Ceiling Design and Details

Ceilings are one of the most over looked and forgotten opportunities for design applications in a home or commercial space. I haven’t done a white ceiling, by choice, in over 20 years. Such an expansive space shouldn’t be just painted white and ignored in the design process, but I see it all the time. Even in an all white room, I will add some color or other details to the ceiling design.

Moldings, panels, beams, coffers, medallions, textures, trompe l’oeil and faux painting add so much depth and wonderfull detail to your rooms.
At the very least, paint the ceiling a color;wheather bold or just a subtle tint, the results are dramatic and finish the design of the space.

Any one studying design, or with an interest in design, should visit the John and Mable Ringling home in Sarasota;the fabulous interiors and exquisite ceiling designs are so spectacular! Inspired by a trip to Venice, John Ringling imported Venetian craftsmen to create many of the design details for walls and ceilings. It is worth the drive to Sarasota just to tour this grand mansion not to mention all the other art venues in that area.
For a preview go to http://www.ringling.org/cadmansion.aspx
John and Mable Ringling named the home Ca d’Zan which means “House of John”; a great place to study the many varied applications of ceiling design and details; beams, coffers, handpainted, trompe l’oeil and more!

Third Thursday Art Walk

The Third Thursday downtown art walk in Orlando is June 18. Fellow artist, Dan Tashlin and I will be opening our show at The Gallery at Avalon Island, corner of Magnolia and Pine, from 6:00 to 9:00. The art walk is always fun; there are many galleries and venues to visit with lots of creative energy and art to enjoy. Most have entertainment for your pleasure and food and beverages are available. Come enjoy a night out in downtown Orlando!

Trade Winds Interiors- Kimono Series

I now have some of my paintings on display at Trade Winds Interiors, 318 N. Park Av. in Winter Park, Fl. Mostly my new “Kimono” series. It’s a wonderful, eclectic shop, you should check it out!!

Summer Newsletter- Spring Market Report-Design and Color Trends

The long, Hot central Florida summer is here! Time to relax with afternoon naps, picnics, reading on the beach and backyard cookouts; don’t forget the watermellon!! Yummm! Love that color, too!

After some spring cleaning, now is the time to lighten up and revitalize your interiors.The spring High Point Market was abundant with many exciting design and color trends.

Classic black is the “new” black! It was represented in chic black crystal chandeliers, distressed and embellished pottery accent pieces, handsome black bamboo furniture ( I love it!) and even a black seashell chandelier to punch up the popular marine themed interiors.

Sophisticated neutrals in stone, cream, buff and lilac tinted, smoky grays were strong and are comfortable and timeless colors. I never tire of a neutral palette!

As I have said before, orange is everywhere along with hot pink and watery shades of blue from deep azure to pale ice; they are as uplifting and fresh as an ocean breeze!

Luxury fabrics were naturally fabulous in textural linens (always wonderful for a summer interior!), nubby cottons, slubbed silk and leather, they beg to be touched!

Out of Africa motifs with elephants, monkeys, leopards and other wildlife combined with geometric patterns and tribal prints to create an exotic montage for fabrics.

Give yourself a new lease on life for the summer by editing down your living area; less clutter is so calming! Replace heavy rugs with sisal or seagrass- instant summer! Add some bright, colorful accent pillows and maybe slipcover some of your chairs with linen in soft pale summery colors. Even dining chairs take on new life when slipcovered. If possible, replace drapery with creamy, diaphanous fabrics for a light and breezy feel!

Lots of fresh green plants, bowls of citrus scented potpourri and lushly fragranced candles cool and calm the senses. Add an organic water feature to create a soothing ambiance. There are so many choices; table top, wall mounted or freestanding in sizes and prices from very small to as large as your space and budget will allow!

The redesign trend is so popular, especially for seasonal changes, I find myself very busy helping clients get ready for a relaxing and fun summer! I’m also taking some time to rework my own space. It’s fun to rearrange and repurpose furnishings, art and accessories; you appreciate them in a whole new way!

I hope these design and color trend reports inspire you to have fun redecorating for the summer!

Interior design- Ancient meets Modern

One of my favorite designers of all time, Michael Taylor, was mentioned in the May/June issue of Veranda magazine(one of my favorite magazines!!) His work speaks to me on so many levels. I too enjoy mixing organic materials with clean, open spaces. Ancient meets modern! I would love to work with a client that appreciates this design direction and is open to new ideas! Modern furniture shapes mixed with artifacts, original abstract art, and lots of textural play with fabrics and materials;All in a light filled,open space that brings the outdoors in. Ancient Meets Modern– so many posibilities!!!

The Home as Sanctuary

World events being what they are today, your home should be a haven that nurtures your soul and restores your spirit! Restful and serene interiors that reflect nature and incorporate the beauty of organic materials are the hallmark of a restorative home. Lucious silk, fine cotton, textural linen, the warmth of wood and the earthiness of stone are a few tactile choices that awaken the sense of touch and sight, creating the home as sanctuary.

