REDesign Interiors

Interior Design by DeAnna Mackensen

Red Wine on My Sofa???

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My last client had some particular needs when it came to choosing a textile for her sofa.  The fabric had to “wear like iron and be washable”.  That was no easy task to undertake as upholstery fabrics are not “washable”.  Choosing the color was easier.  She wanted a black or gray.   I went to work investigating textiles.  I quickly became a fan of Maxwell Fabrics and in particular their Nanotex line.

 Samples in hand I scheduled an appointment with my client.  We took all the samples and spilled water on them!  Droplets of water rolled right off of them!  Hmmm, this was cool-we were conducting science experiments.  Next, we spilled red wine on them. Once again droplets formed and we were able to slide them off of the textile!  I was very impressed and so was she.  Then she wondered about dirt.  She wanted the fabric to be stain resistant because she loves to work in her back yard gardening.  Spoon in hand we sent her husband out to dig up some dirt.  Next she made a mud paste and mashed it into the textile.  Then she followed up with what would be her normal process of getting a stain out.  We were both amazed to see no trace of that mud paste on the fabric.  There was no trace at all.  We were both SOLD.

I became a huge fan of Maxwell Fabrics.  Months later the sofa was reupholstered and my client couldn’t be more pleased.  This sofa went from being a denim floral to a modern, men’s wear inspired gray herringbone.  I will say it “wears like iron and is washable” to a point!

Cheers,  DeAnna

Las Vegas Summer Market

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I recently attended Las Vegas Summer Market.  This is a mecca for interior designers.  Picture three high rise buildings filled to the brim with furniture, flooring, accessories, gifts and more.  It was a sensory overload to observe and I loved every minute of it.

I saw two very distinct trends going on right now.  The first one I will call the Reclaimed Wood Craze.  The second one I have dubbed “Bright, bold and graphic”.  I saw very little that did not fit into these two categories.  The longevity of the Reclaimed Wood Craze has surprised me.  You can rest assured that your reclaimed wood is hanging on.  I was drawn to the bright, bold and graphic and purchased a Surya rug for myself.

A clever mix of the two styles is a wonderful solution.  A trained eye can curate a harmonious home with a mix of your new purchases amidst your past treasures.  You can count on me to bring the most updated trends to Yuba City!

Cheers, DeAnna

 

FURNITURE AS ART = LEXINGTON

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I recently went to the MacQueen showroom at the San Francisco Design Center to learn about Lexington Furniture.  As an artist myself I loved it when the rep said that Lexington views “furniture as art”.  This is a philosophy I apply to my own home.

Lexington is one of the fastest growing furniture companies today specializing in creating a lifestyle just for you.  Their brands include Tommy Bahama, Henry Link Trading Co., and Sligh.  Please check them out at www.lexington.com.

In upholstered goods they have created a custom personal design series where the designer can choose to fabricate your sofa in coordinating fabrics.  For instance if I say “let’s cover the front of the sofa with a vibrant flame stitch and put a coordinating fabric on the back” they can do it!  This personal design series comes in different scale size furniture sure to fit into your home.

     

The sofa I am seated on in the picture at the top of the post is fabricated with linen.  Lexington travels to a small town in Belgium where hand craftsmanship and quality are traits of a true artist.  I was impressed with the weight and feel of the linen.   They also had many colors to choose from.

A quality sofa is something that your family can enjoy for many years.  Pick something that will last.  Pick something made by a true artist.  You will not regret investing in upholstered goods from Lexington Furniture.

Cheers,  DeAnna

 

 

SAN FRANCISCO DECORATOR SHOWCASE

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Rebecca Ward of Rebecca Ward Design and I traveled to San Francisco.  It was a perfect day as we toured the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2012.  The weather was sunny and 70 degrees as we walked down the block to the home.  It was amazing at how beautiful the architecture was in that area of town and especially the home that was chosen for this year’s showcase.  Sometimes I had to remind myself to close my mouth and not drool while amidst such beautiful surroundings.  This was one of those times.  I started the day thinking here I am “following my dreams in sensible shoes”.

Besides being greeted by a security officer you see a wall of succulents on the walkway to the front door.  All the succulents are planted vertically in some sort of foam pad-like fabric with pockets that holds each one.  Not having a green thumb I was very impressed.  Cameras are not allowed in the home but I did manage to find some images of the rooms online from www.tangodiva.com and www.casasugar.com and www.californiahomedesign.com.

