http://www.susandoris.com/blog en susan@susandoris.com Copyright 2011 2011-03-06T16:02:17+00:00 /blog/post/moca_exhibition_the_art_of_seating/ /blog/post/moca_exhibition_the_art_of_seating/#When:15:02:17Z 200 Years of Chairs - Currently running at MOCA thru April 3.  Here’s a peek at what you will see.  Check it out! I LOVE mid-century modern and the chair above was my favorite of the exhibit.  Granted, it is not for everyone’s home, but it sure is fun and what a great conversation piece.  Here is a look at a few more . . . “Grasshopper Armchair” by Eero Saarinen, beautiful bent wood frame with fully upholstered moulded plywood seat shell, circa 1947-48 ‘High Stool’ from renowned architect Frank Gehry.  This cardboard construction stool was initially conceived as low-cost furniture, its design, along with 13 other pieces in the “Easy Edge” series, was so successful that Gehry withdrawn them from production after only three months.  Gehry feared that his ascendancy as a popular furniture designer would distract him from realizing his potential as an architect.  Circa 1972 Don’t fear, if you love a more traditional chair, there are many of those on display as well Fun In Design 2011-03-06T15:02:17+00:00 /blog/post/mid_century_elegance/ /blog/post/mid_century_elegance/#When:13:47:56Z Check out this exquisite tile from New Ravenna How is that for a backsplash!  Imagine the possibilities with this pattern . . .  in addition to a gorgeous backsplash, it could also create a clean, cool, elegant bathroom.  This design is creatively made with a marble background and a limestone pattern.  It is made to order so it can be purchased in a 24” sq or as a section of overall pattern.  There is even a listello.  You can find this product locally at the Tile Market in San Marco. Cool Ideas 2010-05-19T13:47:56+00:00 /blog/post/trends_from_high_point_market/ /blog/post/trends_from_high_point_market/#When:15:55:21Z Just returned from the spring furniture market in High Point, NC and thought I would share some of the new trends in interior design. Its seems that the green movement is in full force, every turn at market exudes an earthy, organic feel and much use of recycled or sustainable materials.  Popular fabrics were linen and cottons with applied hand stenciling and screening.  Lots of monograms on everything from the expected pillow to the unexpected ottoman.  Another consistent trend was the use of detail through geometrics on furniture.  For example, nailhead, fabric or wallpaper applied to the face or side of a chest to form a unique pattern.  All designed to create a one of a kind look.  Check out the wing chair below upholstered in linen and hand screened with the subway stops of New York City.  With regard to recycling, notice the work of art above the sofa in the mid century vignette. Scrap pieces of furniture . . . legs, arms, rosettes were applied to a board and painted one color to achieve a dimensional work of art. Design Trends 2010-04-27T15:55:21+00:00 /blog/post/staircase_picture_wall/ /blog/post/staircase_picture_wall/#When:20:31:48Z Ever wonder how to hang art or family photos on a staircase wall?  What works, what doesn’t?  Take a look at this stunning wall and suggestions for making your staircase a success! More times than I can count, I have been asked to consult on a staircase wall.  What do I do with this massive wall, what is the highest and lowest I can hang pictures, do all of my frames need to match?  These are just a few of the questions I have encounter.  Take a look at this striking staircase.  Notice how low the pictures are hung.  It works doesn’t it!  I always feel it is important to have some sort of consistency on a staircase wall, whether its using the same color mats, or one frame color (but different styles).  Or in this case, a few different frame colors, but with similar styles or dimensions.  It is always best to have a good plan before you start to hang on a staircase wall.  I usually start by laying my finished frame dimensions on a scaled elevation drawing.  Doing a mock-up on your floor works too.  When stuck, call a professional to help you achieve a stunning look! Cool Ideas 2010-04-08T20:31:48+00:00 /blog/post/color_therapy_for_your_home/ /blog/post/color_therapy_for_your_home/#When:21:08:26Z Have you ever considered that the color of your dining room, bedroom or any room in your home could play a role in setting up a particular emotion or mood?  Or, how about the way a bowl of bright green apples displayed on a table make you feel. Colors have the power to not only evoke a feeling, but attract attention, make a statement and even make you feel younger.  By selecting the right color, you can effectively influence your mood!  How about influencing your mood by bringing color into your home through alternative uses other than wall color.  Below are colors and the emotions they evoke along with alternative examples of use. Orange Orange can expand your thinking, reduces self-consciousness, stimulates activity & appetite and can even encourage socialization.  Use orange when you want to feel younger, more fun!         *  Bring orange into your home through use of candles, vases, accent chair, area rug Red Red inspires passion & promotes courage.  It is a stimulant and exudes self-confidence.  Use red to remind you to live life fully and with enthusiasm.         *  Ever consider a red sofa? You should!  Or how about a collage of picture frames on a wall filled with black & white family photos.  Red lamp shade or wallpaper Purple Purple enhances compassion, encourages increased spirituality.  It can be calming to mind and soul.  Use purple to experience friends AS family.         *  Book covers, yoga clothing, candles, drapery panels, tassel trim on a pillow Blue Blue exudes a sense of peace and aids in intuition.  Blue is trustworthy & dependable. Use blue to bring ease into the home and harmony into relationships.         *  Pillow cases, patio ceiling, upholstered headboard, rain boots Green Green IS nature!  It promotes tranquility.  Green is refreshing and relaxes us mentally.  It assists in alleviating depression, nervousness and anxiety.  Use it to rejuvenate yourself and promote physical well-being.         *  Live plants, pillows on a sofa, dish towels, fresh fruits and vegetables in the kitchen Yellow Yellow increases optimism, happiness and focus.  It can stimulate creative thoughts and improve mental agility.  Use yellow to feel balance and fully alive!         *  Coffee mug, lemons in a bowl, vase of sunflowers,  decorative pottery, ceramic sun Brown Brown is associated with all things organic.  Evokes a feeling of wholesomeness and connection to the earth.  Use to feel at one with nature.         *  Twigs in a vase, beamed ceiling, bamboo plates, wicker accent furniture Black Black is the most powerful color.  It has the ability to evoke strong emotions.  It is mysterious and leads to direction and possibility.  Use when in need of strength.         *  Picture frames, pottery, rug borders, black leather ottoman White White projects purity and cleanliness.  Aids in mental clarity.  Encourages us to clear clutter.  Use white to enable a fresh beginning>         *  Bath towels, drapery panels, countertops, bath accessories           Ideas In Color 2010-03-25T21:08:26+00:00 /blog/post/my_first_blog/ /blog/post/my_first_blog/#When:20:38:59Z Check out my new website and blog, Su Casa! This is the first of what I hope will be many posts.  My intention is to provide a medium for sharing my philosophy and passion for interior design, as well as what inspires me.  I plan to talk about not only my work, but also the work of other creative people who are endeavoring to design in ways that are relevant to the times that we are living in.  I plan to post current projects and images that highlight particular concepts that I find interesting, timely and beautiful.  To achieve a focus that will be new & fresh, stimulating, articulate, passionate and inspiring will be my focus! Design Trends 2010-03-25T20:38:59+00:00