Sunday, September 30, 2007

Blending Fine Craft and Interior Design

I've known for a while that my Barnes and Noble bookseller is missing a section. It is supposed to be on that back wall just between the crafty books and the interior/home design books. I often stand there staring at that spot, wondering just when the books will arrive to help people use these fantastic projects that people are making and turn it into something that will increase the originality of some of these beautiful-yet-way-too-perfect homes.

Something is missing, I tell you.

As a designer I love all of my trade resources; but as an artist I want access to all of those raw materials that will help me create captivatingly original spaces.

Luckily I am not a one-woman-movement. I know a few other people who feel the same way and are happy to open up the stockroom and allow us a peek at what is to come. I believe that fine art and fine craft will integrate so closely with interior design you won't be able to contain your creative self; and that space on the back wall at Barnes and Noble will be the best one yet.

Can't wait...

© 2007, CanvasCorp LLC.
www.CanvasCorp.com

Blending Fine Craft and Interior Design
posted by CanvasCorp LLC on 12:57 PM

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Multi-Generational Housing Design

Extended families' living under one roof is certainly not a new concept. My great grandfather and great aunt lived with my nana in their later years; and goodness that was oh so many years ago. But aside from upgrading a guest room by adding a bath and labeling it a mother-in law suite, we don't often see thoughtful design for a diverse living arrangement. Instead we hear about the starter home for newlyweds; and the move-up home for those needing more space or amenities; or the empty-nester/downsizer. It's as if all of these families can house guests, but not long term extended family.

Since I am *ahem* lucky enough to speak from experience about living with extended family I can tell you that there are some key design options that should be made more widely available. In my opinion these considerations should include:

• Layouts that allow you to get together as a family; and then retreat to private areas. And I don't mean adding more rooms; just using the rooms we already have for multiple purposes.
• Homes that offer stylish and completely separate living areas with shared exterior spaces like courtyards.
• Lifts, pulleys, chutes, and elevators - How can we use engineering to make it easier for all occupants to navigate multiple levels and tasks that require moving items from one floor to the next?
• Including enough refrigerator space. Seriously there should be a pull-out refrigerator drawer in each private area.
• And extra soundproofing - no kidding - we don't need to hear everything that goes on in the next room.

© 2007, CanvasCorp LLC.
www.CanvasCorp.com

Multi-Generational Housing Design
posted by CanvasCorp LLC on 12:56 PM

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Design Perspective

I watched this fascinating movie on perspective a few years ago. Using both a powerful microscope and a telescope, the images moved incrementally from present state down to the smallest cellular structure and then to the outer regions of space. And while this movie was probably created with the future scientist or astronaut in mind; I think it prompts some interesting thoughts on how can enliven our designs with a simple change in perspective.

Larger Design Concepts:

• Finding Eco-Friendly products and recycling programs.
• Sourcing design materials globally.
• Actively seeking design elements created by the Fair Trade social movement.
• Encouraging and influencing New Urbanism trends.
• Taking your influence from the cultural design movement.
• Contributing to Adaptive Reuse projects that use older structures for today's housing.
• Creating beautifully designed spaces within Multi-Generational Housing.

Design Precision:

• Managing natural light in the space at different times of the day or during various seasons.
• Using color-coordinated hardware throughout the home.
• Carefully selecting organization tools to keep smaller elements carefully contained.
• Engaging the services of masons, fine crafters, artists and preservationists.
• Selecting custom over mass-productions.
• Preserving the past.

Enjoy!

© 2007, CanvasCorp LLC.
www.CanvasCorp.com

Design Perspective
posted by CanvasCorp LLC on 12:55 PM