Upon entering the home I knew I would be particularly drawn to the textiles, furnishings, and wallcoverings.  I was not disappointed as the home is filled with inviting colors, textures, furniture and artwork.  One thing did occur to me, this year the home was very cohesive in the color palette.  It was as if each designer had coordinated with the others to create an entire home.

One of the highlights of my tour was meeting Colby Proctor of Amy Weaver Design.  It was nice asking him questions about the color palette and the process designers go through to become chosen for the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2012.  It was impressive to me how quickly designs are pulled together for such an event.

Tips I went home with:  Pay attention to ceiling detail through color.  Add some edge banding to drapes.  Windows can be dressed by using double roman shades.  Choose a sheer fabric for light filtering through the space.  Then add a typical roman shade over the top of the treatment.

For more information on the San Francisco Decorator Showcase go to http://decoratorshowcase.org/

I definitely recommend taking the tour.  You will get a wonderful experience and a magazine filled with information on all the designers.

I would say it was a great day in sensible shoes. . .

Cheers,  DeAnna 

 

 

 

Blinds, Curtains, Drapes– What are those?

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Terminology sometimes is a stumbling block between clients and interior designers.  I recently had two clients ask for blinds.  I proceeded to show them sample wood and faux blinds.  They really wanted pleated shades.  It is at this stage that a visual key is helpful.  Here, I have created that visual key for you to understand.

Now the next time you work with your interior designer terminology for window treatments will not be an issue.

 

Cheers, DeAnna

Top Ten on My List in 2012

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The New Year has arrived and with it new possibilities.  I can already feel things turning around and an air of optimism.  I opened my business two years ago and I’m excited to face 2012 with new ideas and a new perspective.  Here are my Top Ten Picks for the year.

  1. Tangerine Tango is Pantone’s pick for the Color of the Year.  It is vibrant, rich, and full of energy.  Use it for that POP of color you are looking for.
  2. Make lighting a focus this year with a sparkly chandelier, glass blown pendant, or sophisticated floor lamp.  Layer your space with general lighting, ambient lighting and task lighting.
  3. Get an upholstered headboard.  There is nothing better than leaning back in comfort while reading a book or watching TV in bed.
  4. Go graphic with pattern in a beautiful rug.
  5. Mix warm and cool tones and textures to get that modern look.
  6. Dress your windows in layers.  Wood blinds + draperies + trims = privacy, beauty & energy efficiency.
  7. A good space plan will keep you from bumping into the table.
  8. Splurge for that new tile.
  9. Do your back a favor get a great mattress.
  10. Take the time to RELAX and reflect in a comfy sofa.
And here it is my 2012 Inspiration Board:
Cheers, DeAnna

 

 

 

I’m a Giant Too Dollhouse Challenge for HGTV

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I'm a Giant Dollhouse Challenge in Cardboard

For a couple of months now I have been building a dollhouse and decorating it.  I’m smiling inside as I reflect on this project proposed by Emily Henderson of HGTV fame.  I insisted on building the home myself and decorating it.  I must admit I got more carried away with building it.  My medium was cardboard and at this point if I never see another piece of cardboard I will be happy!  Everything in the dollhouse is handmade with the exception of kitchen appliances, bathroom plumbing and dining chairs.

I chose to work with cardboard for a couple of reasons.  It is cheap, readily available and recyclable.  I even tried my hand at dumpster diving for some of it!  I must say it is much easier getting INTO a dumpster than getting OUT of one!  My kids and my husband can vouch for that.  I even have a sore back to prove it.  Ahhh. . . it just goes to show my dedication to the project, right?

Interesting facts:  1) The drapery rod is a corncob stick from Chili’s restaurant, 2) The grommets of the drapes are from a bracelet, 3) The drapes are fully lined, 4) The mattress is firm and hand tufted, 5) The sheets and duvet are fully functional, 6) The cardboard Coley Chair is an exact miniature replica of a chair I designed, 7) The floor and ceiling mimic hardwood

I extend my congratulations to the Twitter users I have met during this challenge.  Hats off to Simply Grove, Making It Lovely, White Owletsy, Go Haus Go, Jennifer @ Grizzarkhov and One Forty Three.  I would also like to thank Emily Henderson for coming up with such an addictive hobby!

