Getting a Look

Look is one of those words that when you stare at it long enough and repeat it in your head, it sounds like a funny word. I find myself using the word Look often and take the word for granted in conversation. One of the early steps in my design process is defining the Look for a client. Without a clear definition, it is impossible to start a project on the right track. So how do I define a look? It’s one of those words that must be conveyed by images, not words.

I know many of you face the same challenge as I get this question often in the Messages and Questions section of my site. Where do I start my project? How do I know if I am heading in the right direction? I don’t think I have a style, or do I?

Here is a simple and fun project that can help to define a look. With each project, I create boards that help to convey a look or emotion. It is as simple as going through catalogs and magazines and pulling images that represent the direction my client has communicated to me. The interesting thing that happens, is once you pull your images and before you attach them to a board, you must edit out images that do not fit. Limit your board to 20x32. This editing process will help you to narrow your focus and create the Look you’re after

For this project in San Francisco we started with an image board which then translated into a board of fabrics and wallpaper.

Once you develop a look board, all decisions become easier to make as you have focused your mind in a clear direction.

For a project in Maui, we started with a Lifestyle Look board first since our clients were making a big lifestyle change from their current home on the mainland.  By clearly defining the new lifestyle, we were able to move onto the Design Look Board.  The design process should always feel like a natural progression that builds on top of a strong understanding of your Look.

One Week Left

What a big week ahead. Not only will I be wrapping up my TV show this week, but I’ll be adding the finishing touches to a large project my firm completed. Its definitely a time for new beginnings as I wrap up these endeavors, especially for my personal life. We’re still on schedule for the birth of Harper on August 18th. Her nursery is now complete with 24 butterflies hanging from the nursery ceiling along with upholstered walls and sweet purple and grey drapes.

Since I’ll be finished with the show, it will be nice to have my weekends back. I can tell the crew is getting excited too. Thought you’d enjoy a few behind the scenes photos-

Dawn, our Production Coordinator keeps us on our toes and brings humor to the set. As you can see, she has a knack for making costumes out of anything

Doug above and Amos below are responsible for making the rooms look amazing on camera. Shooting in a small space is challenging, but they make it seem easy.

Resident comedian, Justin, is our Production Assistant. Not only does he stand guard of the production truck, but he keeps me laughing with his stories and brings me doughnuts every morning. Today is his last day and we’re all going to miss him.