Soul Journ

"The color intensity is the first wave that hits you, then it's the seeking of voice amongst the silent, life-etched facial lines of the portraits." ~ Kevin Obregon

In his very first solo show, Tyler Sharp's exquisite travel photography explores the beauty and richness of global ethnicity and enduring culture. Through vivid candid portraiture, resplendent landscapes and sublime architecture, the roots of our past converge with our universal future. As we move away from the wasteful, indulgent life style of recent decades, we can look to the tribal essence of enduring cultures for inspiration and connection. Tyler's point of view elegantly captures the soulful character of his subjects, personifying the cultural ties that bind us as an ecumenical community. Simple black frames and crisp white matting focus attention on the organic essence of the alluring images. All pieces are National Geographic worthy, and would be a fantastic addition to any modern or traditional interior space.

Soul Journ runs October 1 - 17, 2009 at The Cube Creative.
Artist Reception October 3rd 6-9pm.
Share on Facebook

Diego Rivera's Cubism

Girl with Artichokes [Muchacha con alcachofas], 1913

Currently on display at The Meadows Museum, at SMU, is a wonderfully curated show featuring the cubist works of Diego Rivera. I was particularly drawn to the earliest, transitional pieces. The somber, muted color pallets, and haunting expressions are captivating. Also on display are paintings by some of Rivera's contemporaries, which clearly illustrate the depth and departure of the cubist movement. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself inches away from an obscure cubist landscape by Pablo Picasso. As the story goes, it's the one that ended their long friendship. Well worth a visit.

Share on Facebook

Because...Why Wouldn't You?

A little leopard goes a long way....so why not this way??

Share on Facebook

Barstool Brings Sexy Back!

Dear Phillipe,

Thank you for this most sexy of barstools! It was love at first sight.. then I sat in it...omg! One arm? Polished aluminum? Are you kidding? I'll never look at another stool again, I promise!

Your's Truly,
Annilee


Kong Barstool by Phillipe Starck
Available at Design Within Reach

Share on Facebook

Why not just white?

"Color has the ability to emphasize aspects of art in a way that white cannot."


This is a great article about the use and selection of wall color from the perspective of an art gallery. This technique can translate to any interior. As I begin to design a space, I always start with an inspiration piece. Many times this is art, but can also be fabrics, rugs, or stone.

Read the full article here: STIR Magazine

Share on Facebook

Visualizing Vignettes

I love this idea of building vignettes to experiment with selections. Visualizing the design concept can be so difficult, even with the best renderings and sample boards. This technique truly illustrates the final look by showing how each element relates to each other and to the surrounding environment. Bridging that ubiquitous gap between concept and reality will definitely give the client a great sense of trust and confidence in their decisions and their design team.

I would select the traditional red roof for the long term classic value. I prefer the mullions on the 4 lite casement over the single hung window, but I would still use the blue accent color on the mutins, sash and fascia.

Where could we use that gorgeous blue roof...?

Article by Candy Evans of Dallas Dirt.

Share on Facebook

Sha-Do

I love how a seemingly simple object can create such a beautifully intricate pattern with light and shadow. Reminiscent of other everyday elements that can transform a space -or an experience- completely.

From German designer Peter Buning.

Share on Facebook

Fireplace Beauty

I finally found the perfect thing for my empty hole of a fireplace....Glass Logs! These beauties are cast from 2300 degree molten glass in sand impressions of actual wood, by artist Jeff Benroth. Being glass, they are decorative only, but they reflect and refract and sparkle so fantastically. Each piece is signed and numbered.


Share on Facebook

Pittsburgh Project

My residential remodel in Pittsburgh is well underway and looking fantastic!
Here's the "before" and "during" photos.

Share on Facebook

I heart Funky Floral

I came across this quirky designer from Los Angeles. Marguerite Inman, working under the title Velvet Spade Designs, creates witty narrative scenes by blending plants with unexpected vintage and new materials. With titles such as "Drinkin Buddies" "Monkey Mist" and "What the Buck" these plant sculptures are instant conversation starters.

Share on Facebook
Velvet Spade's Myspace

Unexpected Dining

While working in Pittsburgh, I lunched at Bistro 19, located in the picturesque Mt. Lebanon area. The township, first settled in 1773, is filled with the narrow streets and stone cottages, feeling very old world and charming. The interior design of the restaurant is a fantastic contemporary contrast. Rich mahogany, basalt, slate and oak bring an earthy warmth to the fairly minimalist lines of the space. The front wall is comprised of folding windows that open completely, making the entire space an al fresco experience. Oh, and the food is fabulous...try the Grilled Salmon Salad!

Share on Facebook

I Love Money....

...as Flooring!

