Switching the Norm

Why not think outside the box?  Before plunging forward on the "norm" of placement, consider the opposite effect.  Maybe it won't work functionally, but maybe it will surprise you by offering up a whole new perspective!  Check out this photo where the mirror has been placed over the bed and the art over the dresser.  Definitely opposite the norm!  You never know...it might work in other areas of your life as well!

Have a fabulous weekend!  ~ Susan ~

Thoughts in Red

Bright primary red...not a color I often use.  Maybe its because it is sooo primary, and I'd rather be a little off center (ok some would say I'm always a little off), but I tend to go towards the printer primaries (cyan, yellow, magenta) vs. the painter primaries (red, yellow, blue).  With that said, because as we all know, nothing is for sure, and exceptions are everywhere...I really like the primary RED, yes I said RED in these pics below.  May they warm your thoughts as the air gets cooler!

 Hotel Thoumieux in Paris, France -- if I were a little Eloise, I'd be living my life here instead of the The Plaza in New York.  This has my style written all over it!!

 Hotel Thoumieux in Paris, France

Michael Taylor -- heavenly drapery!

 

Carrier and Company, photo by Ben Hoffman

My son, Max A. Brown's, fabulous photography!  Copyright by Max A. Brown

Scrumptious dessert shared with my mother, brother, and friend Barbara at The Atrium Restaurant in International Market Square Design Center.  What a delightful presentation!  We gawked for a few mere seconds, and then gobbled it up!

Cheerio!!!  Susan

Mendota Heights Project Progress

Hi all!  It seems like sooo very long since I've written a blog post, which it has been about a week and a half I guess.  Thinking about Steve Jobs today, and all of the many quotes and images of him everywhere.  My son Max sent me this website, www.appleofwisdom.com yesterday with oodles of Steve Jobs quotes.  He was a very realistic visionary.  I have fallen in love with this statement of his, as it rings true to my heart.

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs

I am constantly telling this to my clients -- it doesn't matter how fabulous it looks, if it doesn't work for your needs, whatever they may be, it is not a successful design.

OK, on to the project at hand.  I have new updated photos of the progress in the kitchen and mud/living/dining/family rooms.  I can't do this project by my lonesome, so let me remind you, I have been working with Dean Sorem of Dean Sorem Tile, Scott Santanni of Santanni Custom Homes, and Steve Draeger of Imperial Custom Woodworking, and it has been rolling along smoothly!  Enjoy the new additions!

 New maple cabinetry with mosaic tile backsplash made up of stone and polished & honed glass with the new Black Storm granite countertops.  LOVE the granite and backsplash together!

 Peninsula, or buffet (its been given many names within this project!) with new granite and newly painted Sherwin Williams wall color Truly Taupe.

 Peninsula again, with floor opening for Milo's food dishes (family dog) and cabinet above for storage of and easy access of dog food.

Adorable Milo!

 Larger view of kitchen showing maple cabinetry, new tile mosaic backsplash being installed, blue/charcoal glazed island with new sleek cooktop hood.

 Another angle of the kitchen showing the pantry in the far back left corner and the oven (eventually) wall.

 Close up of the gorgeous granite called Black Storm.

 Fireplace tile front being installed.  The hearth on the fireplace sticks out some and curves in front.  We used the same granite as in the kitchen but with a honed finish for a softer, more inviting appearance.

 Fireplace wall showing new bookcase/shelves flanking it on either side.

 Family room window seat wall showing more of Sherwin Williams Truly Taupe.

 Showing the oven wall again.  The doors at the top will have "wave" glass installed, and the long horizontal cubby will have 3 or 4 baskets to hold whatever life throws at you!

 Can't wait to pull away all of that tan paper and reveal ALL of the granite with the backsplash!  Like unwrapping a present!

What do you think?  Any comments?  Does anyone read this?  Hello, hello, hello (echo, echo, echo...)

Toodles!  Susan

Add That Punch!!

Good Morning!!  I wanted to share two things with you this lovely, albeit getting colder, morning -- One: I love this room pictured below!  It is so eclectic, so many different patterns and colors, and yet, it all works because it it carries a "feel" throughout the room even up to the ceiling.  What initially caught my eye in this room was the orange throw at the end of the bed and the orange border on the blue/gray quilt.  What a wonderful and easy way to add a very focused punch of color to a room, huh?  I like it!!!

Oh, and the second...  I have a bathroom on a magazine COVER!!  OK, you've probably received a press release, seen it on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, or somewhere else, but I just couldn't help myself blurting it out again!  Also, a wonderful 8 page article with more rooms inside the magazine -- SPACES Twin Cities!

***Cheers!  Susan***

Twin Cities Design Collective

Thank you Michelle Drenkhahn of Twin Cities Design Collective for profiling my by interior design business today!  Fellow blog followers, please click on the link below and vote "YES" so Michelle and her gang will publish greater in-depth posts on me and my work.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!  Susan

CLICK LINK:  http://twincitiesdesigncollective.com/2011/09/20/spotlight-susan-e-brown/#more-2221


The Twin Cities Design Collective is a site dedicated to exposing & sharing the many hidden creative treasures right here in Minnesota & its surrounding communities.  Twin Our goal is to support local designers & related businesses in an effort to promote their work to the mainstream population and to each other for potential collaboration. If you learn something new, meet someone new or gain a client from our work, WE HAVE SUCCEEDED!Cities Design CollectiveA Collection of Twin Cities Design Projects, Products & Resources

Spotlight {Susan E. Brown}

Every Tuesday, we share 2 local creative businesses we think you might enjoy. You tell us if you want to see more!

You want it, You get it  —- {JUST VOTE}

Discovering new stuff is F-U-N!

Nicky Haslam

Recently I perused the portfolio of Nicky Haslam, the very talented, British interior designer extraordinaire.  In addition to magnificent interiors, he is also known as an artist, cabaret singer, socialite, book reviewer, literary editor, etc. and the list goes on and on and on...

In some of his projects, I became totally enamored with his use of oversized, bright white mouldings, casings, and details in architectural settings.  I love the sophisticated whimsy and prominence it provided in his environments.  So unusual yet so livable.  I just had to share!

 Don't these chalky white extravagances have a tinge of contemporary vibe to them?

Look at the extravagant mouldings surrounding that door!  What a statement -- I adore it!  

That side swirl is just so gorgeous!  I want to go home, enlarge all my white mouldings, add large, playful pieces, and adorn and adorn!  

What a difference the simple circle motifs on the cupboard doors make in creating some interest and depth on the built in wall unit.

Really a unique delight to run across these designs!  I hope they are as inspiring for you too!

Best, Susan

Blue on Blue...

When I look out into my back yard and see the gorgeous blue color of the Morning Glories that are blooming, I think of two things ~ Blue Lapis and Bobby Vinton.  No, I wasn't old enough to "dig" listening to Bobby (I was only two!), but I do remember my parents listening to him over the years and through the '60's.  Benjamin Moore's Blue Lapis paint has always been one of my favorite blue colors ~ a little bit dreamy, a little bit sky, and a little bit purple, so soothing and refreshing all at the same time.  With that soothing dreaminess comes past memories of Bobby crooning Blue on Blue or Blue Velvet.  Click on the previous song names and they'll link you to Bobby's lovely voice...  With the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, it seemed like a good day to contemplate blue and being reflective.

Benjamin Moore Blue Lapis 2067-40

Feeling dreamy yet???  Have a wonderfully meditative day...Susan