Working the Pinks

February 10, 2015 Jacqueline Curtis

The month of February reminds us to celebrate what we love, and most importantly to Share the Love with important people in our lives and at the same time to acknowledge those who we share the moments in our journey.

Pink is the colour that we all are drawn too at one time or another and have fond memories of that bring a smile to our face........maybe even a blush remembering! Actually I am smiling as I type this ;) Don't just add it to your space this month, add it to your personal style in wardrobe and accessories.......put a little pink Lipstick on that pout! This will defiantly bring on a smile ;)

Today in my "Talk it Up Tuesday" live design session I discussed pink and the home office. Want to inspire creativity and productivity, bring in some Pinks! This can be as simple as a pretty petals for your desk, or even desk elements such as files-pens- post it notes. Maybe even in wallpaper or in furniture. Imagine a hot pink task light, a desk chair.....or even a desk! Sounds delish doesn't it....YES!!

I also believe that light changes our mood, especially now during the west coast dreary season of blah grey and rain. What to do? Accent your work space with a floor lamp or table lamp....and add the power of the pink light bulb to it. You will be amazed at what and how it changes your workspace.

Found at your Local Hardware store or big box stores.

So here are a few items to bring some #PinkPower inspiration to your workspace.

Pink Desk elements by Kate Spade can be found online at Urban Girl

An electic Pink home workspace. — An electic Pink home workspace.

A vintage Pink home office....the glass tressel top gives the effect of a light space.

Want more details on the workspace, check out Rampant Red Design facebook page for today Design Session details.

Need further expert help, feel free to contact me via email jacqueline@rampantreddesign.com

Cheers Your Designer......

A traditional home office feels modern with the #pink Ghost chair.

Och Aye the Noo!

January 23, 2015 Jacqueline Curtis

That slogan translates to, ' Oh Yes, just now'- and its fitting as this weekend brings the celebrations of Robbie Burns dinners. An evening celebrating the poet and songwriter of the land who told the stories of the common man. The dinner will open with his Selkirk Grace and then the Haggis is given full honours as a Piper will parade it around the room finally stopping at the head table for the main 'Address to the Haggis' again penned by Burns.

When I visited Edinburgh a few years back walking through the streets I took a shortcut through a close ( a short passage way) and found a plaque marking the building where Burns books were first published. That was pretty amazing, the business long gone but the building stood strong, mush like his works the voice long gone but the stories still shared at gatherings and ring strong. Especially at New Years, when we all join arms and sing Auld Lange Synge.

If you ever visit Scotland, I strongly suggest a few days in Edinburgh the people, art, interior design and architecture will amazing you.........its a stunning vibrant city!

Classic wee Book of Burns....many Scottish folk have these. I even carry one in my bagpipe case!

So this story doesn't have much to do with design today, but I did want to mention the culture and natural beauty found in the landscapes of Scotland. The deep purple heather, the misty grey and bold blue skies and of course the green hills.

Scottish Cottage known as a wee Butt n' Ben.

Its these colours that influence many interior design palettes of Scotland still today. I have added a few inspirational photos of the Highland cottage to make your mind wonder as you partake in your own Burn Night. If not in a full meal, at least with a Menu of cheese, oat cakes, haggis and a wee dram. Most importantly as us Scots and those who want to be celebrate our culture this weekend, I extend the invitation to you to embrace your culture with your loved ones share foods and song.

Please follow the link below for a short story on the man.......

Robert Burns

Your Design Expert

A wee cottage in Skye.....my favourite place to be in Northern Scotland...... at the top of the world xox

Space Travel

January 22, 2015 Jacqueline Curtis

Vintage - Eclectic- BoHo -ReVamp -Upcycle are all designer words used to describe a vibrant style of creative space. On my travels I have seen there are many current spaces in the Seattle area that are a combination of these words. As my thoughts traveled for Throwback Thursday made me think of these spaces and how the vintage can be added to modern spaces in new builds or renos to give harmony to a space.

I find when a new space is being dressed for the client it is important to dress the space with personal treasures family heirlooms and such with the new pieces. I will often ask the client to leave some important pieces, favourites or family heirlooms out for me to see. Then I will review the pieces and try to give them presence in the new space. Sometimes it is funny as the pieces were never liked much and all of a sudden they are loved again. Creating new conversation, I love that. So remember that using something found, revamped, vintage or eclectic will not only balances the space, but brings harmony.

