We-Design-Day: Big Boy Room!

It's been a while since I wrote about working on a plan for my son's "Big Boy Room". For a while (ie over Christmas/holidays) I did not think about it (mostly) or worry about it (even thought my original goal was to get him transitioned to his room before/over Christmas). Now with the new year here, it's time to start thinking about it again and work towards getting the design completed and work on implementing it.

My ideas are all broad and conceptual, but I know I want the room to grow with him as he ages. The room needs to be functional (sleeping, relaxing and double as a "sometimes" guest room), inviting, mature with the ability to be youthful, energetic, edgy and "masculine" but not so much as to take away from the fact it's a child's bedroom.

Typically, when I do design work, I've got worksheets and interviews I conduct but the biggest tool I use is observation. I like to observe people and their things and learn more about them. I can give you magazine perfect, trendy design but if it isn't who the people are, they won't be happy with it and subsequently, neither will I. I know my son pretty well. I know what he likes, what he doesn't like and I kind of know his "style" (as much as a five year old can have a style).

This weekend, I dug out my paint kid and started reviewing my samples looking for greys. I had it in my head that grey tones were they way to go. Black furniture to ground the space and the use of industrial materials (diamond plate metal, various garage/shop accessories/furniture) would give me the look I wanted.

And in my head, it was fabulous, with a Capital "F".



The small swatches of colour looked great and I was in love with the three different combinations I'd put together - I had no idea how I was going to pick just one! Today I pulled out the paint chips and laid them all out.


And I quickly realized that they were in no way reflective of my son. At all.

The idea is concrete and is reflective of him and his likes, it was just my preoccupation with a neutral pallet that got in the way.

Can we agree to make red the new neutral?

Design Tip:

To thine own self be true.

HAHA! I've always wanted to use that on my blog and tada!

In all seriousness, it's very easy to fall in love with something trendy or something you see on TV or in a magazine but if it's not really indicative of your style, you're likely better off to admire the pages of the magazine and focus on figuring out what your style is.

We-Design-Day: Project Start-Up (programming & planning)

My son is five. We co-sleep. He has a "room" - it's the 6'x10' nursery I prepared for him before he was born. It's bright. light and airy and he's only ever slept in the space for a handful of hours since his birth.

The crib only fit in one way (as it's pictured) and to the left (out of the shot) is his dresser. There isn't room for anything else and there isn't a closet in the space. It won't fit a regular bed and has (more or less) become a 'crap storage area' and dressing room for the young sir since we gave away his crib some 3 years ago.

We are readying to move him into his own room - not this room but the 8'x10' room that's beside it. I've tossed around the idea of taking the wall down between the two but my husband is against it - so at this point, the nursery will become his "play room" and the 8'x10' room will become his bedroom.

My design style is 'real design for real people' - I adhere to what I know and I approach every project I undertake pretty methodically. My day job doesn't always allow me the luxury or the ability to program and plan the way I know, thankfully, in most cases, the planning department does this for me but I always (always) need to understand the problem I'm solving, other wise, I don't feel prepared to do my job.

Design Tip: Knowing the question and the answer before you start can be the key to a successful project.

When starting a project, I tend to revert to my process. I've worked on all kinds of projects with all kinds of budgets but my starting point is usually the same. I need to learn about and fully understand the problem (or goal) I'm trying to solve. Doing this allows me to define the answer and work on a solution. Understanding the question helps me evaluate, plan and start planning the solution. I can define the parameters and start scope development. Knowing the goal also helps me make changes "on the fly" too - sometimes, on paper, what looks great and functional, isn't and I need to be able to fully know the goal so I can make changes and adjustment where needed.

In the case of the new "big boy" bedroom, my goal is a flexible, adaptable bedroom space that will grow with my son and his life. There are also challenges - it's a small room, it is our 'spare' room where out of town guests stay and it has two exterior walls.

