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Classic Christmas! December 21, 2010

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Holiday House 2009 by Legacy Design Group

Last year at this time, we were recuperating from the massive undertaking of designing the master bedroom and loggia for the 2009 Atlanta Holiday House. 

I was proud of the work we accomplished in this Show House.  We used mostly fresh greenery and florals for the decorations and decided that a classic, restrained elegance was the order of the day to coordinate with the theme of our room:  Updated Classicism With Modern Sensibility.

The fireplace was draped with fresh cedar garland.  We found that keeping a bottle of water on hand and spraying the wreath and garland on a regular basis was helpful in keeping it green throughout the month long run of the show.  If you look closely, you can see that the wreath is hung from a decorative hook that would be used to hang a light fixture, over which we placed a drapery ring for a 3″ pole.  Then, using the sheer white ribbon, Kelley fashioned a soft bow and we attached the ribbon through the ring to achieve the drop for maximum effect.  The large, lidded mercury glass urn was just the right touch to pull the eye to the fireplace. 

Here in the South, it’s not always easy to decorate with fresh greens.  Our temperatures normally hover in the mid to upper 40s and can be warmer.  Having a fresh pineapple over your door could result in it falling upon someone’s head!

However, you can decorate with fresh greenery.  I have magnolia, holly, pine and other shrubs and trees on my property.  Every year, I cut some of these and prepare a natural arrangement in a Rose Medallion bowl.  I have a collection of floral “frogs” that come in very handy at this time.  If you don’t know what a floral “frog” is, it is a device that allows one to keep flowers in place.   Natural greenery has a “natural” design to it.  Look at each branch as you choose it.  Strip anything that will be below the water line, if possible.  Allow the greenery to fall naturally in the vessel.  An uncontrived, natural arrangement is, in my opinion, the prettiest.

Each year, we purchase a live tree and there are always some branches that need to be trimmed from the bottom.  I use these branches to fashion a swag for my doors.  Simply hold the branches up to observe the drape and continue to add to the swag until you have the desired effect.  Tie them together – I used natural twine, add a bow with streamers and whatever else you wish.  For one swag, Bernie pulled a pine bough from the yard that had fallen and I added some holly branches.

Door Swag

Not only is this easy and attractive, the fresh scene of pine and fir greets you when you enter.  The only expense was the ribbon!

I think it’s important to personalize your Christmas decorations, just as you personalize your home when designing.  My decorations have been acquired over the years, some I have purchased as mementoes of places I have travelled; some have been gifts; others I have purchased myself.  Each item speaks to me of the blessings in my life and I look forward every year to unpacking and decorating my home for the Holidays.

Putting it all away is a different story!

Search For Flying China Over Roswell, GA! September 29, 2010

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This past weekend, members of Roswell Presbyterian Church in Roswell, GA, had the privilege of hosting members of the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra & Chorus.

Bernie & I hosted two young women: Alina Sinelnikova and Tetyana Miius.  Both our guests were sopranos in the chorus.  Alina was the soloist and, at 26, has an amazing voice!  Incredibly beautiful and powerful.  She will be going into auditions soon and hopes to be a famous opera star.  Tetyana also has a beautiful voice and at 22, is still developing and studying.  She, too, plans on a career as a vocalist.

What an incredible experience it was to host this group.  All of the families who did so have e-mailed saying what an honor and privilege it was to welcome these musicians into our homes and lives.

One family who lives in Roswell, posted that their guests spent several hours in their backyard Saturday night searching for the famous flying china!  They finally figured out that they had exchanged the word “saucer” for “china”!  They had the right idea, just the wrong word! And, the wrong state!  Everyone had a good laugh! 

We took our guests, along with several other families, to the Georgia Aquarium.  It was so gratifying to watch these young adults, so wide eyed and excited as they experienced this incredible gift to the city of Atlanta.  Our aquarium is truly amazing and if you’re visiting Atlanta, not to be missed.

I want to also say a few words about this group:  Kyiv Symphony Orchestra & Chorus.  They are about half way through their 2010 U.S. Tour.  48 concerts in 52 days!  They arrived in Lancaster, PA on Sept. 10, made their way south through Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia and came to Atlanta after several concerts in North Carolina.  They are on their way to Beaufort, S.C. today, Sept. 29.

Their itinerary also takes them to Florida, Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky and back to Pennsylvania before heading home.

If you have the opportunity to host any of these musicians, please do!  If you have the opportunity to attend a concert – don’t miss it!  The music is world class and the people are wonderful.