What a beautiful way to repurpose! En masse the pennies create a cohesive, warm and almost old world look, yet each penny has it's own character and patina. I am wondering how it will change with age and what it sounds like when walked on in stilettos.

NotCot

Share on Facebook

Inspiration does exist...

...but it must find you working.
~Picasso

"Ox Cart" by John Huke.

In my design work, I always start with an inspiration piece. Sometimes it will be a rug, sometimes a fabric, but many times I look to fine art. Researching for a client recently, I rediscovered the wonderful surreal paintings by John and Randy Huke, a husband and wife team from Austin, Texas. Their transmundane works are intellectual and dreamy, full of fantastic colors and recondite imagery.

Huke Art Website

Share on Facebook

Melt Meee...

New from Italian glass studio, Andromeda Murano, is the hand made "Melt Meee" collection of chandeliers. I love the Rococo styling made ultra chic with a literal twist. Asymmetrical balance and the juxtaposition of traditional and funky evoke a comfortably uncomfortable feeling that is certain to be the ultimate conversation piece.

Share on Facebook

BUA update: Another Painting

Here is another painting by Justin Bua currently on display at The 4th Wall Gallery. Did I mention how much I love these??

Original Post

Share on Facebook

BUA Show @ 4th Wall

This weekend, I attended the opening party for Justin Bua at The 4th Wall Gallery. Most of the works displayed were of the unmistakable urban style for which he is famous. However, there were a few selected new paintings that I found to be a fascinating departure. The tiny (5x7) acrylic nudes are soft and sophisticated, with beautiful brush work and moody atmosphere. I was very fortunate to meet the artist and discuss the works personally. He is passionate about painting from life, and captures the female form beautifully. I hope to see more of these paintings!

Share on Facebook

Or....

How about these fantastic Agate Platters!

From Vivre.com

Share on Facebook

Like Buttah....

I love the idea of using natural stone for anything possible. How about using this idea that upscale restaurants have been doing forever --- a tiny slab of marble as a butter dish! What an elegant alternative to the ceramic cow.

Share on Facebook

Fabulous Repurpose

Local entrepreneur, Fleetwood Hicks, turned a deserted Dallas warehouse into a fantastic loft style home. A great mix of contrasting elements, color, texture and light create a gorgeous interior.


Article by Brittany Edwards, Photo by Michael Ainsworth
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/lifetravel/stories/DN-nhm_hicks_0613gd.ART.State.Edition1.217d8ba.html

Share on Facebook

Easy Floral

Lilies from the market, Philodendron and Oak cut from the garden, contemporary vase and recycled river rocks: Easy Floral!
Share on Facebook

Remodel in Pittsburgh!

I have a new kitchen remodeling project coming up -- in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania! Thanks to a wonderful local client, who is relocating.

I am looking for a General Contractor in the Upper St. Clair area. Any referrals?

Summer Blooms!

My new favorite...the Bubble Gum Lantana! A beautiful, hardy Texas native...I love it!

Share on Facebook

Plans become Reality

Remodeling can seem like such a daunting endeavor. When we see all of the planning take shape into reality, the result is worth the wait. Here you can see the progress of this Dallas kitchen remodel. We are removing part of the dividing wall to create a wonderful entertainment space. The wall turned out to be a structural part of the home, so an architect was consulted to engineer a 12' support beam. Next, we will be adding Eco-Chic recycled glass and concrete countertops, & hand-scraped hardwood floors. Check back soon to see more progress!

Remodeling On the Rise!

"The residential remodeling market showed signs of improvement during the first quarter of 2009 with significant growth in all indicators, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI). The current market conditions measure rose to 34.5 from 25.5 in the fourth quarter of 2008. Future expectations jumped to 30 from a historic low of 18.6 the previous quarter."

Before...

After!

http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5943505,00.html?nl=HGPro_v217c_Top5-recovery

Registered Interior Designer

Q: What sets a Registered Interior Designer apart from a non-registered interior designer or decorator?

A: The Professional Interior Designer is qualified by education, experience, and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces, for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

http://www.iida.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=379

http://www.tbae.state.tx.us/OneWord/QandAonIDtitlerestrictions.shtml

Global Headquarters

The CEO's office at this global corporation needs a total overhaul! The goal is to create a modern classic space that reflects an international, well traveled, sophisticated style. Mixing elegant contemporary pieces with beautiful eclectic antiques, custom handmade fixtures, and layers of texture and light will bring richness and warmth. The addition of specially collected artifacts from the company's offices all over the world will add an air of authenticity and global connection.

Wedding Flowers

I went shopping today at the wholesale floral market. It was so great and smelled so wonderful! I bought all of the flowers for the wedding that I am decorating this weekend. The flowers are all in bud stage, and must be allowed to bloom in warm air during the week. Check back next week for photos from the wedding!

