Design is in the Detail: March 2013

Monday, March 25, 2013

Inspired by ... Christina Wedge

" You don't take a photograph. You make it." - Ansel Adams

Recently in searching for an interior photographer I was guided to contact Christina Wedge by several industry experts namely Brian Patrick Flynn of HGTV fame during a seminar at ADAC. Brian emphasized the importance of the need for gorgeous images in the design industry and especially images that you as a designer own.

christinawedgephotography

So with the goal of growing my portfolio I contacted Christina to photograph my personal home last fall. Christina was such a joy to work with, with her laid back although perfectionist style. She has an incredible eye and provides amazing input for each photo down to the tiny details. I cannot remember how many times we changed the coffee table vignette! Adding a book, a sculpture, flowers, a tray, and then painstakingly adjusting the height and angles of each object. The perfect photo was about taking away elements more than adding and this process is time consuming requiring infinite patience and a passion for art.

Her talent comes through the lens and translates into images that tell a story. Preparation for a photo shoot is key and my team spent hours shopping, arranging, steaming, ironing, etc. until we thought everything was perfect. And then Christina showed up and she pointed out so many things that we hadn't exactly perfected! She even taught us tricks to keep the pillow starched and straight. (Hint it doesn't include starch but packing tape!).

I feel so blessed to have met Christina and had her photograph several of my projects.

And her images have led to incredible opportunities that would not have presented themselves with my amateur photography. This week Better Homes & Gardens is coming to view one of my projects for an upcoming issue!

Christina shared some of what inspires her with us today. Thank you Christina for your unique perspective and inspiration on the design industry.

1. What is your most prized possession, what you can’t live without? My camera, family, friends, Hershey my chocolate lab and my red cowboy boots.

2. What is your last purchase? A Cannondale slice race bike for my first Ironman this year.

3. What is the easiest way to update a space? Paint.

4. What would you say is the color of the moment? Well, for me it will always be orange.

5. If you could shadow any designer for a day who would it be? I would love to shadow the late Verner Panton. He was born in Denmark and made his name as a visionary designer.

wikipedia.org

6. Favorite restaurant… Atlanta: Optimist. Berlin: Frieda Kahlo restaurant.

7. What store/ catalog could you spend hours browsing in? Anthropologie.

8. What is your favorite way to spend a lazy Sunday? Lake or beach and Morellis ice cream.

9. Marilyn, Audrey, or Jackie? Jackie.

www.jacquelinekennedyonassis.tumblr.com

10. What’s the most inspiring thing you’ve seen lately? Memphis and the Stax Museum last month.

Here is a link to view Christina's portfolio.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Sourcing at Scott's

Sourcing at Scott's Antique Market is one of my favorite "duties" as an interior designer. Scotts, the world's largest monthly antique show, is a destination for the majority of design professionals and enthusiasts and not only those in the Atlanta area. People drive from all over to scour through the vast buildings that house this immense treasure hunt. And a hunt it is... such a surprise what you will discover each time.

My last trip provided a few incredible finds that I thought I would share...

I loved the grey wash of the wood against the yellow velvet of this gorgeous daybed.

I am a huge fan of hides and I really liked the use of the almost white hide for the chair seats and backs. The wood on these chairs also has a sculptural quality that would look really interesting in a room.

I found two of these corbels and thought they would be a cool detail for a custom range hood or to incorporate into a custom vanity.

This trunk seat is an intriguing concept and could be cool in a boys bedroom. I'd like to see the seat in a rich velvet though!

So versatile, I love the detail on these white vases and dishes. You can never have enough beautiful white bowls! Great to display in a hutch.

Another treasure I spotted were these black storage boxes with wonderful patina. I never have enough hidden storage for all my son Tanner's super heroes!

The only items I purchased on this trip were these blocks from a printing press. I am a sucker for cool wood objects and I loved that contrast of metallic paint and wood. Each one has a unique patina. They are interesting on their own, but I think they would be really powerful framed as a group.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Spring fever

It's the first week of March and in Atlanta that could mean blue skies and 65 degrees or temps hovering just above freezing. It usually alternates between winter and spring for a few weeks here confusing our wardrobes, the early blooms, and causing a bad case of spring fever.

So while the weather team discusses potential snow in Atlanta in March! I am choosing to think spring and enjoy a few images of colors than undeniably speak of hotlanta and sunny skies.

Loving this periwinkle blue maxi from anthropologie - very Greek goddess.