Go Design Go » DesignGenie

Q&A with Young Traditionals Jolene Ballard & Amanda Malson of Domicile

Jennan Al-Hamdouni — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:30:41 +0000

In keeping tabs on trad home’s 20 Young Traditional Designers to watch, we’re showcasing Jolene Ballard and Amanda Malson of Domicile Interior Design. The dynamic duo are native Midwesterners who each ended up in Orange County, California, where they created Domicile Interior Design.

We had the chance to hang with these two ladies at WESTWEEK and got the goods on what is not to be missed this Spring.

GDG: What are you both looking forward to in this Spring?

JB+AM: We can’t wait for The Melrose Project! It’s fairly new and located directly across from the Pacific Design Center. We love the collection of different dealers and artists. Some favorites are Obsolete, Michael Kohn Gallery, JF Chen, Woven Accents and Rose Gallery. We Highly recommend checking it out. We’re also really looking forward to La Cienega Design Quarter (LCDG). We always look forward to perusing through downtown, Dragonet always amazing finds.

GDG: Is there anything you’re excited about at the PDC this Spring?

JB+AM: We look forward to shopping at Schumacher—we love the new Trina Turk offerings. Her fabrics are off the charts fabulous and perfect for summer poolside furnishings. Also from Schumacher, we’re in anticipation of Martyn Lawrence-Bullard’s collection. We still love the steadfast KWID fabric line from Schumacher and Lee Jofa. We looking forward to finding out what is new from Thomas Lavin, Edelman leather, Kneedler Fauchere, and Stark Carpet. And WESTWEEK was fabulous!

GDG: Have you been loving any new brands or designers’ work?

JB+AM: We’ve definitely been excited about the DVF Home collection as well as the Kelly Wearstler Fashion Line. We love Hillary Thomas and House of Honey, and we’re definitely looking forward to seeing what they’ll be doing this Spring.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo to hear how the ladies of Domicile Interior Design are planning to reinvent themselves for the new season.

Save the Date: Unearthing Beauty: Finding Great Artwork at Affordable Prices

Jennan Al-Hamdouni — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 15:00:16 +0000

The premise that one has to be rich in order to purchase high quality art is finally put to rest! This is thanks to a lively presentation by Carole Pinto, a private dealer who has recently moved to New York after having lived and worked in Paris for over 20 years.

While living in Paris, Carole discovered astonishing paintings of exquisite quality by ‘les Petits Maitres,’ or lesser known painters who are gaining a reputation in the United States and whose works are selling well below current prices.

Carole will discuss how these artists fit into the trajectory of the great artistic movements of the late XIXth and XXth century, where their work can be found and who is collecting them. She will illustrate her points with a sampling of paintings and talk about their current market value.

A reception will follow at Ralph Lauren in Suite 404.

The event takes place April 12 at 9:30 a.m. at the DDB’s Astra Cafe on floor 14. For speaker information and reservations, please call 212-759-2969.

Book Review: Christiane Lemieux Documents the ‘Undecorate’ Movement

Jennan Al-Hamdouni — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:30:51 +0000

Christiane Lemieux is not only the Founder and Creative Director of DwellStudio, she is now an author, too. Christiane’s Undecorate profiles 20 homes from all over the country and reveals each homeowners’ love of imperfection and penchant for surprise.

“In service of what I do for a living, I get to indulge in a lot of things that barely count as work!” said Christiane. “With the proliferation of design websites and personal blogs, a whole new window has opened up and I get to see how people are actually living. The internet offers proof that the most vibrant style ideas are coming from the minds of real people!”

Undecorate inspires readers to follow their own whimsy and practicalities in their personal spaces rather than limiting their taste to traditional decorating. This book helps designers and homeowners think outside the box and pinpoint transformative ideas and thoughtful details that we may sometimes forget about.

Undecorate is now available through Potterton Books online and in the DDB and PDC showrooms.

Design Your Dream with Century Custom Workshop

Jennan Al-Hamdouni — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:40:43 +0000

Take it from Century Furniture, who says “If you can dream it and draw it we can probably build it.”

From sofas by the inch to custom case good designs, Century Furniture is known for crafting one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. Nearly everything they manufacture is made to order in the company’s North Carolina factory.

The Omni Dining table is a great example of a custom piece, which is made with veneer instead of the standard Cluster Maple or Macassar Ebony.

Check out Century Furniture’s website or visit their showroom at the PDC or DCOTA to find out more about the Century Custom Workshop.

Enter to Have Your Own Line of Drapery with Dwell Magazine and Lutron

Jennan Al-Hamdouni — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:00:46 +0000

Dwell Magazine and Lutron challenge designers to create and submit a custom fabric design for a Kirbé vertical drapery, a shading solution that moves the treatment vertically while maintaining fabric pleats.

The winning designer’s pattern will become part of Lutron’s internationally sold collection of fabrics. Four finalists will also be recognized.

