It’s August, and you know what that means…school is back in session! I thought this would be a perfect time to review the elements and principles of design regarding current trends. This month we will learn about the elements of design and shift into the principles of design in September. Just as an artist uses brushes, paints, and pencils, an interior designer utilizes the more abstract “tools” of line, shape, color, value, form, texture, and space….
Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: More (and More) Uses for Your Pumpkins
What happens the day after Halloween? On the Catholic calendar, that day is All Souls’ Day, but otherwise what do you typically do? Many will turn their thoughts to Thanksgiving and Christmas preparation and decorating, which means giving those pumpkins and squash and gourds the heave. Or at least relegate them to some dark corner until a member of the household shows mercy and carries them out to the curb.
Stop! You don’t have to toss your autumnal seasonal display and immediately turn to sole thoughts of red and green. Why not incorporate those pumpkins and squashes into your Christmas decorating? Heresy, you say. Everyone knows pumpkins can’t be used with Christmas. But take a look at this:
I’ve used an old candle stand to display some vintage ornaments, then brought in two pumpkins and tossed various squashes into the mix. See how well these colors work together? Nothing scary, forced or especially self-conscious, either. And the textures are a nice combination as well.
Use striped ornaments and striped squashes together. Notice the textural contrast and the colors. The tonality works well, doesn’t it? Now, you’re starting to get the picture.
Terra cotta always works well with pumpkins; the smoothness of their surfaces correspond and the colors always blend. Since this part is tried and tested, then add terra cotta to the pumpkin and red ornament mix, for an even more nuanced look. It now makes sense to combine and blend those two major displays.
Now for the real pièce de résistance. If you have three of those ‘major’ pumpkins left—the ones you used at the front of your display this year–three that match somewhat in size and shape, yet are contrasting, then create a snowman out of them. You can stack them for the body, like the three large snowballs you create in your front yard, then create the face and a few accessories. I used red ornaments for the eyes, a conifer seedpod for the nose, a twig out of the yard for his mouth. The buttons? Acorns I found on a walk. I then finished his look by bringing in squash and ornaments and weathered pieces to surround. This effect is so natural, so right—combining fall and holiday—that it makes you wonder why all the fuss. Why do you have to segregate these two decorating opportunities?
Add boughs like always to create your tablescape. Except now, use pumpkins in addition to typical nests of ornaments. They all nestle in nicely.
You created a bountiful scene at your steps with pumpkins and seasonal bits of interest a month ago, and it was especially inviting. You don’t have to remove it all and start again. Bring in the holiday greenery and drape around and among your pumpkins. You can add more holiday color, if you like. ‘Holiday’, as in red and green and silver. But just adding greenery can work well for a Christmas display. And that pleasing round shape of the pumpkins you sourced some time ago echoes the shape of the wreaths at the door.
Isn’t this combination a natural? Since fall and winter and their three major holidays follow each other in a straight line, why do you have to keep each decorating event separate? Why not combine, and let them flow into each other? Seasonal color can cost quite a bit. Use what you already have, bring in distinct elements associated with the holiday, and you can save money. But even better, you’ll get a bit of a thrill by knowing that you’ve done what many people say can’t be done, and used your leftover pumpkins for Christmas. How’s that for sustainability?
Chris Olsen is a nationally known home and garden guru, designer, author, TV personality and public speaker. In his book, Chris shares his landscape and gardening knowledge along with his unique flair for home decor and design.He is also a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Learn more about Chris and all of his work at chrisholsen.com.
The Art Fix with Joshua Plumlee: Paintings vs. Drawings
So to start off this month’s post, let’s briefly look at the subtle differences between two different categories of art. This will enable two things: a) for us to be on the same “page” when it comes to discussing artworks on paper (Please, PLEASE forgive the awful puns in this post!) and (b) for you to impress all your friends with your insightful knowledge of the art world.
Ok, so drawings vs. paintings. What’s the difference?? Scholars may differ slightly in their varying definitions, but I will do my best to offer us simple, concise definitions…
Drawing: any work using “dry” media (eg, charcoal, pencil, chalk or pastel) – the one exception here being the “wet” media of pen/brush and ink – usually executed on paper, although some artists continually push this limit to include drawings on canvas.