Here is my Dollhouse.

Cheers, DeAnna

Close up of Bathroom

Master Bedroom

I’m a Giant Challenge from HGTV and Emily Henderson

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The  I’m a Giant Challenge began a few months ago with a blog from Emily Henderson of HGTV fame.  The challenge was to decorate a dollhouse.   Interior designers, crafts people, and more began scouring the internet for mini decorations and dollhouses.  For myself, it became a quest for finding the right dollhouse.  I wanted something more modern and less traditional.  That’s when I got the bug to BUILD my own dollhouse.  I could do this, right?  I could do it with everyday things too, right?  I chose to build my dollhouse out of cardboard in a similar process as Frank Gehry built his Wiggle Chair.  I’m several months into the  process now and asking myself—why?  I chuckle hysterically.  There are nine days left before the deadline of December 15th.

This experience has led to some comical escapades such as dumpster diving for cardboard and asking friends for boxes.  All  of this being done in the name of recycling and sustainability.  It has had moments of laughter as a teeny, tiny bottle of wine was molded out of Sculpy.  It has a led to creating a tiny roman shade.  Right now I am bordering on NEUROSIS.

Here are updated pictures of my project.

 

Here is the first floor of my mini home.  It features an open living space and kitchen complete with handmade furniture, artwork, accessories and cabinets.  This week I will be tackling the upstairs bedroom, bathroom, and the exterior architecture.  While I am nervous about finishing on time I am working diligently.  Cheers, DeAnna

I’m a Giant Too. . . with Emily Henderson

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Emily Henderson of HGTV fame and the show, Secrets of a Stylist, has come up with a Dollhouse Challenge.  The challenge is to make or buy a dollhouse and decorate it.  Spend as much or as little time or money on it but get in there and create something.  The more people involved the better.

Well, that is all it took and I decided to get in on the challenge.  There are people from all over the country taking part in this mini home challenge.  We are all posting blogs and pictures weekly on Twitter.  You can find us there at #imagiant or #dollhousechallenge.  You can find the likes of www.simplygrove.com, www.makingitlovely.com,www.the-brick-house.com , and more.  You can find me at www.reddezn.com and on facebook at REDesign Interiors.

These were my inspirations:

Greenleaf-Dollhouses-Vintage-Travel-Trailer-Dollhouse-Kit

 

www.weburbanist.com

www.cabinfever.us.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The deadline is December 15, 2011 and I am rushing like mad to complete mine.  I wanted a modern mini home and decided to make my own out of cardboard.  I have always loved Frank Gehry’s cardboard furniture and even included my own rendition of my cardboard chair in the mini house.  I call mine the Coley Chair after my daughter, Nicole.

Here is my progress so far. . .

 

 

 

 

 

In the next few weeks I will be cutting 90 more pieces of cardboard, adding wallpaper, flooring and accessories to my mini home.  Join in on the fun and follow along with all of us on this journey of dollhouses.

Cheers,  DeAnna

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Do You Follow on Social Media?

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In this day and age you are hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t have a cell phone, computer, IPod or IPad.  What does that mean to us in the world of interior design?  It means clients can find us all over the web.

Let’s start with the newest thing. . . Pinterest.  It is a visual pin board where designers can create boards that describe your style, your personality and your favorite things.  It is an easy tool to use and clients can see what kind of design you like.  You can find me on Pinterest at REDesign Interiors.  Here are a couple of pins.

thedecorista.tumblr.com

inspired-design.tumblr.com

 

This month I tackled the world of video by getting on www.youtube.com.   I now have a channel on interior design.  You can find it by searching REDesign Interiors.   This is a newly released video discussing design consultations.  My videographer, Eric Jordan, did the honors of filming things for me.  Stay tuned for more videos by subscribing.

Twitter is an excellent way for me to keep in contact with interior designers all over the United States and beyond.  I keep up with Holly Becker of Décor 8, Designsponge, Lonny Magazine, SFgirlbybay, and Simplygrove.  You can find me on Twitter at REDDEZNINTERIOR.

I keep my page on Facebook updated with inspiration and project photos.  You can find me at REDesign Interiors, Yuba City, CA.

Friend me, subscribe, or comment, I look forward to keeping up with you online. . . cheers,