Mobile Interior Design Studio

The last few weeks I have been traveling from interior design client to interior design client and I thought yesterday – I need a mobile design studio. I have always had a crazy desire to remodel and design the interior of an Airstream Trailer. Wouldn’t that be a great mobile interior design office?  I could have all my samples and catalogs right there to show my clients. I think it would be a novel idea.

Early last year I saw this post on Apartment Therapy and that is what got me to thinkin’

Then I saw this post on Autoblog. The automakers of the Mini Cooper have joined with Airstream to create this concept. Together with Danish furniture designer, Republic of Fritz Hansen, the companies have created a concept Mini Cooper S Clubman coupled to a matching 22-foot Airstream trailer with a "down-by-the beach" feel. Looks very stylish to me.

I found this cutie on CycloContractor, already for me to stuff the shelves with textiles, tile, carpet, and paint chips. Oh, my creative mind is reeling.......

Cardboard Trophies - YES

This is just about the cutest thing!! Cardboard animal trophies. One of the exhibitors at Las Vegas World Market was Cardboard Safari and I just fell in love with their designs. Scott Jessee and I talked for a long while about his product. You will be seeing Bucky, Eyan or Fred in one of my design projects!!

Shapes and Silhouettes

What a great way to begin my 2012 design career by attending the Las Vegas World Market Trade Show. And it was a fascinating experience. The first few days I networked with many people and attended interesting events and seminars. Having made my rounds to the showrooms that I had open accounts with and completed all appointments, I decided on my last day at the show to just explore and discover what was new. I quickly began to recognize recurring themes - horses, topography, and a riot of colorful fun.  Here are a few of my favorites from Liora Manne, Surya, Guildmaster, Safavieh, and Global Views.

Historic Patterns

As I leaf through my design magazines I have noticed an increase in the presence and popularity of Ikat (pronounced ee-kat) and Chevron patterns.  Both patterns have long histories, yet when I mention them to my clients, they often look a little befuddled.

The Chevron pattern is generally known for its use in military insignia and is a V-shape.  The number of chevrons on your badge indicates the length of service or rank. Ikat is an extraordinary fabric originally woven throughout Central Asia. It is very intricate and labor intensive as each strand of thread is individually dyed, then woven into stunning and vibrant patterns. The name Ikat symbolizes strength, beauty and resilience.  

I adore both patterns as they feel energetic to me.  Add vigorous colors, and it becomes a recipe for success.

Concept to Completion

designDIRECTIVE
Renovate an existing restaurant with a limited budget and restricted time frame.

designCONCEPT
Monsoon Cuisine of India restaurant is inspired by a deep blue squall of a monsoon storm and the rich and vibrant spices of Indian food. Maintaining a modern and contemporary aesthetic, brilliant tonal variations of brick red, blue, and coastal gray are displayed on the walls. Concrete flooring is polished to a lustrous sheen like a calm lake. Stainless steel accents are balanced with rich wood tables and chairs.  Sparkling chandeliers provide just the right amount of animation for the small space.

See mention of me in this article from Sacramento Press

Resources: Zuo Modern, West Elm, Z Gallerie, Jenco Companies, Benjamin Moore Paint, Inland Paint Company, Astra Contract Furniture.

Does Good Design Mean Expensive Design?

Does good design mean expensive design? Not necessarily. Money buys neither taste nor good design. My restaurant project had a minuscule budget and my client didn't know what they wanted, couldn't make choices when they were presented with them, and when they did make a choice, they did not stick by those decisions. But we got through it. I believe the result is a very pleasant environment that is both comfortable and functional. While there are no unique design moments in the space, there are also no huge mistakes, and most importantly, the design supports the food, which should be the star.

Artwork

A big challenge in the design for my restaurant client was the existing stainless steel sheeting covering the bar. Since the budget was extremely tight, removing the stainless steel was not an option.  Tactile elements involve people with their surroundings and it is important because it can make a room feel psychologically warm and comfortable or cold and uninviting, such as the stainless steel.  To balance this strong element, the decorative surface like table tops, upholstery, and artwork where selected to balance the environment. An important element was the artwork. It was commissioned from an artist in India to coordinate with the color palette and relate the Monsoon and Indian identities. I think it is extremely beautiful.