Designer Blog Thoughts

June 3, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Confused about today's Facebook posts, not to worry! These are comments from the meeting of the Designer minds at my International Designer Meet Up today. Where we discussed design and the power of SM and the blog.
So look for some interesting blog posts this week and more inspired posts here on the Design site.....as I have now refocused my thoughts.
Hoping you all enjoyed a fantastic Tuesday where every your trails lead to, and now you are taking in some sunshine - we are truly living a graced fortunate journey- make the best of each day!

Designer Thoughts

May 29, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Setting the Tone of your work environment.........

When I am working I like to set the tone of my environment not just by colour, or the elements of the room such as lights ( a special task lamp) but usually with incense, a candle....at the moment I am burning some patchouli....and of course listening to music. These elements set the tone of a space, and keep my work focused, inspired....and the keep the mind groove empowered!
**Factual that if you have a colourful environment, music, respectful tone, feel for the room that is true, and good lighting you are more likely to accomplish quality work - overcome challenged tasks......and when working in a group setting your team will empower each other again creating greater work.

Here are a few mind snaps at designer work spaces, the corner glam office at home with fantastic task lamp from the map wall industrial work table - with hits of red. I would just add the coffee cup, candle, and incense and work away.

But what about this middle snap! I would love to create in this space with the amazing light, stunning chandelier, and big spread out table......hmmmm I can smell the creativity!

I hope you set the tone in your space, either when cooking, lounging or working - as by inspiring our space we inspire our thoughts. Try it.....you will be amazed.

So what do you listen to when looking at the colour chip Super Nova by Benjamin Moore Paints......... how about this track from Ray La Montagne that I heard first on CBC shift.

Enjoy this rift.....Cheers! Rampant Red Design

SUPER NOVA

May 29, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Today's Colour Story is Super Nova by Benjamin Moore paint company.

This colour is also highlighted in the 2014 Paint Palette with Benjamin Moore.

Its a colour associated with night.....the transition of this hue consists of red to blue to black...the magic. The mood of Super Nova is mystical, comfortable and one of creativity. Its the colour of positivity , strength and wisdom. A colour easily applied to a library, lounge or the retreat of a bedroom. Its a neutral gender colour and can be applied with complementary colours that works in any style of space.

The saturation is dramatic, bold, dark n' rich.
I could easily see this in a LUX design of silver greys, or in grey greens with whites and bold yellow silks - DIVINE.
And in a lounge with rich caramel sofa's and faux fir pillows, reclaimed wood floors in a neutral brown with grey undertones.....great industrial lighting making Super Nova also a great addition to a west coast colour palette.

**Here Super Nova is refreshing, and enhances creativity in the home office setting.......**

Notice how Super Nova plays on the greens and whites of the room and anchors the natural setting from the window.
Rampant Red - Designer approved room!

Super Nova 1414 accent colour ......Grey Greens found in Grasshopper by Benjamin Moore Paints. — Super Nova 1414 accent colour ......
Grey Greens found in **Grasshopper** by Benjamin Moore Paints.

The white is crisp and elegant against the bold and dramatic Super Nova. Simply White by Benjamin Moore Paints — The white is crisp and elegant against the bold and dramatic Super Nova.
**Simply White** by Benjamin Moore Paints

So look out, empower the power of positivity and imagine your space entwined into the colour of

Super Nova..........

Happy Thursday Dharlings, Rampant Red!

**Super Nova, from the libraries of NASA**

Priscilla!

May 29, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Thinking of yesterday and the chinwag about Grannies Drapes, and the Priscilla style.

So here it is for Throw Back Thursday!

Have a fantastic day......remembering the styles of yesterday!

Tread on This!

May 29, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

The staircase with an accented Tread design - contemporary style.

Just a few thoughts in our conversation and shared design knowledge on the step of the staircase,

the TREAD.

