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  • Previously:

    • ‘Decorating’ & Unraveling the Cringe Factor
    • You Are Not Your Holiday Decorations
    • I See Music – Kashmir
    • Midnight Affair
    • I See Music – Angel
    • I See Music – The Whys & Wherefores
    • I See Music – Flow
    • I See Music – Sugarfoot
    • How to Hire a Designer: Fangs Optional
    • I See Music – Green Eyed Love

‘Decorating’ & Unraveling the Cringe Factor

I’ve been hitting up against the heavy “shoulds”, “coulds”, and “supposed to’s” as of late. I don’t like those. They leave me feeling… exhausted.

I SHOULD be writing about interior design. I COULD be posting all kinds of pretty pictures. I’m SUPPOSED TO be interested in the ever-expanding line-up of this month’s latest and greatest.

It’s not happening.

The harder I push, the harder I struggle. My message gets distorted. My creativity withers. And so I retreat, content to bask in the silence and work on projects behind the scenes. But the struggle returns, wreaking havoc with my daily rhythm and interfering with my inspired flow. My issue?

Decorating. The word, specifically.

(toe curl)

dec·o·rate
–verb (used with object), -rat·ed, -rat·ing.
1. to furnish or adorn with something ornamental or becoming; embellish

Ornamentation… embellishment… uh huh. Do you know what that sounds like to me? Crap. Junk. Useless, meaningless bullshittery. Consumerism. Mindless trend-following. Vanity. Shallow “pretty-making”.

Blehck.

So all this tail-chasing, this spinning in place, is connected to my irrational distaste for the very definition of my chosen life’s work. A dangerous dichotomy, n’est pas?

You see, on the whole, I’m not particularly fond of the decorating industry; the constant search for this month’s shiny new thing and the “mwah” superficiality rather than a focus on the deeper correlation and interrelationship of space and well-being. And so I dip a toe in the water and wonder why I have a sudden disinterest in swimming.

Well, duh.

Part of my behind-the-scenes work has involved the refinement of my organizational coaching services (particularly popular after the Christmas season, ahem). I help clients deal with the de-construction and analysis of a space; uncovering the deeply buried, core trigger-type issues that lurk beneath the service and interfere with the unearthing of one’s true visual melody. (Heady stuff, and highly recommended before dropping some hard-earned dough on your next ‘decorating’ project.) As part of this refinement process, I’ve been reading with intense interest the evolving nature of the minimalist and simple living movements. Minimalism/materialism debate aside, Colin Wright of Exile Lifestyle does a damned fine job of articulating the philosophy in ‘Minimalism Explained’. Go on, have a read.

So while I’ve been pulling on the threads and picking at the edges of my procrastination and staccato rhythm, I’ve been allowing the silence to reveal some deeper truths about my creative work. Decorating, by and large, has always meant the addition of surface ornamentation and embellishment, rather than the subtraction of all that does not serve a purpose (beauty or otherwise). My edges fray most intensely when I cannot reconcile the two.

Thus, if it weren’t for all the negative connotations and the ongoing debate surrounding its true definition in this increasingly digital world, I would certainly define myself as a ‘minimalist’; hard stance when my profession classifies me as a decorator.

(double toe curl)

But I also have a deep and loyal affinity for my possessions (which ultimately excludes me from a large sector of the current minimalist movement). After all, my things have been through the clarifying fire of scrutiny. I have thoughtfully chosen them. And that’s at the heart of what we’re talking about here… understanding the difference between ‘ornamental embellishment’ and digging at the roots of the ‘why’ of stuff.

So, here’s how I’ve untangled the conundrum: I decorate to unearth the visual and tactile beauty as an expression of a client’s life (not as idealistic as it sounds). I decorate to increase the productivity and efficiency of a particular space. I decorate because it brings me deep and satisfying pleasure.

Just don’t call me a decorator, k?

Posted in Opinions.Comments (12)

You Are Not Your Holiday Decorations

Design is a fickle bitch.

Always beckoning with the more more more while you’re bursting at the seams and aching for a little letting go go go.

The bombardment is intense ~ always something new, something prettier, something shinier, something a little more than what you’ve got. And just when you’re feeling like stripping on down you’re being told to load right on up.

