NYC has inspired me to find creative solutions using every last square inch.   When people think NY, they conjure up images of shoe-box sized apartments.  Those who live in them likely despise them but I LOVE them.  They present challenges yes, but I enjoy a good design challenge so, bring it on.    Oh and did I mention that having a small space can be good because you can do nicer things as opposed to trying to fill a whole house.  Two of the biggest questions I get are 1. How do I find more room/make it feel larger and 2. How do I personalize it if it’s not mine?  Here comes some creative answers…

Not enough space:  You rarely have too little space; just too many favorite things.

• First, get organized.  This means everything needs a place.  If it doesn’t have a home, we all know it will likely lay out making the space cluttered and feeling all too small.  Hit the Container Store and find storage solutions for all those homeless items.  File away any paper goods or scan them to your computer for future reference.  Buy boxes and label them…because the insides don’t have to be pretty, just the outside.  Oh and don’t forget my new favorite gadget – the P-Touch for labeling everything.
• If you can afford it, build-in custom shelving and storage.  This is the ideal solution because you can design it to fit your space and special items.  It will free up so much space you’ll be surprised.
• If you think you are going to be in your apartment for awhile paint all the walls in a lacquer or high gloss.  This reflects and bounces the light around the room making it instantly feel larger. 
• Or if you don’t want to paint, add mirrors to reflect light. 
• Consider custom made furniture pieces that fit the room better than store bought ones.  Also if you customize it, you can make it multifunctional (think coffee table becomes dining table when you have guests). 

My space looks like a rental:  Only because it needs a little love and creative solutions.

• Use removable wallpaper or decal patterns to create an overall pattern.  I’ve even heard of people using masking tape to create patterns. 
• Paint the small rooms like a bathroom or entry.  These are less work to repaint when moving out. 
• While you rent is definitely the time to start acquiring your ”forever furniture.”  Begin buying items that you can keep forever even if you have to save up for a year…it will be worth it in the long run.  These pieces should have character to liven up the room.
• Add color or texture with a new area rug.
• Art – start collecting pieces that inspire you.  Check out the local art league for shows.  You can pick up some great works from up-and-coming artists at reasonable prices.
• Consider drapery because it finishes a space and adds that additional pop of color or pattern.  Even if you have to custom make it remember it can always be re-purposed into something else later if it doesn’t fit a new window.  Think:  pillows, duvet, window seat cover or even a shower curtain. 
• The best places to bring in your personality is in fabrics, art and accessories while renting.  Plus they all move with you when you’re ready. 

Okay I have to admit, I have a thing for chairs.  I LOVE them!  Some women come home with shoes; I have been known to come home with a chair.  They come in so many different forms that can evoke a sense of wonder, sophistication or whimsy.  Put a whimsical chair in a serious space and it changes the whole dynamic.  Here are a few of my favorites that hopefully you haven’t seen before.    

House of Windsor by Daniel DeKoven is an all time favorite.  Dramatic lines meet whimsy in wood.  This chair could slip into any room and be the center of attention.  Or perhaps in a nursery.  Although it looks like it leans in the picture it does not in person.  Another reason to enjoy Daniel’s creations?  He works with non endangered wood species…in his passive solar heated workshop. 

The Swan Chair by Arne Jacobson – The Swan joined my household a couple years ago when it was on sale in a Denver showroom.  I couldn’t leave without it.  It is waiting to find the perfect place in my home and then it will be re-upholstered.  I can’t wait!  The chair was designed by Arne for the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen back in 1958.  He created the form in his own garage (so many wonderful inventions happen in garages – I think I need one).  It was considered ahead of its time because it did not have a straight line to the body.  Since then it is a highly recognizable frame that unfortunately is knocked-off continuously.

Lex Chair by Ted Boerner because it takes a familiar shape and adds interesting details to make this a one of a kind chair.  Note how the arm continues around the back becoming part of the frame and the horizontal tuck in fabric on the front side back rest – beautiful details.  Considering its masculinity it would be gorgeous in a lounge or it could easily slip into a living room.  The chair sits wonderfully (although a bit deep for my short legs) which further makes me think this chair was designed with a man in mind. 

