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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Need a Design services, please send me a note directly to jacqueline@rampantreddesign.com

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!

Thinking of a project? Bring your space back to Real Living with savvy expert design service.

Contact Rampant Red

Up Yer Kilt!

September 18, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Over the pond her in Canada we usually see the KILT in parades or at Highland Games as the dress of the day by pipers, drummers and dancers. The colours are vast, as once being clan related to new tartans being created to mark and celebrate events such as the Commomweath Tartan.

This is the Flower of Scotland, similar to the Graham of Montieth and Ancient Sutherland tartans.

The styles have changed over the centuries to, a right of passage with the times. Once being the Highlanders attire to today's varies translations of traditional dress kilts. My new favourites are the modern solid kilts, that might also have a pattern such as the Lion Rampant or the St. Andrews Cross. Not the traditional patterns but ones still of a bold statement. The newest design aboot the hoose is the Utility Kilt. This is a heavy canvas kilt either plain with pleats n' studs or with various pockets for your tools.

The kilt attire is complete with a sporran, a decorative purse worn round the waist with a hidden back pocket (perfect for your lipstick and flask!) Also worn is the belt that usually has some kind of Celtic themed buckle. The finishing touches are the wool socks and brogues, or if you are sporting a modern look you might pair it with boots. I used to wear my Dr.Martins with mine...kick'n style! You can pair your kilt with a classic white shirt & black jacket, a casual solid colour shirt, and of course a sweater.

But no matter what or where you see the kilt, its always a head turner. It has remained true and diverse as Scotland and its people........wear it with pride.

Cheers, Rampant Red

**A most loved slogan......heartfelt slogan!**

Music of the Heart.......

September 18, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

My first introduction to Scotland or the 'auld country' was probably through the sounds....music and stories. Music that painted a picture in my mind from an early stage of what the land and people looked like. So much so when I went to visit once my family told me not to expect folks to be tramp'n through the glens in kilts playing pipes. That was in the movies....ache the disappointment! On a later trip to Glencoe, my sister played her drum the other danced, and I played my bagpipes.....and yes a tourist took our photo! We had a good laugh!

The Skirl of the Pipes in the hills.....

The music of Scotland is about the people, happy or sad it speaks of the gatherings, celebrating life or remembering it. From school yard songs, such as 'My Ma's a Millionaire' to triumphs and losses in history, 'Masacre of Glencoe' by the Gaberlunzie. From people such as Sidney Divine, Andy Stewart, Lena Martel, Billy Connelly, the Cories, and yes the Proclaimers. The Alexander Brothers sing about the 'wee room under the stair, where everybody's happy and everybody's there' - typical! The houses are small and yes just like here everybody congregates in the kitchen or on the back stairs! If the music wasn't recorded it was played out in guitars and fiddles to the dancing. Yes dancing traditional flings & swords, to jigs n' reels to be dancing up and down the floor with all the oldest and latest moves. Its a country of joy and celebration....a wee ceilidh or party!

But through music they share a feeling, one of pride, courage and strength - rise up together. This is probably my most loved feeling, its no matter where I am, I can listen to any music of the auld country, and it stirs my spirit, the feeling of connection is pure magic. Two songs come to mind that share this, Caledonia and my clan favourite.....Mull of Kintyre.

At the end of day on Thursday, Scotland will again gather to celebrate the victory no matter the outcome, yet with a renewed found spirit in Change.

Cheers,

Jacqueline aka Rampant Red

Movement.VOTE.ChAnGE

September 16, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

As the designer entering a space for the first time, I will note a few of the following things in silent conversation. How the Light works? How does the floor plan work? How does the room relate to its surroundings? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Does it have movement? Then I look at how the colour relates to it. Is the space serene open minded, bold accents, a statement, how does it tell its story?

These are all elements of actions in a movement.

Union Jack or the Saltire (St. Andrew's Cross)

This week movement speaks to me differently yet with some parallels. As on Thursday September 18th, 2014 history will be made in Scotland. Will be it be movement of Freedom, of having an Independent Voice, and a road to proving itself from leadership to its people. Will it be positive or negative in the country, in the nation, in the world. What will their voice of change be? There movement in the VOTE, no matter what happens life in Scotland in the United Kingdom will never be quite the same after Thursday.

So in celebrating and embracing the change ahead in the hours of endless questions of What Will Happen. I will take time to share Scotland with you through perspectives such as colour, inspiring landscapes, to spirits. During these hours as we wait HISTORY out together I hope you enjoy the journey and also learn a wee bit about my culture and native land.......