This space has both an electric feel, contemporary and vintage mix! Stunning.

I hope this had inspired you to Seek out something from the past for Throwback Thursday to add to your living space today.

Cheers Dharlings,

Your Design Expert

Looking for more? Pop over to my Facbook site today for more decor accents and wallpaper finds on today's topic. ;)

Shut the Front Door!

January 20, 2015 Jacqueline Curtis

The Hall Entry area of our homes continues to be the highest traffic area other than the bathroom and the gatherings of the kitchen. The Hall Entry is the busyness of living also become the first in line of clutter n' chaos. How do we enhance our space in function and form? How do we make this space safe? Bigger n' Brighter and still make the best use of this space? Well find out the answers to your questions and more from today's 'Talk it Up' Tuesday ' session topic Hall Entry's on Rampant Red's facebook page.

BOLD. Black n' White elegance and functional space.

Just so you know 'Talk it Up' Tuesday is a weekly Question & Answer session LIVE with me, your design expert. If you missed out on today's session, not to worry. Head over to our facebook page and scroll through the feed. You might just find something you are needing to bring Form, Function and Harmony back to your Entry Hall.

Remember to hook up with me next week, Tuesday January 27th, 2015.

Place - Rampant Red Design, facebook page

Time - 10am to 11am PST

Cheers!

Your Designer, Jacqueline xox

Uncover a Jewel.......

January 15, 2015 Jacqueline Curtis

Its a New Year and we all look to make new Resolutions and forging new paths. This year I have decided to follow what my true calling is........still in Design. However with a focus on Decor - Space Planning, Colour, Textiles and of course wallpaper! But adding in something anew Recovery of forgotten spaces. Not too worry your space may seem forgotten and at times sometimes lost in the chaos of living. My services can WILL still help bring order to those. After all I do have that saving the world mentality and a passion to save on space at a time!

But there is so many properties that have truly been forgotten, architecture dreams left to dust and crumble. Recently I have been looking at these beautiful properties and know that they are purchased with a dream of revival and purpose. So if you or a friend finds yourself in conversation about properties that fit this bill.......remember to contact me.

Lets rebuild what we have forgotten.........

Cheers Dharlings,

Rampant Red....aka Jacqueline x0x

MISSION: Search n' Gather.

December 13, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

YUP! I imagine this will be the mission of many folks this weekend - as searching for the perfect tree commences! Many peoples will gather and pile into cars and head to the country or the tree lot in search of the perfect Christmas tree. Others will be on a different mission as they visit dark scary basements and storage places to search and dig out the tree!

This is a MISSION that is possibly being started or being executed as in many previous years. They say a Mission should not be put into motion on an empty stomach....so maybe start with a hearty pancake and bacon breakie or coffee and cinnamon buns. But no matter what you eat, make this first part of the mission - as it will make the search by far more successful. Please also note the appropriate Tree HUNT attaire! Vintage Brochure. ;0

I spoke already about Blue Christmas, and when I was growing up I can remember searching the tree farm for the Best Blue Spruce and then later on the NOBLE fur. Our joke when growing up was the tree had to be taller than us and my Dad. So our tree usually was over 6 feet. One year I remember it being even bigger as we had vaulted ceilings and I can remember it hitting the second floor balcony......or I could have just imagined it being that I was young! Like the hill as a child that seemed so steep to ride my bike on in later years was just a wee incline! Ahhh the perspective of it all.

As children that was our family tradition, going to the tree farm finding the best one....and my Dad digging it up! Followed by hot chocolate and a hot dog, and sometimes a pony ride if the farm had them. It was a real novelty to get the tree, tie it up or squeeze it in the trunk (boot!). Followed by its arrival at the house, where we would have to go inside first so we could all see it come in together! Sooo funny and exciting at the same time. And my Mum would guide in the tree and shout out to 'mind the ceiling'! Then after the holidays we would plant it in the garden......now when we go back to the auld house - we are stunned and proud to see how big they have grown. Then we talk about the adventures of hunting those trees.......what shenanigans it was! If anything my childhood years were full of shenanigans and laughter, cherished always.

