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.

Incredible Windows...

March Sale

Now through March 31st, 2009 receive 35% off labor on all custom window treatments, bedding and pillows. Receive 25% off labor of professional reupholstery.

Donning an empty window with a beautiful treatment makes an immediate impact on a space. Custom window treatments are an investment which have the propensity to warm a room, create softness and elegance, improve the acoustical quality, filter light and provide privacy. Perhaps your space commands simple, beautifully tailored linen side panels... a bold patterned roman shade... a splash of exotic with animal print... trimmings such as a tape trim for quality in detail... or a shade made of natural fibers filtering light like a lampshade.

Finding the right solution for your space doesn't have to be difficult. Contact Brooke Voss Design to set up a free in home consultation and find out how adding professionally designed, tailored and installed window treatments can complete your home.

For more inspirational windows, please see the slide show to the right. Until next time - all the best...

Creating Texture (& a notable sale!)...

So many facets of interior design to consider when pulling together the perfect space. Each piece of the, "design puzzle," just as important as the next in exceptional design. Among the puzzle pieces to consider is the element of texture. Texture is an important visual and tactile que which defines noteworthy design. Architecturally texture can be felt through dry, rough timbers crossing the ceiling or the buttery smooth feeling of a honed limestone fireplace surround. The texture can be sensed through the low lustre depth of French waxed floors or a surprising architectural antique like time aged, robin's egg blue shutters. If a major remodel is not in the cards fear not. Roll out a sisal rug or add a pair of tailored panels or a roman shade to an open window. Simply stated texture can be added by draping an antique tapestry over a bare wall, by tossing some cotton velvet or embroidered crewel pillows on a sofa or reupholstering a tired pair of chairs in a slubby linen. There is no time like the present to update your personal space with custom windows, pillows, bedding or reupholstery AND save money.

March (tax time!) is the month to update your home and save some dollars!

February 20th, 2009 - March 31st, 2009 take 35% off labor on custom window treatments, pillows and bedding. Take 25% off labor on custom reupholstery. Deposits on all orders required by March 31st, 2009 to receive the discount.

Contact Brooke Voss Design for a complimentary home assessment and discuss how to take advantage of these unprecedented savings!

Engage all the senses...

Whether it's a perfectly put together outfit for a first date or interview or a welcoming invitation into your home, the first impression needs to be impressive. An interesting, uncluttered and tidy space are all visually important, but what about the other senses? Not to be forgotten or overlooked is the sense of smell. It has been said the scent of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies evoke a feeling of home, enticing house buyers/browsers shopping for a new place to call home. On the contrary entering a space with the lingering scent of dampness, cooking grease or pet orders can be extremely unappealing. Keep your home smelling fresh and clean, not heavily cinnamon steeped like a Christmas store. Diffusers are the perfect solution for lightly scenting your personal space. My top pick in diffusers comes from Alora Ambiance Home Fragrances. They offer clear, glass bottles with simple wood caps and long lasting, fabulous scents. Looking forward to Spring I've selected the Argume scent (infused with fresh grapefruit, orange and eucalyptus) and tucked one in my living room bookcase, placed one on my bath vanity and one on my kitchen counter top. Visit the website to order to find a retailer near you.

Next week more discussion on engaging all the sense, namely our sense of touch.

Until then all the best,