Painting: any work executed using “wet” media, including mixed media wherein any combination of oil paint, acrylic paint, charcoal, encaustic, etc. A painting can be done on paper, canvas, board, or any surface capable of sustaining the pigments safely over time.
The distinction here is that a “drawing” can quickly morph into becoming a “painting” by simply including a liquid to suspend the pigment on the surface.
Envision this as an example………. picture an artist sketching with charcoal on paper. Then suddenly he reaches for a paint brush, dips it into water and begins to “paint” by smudging the charcoal around the paper with the wet brush, thus moving from drawing into painting.
Again, the scholars out there may be screaming inside right now, and that’s ok. But as an active artist, I’ll tell you that this is often the line of distinction for me personally. This is how I engage my own art process. And it is with this viewpoint that I regard the work of others – whether I’m scouting pieces for clients or simply admiring them in a gallery.
It’s funny – many people consider European, Old-World oil paintings (often, specifically oil and not acrylic!) to be the quintessential piece of “art”. That’s fine. They can think that way.
It’s also funny that many contemporary “painters” out there today are blurring the lines (again, with the shameless puns. Whew!!!) between painting and drawing. Take for instance the artist Scott Ingram. He would probably be considered a painter, first and foremost. But recently he has used nail polish, an atypical medium, and the pull of gravity to make his mark. Check out his process….
By nearly omitting himself and allowing gravity to fatefully pull the vibrant nail polish pigments across and down the paper, Ingram has created something altogether different – part drawing, part painting? You tell me. But look at how captivating his work can be…
Notice how designer Suzanne Kasler infuses this highly-traditional room setting with new life by selecting her color palette based on a Scott Ingram piece on paper. It’s truly delightful!
Another artist who blurred the lines of drawing and painting is the late Cy Twombly, whose pieces are at once childlike and intimate, cryptic and profound.
Such a wonderful composition, artwork with furnishings. Great mix.
And here, notice how this monolithic-scaled work on paper presides over this living room setting. The piece is both serene and fragile. There is something very familiar and childlike about being face-to-face with artwork on paper.
In his book Living with Art, author Mark Getlein writes: “In drawings…we have the impression of being present at an intimate transaction between artist and (paper).”
And it’s true, there is something immediate and human about a fragile piece of paper, especially considering that a work on canvas may last centuries longer. Little Rock’s own Arts Center is devoted to works on paper. Did you know that?
Notice how placing a drawing on paper above this mantle provides an air of simple elegance and approachability.
And how this small-scale ink abstract on paper by Franz Kline amps up the power factor in this bold lacquered dining room by Suzanne Kasler…
Good stuff, right??!!
Well, there’s some brilliant art discourse for your day. Hopefully you’re totally in tune with your inner artist by now. Now go grab a pencil or paintbrush and make a doodle, or a sketch, or a painting even. And above the all, learn to value artworks on paper. They’re really so cool. Cheers!
Active in the Little Rock design scene since 2006, Joshua Plumlee is passionate about reimagining elegant interiors with a focus on original artwork and an unconventional approach to luxurious style.
Fall Porch DIY #2: Jana Hunter
Living in the beautiful state of Arkansas provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and decorate our homes as the four seasons change. For me personally, I adore fall. There is something special about the crisp, morning air while enjoying a hot cup of coffee or embracing the cool nights layered with a favorite blanket. Fall’s arrival also brings forth an array of pumpkins, gourds, and colorful mums scattered among front porches.
Front doors are also a fabulous backdrop for additional seasonal décor. Each year, Indian corn is gathered and displayed on my front doors as a fond reminder of my childhood home’s fall decor. You may also create this festive display using the following items: 3 ears of Indian corn, 4 to 5 stems of wheat (I used artificial found at a local craft store), ribbon of your choice (2 varieties), twine, and scissors.
Lay 4-5 stems of wheat gathered together on a flat surface.
Next, fluff the husks on the corn to add dimension.
Place 3 ears of Indian corn on top of the gathered wheat. Ensure the top portion of the corn meets the gathered point of the wheat.
The 3 ears of Indian corn create a triangle when stacked.
Secure the Indian corn to the wheat with a piece of twine tied on the backside.