Later in life we still carried this HUNT out as teens and young adults - but not to the tree farm. To the tree lot or a U-cut place, where again the novelty was it HAD to be bigger than my youngest sister and taller that me. We would joke that we were the Little Women of three who came a wassailing! I remember one year we had to get a tree and it was dark and late....but we still walked through the fields in the dark to cut the perfect one! We never wanted a tiny Charlie Brown tree.....so bloody hell that meant the tree was still always over 6 feet! Changed days now I retreat to the storage, shove and balance boxes to pull out decorations. Followed by untangling branches, lights and of course rum n' eggnog! It may not now be a LIVE tree but my heart is alive with the memories of all the shenanaginas of Hunts gone by and with new ones in the works!

Good Luck on your Mission,

Cheers, Jacqueline xox

Santa Knows.......#HashTag!

December 12, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Hmmmm wonder if maybe its true......maybe HE does see everything - well do you? Ever wonder what it would be like? Even if we could just see how we live outside ourselves, outside each other? Would we like what we see or would change? It got me thinking of how could we not only design our spaces, but our moments of how we live. So here are my Design Thoughts shared.............

Take time now and over Christmas celebrations to share in conversations and to be truly present to those around you. Moments gathered with family & friends and those encounters in passing......acknowledge them. In mother nature - appreciate the beauty simple yet sophisticated that makes up our landscape of inspiration.

As in by writing we #SHAREtheLOVE at this time of year we really can LIVE it out in action. My Christmas wish is that this happens to you, that you cherish them. That maybe one day if we all do this, at the same time our hashtag of #SharetheLOVE will transcend into #WorldPeace.

Merry Merry.........

Jacqueline x0x

YES!

Blue Blue Blue Christmas!

December 11, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Well it is Throw Back Thursday.......and I am enjoying working away with the Christmas tunes in the background. I have had Blue Christmas stuck in my head today which got me thinking........of Blue Christmas trees and decor galore. As many of you know I have had a wee bit of a Blue Love Affair this year, from teals to turquoise they are exciting to blend into spaces and palettes. We have a sense of calmness and the sense of comfort like a old pair of jeans, relaxed - we Trust - its TRUE BLUE.

Blue at Christmas doesn't have to be a depressing colour, its actually quite elegant, magical......and HOT! It you have wee ones about the house, the movie Frozen has brought blues, snow and ice right to the front door. Open the magic!

Looking at the baubles and not sure where to start with Blue? Focus your mind scape to that Tiffany Blue Box and satin ribbon - combined with sparkly silver snowflakes and navy baubles - the navy of twilight. Now you have it! White lights look stunning with blue decor as does blue lights if you are feeling bold! Remember to carry the accent over to your vignettes silver candle sticks and white candles.. maybe even tie twine around them with snowflakes! Of course snowmen can be fun to add in......maybe a top hat at your entrance table with a vase of carrots still with greenery and snowflakes! I smile just writing that one.........

Another favourite touch is adding some whimsy to the lighting........here is an idea with different blue ornaments and ribbons nothing short of stunning!

I hope this has given you some inspiration! Its truly about embracing season with your decor accents, layer your blues. whites and silvers - snowflakes and snowman Using the Blue palette will compliemtn any decor style while bringing Delight & Wonder wonder which is really what this spirit of Christmas does to our hearts!

Cheers,

.......'with or without you I am going to have a TRUE Blue Christmas'!

My Space SUCKS!

December 8, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

**LUCY 'shocked'! From the LUCY archives.**

Does it really? Or have you just not had enough coffee this morning and lost your focus? Ok so both, reality has set in.....hosting Christmas events...where will people sit and gather, (the in laws!)- the food AND what will people think of my kitchen? Carol just had hers updated......oh my word MY PLACE SUCKS!

Never fear YOUR design Christmas miracle is HERE. (whewwwwwww! RIght!) First off pull yourself together, your smart and love hosting so your half way there- and bonus people love to gather at your place! You just need some direction and a list to get you back on the focus plan. Easy Peasy!

If your space is looking grim and tired here are some quick tips to help with entertaining at the holidays. First take a walk about your space with your notepad - analyze the space with these questions?

Lighting, is there enough (interrogating or lost)?
Clutter, is the space choking on itself?
Seating, is there enough?
Revamp, what can I give new purpose to or bring a new?

You may want to do your entertaining spaces only with this task. Spaces such as the Living Room or Lounge, the entry, Kitchen or Dining Room, guest room and the powder room. Don't feel you have to do your whole house......make that a new year mission.

