Today's Design Focus

May 10, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

In hours that make up a day, the Design Focus is MISSION. What can we accomplish in this moment, this day? How can we win the saving the space of the masses battle...... NOW.

By having a Mission today.

This is accomplished by organization of task and thought, a written plan for the day, developing the build drawings, working independently or in a team of trades, where everyone pulls the project together by using their trade strength. The process is daunting, but the end result that is the build on this trust of design, is amazing project.

Design for a Purpose and with a Purpose.

No matter what the work is today, the To Do List of organizing the house, taking a car full of children to an event, creating a meal, shopping, building - or simply just walking out the door for the day - focus your DESIGN MISSION - the reward is wining the battles everyday. Rise Up!

Have a wonderful Saturday.....

Explore

May 7, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Today's Colour story is by Pratt & Lambert, and starts the journey with Exploring Purple.

Pratt & Lambert Paints : No. 29-12 — **Pratt & Lambert Paints :** No. 29-12

In the language of Colour Theory, Exploring Purple is a combination of pure hue, blue and red. Tints of white and Tones of black. The saturation level of this color is dark, bold, and deep. Enhancing a mood of exotic, richness, and royalty. That brings in the elements of Purple, being one of spirituality, creativity, passion, calming and a colour of rejuvenation.

In the otherwise who wears purple? I know its the colour of Royalty, making it the choice for Kings and Queens - but its also worn in the realms of Spiritual leaders, preachers - a colour strong in faith. But also in whimsy and magic, like the colour of wizardry (remember Micky in his purple and star robes!) and of course in Harry Potter and the hierarchy of Hogwarts! Purple has a Place.

Queen Elizabeth  of England — Queen Elizabeth of England

So be INSPIRED.......... look at the purple in nature. From floral to the skies it surrounds us.

Skies.....transition from dusk to Twilight to sunset.

A posie of orchids and peacock feathers, fastened and put into lime green bottles, vases = stunning!

Delve into your creative side.......tap into your imagination and start to create a room of retreat in a bedroom, or a room of knowledge, library, or in a lounge - celebrating art, music and conversation. Here are a few items to Exploring Purple that I would use to create that Lounge.

The walls in the space would reflect exploring with maps, compass's, framed postage cards/stamps and vibrant art work.

The cart coffee table, by Restoration Hardware.

Using these elements in a space I can visualize how it would be a creative, retreat - listening to music in the vintage record player. Having stacks of books on the cart, posies, and candles. The lighting would be unique too, playing on the golden tones, with a center drum and swag lights. Wood floor and a purple/blue area rug. Divine!

Come what MAY?

May 7, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Hello May! You have come in like a whirlwind.....the weather has been screaming hot for a few days, then traditional west coast rains and winds....and today - Super Sunny again! You got to love Vancouver!

May brings much to look forward to, new design ventures, community gatherings - markets and shows galore, and of course the month we celebrate our Mums! We couldn't survive with out their love, patience (is word my Mum would make me spell out load when I would lose mine!) and encouragement in LIFE.

They are the advocate in our journey that without a doubt always believe we CAN achieve our dreams. We just need to tap into that mindset more, not make simple things complicated and we WILL do it.

Mother's Day is personally not something we should just remember once a year....but throughout the year. Taking a moments to say Thank You, take a moment just to simply share - after all they were Mums to us everyday!

And I am sure it took a lot of P A T I E N C E.......

The Journey of our Yellow Road travels........

I hope last month was inspiring to you and your design mindset, and at the same time you were able to learn. Whats a day without learning a thing or two! I did blog about colour a LOT, the month of YELLOW, the golden colour of the sun and creativity! I colour I have always been drawn to, I think my girlie room as a child was yellow and now my lounge and dining room are yellow. Its a vibrant colour - alive!

A dose of yellow in lighting and hardware, GORGEOUS!

The Yellow Lounge......in Desire by Graham And Brown Wallpapers.

This month I am going to delve into the realms of Purple, the first colour of Royalty and one of deep passion. I still love the combination of Eggplant and yellow, or purples and greens - seems distasteful when you say it out load but stunning when in place.

I am also still learning about TreeHouses now in more depth, and have I believe a real passion for them and the construction that makes them unfold. So I will share a few more this month and in more details.

