The Modern Christmas Tree

Last holiday season, I created a post called "The Non Traditional Holiday Tree" seen here, and the first photo showed a minimal tree made out of rings and ornaments only. I did not have a source for the tree but I have since discovered that it is The Modern Christmas Tree, invented by Bud Stoecker. The official website tells the story:

"In 2011 Matthew Bliss, as an ode to his grandfather, re-created his grandfather’s design of the Modern Christmas Tree and made it available to the public. Originating in the 1960s, Bliss’ grandfather, an Engineer and architect known as Lawrence “Bud” Stoecker, designed the first Modern Christmas Tree from cardboard. Bud loved to build A-Frame modern style homes making the Modern Christmas a natural fit for him. Over the years the trees design was refined, moving from cardboard, to Masonite, to Plexiglas and the ornaments were updated for aesthetic fine turning. Today the trees are designed in a range of acrylics and the ornaments are classic globes and chandelier crystals for sparkle and shine."

The tree is available in classic Pearl, shown above, but also in Emerald, Ruby, and Sapphire seen in the following photos.

The tree was photographed in a few Mid-Century and classic Modernist houses including the famous Stahl House in Los Angeles...

...and the Sculptured house or Sleeper House in Colorado.

If you'd like a Modern Christmas Tree for the fast approaching holidays, you can buy one from their website!
http://www.modernchristmastrees.com/

Happy designing!

Happy Thanksgiving 2016!

I wish all of my readers and followers in the United States a very happy Thanksgiving Day!

Question of the Day: Single Hole or Widespread?

Chicken or beef? Heels or flats? Coffee or tea? New or vintage? Sweet or savory? Life can be full of so many choices and so can a remodel!

I've been doing almost exclusively bathroom remodels for the past several months (sometimes it just works out that way) and one of the things that surprises clients when we go to make decisions about bathroom hardware is what I call The Faucet Dilemma. I will show clients faucets that are traditional widespread faucets and then single hole faucets, and invariably they respond, ,"Gee, I've never noticed that before. Which one should I get?"

While there is no right answer to that question, there are a few things to keep in mind when making this decision.

A traditional widespread consists of three pieces: the center faucet and hot and cold handles on the sides. It is called a "widespread" because the handles can be positioned away from the faucet, traditionally 8" on center. Some models claim that distance can be up to 12" or even 22" if you have a lot of counter space! If you get a true widespread and not a mini-spread (which is a much smaller 4" on center), cleaning the area around the faucet is easy. Here are some photos of spaces I have designed with traditional widespread faucets.

You too may have never given much thought to a widespread or a single hole faucet. The following photos illustrating bathrooms I have designed with single hole faucets represent clients who want a look that is more streamlined in terms of how many pieces of hardware is on the counter. Another advantage is that cleaning is much easier when you only have one stem around which to wipe. And it only takes a single hand to turn on the water and balance the hot and cold. These are all things to think about when considering ease and function!

If you are considering a bathroom remodel but are overwhelmed with options, give me a call. I can help.
Happy designing!

The Art of Tableau Continued...

I've said it before, and I will happily say it again: I love to style a space and create tableaux. It has always been one of my favorite aspects of being an interior designer. I suppose it plays to the inveterate "collector" in me, to be able to group things together, to display objects of beauty or curiosity, or to assemble pieces which would ordinarily not be noticed on their own. Creating a tableau, or a "tablescape" as some call it, is one of the quickest ways to set a tone for a room. It's almost like creating a three dimensional piece of art, a sculpture if you will.

If you missed it, check out my post "The Art of Tableau: Four Tips For A Better Display" and its companion post "Contrast Brings Interest." You'll find pointers and tips about creating tableau and displaying interesting and precious objects.

To be continued...

I hope this post inspires you to try your hand at a tableau in your home!
Happy designing!