Tricia's Blog

2010 Color Trends

I have to admit, I wasn't able to go to the Benjamin Moore meeting on Color Pulse 2010.  It was researched and spoken by Dotty Horn, director of Benjamin Moore. However I have spoken to designers who did go and this is what I found out:

• Greyscale: Carbon and creamy whites, chalk, milk, alabaster
• Naturals: Beige (parchment, cardboard, and muslin), Hay
• Yellows: Fresh, citron w/carbon, banana, mustard, gold sheer, gilded
• Orange: Copper, pumpkin, clay
• Reds: Pinks to crimson, brick, red/orange, blackening "Russian" red
• Purples:  Periwinkle, grape (almost shocking), lilac (almost grey)
• Blues: Soft celestial blue, indigo, deep midnight blue
• Green: Fresh truer less sage, green to yellow, grass, menthol, pea

What's HOT: 70's colors!  Gold, Monochromatic (color blocking, using the same color family), Lack of pattern in textiles

I'm sure looking forward to seeing these in fashion, makeup, cars, and of course interiors!  ~Tricia

What I learned working at a Home Show

This week I worked the Fall Home and Garden show at the Expo Center for two days. I have never worked a show before. I was at the ASID booth representing them and trying to promote Innovative Design Group.  Wow! The general public is interesting! Some people really didn't want to make eye contact, let alone talk, and others tried to get as much free design service as they could muster. What was good, was for me to see first hand how the general public views interior design.  For the most part they don't have a clue what we do!  If my blog accomplishes anything is that it will 1.Educate the general public on the profession and 2. Let them know how human and approachable we are.   I believe most people look at any new construction or remodel for a business or home as an investment.  In order for it to be an investment it needs to be well liked first by the owner, than by others.  Most owners want someone who knows the market, knows the value of products, but most of all wants the space to function. So, if you don't trust yourself... you hire a designer.   The bottom line is we make the space function uniquely for you, and we make it desirably by you and others.   There are varies processes of getting to those goals. 

Let me know what topics to cover, and what you question about interior design. I want to see what public is reading my blog.

~Tricia

The Weather is Turning....

For all of those in the Northwest, we have seen some dramatic climate change in the last week. It was 95 last  Sunday and now it registers to 57 and raining!  If you are like me, you are starting to focus your attention indoors. I'm starting to organize my cabinets and hang long overdo art on the walls.  I'm thinking more about what colors I want to surround myself indoors. I don't want anything drab, I'll have enough gray skies this winter time, but I can't do anything too bright either. This is not sunny Florida I live in.  I'll be going to the Benjamin Moore color seminar next week and let you all know what colors are the trend for 2009.  In the mean time, I recommend enjoying this 'nesting' period a little. Think about tossing out old objects that you haven't used in a year (or more). Re-hang art in a new setting to entertain the eye and organize the areas indoors you'll be spending a lot of time at (desk, kitchen, living room).  This will clear your thoughts and give you a positive perspective in the hibernation we are about to encounter.

Happy Autumn!

~Tricia

Send me your comments...

What to expect from an Interior Designer

1.   Someone who can translate your dreams into a reality.
2.   Give the client 100% experience in holding their vision, using wise judgment, investing the clients'     money, purchasing the most suitable materials and working with the best vendors.
3.   Someone to partner with in order to make the best choices for the project.
4.   On the clients behalf, seamlessly manage manufacturers, contractors and other building relationships.
5.   Someone who is not a trained counselor if conversations move away from design.
6.   Explain how decision are made.
7.   Review the process for handling mistakes.
8.   Discuss how difficult situations will be handled.
9.   Budget revisions if the original strategy changes.
10.  Use other experts or resources for any reasons (art experts, etc.)
11.  Manage the clients' time efficiently
12.  Making the client a priority in their life.
13.  Taking before and after photos, but keeping them confidential to the public. 
14.  A written design proposal for the project.

Portland Street of Disappoints (I mean Dreams)

I went to the Portland Street of Dreams on Friday.  I had not been for five years and I was feeling guilty as an interior designer in the city.  I had remembered it as not being very good, so I was not too motivated to go.  Once again I was disappointed.  I was not disappointed with the quality of workmanship, or the Mt. Scott setting, or the finishes chosen, but was disappointed in the creativity.  All 6 homes were executed well and very livable (even with the huge theaters and indoor pools), but not much was new.  It seemed that the builders were so concerned that these homes would even sell in the first place that the design was restrained. Maybe I'm spoiled with the architecture and design elements I've seen and studied, but why can't the event get some ingenious architects to design THEIR dream homes.  I want to see something well, shall I say... innovative

Here are a couple of interesting interior pieces I came across.