In Residential design the standard width of a tread is 10" with a 1" overhang. Remember this is based on the overall run (total distance) of the staircase and taking into consideration of the riser height. Again I want to share the How To build process of the Tread with this fantastic explanation by stairbuilding

The other major part of the tread is how it meets the riser, the edge or bullnosing part of the tread. There are many styles of Bullnosing......see chart below.

The styles of the Tread vary with the style of the house, as it is a sculptural focal point leading you from one level to the next. The tread maybe of wood and custom species like a maple to a reclaimed style, another option is the wood and carpet - where the carpet is installed like a runner down the center of the stair tread. This can be designed as a flowing runner from tread to riser, or just on the tread. This style accents the wood on each side of the tread, and can be a traditional to a contemporary style. Some people prefer a carpeted staircase, due to safety concerns - giving your more traction on the climb and descend.

Another option is to have a natural stone tread, also fitting to the traditional and contemporary design styles, where as the glass riser reads to a more modern style.

Here are a few mind snap photos to inspire these styles.

The natural Tread, here in a Re-Claimed state of design = stunning!

The Runner Tread, fluid to the tread & riser in Stripes. The wood is still accented on the side.

This Tread is a timeless elegant one, in natural stone.

I say be creative in your staircase design, from the banister - riser - and tread. Think about the function of your staircase, and keep it safe yet accent it with your personality. Make every step a reflection of you and YOUR style.

Curtain Call!

May 29, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

**Hellooooooo.......it's Wednesday Wisdom day!**

Good Day, just popping in for a wee chat on drapery. Really the finish to the windows......blinds are a modern- contemporary and wonderful alone in the great room and kitchen, such as a faux wood wide slat. Or in a roller shade for black out and also in styles of a screen shade for blocking that sun glare but still giving you that open view. But sometimes its a good idea to complete the drama of the window by adding the finishing touch of a textiles..especially in for a dining room or bedroom setting. One of the benefits of drapery is that it will keep these rooms warmer and cooler through out the year. When choosing a drapery, for daytime privacy opt for a double rod set - this way you can install a sheer, that when drawn or closed will give you privacy yet still filter light (which is incredible beautiful soft glow - if you choose a light coloured sheer it can also enhance a room reflecting more light!).

There is also the drapery accessories, rods- finials, and tie back holders. You can choose wood or metal rods (but word of caution with a grommet drape and a metal rod - its going to be noisy when drawing open and closed!) Have fun with finials and tie backs, there is sooooo many to chose from, glitzy crystal, serious metals, and quirky animals ( a fantastic selection of hounds at Anthropologie!) So go to town and find something that not only works for the room but also speaks to your personality!

For the main drapery stay with a neutral colour or combo, if you love whimsy and can play the patterns...embrace them. There are fantastic bird patterns for spring, paisley and merakish panels. But try to stay away from cottons, they will never hang the way you imagine....they are light and breezy - but a cotton blend will give you more hanging power! Also a light reflective material is my favorite....fuax silks that you can hang without UV damaging them! The fuax silks selections will reflect light into the room, and not take away light - you will notice that some drapery will feel too heavy when they are a big block of colour in a room, your drapery should have some substance to it - its more like framing art on the wall when closed. Here are a few of my picks for today......and remember Draperies don't feel like your Grannies house anymore, remember the 'Priscilla drapes' or lacy valances! The main think to note is that.....hey Grannie might have been onto something with dressing the window!

But with so many textiles choices & organic patterns you should be able to find something that makes Grannies proud and

says something about you.

Your story & Your space.

My p… — My personal favorite......The Union Jack, of course!

Designer Thoughts

May 27, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Imagination.........

Sometimes I think of how the world LIVES in an animated way -

watch today and smile at the colour and comedy of it.

Rise Up!

May 23, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Well Happy Friday, today I wanted to continue the conversation on staircases, its design styles and build - with the focus on the 'RISER'.

The Riser is the distance between the treads, measured vertically (north to south). The average height measurement for a Riser in a residential setting, is 6-8" depending on the width of the tread and the run of the staircases. Build facts on the Riser, courtesy of stairbuilding.

