“The Living Lantern” by NEON & Frankie Boyle Studio
Transcendence & Guiding Light
July 16th, 2021
In many cultures, lanterns symbolize the inner light that guides the soul through periods of darkness, while promising the dawn of a new day. On their website, Neon and Frankie Boyle Studio describe “The Living Lantern” as “a kinetic / light installation. It has a dynamic, wind responsive outer membrane that opens and closes to filter the light from its core.” This project was inspired by the drastic changes that have taken place throughout the pandemic. This installation was a collaboration born out of these artists’ shared desire to illustrate humankind’s responsive capability.
It was created to offer hope and guidance through times of darkness. In honor of the strength and courage we posses and utilize in order to adapt to change, and work together while facing challenging situations. The Living Lantern is meant to kindle a sense of hope, offer joy, and enliven the public spaces that have recently been quiet and felt unsafe. Lanterns remind us of our ability to find our way in the world and speak to our innate inner strength.
Make Space Pop
May 31, 2023
CRATE & BARREL's new collections by Leanne Ford, Athena Calderone, and Jake Arnold are unusually capturing my interests. CB always felt more like Ikea, which I love, but at higher price points masquerading as a luxury brand. These new designers have brought their A-game and visions to the collections, resulting in an array of stunning furniture, rugs, and décor.
On a recent interior design gig, in the picturesque Venice canals, I used the new compact Willy 48" dining table by Leanne Ford which was perfect for the kitchen nook. Its sleek design and practical dimensions allowed for efficient utilization of the available area while maintaining a stylish aesthetic. And it’s well priced at $1,000 compared to Rove Concepts, Pottery Barn, West Elm, and the fancier of the fancy options.
I made custom cushions for the dining nook using the Mohair fabric from Kneedler Fauchère. Cozy seating options with a touch of sophistication to add to the overall space.
To tie the entire design together, I used the Miira Chandelier by Nuura as the centerpiece. Its elegant and contemporary design illuminated the area, creating a warm and inviting ambiance for meal times.
“The Living Lantern” by NEON & Frankie Boyle Studio
Transcendence & Guiding Light
July 16th, 2021
In many cultures, lanterns symbolize the inner light that guides the soul through periods of darkness, while promising the dawn of a new day. On their website, Neon and Frankie Boyle Studio describe “The Living Lantern” as “a kinetic / light installation. It has a dynamic, wind responsive outer membrane that opens and closes to filter the light from its core.” This project was inspired by the drastic changes that have taken place throughout the pandemic. This installation was a collaboration born out of these artists’ shared desire to illustrate humankind’s responsive capability.
It was created to offer hope and guidance through times of darkness. In honor of the strength and courage we posses and utilize in order to adapt to change, and work together while facing challenging situations. The Living Lantern is meant to kindle a sense of hope, offer joy, and enliven the public spaces that have recently been quiet and felt unsafe. Lanterns remind us of our ability to find our way in the world and speak to our innate inner strength.
Bethesda Terrace Fountain art by Ramzy Masri
Love is Always Something to be Proud Of
June 2021
Everyone knows this iconic statue - the centerpiece of the Bethesda Terrace Fountain. Although she has become a famous symbol of Central Park and New York City, what most people may not know is the story of who created her. In 1868, sculptor Emma Stebbins was the first woman to receive a public commission for a major work of art in New York City, she was also an open lesbian.
At her brother’s encouragement, Emma traveled to Rome in pursuit of studying her sculpting craft. Charlotte Cushman was established in Rome as a favorite American actress and leading lady. She was known for her stunning contralto that allowed her to play both male and female roles. Upon meeting Emma, Charlotte took a special interest in both her sculpting work and in her affections. The pair quickly became a couple and within a year they exchanged unofficial vows, considering themselves married. As she had done for others before, Cushman used her societal influence to help secure commissions for Stebbins. Her sculpture, Angel of the Waters, is said to have been loosely based on her love, her lifelong partner Charlotte.
Here’s to all colors of love’s rainbow - Happy Pride Month!
Yoshitomo Nara, “Missing in Action,” 1999, LACMA
Back to Life, Back to Reality
March 15, 2021
After being closed for an entire year, LACMA has finally announced it will be reopening, as of April 1, 2021. Inspiration comes in many forms - one of which is through true emotional expression. Universal truths, such as simple human expression unify and connect us as humans.
