Set Staging for Lumens Elle Decor Ad

As a designer, there is nothing more fun, and thrilling, than to put all of the finishing touches together in a room for its grand debut for a client. You work for months, sometimes years for a large project to be completed. Oftentimes, a project may never get to that final stage where art and accessories are all in place.

So....I feel very lucky to be able to be able to work with Lumens Light and Living where I get to design and stage the sets for their print ads which have been appearing in Elle Decor and Dwell magazines for about a year now. Talk a bout instant gratification! I get to choose from all of the products that Lumens offers through their online shop, including designer brands like Missoni, Tom Dixon, Dwell Studios, Jonathan Adler, Ralph Lauren, Artek, Kartell, Blu Dot and Moooi. That just names a few of the furnishings vendors (who also provide amazing lighting design as well!). Don't get me started on the Lighting vendors! Better that you hop on over to their website for the full list. 

After the design is finalized on paper, the items for the shoot are pulled together and we shoot a few weeks later. Then it appears in print about a month after that! While a timeline like this can have it challenges, it is so much fun to see results this quickly! It is just one more reason I anxiously wait for the thud of Elle Decor or Dwell as they drop through my mail slot each month. 

In this latest ad placed in Elle Decor, the focus was on a new light fixture by Kichler. I pulled together elements to create a vignette that is somewhat industrial casual, and a little bit Shaker in feeling. I pulled the Tom Dixon Screw Table with a white marble top and caste metal base. I love that the top can be raised or lowered by screwing the table to up or down. Next, I chose the Mademoiselle Lounge Chair by Artek. Designed by Ilmari Tapivaara in 1956, this chair still looks modern and fresh.... a sign of a true classic. To accessorize, I picked the Eames House Bird by Vitra. No one knows the exact origin, but this black bird is in many Eames house photos. Alessi's La Stanza Dello Scirocco Cachepot by Italian designer Mario Trimarchi is perfect for holding orchids. Raw pine paneling and simple linen curtains create the perfect backdrop.

To get the scoop on each item, you can scan the lamp at the bottom right corner of the Lumens Light and Living ad with your smart phone, or hop on over HERE.

Happy Shopping!

Set Staging in Latest Elle Decor: Lumens Light and Living

I have had the pleasure of  working with Lumens Light and Living, a fantastic lighting and home decor resource, for the past several months. I have been designing and staging the sets to display featured light fixtures, and in this case, ceiling fans in ads for Elle Decor and Dwell magazines. This latest ad is in the July, August 2011 issue of Elle Decor!

  The process for designing the ads is similar to designing a room, but there are some very important differences. I do come up with a design concept based on "imaginary" clients. The client is based on a demographic that is interested in great contemporary design and wants it for their own home. They aren't afraid to "mix it up" and get creative.

I do use items that are available from the online furniture, area rugs, and decor that are offered on the Lumens website. The vendors and brands being offered by Lumens is expanding every day and include favorites like Tom Dixon, Dwell Studio, Kartell, Blu Dot, Artek, Moooi, Missoni and Thomas Paul. This is a sampling of brands in the Furnishings Home Decor section of the website and does not even scratch the surface!  Lighting is a whole other category and includes pieces by designers like Mary McDonald, Ralph Lauren, Tom Dixon, and Jonathan Adler. Truly, the list is just too long to attempt to capture here. I suggest taking a look over on the Lumens website. Click on "brands" to check it out.

So....I do have a lot to work with! After I come up with the concept, I meet with the amazing group at Lumens to make sure we can procure all of the items we would like to use within our time frame. We are working on a project schedule that includes building the set, or "room" if you will. It may include floors, walls and ceilings, but not always. In this set, it did include all three. Next we need to schedule the photo shoot and dress the set with furniture and accessories, and of course the light fixtures! Next, the Art Director does his magic composing the finished ad in time to meet the magazine issues' deadline.

I am lucky to be working with the amazing crew at Lumens, and look forward every month to hunting for the ads in Elle Decor and Dwell!

Right now, I am right in the middle of the process for some new ads that will be coming out in October! Stay tuned....

San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2011, the Dining Room

Grant Gibson, the dapper designer and design blogger is everywhere these days. Whether it is a trip to Columbia shared on his blog and High Gloss online magazine, or his latest adventure with the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House opening May 17th in NYC, Grant gets around!

Most recently, Grant participated in this year's San Francisco Decorator Showcase where he designed the Dining Room. I like to call the design "the Bold and the Beautiful". With his dramatic use of graphic patterns and saturated color, Grant brings punch and fun to a very stately space.