The Riser is part of all designs in staircases, from traditional to modern floating staircases, where the riser is invisible - yes. However it is still a calculated measurement and element that is crucial in design, and of course function.

Example of  Detailed  Build Drawings — Example of Detailed Build Drawings

Staircase Riser styles......

The Riser detail can also be a way to add personality, and art to the staircase. With paint, tile, lights, and wallpaper. Here are a collage showing a few of my favorite design 'snap photos' for inspiration.

So this weekend, and every time your climb the staircase - note the function of the riser. How it naturally harmonizes with the staircase, and at times is a wonderful design sculptural accent.

Happy Friday Design Enthusiast's,

WORD Risers.....here in SONG. Create poetry,  or phrases, climbing inspiration. — WORD Risers.....here in SONG. Create poetry, or phrases, climbing inspiration.

Designer Thoughts on a Friday

May 23, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Believing in What I can't see.......

I believe in whimsy, - fairies and magic....the feeling of what I can't see but possibly can be there, ghosts and spirits! I believe there is existence greater than me - a in a higher power.

In believing in existence, its my choice to view the world this way - to step back from reality and the science of it all.......and in these moments of believing the world it truly alive and beautiful.

I hope you too take in these moments, and maybe your world around you today will seem truly alive and beautiful...... today.

**Designer Thoughts from your expert......**

The world is just a mystery of adventure........everyday.

Top 10 Famous Stairs!

May 21, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Staircases.......from movies to TV they changed our days, as we awaited the next steps!

Singing Good Night in the Sound of Music

The Meeting Place  aboard the Titanic — The Meeting Place aboard the Titanic

Staircase of passage......Darth is YOUR Father?

Not so much one we climb, but one we sing........Stairway to Heaven!

The staircase became the meeting place, a place to discuss issues, or just hang out and

watch the world.

Cheers! Rampant Red

Step UP!

May 21, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Its the necessary transition of two levels of space......THE STAIRWAY! The saying of making an entrance in Interior Design is to point to the design and skill of the stairway - it sets the tone of the flow of the space.

How grand it spills from one level to the next!

Today I want to share some Wednesday Wisdom the top spindals for staircases......AND the remainder of the week give you a SHOUT OUT on the designs and creativity into staircases. Staircases are installation art form in your house, requiring much architectural skill to design and equally important trade skill to install - so think of them as a permanent sculpture.

In spindals the range is wide from metals to wood, custom to off the shelf - and there is enough to fit design styles from traditional to modern. But what are the TOP popular spindals in home renovations? A lot of clients will remove the candlestick wooden spindal and replace with one of these metal selections, usually in black iron or pewter. Or if they want to inject character they will used reclaimed spindals, showcasing the patina in paints and aged woods.

TOP Spindals.........

A custom wood square  spindal could be created, then staining the grains to bring out the wood - dramatic! — A custom wood square spindal could be created, then staining the grains to bring out the wood - dramatic!

The next area of the staircase to look at is the Bannister, focusing here on the end cap to the handrail. Here we see again the candlestick being replaced with square wood pieces - sometimes clad with molding then painted out and other designs that showcase the wood, stained grains. The designs when looking custom are endless.

Before on the Left, and Renovation upgrade on the Right. By the Portland Stair Co.

Custom Endcap.....photo by shutterstock.

So today look at your staircase not only differently, but with some Wisdom. Look at how it has been thought out.....a functional art form. Tomorrow the Story of Stairs continues........

Patio Magic

May 20, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Start to work on creating your Patio pleasures for the season. Here are two favorites from West Elm........

Plates n ' Lights!

The 5th Wall

May 20, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Today another designer mentioned the fifth wall? Something we take for granted until we look UP! Oh, yes the 5th wall is that ceiling.