Crinoline chair by Patricia Urquiola.  I tore this picture out years ago and still come back to it hoping to find the perfect project to weave it into.  The chair was intended for the outdoors but could easily slide indoors.  The chair is woven from abaca and plastic fibers by artists in the Philippines. 

It’s that time of year.  The leaves are changing to bright yellows, deep oranges and chocolaty browns.  Seeing the seasons change inspires new color palettes and makes me long for nesting indoors under lush blankets and fall scented candles.  Although I love Spring cleaning to freshen the house, I also love Fall where I can re-incorporate items to make the long winter as cozy as possible.  Here are a few of my favorite ideas and items to make that transformation.

Coverlets – When the weather turns brisk, yet it’s too early to turn on the heat, adding a beautifully quilted coverlet will add just the right amount of warmth.  Look for a color to enliven your current sheets or duvet cover and you’ll get a new look. 

Textured Throw -Grab a great textured throw and add it to your living room for the cool nights ahead.  My favorite throws are the ones that look like a large crochet sweater. 

Candles – I unfortunately don’t have a fireplace so the next best thing is seeing the warm glow of candles around a room.  Placing several in clear cut glass reflects the light around the room.  My favorite scented candle is  “Holiday” from Ralph Lauren (thanks for the introduction Pat!).  It is one of the few candles that actually smell like the holidays without giving you a headache. 

Organized Entryway – Sounds simple but it’s not when you have a small space being invaded by gloves, hats, boots, umbrellas, dog leash…well you get the idea.  In the fall and winter it is imperative to have a well organized space to keep the wet mess and leaves from traveling further into your home.  Start with at mat outside the door, followed by an absorbing rug inside.  Find a functional furniture piece, like the one from Room & Board below,  that has drawers or a place to put cubbies to store all those items you want out of sight.  Make sure to have ample hooks nearby for all those coats and umbrellas.  I suggest picking up miscellaneous styles and arranging them in a creative way.  Ahhh, now you can relax!

On May 14, 2010 Paradigm Interior Design and Nest Architectural Design were awarded first place for Primary Residence Under 3,500 SF by ASID.

Natural light floods this ranch style home located in Denver’s historic Bonnie Brae neighborhood.  The soft, neutral palette provide the perfect backdrop to the client’s extensive art collection while providing a relaxing atmosphere.

Paradigm assisted the client with paint selection, granite and tile selection, draperies, art and furniture placement and decorative lighting fixtures throughout the home. 

All pictures will be posted to the Paradigm’s ”Work” tab soon but here are some of the highlights.

Wow! I live in NYC and have more access to wonderful seminars and conferences. Most recently I attended the ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair). I wanted to share my excitement that I had after discovering some new products that are sure to make their way into my projects. There was one recurring theme I kep seeing; Felt. Watch for it showing up all around you. Here are some of my favorite products:

1. ABR’s Feel-Thru:: This product is made from felt (Green bonus: renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable) and comes in panels that hang from a ceiling track. The panels stay together when needed by strong magnets but come apart easily it you need to fold the screen back against a wall. They only come in one length but can be adjusted to meet your needs by adjusting the rod from the ceiling track.

Feel-Thru Panel

The dots design can be completely punched out or you can add back in some to create your own design (see below). How great!

Feel-Thru

2. Frank Fuzzy Paris:: This is so fun (can’t you tell by the name)!! This is for those of you that I keep trying to convince to do flocked wallpaper and you keep saying NO…this is the best compromise out there. It’s flocked decals that you can put on your walls and then remove them when you grow tired of it. Is it not beautiful!? See for yourself at www.frankfuzzyparis.com.

3. Nani Marquina Rugs:: These rugs are truly unique. Once again this product is made from felt. I can’t imagine this being a wise choice for anyone with a cat or dog, but it’s a very nice way to introduce some texture to a room. www.nanimarquina.com Check out the Little Field of Flowers to see what I’m talking about. Also, take a look at Global Warming with the iceberg and stand-up polar bear – yeah that little guy has no chance surviving my dog’s curiosity.

4. Clei:: Furniture that takes multi-tasking to a new level. I’ve seen this in action and it’s impressive. Here’s a quick video on it changing: Space Saving Furniture in Action

5. Jan Won Yoon:: Made out of wood, this barstool is so elegant and sleek.

Jan Won Yoon Blade Barstool