Wallpaper, yes I promised I would investigate how and where you can design your own wallpapers....and even colour on the walls if you like. Spoonflower has all the answers, visit them and you will be delighted at what they have in store!

Spoonflower, Henna Elephants and you can COLOUR this one!

In closing the biggest challenge is to be true to design. Not to over complicate the simplicity of forms and functions, to create moods that make those amazing rooms REAL spaces.

Looking forward as always to sharing the conversation along the way.....

TreeHouse Tuesday!

May 6, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

So I couldn't start our first Tuesday in May without a Treehouse......so here is one that has been stained in purple! A fantastic alternative for a wood stain, highlighting the grains and of course here it adds some whimsy to an already delightful design.

Keeping re-treatfull dreams alive.........

Purple Souvenir's

May 6, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Today's Colour story starts our journey this month in Purple, and what way to start a journey that with a Souvenir!

Souvenir by Pratt & Lambert  No. 30-30 Found on  the extreme Right side of the colour chip card — **Souvenir by Pratt & Lambert** No. 30-30
Found on the extreme Right side of the colour chip card

In colour theory Souvenir is made up of pure Blue, red and mass tints of white. Giving the saturation of light and airy, soft. The mood is contemporary and modern, as its found in the Grey scale of many colour schemes today, playing on the silver side.

This colour is suited to many rooms of the home, bedroom, living and bathrooms. Rooms that have natural light exposure of South and East. In rooms facing north it would be suttle, yet may give a feeling of coldness to the space. Lighting is everything!

The Purple glass Lamp and Grey faux silk shade.

Here are two rooms to inspire you with Souvenir......

And here we can see how Graham & Brown inspired the purple grey in wallpaper.

Wallpaper: Maple - a modern twist for a Canadiana Design!

So welcome May, and all its passion for creativity in Purple.........the journey starts here.

Natural Purple Grey, silver heather of the glen - stunning!

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

May 5, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Dress up your table this evening in the bold colours of Mexico, golden yellows, turquoise & cobalt blues, hits of reds and orange. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Mexican spirit and culture with your favorite Mexican foods and of course the limey Margarita.......

Yes the classic refresher....Lime Margarita = Delish!

Great margaritaville straws....'stache style'! Or another hit of table whimsy.....

I think of evenings in Mexico, with lots of bold colour, candles...so this idea of incorporating the other thing I love....paper lanterns seems appropriate!

Its the perfect way to start your Monday and jump into the week!
Cheers Dharlings........Rampant Red

Create fresh posies in tomato cans, or mason jars!

For the inside recipe on the Classic Lime Margarita or new Mexican Bulldog Margaritas.....follow the link to my Facebook at Rampant Red Design.

Designer Thoughts

May 4, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Imagination is everything to me first as an artist and second as a designer.

Looking at the world, interpenetrating its movement and forms.

When I walk in a forest, or a trail I often think of it like entering a dance hall, the wind the music to its leaves. The trees the ballerina's.....

The bodies in trunks and the branches as heads and arms.

Beautiful Movements.......

Designer Thoughts.......

May 3, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

A dreary Saturday seems better when sitting by a fire, sipping in your surroundings and enjoying the moment. Design by Rampant Red. — A dreary Saturday seems better when sitting by a fire, sipping in your surroundings and enjoying the moment.
Design by Rampant Red.

The best part of being a designer is working with people, capturing their dreams into a space that works for everyone and adding that unexpected something to make it personal.

To achieve these amazing situations I am constantly reminded to be true not only to the client, but to be true in my design beliefs and principals. Engaging in creativity, thinking from outside the walls, and just keeping it real.

How does a designer be true and REAL? I believe through commitment to FOCUS, being experienced and knowledge is foundational, respectful, but being grounded in family & friends- living!

So today as I venture on a dreary west coast Saturday, I will take in a local Home Show I hope to see people sharing creativity, in their passions and keeping it Real.

Cheers Dharlings,

Auld Man.......

May 1, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Design For LIVING.............

Shout Out.........I want to dedicate my blog today in memory of my Dad - Tom Blair. A individual lost too soon, and a lover of LIVING- laughter, music and celebrating the magic of LIFE. My Dad taught me a strong work ethic that I take pride in today with any work I do, but another great thing he did was teach me about collaboration and relationships - that if minds meet and work together great things can be achieved. So today with these Friday Found treasured thoughts and memories I encourage YOU to embrace LIVING - fall in LOVE with it again, cherish those you collaborate with and share relationships....#LOVELiving #SharetheLOVE ........and make your MARK.