I love that coffered ceilings have returned to many spaces, in many variations of painted, stained woods. In my personal designs I have incorporated wallpaper into the coffered designs, and clients sometimes feel this is bold...but the end result is a sure SMILE winner!

We are also seeing more wood beams as accent statements, with raw, stained and reclaimed variations. As a designer that has a fine furniture designer and carpenter in the family, (www.greencrafthomes.ca) embracing mill work and finishing seems a natural choice - its exciting to see that others share the same interest!

However lets not forget paint finished too, from faux finishes to murals. I can say that in my own powder room I have a sky ceiling and its stunning! In a powder room with no window, you have that feeling of openness. Its a technique that no matter what you change the wall space to be, you will not tire of it. Another faux finish ceiling I like in a powder room is pale blue and silver leafing - gives that glow that is also quite sexy for a ceiling!

So think above the box, and rethink the finish of your 5th Wall!

Victorian

May 19, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

To commemorate all things Royal today and celebrate Victoria day, I thought why not also look a some Victorian Decor! Seems fitting.

Start by looking at this photo of Queen Victoria, she is dressed in ornate textiles, jewels n jems, a cameo, crown - regal looking. This starts our conversation with the Victorian era, regal and ornate accent lines play a large role in this style. In architecture, you will see ornate cornice and plaster work, accenting doors and turrets. In furniture design we again see scrolling motifs, curvy lines in chair legs, settees, and tables. In textiles, pattern was introduced and we over-sized damask, foliage patterns and birds. Foliage could have been from simple leaves, ferns were big, and of course trees. In birds it was not just the simple sparrow that was accented, but peacocks, and exotic oriental birds were introduced.

Looking at today's Victorian style, we can easy find it in contemplate design where ornate curves are being brought back not necessary in wood frames, but in lacquered/high gloss ones. We see it in the use of layered whites in bedroom linen....soft airy feel. There are many small boutique stores that cater to this style, and are always a ROYAL designer treat to shop in. Take a road trip to Victoria, New Westminster, or one of my fav's Fort Langely to find Victoria Decor items and inspiration.

Looking for a stroll down Victorian house boulevard? Head to our capital city, Victoria or the Royal City....New Westminster! Your adventure will not disappoint.

Here are a few inspiration rooms and accents to put your mind into a Victorian Mind Snap..........

**Focus the Mind into ........VICTORIAN. Cheese ;)**

The walls, were papered with simple and exotic patterns and colour.

Parlor Rooms, were places to gather with family and guests, play games, be served tea, and of course music....piano was the instrument of this era. Much like our Great Rooms today.

In Lighting, from Chandeliers to Lamps.

The romance of this era was with birds, flowers, poetry, butterflies, art and music. It was a beautiful and bold time in Life and in Interior Design.

In True Royal Style, Have an amazing tea n' crumpet kind of day!

A rhyme from a old Resident's in a care home......who shared the same birthday would fondly sing these words, "The 24th of May, is the Queen's Birthday! Its a Holiday, If we don't get a day off, we will all run away and play! " - the Resident, Hilda lived until she was 100 years old.....must be something in this rhyme!

Make YOUR Mark.

May 15, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

There once was a time when trades wore their symbols, this way you could be easily identified.....like Bob the Blacksmith would have the hammer and anvil for instance. Others could be the butcher with the symbol of the knife and clever , or a farmer with his livestock he overseen on his arm. Wearing this symbol was also a right of passage in your trade, once you had completed your training/apprenticeship you were given the symbol of your trade.

Symbols of the Blacksmith, the anvil-hammer-tongs.

Symbols of the Butcher, knife and clever.

My hairdresser, wears her symbol of her trade on the insider of her forearm tattooed. I think its really amazing that she was drawn to mark herself by her trade - a mark of her passion and she wears it!

So I wonder in the realm of Interior Design what is our symbol? I know we use all the symbols of the trade when developing plans (from plumbing, electrical, and furniture symbols). But what would our actual design trade symbol look like now? In such a broad trade, I wonder if there would be a Master Sign that included the trade as a whole, or a symbol that would reflect your trade specialty?

