Take a look at this model room in the Kyoto Kokusai Hotel designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates. There’s something about the materials used and the overwhelming simplicity of the room that’s so soothing and serene. As opposed to looking stark or cold, it’s quite inviting and accessible due to, perhaps, the use of the warm wood tones and the green floor covering.

Photo from Kengo Kuma and Associates

Here’s the bathroom. I love the clean lines, the use of warm wood – function and aesthetics are considered without adding any fuss.

Photo from Kengo Kuma and Associates

What do you think of these spaces? Are they too stark for your tastes? Or, do you appreciate them for what they are – peaceful sanctuaries? I would love to hear your thoughts!

]]> http://lesliefineinteriors.com/blog/homes-i-admire/a-japanese-minimalist-space-that-soothes/feed/ 2 http://lesliefineinteriors.com/blog/around-town/theres-a-very-colorful-old-lady-i-adore/ http://lesliefineinteriors.com/blog/around-town/theres-a-very-colorful-old-lady-i-adore/#comments Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:46:23 +0000 Leslie Fine http://blog.lesliefineinteriors.com/?p=3862 Read More]]>

She's a charismatic and charming old lady.

There’s a very colorful lady I see when I go on a long walk. She’s pretty old now, but she looks like she’s in great shape and has a very loving family who really cares for her.

She, of course, is a house– a wonderful Victorian home painted in a crazy palette of  bright pastels that falls somewhere between chartruese and lime, along with bubble gum and butter yellow details. And I think it’s magnificent.

This home would properly be called a “Painted Lady”, a term used to describe a Victorian home painted in several bright colors to accent the architectural details. This look can be associated with the many Victorian homes and walk ups in San Francisco.  A more academic term for this style would be “polychrome”, but I think that the term “Painted Lady” is much more vivid and descriptive.

This Painted Lady is on a block of lovely old homes not far from where I live. But she’s the most colorful of the lot. While I personally tend to prefer homes that are painted in low key earth tones, as you can see reflected in much of the interior design work I do, this particular architecture demands to be noticed.

Before this home received the Painted Lady treatment, she was a bit run down and rather nondescript, even with the fancy architecture. Now, she’s been dressed to impress, and she’s truly a charismatic and charming lady.

Do you know of any Painted Ladies in your neighborhood? What do you think of this treatment of Victorian homes?

The ancient symbol is both elegant and decorative, and it continues to be a popular motif both in traditional as well contemporary interior design.

The symbol is a stylized image of a lily and is most often associated with French royalty. It has a regal and timeless nature and even when used as a subtle element in decor, it has a big impact.

I just love the carpet that I’ve used as a stair runner in my own home.

This copper bathroom sink vessel from Houzer’s Hammerwerks Series would certainly be beautiful without any additional embellishment. The rough hammered texture gives the basin a timeless, almost rustic look. But add the fleur de lis, and it’s instantly elegant.

Photo from Elle Decor

This pewter tile from Datile’s Massalia Series features a fleur de lis motif but in a slightly subtle presentation.  But even in disguise, the fleur de lis shows its regal nature.

From Datile's Massalia Series

With a fleur de lis pattern, even something as small as the knob for a drawer can confer a grand feeling.

From Rocky Mountain Hardware

Other than many religious symbols, I’m not sure I can think of any other images that have such a strong decorative impact. Can you? Do you have a special symbol or motif that has a particular impact for you?

I wrote about the lodge and the spectacular interior design in a previous post.

Can you imagine the experience of showering in the open air with the blue sky above and watching elephants lumber by in the African bush?

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a good photo of the outdoor shower, but if you look beyond the towel rack and the sliding glass door, you can see the stone shower wall. In the second photo, you can see in the background how the beautiful stone wall curves around to partially enclose the shower area.

Design enthusiast Becky Harris (user name: becky) has put together a nice collection of photos of outdoor showers on her Houzz.com page.

The redwood slats of this shower by architect Cary Bernstein provide privacy without spoiling a gorgeous view.

Design by Cary Bernstein

Designed by architect Tracy Stone, this shower isn’t actually outdoors, but the skylight above creates the the feeling of being in the open air. Click on the photo, and you’ll be able to read a little more from Stone about this beautiful shower.

Design by Tracy Stone

Philpotts Interiors of Honolulu designed this spectacular outdoor shower. This is another example where the outdoor shower is open to the sky, but surrounded on all four sides for privacy. As Becky Harris points out, “Here the outdoor shower’s beautiful stone wall, as well as the light from overhead, can be enjoyed from indoors.”

Design by Philpotts Interiors

Of course, outdoor showers are not appropriate for every setting. It depends on where you are, the local weather conditions, and how comfortable you are with the concept. But speaking from personal experience, I can see why some people rave about their outdoor showers.

Have you ever experienced one? What are your impressions? Please share!

I thought it would be fun to use the eight strategies suggested in Ferguson’s piece and include images from my portfolio.

1. All in with color

The high gloss lacquered red cabinets are quite dramatic!

By Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc. (Photography by Richard Mandelkorn)

2. Bold choice on one main surface

The use of the multicolored mosaic on the floor and feature wall create a big impact in this small space.

By Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc. (Photography by Michael J. Lee)

3. Go with color where the expected choice would be white

The use of dark lower cabinets in this contemporary kitchen adds warmth and depth to an otherwise neutral colored space.

By Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc. (Photography by Eric Roth)

4. High impact in the area rug

The rich, deeply colored rug makes a big statement in this teal and chartreuse room.

By Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc. (Photography by Chris Vaccaro)

5. Add one pop of color not seen anywhere else in the space for interest

The red in the artwork and the tray definitely add that “pop” of color!

By Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc. (Photography by Michael J. Lee)

6. Draw inspiration from one fabric

The square motif of the chair fabric is repeated in the building’s windows in the artwork.

By Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc.

7. Bring impact with color through unexpected accessories

Small bits of color create a wonderful effect – notice the pink orchids and the blue vase.

By Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc.

8. Be safe [neutral] on the big investment pieces and go bold with paint color on the walls

The rich wall color enhances the elegant dining room furniture.

By Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc. (Photography by Michael J. Lee)

What do you think of these color strategies? Are they helpful?

Using color is wonderful but using it appropriately and effectively can be tricky! Contact Leslie Fine Interiors for a consultation on how best to bring color into your home!

I find that in some cases, the design of certain stackable chairs favors flexibility over comfort and beauty.

But, Spanish design house Stua has a stackable chair that brings together comfort, appearance and stackablility with the Gas Collection by designer Jesús Gasca.

This chair has been around for a few years now but received new acclaim when David Rockwell chose chairs from the Gas Collection for Untitled, the restaurant in New York’s Whitney Museum. Restaurateur Danny Meyer, who opened the restaurant, calls the chairs “the most comfortable, stackable chairs you’ll ever find in your life.”

Gas Chair from Stua

Gas Chair from Stua

Gas Chair from Stua

Gas Chair from Stua

Untitled, designed by David Rockwell

Design Notes, the blog of Design Within Reach which carries Stua products, has a short video discussing the design of Untitled at the Whitney Museum.

I really like the gentle curves of the chairs. Could you see using the Gas Collection in your home? Or do you find the design of the chair too “commercial”?  I say – use it everywhere!

These bold, striped rugs from Merida add a tremendous amount of energy to a space.  Made of natural fibers, they are available in an array of color combinations.

Barclay Butera Ashton Stripe sisal rug by Merida

Barclay Butera Woodland Stripe sisal rug by Merida

Here’s another fantastic striped rug by Paul Smith for The Rug Company. Made from 100 knot Tibetan wool, this rug is soft and comfortable underfoot and really provides a great pop of color in a room.

Paul Smith for The Rug Company

Of course, a striped rug also is wonderful in more subtle, natural shades.

Barclay Butera Madison rug from Merida

Here’s a beautiful wool striped rug from Tufenkian that uses subtle shades of browns and sage greens.

Kyirong Wintergreen rug from Tufenkian

Stripe rugs are a beautiful addition to many decors. Which do you prefer – bold and colorful or subtle with more natural tones?

I love the geometric shape of this horizontal box planter made from recycled steel or aluminum.

Planter from Unique Garden Decor

These bronze planters from Crate & Barrel are somewhat more organic but with a contemporary flair.

Large Bronze Tapered Planters from Crate & Barrel

The Alfresco Planter from Crate & Barrel is simple and utilitarian and goes with a variety of decors. It certainly will not distract from other elements in the space.

Alfresco Natural Planter from Crate & Barrel

JANUS et Cie’s Chamfered Planter has a contemporary shape and an organic wicker texture.

Chamfered Planter from JANUS et Cie

This is certainly not for everyone but check out the new Love outdoor bench, light and planter from JANUS at Cie.

Love Bench, Love Lamp and Love Planter from JANUS et Cie

What kind of planters do you use?

As photos from the showhouse have hit the media, I’ve noticed that chandeliers are taking center stage. Beautiful chandeliers, particularly vintage glass pieces, are seen in a number of the rooms.  They create texture and dimension and add glamour and drama to a space.  

Where ceiling height allows, I enjoy using chandeliers in my projects.  In addition to adding an additional light source, they often create a focal point which can uniquely define a space.  

Here are a couple of the Kips Bay Show House rooms that have used interesting chandeliers: 

Eve Robinson Cullman and Kravis

Noel Jeffrey

Oliver has developed an interesting system for selecting colors.  He starts with twenty-four architectural “neutrals” and then follows each of these with four additional subtle variants.  A designer can then select the variants based on architectural detail, light and scale.  For example, floors, ceiling, moldings would get subtle variations of the same hue. There is also a group of one hundred twenty key tones that Oliver groups together and pairs with the architectural neutrals. The result is a thoughtful and sophisticated palette.

Oliver’s paints are all water-based with zero VOCs and meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED standards.

Speak with your doctor regarding early detection and prevention of breast cancer. Information is available at the National Cancer Institute and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.