Artisan Pieces -- cocktail table

One of my favorite resources is using local artists for bespoke (custom) products in my room environments! They add a strong personal, unique touch like nothing else! Usually the need arises from not finding the particular piece I had in mind for the space, whether that be the exact style, color, size, timeline, or price. Lately, I have been able to do quite a bit and it's a real treat!!

Below is a piece I designed for a recent music room/library. I collaborated with Asa Hoyt of A.W. Hoyt Metal Arts discussing the particulars of my design combined with his expert opinion in metal working so we could create a stable and interesting piece. I knew I wanted the piece to have an aged gold, retro, yet clean feel. Since the client has grandkids who roam the house at will, I wanted to make sure the top was resistant to scratches, stains, etc. but still giving us that clean Carrara marble look. Hello Cambria! And Voila'! Asa's fabulous metal table base with a Cambria Torquay top!

On to the golding: I had the table delivered to Candice Simpson of Textural Hues. Candice has worked on oodles of my projects, whether it is a decorative paint finish on a wall, accessory, or piece of furniture. We selected the color of gold (there are many!) for the legs, one part being base and the other a metallic paint finish, percentage of metallic to base and location of distressing. When all was completed, it was delivered!!

I think it's perfect!!

Art~~It's a good thing!! Later, Susan

Eclectic Vintage Color, Part 2 -- the Dining Room

Hi, and happy holidays to all!!

Welcome to Part 2 of my "Eclectic Vintage Color" home showcasing the Dining Room. I discussed the KITCHEN as well as project goals in Part 1 here, so check that out if you want a refresher.

For the BEFORE PICS:

And the AFTER PICS:

We started with an existing blue/gray handmade paper wallcovering we chose to keep. As in the kitchen, we continued the bamboo floors and painted the trim white. My client had inherited a beautiful vintage Henredon dining set I thought would be lovely and fulfill her vintage-love, so we reupholstered the chairs with a modern yet vintage inspired F. Schumacher fabric. We selected orange to bring in warmth, contrast with the blue walls, and give the room energy. We kept the existing and truly amazing chandelier. I believe it is a vintage Venini! Definitely a keeper! 

Bringing in more light and dark orange to coordinate with the chair upholstery, custom silk draperies with a darker accent trim were incorporated. For the wall, my client fell in love with a textile art piece found on Etsy, utilizing hand dyed fabric strips, and strengthening our blue/orange concept.

My client had purchased the artist made metal mirrors quite a few years earlier while traveling. At that time, we put them in the dining room, knowing someday when we revamped the dining room, they would be incorporated, and they worked out splendidly!

The small pillows made for the two extra arm chairs incorporate all of our colors...light and dark blue, light and dark orange, and tan hues from the floor.

For the floor, the perfect wool rug...again incorporating all of our colors. The beautiful artisan vase my client loves, now blends in with the new color scheme back at front and center in the middle of the table.

I hope your holidays have been pleasant and your New Years is fabulous!! XXOO Susan

Nancy Mackenzie

Texture, fiber, found objects -- how could you not be totally in love with fiber artist Nancy Mackenzie's newest work at the Sticks and Stones show at Raymond Avenue Gallery in St. Paul, MN!  I have always been enthralled with textural work whether it be utilizing nature, handmade paper (I used as a medium to exhibit my Masters color theories), fabric, fiber, felting, etc.  This last exhibit of Nancy's however, is really hitting home for me!  If you are not familiar with Nancy, she is an internationally recognized fiber artist creating wall mounted sculptures and wearable art.  Nancy's work has been exhibited, and in permanent collections, across the country, Asia, Latin America and Tokyo.

I love the simplicity, yet chaotic nature of Nancy's wall and table pieces for this show.  I find both the simple and complex elements in each piece so delicately balanced.  The airy sculptures are made of willow, apple, waxed linen thread, Japanese paper, and apple bark.  The 2D media of the computer does not give due credit to the wonderful 3D aspects of each piece, so an in person appreciation is definitely advised.  The show only goes until June 29th, so hurry and check it out!!  You will be truly captivated!

If Nancy's last name, Mackenzie, sounds familiar to you, she is also known as the wife of internationally recognized potter Warren Mackenzie with hundreds of solo exhibitions and permanent collections in Tokyo, the Metropolitan, Smithsonian, Victoria and Albert, and many more.  Nancy and Warren reside locally in Stillwater, MN.

LIVE WITH ART!!! 

Susan

Life as an Artist

As an interior designer, you are also an artist.  Some people understand this, and some people don't.  Truly your medium is more tangible, useable, HAS to be functional, and typically has to fit a certain budget...yet, personally, you really share many of the same emotions as a sculptor, photographer, painter, etc.  I'm sure all fields have their own unique idiosyncrasies, but in the big picture, our daily musings are comparable.  Saw this little blurb on a friend's Facebook page, and it really sunk in...for you other creatives reading this, let me know if it hits home for you too!

~~~ Be expressive!  Susan ~~~