Possibly a symbol of a house, with symbols of furniture inside.....or a house and your specialty. Even a colour wheel would be fitting.

I think my symbol of trade would be the house, with a chandelier. Showing one of my passion for lighting!

So I ask you, today to look at your trade differently - in the form of a symbol. Show your strength to the world, wear it on your arm with pride.....and if not - be bold and make YOUR mark each day.

Throw Back Thursday

May 15, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Purple.......

Growing up Purple was one of my real home designs. I think probably beacuse it was associated with the auld country.......Scotland. My parents were fond of the homeland and proud of its history and tradtitions. So incorporating a colour of heather and the thistle seemed normal. Most of my friends had shag rugs in green or orange browns in their homes. My house was decked out in plush purple velvet floors - not shag! A wee hit of 70's glam no doubt - LOL! Our chesterfield was white velvet accompanied by traditional mahogany wood accent tables, purple silk swag lights, and an accent wall of purple velvet damask wallpaper. The joke my parents got was if they couldn't afford the mortgage, and had to sell a church would buy it! I hope that would be the church of Sacred design!

Probably the purple most commonly found back then was on the lavender side, in posh lavvies! Yes, that being the lavender tub and toilet..........remember in every era of design something was a trend and a new design must have. Its great to pay tribute to them on Throw Back Thursday!

Your Design Expert.........

Also the era of Designer Toilet paper....remember!

The song of Purple is of course Hendrix.....Purple Haze! Enjoy http://youtu.be/fjwWjx7Cw8I

Pillow Talk

May 14, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Today's Wednesday Wisdom is sharing the conversation and design smarts over Pillow Talk.

Ever notice what our pillows say? Are you a comfy person, with overstuffed pillows. Or are you refined with straight lined stand up pillows! A pattern mixer, just like the party.....you have a selection mix of patterns, textures, and colour - wow!

When designing a space, I look at a room and see how the furniture, lighting and colour are going to function with each other. Each piece is an important element in design. But how can we easily change the space once designed to accommodate updates in trends, seasons, or just to simply re-create a space with the mood? Introduce THE PILLOW.

The pillow is an amazing decor touch that will add to a space with mood and harmonize with existing elements of the space - its one of the completion textiles to the room you could even say the ANCHOR!

So next time you are thinking.....oh I need to change my whole room! I am tired of this look.....change it up with the PILLOW! Introduce a colour accent, a textile accent (silk and embroidered pillows are some of my favorites) or a mix of image pillows. I am always buying up Union Jack pillows in different textiles and colours when I can. Need an industrial look? Try an image of a vintage bike or typewriter? Even type set letter pillows are amazing on canvas pillows! You can find some wonderful pillows and images at the Vancouver Museum store.....

Currently my lounge holds a collection of white velvet in various organic patterns, and black & white architecture prints pillows. It keeps the look contemporary.

For Purple power this month....here is a vintage French pillow.

Whats the perfect Pillow balance...always in an odd number. Have a collection and add one that is different (size, colour, textile). Where to place pillows......along the back or in the middle...... not just on the arm rest. This formula is followed even when re-designing or putting the finishing touches in a new space with decor.

So now you have some Pillow Education, and next time you decor shopping think with some designer power. How will this Pillow purchase effect my space? How will it function in the room? Not to mention I guarantee that you think about it next time you flop on the sofa in a public lounge, at your place, at a friends.....at your mother in laws! :)

Moors on Fire!

May 13, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

In my family parties growing up, everyone contributed to the entertainment....either by telling stories, impersonations of movie stars, a dance or sharing your musical instrument.....one of my sister's was singing Mull of Kintyre, it was her 'party piece'.

The song takes you mind of a snap photo trip over the hills of Scotland, through the glens and over the Moors - of time well spent with family celebrating the colour in our lives together. But in thinking of this song - it also inspired me today for my Colour Story......Moor from the Pratt & Lambert paint palette.

http://youtu.be/GFRcMYjut4o - follow this link to the song!

