The simple definition of hue is a shade or color. Color is a large aspect of any interior design project, and sets the tone for the overall combination of elements. As a designer, I must take into account color theory, color psychology, balance, harmony, tonality, intensity and many other technical principles when developing color palettes for a client. Wherever you look, there should be a balance to the specified color palette. Using my talent, knowledge and experience are important, however, in the end, it is a client’s preferences and feeling toward the color or colors in their home or office.
A client’s positive response to certain colors or color combinations help navigate the design development process. The proportions of each color, as well as light absorption & reflectance, in combination, assist in the overall perception and ambiance of a space. Sometimes by just modifying the amount of one color in the palette changes the look completely. Soft, bold, muted or intense color evoke a different emotion and dynamic response. The color around us communicates who we are and how we want to be surrounded to enhance our living environments.
Whether you choose to live or work in an Achromatic (white, grey and black only), monochromatic (varying shades of one color or neutral), or a combination of neutral and color, it is purely a personal preference. I look at each project with an open eye to develop the best palette for my clients. I feel that the color palettes in a project should enhance a client’s positive outlook and happiness. We all respond to color differently, and sometimes certain colors evoke great memories from our past or give us a sense of comfort. Listening carefully to a client’s wishes is vital to developing the proper color harmonies.
Lighting design is key to keeping the proper “temperature” of a space. Warm, cool or neutral in your lamping can change the perception of all materials. Sometimes by the simple act of replacing bulbs in fixtures and recessed lighting to a different temperature modifies a room or area to the anticipated projection of that space. Designing illumination for task, ambiance, and accent applications, in the correct outputs, ties all elements together toward the anticipated color palette and client’s needs.
Although color can be a very technical aspect of a project, the successful outcome relies on the feeling and positive response from my clients. Once we establish the personalized color palette, taking into account the livability of the spaces, all the pieces come together for the right fit.
Ballroom and Latin Dancing has many positive physical and mental health benefits. I have loved partaking in lessons for many years, and find it to be an invigorating part of my week. Dancing is a passionate and artistic expression set to music much like Interior Design. Interior Design may not be set to music, but the focus on planning, detailing and specifications can be harmonic at times with a unifying force between Designer and Client.
Passion is defined as an intense enthusiasm of something; and I feel it every day at my Design Firm. I enjoy the involvement with my clients in learning about their lives, needs and wishes. I can then tailor a design program for their personal or professional spaces. I love my job, and convey a positive and enthusiastic approach to my work. I value all the relationships that I have developed over the years, and look forward to the collaboration with clients, vendors, and contractors. I truly want to make the world a more beautiful place, not only with tangible details and products, but in maintaining those professional relationships for years. I awake every morning with a “can-do” approach to my projects, and the creative work that lies ahead.
In my many years as a licensed Interior Designer, I have not stopped the wheels from turning. I love to learn something new every day, and have seen many innovative changes in my field that are very exciting. Of course, as with any business, there are challenges that can occur at any stage of a project. However, I forge ahead with each one to become part of the solution with our common goal of project completion; on time and within the set budget. It is about keeping my clients happy, and overcoming any obstacles that approach our design journey. My happiness level soars when clients move into their newly built or renovated homes/offices and love spending time there. Our living and working environments should reflect who we are, provide functional lifestyle, feel comfortable, and look beautiful. All these elements form a seamless string of movement, detailing and coordination (possibly with some background music?).
Much like the Argentinean Tango, each programmed and rehearsed “step” of the design process must focus on the connection of planning, detailing and specifications with the passionate vision of my client’s dreams. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with wonderful clients, and look forward to many more years of design dancing in the future!
Open or linear styled kitchens are popular, because they allow for total circulation space into several primary areas of a home
Lately, more and more of my clients have been spending a significant amount of time at home, entertaining or just enjoying their families. I have been designing spaces with that in mind. Kitchens and Family Rooms have been expanded, and Covered Patios have become extensions of the Living/Dining areas. Comfort, style and function blend to create these gathering spaces, and many clients look forward to using them as often as possible.
Open or linear styled kitchens are popular, because they allow for total circulation space into several primary areas of a home such as the Family Room, Breakfast Room and Patios. This expands the entertainment zone and allows for more enjoyment. I know, even in my own home, our friends and family seem to always gather in the Kitchen/Breakfast Room. They are happy to help with the meal preparation while enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine. It is part of the event, and they love the camaraderie. Kitchen Islands are a great space for prep work or cooking, and add to the communal gathering with barstools. They can also second in serving buffet style for casual settings.
At more formal events, a separate Dining Room should be part of the planning to keep cooking and prep work separated. Having these two options expands your entertainment options and opportunities to choose accordingly. Even after a formal meal, one can still serve dessert or after-dinner drinks in another area of the home to extend the life of the party or holiday with the proper space configurations based on a client’s preferences.
Covered Patios can be equipped with summer kitchen’s including a built-in BBQ and/or pizza oven, refrigeration, sinks, storage and a sit-down Bar area. Combine that with a comfortable seating area of sofas, sectional and occasional chairs (in the correct combination for the space) as well as a dining table with chairs, and you are set. If possible, even add an outdoor Billiard Table or portable Ping Pong Table, and a delicious “recipe” has been created for fun and relaxation. We cannot forget about ceiling fans and portable air cooling or heating units. With these additional fixtures, the comfort factor has been elevated for year-round enjoyment.
The main focus should be spending quality time with friends and family. I want to create the best environment for my clients to accommodate their lifestyle options for entertainment. It is a super way to enjoy and foster the important relationships in our lives, creating wonderful memories in the process. At DJID, we offer full-service Luxury Interior Design Services from Concept to Completion.
Our lives have evolved over the last few decades, and we are utilizing our homes in many new and different ways. When space planning for clients, I always focus on the wants, needs and lifestyles of each member of the household. The traditional uses of many rooms has changed, and the focus is to create comfortable, dynamic and useful areas for living. As a baby boomer, I remember as a kid that our Living Room and Dining Room were the formal spaces only for “company” or holidays. Very specific rules for those rooms, in the past, limited the full potential of them. I have designed and proportioned spaces like Living Rooms and Dining Rooms with more comfort and accessibility to encourage more enjoyment while still maintaining a sense of elegance. I have had some clients forego a Living Room and greatly expand their Family Room to become the one primary gathering room.
Your home should support your lifestyle. Finding that balance in each area or room is worth some brainstorming with a client to plan it just for them; and thinking outside the box. Turning Guest Bedrooms into Exercise Rooms, Boutique Closets or Meditation Spaces are just a few examples. Opening up or combining space to create multi-functional rooms such as a Home Office/Den can give a client a space to work during the day and curl up to relax at night. These room changes can create more usable and enjoyable areas for that particular client, and opening up the many possibilities can make all the difference.
For those who entertain, the Kitchen and Family Room is the place where the group converges. Planning more space with good circulation, very comfortable seating and durable surfaces gives friends and family a way to increase their fun times together. If entertainment is not your style, the proportion and juxtaposition of those rooms would be modified. Also, planning for the many electronic devices in our lives, today, has to be taken into consideration and has become a part of the space planning focus.
As our lives transition through the years, (i.e. kids off to college, retirement, addition of grandchildren or taking on new hobbies), so should the spaces in our homes. Making modifications to certain areas for that new phase in your life could be a very positive and enjoyable step. Thinking about what is good for your everyday living and comfort is the key to great space in your home.
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