Greetings, design friends!
Scandinavian architecture and design has had a major influence on my work, ever since spending a semester in Copenhagen in 1995. It was then that I was first introduced to the works of Finnish architects such as Alvar Aalto and Eliel Saarinen. Over the years, I’d come to love and collect pieces from many Finnish designers including Oiva Toikka’s glass birds, Marimekko’s vibrant textiles, and Klaus Haapaniemi’s mystical illustrations and prints. So it was a dream come true to visit Helsinki this summer, and see so many of my favorite designer’s works in person. We visited Alvar Aalto’s original home and studio, still furnished with the furniture he and his wife Aino designed in the 1930’s. Other highlights included visiting Tempeliaukku church, with its dramatic play of sun and shadow cast on the interior granite rock walls. Helsinki’s modern public library delighted with its undulating roofline and dramatic yet whimsical interior details. Just across the Baltic sea, we also spent a few days in Tallinn, Estonia which is a storybook town of centuries-old stonework, turrets and towers. I returned from the trip so fulfilled and inspired by all of the beautiful design I got to experience!
Inside my 600-year old hotel room in Tallinn, Estonia
Top row: Helsinki Public Library; Middle row: interior of the Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) in Helsinki; Tower wall view of St. Nicholas Church in Tallinn. Bottom row: interior of Alvar Aalto house.
Project Spotlight:
Retro Kitchen Design
Just a few months after finishing my client’s master bath and upstairs renovation, I was surprised to get her call: “Tamara, I’m ready to re-do the kitchen!” We laugh about it now, but living through a renovation is no joke. Still, she was already eager to get going on the next project. Having worked together before, I know my client loves color- especially blues, greens and pinks. Taking inspiration from Miami art deco and 1950’s streamlined design, we pulled together a concept for a fun, colorful space accented by curved corners. The old kitchen had a tricky T-shaped layout broken up by a long, skinny island that was difficult to maneuver around. We made the layout more accessible and efficient by swapping out the island for a peninsula. This also allowed us to add more wall cabinets, which were fitted out with specialized hardware and dividers for maximum organization.
Key project elements included:
- Full-custom cabinets with flat panel doors and glass knobs/pulls
- Contrasting bar cabinet in natural white oak
- Curved end panels to add softness and flow
- Playful tile selections on the backsplash and floor
- Maximized storage features including a floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinet with interior pull-out drawers, and full-access corner storage pull-outs
A vertical fluted tile wraps the curved front of the island, while a fun pink and white fan tile accents the bar area backsplash. The oak bar cabinet has customized arch doors to echo the art deco motif in the floor.
An extra-long custom banquette with curved ends and channel-tufted top sits under a new bay window. The natural cerused oak dining table was made-to-order to fit the space.
NEW VENDORS
Simply Amish
Simply Amish offers a range of hand-built solid wood tables, cabinets, and seating. They have a number of contemporary designs which can be customized in size and wood species/stain. We used a Simply Amish crescent base table in our featured project shown above.
Masaya
Masaya produces a range of wood furniture using re-forested and sustainably sourced teak. Skilled artisans in Nicaragua create the colorful woven designs on their seating. I love the bold patterns and am excited for the right project to come along for these beauties!
RECENT BLOGS
Room Styling Tips & Tricks
Styling secrets I’ve learned as an interior designer
Designing a Cat-Friendly Home, Part One
How to create a space where your cat feels confident and safe
Designing a Cat-Friendly Home, Part Two
Material choices to withstand everyday cat-tastrophes
FAVORITE FINDS
I saw it, I loved it, and I want you to know about it!
This seriously stylish silk tassel lampshade caught my eye when I was looking for the finishing touches for a client’s entryway table. Lampshades are an often overlooked way to add a unique accent to a space. I like pairing a fun lamp with a bold lampshade for double the impact! There are a variety of distinctive options which are hand made in the Netherlands, available at Maison Flaneur.
I’ve been eyeing these hand-made bobbin-style picture frames for awhile. Something about the beaded texture and glossy colors is so appealing. We’ve taken some recent milestone photos (anniversary, graduation), so I splurged on a few new frames to display at home. Find them at Bertola Home Studio.
Klaus Haapaniemi is a Finnish artist and designer whose work I’ve admired for a long time. I was so excited to visit his boutique in Helsinki! His nature-inspired designs are evocative of a magical midnight garden. In addition to pillows and tableware, Haapaniemi has a beautiful line of fabrics and wallcoverings perfect for a dreamy bedroom, library or den. See more at Klaush.com.
I purchased this set of pillar candles from LAWA Candles to use in styling my recent kitchen photoshoot, and I liked them so much now they’re gracing my dining room! Made in Los Angeles, they come in a variety of stunning sculptural shapes. The perfect statement piece for an entry console, shelf, or cocktail table. Find them at LAWACandles.
NEW SERVICE: PERSONAL COLOR ANALYSIS
After 25+ years selecting colors for interiors, I decided to put my trained eye to a new use: helping clients find their best personal color palettes. Just like any space can benefit from the right colors, people can too! I’ve been interested in personal color ever since reading “Color Me Beautiful” as a child in the 1980’s. Today, a new generation is discovering color analysis and is eager to get color-typed. I decided to pursue my interest professionally, and became certified through the Your Color Style system. In the past year I have draped dozens of clients, ranging in age from 15-90, of all skin tones. It’s amazing to see firsthand what a difference the right colors make to enhance an individual’s natural features. To learn more or to book an appointment, visit colorbytamara.com. Use code VIPCLIENT for 10% off your private draping session.
Want personalized, expert guidance to define your Signature Style and implement it in your next home project? Send us a message today!