Ache Aye!

Rampant Red

Quick before its too late!

August 27, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

One TWO Three Four......Can I have a little More.

As summer winds down, we start to think of going back to the normality of Life. School, Work and Schedules! I start to look at the design basics......the primary and secondary colours. How we find comfort in them and adapt them back into our fall style home and daily living. When I think of school I think red apples at lunch and green chalk boards as we get back to knowledge! For work I think blue, the workforce true uniform colour - noble and loyal. For schedules I think YELLOW from happy meeting to notice flags to the mind of "don't forget"! The bold colour changes in the green foliage to those of burnt sienna's and wild oranges. It's a stunning change in the landscape.....but not yet!

Keep the summer alive for the next few weeks, enjoy the last of the outdoor dining, beaches and outdoor markets. Because its fall before we know it.

Cheers, Rampant Red

It started where?

August 14, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

For #ThrowBackThursday today I wanted to share where did the it all begin for Rampant Red Design? It started by attending Emily Carr then College of Art & Design, grown today into a university status. Where I studied and worked at my techniques in drawing, photography, sculpture and painting. I learned the formula of colour and how to translate it to paper and now into space. A place where I trained my eye and focused my mind on art - and today still have a passion for it plus a true love of painting. Especially in the medium of water colour, losing my mind in moving colour and water of a brushstroke for hours......amazing.
One of my pieces was showcased in the Gallery, it was the life of a seedling called 'Nettle'. I traveled the lower mainland with Nettle, showing the seedling life outside the forest. The moments were captured as a slide show then played reflected through a reclaimed window.My first mind translation of thinking outside the box.

Here is Nettle on Location! Visiting Santa Claus with my wee sister...........

One of my water colours........showing movement and vibrant colour.

Here are a few images showing the history and industrial setting of Granville Island of then.......

Granville Island as industrial trades.....ahh Whisky too!

Followed by images of what you find today, an everyday market of food, flowers, and artisans galore.

The hustle bustle, foods, flowers, and people.

Learning at Granville Island, at Emily Carr School of Art & Design.

Emily Carr  College Granville Island — Emily Carr College Granville Island

The Main Gallery at the College, exhibit.

I wanted to share the place where it all started #GranvilleIsland as even today it is a mecca landscape of diversity, colour and an abundance of real creativity. A place that where I not only studied my craft that now has become my passion and foundation in Interior Design.

Through the window......still inspires me to always look out. Now in my office.....and next to some project Mood Boards!

I encourage everyone to visit, sip coffee, taste foods, and soak in the vibes of the artisans that keep it alive...

Friday Finds......

August 2, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Lets kick off the start of the British Columbia looooong weekend by celebrating all that makes the Province of BC amazing and unique. From our beautiful lakes and ocean sides to the deep lush forests or in our vibrant cities. Celebrate the diversity of our culture, local talent and artisans.

I personally am wishing you all you all a truly fantastic BC long weekend of real laughter & love, family & friends,......and of course some designer style shenanigans! Cheers.

Way Way Back!

July 31, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

The flyer to the masses.........now a shout out from the past. — **The flyer to the masses.........now a shout out from the past**.

Well its #THROWbackTHURSDAY and I thought why not share a glimpse into the past with a photo that was the inspiration of dreams unleashed. This is me, serving up coffee n' such in my coffee shop The Green Room...... if you can imagine a place of shared thoughts, music & open stage, people n ' personality that were all accepted - a place were real friendships were formed and celebrated. A gathering place of kindred souls, I met my partner in crime and husband here, and many other amazing people. The doors may have closed, but my heart and thoughts were opened forever.

So in TODAY'S #ThrowBackThursday, think outside the box, leap into possibilities and take bold steps......listen to your heart and be that voice.......you never know what you will look back to.

Cheers Dharlings, xox

**From Serving up Coffee n' Sharing conversation ..........**

**to sharing the journey today as your Expert Interior Designer!**

Designer Thoughts

July 31, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Community defined is ' a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals',

No matter how we are designed in our living space, our interior or exterior - it is proven that when we live in Community we grow. Not only grow in ourselves but we encourage and cultivate the qualities of those that surround us, this enriches our living space and the Community space.

In Interior Design community is vital to form and function......its the movement of the design. How we relate to the space, respect and converse in the elements.

In design, community also is the action of coming together in a space, taking pride in our space we share or making our space work together - like in a Community Garden.

Communities can be vary from simple, complex and diverse - which I think is amazing. So as we interact, encourage & support, gather we naturally listen and speak which is the true beauty of together in conversation.