Magazine Article...!

I received a phone call today from a writer at national magazine publication. She is writing an article about technology, the internet and Interior Design. We had a great conversation! I can't wait to see the article. Check back for updates and links!

Dining Room Update

Before:

After:

A fun, eclectic mix of textures, shapes and colors coordinates beautifully in this dining room re-do. The new glass block window and metallic paints sparkle against the warm wood floors and earthy brick walls. An abstracted rose motif is repeated in the chenille fabric on the newly upholstered chair and ottoman, in the designer iron chandelier, and in the texture of the ceiling treatment. The repetition of circles and squares adds another rhythmic element. The unexpected Flokati rug softens the space, adding comfort and luxury.

Friday the 13th 2009 - The Movie

Last summer, I was called in as an Interior Design consultant and Buyer for the new release, Friday the 13th. Set in legendary Camp Crystal Lake, the ill-fated cast vacations at a gorgeous cabin. The director, Marcus Nispel, wanted authentic high-end Arts and Crafts style furnishings for this set. My friend Randy Huke, a wonderfully accomplished Artist and Set Decorator, hired me to research and shop. I found that the original Gustav Stickley designs are still being made as they have been for over 100 years. Production purchased many pieces, including the sofas, chairs, tables and bedroom furniture. Here you can see the on-set photos, and a film grab from the trailer, showing the finished cabin set.

See Also Linda Merrill's blog: http://silverscreensurroundings.blogspot.com/2009/02/friday-13th-2009.html

Sophisticated Whimsy

Inspired by the fantastic rosette iron chandelier, a dramatic ceiling is the focal point of this mid-century condo's dining room. Textured Anaglypta wallpaper with a fun and funky circle pattern is juxtaposed against classic bead trim, and center medallion. The treatment was hand painted and faux finished with 3 different metallic paints. (Yes, I painted the faux myself!) The overall effect is subtle and sophisticated whimsy!

**See Dallas Dining Room post.

**More Updates soon!

African Art Show

Yesterday we were visited by an art dealer from Mali, Africa. Brahima specializes in authentic African tribal art that he imports, and supplies to museums, universities, and private collectors. He spread out blankets and displayed the beautiful masks, sculptures, baskets and currencies right on the driveway! Much of the art is over 500 years old! It was an amazing experience and unbelievable lesson in African antiquities. (All the pieces are available for sale.)

University Park Updates

The old wallpaper is gone, the old carpet is gone, and the old cabinets are almost gone! Beautiful new solid wood floors, new Shaker style cabinetry, Giallo Fiorito granite, and Egyptian glass wall tiles are on the way in!

Annilee B Ramirez, ASID

I am now a professional member The American Society of Interior Designers!

Concept Kitchen

Today’s kitchen is a multi-functional haven, blending an über-functional layout with eco-friendliness and style. Activity zones flow seamlessly, allowing a busy family to spend time together. Central is the cooking zone: where a traditional work triangle is updated by secondary appliances and fixtures, and miles of work surfaces. Drawers provide hidden trash, recycling and composting bins. A walk-through pantry serves even the most prolific big-box shopper. Nearby, the study zone enables parents to monitor homework and internet time, while also providing a station for the ubiquitous cell phone chargers and Ipod docks. Dining and lounging intermingle in their own zone. The sofa, upholstered in outdoor fabric, is the perfect companion for the flat-screen tv. Whether hosting the Girl Scout troupe, or a wine tasting, the duel entertainment zones will oblige. Pass-through bar tops connect the adjacent family room and the patio, where the awning window swings up to create an open air bar.

Style mixes with function creating the perfect recipe. Here, traditional meets mod, and eco goes glam. Warm bamboo cabinets, bright quartz countertops, sleek stainless appliances, sparkling recycled glass mosaic and earthy cork floors compliment and contrast each other. Natural light is fully utilized with sky-lights. The color palette is a play of light and dark, and neutral and day-glow, tied together by a circle theme that pops all around the room. This bright mix creates a fresh, inviting atmosphere to which family and friends will gravitate for years to come.

Happy New Year!

New Year, New Projects! 2009 is off to a great start! Check back for updates....Happy New Year!

Dallas Dining Room

Before
Design Plan
This 1950's Townhouse gets an urban loft makeover with a new glass block window, painted ceiling treatment, contemporary iron chandelier and fun mix-n-match furnishings.

University Park Kitchen Remodel

Before
Design Plan
To update this 1980's kitchen we will be opening up the space, reconfiguring and re-staining the cabinetry, and adding new stone countertops and a glass tile backsplash. Stay tuned for construction photos, selections and updates!