Ask Debonair: Advice on Painting a Small Apartment

Hello friends. My latest post for Debonair Magazine is up today. As the interior design contributor for "Ask Debonair", I answer questions that are sent from readers concerning home and decor. I particularly enjoyed answering the latest question on painting a small space, as I myself have experienced the challenges of living in a cozy abode.

It seems that many are under the impression that they can't paint their studios or small one-bedroom apartments, fearing that their space may appear that much smaller. In the following piece, I explore color options and share tips I've picked up along the way. Working in the design industry, I'm constantly surrounded by creative geniuses, and they often share their tips, tricks, and all around know how with me. My goal is to share their knowledge, so that we can all live in more aesthetically pleasing spaces.

-S

Ask Debonair: Advice on Painting a Small Apartment

Hello friends. My latest post for Debonair Magazine is up today. As the interior design contributor for "Ask Debonair", I answer questions that are sent from readers concerning home and decor. I particularly enjoyed answering the latest question on painting a small space, as I myself have experienced the challenges of living in a cozy abode.

It seems that many are under the impression that they can't paint their studios or small one-bedroom apartments, fearing that their space may appear that much smaller. In the following piece, I explore color options and share tips I've picked up along the way. Working in the design industry, I'm constantly surrounded by creative geniuses, and they often share their tips, tricks, and all around know how with me. My goal is to share their knowledge, so that we can all live in more aesthetically pleasing spaces.

-S

Eco Antiques: The Answers are in the Past

(photo provided by LSA)

Sometimes I wonder how "green" an eco-product really is. Sometimes, the cynic in me is frustrated by the whole eco-movement, especially in the home products arena. Somehow, the real need to take better care of our environment turned into a brand new marketplace for capital gain. No I'm not a Communist, I thoroughly enjoy most of the benefits of Capitalism, but I still have a conscience and observing eyes. I bet my savings that most of the flyover states think they're doing right by Mother Earth when purchasing Breyers "organic" ice cream, and yet they know nothing of LEED Certification or the term "carbon footprint." This worries me.

Oh, here’s another observation. What’s up with 300-thread count organic sheets costing more than regular 600-thread count cotton? Um, I care n’ stuff, but this is a no brainer, I’m sleeping on the 600.

Ok enough criticisms, that's not what this blog's about... this blog's about ideas for stylish living, so here's my take on going green: BUY ANTIQUES. Wouldn't you say that an object that has made it through the ages is truly sustainable? And, the fact that nothing new is being created helps us maintain our natural resources. Not to mention, if you buy an antique near home, you wouldn’t incur the carbon footprint of shipping from overseas. Above all, I love that a solution to our environmental challenges can be found in the past. I also enjoy challenging the visual image of what people think eco should look like.

All I'm saying is that bamboo flooring and solar panels aren't the be all and end all for solutions, rather, think about antiques as a stylish solution to our current environmental concerns.

-S

Eco Antiques: The Answers are in the Past

(photo provided by LSA)

Sometimes I wonder how "green" an eco-product really is. Sometimes, the cynic in me is frustrated by the whole eco-movement, especially in the home products arena. Somehow, the real need to take better care of our environment turned into a brand new marketplace for capital gain. No I'm not a Communist, I thoroughly enjoy most of the benefits of Capitalism, but I still have a conscience and observing eyes. I bet my savings that most of the flyover states think they're doing right by Mother Earth when purchasing Breyers "organic" ice cream, and yet they know nothing of LEED Certification or the term "carbon footprint." This worries me.

Oh, here’s another observation. What’s up with 300-thread count organic sheets costing more than regular 600-thread count cotton? Um, I care n’ stuff, but this is a no brainer, I’m sleeping on the 600.

Ok enough criticisms, that's not what this blog's about... this blog's about ideas for stylish living, so here's my take on going green: BUY ANTIQUES. Wouldn't you say that an object that has made it through the ages is truly sustainable? And, the fact that nothing new is being created helps us maintain our natural resources. Not to mention, if you buy an antique near home, you wouldn’t incur the carbon footprint of shipping from overseas. Above all, I love that a solution to our environmental challenges can be found in the past. I also enjoy challenging the visual image of what people think eco should look like.

All I'm saying is that bamboo flooring and solar panels aren't the be all and end all for solutions, rather, think about antiques as a stylish solution to our current environmental concerns.

-S

Causing A Commotion

Those who know me know that I generally shy away from reblogging from other design sites... I find that it's the only way to secure authentic and unaffected content for your reading pleasure, and I'd just personally hate to be considered an echo-chamber in the blogosphere. That being said, I always look forward to the monthly Design Commotion blog. Actually, Design Commotion's format is less like a blog and more like an online newsletter getting you up to speed on design on both a national and often international level. The format is geared at giving quick bites of info instead of full page articles, and my undiagnosed ADD brain truly appreciates that. I particularly enjoyed one of the latest pieces on the “Do hit” chair by Marijn van der Poll at Droog in SoHo.

"Van der Poll describes the chair as an interpretation of Enzo Mari’s Sof-Sof chair. It is produced as a steel cube and beat into a submissive seat with the hammer. “Repetition of the beating only strengthened the concept,” the designer said. “The Do hit can either be shaped by its owner or by me.” I’d say the Dutchman has cornered the anger-management market." - Design Commotion.

As a design observer reading this latest post, I can't help but try to forecast shifts in the way people like to live. It's my belief that we'll be seeing more furniture like the "Do hit" chair, as idiosyncratic designs begin trending in the mainstream design market in 2010.


-S

Causing A Commotion

Those who know me know that I generally shy away from reblogging from other design sites... I find that it's the only way to secure authentic and unaffected content for your reading pleasure, and I'd just personally hate to be considered an echo-chamber in the blogosphere. That being said, I always look forward to the monthly Design Commotion blog. Actually, Design Commotion's format is less like a blog and more like an online newsletter getting you up to speed on design on both a national and often international level. The format is geared at giving quick bites of info instead of full page articles, and my undiagnosed ADD brain truly appreciates that. I particularly enjoyed one of the latest pieces on the “Do hit” chair by Marijn van der Poll at Droog in SoHo.

"Van der Poll describes the chair as an interpretation of Enzo Mari’s Sof-Sof chair. It is produced as a steel cube and beat into a submissive seat with the hammer. “Repetition of the beating only strengthened the concept,” the designer said. “The Do hit can either be shaped by its owner or by me.” I’d say the Dutchman has cornered the anger-management market." - Design Commotion.

As a design observer reading this latest post, I can't help but try to forecast shifts in the way people like to live. It's my belief that we'll be seeing more furniture like the "Do hit" chair, as idiosyncratic designs begin trending in the mainstream design market in 2010.


-S

Christopher Brown: Craving Ruffles

In our vast archive of James Magni's residential projects, this dining room shot always seems to grab everyone's attention. The focal point is of course the stunning artwork. A painting by the artist, Christopher Brown, it's of Sir Anthony van Dyck- the Flemish Baroque artist who became the leading court painter in England, circa King Charles I.

I love the mix of classical elegance and sheer flamboyance in this piece.

-S