Watch our MESS to YES Home Makeover!
It was a great privilege to be asked to be a presenter at this year’s Dwell on Design conference in LA. Especially when I heard that Michael Graves was going to be the keynote speaker. I admire anyone who so clearly and completely loves what he does and by immersing himself in that area of interest has found his particular brand of genius. I was also moved by his commitment to impacting our way of incorporating accessible design into the built world. His only concern being that he won’t have time to make a big enough difference.
I loved hearing about his art. I have always felt like a cheater if I copied a great master’s work but I love it as an exercise. So I was delighted to hear he has painted and framed copies of masterpieces in his own home. As he shared stories and images of that home the room that entranced me was the studio. I am going to be carving out a space in my garage for a studio over the next week – I will post the “MESS to YES” transformation after the 4th of July. I wish it could look something like Michael Graves’ studio…maybe in my next house. (A girl can dream!)
Michael Graves Home Studio as shared at Dwell on Design
My speech was based on the book I co-authored for ASID with Sally Augustin, PhD Researching Home:: Evidence Based Residential Design. I know it sounds like a mouthful but really I interpret scientific research into easy, usable ways other designers – or homeowners – can use to improve the psychological comfort of home. The speech was well received and well attended and I am tentatively scheduled to present a slightly different version at October’s High Point Market. Thanks Dwell and ASID!
I adored the stylish while charming nursery in the livinghomes prefab home. the custom wall paper from Spoonflower, the sophisticated while quirky art, and the huge ottoman in the middle of the room (which can later be used so many ways) all made this a fabulously chic, small nursery.
I also spent a fair amount of time on the exhibit floor seeing old friends and talking to vendors about some of the fun new products available.
Here are some of my favorite family-friendly finds:
I lwas intrigued by the Levo wall sconce and reading light by Cerno. I am a huge advocate of giving children control over the “dark” in their room with a bedside reading light. This modern swing arm version has clean lines and natural materials that would be fabulous next to your child’s bed, or yours if you prefer. What I love: the reading light automatically turns on when you swing out the arm and turns off when you swing it back into position. Genius! No switches to hunt for!
I am in love with the wide selection of Vintage European posters from from Vepca. I like to build a child’s room around a strong quality piece. In fact the dining room I am creating this year for Serving Up Style is anchored by a 1920′s poster from Sweden of Barnes Dag (Children’s Day). Vintage prints are a graphic, colorful and authentic while a fraction of original artwork.
Playforms won the award for best new product for their darling free form play house ($725 retail) I love the imagination an open structure inspires.
I am also going to be trying out some new whiteboard paint I found from Whitey board paint and I will let you know what I think! I also intend to test out disignyourwall.com/customdesign. I want to walk through the process of custom wall covering from beginning to end and I’ll give you the scoop.
A very successful trip! Which as a bonus included a trip to the Fairfax Flea market, HD Buttercup, strolling Montana Blvd. and some great meals – you have to have brunch at “Little Next Door” if you are in LA! Special thanks to my friend Jan Barret of Meredith Branch Designs who accompanied me. I tried that old tree in the forest guilt trip on her – “If I give a speech at a national conference, and no one from home is there to witness me giving a speech at a national conference, have I really given a speech at a national conference?” She willingly fell for it. Thanks for being a true friend.
PS. We have been notified that a number of you have been frustrated by the commenting feature and are just emailing me or posting on Facebook. We are working on fixing the comments – that translates into I told my son to fix it! ASAP