Enjoy beautifully scented candles, fresh, fragrant flowers and perhaps create a “memories” potpourri filled with shells collected on seaside vacations; flowers, recieved as gifts that you have dried; saved champagne and wine corks from life’s celebrations or other special objects that evoke fond memories! Caress the sense of smell!

Comforting sounds such as recordings of wind chimes or bird song and soft music playing in the background along with the laughter of family and friends imbue a feeling of peace and contentment.

Hand crafted bowls filled with sumptious fruits or vegetables give you a renewed appreciation of nature’s bounty!

Family heirlooms, collected treasures and old books are wonderful for those contemplative moments.

Choose soft color palettes to impart a calming ambiance or darker, richer colors to embrace and cocoon. Color is very personal, you should choose those that make you feel peaceful and happy, then wrap yourself in them!

This step is crucial! Clear out clutter and do some “spring” cleaning. Remove anything that has a negative vibe. It’s great, cheap therapy and will create a positive, happy energy in your home!

Finally, immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of art and objects that speak to you in a special way; wheather a fabulous flea market find or priceless antique, these are the elements that create the home as sanctuary! And always remember to “Live Life with Joy, Wonder and Style”!

Chair Designs

Chair designs through the centuries have been influenced by many things and makes a really interesting study. Did you know? Wing chairs were designed in the late 17th century to be placed in front of a fireplace; the high backs and “wings” kept the heat in around your body and the cold drafts of older houses off your back and neck.

In the mid 19th century, gentleman’s chairs had armrests but ladies chairs had no arms or very low arms and wide seats to accomodate their large hoop skirts.

the Adirondack chair was designed in 1903 to remain level when placed on a sloping mountain side to enjoy the views; hence the severely sloped back.

Chair designs in France have been influenced by the reigning monarchs for many centuries. Louis 15th, Louis 16th etc. controlled the furniture craftsman guilds and had the craftsmen design to their liking. Some liked curves and more ornate designs and others liked straight lines and less ornamentation.

Ergonomic chair designs follow form and function and are based on the human skeletal and muscular frame. Office chairs are a good example of this design.

Do you know any more influences on chair design? I would love to hear from you!
Clay

Interior Design Trend-Redesign

The current interior design trend of redesign is driven by the recent economic downturn (Thankfully, I feel a little up-swing, hopefully you do too!)

Many homeowners are opting for a one day makeover,or redesign, of their interiors using existing furnishings, art and accessories. It can be a DIY project or you can hire a professional designer. Either way , it’s a fun adventure and the results can be quite dramatic, giving you a “new lease on life” by enhancing the quality of the way you live.

I remember when I was a kid, my Mom was always rearranging the furniture. Coming home from school, I would walk in to a completely new and exciting home, even though she used what we already had, but in a fresh and different way. It really gave you a wonderful emotional lift!

Redesign is about personalizing your spaces by repositioning and repurposing your existing furnshings, art and accessories to breathe new life into your home and enhance your lifestyle.

You need to start with a focal point, usually but not always, the sofa for a great or living room, the bed for a bedroom or a large and important piece of art or group of artwork. Remove all art and accessories to a “selection room”, maybe the kitchen or garage, then you can see the space as a blank canvas and begin to “paint” your new design. Now is a great time to edit and eliminate a lot of clutter and do some “spring” cleaning. Collections or groups of like objects are best used together and not scattered throughout the room.

With the help of a few friends or a professional designer,this interior design trend is an economical way to refresh and renew your rooms today and make a plan for future new purchases, if desired. It’s really great fun and the posibilities are limited only by your creativity and imagination!

Hot color trend

Orange has become “the” hot color trend and is certainly the color du jour! Pick up any fashion or design magazine and it is abundantly clear that Orange is here. It is a happy color, full of light, imparting the hues of sunrise and sunset.

Mix it with creme; luscious as a Dreamcicle! It’s bold and graphic when combined with black and white and as Exotic as a Moroccan spice market when paired with hot pink and/or purple!

This is truly a “hot” color trend!

More Design ideas using current color trends

Current color trends for interiors and clothing fashions are showing Orange everywhere from bright citrus orange mixed with black and white, to coral mixed with browns or ocean blues.

Gray is the top choice for garden accents and outdoor rooms using stoney and natural textures. Splash colors such as orange, and peacock blue make great accent colors.

White on white interiors with shimmering metalic silver are as glamorous and sophisticated as a 1930’s movie star! Design ideas featuring metalic silver on furniture, fabrics, leather and accessories abound in today’s design market.

Peacock blue is smashing on dinnerware, accent furniture and accessories or try this design idea; paint a powder bath with Sherwin Williams Posiedon(visit www.sherwinwilliams.com) in a glossy finish and use chartreuse accents for a jewel box effect!

Orlando Interior Designer and Online Shop

Clay Stephens Lifestyles of Florida, offers residential and commercial interior design services to Orlando, Winter Park, Orange County, throughtout Florida, the states and beyond.
This Orlando interior designer also offers original fine art services and an online shop for your convience.

