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Posts Tagged ‘SW Missouri designer’
Years ago, I was introduced to the concept of being intentional about bedding. Sure, I had coordinating shams and comforter, but how intentional is a bed-in-a-bag? I mean, does that really provide a quality nights sleep, or a place that you look forward to falling into night after night, or give you that “I don’t want to leave this” feeling? Splurging on high quality sheeting was so frivolous…so expensive…so unnecessary.
Then, I became aware. You know—one of those “Ah Ha!” moments. I slipped into a bed that was like a cloud. The soft featherbed wrapped around me with silky-soft Egyptian cotton sheeting and my eyes were opened, even as they were quickly shutting to get the best sleep in a long, long time. In short order, we made some changes in how we dressed our bed and it is now affectionately known as “The Cotton Ball.”
Later, coincidentally, I worked in a luxury linens boutique for several years and learned even more about the elements to the perfect bed. The quality and composition of the foundations, the linens, and even the accessories all add to the overall sleep experience.
It is indeed an experience…it’s tactile… it’s emotional…it’s completely sensory. We spend 1/3 of our lifetimes sleeping. Lack of, or even unsatisfying, sleep has been known to cause a multitude of illnesses, mental issues, and relational problems. Why not pay closer attention to the environment of sleep—specifically what we choose to sleep in and on?
The next few articles will break down the essential elements of a luxurious, well-dressed bed. Like most things, there is quite a range in quality and price of each of the elements. You could spend $50 for a king-sized Egyptian cotton sheet set from a big-box store, or you could spend $500 for a similar set from a luxury linens manufacturer. Yes, there are differences—it’s not just a label game. The whole bed (not including the mattresses) can cost around $300 for low-end products to over $5,000 (easily!) for the true, luxury bedding ensemble.
Take the information and make it yours and in your budget. Start with sheeting. Buy the best you can afford or even slightly above. They will last longer, feel better and you are worth it…but more on that later.
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THE GUIDE TO THE WELL-DRESSED BED—DAY ONE:
The basics of a well-dressed bed
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THE GUIDE TO THE WELL-DRESSED BED—DAY TWO:
The foundations: Featherbeds, down comforters and oh so many pillow choices…
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THE GUIDE TO THE WELL-DRESSED BED—DAY THREE:
Sheeting basics: Sateen, percale, cotton and alternative fibers
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THE GUIDE TO THE WELL-DRESSED BED—DAY FOUR:
Bedding design: From simple to elegant, the décor of the boudoir
When we were putting together our office remodel, we knew that we wanted an oversized piece of art over the sectional and we really wanted it to be from a favorite artist that we’ve seen on local art walks. However, it looked to be only a dream when we started pricing those large canvases. Funny how you can overlook such a thing when you’re simply an art observer.
Luckily, we have a great relationship with the store manager where these works are displayed and he suggested that we talk to the artist and have a custom piece commissioned at a price that we could work with. Why had I not even thought of that? A few years ago, I had talked with another artist about commissioning work for a client, but that had faded back into the recesses of my memory.
Our commissioned art by Gavyn Sky "Isn't It Evident" 72"x33" GavynSkyStudios.com
The experience was great and the finished product is perfect. Giving examples from my own experience with the fantastic abstract artist, Gavyn Sky, and additional perspectives from an amazing portrait artist and friend, Nancy Rose, you can see how the process works and how this can also be an option for all who desire a custom art piece and have either specific parameters (such as size or budget) or style preferences.
Commissioned art by Nancy Rose "The Daughters" Oil 44 x 66 NancyRosePortraits.com
The first stage of this process is meeting the artist. Chances are that you have either seen their work and liked it, or were referred to them. In our case, we met with Gavyn at the gallery and walked through, pointing out colors we liked, how we liked the movement in one versus another, and sizing desires. We showed him pictures of our space and the colors we have in the room already and what our (OK, really “my”) vision was for the art. During this time, I would imagine that he was not only listening to what I was saying, but reading deeper into our style, attitudes, “fun factor”…whatever he calls it… to determine a mood to resource from.