To learn more about their tour, concerts, organization, charitable work and mission in Christ, log onto their website:  www.musicmissionkiev.org

Actually, all you need to do is Google those words and you will find a bunch of websites, videos, etc so that you can find a concert or make a donation or purchase a C.D.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL & ADAC September 22, 2010

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Last Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, I attended the Design Institute at ADAC hosted by House Beautiful magazine.  Newell Turner, the newly appointed Editor In Chief was on hand to talk about what’s hot in interior design and the trends they’re seeing.

First, I was impressed with the new aesthetic the magazine has achieved under Mr. Turner’s guidance.  This is real design – quality work by designers that are not necessarily the “annointed” ones but who, nevertheless, are supremely talented and worthy of publication.

House Beautiful is a venerable home decorating publication – perhaps one of the oldest still in existence – celebrating 114 years.  Newell Turner has brought a fresh vision and voice to the magazine.

Check my BLOG soon for the new trends and colors for 2011 – yes(!) it’s almost here!

RECLINERS – FURNITURE WE (Designers) LOVE TO HATE! August 2, 2010

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Why is it that so many recliners are sold that look like this? 

If you own one of these or something similar, my apologies along with my sympathies.  I can find no redeeming qualities to this piece of furniture.  I could go on the Designer’s war path and rant about this ubiquitous and every popular  piece of furniture but I’ll play it safe and just ask, “Why would anyone purchase this recliner when the options for well-designed reclining chairs are so varied and readily available?

I recently placed a pair of recliners in a client’s family room and, at first blush, you cannot tell that they are recliners.  They have a contemporary styling and fit a variety of body sizes and shapes comfortably.  The fabric is a contemporary Jacquard weave of stylized circles in colors I pulled into her home.  It is tough and durable and also very attractive.  (Photo doesn’t do it justice in this small size.)

 

My client loves them and they look great in her contemporary family room and nicely compliment her leather sectional sofa, which I also supplied to her.  The room is not yet complete, but it is coming together nicely!

The name most people associate with recliners, La Z Boy, makes quite a few well-designed motion chairs that I would not hesitate to place in a client’s home.  Indeed, a few years ago, I placed a pair of these recliners in another client’s family room:  I recommended that she purchase the recliners in leather, but she wanted a fabric – leather would have been better but since I design for my clients and they don’t always take 100% of my advice – she purchased her chairs in a fabric.   They were nice, but leather would have been better in her overall scheme.

This is a good looking recliner.  It has an English Regency styling – classic and timeless – and you can’t tell that it is a recliner unless it is in the reclining position.

I actually have a pair of navy blue leather wing back recliners in my own family room.  As you can tell, I like doing a pair of chairs when the design allows! 

My chairs have the straight Chippendale leg, not the Queen Anne Ball & Claw leg as shown here.  Many companies have this classic style of recliner available with either the cabriole or straight leg. 

History lesson insert:  The “ball and claw” dates to the period of China trade in the early to mid 18th century and represents a dragon clutching a pearl.

A word about leather.  It takes time to break in.  The more it is used, the softer and more comfortable it will become.  Use it and enjoy it.

A number of years ago, I designed a home theater and I stepped outside the box and recommended that my client use a sectional sofa on the first row of seating, rather than the standard theater seating.  My reasoning was that when it would only be the 2 of them watching a movie, they could cuddle or stretch out in comfort.  The 2nd and 3rd tiers were given the standard leather theater seats.  The sectional by Harden was done in a heavy duty but soft chenille fabric.  I designed it in a “U” shape with chaises on each end.

This worked really well and I’ve seen more designers and homeowners using non-standard theater seating since I created this room in 2007. 

La Z Boy has also developed two other recliners that I think would make great additions to a home theater. 

 As you can see, the “Matinee” recliner on the right is designed for a home theater with cup holders already in place.  I also like the recliner on the left for home theaters for its style, size and comfort.  Add a few small tables for food and drinks and you’ve got a truly comfortable seating arrangement.  Step outside the box and personalize your home theater.

If your tastes run to a transitional style, the Deco recliner with its retro look is also available.   This one is shown in a fabric reminiscent of the 1930s and 1940s.                                                                                                                                                                        

So, take a page from this Designer’s notebook and join me in my moratorium on ugly furniture!  Everyone deserves a well-designed room with furniture that has some style and it’s readily available through your friendly neighborhood designer!

