I was delighted to participate in my first High Point Market Design Bloggers Tour this fall. In addition to getting in depth tours at a variety of showrooms, it was also wonderful to experience market through the lens of so many talented design friends. As usual, I returned home with no voice and blistered feet, but full of new sources for clients and inspiration for future projects. One of the many highlights was a visit to the iconic Thayer Coggin showroom. After back to back meetings, it can be a challenge to keep the attention of a group of designers…As soon as we entered the doors, we knew we were in for a special treat.
I was delighted to be included in Charlotte Urban Home this month for their Design Board feature. I am always preaching to my clients to start the design process with the art. It is a dream come true when it actually happens! For my favorite art collecting clients, I was thrilled to create the following scheme for a project we are currently working on.
In addition to the items above, we have also created a bar nook clad in antiqued mirror, and bejeweled with custom brass hardware for the finishing touches. The walls have been lacquered, the furniture and fabrics are on order and we install in a few short weeks. Of course, I am most excited to hang their works of art on the glamorous ebony backdrop to make the pieces pop even more!
Be sure to check out the entire issue featuring fabulous modern interiors by clicking here.
Throughout my entire career, I have been directly involved in product design – from paint color palettes and holiday products to custom frames, when, two years ago, the entire design world opened itself up when we launched our fabric line and showroom. Interior design was a natural progression as clients inquired about my design services for their homes. In college, I worked in Sherwin Williams’ research labs on color palettes for the Caribbean market. Instantly, I was hooked on the power of color and its impact on design.
My creative process for design is similar to the creative process for my art… I don’t start with a preconceived notion; I pursue an exploration of one brush stroke to another. Intuitively, the laws of balance, art, line, color are there, but I don’t focus on those. Same goes for my Interior design process, an image or color in nature can become just the spark I need for a space’s color palette.
My most recent creative breakthrough would be the chandelier I just designed for a client’s home. The chandelier combines the talents of several artists, and in my mind, it will reflect the look and feel of one of my paintings.
Starting this new business with Jill in Jan. 2012 and realizing all the potential for creative outlets to merge my artistic side with my design side.
The art series I’m currently working on is an exploration of the combination of color and pattern. It’s much bolder than prior work. To me it evokes a feeling of freedom and flight.
A sneak peek of something we’re working on that’s been under wraps until now is an outdoor fabric collection in our classic patterns!
JILL: Our family and the way we do business (we’re here to make the designer/client happy and look good while providing extraordinary service).
STEVE-Creating spaces and products that allow friends and family to create beautiful memories together.
Find a fabulous mentor who is willing to invest in you; network to meet great designers & resources; and most importantly – LISTEN. Listen to your clients, the way they live and want to live. Listen to your mentor and your peers. We learn so much more when we listen.
From an artist perspective, Anselm Kiefer and Antoni Tapies for their bold, fearless creations. From a design point of view, Axel Vervoordt, for his keen understanding of the role of art in the home.
POTUS – As a kid, my family and I saw an exhibit of Presidential china. Ever since, I’ve always wanted to design the White House china, and maybe even, the entire White House.
STEVE & JILL: An isolated beach with my family all together – relaxing, enjoying good food and playing games.
STEVE – For me, bliss is an afternoon of no demands on my time and being outdoors. JILL – An uninterrupted nap on the screened porch or playing a great game of tennis.
STEVE- Let It Whip by The Dazz Band; I love what I’m doing at this stage in life, and as a college student of the 80’s, this song embodies a great beat and keeps me going. JILL – Don’t Cha Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me?
Oh boy – so many items have stolen my heart and shelf space! Among my favorite collections are vintage ceramic turkeys, reamers, floral frogs, and religious artifacts. Jill says Steve has a problem 🙂
STEVE– Paprika; like a good chili, most interiors benefit from a dash of paprika
JILL – Periwinkle, my favorite crayon.What s your favorite design trick?
Orchids go a long way in any space.
Atlanta favorites include Anne Flaire Antiques, Scott’s Market, the print floor of the High Museum of Art, and The Lawrence restaurant.
THANK YOU JILL & STEVE!