For portraits, Nancy meets with a client and assesses what their preformed ideas are about their portrait, including size, where it will hang, the formality/informality of the piece, and who will be included. By meeting with a person at their home, she identifies colors that express their personality.
Budget is often a factor, and both artists are able to work within their clients needs without sacrificing the overall goal. Of course large, life-sized portraits or over-scale abstracts command more “wow” factor, but through their use of medium and scale, they are able to keep the cost within limits.
Abstract artists may choose to use nature as inspiration or let their thoughts flow through stroke and color, influencing the shape and tone of the artwork. For Gavyn, understanding the client and the space helps with harnessing his creativity’s direction. Nancy states that although working from a photo is good for subjects who have time constraints or for pets or small children, working with live models evokes emotion and energy that can only come from a live, breathing being. “With life, all the color information is right there and true, and there is the experience–the interaction between artist and sitter, that is enriching. It is life,” says Nancy.
How do they capture the essence of their commissioner? Gavyn says, “ There is always that mystery with my work in particular. My years of waiting tables paid off in the sense that I was able to get a feel of who I was speaking with and even give them what they wanted before they had to ask for it. ” For Nancy, “Maybe it is magic. It is like magic in the way that some things cannot be explained. The way people live, move, talk, what they surround themselves with, all becomes a feeling I walk away with. When I sit to paint, I take this feeling and cloak myself with it. The personality comes through with expression, the gesture in the pose, with colors, with the direction of the eyes. The cloak helps me find those.”
It definitely is a mystery and maybe it is magic, because when you see the finished piece and it is everything and more than you had in mind, it’s unfathomable that another person could capture all that excitement, energy, life, and emotion on canvas. The depth of color and level of motion all interact directly with the heart, and that makes it more than just art. It’s an extension of you, as it should be.
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Looking for a way to give your room that “WOW!” factor?
Contact me to schedule a consultation and we’ll see if commissioning a piece of art just for you is the answer!
As if the calendar wasn’t enough, the scale confirmed it — the holidays are over. Oy vey! After Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s dinners, parties, and a week-long vacation, the dreaded “d” word (diet) and exercise routine are back on the schedule. TV and radio advertisements are promoting health club memberships, diet plans, and health foods and the world…OK, probably just the US…is resolving to get back into shape and live a healthier lifestyle. Myself included.
If you own any fitness equipment and do not have room to solely dedicate to a home gym, chances are that you struggle to make the treadmill or elliptical machine or even weight rack not stand out like a sore thumb. Here are some easy to find and relatively inexpensive accents that can help you disguise the equipment, function well in both room modes, and look fabulous in the process.
ROOM SCREEN
Use a room screen to hide your large equipment. I specifically recommend a mirrored room screen, as you can pull this out to use while doing weight training. Not only will the mirrors help you adjust your form to avoid injuries, and can also create light in the areas where the equipment is, thus giving the illusion of more room.
PADDED BENCH
A bench is something that is useful in any room — in a bedroom at the foot of the bed, along a table for additional seating, or under a window for a quiet reading area. Use an upholstered variety (like something in real or faux leather) that can be cleaned easily and is sturdy enough for dips, lying down for dumbbell presses, yet comfortable enough to take a break after your 45 minute run.
AREA RUG
Your floors can take a beating with certain gym equipment. Using a heavy-use area rug, like an indoor-outdoor sisal or even some low pile rugs such as berber, will help avoid getting dents in hardwood, chipped tile, or even stains from equipment lubricants. Synthetic rugs are preferable as they will reduce the amount of static electricity which can cause some equipment to malfunction. There are even natural cork rugs, which would be fantastic for their cushioning, anti-bacterial qualities, and low maintenance.
TOWEL RACK
Obviously, the towel rack will hold your towel while you exercise. But, it can also store exercise bands and tubing as well. When not used for gym purposes, pull it out and use it as a magazine rack.
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