Love ........Jacqueline

SteamPunk n' Spoons

May 1, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

My intention today is not only as a throw back, but how we have a new love of metals. Especially with brass and my favourite - copper. I love the art of STEAMPUNK! It has a certain whimsy, romanancism to it. I wonder how could be incorporate that look into home design? Hmmmmm

Bring on the  ME-HOW directive...... — **Bring on the ME-HOW directive..**....

The spoon collection.....the spoons that have coloured embellishments, flags are fantastic! I would hunt out Union Jack flags in the antique/flea markets!

The old collection of the spoon rack, every house had one treasured collection at one time I am sure. But they were curios of interest - memories of travels and gifts from family and friends passed down. But in my mind I think OK - we have some metals I want Steampunk - how do we mesh the two? Maybe we take that spoon collection, choose ones of true interest and unique shapes, they don't have to be polished....we want that vintage appeal. Then wallpaper the inside of an old pharmacy cabinet, or a metal curio cabinet - with Steampunk images like the ones below.

Cabinet inspiration ideas.....what to hunt for!

These are three good examples of what would work for this project, the suitcase in the middle is by Poppytalk on etsy. I added this as by removing the mirror and installing glass - this would be also really stunning!

To finalize the installation, add LIGHT - to enhance the sconce use the vintage Edison bulbs available at Restoration Hardware, and some hardware stores (Rona & Home Depot). Here are two industrial lights that scream they want to be apart of your new wall!

....whalaa we have created a Steampunk metal spoon collection in a whole new light!

Wisdom Wednesday

April 30, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Trend Verses Timeless Calling in for the Wednesday Whoot Hoot!

Two big words in the world of Design are Trend and Timeless, we all want the trends and fall in love with the new visions, but we don't want to be a trend.....we want to create that timeless look. How do we balance the two? It's a tough one, so to the Oxford Dictionary to investigate these terms. Finding that TREND is the general direction in which something is developing or changing..... exciting! Where TIMELESS is not affected by the passage of time or change -but we don't want museum staleness.

So to find the solution of appeasing these two, we introduce the Design principal of Harmony and this creates not only the conversation that will work, but also gives BALANCE that you can have the exciting TREND and remain TIMELESS and true to your space.

In the colour of yellow is a hot Trend Colour for spring as I bogged earlier this month. But in balance and harmony we can use the trend, possibly in decor accents of pillows, drapery and yes lighting. The Trend would be to use bright hues of yellow in your space.....even just adding posies you are embracing Yellow spring trend. To create TIMELESS yellow in you space you balance with trend and key strong timeless pieces, furniture and art - a wall colour, design choices that you can develop with.

Here are a few inspirations on trend verses timeless rooms and decor pieces:

This above mood board for a timeless space, but by adding the trend decor pieces you can create both - Balance.

Hot Trend, dividers in copper yellow! But can also be Timeless

Here are inspirations for Timeless Design........

Remember when updating your TREND the key is Balance that will create the harmony in

TIMELESS Design .

Today's Design Focus

April 30, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Consider the perspective like a whale it can can seem like an impossible task - but by CHOICE and keeping it real -the impossible CHOICE's does make possible CHNAGE

FOcuS = JUMP!

Today's Colour Story

April 30, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Inspired by the end of the month, and our journey of Yellow - I looked for a colour that would toast our colour thoughts. I found this in Samovar by Pratt & Lambert.

Samovar by Pratt & LambertNo. 12-11 — Samovar by Pratt & Lambert
No. 12-11

This is a dramatic undertone of pure yellow hue, with tones of black and white, red, small dose of green. The saturation is bold and yet dark allowing it to show drama, dark golden undertones. This is very noticeable in the amber stone where you can see the diverse colour breakdown. Depending on the lighting it can be a bright golden colour of yellow, or a deep rich golden colour. The mood this colour evokes is warmth, richness, strong comfort. Stunning!

Remember this colour maybe a bold statement, but in the proper room conversation it will really hold the space. So never be 'scared' that a colour is bold, dark - every colour and tone has a purpose, embrace it.