 

 

Why Hire a Professional Interior Design

I thought I needed to post something about the benefits of working with an educated interior designer. I take my job very seriously and am always continuing my education in safety, building codes and new products for interior and exterior construction.  I couldn't have said it any better than what the good folks at American Society of Interior Designers have already done.  Please see their website for more details...www.asid.org

Excerpts taken from the ASID website:

Whether your project involves new construction, leased property, remodeling, renovation or preservation, an interior designer can help you get the most out of your investment.  In addition to their in-depth knowledge of products, materials and finishes, professional designers have the training and expertise to plan, schedule, execute and manage your project from start to finish. 

Interior design involves many practical and technical considerations that affect comfort, function and safety.  Among these are lighting, acoustics, space planning, organization and storage, scale, accommodation of special needs, fire safety and compliance with local building codes.

Among the many areas of expertise a professional designer commands are:

    * Space planning and utilization, including organizational and storage needs
    * Long-term project and lifestyle planning
    * National, state and local building codes
    * Safety and accessibility
    * Ergonomics
    * Design for people with special needs
    * Conservation and “green” design
    * Historic restoration
    * Interior detailing of background elements, such as wall and ceiling designs
    * Custom design of furniture, drapery and accessories
    * Selection of appliances, plumbing fixtures and flooring materials
    * Acoustics and sound transmission
    * Audiovisual and communication technology
    * Construction documents and specifications

How to Work with a Designer?

Something came up in a client meeting this week.  As I was giving a presentation and explaining the next step to take in the design process, the client mentioned they didn't know what to expect, since they had never had a designer before.  This comment has come up several times in my career with both residential and commercial clients.  I'd thought I'd give you the perspective of the designer...

• We don't expect you (the client) to know what the next step is, nor do we expect you to know the design process.  It's our job to inform and educate you on both of these items.
• The best things to provide a designer (preferably at the beginning of the project) are photos, sketches, employee lists, color ideas or actual sites to visit that you enjoy. Basically, any visual of design ideas and space planning that spark your interest.  It is our job to transform those interests into your next space.
• Provide the designer with your budget and time frame.  We don't want to know your budget so we can break it, we want to know your budget so we can stay within it.  We promise! Our goal is to make you happy and we know staying within your budget will do that.  Knowing the budget gives us a good indication of what finishes and furnishings to be shopping for.  If we don't provide you with the materials you want or the budget you want than that is more time and money in the long run to "re-shop".
• Give the designer your project expectations and be honest.  We look like the hero if we stay within your expectations and we will try to be honest with you if your expectations are realistic in the time frame and budget you give us.
• Have fun! Nobody is doing brain surgery here.  I know it is awful when an order comes in late or if a contractor is not doing their job, but please keeps things in perspective. We are not going to die if something goes amiss in the finishes or furniture process.  We will find a solution to any problem that occurs and the project will be wonderful in the end.

Give me some feedback if you have additional questions or comments on the design process or what a designer wants from a client.

~Tricia

Great Showrooms of Portland

If you notice, my lists on this blog are getting longer and longer. I am adding in all my favorite Portland furniture, flooring, and lighting showrooms. I've been running around all week meeting people in these showrooms and checking out the best designs around Portland.  I'll keep these lists continually updated too so keep this blog in mind when looking for interior inspiration. Most of the showrooms are scattered around the metro area since we don't have ONE design center like most cities.  I promise to only give you the showrooms worth using gas for.  Let me know if I'm missing any great places to visit, I'd love to check out new venues.

Trying to Market...

It has been hectic getting back into the groove of work after vacation.  One of the most exciting things that happened last week were the professional photos I had for the Doud residence arrived.  They were taken by Shannon of Red Couch Photography in Portland.  Shannon is getting into interior and architectural photography.  Her background is in weddings.  I think she did a fabulous job, check out these photos in my new Doud Album on this blog.  I'll also include the "before" shots of the house.  Now that I have these great images I am trying to publicize my work.  I spent my Sunday researching and writing a press release.  If anyone reading this has some advise on writing one, I'd love to hear about it.  It amazes me how much I learn in the interior design profession.  One day I am researching cabinet making techniques for interior drawings on my current Laurelhurst project, the next I am learning marketing and writing skills I never thought I would use.   Once again, I know I am blessed to be in this work that creates beauty while keeping my mind continuously challenged .

Thanks for reading and I would love to hear marketing advise or comments from you all!
~Tricia

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