Now REVIEW your list over a coffee and make a list of Tasks with a Pick Up and Drop Off section.

Lighting - if the room felt like an integration gallery chances are you should install a table or floor lamp. You have one that is dated? Great just pick up a simple shade. (List Reads, Pick Up shade, Drop off shade)

Clutter- this seems to creep into every space as we have this habit of piling up what we need all the time in entries and kitchen counter tops. OK so PUT THAT @)($@#) away! Put it where its supposed to be and if your not using it......add it to the Drop off side of your list. All of a sudden the space has regained its respect and dignity....and looks fab! Is your space still not fab? Hmmm install a few baskets for items this will work wonders and still keep you on task.

Seating - this is always an issue at the holidays. Not everyone has dining rooms that seat twelve, or lounges that hold them either. But don't be scrambling when hosting to find seats for your guests. Think in advance! Pick up two folding chairs that can be stored in a closet. Pick up a plain wooden bench that can be used for seating, or as a side shelf in an entry later. Install a few counter stools? If you only need casual seating, invest in a few cube boxes that double as storage/tables. Floor cushions are always inviting too.....relax and gather.

ReVamp or 'aNew? This is where your creativity can shine. Its in the details at this time of year. Have a tired sofa or chair, revamp them by injecting a luxe throw and seasonal pillows. Have pillows that work, tie a Festive bow on them.....they will look amazing! Windows that look incomplete, pick up a set of pre-made curtain panels this instantly will add warmth and set the mood. Add a vignette on a vintage tray (candles).

For a dining table add a seasonal runner too, try this even in a kitchen maybe with a novelty one - add some fun to the space! Napkins.....inexpensive way to add a pop of colour or creative words. Feeling crafty......stamp your own! Revamp those kitchen chairs with seat cushions. Fresh florals work too!
In a guest room pick up a new sheet set,add few festive pillows. Then add a travel candle to the bedside table and try for a glass of water & chocolates. Think of your guest room as a hotel room and you will always have folks smiling that you took the time to make it welcoming. New Linens Not in the budget.....wash those linens in a beautiful scent....such as lavender!
In the powder room ensure there is always a stock of fresh linens, or add a box of disposable hand towels. A scented candle and lux hand products set the stage. Maybe even a jar of mints.......

So now you have some confidence infused into YOUR mantra of 'Crushing it' as the hostess. You have a list of Pick Up and Drop offs (donations) that help you and may in fact help someone else. Your spaces are clearer and somehow feel new.....wel done - such a superhero you are now.

Best of the Best Dharlings,

Rampant Red

PS - Those Carol's won't know what them!

Hellooo

December 5, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

It is LIKE......'Hello Marg, its Carol have you got your Facebook open - its time to get the scoop and dirt answered on interior design! WHAAAAT! Yes now.....HURRY'! LOL.

Talk it Up Tuesday!

Ok Dharlings, its time to bring your secrets to the front of Facebook and ask ask ask me YOUR designer. Hmmmmm that is YOUR designer questions from colour to lighting bring it ON!

When.......10am - 11am PST

ON Rampant Red Facebook page....

Coffee optional - FUN mandatory!

Session IS LIVE starting Tuesday December 9th, 2014! Join in the Shenanigans.......

Cheers Dharlings!

Rampant Red

PS - So you can't make this sessh! No worries drop me an email and I will answer your questions!

Living Room 911

December 5, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Hey - I know its almost time to venture to the off limits part of the house, yup the Living Room! Why do we have these fancy shmancy spaces where nobody relaxes in. But we sure are proud of how they look! Ok here are Designer Paramedic 5 tips to ensure that formal living room becomes, 'the place to be' over Christmas - and you don't have a cardiac!

add some ambiance other than the Christmas Tree! Have music playing in the background, puts people at ease,
add a few small posies of flowers & candles to the tables, maybe some non messy finger foods, provide fun holiday napkins!
if you are a coaster freak....which is fine! I love a good coaster throughout the year....have them pre-set and don't offer your guest one. That just makes them feel on edge. Even better add a festive runner to that table!
Let there be LIGHT! Open the curtains and sheers.....like you always do! Don't turn on all your lights to full, just a few to set the tone, not an interrogation!
add a faux fir throw to a sofa, bring in a footstool that is ok to put your feet up and some floor pillows to the area rug to bring cozy & comfort. As the wee ones gather about.

