Exciting News coming soon!
In the meantime, I'm knee-deep in drawing classes and enjoying the start of a fantastic internship with Michelle Bexelius, co-founder of EcoRemedi.
Michelle has been hard at work for many years now, creating environmental awareness everyplace she goes. Her business is making your business (or home, or school, or office) as pure and sustainable as possible without breaking your bank. She does it stylishly, too. And with my help, she'll be delving into how to do this by using local resources, materials, goods, artisans and artists!
What a wonderful way to be able to finally bring you that green goodness I've been gushing about for months (years).
Yay!
Stay Tuned for the Goodness...
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Well, that was awkward.
So much for the idea of bringing all things green and new and exciting to you while working on my drafting assignments and thesis. At this juncture, I must offer an apology. I am, indeed, sorry.
However, I am also hopeful.
My dear friend, Katey, has schooled me in the ways of creating a more visually arresting blog and I'm bound and determined to overhaul the look of my blog by the new year. So, that's me backing up and taking baby steps forward (Hey look! I made a link!)
Because, I figure if I delve into the ways of presenting such enlightened info to you in a more beautiful way...I'll be that much more likely to actually do it. Taking time out from school to post another blah blog is depressing. I refuse to do it, obviously.
I am therefore heretofor making resolutions to:
1) Stop writing so darned much when I post here.
2) Post pics way more often.
There. I said it. Out into the air...well, into the ether anyway. In the words of my hubby,
"Visualize, Crystallize, Actualize."
However, I am also hopeful.
My dear friend, Katey, has schooled me in the ways of creating a more visually arresting blog and I'm bound and determined to overhaul the look of my blog by the new year. So, that's me backing up and taking baby steps forward (Hey look! I made a link!)
Because, I figure if I delve into the ways of presenting such enlightened info to you in a more beautiful way...I'll be that much more likely to actually do it. Taking time out from school to post another blah blog is depressing. I refuse to do it, obviously.
I am therefore heretofor making resolutions to:
1) Stop writing so darned much when I post here.
2) Post pics way more often.
There. I said it. Out into the air...well, into the ether anyway. In the words of my hubby,
"Visualize, Crystallize, Actualize."
Friday, August 21, 2009
How do I leave this world?
It's a question that 's been burning in my mind for some time now.
I'm deep in the throes of edumacating myself on all things Interiors, and now the question burns even brighter because part of my focus as a student is on Sustainable Industries. I learn a little bit more each week about the burden we humans have created for the Earth and how we might be able to bring that to a halt.
It is becoming abundantly clear that we, as a species, may no longer be able to backtrack and bring ourselves back to the clime and clarity of the times during which we grew up (I'm talking 1970's, early 80's here folks).
We may be able to throw on the brakes though, because it is also true that we are far more aware, in this era of "green", of the indelible marks we leave in our wake as we consume and build and tear down and throw away...it is true that, at least coastally, the United States is starting to wake up and smell the coffee.
It is the smell of fair-trade coffee brewing that we sense wafting in on the smog-filled breeze.
We are opening up to the ideas of reuse on a commercial level. We are now expecting contractors to recycle their building waste. We are entertaining the thought of using LOCAL materials to build in the first place. Giant material making corporations are putting time, effort, and big money into utilizing clean wind and solar energy to run their facilities, as well as choosing cradle-to-cradle routes for the materials they produce. Finally!
I'll be spending my free time bringing you tidbits of sustainable news from the world of Interior Design. I'll also get back to some promises I made to you earlier...raves about Donald Kaufman Paint, as well as who are my favorite contractors and subs in Portland. I'll probably also start talking about a new piqued interest of mine, Universal Design (the design of all things from a humane and practical aspect--think ALL bathroom stalls being wide enough for ANYONE with disabilities- not just those wheelchair bound-- to turn around in) and how to make it an affordable, beautiful, and viable option for commercial interests in any state.