Cut a 50” piece of ribbon of your choice and tie in a bow on the front side.
For a layered look with a punch of color, add another 50” piece of ribbon tied in a bow.
Backside of the Indian corn and wheat
Display the Indian corn and wheat on your front door by securing the backside of the ribbon onto a brad nail hammered into your front door at an angle.
With the addition of your new Indian corn and wheat front door décor, I hope you enjoy this beautiful fall season!
Learn more about Jana and view her work at janahunter.com.
See more images of Jana Hunter’s front porch decor in the October issue, HERE.
The Art Fix with Joshua Plumlee: Works on Paper
Let’s talk paper. No, not the towel or tissue variety. Artwork on paper.
I have a special love for works on paper and over the next few months we will journey together and learn all about etchings, lithographs, mixed media works, as well as the tricky differences between, say, drawings and paintings. We will dive into what it means to collect works on paper, having them framed and living with this type of medium in your home.
Doesn’t all that just sound so interesting?? It’s so fun you can’t stand it, right? RIGHT? Well, keep reading anyway and at least you’ll be able to impress someone at a party with terms like “gouache” and “assemblage”. (No – those aren’t references to food.) Who knows, you might even have a little fun. And then you can go crazy filling your home with chic art.
So until next month, here are some appetite-whetting images of ultra chic interiors with a wonderful assortment of artworks on paper….
DESIGN/ Antony Todd via chiccoles.blogspot.com
I love this vignette – the pairing of antique European chair and hard-edged, clean-lined console table, mixed with Old World sketch framed behind glass. All the eclecticism makes this little story feel very updated.
STYLING/ James Leland Day via desiretoinspire.net
Technically, some historians and art critics assign photography into a category all its own, but in this case we will include it. Plus, there is something quite special about this Wassily chair, in all its warm caramel/honey leather glory, that plays so nicely alongside the vintage floor lamp and the photographic work framed in a similarly warm toned frame. This is the epitome of neutral modern-masculine chic.
ART/ “Release” by Jake Blake, mixed media on python IMAGE/ flairhomecollection.com
This quirky little vignette is from Flair Home in grand ole New Yawk City. The bold, graphic white and black artwork is on stretched Python skin actually. No big deal, right? Everyone needs an abstract work on Python. Everyone…
IMAGE/ Surrey Painting Group
And lastly for today, this elegant pairing of emerald velvet settee and monolithic-scaled gold leaf work is right up my alley. Green and gold together like this takes me to my happy place. Mmmmmmmm.
The artwork is framed very simply – clean black frame, float-mounted behind glass – and yet it presides very strikingly over this room, almost like a sun disc. Very glam. (We’ll learn more about specific framing techniques soon).
So for now, go find a place in your home that might be calling out for some artwork on paper! I’ll teach you how to select and buy it in our next post. Cheers!
Active in the Little Rock design scene since 2006, Joshua Plumlee is passionate about reimagining elegant interiors with a focus on original artwork and an unconventional approach to luxurious style.
Antiques & Vintage with Providence Design: Our New Design Crush… Paneled Walls
Because of its warmth, beauty, and timelessness, wood has long been the material of choice for floors… But lately we are crushing on the character and beauty it can add to your walls… And it doesn’t have to be formal either. Intricately carved French paneled walls are so beautiful, but we also love the informality that running boards either horizontally or vertically in a cottage, farm house, or just more casual setting accomplishes…
We’re working on a project in Gadsden Alabama where we will panel the study off the foyer. The style of this home is very French. We plan to do something like this…
Taking it a step further we will be having some doors made similar to these that just become a part of the paneling…are these not to die for?
More simple paneling but still so beautiful…
Storage behind the panels is a great idea…
Michael W. Smith…Classic perfection!
A little less formal…
Love the rustic mix here…
This is one of our projects…Love the character that the horizontal painted ship lap paneling adds to this casual dining space.
So what do you think?
Are you as fond of the warmth and beauty that wood can add to walls as we are? It’s your turn. Let’s talk.
Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.
Tobi Fairley on Comfort and Style
Today, we’re sharing the first in a series of videos created by interior designer Tobi Fairley, in which she uses the home design featured in our June issue to offer advice on how to use her techniques in your own home. This video is all about how to create a family room that is both comfortable AND stylish.