By using these tips you are being proactive to Function of the space,setting the MOOD, and living out loud in Harmony - the principals of design!

A wise person once said, what good is it in life if we are surrounded by precious items that we don't use. Everyday is special and we should use our special things with that mindset. I concur!!!! Be proud of your Living Room share that feeling with guests........

Merry Merry - Cheers,

Rampant Red

Mantra.....Live Outside the BOX

BANG on the Door!

December 4, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Its the time of year that sneaks up on us all.....and then its BANG here! The mass kaos starts and we chase time trying to check off all the boxes on the famous LIST. Then a whirl wind day or days pass.......and we sit all saying WE DID IT! Man we are crazy! But I think in the moments of crazy we also fall under the spell of whimsy - the magic of Christmas. The chance to live out load the child and playfulness in our inner spirit. From bold colours, sparkle, traditions and looking back to days of childhood. With the hope in believing that the spirit lives out in all of us if we just tap into it.

So with whimsy and wonder....and of course some kick ass designer style -I have found some inspirations with my love of feathers! Whoohooo I knew it could be done! Because the first mark of the season is ACTION! Get your lights up, WREATH on the door and hey dress that tree....oh and course bake the cookies (I prefer to pick them up at the bakery.....bakery is an art I don't 'Parlez-Vous' in. Also its hazardous to humanity! So Support the #BAKERIES!).

I remember one of my first married Christmas's wanting to wear my red boa as part of my holiday hostess outfit.. ......so I sewed it to a top it was a statement! And it was a laugh...now when I look at the photos from that Christmas I too look like a turkey- Red Hair, Red Boa and Red wine! Ache well what we do in the name of design Dharlings! So remember feathers do have there place and with this being said - here are found inspirations to kick start your creativity! These will surely shout 'HELLO' and welcome guests standing knocking to smile, as they enter into sharing the seasons love and shenanigans beyond YOUR door.

What do I think is Amazing in wreaths? Well I do feel that as golds and coppers have been so predominate this year in design and decor accents from sinks to lights.....why not bring that in with feathers! Using pheasant feathers, twigs n' greens and glitzy copper and gold ornaments that can create a stunning wreath. Add in snowflakes with white feathers, crystals with peacock feathers, plus baubles n' bows galore, and don't forget berries simply gives your wreath a wee bit more! I love to add some tartan to the mix too, a nod to the auld country. Another return since the summer has been burlap, and I love how it can be added into a bow, a monogram letter, or weaved through your greenery. This simple savvy reminds me of vintage west coast Christmas. Another tip is to repeat some of this style in your entry.....maybe in a posie or vignette.

So without further adieu......Get on it! But truly- savour the moments, live out your wonder and enjoy the merriment of Christmas......and of course putting the BANG on your door!

Cheers,

Rampant RED xox

Living Greens

December 3, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Here is a Design Board created from the starting point of this amazing wallpaper by Jonathan Adler. I wanted to create a space that had warmth, style that has the potential to be REAL. By introducing living greens of Christmas, tree & wreath and then accent the mantel with pine cones and candles. Possibly a collection of mis-shaped with varying heights wooden and brass candlesticks.

The area rug is darker but grounds the space and the yellow is the perfect accent to the space elements. The arm chairs are rugged yet refined.......for coffee or cocktails the space speaks to everyone. I love hardware and would introduce a collection of stag heads amongst mirrors to reflect and take it all in.

The table and lamp accent each other with the element of brass, the green Lucite chandelier is paired perfectly with the sofa and raw silk pillows. This is everyday style, introduce the red plaid and grey pillows we bring the elements of lodge, winter.....Christmas. I think nothing of putting word pillows out for the season, a great accent and fab excuse to purchase and always being updating your textiles! Remember Pillows, drapery and throws not only always add warmth to the room but are simple space updates through the seasons!

Be Inspired, BE YOU..........

Cheers,

Rampant Red

'tis the SEASON!

December 1, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Its the most wonderful time of the year.....Christmas!

A time to shop, cook, wrap gifts, host events, share with wonder of the season with family & friends. Oh and DECORATE your home! Overwhelmed at How & Where to start? Not to fear your Designer is Here.