SO, check in with me from time to time and I'll tell you what I know! I'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to post comments.
I'm deep in the throes of edumacating myself on all things Interiors, and now the question burns even brighter because part of my focus as a student is on Sustainable Industries. I learn a little bit more each week about the burden we humans have created for the Earth and how we might be able to bring that to a halt.
It is becoming abundantly clear that we, as a species, may no longer be able to backtrack and bring ourselves back to the clime and clarity of the times during which we grew up (I'm talking 1970's, early 80's here folks).
We may be able to throw on the brakes though, because it is also true that we are far more aware, in this era of "green", of the indelible marks we leave in our wake as we consume and build and tear down and throw away...it is true that, at least coastally, the United States is starting to wake up and smell the coffee.
It is the smell of fair-trade coffee brewing that we sense wafting in on the smog-filled breeze.
We are opening up to the ideas of reuse on a commercial level. We are now expecting contractors to recycle their building waste. We are entertaining the thought of using LOCAL materials to build in the first place. Giant material making corporations are putting time, effort, and big money into utilizing clean wind and solar energy to run their facilities, as well as choosing cradle-to-cradle routes for the materials they produce. Finally!
I'll be spending my free time bringing you tidbits of sustainable news from the world of Interior Design. I'll also get back to some promises I made to you earlier...raves about Donald Kaufman Paint, as well as who are my favorite contractors and subs in Portland. I'll probably also start talking about a new piqued interest of mine, Universal Design (the design of all things from a humane and practical aspect--think ALL bathroom stalls being wide enough for ANYONE with disabilities- not just those wheelchair bound-- to turn around in) and how to make it an affordable, beautiful, and viable option for commercial interests in any state.
SO, check in with me from time to time and I'll tell you what I know! I'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to post comments.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Did I mention that I love paint?
Yup. I do. It is bar none the most forgiving design tool in my quiver.
When we moved into our "new" old house in March most of its interior walls had been hastily clad in a thin wash of get-this-house-on-the-market white. Yesterday I took time out between studying and researching materials to open up a quart of chalkboard paint and carefully applied it onto our entry room walls.
This chalkboard paint hales from Benjamin Moore (of course) and, once on the wall, takes on a slight hint of indigo. It is more of a rich and dreamy navy than a black. I think it looks fantastic and can't wait to see my husbands reaction.
The artwork in the foyer really pops now. Black walls, when done well, can elevate children's art to gallery-worthy in a heartbeat.
Once I had the walls up, I found I just couldn't stop. I lugged out a can of medium gray-taupe and painted the handrail (after I washed it - oh, man WHEN was the last time that thing was washed-ewww!). Incredible what a fresh coat can do. Then I painted the stringers with the same color.
Next up was a deeper, more olive-y taupe with which I painted the risers of the staircase. I love how painting those boards defines the zip-zag of the steps.
When I woke up this morning, I STILL had paint on my mind. So, I pulled out a couple of sample pints and set to work on the wall under the stairs. Dried Mustard, Sienna Clay, Soft Pumpkin, Butterscotch, Roasted Sesame Seed..
I'll make the final decision with hubby and post pics when its all done.
Now back to my research.
(not nearly as fun as paint)
When we moved into our "new" old house in March most of its interior walls had been hastily clad in a thin wash of get-this-house-on-the-market white. Yesterday I took time out between studying and researching materials to open up a quart of chalkboard paint and carefully applied it onto our entry room walls.
This chalkboard paint hales from Benjamin Moore (of course) and, once on the wall, takes on a slight hint of indigo. It is more of a rich and dreamy navy than a black. I think it looks fantastic and can't wait to see my husbands reaction.
The artwork in the foyer really pops now. Black walls, when done well, can elevate children's art to gallery-worthy in a heartbeat.
Once I had the walls up, I found I just couldn't stop. I lugged out a can of medium gray-taupe and painted the handrail (after I washed it - oh, man WHEN was the last time that thing was washed-ewww!). Incredible what a fresh coat can do. Then I painted the stringers with the same color.
