Deer in design...

Long since banned to ski lodges and and musty basements, taxidermy in design has been a trend for the last few years. We've seen these, "works," introduced in unlikely places.

Paired with a fancy Murano glass chandelier...
Combined with clean lined modern pieces...

Layered atop heavy-patterned walls with a montage of mis-matched toss pillows...
Or perhaps pattern meet deer, deer meet pattern...

The modern white lacquered version... very cool in an all white, subway tiled bathroom...

In 2-D, a very graphic and bold statement...

Cable knit like your favorite Irish woolen sweater...

Love it or hate it? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Designing Green...

Designing green is no longer just a buzz word or a trend. Being green is hip, chic and above all the environmentally responsible thing to do. Certainly a complete overhaul of your home, from water heater to sustainable flooring, would leave the LEED folks smiling. But, this sort of major transformation may not be in the cards, or should I say budget? A green update to your home is attainable with a nominal monetary investment in a quality paint and good brush. Environmentally friendly paint technology offers good coverage and health benefits to Mother Earth. Purchasing Eco friendly paint does more than just promise low off gasing or VOC limits. Paint companies are really thinking, "outside the paint can." Before you roll out the drop clothes consider purchasing paint from companies committed to:

• Reducing waste and conserving natural resources in manufacturing facilities.
  
• Using sophisticated software to determine distribution routes to minimize fuel.


• Increasing the use of bio diesel fuel.


• Implementing recycling programs at offices, stores and distribution centers.


• Installing energy efficient systems at all new plant facilities.


• Pioneering the use of renewable or sustainable raw materials in some formulations.


• Using blown-in-line colorant bottles that use less resin, save freight costs and reduce the volume of hazardous waste.


• Filling paints in sustainable plastic containers made from 100% recycled post-consumer resin with labels containing recovered fiber and post-consumer waste, printed with soy ink.


• Consider Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore or Farrow and Ball.
  

Tune in often for more updates on Designing Green topics from inexpensive DIY updates to more substantial investments.

Dogs in design...

Release the hounds! The world of design has seemingly gone to the dogs. Cute, furry, little faces make even the toughest soul's heart melt & add interest to photos. Take for example, the room above. The Robbin's egg blue walls and crisp, white trim give great contrast to the dark floor and geometric rug. But would this room really be photo shoot quality without a posing bulldog?

An artistic shot, over exposed with light, gives way to a contemporary, cherry red table and antique wrought iron chairs. I'm always a sucker for a venetian mirror, traditional or contemporary every home needs one. Undoubtedly, a fun medley of objects but not necessarily thought provoking without a sassy pooch centered in the frame.

I love an all white room. Impractical for most households, but stunning none the less. A clean, white, monochromatic room allows seamless blending of all furniture styles. For example, the traditional shape of the slip covered sofa mends effortlessly with the contemporary storage console and duo of organic stools. The sharp contrast of the midnight-black K-9 distracts your eye from noticing the barren wall, screaming for a piece of art bursting with color.

A truly fabulous retro modern room. This room could be circa 1974 or 2009 and yet the design is timeless. Clean lined night stands and wardrobe compliment the pattern in the frame of the occasional chair. Chocolate brown and white geometric panels hung from ceiling mounted rods grant grandness and the illusion of a four-poster bed. Clean, crisp white linens are always a sure fire winner, but are certainly not the component that makes this space sing. Without the funky, blaze orange, retro lamps and the camel-colored-four-legged friend this room would be lifeless.

A final example. A white washed backdrop from floor to ceiling gets dimension from the interesting shape of the dining table and chairs. But, French dining chairs and oversized ceiling lights are NOT what leaves me yearning to sit in this space. Rather it is the thought of tucking cold toes under the soft coat of this napping dog. Design gone to the dogs? I rest my case.

For more, "Dogs in Design," see the new slide show. If you have a room, "gone to the dogs," please share... brooke@brookevossdesign.com

Best,

A chair for any occasion...

More than just a spare spot to perch, the occasional chair is the best seat in the house. The occasional chair is slightly larger, and sometimes a bit lower, than the dining chair. The long, bare legs provide softness in scale, and an interesting reprieve from a sea of upholstery.

An occasional chair can easily, "sneek," into a tight, bare corner to create a cozy nook. A masterfully, layered design is achieved by placing this light scale chair in front of a fireplace or other focal point.The key to proper installation of the occasional chair is in the grouping. Ensure the chair relates to the space by pairing it with a table/foot stool of similar scale.

Adding an occasional chair infuses a punch of personality into an otherwise flat room. A fussy, antique chair can take on another persona by simply lacquering the frame and replacing sick-green velvet with sassy patent leather...

... or painting an outdated fruit wood frame and adding a bold colored solid fabric...
... or a wild, funky, large scale pattern...
... or add life to an barren corner by creating an intimate grouping, perfect for sipping a glass of wine.