This little girl’s face perfectly captures how it felt to be “missing in action” during the pandemic. Looking forward to being able to receive whatever inspiration the new exhibits have to offer.
Where do you wander, in search of inspiration?
Centering Design Around Experience
January 1, 2021
This sleek modern bathroom centers its focus around a stunning, silver mirrored tub. With the expansive view and infinity patio beyond, it’s the perfect locale for you (and the tub) to reflect. What matters most here is experience — how can you luxuriate and relish in the quotidian routines of life? In this case, bathing.
You come here for solitude and respite. The view seems to evoke the feeling of being alone amongst the many. As you soak behind the tub fortress, staring into the crowds below, it feels as though you’re bathing in the sky. Palatial in its decadence, relaxing as this deep pool of water envelopes you elevates bathing to a work of art, fit to be displayed at the MOMA. The hewn wood stand beside you evokes the mighty forces of nature from which it was carved. Mirrored bathtub, neutral crisp stone floor, stunning sky scape, cleansing waters, and the wooden sentry for your essentials — its not just a bath, it’s a lifestyle.
How can you change your space to aide your desired experience of a routine or ritual in your daily life?
Modern Design With a Hint of History
December 28, 2020
It’s possible to add depth and a bit of history while maintaining a clean, streamlined look by using neutral colors. Historical accents need not be colorful or gaudy. Long, voluptuous curtains compliment the high ceilings and add texture in addition to an insulative between you and the outside. The texture is inviting and gives the room dimension.
The cornice trim, patterned canopy and ceiling medallion in subtle shades with alternating patterns allows for a nuanced, historical feeling without overbearing weight, and maintains an open ambiance in the room.
The gold and crystal chandelier is a centralized and dramatic statement, with delicate curves and twists it conveys elegance and luxury. The side table, bench, and accent pillows ground the room with their charcoal contrast resulting in a crisp, serene bedroom with a hint of old world flare.
These subtle accents are a great way to modernize a classic or historic home, while incorporating the innate character of the structure. Conversely older elements can create warmth and charm when used as highlights in one or two rooms of a very modern home.
How can you use historical accents to add depth, warmth or mood to areas in your home?
Contrasting Elements Create a Bold Look
December 12, 2020
A long stretch of wall, half black and half white — a monochromatic contrast accented by complimentary shapes. The white wall becomes one large canvas, drawing your eye to the dance of black paint. Art seems to echo nature, as the painting is like an artistic rendering of the white marbling in the black stone.
The starkness of palate serves to emphasize the movement and shapes around it. When lit, colorful flames from the fire pit set within the bring the space alive. Much like a yin and yang symbol, this room seems to marry the opposites. Hot flames set within cold stone. The soft, delicate flowers on the rough hewn table. Everything stands together as one synchronistic ornament.
The statement is grand and commands all elements to fall into place. The movement, contrast, and natural materials set the tone for the entire room.
What natural and decorative elements can you pair together to make a larger statement or grander theme?
Earth Elements as Accents
December 1, 2020
Using minimalism as a backdrop, the choice for items to be visible in the home is always meticulously curated. Shelves often hold books, photos, storage containers — but it seems in order to maintain a clear space, we are always trying to cut out as many things as possible.
Adding geodes and other natural stones as decorative, grounding markers may increase the number of items, but using them to indicate textures and tones from nature makes whatever you do have on your shelves blend in to a greater degree. The stones and feeling emanating from perceiving these natural totems, makes the other items fall away.
How can you mask “stuff” or create a more grounded design theme by using natural earth elements as accents?
Wine Room as Decorative Art
November 19, 2020
Form begets function and can also articulate a visual motif. Side by side we have two functional spaces — a stairwell for storage marked by the modern horizontal wood planks framed with glass railings. Next-door, a glass wall reveals a wine room. The wine bottles convey the illusion of hanging midair, mimicking the adjacent steps.
When you look closely, each label tells its own story and possesses a unique character. From the bird’s eye perspective, the labels combine into one eclectic mosaic, transforming into an entirely new structure, wherein the wall takes on its own unique form and character.
Can you transform your wine storage into its own decorative space? What other storage can you change into a design element?
Discovering a Theme
November 3, 2020
Often when I start a project or a room, I have one item that seems to be presenting a theme to me. In this case, I chose a painting to be the focus of a long hallway walk. The modern black and white image used in contrast with an architecturally classic archway instantly popped in the space.