As YOUR designer I can provide such amazing Home Holiday Services such as:

Trimming the Tree with bright lights ribbons n' bobbles,
Dressing your table with accents and floral,
Precious items can be wrapped with designer style and placed under the tree with care,
Front Doors can be made stunning with wreaths and/or entry vignettes assembled with care

Simply reply for direction details & rates on the trail to making YOUR home the

House Tour envy of the Season.

Remember that moments of the season pass too quickly as does available appointments, so contact me soon.

Rampant Red helping putting the Merry back in Christmas!

Top 3 Bedroom Sides

December 1, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Here are my top 3 choices in bedside table lighting........

Keep in mind perspective - with the height and balance your light is need for the space.

1.) A Reading Task Light in any style and space always works. This Lamp is from CB2.

2.) An artistic or unique style lamp in base or in shade. This candlestick lamp is from Anthropologie.

3.) A hotel style lamp will work in most contemporary & traditional style settings. This Lamp style is found at various lighting speciality stores, even Home Sense!

You will never go wrong with a fantastic light design element......

it will always balance and set the mood for your space.

Light On!

Rampant Red

Light Miles

December 1, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

My Saturday adventures took me to the Re-Vamp market.....oh what delish finds I found. Markets are still by far the best way to see unique items and also find what draws you in....meaning you inner love of pieces! For me I just gravitated to LIGHTS. Falling for a few pendants, chandeliers, and then some floor lamps! I also found new light designs that incorporate recycled pipes, mason jars, paired with vintage Edison Bulbs. Amazing!

Here are a few finds.........

For more wonder over and see the photo posted on the ReVamped Market Facebook site.

Cheers,

Rampant RED,

My other adventure was finding inspirational pieces of Christmas decor, and this was stunning find at Art Knapps, Port Coquitlam. Floral Fantasy meets crystal with iron orb!

All photos captured while traveling the road of designer action- with no harm done! ;)

Monday Mantra

December 1, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

What is usually on my mind each Monday? The weeks events, what needs to be accomplished, what needs to be learned.....communicated to the masses, the developements in the design community. TIME. How will I make each second count to achieve these tasks? Better yet is how will it all unfold by Friday?

Close My eyes......breathe. FOCUS. Mind thought........busy traffic. Breathe again and focus on a word or phrase for my Monday Mantra. Burrr its cold....mind drifts to sunshine - bright colours and then - LIGHT. Warmth of heat translates to FIRE. Inspired by FIRE........Light shines.

Mantra develops to -

Be the LIGHT this week........be the FIRE!

Inspired........YES. Bring it on WEEK.

Cheers......

Top 3, Say What?

November 18, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Hey its Tuesday and I am all about thinking outside the box not only in life but when forming thoughts in design. With this thought for Tip Tuesday I wanted to share my top three questions from my clients this past week.

I want to install hardwood flooring, what colour should I get?

Fantastic question! I think we are generally pulled towards rich colours in hardwood and hence I often see floors with allot of red or warm undertones. This can be tricky to build for other elements in the room, like colour mainly due to light (natural and illuminated) due to reflection. The answer.....always choose a floor that is neutral. I can't stress this enough! Choose a floor that has no red or yellow undertones. There are masses of choices available in browns/blacks and greys, and with absolutely gorgeous grains. Seek these options and embrace the beauty of the wood. The only time you should choose red or yellow undertones is if the flooring is your MAIN feature. By keeping your floor neural you allow the floor to ground all the other elements of the space, creating balance and harmony.

2. At what height should I hang my art? My photo's?

Another great question......I actually always think who is looking at these pieces that are hung to high? Think of your pieces as windows, and when you pass them ask yourself, 'don't you want to peer into them'? If so.....then they should be at gallery level....aka eye level. Now I know that everyone is different heights, so what is the standard is the question? Measure the wall and find the center point..........this is the gallery height. The center point of the piece should be hung here. Now if you have huge cathedral ceilings again common sense is this isn't how you measure. Then use a door/window as your guide/marker to find your center point (door frame is usually 8ft) and go from there.
Gallery Wall? Then again use the same center point as your start and build and expand out and go up in the same way, the closer the pieces are together the more interest you will have. I am often asked if there should be a consistency in the photos or pieces. Yes, build a gallery in the same hue, or frame for consistency. Add the bold piece in a bold colour or change the colour of the frame for that point of interest. Be creative in your gallery vignette.....make it personal and it will shine on the wall!