A panel of professional textile designers and scholars will judge the first round of voting and the final round will take place online.

Designers are encouraged to think of vibrant, sophisticated patterns that can invigorate the starkest of interiors— the core complements to clean-lined furniture. Think of Knoll, Albers, Day, Eames and Larsen for inspiration!

Submit now through the March 31, 2011. For a complete list of rules and regulations, please visit www.lutron.com/dwell

Design Philosophy of Laura Michaelides

Millie — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:30:17 +0000

How would you define your design philosophy?

For me, design is an all-encompassing, continuous opportunity to delight in the visual world; to learn from its riches and to reflect what I’ve gleaned from the work that I do. Every day I try to share that delight with the clients I have the opportunity to work with, and try to make each design project a pathway to learning and discovery for us both. It’s a time for my clients to learn to express who they are through their environment; for me it’s a time to learn about my clients, and to try to find the best way to help them express their sensibilities, past history, and aspirations.

Because I enjoy the visual world so much, I am able to see virtue in many different styles, and feel comfortable with both modern and traditional design vocabularies. I find that I am less interested in doing rooms in one style, and am most excited by being able to mix traditional and contemporary elements so that they complement each other. At the moment, this seems like the most modern idea.

Panel Discussion

Editor — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:30:53 +0000

When hanging window treatments, you want to make sure the work have you have put into them pays off. Here is a measuring guide so there are no costly mistakes.

MEASURING FOR UNLINED DRAPERIES OR CURTAINS

Always measure each window separately: as you know, those that appear to be identical may not be.

There are three standard lengths for draperies or curtains: to the window sill, to the bottom of the apron, or 3/8” above the floor or carpet pile. If you plan to hang sheers behind the draperies, their length should be 3/8” shorter at the top, than the draperies they are to hang behind. Sheers are usually 4 times the width of the window.

Following are methods to help you estimate how much fabric to reserve. Your workroom should always follow through with precise measurements to finalize your yardage requirements.

Formula to calculate yardage needed for unlined draperies or curtains:

3x total outside width of window divided by standard fabric width (48” or 54”) rounded to next highest number = width x total finished length (12” is included for top and bottom hems). Round to the next highest number then divide by 36” to get the number of yards needed. (24” is included for triple hand-sewn items.).

Estimating example for fabric with no repeat:

Outside width of window is 63”

Draperies or curtains using fabrics with repeats:

Divide total length before hemming by length of repeat and round it off to next highest number to give you finished length.

3x total outside width of window divided by standard fabric width (48” or 54”) rounded to next highest number = width; then multiply by total finished length divided by 36”. Multiply your answer by 11 to get number of yards needed.

Estimating example for fabric with repeat:

Outside width of window is 63”

Width of fabric you are using is 54”

Total unfinished length of draperies is 114” (12 “ is included for top and bottom hems).

Length of repeat is 11” 114” / 11” (repeat) = 10.36 rounded to next highest number = 11 (total finished length) 3×63” = 189” / 54” = 3.5 rounded to next highest number = 4 (width) 4×11 = 44 / 36 = 1.2 1.2 x 11 = 13.2 yards of 54” fabric with repeat is needed.

Photo Credit: Robert Martin

How to Save Your Magic Carpet

Editor — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:30:05 +0000

Need to know how to keep your carpet kept up? Follow the Design Genie’s tips here:

Carpet Care

1. Vacuum regularly.

2. Remove spills immediately.

3. Professionally clean as required. Usually more than once every one or two years. We recommend a “Woolcare Specialist” certified by ASCR. Call 800 272 7012 for a professional cleaner near you.

Wool Wisdom

Asimple maintenance program including regular, interim and periodic cleanings will keep your wool carpet looking as good as the day it was installed!

Regular Maintenance

The simplest and most frequent maintenance involves vacuuming and spot removal, as well as preventative measures.

Vacuuming

Regular and thorough vacuuming once a week (more often in heavy traffic areas) is an economical and effective way to remove soil and dirt particles before they become embedded into the pile of the carpet. For best results, empty your vacuum bag when half full. An upright vacuum with a beater bar/brush is best for cut pile carpet. For loop pile carpets such as Berber, a suction-only vacuum is recommended to prevent excessive fuzzing.

Spot & Stain Removal

With spot and stain removal, speed is of the essence.

Blot up liquids with a paper towel or absorbent cloth.

Scoop up solids with the end of a knife or spoon.

Treat the spot with a spot removal agent which

•is suitable for wool

•is pH neutral

•is explicitly recommended for cleaning carpets and rugs

•leaves no sticky residue

Always test spot removal agent on carpet in an inconspicuous place.

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when using commercial products.

Use a light, colorfast cotton cloth for the treatment of spots.

Always work from the outer edge towards the center to prevent spreading. Use only small quantities of spot removal agent. It’s a good idea to replace the cotton cloth as soon as it is soiled.

Carefully rinse the area with clean water and a sponge after having cleaned it.