We are all privileged to make the choice, taking action to be accountable each day making our moments count. That thought in itself is nothing short of amazing -when I think of Community here and now we are so fortunate as we take for granted those who struggle to exist outside ours.

So no matter where you are, live or dwell you are surrounded by LIFE - indulge in it and explore the design, voice, and action of Community.

Sharing the Road of Design, your Designer......

Wednesday Wisdom

July 23, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Interior Design can be as much about the words and plans as it can be about the action in movement. Looking back and moving forward it is motion and emotion. So here are my thoughts and words of Wisdom for today........

"By embracing the power of knowledge and creativity that surrounds us,

we inspire change together one Space at a time".

- Rampant Red

Good n' Bad

July 21, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Well its Monday and my day starts with the coffee, stimulate the creativity and then peruse the Design Trends, review my weekend, then Focus Plan the week. Its a serious morning meeting! But when I look at this process, its really more of a communication & conversation. Much like the work of a Interior Designer, we converse with space and how we move and adapt to it - an amazing creative conversation!

So in a world of Design Trends and the pop phrase of there are 'NO RULEs' - how does a Designer nail your space?

Look at the two examples, one space looks well mehhh while the other is WOW! Both are actually good spaces, the room of mehh is just not a good conversation.....while the WOW room works as its had a conversation and all elements harmonize.

MEHH: This is a great space, however the pieces don't relate to the space.  The room needs to be reconfigured to allow the furniture to follow the bow window, You can easily see this in the photo, one option would be to  imagine  the … — MEHH: This is a great space, however the pieces don't relate to the space. The room needs to be reconfigured to allow the furniture to follow the bow window, You can easily see this in the photo, one option would be to imagine the sofa centered and the club chairs were placed in the middle of the room, creating a conversation area.....all of a sudden that huge gap and feeling of cold would close. **I may even choose to open the window up, having it clear to move and walk up to. Creating a seating area more center focused.**

An interior designer uses the Power of Knowledge and the Vision of Creativity to achieve a space that works. Yes I agree there are no design rules to establish a space, as each space is an unique as those who dwell in it. A Designer will initiate a conversation using the Practice & Principals of Design. How does the space and elements work? What is function that is needed, and can be implied? What is the mood and style? When these elements are processed you have harmony in the room or space, or your Designer has nailed it!

WOW: This is an example of space that works. The room has been given a mix of styles, note the modern desk and chair, the sofa and mirror are more traditional in form, but modern in colour - therefore they relate to the desk and chair. The space is … — WOW: This is an example of space that works. The room has been given a mix of styles, note the modern desk and chair, the sofa and mirror are more traditional in form, but modern in colour - therefore they relate to the desk and chair. The space is functional as a work-space, lounge and storage (opposite wall of built ins). The window give the room depth, light and its grounded by the area rug = all elements harmonize, Good Design.

So look at your space today, this week, and always in a new light - do you have a vision? Start with a Focus Plan and then call in a Designer to bring it all together , aka to 'Nail It.

Cheers,

**Your Design Expert, Saving one Space at a Time.**

Its hot Hot HOT!

July 21, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Its a factual! I have two CRAZY summer heat wave special for Interior Design Consulting Services......

Patio Consult

Its Patio Season, and time to take extend our indoor living to great outdoors. Do you flip through magazine photos of patios that you wish you could jump into the pages of? Do you want to make that patio an extension of your indoor space? hmmmmmmm - YES!

Let a Designer take it to the next level...a Designer will work with you taking that living in the pages of magazine feeling into REAL TIME!

Designer Patio Consult Crazy Heat Wave Special......$200.00

Includes, one on one with a designer on YOUR patio! Colour Scheme, furniture layout, lighting, and recommendation for accents. Its a summer time steal of deal so don't miss out.

Imagine this Mellow Yellow Retreat.......delightful!

Designer Colour Consult

3 Room Colour Consulting $200.00 ******HOT HOT HOT PRICE!

Special Includes: Personal Designer Consult with Space Notes with Colour including specs and bonus home stylist direction delivered with Designer savvy.

".....a room can take on a whole new sense of purpose with a change in the foundation element of colour".
- Rampant Red

Contact Rampant Red Design to take start planning YOUR designer space today.

Designer Hood Thoughts

July 11, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Neighborhood defined as, 'A district or community within a town or city' and also as 'the area surrounding a particular place, person, or object'.