Home interior color trends-2009 and 2010

Purple with red cast hues was one of the hot color trends at the Maison & Objet Paris home show this fall. I’ve also seen a LOT of purple in women’s fashions here for the past few months. Colors usually do start with women’s fashions , then trickle down to home fashions, bath towels are usually first then fabrics and accessories. Get ready! A new updated mauve(remember the 80s when we were mauved to death?)with a more red cast was evident in the more high end goods.Pinks were represented from pastel to HOT! Coral looks great with dark blue tones and a deeper rendition of spa blue! Browns are going lighter mixed with orange hues.Pastel color trends seem to be making a comeback.

What a good interior designer does

I think that most people don’t really understand what a good interior designer actually does. It’s entails way more than placing furniture, accessories and art work to make spaces look beautiful.

A great designer knows not only how to create beautiful spaces but also how to enhance lives and experiences.

I have worked with many clients where, together, we have created a home that nurtures and enhances their lives and actually creates a lifestyle for them.

Have you ever been in a space(home, hotel, offlice or other public arena) that made you feel special and nurtured or that created a sense of joy, wonder or awe? Well, more than likely a talented and creative designer or team of designers planned and supervised the execution of that special place!

A good interior designer can grasp the scope and “feel” of a project and know intuitively how to proceed with planning, research and implementation to achieve the desired outcome.

The first step in a project is to interview the client to obtain as much information as possible about their desires, dreams,and way of life. At this point I will usually have developed a mental picture of the way the project will look when completed! If I don’t get this picture, then I know that I need much more info or that the project isn’t right for me. It is always in the best interest of the client to decline a job that I don’t feel an affinity for and recomend for the client to interview other designers.

Being an interior designer is a hard job, but rewarding when you know you have made a positive difference on a project. I am always happy to hear that I have in some way enhanced a client’s life and exceeded their expectations!

Spring 2009 newsletter -Outdoor living

Spring, one of my favorite times of the year is right around the corner. Mother nature puts on such a spectactular display just for us! Lucious Azaleas, Cardinals darting among the Dogwood blossoms, fresh asparagus and yummy strawberries. A time for long, leisurely walks in the park, followed by a picnic and dreams of watermellon to come! A beautiful time of awakening an renewal, this is the perfect season to refresh and revitalize your home , indoors and out.

Outdoor living and dining is at its best with nature inspired color palettes that provide an oasis of peace and comfort. Beautifully designed garden rooms with soothing water features and stylish , comfortable furnishings create the perfect ambiance for reveling and relaxing with those dear to you.Patios, balconies, verandas, boat docks and poolside decks are a few candidates for planning your own special place of serenity and enchantment for alfresco dining and entertaining.Scented candles, wind chimes, Moroccan lanterns and floating candles in a garden pond scattered with flower petals imbue the balmy evenings with a sense of ease and well being.

Dress out your special retreat with accents and accessories that reflect the colors of spring. Mimosa(Pantone’s color of the year- a beautiful yellow with a slight orange blush), sea blues, pink and purple are a few good choices. the combinations are limited only by your imagintion and daring, let nature inspire you to be your creative best!!

To awaken your interiors, add some seasonal color with accent pillows, new accessories, fresh flowers(Daffodils and Narcissis,ahhhhh! the fragrance!), area rugs or some slip covers. rearrange your art and object d’art to enjoy them from a new perspective.

So have fun with this glorious season of hope and new beginnings and enjoy outdoor living in style!

Clay Stephens 2009

Using aged finishes in the home 2009

I wrote this article recently and hope you will enjoy the information on using aged finishes to add warm character and a sense of heritage to your home.
Faux finish illusions for walls and ceilings achieved with layers of paint and glaze are just one of the beautiful ways to create a sense of timelessness and age in your home. Subtle techniques on walls imbue a room with warmth, personalized character and the look of antiquity.Stencils can be used to create an embossed texture that adds lucious depth and detail to any technique. Crackled finishes are another way to bring more textural elegance to your interiors. There are many tools and products available for DIY,or you can hire a professional to design your own very unique look! Just remember that a little goes a long way so don’t faux everything that doesn’t move!!

Found urns, vases, pots and bowls (I love the hunt!!) can be refinished to replicate the ancient look of artifacts and bring an instant touch of history to any room. With the use of a wide variety of tools, textures, paint and glazes, you are limited only by your imagination and daring!

the ancient art form of mosaic, in stone or glass, with a wide range of colors and textures will transform tabletops, picture frames, vases and tired accessories into exotic works of art with your own creative touch!

Antique wood furniture , or new ,made to look antique with distressing, carved motifs and worn finishes with tinted washes give a feeling of heritage and tell a story of human touch through the generations. Furniture and accent pieces found in thrift shops or flea markets make perfect candidates for DIY finishes produced with hand distressing, layers of paint and stain, sanded and rubbed through to impart a comfortable timeworn elegance. I especially love dining tables that are old and worn;I love to imagine the hands that have touched them and the people that have dined around them over the ages.

Bring in antique salvaged doors and hardware, fireplace surounds, old architectural elements, tumbled marble floors or counter tops and reclaimed wood floors, or new finished to look used and worn. Add some charmingly faded antique rugs along with your personally refinished furnishings and accessories to complete your elegant interior with aged finishes!