Sussex Project Photographs

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Sussex Project Photographs

Click here to view this photo book larger

Light it up

Lighting is such a crucial part of the success of a room. Not just for the adequate amount of light, but the positioning, source and quality of light and light fixtures. 'Layering' light will really build the visual interest of a room--not to mention the practical benefits of having multiple placements of light. What I mean by 'layering' is multiple sources of light at multiple heights: center ceiling fixtures for a general 'wash' of light, perimeter ceiling light to wash down walls or cabinets/ furniture, wall scones to wash up and down walls and artwork, and lamps to illuminate specific areas and furniture at sitting levels. Task lighting under cabinets or over tables and desks. Try adding some lamps to a room and see the difference. Just remember to keep the lamps in proportion with the room size, be bold, and have fun with it!

Being brave with paint color

Interior paint color is one of the most dramatic and inexpensive ways to set the tone of a room. It seems to me that so often people are afraid of color, and as a result tend towards a variation of white, believing that this will make the space 'feel bigger'. Actually, although a lighter color will reflect more light and make a room 'bright' it will reduce the visual size of the space. Richer, darker colors will add volume to a room. What happens is that with darker tones the eye cannot discern the actual perimeter of the wall. Also, a stronger color can blend more subtly with the exterior views, blending inside with out. This gives a room more visual volume. However, a darker color will absorb more light, so this must be accounted for with extra lighting--but this is another story for another time!

Color for Homes

Color is such a fundamental element of a home; yet it never ceases to amaze me how many mistakes I see around town. For example: do you like blue? Blue is the most popular color in the States, however whenever I have a client who says "Blue is my favorite color--I would like the exterior of my house to be blue" I shudder. Blue is one of the most perilous colors to use on an exterior. It can so easily turn to 'gray' or to 'country'. If it is too dark it can weigh down a house. If it is too light it looks trendy, and can date very quickly. It competes with sky--which always wins! It is better to complement your surroundings--neighborhood and environment. Don't be tempted to make a color preference statement with your house. Blue may be the most favorite color--but it is definitely not everyone's and a blue house may inhibit resale. Sure, blue may be your favorite color--it's mine--but dress yourself in it, not your house.

I will be talking about some different exterior colors over the next few days--feel free to tell me what you think and if you have any questions. . .

Speaking on design

One of my favorite things to do at the IBS is to go to seminars. This is such a big show that the speakers are usually utterly fab. My favorite speaker this year was the acclaimed architect and author of the 'Not So Big House' books,  Sarah Susanka. She spoke with clarity and proficiency (and in an accent I am familiar with--she is from a village close to my own birthplace) about the 'Not So Big' theory. Her principle is clear: create living spaces that are focused more on the quality of the space than the size.  Decondtion our need for 'more stuff, more space, more more'  and find efficiency and joy in things well planned and executed. Sarah pointed out that we usually need about 1/3 less space than we have been conditioned to believe we need. That, as ever good designer knows, porportion is critical--especially to the human scale. Thinking and designing in the third dimension.

I find her ideas so inspiring and reassuring. I grew up in a small, crooked 400+ year old cottage. Yet it 'felt' wonderful. It was 'comfy'--as were most of the other homes in my village. Sarah defines the essence of what it is I have always instinctively known about architecture, but have not known how to articulate. We have been avid readers and collectors of Sarah's books since she published her first book in 2001. They are still invauble tools in our office. I recommend them to everyone who is considering either building from scratch or remodeling.

Las Vegas Adventures

Welcome to my blog. I am new at this, so please bear with me as I find my feet! I plan to share snippets of the things I learn in the world of design and community.

We spent the better part of last week scampering around the Las Vegas Convention Center visiting the annual 'International Builders Show'. Ron and I have visited this show every year for probably the last eight or nine years and never fail to return home finding ourselves full to bursting with fresh ideas, energy and information. This year our colleague and friend, Amy Livezey, and her brilliant husband, Dale, joined us at the show. We had a blast together!

Ron, Amy and I all attended several different seminars on subjects ranging from kitchen design, color, management, finances, architechture and design. Inbetween which, we wove our way through the more than 1,100 exhibitors. I will share some of our findings with you over the next few days. . . here are some photos, too-