Weighing in...part 1
Hi Mark, sorry to get to this at the end of the story, it seems that you've had quite a spin on the ol' forum today. We DA types really do loveto give our thoughts on space and design. Here are my thoughts:
1. Ite has been right on the money with all his/her comments. Robert and Spanky have given some good pointers too.
2. Spanky's point on color cohesion and Robert's comments about art are really good.
3. Your place reads a bit like a who's who of mid-cent icons which leaves you little space for your personality. I'd say edit out at least 1/3 of what you have and simplify the furnishings while also adding in some individuality. The space seems cluttered and that is oh so not modernist. (Except for Charles and Ray)
4. As an example of individualism...I have lusted after an eames stool to sit beside my Saarinen womb chair but have choked on the price. Whilst in Santa Fe this summer I found a Pueblo indian chile pepper morter that had a very similar size and profile and it is now sitting upside down and holding my tea cup. Cost $45, Style: priceless and the credit card ad says. You need more Mark in your room quirky things help do that.
5. Color is a good thing...throwing your elementary school poster paints at your home is not. You need to tone down and reign it is a bit. Work with a color consultant or a designer to define a palette for your walls/floors/hardscape and another one for your soft furnishings. Then stick to it. I'd recommend a neutral envelope to the space and bringing the color in with furnishings and art.
Weighing in...part 2
6. However, using a strong or saturated color as an accent wall or floor would be just fine if it can really be a focal point and not battle for viewing time.
7. Someone comments that there is no rest for your eye in your place and I agree so make sure there is empty space in your new layout.
8. DON'T GET RID OF YOUR COLORFUL ART!!! All black and white art is pretentious, predictible and so last week. Just make sure whatever colorful art you display has pride of place, good lighting and is the focal point not a competitor. Think Mies "Less is more".
9. Lighting is hard to determine from amateur photos, that's why Julius Schulmann is a genius. But I do get the feeling that you need a better lighting plan to higlight your important pieces. Lighting design is pretty 'learnable'. There are 3 types Task, General and Ambient. Get a book on it and you'll be able to work out a plan.
10. Design is definitely learnable or we'd all still be living in caves, so don't worry about Vivienne. She's entitled to her opinion, but you obviously have an eye for forms, you just need to learn how to edit and create a cohesive whole.
11. I'd leave the trim and molding to give you space a bit of architecture. It'l just look like a condo box with out them. Just think about using them to your advantage to unite the space and define areas. Also ceilings don't have to be white so consider using them to help define spaces as well. I think I'd get rid of green kitchen cabinets though.
12. I do color consulting so I'd be happy to chat off line with you if you'd like, Patrik and alix did send me your email.
Thanks Olive
I'm flattered!
here's a larger pic of that corner of my sitting room......
The candleholder was bought in the US to echo my chair backs (Scottish 1960s) the painting by an unknown artist, I bought because I loved it ..but sits so well with my Finnish glass...and shares the same birthdate..1970
The chair in pic is Robin Day, Hilleplan late 1950s, the fireplace is victorian and contemporary with the space, the mirror is french 19C..black glass bull is Murano 1960s......
Eclectic, I like it :o)
THE ORICLE SPEAKS!
Olive, I shall read and reread your words of wisdom. I also posted a few more snaps of daylight in the ghetto. I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate all of the splendid design ideas dropped my direction. The best minds in the business, for sure. And I thought my dad had power! Ha! I have also learned not to be so insecure about my surroundings... and not be afraid to post a picture. I hope to be able to add photo's throughout my renovation. I'll start before Jan. 1st, for sure. Today I ordered a new Sub-Zero for the dated looking kitchen...maybe that will help me ignore the green cabinets for another year. Sweetie, I really think it best that the tacky colorful oil paintings be put to sleep. Many thanks, Mark. ps, I think Vivienne is a kick in the ass! Probably a real fun gal to have a drink with! And she has great taste. Count me in!!!
Beautiful green room
Beautiful green room but not the direction I'd go for your color. All the big blue sky/water outside those windows would be better with something bright and warm for contrast or maybe an intense, light sky blue. A bit more saturated than the real sky and no special effects. No stippling sponging faux-somethingorother. Just one really good color on all the walls with maybe one accent wall and maybe a satin and not flat. Perhaps the wall visible in an adjacent hallway.
As for ceiling colors they are and difficult to predict but I find when they work they work really well. But be prepared to take it back to oyster if it doesn't work.
I have a lot of glass and big sky and though I would guess my color taste is not yours (or anyone else's) you can see that the warm, light hue contrasts very pleasantly with the sky. The sage green might be too close to the water at times.
PS if you want to sell the knoll tulip side table I've been looking for one.
PPS I did not mean to denigrate the used look of the furniture, just that there were too many different pieces in too close a space. The newest piece in my house is from 1956. I adore used furniture.
PPPS I think we need to see more views from where people stand or sit towards the windows.
Hello James. Sweet Jesus,...
Hello James. Sweet Jesus, what a lovely room! Do you people not show your homes in design tabloids because of privacy? I am most impressed. We share a liking for wood top tulip tables. I never sell pieces, I prefer to donate to hospice. Thanks. I hate to ask, but did you see my last couple of photos I took today? I'm curious on what you would do to the cyprus paneling. I would love to resurface it. The b&b has to sit in front of it, blocking the bottom 1/3. It is around 10 feet long. I just can't wait to get started...don't be surprised to see the kitchen cabinets change. Is my veiw of the power plant to "high octane"? And no, it doesn't pollute. I do have the fabric for the b&b reupholstering. Maharan Betwixt in the "bark" color. I plan to have seat and back cushions recovered only, leaving the (mint cond)moss colored mohair? as is. Can I drape a bit over the cat, post a photo, and get an honest opinion?? Azure Chicken, You are well versed on Antonio Citt?? pieces, it's the citi or sity? model circa 1988. It was originally all red cotton. Am I making a mistake keeping it two toned?? I have enough fabric (35yds) to do the whole thing and make a matching outfit with a coordinating headscarf. I feel like houseguest from hell asking all of these questions! If you all were here, I'd smoke you all up, and my wonderful housekeeper would pour drinks and tap dance at the same time. I am focused! Bobby Trendy has NOTHING on me!
Wow!
Robert and James - I love your rooms! It's so funny how I appreciate the use of bold color as a feature in other peoples' homes; and yet I have a very strong negative reaction to such strong color in in my own home.
Mark - I think you have all the necessary tools to start the painting project on your own. I believe Farrow and Ball paints are environmentally friendly, as I have seen their paints pushed on apartmenttherapy.com and treehugger.com. I was thinking of using Farrow paints, but suppliers in the DC area are so few.
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