I could easily vision this colour tone in a lounge with warm woods, copper lighting, tapestries, and bright yellow accents. Possible rooms, libraries, bedroom, dining rooms - man cave rooms with caramel leathers - ohh! Or even a large great room with large windows - giving that warmth with a stone fireplace. See when you begin the journey of vision you can easily focus the possibilities. ;)

Dining Room with walls in Samovar by Pratt & Lambert

Be grounded in your colour choices, yellow is such diverse colour to have walked with you this month, Thank-You!

Sip in the colour of this rich tone with a Scotch, Cheers Dharlings........

Today's Colour Story

April 29, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Today's Colour Story is inspired by the sunshine this morning, with Buttery by Pratt & Lambert.

Tuscany, a rich source of buttery golden yellows.

You can see how the colour of the butter and the warmth of Tuscany with the yellow buttery hues are naturally stunning combinations to work with and inspire the Buttery of Pratt & Lambert.

This is a the last week of our journey of the Yellow Hue, and this is a warm tone with tints of white and pure red. The mood is soft and fresh, perfect spring feeling. The saturation is light and perfect for a north, east facing room or one with low levels of natural light. The yellow will continue to inspire you, bring thoughts alive and harbor positive energy in your work or lounge space. Buttery is also a fantastic colour to bring to your exterior walls, being a natural pure earth colour.

A work-space, the walls and ceiling painted Buttery!

The feeling of warmth, energy and rejuvenation.....The Tub Retreat in Buttery.

If you are still looking for a hit of colour to a white or pale tone space, introduce Buttery yellow to it. It will create the

perfect conversation.

Buttery from the outside to the inside...........elegance.

Today's Design Focus.....

April 29, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

DIRECTION

If we can focus on our direction and routes, our journey will be not only more successful

but have a richer meaning at the

View Point

Throw Back!

April 24, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Inspired by a current book I am reading, Vancouver a History in Photographs by Aynsley Vogel & Dana Wyse, where I learned that one of our Governor Generals was Earl Grey and how he visited Vancouver on several occasions. Whose legacy boosted one of social reforms, advocating in national unity and bridging cultures - a true passionate Canadian character.His most known legacy 'the GREY CUP'. I had to read more with the thoughts of 'ok' - let me bridge this era with design and see where the journey leads........its a BIG BLOG and well worth the read!

The first thoughts are Earl Grey, and tea - right! Well this was the time when 1910 was a hey day of tea rooms and social gatherings. Celebrating accomplishments and discussing the birth of great change.

Albert Henry George GREY, the 9th Governor General of Canada (1904-1911)

Here is a glimpse into the Tea Rooms and Tea Socials, and where better to think of High Tea is the Empress Hotel, then a CPR Hotel. And in retrospect, Governor Earl Grey was an advocate for CPR Hotels playing a key role in Chateau Laurier in Ottawa - still a grand architectural feature then as today.

The Governor General Earl Grey also participated in many historic events in Vancouver, such as the Opening of the Granville Street Bridge, and visiting the Hollow Tree in Stanley Park.

The Empress Hotel in Victoria still delights today with its Victorian Architecture, found in grand gallery and lower hall tea room - where if you visit take a stroll through the archives to set the mood in your walk about the Hotel, imagine halls filled with feather hats, piano music, laughter, and china.

High Tea served in true English style, silver service & china

The famous dome at the entrance to the Crystal Ballroom - take the the tour and hear its famous party story.

This is echoed in the design of the Parliment Buildings and in the houses that surround its neighbourhood.

Here in Vancouver the buildings echo that Victorian build take a walking tour in the downtown core and look at the stores that surround the Art Gallery, The Bay, The Vancouver Hotel and our many old cathedrals. Walk around Gastown historic Strathcona, that is on a revival - see the new building renovation on Heatly & Hastings - stunning! Or in other neighborhoods of Mount Pleasant and Kerrisdale to see houses of this era.

As a designer I think it is vital to know the buildings that create our landscapes, and as exciting as the new build is - its also vital that we remember in some way the tear down that makes the way. Try to include some of the building/ home, or neighborhood's past. and incorporate this into the new design plan. HOW?By using the photo's found in the Vancouver Archives. Need a Saturday afternoon rainy day activity, visit the archives located in the Vancouver Public Library.