This week, I'm going to use my "interview sheet" to help me work out some details. It will help bring the goal into focus, allow me to evaluate, get my son's input and give me a 'working document' to launch into more detailed programming with.

Thanks for reading, as always, let me know if you have any questions!

We-Design-Day: Designing for your life (and debunking bad design)

Since being laid up sick since last summer, I've not done much design or DIY work but I have been reading a fair amount and I am continually amazed at some of the "want to be design" advice I see being circulated.


Now, it is no secret that I am a firm believer in marrying 'ability' with education. To be able to be called an interior designer, one must meet a strict set of educational and practical experience requirements. Many (most) of the popular articles, tips and such are being shared by decorators (not designers); decorators have a very valid place in the architectural world and I've worked with many good ones. I am about the technical side of interior design so often pairing my technical ability with a decorator is a good fit because interior styling isn't really my forte. Who does it bug? Mostly us designer types and poor unsuspecting people who hire designers but whose renovations fall short or expectations or fail to meet legal requirements.

That said, one of the other obvious signs of this is seeing articles like this one (pinned all over Pinterest) giving "Fifteen Lifehacks for Your Tiny Bathroom".

Now, it should be revealed that I have a tiny bathroom. A really, tiny, tiny bathroom. The en suite on our master bedroom measures an enormous 6'x10'. In this space, we have a small vanity, toilet and stall shower. It is the kind of bathroom that two people cannot be in (but in all honestly, I don't want to share the bathroom with my husband). There isn't wall space for art, towel bars or towel storage. Like I said, two people are hard pressed to fit in the space. We can't open the shower stall door without bumping the wall and if you lean to your left while seated on the toilet, you'll hit your head on the wall.

Looking at the pictures of this article, which I realize are meant to be applied to your own tiny bathroom and may actually only be suggested so that you can try to apply them in a small space, the bathrooms are huge, thus negating any potential credibility the article may have had. Some of the comments reflect that. To me, design, and sharing design, needs to be taught and shown in the light in which it's meant to be applied. This is how I approach design and I know not everyone does.

I can also tell you that a few of the suggestions put forth would not work in a small bathroom. Below is my unbiased, unsolicited opinion. (Number corresponds with the number in the article - the 'hacks' are applied to my own TINY en suite bath).

1. Apply a frame to a basic mirror: This wouldn't work in my small bath for two reasons: The first is it is a medicine cabinet (to provide a tiny bit of storage) and the second is because even if it was a flat mount mirror, the clearance around it wouldn't allow for more than a 1" wide "frame" and would end up throwing the proportion and scale of the space off by trying to crowd too many things into a small space.

2. Spice racks for holding necessities: Another "no go" because the I'd be forever banging my elbow on them and they'd interfere with the opening/closing of the medicine cabinet.

3. Coat hooks for towels: While this is a good suggestion, a small bathroom likely won't have the wall space to make the piece pictured actually work. There is only one wall where this *may* work in our en suite however the risk of me hitting my head on it every time I flipped my head over to put my towel on my head is higher and I wouldn't do it.

4. Use small storage solutions: This was one of the things that inspired me to write this. Go take a look at the picture again and tell me if it will work. Understanding spatial relationships is a very big part of interior design. You'd never close the door - the little do-dads hanging on the door would bang into the crap sitting on the shelf (and likely the shelves themselves). The eyeliners - the door won't even close! There is less than 1/4 clearance between the door and the shelf... There is a reason medicine cabinets don't already have these kinds of things in place. Also, many of the doors used in bathrooms aren't metal - because you know, metal rusts when exposed to really damp conditions. Sticky strips might work to adhere them though, if you don't mind not closing your cabinet door.

5. Bobby pin strip: This would work. But from a purely aesthetic perspective, why would you want too? Stick them in decorative box, jar or other such thingy and display as useful art.

6. Second shower curtain rod: This is actually a very good idea and although it wouldn't work in my en suite (because the shower is a little less than 3' square and we're tall (I'm 5'11, my husband is 6'3)) in our small main bath, it might - but keep in mind that it still could be a slip hazard and a head bumping hazard (that's my inner safety representative speaking).