THE NOT SO BIG HOUSE July 14, 2010

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On Tuesday evening, June 29, I was privileged to be a guest at a presentation by Sarah Susanka, FAIA, architect, founder and author of The Not So Big House.

Here’s what Sarah’s website has to say about her:

Bestselling author, architect and cultural visionary Sarah Susanka is leading a movement to redefine the American home and lifestyle. Her “build better, not bigger” approach to residential architecture has been embraced across the country and her “Not So Big” philosophy is evolving beyond our physical habitations and into how we inhabit our lives. In both realms she believes that Not So Big should be the first step in sustainability, both for our own well being and for the well being of the planet as a whole.

I was privileged to be the guest of Tracy Artzen, of Genesis Elevator Company.  Now, I have to confess, I had not heard of Sarah when I received the invitation to attend the event sponsored by The Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association.

As I listened and watched her presentation, I realized that I had been practicing interior design with the principles and ideas that Sarah espoused.  Interior architectural details can make a big difference.  Our clients at Legacy are myriad and our residential projects range from very large houses to modest homes.  The common demoninator is that each client desires to live in a home that reflects their life and style in comfort.  It has been my philosophy from my earliest commissions to design for my clients – not for myself.  That isn’t such a new idea today but 20 years ago – (and more) that concept was pretty unique in my field!

I especially enjoyed some of Sarah’s philosophy and thought I’d share it with you – especially as it reflects my philosophy as well.

“Make the space you live in sing!”   Anyone who knows me would understand why I like that statement so much.  I do so enjoy music and singing is one of my passions.  To make one’s home sing – to be responsible for creating a melody within someone’s living space – or working space – well, that just makes me smile!

“It’s not about quantity.  It’s about quality.  Bigger isn’t always better.  Design does matter.”  You betcha it does!

“When you make something beautiful, it will last for centuries.”  YES!  I’ve been saying for years that what makes our work work is it’s classic, timelessness.  That good design can – and should – become a legacy for future generations.  My company motto is:  Timeless interior design, creating tomorrow’s legacies…

And, another gem from Sarah:  “Beauty matters.  It’s the source of timeless design.” 

Couldn’t have said it better myself!  Thanks Sarah. 

You can check out Sarah’s website at: www.notsobighouse.com.

I’ve also signed up with Sarah’s professional registry.

INTERIOR DESIGN RENOVATIONS March 19, 2010

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TOTAL HOME MAKEOVER – FOCUS ON THE KITCHEN

I  read an article in one of Atlanta’s premier magazines about renovation projects and anticipated costs.  The article stated that a good rule of thumb for estimating the cost of a full kitchen renovation is to allocate 15% to 20% of your home’s value.

Wow!  Using that formula, LDG can really save their clients a bundle of money!  We have managed a number of whole house renovations as well as kitchen and bath renovations, and worked with builders on new construction design.  We have been mindful of our clients’ investment and have striven to make the project run as smoothly and quickly as humanly possible.

One whole house renovation in recent years began with our preliminary assessment of all the rooms to be renovated.  During discussions with the clients, we determined which pieces of furniture would be invited to stay in the refurbished space and which would not be invited back;  how the design of the renovated rooms would be completed, and we selected the remaining furniture, fabrics and finishes and architectural details for all the rooms.  As the interor designers, we had several months’ work before the contractor even started.

 Each of the 7  bathrooms were gutted and redesigned bringing a fresh approach reflecting today’s amenities, as well as for better function and overall design.  Every bedroom received a fresh coat of paint and new carpeting.  New furnishings were selected while the existing pieces were removed,  donated and/or relocated within the home to suit the new design.  Chandeliers were relocated to other rooms, some were donated, some removed, and two gorgeous Waterford crystal chandeliers were installed in the dining room and formal living room.  Every light fixture, save one, was replaced. 

It was a total home make-over representing HOURS AND HOURS of work by the full team of LDG designers.  For our services, we established a “flat fee” and worked with our client to spread the payments out over the course of several months.

This renovation went very smoothly thanks to the “group” assembled by LDG.   We only ran into one “hitch” when the master shower was demolished and rot was found in the floor and walls, causing additional repairs that added about a week to the finish line. 

A good rule of thumb in any renovation project is to expect the unexpected! 

