Friday, April 17, 2009

Interior Designer, Frank Roop - Master of Texture

I'm continuing the search for class act interior designers that understand the value of using decorative painting and plasters incorporated into their designs.

Meet Frank Roop. You may have seen his work highlighted in the May issue of Metropolitan Home. Frank is a young designer based in Boston. His style is fresh with a mix of antiques, incredible vintage pieces, various textures, and an ending statement with just the right punch of color. He states it is his goal to create environments that stir his client's senses.

Enjoy his work.


photo courtesy of Met Home by Eric Roth

photo courtesy of Met Home by Eric Roth











All other photos courtesy of FrankRoop.com

Monday, April 13, 2009

Yellow - Color of the Year

Back in December Pantone announced 2009's color of the year. PANTONE® 14-0848 Mimosa, a warm, engaging yellow. No other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow. I'm still feeling hopeful are you?

A couple of months ago I was inspired to play around with samples and incorporate mimosa into my designs. I imagine a fabulous LusterStone all-over design in an entryway or a feature wall in a home.

LusterStone sample - black with yellow base

LusterStone sample - yellow w/silver base

Here are some favorites found around the web. Which ones appeal to you? Are you brave enough to add yellow to your home?


photo courtesy of Modello Design

photo courtesy thadhayes.com

photo courtesy of Keith Scott Morton

photo courtesy of Keith Scott Morton

photo courtesy of Domino Magazine

photo courtesy of Domino Magazine

photo courtesy of David Jimenez

photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Saturday, April 11, 2009

My desk is a total mess... but my guy treated me to a venti latte, so now I might be motivated to clean up my act!

What motivates you on a Saturday?

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Concrete Finishes For Loft Living

Loft living in Portland has been on the rise since the late 90s. One of the hip areas to live is an area coined The Pearl District formerly full of old warehouses, industrial buildings and railroad yards, and now is said to be an award-winning, internationally recognized leader in urban renewal. Many that live in the area consider it a great mix of live, work, play. You'll find many new condo/loft buildings, expensive restaurants, art galleries, spas, shopping (including Powell's Books -the greatest bookstore), mass transit, and a few sculpture parks.

Is part of the draw of loft living the concrete posts that exist in so many? I guess it is for some.

Our latest client came to us wanting one bedroom wall to be transformed to match an existing concrete pilaster that was in the middle of the wall. Not only is it in the middle of the wall, but it is off-center - therefore, throwing off the symmetry of the bed.

We did not use concrete, but used a mix of plaster and glazes to mimic the look of the concrete.

In the main living space there are three existing concrete pilasters, so they requested that two walls of drywall be finished in the concrete technique to match.

The design of the loft is not yet complete. The bedroom is transitioning and the palette has yet to be selected. The client is in the decision making process and wants to remove a lot of the mono-toned browns and brighten up the space.

The bed is staying, and obviously the concrete finish on the wall. What colors would you choose to brighten up this space? Turquoise? Orange? Please share! I'm curious.

Bedroom before

Bedroom after

Living space before

Living space after

Living room after (closer look)

Living space after (up-close study)

Real concrete pilaster (our muse)