7. Shelf above door: Although in principle, this isn't a terrible idea, depending on the location of the door, this may not work or would throw off the symmetry of the room. Our door is mounted less than 2" from the wall so although I could place a shelf above it it may make the room appear lopsided. Furthermore, my door is 80" AFF, thus leaving only 16" for storage (assuming you've got 8' ceilings like me). I like the idea of storing my rolled towels up there, however, but I dislike dusting so I'm not sure I'd store anything that needed dusting.

8. Create a Focal Point: This is a design concept that I've seen applied to bathrooms before and I think if your bathroom is of the right size, it would be fine to use (but not TWO focal points like the bathroom illustrated has - the 60's inspired mirrored sunburst and the vase on the table with the sticks in it - OH and what about the door the table is blocking? May we not need into that space at some point?) But I digress... In my 60 sq. ft. bare bones en suite, it would not. Anything that didn't belong in a bathroom or wasn't 100% necessary has very little point being in the room in the first place. I am not a fru-fru designer, however, so maybe it's just me. I dislike 'accessories' and stuff that needs maintenance. This is why I work in institutional design.

This is a long list so I'm going to end it here this week but do check back next week as I continue through the list and sort out reality from fantasy of the "Lifehacks" article. Thanks for stopping in!

We-Design Day! Trending 2013

It's been a very long time since I've written a We-Design day post. So much has been going on personally, that it just doesn't seem like I've had time to dedicate to my love of design. With a new year, I'd like to try writing about design and sharing my passions.

Today, I'd like to talk trends. Each year, see trends evolve. Often it starts in runway fashion (colours, styles, textures) and it morphs into interior design. The fluidity of fashion has changed how interior design can be approached. Decorating a house in a certain style used to be the norm. Due to the cost of large furniture pieces, typically, decorating would be done and left in that same style for years (and years and years).

That's not a certainty anymore! A large swing towards mixing styles, purchasing "big ticket" pieces that are timeless and applying the use of colour, changeable accessories and accents pieces to aid in the feel of having a trendy interior without committing to the same style for 20 years.

So what's hot for 2013? Some of the same things that were big in 2012.

Chevron patterns continues to be used, in art, wall and floor coverings and textiles. It is a simple idea to incorporate into any space but use it sparingly; too much of a good thing can overwhelm and easily dominate a space. There are lots of easy, quick and inexpensive DIY projects across the internet that will allow you to incorporate this trend easily and in a disposable fashion.

The use of ombre patterns is also gaining in popularity.  It's a simple technique that again is covered at length in DIY projects on the Internet. A simple sewing project would be to get some fabric dye, wet some plain cotton fabric and dip in the dye, allowing it to creep up the fabric. Once dry, a few simple seams would allow you to make a quick and easy slip cover for a preformed pillow.

The hot finish for 2013 is dulled down bronzes, golds and brass. From light fixtures to furniture to door knobs, it looks like rich, opulent gold is becoming king! I'm personally not keen on this finish but simply because it is trendy doesn't mean you have to jump on the bandwagon.

How do you feel about animal motifs? Owls, foxes and squirrels seem to be very fashionable and very trendy this year. Like with all good things, less is more! An owl, a fox or a squirrel will be plenty! Other birds are big too - small, dainty accessories (perhaps in burnished gold).

Top colour choice? Emerald! I love green and emerald (and variations there of) are fantastic way to add visual interest and punch to any space.

Remember, design is part style but it's also part personal taste. You should be the biggest influence in your design choices!

We-Design-Day: Moving into Phase Two

This week, we're going to continue down the path of designing our space. Back at the start of this series, I introduced the Two Phase, Eight step approach I apply to my projects. Reviewing the first half of the process and the progress I've made helps me to ensure that I've covered all the important things I need to for this renovation project.