So we come back to Earl Grey and the Tea Room connection. In many historic events it was christened with the tea social celebration afterwards. In the daily routines of the era, 1909 it was also an element that was the meeting place to discuss and celebrate the the everyday events.

Today I encourage you to have a space in your home that you use for celebrating special events. A small corner lounge to display some of the old, retreat and socialize in the events of today. We usually do this in a form of library or dining room. Here is a twist on a wallpaper that is modern and Victorian to inspire such a space.......

If you do visit Kerrisdale, Visit the Secret Garden Tea Room, and experience that tea house social setting of yesterday today. Don't forget your hat!

So as you sip your cup of Earl Grey tea, reflect on the golden times of when dreams were created, and look at how you can create your own legacy, build - design - do it!

Today's info was sourced by: the Wiki on Earl Grey, the Google images, and Vancouver Archives.

Inspired by my current read, the book Vancouver, a History of Photographs by Aynsley Vogel & Dana Wyse.

Feng Shui in Yellow

April 23, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Yesterday I enjoyed learning about Feng Shui with Carole Shashona - Grand Master Feng Shui Designer on International Interior Design Chat. Its a community that shares creativity, problems solves design, and shares knowledge on techniques. Interior Design is not as simple as throwing a cushion on a chair, although this is done with consideration. Its about being diverse to understanding the space and how it functions, and how the inhabitants will function with in it. Its making a space that looks so easily done a success to us, as it takes a lot of knowledge, trade skill and energy to make it look that way - but that is a compliment I assure you! So I thought today instead of looking at a tone of yellow I would share how Yellow works in Feng Shui Design.

In Feng Shui Yellow is associated with the Earth element - gathering and nourishing. Yellow is the colour of happiness - sunshine and smiles! The mood of optimism and mental clarity. Its a pure colour, and usually we when we think of Feng Shui we think of purity and how to use whites. Now because yellow is pure, we can use it in our design as well, as in this practice it is about BALANCE.

Yellow is also part of the third chakra for digestion and mental process - which is also extremely important. Symbolizing digesting LIFE, breaking down details, enjoyment and elimination. Put some lemons on your kitchen counter or yellow tulips on your table.

In design we change the mood of the room by painting the walls a pale shade of yellow, increasing the harmony to the objects in the room. The room feels enlightened. The same can be achieved with lighting, a warm yellow light is comforting. Yellow glass or a vignette of yellow candles.

In mental clarity, a yellow office is stimulating and allows us to focus on our work. Hence the use of yellow on the Post It, or the yellow writing pad. We remember more and focus our thoughts on these mental yellow papers. I laugh as I look around my desk, at the pile of yellow notes, yellow writing pads and files! It must be true!

So my Shout Out for today in Yellow and Feng Shui, bring some yellow into your space in either paint, furniture, or in floral arrangements. Take a self test, and see not only how you feel in your space but how it transforms. Don't forget.....focus and write it down!

Whoot Hoot Top 3 Traits

April 23, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Designer Whoot Hoot.....awaken your minds.

Its wisdom Wednesday, and the power of knowledge is the sharing of information that WE have with EACH other. Today I give YOU the power of HOW to choose an Interior Designer for your reno/build project, with ensuring you select an individual with these 3 key elements.

The TOP THREE Interior Design traits to look for when searching for your personal designer are:

Attitude
Competency
Mindset

Combined these essentials with passion in creativity, organizational skills , trade skills, and

common sense of course!

But discover these qualities - WOW your project will be guaranteed 'TOP Drawer'.

April 22, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

NEW, information has been released today on the webpage regarding the new services of DESIGNER Online. Please take a look at these amazing design options under Rate Card.

Please feel free to contact me regarding the use of this new service on your next project.

Your Design Expert,

Happy Earth Day

April 22, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Celebrate Earth Day and its beauty to inspire Design......escape outdoors and plant or build something of thanks to Mother earth.

In reflection of last month, building and designing with the Green attitude, I am giving a shout out to Green Craft Homes Vancouver. An amazing build & fine furniture design team that has the congruent attitude right in its build name. www.greencrafthomes.ca

Look for the alternative and seek to blow your mind with the possibilities......

Happy Earth Day, Your Design Expert.....