The first thing to catch my eye when I walked into the room was the bold painted floor. The high contrast and the over scaled octagonal pattern makes one smile at the get go. It is beautifully balanced with a more subdued silvery grass cloth wall covering by Phillip Jeffries.

The modern light fixture was a custom made hand blown glass piece made especially for Grant's Dining Room by the Lindsey Adelman Studio. (Be sure to check out their website....amazing stuff!). It is more than just a light source. It is a brilliant way to prominently add art to a space. I am grateful to Grant for the introduction to Lindsey Adelman Studio!

 I think Kelly Green is making a come back with a vengeance. The Dining Room chairs look fabulous decked out in green, and with the addition of the yellow bowls, blue and white urns and pink peonies, there was a fresh exuberance to the space.

 Grant always has a little surprise up his sleeve when he designs. He imagined this room to be a space for everyone, including the youngest members of the family. It is so fun to see a stylish booster chair included at the "grownup's" table. What better way for a youngster to develop an appreciation for beautiful art and design?

Grant Gibson has a way of making everyone feel welcome and cared for. You know it as soon as you meet him, and you can see it in his design work. The Dining Room is the perfect room for him to have designed. It is a place where people gather together, share a meal and good conversation. It is a place that is welcoming and fun, just like Grant!

Mr. Grant Gibson!

For more information about all of the beauty in this fun loving Dining Room, contact

 Grant Gibson Interior Design.

 The 2011 San Francisco Decorator Showcase is fantastic this year. It is open now and will be open through May 30.

 For more information on hours and tickets, please hop on over to their website 

HERE!

Next up, the Kitchen by Tish Key and the Cookbook Nook by Brian Dittmar!

APRIL 2011: ELLE DECOR's Annual International Issue

Looks like a good one....but then again, aren't they all?

Here's a little break down for you:

1. Home of Brazilian designer Sig Bergamin
2. Tim and Kit Kemp of Firmdale Hotels show us their London Townhouse
3. Nabil Nahas Beirut apartment
4. Party tips from Nathan Turner
5. A focus on Kitchen Islands

Here is a preview video from Editor in Chief, Michael Boodro:

Sweet anticipation.

Don't forget the GIVE AWAY for Rizzoli's newest book:

Walls: The Best of Decorative Treatments

Get all of the info HERE

My Work in Elle Decor and Dwell!

Lumens in Dwell Magazine, March 2011

OK, it is not quite the ten page editorial spread....but I am still very excited to be working with Lumens Light and Living in creating their newest ad campaigns featuring gorgeous lighting as well as furnishings and accessories available through the Lumens website and store.

The ad above can be seen in the March 2011 issue of Dwell magazine! I am lucky to have worked over the years with the creative forces behind Lumens Light and Living, owners Ken Plumlee and Peter Weight. Ken and Peter have guided Lumens into an international resource for the very best in residential and commercial lighting fixtures emphasizing contemporary, but providing the best in classic design as well. And if you are looking for creative modern furnishings, fun accessories, area rugs and bedding, Lumens has so much to discover. Best part? Lumens originated right here in Sacramento where I get to visit their flagship store all of the time. (Perfect for meetings with clients when we are choosing their lighting!)

So...what was my role in the creation of the latest advertisements? I had the fun of creating the sets and pulling together all of the elements in the "rooms" you see. For the ad above, I created a "loft" atmosphere by using a brick wall and wood plank floor for the backdrop. I decided on a black and white palette using a contemporary bed from Blu Dot, and bed linens from Dwell Studio. Tom Dixon designed the Screw Table incorporating a Carrara marble top and caste iron base. I love how the height can be adjusted by turning the top one way or the other. The Cubist Throw on the bed is also by Dwell Studio. And the main event? The lighting : The Tear Drop Multi-Light Pendant is by Sonneman.



On Set

Perhaps the most fun part of the project was the photo shoot itself. It was a blast working with Fred and Elizabeth from Photographer Link getting the shots just right. And there were lots of laughs along the way (especially the tree incident...see below).



Fred hard at work

I have been through many photo shoots of completed client projects, but a shoot for an advertisement was a bit different. We were focusing on a small vignette of space in a warehouse large enough the create individual sets for each "room". So I was designing for the shot itself, not a whole room. As you can see in the photo of the set above, I only needed enough flooring for what would show in the shot. The placement of all of the furnishings and the light fixture was determined so that the "star" of the show, the pendant light, was front and center. Perspectives only count on film, so the placement became a little wacky....the table was pushed forward, and the fixture pushed forward farther still. It all came together for a great shot! 