And this time of year brings its own brand of crazy-crazy. All those joyous carols and jingling bells trigger the harried ‘buy!’ frenzy when all we really need is a little of the ‘whoa’ brake pedal.

I’m here to remind you:

You do not need three gazillion yards of faux greenery to line the stairway.

You do not need more sparkly, crystal-y blindingly disco tree ornaments.

Most importantly, you do not need Christmas towels.

Stop now.

Take a deep breath. Breath in the memory of who you are. Things don’t make you who you are. YOU do.

So step away from the display. Sing the alphabet until the bells disappear. And when you start thinking of pulling out your musty decorations, remember to think about why you’re pulling them out in the first place.

Because those magazine spreads? Those ones that look perfectly perfect and make you feel like a raging failure? Uh-huh. Those are called Style Shots. They are not real. NOT. EVEN. REMOTELY. REAL.

Stop now.

Take a deep breath. Remember what you’re celebrating in the first place.

Tradition isn’t a retail display brought home. It’s the dusty macaroni noodle tree ornament circa 1985. It’s the eggnog-gone-totally-rum-like while you frantically wrap gifts and wonder if that noise was the sound of little feet. It’s the late nights watching Ebenezer while you curl up by the fire with the one you love.

So stop now.

Take a deep breath. Have some eggnog (spiked, if possible).

You are not your holiday decorations. Things don’t make you who you are or define your traditions.

You do.

Posted in Opinions.Comments (6)

I See Music – Kashmir

As a singer and interior designer, music fuels my work. During a project, I dig into my client’s playlist, looking for the rhythms that supercharge their senses, so that I can then translate those sounds into visual spaces that feel unique to every project. It’s equal parts deep listening, alchemy and intuition.

“I SEE Music” as a series of love letters to my two great romances: music + design. And these are some of the ideas that have come out of my client work over the years.

Classical. With an edge.

Posted in Creativity, I See Music.Comments (2)

Midnight Affair

So I came across this:

And it seduced me into doing this:

 

Posted in Inspiration, Portfolio.Comments (3)

I See Music – Angel

As a singer and interior designer, music fuels my work. During a project, I dig into my client’s playlist, looking for the rhythms that supercharge their senses, so that I can then translate those sounds into visual spaces that feel unique to every project. It’s equal parts deep listening, alchemy and intuition.

“I SEE Music” as a series of love letters to my two great romances: music + design. And these are some of the ideas that have come out of my client work over the years.

When I hear this:

I envision this:

And as always, the devil is in the details.

Photography by Marc Lagrange
Framing by Erica Swanson Design

Posted in Creativity, I See Music.Comments (0)

I See Music – The Whys & Wherefores

Because in our own way, we’re all looking for the same thing.

Resonance
Validation
To love and be loved.

TO BE HEARD.

And Music, well, Music is the soundtrack to the life we live one breath, one bar line, at a time.

Music stays with me, by my side, pouring forth when there is nothing left to say.

Swimming those waves brings me to an image. A melody, frozen, offered up to capture an essence. A state of being. A way of life.

In this way, design is, well, design is… what I do. A vocation. A calling. A means of serving. Designing is also my means of listening.

Because if you’re interested of living a good life, with an environment that reflects and serves you, all you need to do is press ‘play’.

You’re a sweet melody, to be sure.

Posted in Creativity, I See Music.Comments (4)

I See Music – Flow

As a singer and interior designer, music fuels my work. During a project, I dig into my client’s playlist, looking for the rhythms that supercharge their senses, so that I can then translate those sounds into visual spaces that feel unique to every project. It’s equal parts deep listening, alchemy and intuition.

“I SEE Music” as a series of love letters to my two great romances: music + design. And these are some of the ideas that have come out of my client work over the years.

When I hear this:

I see this:

Posted in I See Music.Comments (0)

I See Music – Sugarfoot

As a singer and interior designer, music fuels my work. During a project, I dig into my client’s playlist, looking for the rhythms that supercharge their senses, so that I can then translate those sounds into visual spaces that feel unique to every project. It’s equal parts deep listening, alchemy and intuition.