 This was a “collaboration” in design at its best!  The kitchen re-design included the kitchen proper, breakfast and keeping areas, laundry and powder room.  We took the overall footprint and re-designed it for better use and flow.  Working with Chuck Tice, the contractor, and the homeowner,  we agreed to change the structural layout of the space.   Walls were knocked down and re-configured,  the garage entry door was relocated for better flow and the back stairway was opened into the room.  All structural decisions were finalized by our contractor and he was able to make our design work beautifully. 

The overall footprint of the space was approximately 1000 sq.ft.  The footprint of the kitchen proper was 15’ x 25’ or 375 sq. ft.  As you can see, this was a large space – not your average size kitchen!

Once again, we had the privilege of working with Maureen Desrosiers on the kitchen and bathroom cabinetry design.  Her work in this home is outstanding and the attention to detail is a testament to her skill.   We stress to our clients the importance LDG places in selecting the contractors and artisans with whom we work. We have built our reputation on working with the best at a value for our clients – it is not an area open to compromise.  Mistakes are costly and we do our very, very best to avoid them.  Using skilled, experienced contractors and artisans is just one factor in our overall design scheme and success.

(Side Bar:  When I – rarely – watch HGTV, I am amazed at the work attempted by design “professionals”.  Here at Legacy, we recognize that it is our job to design and the labor is left to those who are experts at what they do!  But that’s another article for another day!)

 Using the formula for renovation costs as stated above, this kitchen renovation could easily have been an investment of $375,000 – $500,000.  (Valuing the home conservatively at $2.5 Million  given its location and overall size – over 10,000 sq. ft.)  While I don’t have the actual figures from the contractor as our process allows the homeowner to work directly with the builder, his portion of the work included demolition of the existing kitchen down to the studs, installing a beam to support the upper level, new construction, new windows and doors, plumbing, electrical, drywall and painting.  I do know that the homebuyer spent approximately $175,000 on new cabinets, appliances by Wolf, SubZero and Miele, lighting (architectural and decorative) and plumbing fixtures, including installation of cabinetry and appliances and granite countertops.  I estimate the new flooring for the entire area at $4,000.  

Beautiful wood cabinets in a warm walnut finish with a glazed patina; a customized cooking center that is a true showpiece; raised panels and columns; center island in creamy white cabinetry with a custom wood countertop and granite on the rest – a dream kitchen! 

TO SEE PHOTOS:     http://www.legacy-design-group.com/photogallery/beforeandafterpictures.html

Now, we fully understand that not all our clients have the resources for this level of design renovation.  Here at LDG we have worked on many more modest projects and more modest kitchen and bath renovations with budgets under $50,000.  It can be done.  The level of investment is determined by our clients. 

 “Renovation? Big or small, LDG is the company to call!”

Inspiration January 26, 2010

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Inspiration: Atlanta, Art and the Movies

A week ago, my daughter, Laura-Victoria, my niece, Holly Seargeant and I went to see the  movie, The Young Victoria.  I admit to having met my match in my niece in her knowledge of  the British monarchy!  We had a great time discussing the topic.  Now this is my favorite kind of  movie!  I love films of an historic period, biographical and, especially well acted.  For me, I  often will watch the movie more than once because I am so enthralled by the interiors on the  screen!  I will sometimes miss what is actually happening because I am studying the  furnishings, the carpets, the windows, the architecture and architectural appointments – so I  have to see it again!

Such was the case with The Young Victoria.  Emily Blount is exceptional.  I found myself believing in the magic – she was not an actress playing a role – she embodied her character and made the audience believe we were in the presence of Victoria herself.

I would urge you to see the movie.  I came away inspired by the beauty of the palaces, wanting to create a true traditional, elegant and timeless interior in my next project and appreciating once again my own home and my personally selected 18th century American, English and French interiors.

As designers, we are inspired by a variety of things.  I often find inspiration in history.  A number of years ago, when Kiera Knightly remade Pride & Prejudice, I was inspired to create the window treatments for Legacy Design Group’s Study Of The Arts in the 2006 Roswell Woman’s Club Showcase.  I left the movie knowing that our windows had to be treated with elaborately trimmed Austrian silk shades because I had seen something similar in the movie!

On Saturday, Jan. 23, Bernie and I went to The High Museum of Art to see the DaVinci exhibit.  The Hand of the Master was more than I anticipated!  Now, I have been blessed in my 58 years!  I have been to all of the Smithsonian museums and countless art museums including ones in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., here in the U.S. and the national galleries in Dublin and London!