>>To see MORE of this great Sheridan home and read the story, click here!
Creating spaces that are full of style, but are also comfortable, can be a challenge for designers. If your home has kids and pets, that makes it doubly difficult. So what if you want style and design, but you want your family to feel at home and like they can relax and really put their feet up? Here are some tips for you!
Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Space…The Last Frontier
You’ve heard me say many times that you don’t have to keep strict boundaries between outdoors and indoors. You can bring elements inside that might otherwise be considered strictly “outside,” like plant materials or design ideas. The same idea can work outside the four walls of your house; you can create ‘rooms’ of areas that were once unused, ignored, or simply walked through. You can take a corner or any flat area of your landscape and make one–or many–rooms to enjoy. These photos are from a house where I did the plantings. Garry Mertins and Kaki Hockersmith did the interiors. What you can see is how easy it is to create rooms out of doors, and create a whole new living and entertaining area.
The best course to follow is simplicity. Arrange seating and tables at a focal point, like a fireplace, or fire pit. Another nod to simplicity: use furniture and tables that are functional and in hues that fit into the colors of your landscape.
Busy patterns and hot colors won’t be necessary because you aren’t competing with your plantings as much as you are working within them. Greens, blues, and darker colors may be better for outdoor room furnishings.
Notice how this arrangement mimics a chic angled room from the house. You haven’t reinvented the wheel, but you have rolled it outside.
Once you’ve considered basic color use and seating that is both comfortable and functional, don’t forget the design elements of texture and light. Stone is your ally, so use it wherever you can.
Ultimately it’s all about flow. If you have enough room, why not create an outdoor kitchen and adjacent seating? Your guests can stroll from room to room, chatting and drinking while enjoying the outdoor experience. A nice tall set of curtains provides shelter from the occasional rainstorm. Your guests won’t have to run for the house.
The basic rule for a party is simple: guest congregate in the kitchen when they can. A working kitchen—with all the appliances just like the one inside—makes for great use of space. It won’t be wasted, and it means you won’t have to leave your guests as you monitor the appetizers. A long table, an ample amount of seating, an expansive counter, and a backsplash add all the indoor elements for your outdoor space.
And what about nearby plantings? What should they be? I situated an herb garden just below, and used stacked stone walls of the same rock used in the outdoor rooms. The nice thing about herbs is that they aren’t fussy, and many will scent the air. Having herbs near seating and the outdoor kitchen means your guests can smell them close by, and you can stroll over to cut them for use in your dishes. The idea of convenience should never be discounted.
We live in a temperate part of the country, so we can take advantage of our weather many months of the year. Use that space between your house and yard! Create new rooms, new vistas! Make use of what you have, and think outside the house. Don’t let something like four walls limit your freedom.
It’s as simple as finding an area that will serve as your gateway to both indoors and out-, then pulling together functional seating and cooking implements, arranging them all, and inviting your guests. If you have just a tiny space between house and lawn, you can use it for great effect.
Live Life to the Fullest and never be afraid to try something new! Your home is your oasis!
~Chris
See more of this amazing outdoor space in our March 2014 issue!
Chris Olsen is a nationally known home and garden guru, designer, author, TV personality and public speaker. In his book, Chris shares his landscape and gardening knowledge along with his unique flair for home decor and design.He is also a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Learn more about Chris and all of his work at chrisholsen.com.
Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energy in Your Home, with Andrea Brooks
Have you ever wondered why when there’s a little tension in a relationship it can actually be a good thing? It adds interest and depth and a touch of the unexpected. It grabs your attention and leaves you wanting more. It can also be that natural balance of feminine and masculine energy. In my experience, the same rule applies to interiors! You want to keep a good balance of the Yin and the Yang—but the question is: How? What primary characteristics should you be looking for in your various design elements? What details are the most important to include when merging masculine and feminine?
I’ll use one particular home design to illustrate my points. In this particular family the husband has long been “outnumbered” by his wife and two daughters, but I’ll show you why he still feels right at home in his own home.
