I left off???

hmm....

On My Way Home From London

2008-06-12T12:00:00.001-04:00

Just a jump over the pond tonight and I'll be back in the States by tomorrow!

London

2008-06-08T20:00:00.001-04:00

Tonight I'm channeling my inner Briton in London, England!

I may or may not come home with an English accent.

Milan

2008-06-06T12:00:00.001-04:00

Today I'm being fashionable in Milan, Italy!

Vicenza

2008-06-04T12:00:00.001-04:00

Today I'm in Vicenza, Italy!

Venice

2008-05-31T12:00:00.001-04:00

Today I'm in Venice, Italy!

Florence

2008-05-26T12:00:00.001-04:00

Today I'm in Florence, Italy!

Naples

2008-05-24T12:00:00.001-04:00

Today I'm in Naples, Italy!

Rome

2008-05-17T12:00:00.001-04:00

Today I'm in Rome, Italy!

I'm a horrible blogger

2008-05-16T02:25:00.002-04:00

I have been SO busy lately and I am off to Italy in a mere 10 hours! Tons of stuff has been happening lately and I hope to update this blog with everything as soon as I return from studying abroad.

So, what's all this stuff that's been consuming my life as of recent? Well, I've been constantly preparing for this European adventure, I completed my training session and couple days of interning at Hart-Davidson Designs, and I bleached my hair (and managed to have a hair crisis tonight when I realized the conditioner my hair dresser convinced me to purchase tinted parts of my newly ashy- bleached-blonde locks blue...thanks a lot...).

Anyways, sorry for NEVER updating. I have my blog set so that a post will automatically be published whenever I change cities in Europe :) and I may try to attempt some posts while I'm actually abroad.

When I get back from my trip I have upcoming posts on;

my internship

more student work

more of my projects

and probably lots on Italy and London!

Ciao for now!

CONGRATULATIONS!

2008-05-11T02:58:00.004-04:00

WE'RE IN!

I've been so busy lately so I was unable to post this on the actual day of this monumental event!

But, on Friday, the 40 students accepted into the upper division interior design class of 2010 received their e-mails! Me and 3 of my bestest friends in the whole wide world are now officially professional level interior design majors!

Congrats to EVERYONE that has gotten accepted!

To Andrea, Chrissy, and Jess: We made it! We were dwindled from 120 to 40 (and even though most of that dwindling was done somewhat voluntarily, this is still a HUGE accomplishment). I'm proud of all of you for sticking it out through the thoughts of wanting to change your major. I think back and it's amazing the progress we've made in these short 2 years. We moved from "P.J." to using our "6B's" to cutting magazines to shreds and making a book out of them to finally completing actual renderings and presentation boards. We've learned the importance of a good mat board, clean copies, and an all-nighter (or 2..or 3...or 4........). Most importantly, you guys have truly become my best friends in these 2 years. And, even though you guys had your project parties in Case while I stayed attached to the convenience of having a drafting table in my dorm room, I can honestly say that I couldn't have done it without you. Anyways, we made it through the tears, fear, sweat, headaches, and worry and I LOVE YOU!

Something I LOVE

2008-05-06T15:11:00.009-04:00

I am IN LOVE with these chairs my Jimmie Martin!

Jimmie Martin is based in London. They design their pieces on commission but existing pieces can also be purchased.

It's elegance meets the unexpected with these chairs - something I truly love.

They also design a number of different upholstered pieces and case goods. Above are just a few of my favorites - they're tongue-and-cheek and sexy but beautiful all at the same time.

I really want learn how to re-upholster chairs and possibly try something like this. It's on my summer to-do list.

Welcome to My Room

2008-05-06T02:50:00.007-04:00

With moving back home from college, I thought it would be necessary to show where I lived for the past school year. Being an interior design major there were 2 things that were really important for my dorm room; 1. It needed to be decorated and 2. It needed to be a single so that I could have a drafting table and during project times i could allow my room to turn into a tornado of boards, materials, and tools without having to worry about a roommate caring.

So, here is some photos of my own personal dorm room that I designed/decorated. I wanted my room to slightly reflect the style of the actual dorm building, which is a traditional collegiate-gothic style with gorgeous ivy and ornamentation. My room had some traditional influences juxtaposed with a few personalized things you wouldn't expect.

Sleeping area with the ever-important Minus the bear (hah - we'll see if anyone catches the importance of my bear's name) and the Led Zeppelin poster.

Work Space where countless hours and late nights were spent working on projects.

Mirror Arrangement above my dresser

Another view of my dorm room

Next Big Thing: Clear

2008-05-03T02:40:00.005-04:00

Clear pieces have begun to be slowly integrated into design and I predict that this trend will soon come on in full force.

Pieces like these tend to be made of glass, plastic, acrylic, or polycarbonate and are coming to be known as "ghost pieces", which comes from one of the original pieces of this nature, the Louis Ghost Chair by Philippe Starck for Kartell. These pieces can create some really awesome layering effects in a space and I've already started to play around with this clear trend in a couple of my design projects. One project included a glass table with 2 clear chairs, and, most recently, I included glass bedroom walls into one of my designs.

End of the semester & Avey & Kría

2008-04-25T18:43:00.007-04:00

Sorry for the extremely minimal amount of updates lately. Finals week and summer is just around the corner so I've been working intensely on my final design project, preparing for tests, writing a paper, applying for jobs/internships/scholarships, and preparing (mostly mentally) for my study abroad trip to Italy. Phew!

I'm still chipping away at my final design project. I've been feeling really weird about it since presentations were last Monday/Wednesday so I felt like some weight should have been lifted off my shoulders, but then every time I walk into to my room I see it sitting there still needing to be finished and detailed! It is actually due this coming Tuesday though so I just gotta keep on pushing! Here's some exciting news about my project though;

My clients for the project are Dave Portner (A.K.A. Avey Tare), the lead vocalist of Animal Collective, and his wife Kristín Anna Valtysdóttir (A.K.A. Kría Brekkan), former member of the Icelandic band múm.

I was trying really hard to contact them to find out more about their taste and make the experience more realistic, and, Kría e-mailed me back last week! I almost died when I saw "Kria Brekkan" in my inbox. Here's my questions and her answers:

Could the size of your family possibly change over the next 5 years?

Yeh possibly!

What do you like to do in your free time?

we both like making visual art. listen to music, make music, we both read alot, and sometimes watch movies.

What are your current ages?

26 and 29

How tall are both of you?

both 171 cm

The space is to be located in New York. Any specific city or area you like?

we [like] fort green[e] and red hook

Do each of you have a need for individual privacy?

actually alot.

Do you have any pets?

no but would happily wana have pets. our appartment is too small now.

Do either of you make art, other than music?

yeh we do! and kindof make mess

What colors inspire you?

the whole spectrum

What design style do you like most?

i like everything very old and wooden. but not in any country-kindof way. I like white space too, and light and brightness. and oddly shaped spaces,,or kind of,,like on different platforms.

I loved reading her answers. They were so perfect, from the broken-english, to the occasional misspelling, to their heights given in centimeters. These two are such creative and awesome people. It really made my project so much more exciting. Just reading them again as I post this made me feel a lot more motivated to start working on my project right now..so I better go and do that before I lose momentum again!

On a final note, I want to keep featuring other design students work like I did in my previous post. So, if anyone has a project they would like to share, please e-mail pictures/scans and a short (or in-depth) explanation of the project to kickbackcustoms@gmail.com. Make the subject something like "ATTN: Student Project for Blog" and I would be happy to feature your work!