Next up was a deeper, more olive-y taupe with which I painted the risers of the staircase. I love how painting those boards defines the zip-zag of the steps.
When I woke up this morning, I STILL had paint on my mind. So, I pulled out a couple of sample pints and set to work on the wall under the stairs. Dried Mustard, Sienna Clay, Soft Pumpkin, Butterscotch, Roasted Sesame Seed..
I'll make the final decision with hubby and post pics when its all done.
Now back to my research.
(not nearly as fun as paint)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Hi, Dad!
Just a shout out to my father. Thanks for being you. Hope you enjoy that big ole' pot of beans!
I love you,
D
I love you,
D
Friday, July 10, 2009
All is Aflutter in Design Land...
Yesterday marked School Orientation for moi. It also heralded a new era of crazy-busy for my family. We are doing our best to manage the madness...
If it weren't for the white write-erase board in the kitchen, all could be lost. As it stands, we have tamed the beast with black ink for husband's sched, blue for the boy's, and red for mine...so far red is winning. Sorry, guys.
This cavalcade of color keeps us from running into one another during our busy days. We can look at the calendar from across the room as we are speaking on the phone, making our plans for the week, and see exactly who is doing what, when. All because of color and the way we are coercing it into an organized pattern of to-do's and done's, I can's and no way, I can'ts.
Amazing what havoc even the slightest oversight of scheduling can wreak on the overall mood of a home or office. Forget to ink in one teensy 9am appointment that is meant to be attended by two different parties of the same organization (be this hubby and wife, or account manager and art director), and zip, POP, bang! We have a major meltdown.
And so we thank the beast, and feed it regularly with timely ink. We also give it a good cleaning at the end of every month. Seems to bring it back to life a bit...the recognition of it's orginal surface must help it bear the load of yet another thankless month!
And speaking of thanks.
I'm going to take this opportunity to thank my family for their undeniable support over the past few years. They have lived without my constant hovering for that long! They have tackled laundry, dishes, playdates, and lawn-mowing...and done a fabulous job of it to boot.
There are many long months ahead of us now as I strive for my BFA. I'm banking on togetherness, organization, and immaculate communication to pull us through. And as I'm banking, I want to say thank you for being there for me, for each other, and for yourselves...for believing in me, and for knowing you have in you what it takes to get things done! In helping yourselves, you help me help you.
I'm so grateful and I love you both madly.
If it weren't for the white write-erase board in the kitchen, all could be lost. As it stands, we have tamed the beast with black ink for husband's sched, blue for the boy's, and red for mine...so far red is winning. Sorry, guys.
This cavalcade of color keeps us from running into one another during our busy days. We can look at the calendar from across the room as we are speaking on the phone, making our plans for the week, and see exactly who is doing what, when. All because of color and the way we are coercing it into an organized pattern of to-do's and done's, I can's and no way, I can'ts.
Amazing what havoc even the slightest oversight of scheduling can wreak on the overall mood of a home or office. Forget to ink in one teensy 9am appointment that is meant to be attended by two different parties of the same organization (be this hubby and wife, or account manager and art director), and zip, POP, bang! We have a major meltdown.
And so we thank the beast, and feed it regularly with timely ink. We also give it a good cleaning at the end of every month. Seems to bring it back to life a bit...the recognition of it's orginal surface must help it bear the load of yet another thankless month!
And speaking of thanks.
I'm going to take this opportunity to thank my family for their undeniable support over the past few years. They have lived without my constant hovering for that long! They have tackled laundry, dishes, playdates, and lawn-mowing...and done a fabulous job of it to boot.
There are many long months ahead of us now as I strive for my BFA. I'm banking on togetherness, organization, and immaculate communication to pull us through. And as I'm banking, I want to say thank you for being there for me, for each other, and for yourselves...for believing in me, and for knowing you have in you what it takes to get things done! In helping yourselves, you help me help you.