From there, adding additional elements serving this same theme, created a symbiotic quality wherein the contrast becomes a more effortless backdrop of ambiance. The black, mirrored panel inserts — structured like a gate on either side of the archway interior, coupled with the firecracker chandelier, seem to bring the lines of the painting off the canvas and into the environment. The painting is no longer just on display, it is part of the house.
The seemingly random act of a single design choice — such as choosing a painting as a focal point, grows and evolves organically into a theme. Anytime you can achieve this, the flow of energy and immediate perception of the space feels more grounded and purposeful. Although…when done right, you almost don’t even notice, because it’s so perfectly orchestrated.
How can you tie a room together with a theme?
Dramatic Color Contrast Room to Room
October 17, 2020
Do you ever crave the feeling of falling down the rabbit hole, like Alice in Wonderland? Or desire the experience of a drastic change of perspective in an instant?
Construct your world to provide whichever experience you desire. Moving from one room painted entirely white into the next painted from floor to ceiling in black is certain to shift things. As you move from a clear white area, your brain instantly registers a different character upon seeing a contrasting color. Dive into a cozy mysterious study or an intimate parlor, or perhaps utilize color to signify a change in function, as you transition from foyer to powder room.
What dramatic room shift can you make with a color statement? How bold can you go?
Built in Storage and Home Office
October 1, 2020
An indent in a wall space can become its very own hidden world. Adding closets, cabinets and a built-in desk in the same material to fill in the remainder of the wall melds the room into function, while keeping the design streamlined.
White walls with paintings at the end of the room transition into a sandy oatmeal wood extension that leads us to the desk. The subtle earth tones mimic a natural landscape, turning the inside of your home into a more ergonomic, natural space.You can use the space to work or interact with things — or you can close it all away and maintain the serenity that comes with unobtrusive living.
How can you include function into the design in your home? Or is there a way to create a more joyful experience of living by integrating function?
Nature Make the Best Art
September 18, 2020
Choosing to install expansive, transparent glass doors transformed the remainder of the wall into a frame for a picturesque portal. The window peering into nature brings the outside world in as an organic, living element of the room, like an interactive wallhanging, making this community-focused living room an inviting oasis.
Establishing a portal to the external world as a central design element in a room can elevate the tone and feeling of opulence in a way that only a living thing can. As organic artwork, it can transmute a moment into a feeling or inspire in an instant. A snapshot of the “now” can also remind us of the little ways to remain grateful.
In addition, when the doors are open, the passage of air between the inside and outside allows for a cleansing flow of energy throughout the space.
How can you use or highlight your portals to the outside as accents in your design palate?
Contrast of Materials to Dictate Spacial Significance
September 2, 2020
We are presented with a modern breakfast room. Low ceilings in an intimate space, with close proximity to the kitchen — how do we make the most of this space? And with what? A large farm table as community gathering space suggests communion.
The rest of the space is clean, made of stone, tile or white walls. Using wood, a contrasting material, as the central piece of furniture brings a warmth that is inviting and impactful. In a similar vein, including small pieces of historical detail in a modern home adds character. This handmade wooden farm table with benches as the centerpiece of the breakfast room, harkens back to a slower pace of life and a time where warm connections and family interactions happened around the table.
How can you use contrasting materials to create warmth or character in your setting?
How I Define Organic Modern Design
August 15, 2020
Organic Modern Design is a constant theme in my work and my home. Organic Modernism is about clean lines, mid-century design, and organic elements.
The colors are washed out whites and beiges, warm rusty browns and tans. The rooms always have white painted walls and ceilings, usually crisp white surfaces, and no trace of traditional embellishments. My favorite part is bringing the outside world inside with retractable doors, natural fibers, hand crafted and global workmanship, and the feeling of extreme coziness. There are biotic shapes—from structural to surreal forms. Furniture decor has themes of Danish & Nordic design. Organic modernism optimizes empty spaces and embraces minimalism. It's also completely fun for large group gatherings!
A New Chapter
August 1, 2020
A New Chapter, A New Website, A New Blog…A First Blog
I first opened the doors to my business back in 2004, it has taken on many faces and facets through the years. I started by rearranging the furniture at the houses of my family and friends, people noticed the changes, and eventually my phone started to ring. I always had a flare for color and ambiance... putting the pieces together was an easy puzzle that seemed to baffle those around me. It was a language that I naturally understood and loved, which created order and made people smile.