“I SEE Music” as a series of love letters to my two great romances: music + design. And these are some of the ideas that have come out of my client work over the years.

It’s the space between the notes that make all the difference. That’s where you find the rhythm, the groove; that’s where the sound lives.

Design and music? They’re the same, really.

Photograph in frame at top: ‘Manhattan Mall’ by David Beckerman
Photograph in frame at bottom: ‘Radio City Music’ Hall by David Beckerman

Posted in I See Music.Comments (0)

How to Hire a Designer: Fangs Optional

That post.

Swirling in my mind like a shark around prey.

The opening line:

“Now that I got the gig with the son’s room, it’s time to execute – and plot my moves to score more rooms in that great big under-decorated house.”

The story goes on. The husband gets pissed at the wife for spending so much money and the wife retaliates by spending more money. All the while the designer plots how to keep the money rolling.

And we wonder why designers have a shitty reputation for spending wads o’ cash and, uh, not listening.

So, bringing a designer on board? Here’s your checklist:

  • Is she listening to what you need or what she thinks is in your wallet?
  • Is he paying attention or is he scoping out the room across the hall?
  • Is she ensuring you’re both on the same page or is she winking at one of you?
  • Is he offering ideas that resonate with your vibe or is he speaking over you?

Finally,

  • Check the teeth. Suspiciously pointy? Back away. Back far, far away.

Remember, as in everything, your intuition will never, ever fail you.  Fangs or no fangs. Because hey, if that’s your thing…

Posted in Opinions.Comments (2)

I See Music – Green Eyed Love

As a singer and interior designer, music fuels my work. During a project, I dig into my client’s playlist, looking for the rhythms that supercharge their senses, so that I can then translate those sounds into visual spaces that feel unique to every project. It’s equal parts deep listening, alchemy and intuition.

“I SEE Music” as a series of love letters to my two great romances: music + design. And these are some of the ideas that have come out of my client work over the years.

The legend.
‘The Green Muse’ by Albert Maignan 1895 Courtesy Musee de Picardie, Amiens.

The nouveau connoisseur.

The gentlemen’s club.

Posted in I See Music, Inspiration, Portfolio.Comments (2)

How Do You Respond to Art?

What is a photograph?

As part of New Pictures 2, Marco Breuer’s images are being exhibited until August 1st at The Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

A man of mystery, Breuer prefers to let the images speak for themselves. But there are stories untold. Photographs aren’t really photographs. Perceptions are left unchallenged. Art, is all its grand emotion-evoking bravado, leaves you alone…

“What I don’t want the images to be is just kind of a checklist, where you get a handful of information and then it all resolves neatly, and you can file it away and walk away from it,” he says.
‘Motion’, courtesy Peter Cohen

Striking; pretty, even.

Breuer created the image by assembling a camera out of a 20 x 24 plywood box with a lens attached to the front and photographic paper attached to the back. With LED’s attached to his fingertips, he captured the light patterns created by the movement of his fingers in the dark.

While loading a 12-gauge shotgun.

How does that change your view?

Posted in Creativity.Comments (0)

I See Music – Worrisome Heart

As a singer and interior designer, music fuels my work. During a project, I dig into my client’s playlist, looking for the rhythms that supercharge their senses, so that I can then translate those sounds into visual spaces that feel unique to every project. It’s equal parts deep listening, alchemy and intuition.

“I SEE Music” as a series of love letters to my two great romances: music + design. And these are some of the ideas that have come out of my client work over the years.

When I hear her, in this way, like this:

I see this:

Posted in I See Music, Inspiration, Portfolio.Comments (2)

A Little of Her & A Little of Him

Bedrooms are tricky.

Loaded with innuendo and fraught with undercurrents of sexual tension and personal intimacy, I’m often left to piece together a private language I’m neither invited to learn nor want to share. But how else to understand how to design – mm, no – design well if I’m not offered the chance to share, however briefly, an inner world?

By listening. All the things said and left unsaid.

Well, that and a little feminine intuition.

So this:

Became this:

A little of her and a little of him. Quite a potent combination.