I have stood before an actual volume of Chippendale’s Gentleman’s and Cabinetmaker’s Guide.  I have seen furniture actually carved by the great Goddard & Townsend workshop.  I have seen with my own eyes DaVinci’s Mona Lisa in Paris’ Louvre; walked through Napoleon’s apartments; the Vatican’s treasures of wondrous works of art, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel; and the treasures of Florence’s Uffizi Gallery.  I have attended concerts in the Medici palazzo and Schonbrunn Palace.  I walked the halls of Versailles.

I have been in these places, steeped in history, counting my blessings. Never in my wildest childhood dreams did I think I would be so fortunate to walk through so many incredible places and see such incredible works!  I believe with all my heart that having such wonderful opportunities has infused my work with a depth and understanding that sets me apart.  So, having the opportunity to go to Atlanta’s High Museum and view works by Leonardo DaVinci was a natural thing for me to do.  To be further blessed with a husband who enjoys these visits is also worthy of mention!

As I walked through the exhibit, I deepened my appreciation for the difficulty of the times of the Renaissance and the incredible works of art that were produced during this period.  I came away inspired to continue to create my own brand of interior design – timeless and classic – and wanting to inspire others with my own work.

In addition to the works by DaVinci and his contemporaries, the High is also showcasing an exhibit on the works of Atlanta’s own John Portman, architect extraordinaire.

Portman graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology a year before I was born.  He is credited with changing the skyline of Atlanta but more importantly, it was his work in 1967 with the Hyatt Regency hotel that changed the course of architectural history, winning international acclaim!  His design of the first modern atrium hotel was revolutionary and became the benchmark for hospitality design that we enjoy today!  He was a pioneer in the role of architect as developer.

Portman was profoundly influenced by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and his concept of organic architecture, a concept that promotes harmony between nature and humans.  The idea of integrated design whereby the natural setting, building, furnishings and surroundings all blend to create a unified, harmonious composition is no longer extraordinary.   It is accepted.  It is a part of how we live and work.   Portman took this innovative philosophy one step further, believing that art, architecture and furniture should all work in harmony to create dramatic spaces that invite human interaction. He named his personal residences “Entelechy”, which is derived from the Greek and means:  dreams realized.  Portman designed with the human experience in mind.

I realized as I walked through the work of this amazing talent that this philosophy is one I adopted as a young designer:  designing with the human experience in mind.  I was never able to verbalize it quite so eloquently before.

After my visit to the High yesterday, I realized that this is another aspect of my work that sets Legacy Design Group apart.  I was so fortunate as a young designer to have such wonderful mentors.  To have been taken under wing by an architect who gave me incredible opportunities to broaden my horizons and learn to design with architecture as a whole, rather than just “decorate” a space.

In retrospect, this article is longer than most and I hope my readers will understand that I am in awe of the works of great masters that have come before.  I am honored and privileged to be able to practice the art of interior design.  I am inspired by what has come before.

I like this saying:  Aspire to inspire.  It is my hope that you will:  Be inspired and be an inspiration.

Color in Real Life January 21, 2010

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While inspiration is arbitrary, translating inspiration into a successful decorating scheme is not at all so.  Color and the proper use of it in interior design can change a room and a person’s life.  Color can create the illusion of space, make a room seem larger or smaller; camouflage architectural flaws; unify space; calm or energize.  The process of achieving balance, rhythm, proportion, scale, emphasis and harmony is one of education, studied application and skill.  Did you know that much of color association is pure science?

We have always heard that green is a relaxing color, invoking nature at its most serene.  You probably don’t know that there is also a scientific basis for this:  Green’s wavelength is the least demanding on the eye and therefore the least stressful.  While red, the color of action and passion has a longer wavelength and is, therefore, the most stressful.  Since Shakespeare’s time, actors have calmed their nerves in a “green room”.  Who would dream of painting a hospital room red?  Did you know you should not paint a nursery yellow because it makes a baby fussy?

Here’s an observation.  I work a lot with fan decks from a variety of paint companies.  Have you ever wondered who names the paint colors?  What a great job!  Listen to these colors in progression from one Benjamin Moore page:

Early Sunset; Light Mocha; Cappuccino; Gaucho Brown; Grandfather Clock Brown; Chocolate Truffle; and Seed Brown.

Each color, each name, conjures images and immediately we associate these descriptive words with our senses.  The psychology of color isn’t just in how we associate or react; it even extends to the name of the particular color we choose.

Celebrate color!  It is a human luxury, one steeped in strong meaningful culture and history.