3. My tables are full of clutter, ornaments, mementos and I need to have them. But aren't they great? I just love them.....but I think I should get rid of them? What do you think Designer?

Ahhh the baited question, asking for permission but know you don't want to hear my answer! I actually laugh when this is poised! But yes I can relate, we all have mementos we love, maybe precious objects that we inherited and then we have coasters, books galore that all need a place of presence. So give them some presence! Group them on a table, a buffet or a shelf. Use them to tell a story in a vignette. My last client had amazing pieces and about seven too many all displayed in row on a coffee table. Each very important and cherished, but sadly they just look like they were the first line of attack in the space! She also had beautiful platters and I was introducing blues to the space. So we took a blue platter, assembled three objects on it, and balanced with height of a large candlestick and small plant.....in the center of the table. The side table I piled three books on, a set of coasters and a silver trinket. All of sudden these pieces seemed more interesting.....she began to tell me stories about them. Hey I gave them presence! So look at your pieces, and relax them from being on attack.....group them in odd numbers on a tray or platter balance them with height and add a poise. Go on try it......see what happens.

That's my TOP Three for this week! Hope this helped you expand your knowledge in your space! Have a questions.....send it to me for another top three Tuesday.

Cheers Dharlings,

Jacqueline aka Rampant Red.......

Red & Rain!

October 20, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Working in my home office today, enjoying the sounds and the Live window picture of the rain. Its not only refreshing but inspiring. I can't help but feel rejuvenated by it.....watered! I also instantly think of the sound of rain and the swish of puddles on the road, great noise.

Rain on the Roof is probably my favorite, and I did have an experience once that I fondly love to remember when it rains. The sound of rain on a metal roof.......simply amazing! Which inspired me to look at some incredible metal roofs. Metal roofs have come a long way since we first seen and used them in exterior designs. They can be still be simple like a barn or intricate designs that can fool the eye to thinking that they are another material like slate. With a vast palette of colour choices available, my favorites are found in the bold red or blue hues, as they are very west coast.....of course adding in copper highlights would be stunning!

The colour palette of metal roofs possibilities!

I see a surge with installing metals roofs as not only Eco friendly but cost efficient in all styles of design. So here are a few snaps to inspire your mind on a rainy day.......look.

Stunning west coast metal roof, elegant yet simple.

A Tiny House metal roof, bold yet simple.

Nelson Roofing Company, Sea Schelt coastal BC - modern style with a incorporated green roof design.

Massachusetts Roofing and Sheet Metal Co. - showing that a metal roof can still give you intricate designs. Stunning.

As always my studio is conversation with music, so here is one to set the tone today. Lean in and listen to a rainy Monday Monday .......... http://youtu.be/h81Ojd3d2rY

So whether you are out chasing raindrops or at home listening to the sweet sounds of it falling....... be bold and inspire your thoughts and space.

Happy Monday west coast style!

Rampant Red,

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See Red!

September 23, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

As an Designer on the job I l use the principles of Mood, Harmony and Function while adding all the design elements (colour, movement, case goods, etc) in to make every job a success. But know that the language of adding lipstick and rouge as some clients are lead to believe through reality television is not always the case on the job. I wanted to shed some light on how a designer role plays out, with the thoughts that it will give your relationship with a designer a greater understanding and appreciation when going through the motions on a project or obtaining services.

Often clients are slow or unable to make decisions, so here I recommend giving two options that are similar in cost but slightly different in material. This way the selection is based on taste rather than price. I find that three choices can be too much for the client, and they will become frustrated. Especially if there are multiple decisions at hand.

As choices and selections are made I now become the liaison between the client and the trades. Where communication is key for success, learning to listen to all sides, as information and opinions are expressed. Customer Service is one of the key roles of an interior designer. Although we are making decisions for a client to change their home they may not always agree to, or be able to visualize we must learn to respect opinions, earn trust, and be the voice of negotiating change. While remembering that at the end of the day it is still their home and we are the guest.

I hope you have seen that the message is to be flexible. No design plan is going to be perfect as it plays into real living. No client is going to like everything you do, and the trades may inform you that some designs are just not possible. But by being aware, listening, and having a back up plan your client will be confident in the work. Which at the end of the day creates a happy, who loves the transformation, making for a successful Designer!

Cheers!

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