Posted in Inspiration, Portfolio.Comments (0)

The Case of 3am

I frequently wake at 3 in the morning with an intense case of the ceiling-stares. You can learn a lot about yourself when you’re laying in the dark, chasing fleeting thoughts and shadow ghosts. Vivid imagery will dance across my mind, taunting and teasing with intensity so deep I’m compelled to create. Yet sometimes the only thing that quells the aching thirst is being filled by someone else’s work. Cleanses the creative palette and keeps the mind sharp. Or seduced.

Either one works.

This? This is the kind of room that waits for the dark…
Interior design by Todd Yoggy

Posted in Creativity, Inspiration.Comments (0)

WTF: Creative Boundaries Edition

Sifting through the endless stacks of fabric, I was startled when the door flung open to reveal a walking cloud of UPS piss and vinegar.  The year was 2003.

Nelly Furtado had just released Folklore, the much-anticipated follow-up album to Whoa Nelly and wouldn’t you know, this delivery guy was ticked.

All these years later, I’ll never forget his words about the album that celebrated her multi-cultural heritage.   “What, she thinks she’s suddenly all international?!  What the hell does she know?! She’s a Pop Princess for crissake.”

Ouch.

I’d forgotten that peculiar moment until I came across an older article posted on one of my beloved interior design blogs a few months ago.  And then, shazaaaaaam.  Seems Cindy Crawford designed a line of furniture, offered exclusively in Canada at The Brick.

“I am growing weary of overpaid and over-valued celebrities being paid exorbitant amounts of money to lend their name to everyday products.  Sure, it is the nature of the beast; but aren’t we getting tired of lining these people’s pockets, when they are largely just figure heads?  Isn’t it enough that we pay to go see their movies or purchase the magazines they are featured in? …Sure, she is beautiful, a great model, and a savvy business woman (with her own skin care line and exercise videos, among other endeavours), but come on…she suddenly knows enough to design furniture?

Hm.

A month or so later I came across a tweet that brought me to the site of Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin, specifically to the chair Pharrell Williams designed as part of an art installation for the gallery’s 2008/2009 ‘Perspectives’ exhibit.
‘The Tank’, photograph by Guillaume Ziccarelli, courtesy Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin

From the accompanying text to the work:

“If we would spend love and time like we do money, we’d never go broke… But then again who am I trying to fool or what am I trying to fix?  I’m just a guy in the mirror trying to imagine what it must feel like to be young… headed into war.”

Dezeen also featured the exhibition.  At 83 and counting, some of the comments are truly jaw-dropping.

March 16th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
An embarrassment!! Emmanuel Perrotin Gallery — I call for your closure. Even if Pharrell puts out a Hd&M album, I wouldn’t rescind.

March 16th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Absolute Joke. Shows what fame and money can do.

March 18th, 2010 at 2:33 am
Why do they always have to mess with other people’s (professionals) work? They are doing bad enough with their disturbing music why do they have to do it with design too. i feel threatened….

And my personal favourite:

March 18th, 2010 at 6:53 am
this guy robs people of their art in every territory. Im ashamed of The Emmanuel Perrotin Gallery. WHAT ARE YOU GUYS THINKING? this looks like a high tech japanese wheelchair. Its wrong. Its ugly, and shame on anyone who pays money for it.

Fascinating, really.

Of course, this leads me thinking…  this isn’t about the album or the furniture line or the art installation; this is about creative boundaries. Nelly Furtado is a pop princess. Period. Cindy Crawford is a model. Period. Pharrell Williams is a rap artist. Period. How dare these celebrities escape the boundaries we’ve so carefully constructed? How dare these individuals try something new? How dare they gasp! expand their horizons?

At the most basic level, isn’t this really an issue of resenting success?

Isn’t this another facet of the ‘rich get richer and the poor get poorer’ argument?  After all, we’re spoon-fed successful celebrity endorsements because dammit, it sells more shit.  We, the unwashed masses, lap it up.  We want to be just like them.   Hell, we even want to park our asses on their sofas.

Or we don’t.

It’s simple, really.  Like it?   Buy it.  Don’t?  Keep moving.

But here are my questions for you: what was your first job? Flipping burgers? Mowing lawns? Baby-sitting?

Uh-huh.

And is that the only thing you should have the right to be known for?

Posted in Celebrity Design, Creativity, WTF.Comments (0)
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