As a Designer its I believe our surroundings that inspire us, and for me its the movement and people that occupy space that inspire me. The constant interaction, change in landscape and how we adapt to our living and visual space that stimulates my creativity. You see it in neighborhoods where they are designed to perfection, incorporating plots of land with streets allowing movement and dwelling. Then you add in the boarders of privacy with fences and foliage as we are together but yet apart in such spaces. Then all the bold personalities, heritage, and culture - and you see how rich your landscape truly is. Its really quite amazing and so well planed, looking simple yet took time to execute. Take a closer look at how your 'hood is mapped out - amazing!

In my Vancouver culture, I am equally inspired as how we weave the many cultures into our everyday spaces. We have a strong foundation of west coast living, embracing natural elements of stone and wood and then we bring bold cultural accents into the scheme that makes each of our spaces unique.

So its Friday - and today as I adventure to the beaches of the west coast to explore and inspire my work I take pleasure at looking at different 'hoods and how they operate, mapping out their own unique space - take a look at how yours operates too.

Look for Inspiration in What surrounds YOU - Happy Friday.........

The more I look the more I SEA

June 27, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Its so true, once you have an image or a item in your mind you start to search for it, your eye quickly adapts to these mind searches....and then you see it! At this time of year I feel that we all gravitate to the water, for relaxing, clarity, and rejuvenation. It brings us coolness from the heat and rejuvenates our spirits, almost like an awaking - again we are alive. (as refreshing as the water is, its usually still pretty cold!)

Its with that feeling that we see the trend in home decor at this time of year - creating that sea and ocean oasis in our lounges and even more on our patios! Maybe we even install an outdoor fountain, listening to the soothing water. These trends in colour palettes from blues, yellows, and the fiery oranges - mixing tranquil with alive, stunning!

The sea inspires me, I get lost in the colours of blue, the sound of the water and the way the sun dances on its surface, beautiful score of natural music. These elements inspired me today in creating a palette that incorporates the sea into a dining space bringing that outdoor boldness of the sea feeling indoors. (One of my dining room fantasy design rooms would to be to use these elements in a glass greenhouse - imagine how stunning it would be!) I also have found since I searched out a few items of octopus in home decor, my eye now 'seas' more and it would seem that I have also fallen for this interesting form of 'octo-galore' love. So this journey begins........

Start with a table, one simple in form that can be extended for large gatherings and yet flexible for hosting casual to formal settings. Mix and match your chairs, maybe have end chairs that are stronger in the space and anchor your side chairs accordingly. Another take would be end chairs and two benches. Dressing the table with linen, use linen napkins and a runner - layer colour & textiles for interest. Add candles in a mix of colour (the seascape possibly blue tapers, one large orange pillar, and while tapers) and candle stick heights. Next is your glassware, have small tumbler water glasses and goblet style wine glasses, and if its a large gathering mix your goblets with coloured glass! Cutlery is next, I prefer one solid style or a mix of antique silverware. Then your plates, a classic white set is an essential, and then layer your side plates in patterns and bold colours. Finish your table with either a mass of personal posies that can be arranged in small votive holders - placed in front of the dinner plate - label with your guest name on a label. Or incorporate three center arrangements - go overboard with greenery and bold pops of colour. Here use your inner designer voice of Go Big or Go Home!

Here are a few snaps to help dressing your space in the Sea of inspiration........

These above Seaside Delights available at West Elm

This dresser is from West Elm and makes a great side board for linens n' such. Love the movement with the herringbone pattern.

Octo-wallpaper as an accent wall or even framed as a gallery wall!

Vintage maps are a fantastic way to dress your walls! An easy hunt on Etsay!

I hope I have got you hooked to inspire you to See your own Sea retreat. Cheers!

Vintage market finds.......mermaids hooks!

Tuesday Love Affair

June 24, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

As a designer, we are always looking for something, the next must have in decor accents, lighting and such and during this search we sometimes stumble onto something unique. I just had this experience! Amazing....and it actually sparked two things - the bold, intense beauty of the colour enhanced in tile and stone! I know its a REAL factual of insane!

So being that its #TileTuesday, I will share this new find with you today.

So what happens when you start combining colour, gems, tile and copper.........THIS!

All these above delish stone and tile creations are handcrafted by gemstonetileworks.com

But these amazing colours got my inspiration flowing, and I began to search out more of these intense turquoise design accents, from wallpaper to lighting to pillows galore. When I think of my recent design adventures, I did already have this interest, but stumbling across these gems pretty much sealed it! So its a Factual- once you have tasted something you just want more..........so I encourage you to seek, explore and build your inner passion, you never know what you will find designer delish!