A colour from purple, with pure hues of red and blues, tints of white. Its saturation bright, calm and the mood due to the red, one of warmth and soothing to the spirit. Moor has a exotic and cosmopolitan feel to it, one I would associate with Art Deco interiors, grand halls, and simple settings of white plaster and silver accents. A colour that inspires the conversations of what we know and sparks creativity of realms within.

But how do we use this colour, Moor in our space? Paint colour can be the backdrop or undertone to a room - the element that should balance the space. It can also be the colour to revive an old piece of furniture. But I have chosen to use it as the backdrop on the walls of this room. Here are the elements that start a conversation with MOOR into your space, a combination of contemporary yet West Coast setting. I imagine mohair pillows on the settee, transition the space........

This would be the furniture style I would use in the room, Vintage French available from Restoration Hardware, Vancouver. The lines are a fluid conversation between the wallpaper, and lighting! Stunning industrial, yet contemporary. — This would be the furniture style I would use in the room, Vintage French available from Restoration Hardware, Vancouver.
The lines are a fluid conversation between the wallpaper, and lighting! Stunning industrial, yet contemporary.

he wallpaper, the drama of textiles in drapery, not complete with lighting! This design is called Signal and also available at CB2 Vancouver - BC

Dress the windows in your MOOR space with shantung or faux silk draperies.......reflecting light in the room and drama! — Dress the windows in your MOOR space with shantung or faux silk draperies.......reflecting light in the room and drama!

A must in my designs is the bold beauty found in wallpapers. Here is Architectural Tour by Ben Holding - amazing imagery. You can find this paper at CB2 Vancouver-BC — A must in my designs is the bold beauty found in wallpapers. Here is Architectural Tour by Ben Holding - amazing imagery.
You can find this paper at CB2 Vancouver-BC

To introduce the west coast flavor, use woods and grains. This dining room table is custom made by Live Edge Designs Vancouver - BC. Beautiful..... — To introduce the west coast flavor, use woods and grains. This dining room table is custom made by Live Edge Designs Vancouver - BC.
Beautiful.....

**then a toast to living in the style that surrounds you with a Cosmopolitan!**

Design Finds!

May 12, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

There is nothing quite more exciting, then picking up a good coffee, hitting the streets and finding the new talent in the art and sculpture....furniture and lighting. To me it is what I refer to as, 'Time Well Spent'!

So here is one of my all time favorites to bring YOU into this realm. The only necessity to start, a good cup of coffee, or glass of wine....and a smile. First off......The Climbing Man....a sculpture of strength that we can do it! You can find this at Moe's Vancouver.....and a few others from Urban Barn.

Follow this link to more AMAZING design adventures at www.facebook.com/pages/Rampant-Red-Design/139844109379178......you will not regret it!

I just love these Silver Menu designer wheels......truly AMAZING!

You will love what I have chosen to share with you there.....Cheers!

Silver Chalice

May 12, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Today's Colour Story is again from the Silver Purples, a true west coast colour suited for spaces from the entry to the bedroom. It is also a perfect colour to introduce to the cottage, contemporary design style. These design avenues leads me to be inspired by the Behr paint palette in Silver Chalice, NO. 640E-1.

In theory the hue is from the pure red & blue zone with heavy tints of white. Allowing the saturation to be light, and mood peaceful and giving clarity to your space. I could see this colour being part of the Chrome Menu by using Silver Chalice as a base to your silver and chrome room accents.

In lighting, tile, and of course wallpaper. Once you have a base the rest of the room comes to life. Here are some inspirations to get your Mood into Silver Chalice by Behr.

Try to incorporate from the wide selection of tile choices......and remember that any style when used correctly will not tend to trend or tire the eye.

By introducing pattern to the space, the base colour of the paint takes on a more personal and unique note.

As always happy Designing Dharlings......Cheers!