Warm Modern Design or Transitional Design

Why are so many people afraid of Modern Design? I think most of us think Modern has to be bright white rooms with lots of glass, metal furniture and cold surfaces. Throw the word Warm in front of Modern and it changes the entire look. Is Warm Modern Design the same thing as Transitional Design without having to use the word Modern?

Earlier this week I attended the ribbon cutting and dedication of the Founder’s Room at Cedars Sinai that I designed. Many people asked how I would describe the style. I think it’s a good example of Transitional Design or Warm modern design if you’re not afraid of the word modern.

The beginning phase of my design process - creating a furniture plan that creates flexible seating

After finalizing the furniture plan, I create a perspective drawing to understand the volume of space. At the same time, I start pulling fabrics for the furniture pieces.

Once fabrics, furniture and colors are finalized, I add color to the perspective drawing so my clients can approve the design and understand my vision. It’s easier to describe a style visually instead of with words.

The finished room - showing a few changes that were made. I reselected the chandeliers with a dark bronze metal to ‘warm’ up the important light fixtures

My goal was to create a design that felt warm, welcoming and functional. Whatever style it’s labeled, the important thing is that it reflects a clear vision that was carried through from start to finish. That is the beauty of design, not defining it with words, but with a vision.

Easy Looks on a Budget

With everyone tightening their belts in this economy, I’ve been asked by magazines and morning shows about how to update a room without spending a lot of money. My advice is simple - look in your backyard or the neighborhood park

I love the look of branches tossed in a simple clear vase. In this case, one of my favorite leaves comes from the silver dollar Eucalyptus tree. Not only do they offer a fresh look in any room with their silver-like leaves, they also smell great. The key to keeping them fresh longer is to cut a 1/2” off the base of the branch every time you replace the water (every 2 days)

These branches come from the papyrus plant and have these huge pom poms that bring in drama and height. I’ve seen this plant for sale at most Home Depots for about $20 and if you keep it in a bucket of water (it loves water!) you can keep it inside near bright light and have cuttings for arrangments all year round.

Not everyone has a fig tree in their backyard, but anytime you can use branches with fruit on them it adds great interest to any room. I especially like using containers like this watering bucket for a vase!

Even after branches have lost their green, dried leaves can add just the right look for a fall tablescape

What? I like something Faux Finished?

I have long been tired of seeing sponge painted walls and furniture. It reminds me of the 90’s when everyone was running to the craft store to buy sea sponges and spending weekends concocting color combos that did not seem natural. I remember walking into a friends apartment where she mixed black and blue and I thought it looked like a bruised wall.

But after doing some shopping for a perfect green accent for a project, I have fallen in love with the look of malachite, even the faux stuff

A polished piece of real malachite - this alone would work as an accessory. The pattern and bright green color is magical. I’d love to have a bunch of these stones in a large brass bowl on a coffee table or console. Yummy

This Faux Malachite mirror from one of my favorite sources Chapman Radcliff would look fantastic in a powder room over a vanity or in an entry hallway over a yellow painted chest.

What an amazing pair of tables. I could use these as nightstands in a guest room or on either side of a sofa in a media room. Love love love. From the store Downtown on LaCienega in LA

Boxes and small chest are always a great accessory that can work in any room. This faux Malachite box signed by Maitlan Smith is a bit too formal for my project, but I still love it. I use boxes everywhere to hold remotes, cuff links, pencils, keys. All the things that you use everyday should have a nice home to hide in.

So…........going for Faux isn’t so bad when done right and in small doses - that’s my new rule

Fresh Fall Colors and Patterns

I normally lean toward warm browns and rich reds for a fall color palette, but I’m breaking away from tradition this season with muted greys, blues, greens and lighter browns. I’m also loving new patterns along with good ‘ole faithful plaid.

I love throwing a modern piece of furniture into a traditional setting like this one. I’m even more in love with this fabric from Travers. How great is this pattern?
Item: Teawood Damask I Labyrinth I Jaspe Stripe

The toned down blue/green paired with light brown really represent the color palette I’ve been working in on a few projects. The mix of patterns seen in the pillows is the easiest way to update a sofa. I love Romo Fabrics. I used one of their fabrics for my bedspread.
Item: Cushions I Adelphine Alpine, Alani Apline & Elsa Alpine
http://www.romofabrics.com/2008_manderley3.htm

Check out this Saturday nights episode of OverDesigned when I help out a guy who has overdone his room with an African Theme.  My favorite part of this episode is showing how to feature your favorite items in a room.  TLC 8:30pm

A modern chair with a traditional plaid - this is where design is headed. Mixing it up, breaking the rules and having fun doing it. I could see using these chairs in any room paired with a solid colored chesterfield sofa or a room with paisley wallpaper.
Chair:Dempsey Armchair
http://www.cb2.com
Item: 7C146