Sparked your interest.....hmmmm I bet your starting a Love Affair too!

Tune into Facebook for more turquoise design fixes!

Tattoos Tiles & Tuesday!

June 17, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Well it is historically Tattoo Tuesday AND Tile Tuesday.....so here are a few inspirations sharing the diverse conversation - they are stunning! Each one unique to its own setting........

Tattoo Tile in a scene. 'splish splash'!

Keep looking outside the walls of your space for Real inspiration.

Your Design Expert,

Tattoo & Tile: the game of scrabble and the LOVE of words......

GLAM'ping 101

June 11, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

GLAMP'ing? The definition is taking the art of camping to the level of LUX design in an over the top way. Picture large scale outdoor wedding tents, colour highlighted with lanterns, linen, the candles....flowers n' twigs. Take this vision and relate it to the everyday tent and picnic table..... this starts the conversation on the new design sensation for summer camping. As a designer I love the idea of bringing the good old camping design into the age of LUX......naturally!

Of course there are some top drawer 'Glamping' designs that incorporate the Yurt or large scale safari tents - which allow for some dramatic chandelier placements. But I want to look at the everyday six man tent and picnic table, and how can we make that GLAMP!

Here is the TOP Ten creative elements for designing your GLAMP'ing site:

No. 1 is the TENT

use a basic tent, then drape it with decorated flag banner.
create your own tent with a canvas waterproof cover/tarp, then layer textiles and banner over top.

No. 2. the Lighting

for a large tent, hang lanterns inside from the center or hang a string of patio lanterns.
a wrought iron tea light chandelier (HELLO Stunning!)
for a small tent hang lanterns outside the entry flaps, maybe a collection of three.
extend this lighting them over to the picnic table or 'outside dining space' - with larger lanterns or paper lanterns
Hang crystals pendants to reflect lights and add whimsy to the space.

**Please use caution and commonsense when hanging candle chandeliers, note clearance and fabric to alleviate fire hazards.

No. 3 the Seating Lounges

if you have a large tent, or can set up a double room tent use one as your lounge. This will include a center table, an out-door area rug, hanging lanterns for reading or playing games.
for a small tent, create an outdoor patio with an overhang on one side draping textiles, again add lanterns and string patio lights/solar garden stakes - an outdoor area rug and chair blankets.

No. 4 Textiles

hang bug screen drapery or vintage textile panels to create privacy and protection in your Glampsite.
Infuse the space with pillows and floor cushions, mix your patterns and bold colours.

No. 5 Tableware

stainless steel containers, for serving dishes
mason jars for cutlery
melamine dishware, so many exciting patterns to choose from. My favorite is the pink flamingo ones from Anthropologie!
Glassware, bring patio goblets and cups. Nothing says good morning than a fire brewed cup of coffee and a vintage mug! Delish
set up a dish washing table, incorporate a patio ice basin and twig n' wild flower vignette! Hang Up a rope line for a banner of dish towels. Incorporate more whimsy by using those travel tea towels!

No. 6 Accents

use crates to create outdoor storage, and also double as side tables!
Themes......Pink Flamingos to dress up your space, sparkle ones rock!
another theme is to use your country flags as drapery, and play off it with accent colours.
wicker baskets and trunks make a great storage and accent,

No. 7 Chairs

the Adirondack chair, wood or in bold colours, I love the teal and turquoise ones.
the basic fold up, to stools and benches.....to the familiar fold up 'camp chair' in bold textile patterns.

No. 8 Area Rugs

sea-grass or bamboo rugs,
Indian print rug,
fabric weave pattern
animal hyde........

No. 9 Floor Lamps

Yes why not bring a vintage floor lamp, and have it outside your tent or trailer area! Depending on your textiles and theme you could introduce a style or shade with an industrial twist or a route 66 one!

No. 10 Wheels.....

You can also use your trailer or sleeping style vechile (van - rv) to set the stage too! In design of any space always explore the 'Think outside the box' mentality, that way your possiblitiites are endless.

Happy Trails Dharlings, Your Glamp'ing Design Expert!

Downward Spiral

June 6, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

The unwinding of the spiral.....the shape of the conch shell.

Happy Friday we have made it through another week together, and I love doing my Design reporting and researching for you....sharing the knowledge. I am hopeful that with each week you expand your mind with my blog and you not only have more confidence when looking at elements that make up your space, but your embrace it in a more personal way - keeping it true & real this is the truce concept of Interior Design.