I'm so grateful and I love you both madly.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Powell Paint Center LOVE
As a designer, and a homeowner, when I need quality paint I go to Powell Paint Center here in Portland, Oregon.
Even though I live in NoPo, I will drag my tired little self down to 52nd and SE Powell at 7:30 in the morning if my clients are in need of paint samples.
I do this because the staff at PPC have been “doing” paint since 1961. Because they are friendly and answer questions with earnest know-how and a smile. Because no color match is an issue. Because they’ll greet my requests for draw-downs with only half a groan. Because they are paint gurus and their pricing is fair. Because they represent lines such as Benjamin Moore, Pratt & Lambert, Yolo, etc.
To be sure, I’ve been gaga for color since I was a child. My favorite place to be, when I was young, was biding time in the aisles of my hometown hardware store while my father bought salt peter and fishing licenses…I spent loads of time perusing the paint chips, picking out colors that spoke to me and pocketing them because I could, marveling at the hues and tones and variety.
Colors have always reminded me of life…cooking colors, nature’s colors, colors you can’t find ANYWHERE in nature, colors that spoke of home and hearth, and of travel. These color chips could do anything…in my mind, they could change an entire landscape or a life.
I still feel giddy nearly every time I walk into Powell Paint Center because the entire back wall of the store is filled to the brim with color. I see endless possibilities when I walk in through the door. I see fresh interiors and exteriors that imbue their owners with a sense of pride and accomplishment, whatever ambiance they intend to convey.
You can find me at Powell Paint Center every Thursday afternoon, from noon to 3pm, where I give free color consultations to folks looking to change things up in their homes and offices. I spend between ten minutes to an hour with each person, exploring their needs and coming up with color solutions that resonate with them. Often they walk away with small, inexpensive sample jars of paint, or at the very least giant paper/paint chips that will greatly inform their decisions. Their gratitude is abundant and it always fills me with contentment. Sometimes these consultations turn into larger paid projects and fieldwork, and often they turn into friendships.
It is always interesting to me that what comes to me naturally as the ability to know which colors go well with one another is often a foreign concept to the men and women I help each week. It feels so good knowing that I get to send them up to the front desk with thoughtful color selections well in hand, up to the good people who know more about paint formulas and applications than I do.
I often follow my clients up to the front desk to hear for myself more about which paint is preferred for painting over rusty metal or concrete steps, or how to determine which nap of roller is best for which wall texture. I truly learn something new from the staff at Powell Paint every week! My clients walk away with high-quality paint, color that is intensely personal, and the knowledge of how to apply it well the first time. I love this place.
So, if you find yourself in need of fresh new color this season, please consider becoming a patron of Powell Paint Center. And if you want help determining the perfect palette, you know where to find me!
I’ll be back soon with details about an incredible line of paint from famed New York-based artist, Donald Kaufman, now offered to the Portland Metro area through Powell Paint Center. I’ve never seen a more beautiful, painterly paint! I’ll be gleaning more hard facts about Donald Kaufman’s paint this week and next, and look forward to sharing what I learn!
‘Till then…Happy Spring!
Portland Store
5205 SE Powell Blvd
Portland, OR 97206
Phone: (503) 775-3642
Fax: (503) 775-5216
Tigard Store
12540 SW Main St, Suite 120
Tigard, OR 97223
Phone: (503) 620-7522
Fax: (503) 620-8697
http://www.powellpaintcenter.com
Please mention my business name, Haven Maven Interiors, to receive a courtesy discount of 5% at the Portland Powell Paint Center. If you would prefer to work on color selection with me, you will enjoy a 10% Designer Discount when you place that paint order. Call me today to schedule a $100 90-MinuteColor Consultation! If you feel your project scope will require less time, my fee is set at an affordable rate of $35/hr.
I look forward to serving you!
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