Photography: Nancy Nolan
In the master bedroom, I’ve balanced the more feminine, softer blues and yellows with the masculine, darker wood of the nightstands and curtain hardware. The rough texture of the concrete side table is counterbalanced by a flirty floral arrangement. Even the more masculine lines of the Neoclassical lamp pair just perfectly with the soft blue/gray color. The textured modern art piece also has a more masculine energy. I added in a vintage, pink-and-linen pillow to add a little something unexpected and to keep the room from being a little “too” perfectly matched.
Photography: Nancy Nolan
The deep, regal purple upholstery juxtaposed with the intricately carved bench and the hand-painted Chinoiserie textile keep this vignette fresh.
Photography: Nancy Nolan
The color blush is making a huge splash at all the latest design-industry markets. Though this bedroom reads very pink, I’ve actually layered texture and color to bring balance: the curtains are a linen/cotton blend in blush; the velvet bed pillows are a deep, manly oxblood; the animal print throw introduces even more texture and subtle masculinity, as does the Celtic quatrefoil design of the poster bed. The overall look is still very feminine but not sugary sweet.
Photography: Nancy Nolan
Photography: Nancy Nolan
The strength of navy blue, along with the wide stripes and scale of the bolster pillow, balance the Damask pattern on the headboard and the floral watercolor painting above the bed. I love everything in this mix of the modern print in greens and blues above the lavender desk with studly brass accents and guilded vintage vanity chair.
Photography: Nancy Nolan
The hard edges of the octagonal dining chairs, the overscaled modern art, and the boxy lampshades, contrast with the pink Chinoiserie lamps and the graceful glass chandelier. Again, bringing in the dark wood dining table. Also, even though the wall color reads an ethereal blue – it is a more toned-down version than you would think of compared to a sky blue.
Photography: Nancy Nolan
Photography: Nancy Nolan
The straight lines of the brass barstools and the over-scaled, hammered texture in the lighting contrast with the orchid upholstery and fanciful, floral window treatments.
Photography: Nancy Nolan
In the living room, the drapes are made of wide stripes of navy and off-white, and the repetition of the octagonal shape fretwork, backed with antiqued mirror in the built-in.
Now that I’ve given you examples of how to create this balance between the masculine and feminine, do you think it’s something you would want to attempt to bring to your own home? Why or why not? Can you find more examples in these pictures than what I’ve described?
–Andrea
To tour the rest of this lovely home, see the feature in our April issue. To learn more about Andrea and her work, contac Andrea Brooks, Andrea Brooks Interiors, El Dorado, andreabrooksinteriors.com.
Providence Design: It’s Spring and Time to Get Outside!
Spring is our very favorite season…We are so ready to get out and dig in the dirt and enjoy the sunshine after being cooped up all winter! We love helping our clients plan outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and useful.
Herbs are so fun to plant, and they give instant gratification in this kitchen cutting garden…
It’s time to clean out those fountains and plant annuals you’ll enjoy all season long. We like to plant in the ground where the sprinkler can take care of them and also in pots, which lets us layer and achieve different heights. You can also move the pots around to different locations when entertaining.
One of our very favorite spaces to decorate is a cozy porch…Great for relaxing with family or entertaining with friends…
We love, love screened in porches. We did this one several years go and it’s still our clients’ favorite spot in their home…
Love a fireplace on the porch too…makes everything cozy and beautiful year round…
We like to mix materials and furnishings on outdoor porches just like we do inside the home. But remember: less can be better or the space can become cluttered looking. This little courtyard is perfectly manicured and well appointed. A great spot to enjoy morning coffee…
Always edit…But no reason to skimp on great details like this awesome old concrete statue or the antique iron balcony console with the concrete top…
We furnished the porch off an upstairs master bedroom in Fayetteville in a fresh palette of blue and white. A perfect spot to sit and watch the neighbors stroll by.
Slip covers can be wonderful used outside…We use them all the time. So easy to throw them in the washer to keep clean.
Outdoor entertaining is what Spring is all about…Every detail for this party was planned to perfection. Notice how well the bright colors coordinate and pop off the neutral background. And again we have mixed lots of different textures for interest.
Set aside a weekend to do some outdoor cleaning and planting…Make a list of a few fresh additions like pillows, lanterns, or garden statuary…When you have pulled it all together… throw something on the grill and invite a few friends over…That’s just a good time waiting to happen.
It’s your turn. Let’s talk!
Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.