When I worked in the office in the realm of the 9-5 scene I lived for FRIDAY... the end of that downward spiral of the week. The end of the mishaps, the small miracles and grace that got us through, sharing the laughter with coworkers, COFFEE, and being part of that team that got the job done - the feeling of accomplishment that was celebrated over a glass of wine, reflecting. WE made it! We have got to the next level.......the end of that spiral.

In our chinwag over the last week or so, I have brought you the staircase. The many design styles, the language in the blueprint build, and the design accents that turn that function into a design sculpture. Its pretty awesome! So the last style of the staircase I wanted to save until last and it actually fits with Friday.....The Spiral Staircase. Its that space saver, the tight winding staircase, that staircase of whimsy that we don't see often enough. But in the screens of fantasy where they lead to the hidden rooms or the quick escapes, or maybe the romantic encounter where there is not escape - stuck in the middle!

The Spiral staircase has a wide range of designs from cast iron and other metals, to wood, stone, and yes even glass. It is a complicated case, that takes skill and experience trades to design and build - and yes it does have a higher price point in the budget, the champagne of stairs! But is it still made of the same elements, tread - riser - banister. The key in the spiral stairs is the structure pole/anchor in the center point where all the other stairs treads attach to on various degrees. As shown in the diagram below.

The other type of build is a floating circular spiral staircase. Please view this amazing construction in time lapse by Signature Stairs to see the difference.

Here are a few mind snaps to inspire and delight the many designs of the Spiral staircase,

The Whimsy of the spiral and the curiosity of where it goes.......Traditional.

I know its not always the norm to consider the Spiral staircase in the renovation stage, unless you are taking out walls, and re configuring the staircase to another area. Then look at this design as an option. The spiral is also an elegant way to create that grandeur in an entrance with the double spiral....opulent to the max! However in a time where space is a concern, and footprint the spiral staircase is the perfect solution, and with that mind set I can see this design having a larger presence into the future.

Its a pretty privileged journey the blog.....and I am happy to share the road. Have a fantastic weekend.....

Look UP!

Think Small Be Small

June 4, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

**Designer Wednesday WISDOM - Whoot Hoot.**

Today I wanted to further my knowledge on the life of the Tiny House movement. Yes its a movement! In my research I stumbled across a Ted-talk episode with Dee Williams who founded the Portland Alternative Homes (PAD) and wrote the book on it too, The Big Tiny. Dee also hosts workshops on not only living and building a house, but being part of a Tiny House community. How living small yet independently allows us to be more in tune with our surroundings, what we really need to live outside what the big consumers tell us we need - that by truly living this real mindset we reevaluate ourselves allowing us to truly experience gratitude, humility and grace - beautiful.

This is another company, Tumbleweed Tiny House Company - another fantastic website that sells plans and hosts workshops too on this house and living alternative.

Click here to take the tour of the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company Cypress 20

In a time where we are so conscious about the environment, our everyday footprint and how this transforms into building and renovating - the Tiny House seems not only fitting but affordable! This type of home can appeal to people living off the grid, living on the move (as its foundation is built on a trailer) or plainly living simply yet fully. As this house can be fitted with all the modern conveniences like a big house or can be fitted for living off the grid with a compost toilet and no running water - the choices of design are endless.

As a designer I know its always part of the design conversation on how to design the efficient function of the space, how to have the smallest footprint in the build and to operate with efficiency thereafter. I think the Tiny House answers a lot of those questions, and at the same time excites me as I wonder what the build and design process would be like to be apart of one. This is a SHOUT OUT to someone who wants to do this - let me know!

Here are a few snaps of inspiration to get you into the Tiny House concept.......

I can see that the Tiny House could easily be the next carriage house, home office, guest bunkie or in-law home. I read another refreshing article from a seniors viewpoint, that the Tiny House is a fantastic alternative for them as YES they want their independence and privacy as long as they can and this housing style gives them that opportunity. Living close to family but separately in their own smaller space - fantastic! Something to think about when transitioning loved ones from the big house to your house to the care house! Why not incorporate this house to the mix instead?

Want to try out a Tiny House? Yes you can, just check into the Tiny House Hotel Caravan located in Portland Oregon. They have incorporated the housing idea into a caravan hotel lot, so you can see what its like not only to be in a Tiny House, but experience the community living too.

So today I learned about living outside the box again! This time with the idea of the romance of the gypsy caravan lifestyle modern day twist with the Tiny House.

Happy Wednesday -

That's Tiny House Living ........with Your Design Expert.