I was able to state my goal, gather more information and better assess our needs. This all allowed me to properly commit myself to this project (even if it is taking a little longer than I'd hoped). Being able to look back and review my plans has given me time to analyze and digest everything as well as allow me time to start figuring out what areas need the most focus and attention.

Can't find the right answers for your design problems? Sometimes the best solution for a problem is to take a step back and come back to it later.

One thing that became clear to me in my project was how the space will function for us and how the zoning will work for our family. One of the most important desired functions of this plan is open the space us so I can work and see TroubleMaker. The other key component is keeping my husband's equipment behind a closed door so it doesn't get bumped or knocked. Related to the first part is my need for storage (and organization) of my sewing and craft supplies (and my design studio, of course). But this whole idea working hinges on my keeping my area tidy, I will no longer be able to shut the door on my mess. My mess will be out in the open and I know that it cannot look like my studio currently looks (I joke with friends that you almost can't open the door - the funny part is, it isn't a joke).

As I move into the second phase, I need to keep those really important details in mind. So what is the next phase? The FUN phase - the looking through magazines, furniture showrooms, online catalogues, your friends homes, design TV shows, home renovation shows (both on TV and ones that come to your city) and the thousands of books written on the subject! If you are the creative type, you can sit somewhere cozy (it's snowing and 25 below here), sip tea and THINK... Or you can hire a professional to help you with this task. Now it is about finding the solutions to your design problem! You don't have to come up with just one - sometimes the best solution is a combination of different things or it's starting with "Plan A" and part way through realizing "Plan B" fits your style better. Look for inspiration anywhere and everywhere! You'll never know where you'll find inspiration.

This week, I'm going to sift through my design library, sip some tea and think, surf a little and look for inspiration so I can work towards my solution. Initially, I'm just going to pull together all the things I like - whether they will be 'right' for the solution or not - we'll refine later. Now it is about brainstorming, gathering ideas, creating ideas and compiling it all together.

Next week, we'll look at refining our solutions and creating a sample board that will showcase your design!




Benjamin Moore Paint chip photo courtesy of Blackstone Images

We-Design-Day: Practical Theory Week # 3

After a one-week, flu induced hiatus, I'm back with renewed fervor to wrap up the Principles of Design series. The week, we're going to look at Unity & Harmony as well as Variety.

VI.Unity & Harmony

a.Unity is generally defined as "oneness"; that is to say that all the parts (of the design) work to tie it together. Unity provides a sense of order. It is often achieved by the use of repetition albeit in shape, pattern, texture or form. Colour can also be used to fuse a space together by providing similarity between dissimilar objects.

b.Harmony works in conjunction with unity and is the result of a design fitting together; harmony can hold a design together.

VII.Variety

a.In design, variety works to capture our attention and create excitement. Varying objects (tall vs short), patterns (stripes vs polka dots), and textures (rough vs smooth) all work to add diversity to a design.

That concludes our introductory look at the Principles of Design. It's a lot to take in but as we work through our design projects, I'll highlight and note how I am applying the Elements and Principles so you can see how they work 'in action'.

Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to journeying down the Design path together!

We-Design-Day: Practical Theory Week #2

This week, we're going to look at two more design principles: proportions and scale. Both principles express concepts of size and magnitude and both serve an important function in design.

IV.Proportion

a.In a design setting, it can refers to the visual proportion - relating to the use of colours, patterns and textures. Too much of any one thing can dominate a space and overwhelm it negatively.

b.It also refers to the classical architecture terminology - defining the relationship of the parts to the other parts or to the relationship of the parts to the whole. For interior design, it can be applied to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design.

It is often easier to cite examples of badly thought out proportion. If you think architecturally, we often see huge "McMansions" placed on tiny city lots. Additionally, have you ever driven through an older area of your city and noticed small post-war style homes "re-invented" with additions or second storeys that clearly don't work with the existing structure. Furthermore, over sized furnishings in a small room do nothing but create clutter and a sense of 'small'. When selecting furniture, one must clearly understand that although the piece is really comfortable and 'just the right size' for a person (thinking of overstuffed furniture or California King sized beds) proportionately, a Cali King bed in a 10'x12' room will dominate and overwhelm the space.

