An "A~Ha" Moment

Last week during Blogfest, which I will go into further in my next post, Newell Turner of House Beautiful and a panel of guests including ~ Michael Herold,  Jane Goldenberg and Jon Call talked about their  "a-ha" moments; what inspires them and what was a turning point in each of their careers.

House beautiful asked each of us to share an "a-ha" moment. Here's mine.  I have told this story many times because it was profound .


I clearly remember being interested in participating in a community show house a few years ago. I felt like it was the right time in my career and I was excited about the idea of creating a show house worthy room but I was terrified!

I think the reality of putting yourself  "out there" to potentially be judged, fear of the unknown, fear of failure, all contributed to my high level of anxiety.

Edgcumbe House

I toured the house and made my selection.  I turned in my paperwork, hands shaking, and waited.  All the while questioning whether I was doing the right thing.  I knew I was being silly,  I didn't fully understand was I was so fearful!

Long story shorter ~ I created A Serene Salon in a small room on the third floor.

 I was inspired by a recent trip to Turkey.  I married that with the character of the historic home, as well as old and new, rustic and refined.  It was a hit!

 I enjoyed the process, the camaraderie with the other designers, and talking to those touring the house.  My little room was accepted into a book AND  I got a job from it, which almost never happens.  I learned NEVER to let fear be a deterrent.  If I am fearful ~ that's all the more reason why I need to plow through the task at hand.

I practice this philosophy often and have taught it to my children. I never want to look back and say, I should have...

Kudos for The Serene Salon

In 2008 I did a Show House room benefitting the Pennsylvania SPCA, called DogHaus (cute, right).
 I had just returned from a trip to Turkey where I was so inspired, I knew, I somehow wanted to incorporate that into my design.  I obviously did it thru shapes and textiles.  My room was called  The Serene Salon. I wanted to do a classic sitting area.  I chose a small room on the 3rd floor.  The house was built in the late 1800's and I wanted to respect the architecture and overall feeling, so I kept the original wood floors and windows ( I polished them up a bit) and juxtaposed the old world elements with a a few contemporary pieces like the glass waterfall table, chandelier and floral painting by local artist Tony LaSalle.   The ceiling is high gloss pink which matched the ikat pillows by Madeline Weinrib.   It was a wonderful experience!   The commraderie between the designers was the best part and in the end my little Serene Salon was accepted by Schiffer publishing into their book, ShowHouses 2, which was just released.  I am proud of myself and would do it again in a heartbeat!

This is the other side of the room that is not in the book

A few details

There were gold paillettes on the silk romans

I added a water bar and ethnic accessories to the console table which was a gorgeous 18th C. antique

If you love seeing beautiful show house rooms as much as I do, from the comfort of your couch, pick up the book at Amazon.com

photos:John Armich

Inspiration is where you find it

Designers are always asked, "Where do you get your inspiration?"  The answers range from travel to museums to 1st Dibs.  The truth is it's everywhere, all around us, you just have to observe.

I was inspired by a trip to Turkey when trying to come up with an idea for my Serene Salon

Jess @ The Love List was inspired by the Kate Spade Store when she was asked to design a logo

Do you think Pierre Hardy was inspired by this screen and the way the light shines through the glass circles?

Do you think the AKRIS designer Albert Kreimler was inspired by his surroundings while sketching and sipping espresso on the Amalfi Coast?

or Stella McCartney was studying still lifes?

     

    

Roberto Cavalli must have NEEDED a console table to match his python dress (It is one of his signatures, after all);  hard to tell which came 1st.

And when he ventured out back he was inspired to design this little number for his upcoming 2011 collection.  While he was relaxing ~ his friends the Missoni's stopped by for a Lemoncello

Vincent Wolf famously captures his journeys to far off lands in photographs that translate into globally infused rooms with interesting color schemes.  This umbrella in Madagascar was the inspiration for the color scheme of one of his interiors.

I think part of the creative process is being a keen observer.  Figuring out what to do with it is where the real talent lies, and I am always in awe of those that do it so well!

credits: CLI,The Love List, BG, ID, Vincente Wolf