Do not soak the carpet pile.

Afterwards, blot as dry as possible with a clean towel.

If necessary, brush cut pile carpets in the direction of the pile.

Do not use household cleaners such as soft soap, neutral soap, ammonia solution,

turpentine, benzine or spot removal agents which are only recommended for textiles.

Preventative Measures

Place absorbent mats at entrances to your home; change or wash when these mats become dirty.

Regularly change filters in your heating and air conditioning systems.

Clean traffic lanes and in front of frequently used chairs periodically with an absorbent powder.

Do not apply stain repellent treatments that contain any silicone, because they tend to accelerate carpet soiling. Note: some carpet manufacturers do not accept responsibility for complaints where such treatments have been used.

Interim Maintenance

Occasionally, morecomprehensive cleaning is needed to restore color and appearance. Impregnated absorbent compound – inert powders impregnated with a mixtureof cleansing agents and solvents – can be brushed into the carpet pile on an interim basis to absorb dirt from the carpet fiber.

Periodic Maintenance

Thorough cleaning is required periodically to remove the deepest soil. There are many deep cleaning methods you can use to ensure the beauty and life of a wool carpet or rug. Only use a professional carpet cleaner.

The Fez Diamond Rug pictured is from Patterson, Flynn and Martin’s Michael Smith Collection

On a Roll: How To Measure For Wallpaper

Editor — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:00:05 +0000

WALL PAPER – HOW TO CALCULATE ROLLS NEEDED

For calculating rolls needed, use the following method. Note first that there is no simple means of calculating rollage needs that is always 100 percent accurate. The pattern repeat, rooms of unusual size or shape, greater than normal wastage during the hanging, or other special circumstances can throw off any estimate.

1. Find the repeat length, if any.

2. Using the following chart, find the usable yield for the wallcovering selected.

3. Divide the square footage figure you have previously calculated by the usable yield for the wallcovering selected. This will give you the number of single metric rolls needed or the number of American rolls needed.

These figures work well for normal sized walls. For unusually short (under 3 feet – such as over kitchen cabinets) or high (above 9 feet) walls, they do not apply and you should have your professional paper-hanger calculate your wallcovering needs.

Estimating Example for Metric Single Rolls

Estimating Example for American Single Rolls

With the measurements you have made, you find that the room you are hanging has a total of 340 square feet. Your selection has a 9 inch repeat. In the appropriate line under “Repeat Length” in the Usable Yield Chart, you find thatyour selection has a usable yield of 30 squarefeet. Dividing 340 by 30 equals 11.33 or 12 single American rolls. After finding the number of rolls needed for the wall(s) or room you are hanging, deduct one half roll (if metric) for each standard size door or window. Design repeat of the pattern and length of roll may increase your rollage needs. Your professional paperhanger can advise you if the wallcovering selected will significantly affect your rollage needs.

USABLE YIELD CHARTS

METRIC SINGLE ROLLS

Repeat Length Usable Yield

0”to 6” 25 sq. ft.

7” to12” 22 sq. ft.

13” to 18” 20 sq. ft.

19” to 23” 18 sq. ft.

AMERICAN SINGLE ROLLS

Repeat Length Usable Yield

0” to 6” 32 sq. ft.

7” to12” 30 sq. ft.

13” to 18” 27 sq. ft.

19” to 23” 25 sq. ft.

All in Good Measure: Windows Treatments

Editor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:00:11 +0000

MEASURING FOR UNLINED DRAPERIES OR CURTAINS

Always measure each window separately: as you know, those that appear to be identical may not be.

Following are methods to help you estimate how much fabric to reserve. Your workroom should always follow through with precise measurements to finalize your yardage requirements.

Formula to calculate yardage needed for unlined draperies or curtains:

3xtotal outside width of window divided by standardfabric width (48” or 54”) rounded to next highest number = width x total finished length (12” is included for top and bottom hems). Round tothe next highest number then divide by 36” to get the number of yards needed. (24” is included for triple hand-sewn items.)

Estimating example for fabric with no repeat:

•Outside width of window is 63”

draperies or curtains using fabrics with repeats:

Divide total length before hemming by length of repeat and round it off to next highest number to give you finished length. 3xtotal outside width of window divided by standard fabric width (48” or 54”) rounded to next highest number = width; then multiply by total finished length divided by 36”. Multiply your answer by 11 to get number of yards needed.

Estimating example for fabric with repeat:

•Outside width of window is 63”

•Width of fabric you are using is 54”

•Total unfinished length of draperies is 114”

(12 “ is included for top and bottom hems)

•Length of repeat is 11”

114” / 11” (repeat) = 10.36 rounded to next highest number = 11 (total finished length)

3×63” = 189” / 54” = 3.5 rounded to next highest number = 4 (width) 4×11 = 44 / 36 = 1.2

1.2 x 11 = 13.2 yards of 54” fabric with repeat is needed.