Interior, usually most people aren't attracted to using all of one colour or pattern but proportion should be applied and carefully thought out so no one things (be it colour, texture, or object) overwhelms the space.

V.Scale

a.Scale works hand in hand with proportion. In design (architecture or interior) scale specifically compares the size of an object or an environment to a human being. Anything used or applied in an interior should be compared to a person to ensure it's scale isn't overwhelming or dominating. Scale should suit the occupants, as well as the space.

Special consideration can be given when designing children's rooms or seniors centres to ensure that the furnishings and rooms are scaled to their special need & size!

We're on the home stretch of the principles now! Next week, we'll finish them up and then move forward and get back into working with our projects.

Further reading:

Architectural Proportion (Wikipedia)
Photo Flash Graphics

We-Design-Day - Practical Theory!

Last week, we looked at design composition and the elements of design. The elements are generally applied using the principles of design – this week’s topic.
There are eight principles. We’ll look at each one closely as they can be invaluable resources when planning your space. I’m going to list them ‘laundry’ style and then we’ll work through them individually.

I. Balance
II. Rhythm
III.Emphasis
IV.Proportion
V.Scale
VI.Unity
VII. Harmony
VIII.Variety

I.Balance

a.In a design setting, it refers to the visual balance. It relates to the perception of the weight of an object (or objects) in architecture and interiors. Balance can also be more than just physical arrangement. Balance can also mean the balance of the elements of design: balanced texture, line, colour or shape.

b.There are three basic types of balance generally used.

i.Symmetrical or bilateral

1.Described as being equal and in proportion to one another. Most commonly used as it is predominant in our natural environment. We have two arms, two legs, two eyes – and generally, all are similar in size and location (on the body). Often mirror images.

2.In Fig.1, the vases are symmetrically balanced (one on each end of the table, similar distance from the edge and each other).

















ii.Asymmetrical

1.Described as being ‘not symmetrical’ – meaning not equal in size or proportion but the pieces work to stabilize one another. Although some things in nature are asymmetrical (Fiddler crab has one claw bigger than the other), our tendency is towards symmetry. Being ‘left’ or ‘right’ handed is also asymmetrical as it’s easier for the brain to ‘train’ one hand rather than both.

Other hints for understanding and employing Asymmetrical balance:
Brightly coloured objects can visually balance a dull colour.
Large objects can be balanced by a grouping of smaller objects
Generally considered “informal”

2.Varying the height and arrangement creates visual interest and definition.

I always find asymmetrical arrangements difficult because they don’t seem natural and can often look contrived and planned.

iii.Radial

1.Most similar to symmetrical balance but has a central point or core from which the elements extend outward.

II.Rhythm

a.Think of rhythm – what has rhythm? A heart beat, music, the person in the next cube over tapping his pencil. What do they all have in common?

i.Recurrence

1.Repetitive use of materials, form texture or colour.

ii.Regular Intervals

1.Alternating the elements of design (use of curves against stripes)

iii.Organized Movement

1.Progression of movement can draw the eye in a directional sequence – light to dark (colours) or sizing objects small to large.

III.Emphasis

a.Emphasis in a design context gives variety and uniqueness to an interior by creating focal points or centres of interest. It can be obtained through dominant or subordinate use of forms, colours, textures and lines.

i.Dominant Forms

1.Have the greatest impact

ii.Subordinate Forms

1.Secondary and should coordinate or contrast with the dominant form

b.When selecting the focal point, it’s important to select it carefully and balance it with the other elements.

I’m going to end this week with that. The principles are an important area and deserve time to digest and comprehend the material. Next week, we’re going to look at Proportion and Scale – two principles that often get neglected when planning a space.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. Thanks for stopping by and see you for next week’s We-Design-Day!