Oh yes....the "tree". Owner, Ken and I decided we needed a bit of life in the picture....so we made a tree...what do you think?

Our "Tree"

 It all came together with the artful expertise of Lumens Creative Director, Drew Newbold, who put together all of the ad graphics and web "article" you see below: 

Lumens Article, on the Web

To get a better look and find out details about every item in the shot, click on over HERE.

The advertisement in Elle Decor was for the Kiev Pendants by Tech Lighting. I think these pendants are classic and fashionable....sort of like the perfect little black dress. So I created a space to match! 

Lumens in Elle Decor, March 2011

I chose a white lacquer desk from Blu Dot, and black Papyrus Chairs from Kartell to furnish a "home office". Wood Paneling on the walls is the backdrop for the Francois Ghost Mirror by Philippe Starck for Kartell. Jonathan Adler frame adds a spot of color.

Here is a little behind the scenes look at all of the little tricks it takes to get the perfect "shot":

Behind the Scenes

A few of the details behind the shoot: the chair in back is placed on lifts so we can see it in the final shot. Pendants are hung from a boom so they can be moved as needed. As you can see below, we moved them forward so the perspective in the shot would be correct.

Strange Perspective

You can also see how far out the sliding shelf had to come to appear like it was just a little bit out in the photo below. And to have the ability to place the mirror properly in the shot, we put it on a tripod so it would be easy to move.

Camera Angle

This ad is in the March 2011 issue of Elle Decor right before the main Editorial section! (I am one page away....grin!).

And here is the ad Article which you can see better HERE:

"It takes a village" to create the final product: Myself, Owner Ken Plumlee, Fred and Elizabeth for the Photography, Drew Newbold the Creative Director, and the coordinator of everyone's efforts, the amazing and tireless Kathy VanVelzer, Director of Marketing. I have to say, I could not ask for a better group to work with.

Many thanks to Ken for asking me to be a part of the team, and for everyone else who made the experience so rewarding!

Keep a look out for the April issues of Elle Decor and Dwell...there are more to come!

And hop on over to Lumens and take a look around! 

Elle Decor Showhouse 2010: Master Bedroom by Jay Jeffers

 What can one say about Jay Jeffers?! Great style, always a sense of humor, elegance, and wit.....in his own terms, "sophisticated fun". Jay manages to brighten up a space just like his smile can brighten any mood.

Jay's Master Bedroom at the Elle Decor Showhouse is no exception. Jay used a backdrop of soothing dove grey in this room and added touches of color to add a bit of drama. Notice all of the details: the gilt nightstands with the hanging lamps above....

The dramatic marble fireplace surround softened with luxurious curtains on either side....the fantastic geometric patterned ottoman with the modern ivory covered chairs...

... Jay even mirrors the ottoman fabric pattern with the tile in the Master Bath. Always thinking, always thinking.

Sigh....I am a fan, it's true. So of course I hopped over to the Elle Decor Website to get every bit of information. You can see a virtual tour of each room, the designers' inspiration sketches, and lots of other fun Showhouse "stuff".

For example,here is a virtual tour with Editor-in-Chief, Michael Boodro:



I hope you have a chance to hop over yourselves!

Oh! And do not forget to enter my fantastic

HOLIDAY GIVE AWAY

HERE!


For a Beautiful Bodmer Baby Alpaca Throw.
I will be announcing a winner December 16th!


Good Luck!!

Elle Decor Showhouse 2010 - Guestroom by Tucker & Marks

Guest Bedroom by Tucker & Marks. Twin Beds: Hand carved and turned pickled ash. Designer's own collection. Bed Linens by Scheuer Linens. Night Table by Bungalow 5. Cashmere Throws by Sandra Jorden Collection

There were so many beautiful rooms at the Elle Decor Showhouse this year. One of my very favorites was a Guest Bedroom designed by the talented Suzanne Tucker and the amazing staff at Tucker & Marks. Sunny and fresh, cozy and luxurious, this bedroom invites us to come in a stay awhile. I was thinking a permanent move might be in order. 

Guest Bedroom, photo courtesy of Tucker & Marks.
Area Rug by Dash and Albert. "Wallpaper" is actually fabric from Suzanne Tucker Home. Pillow Fabrics by Madeline Weinrib care of ABC Home.

 There is a very touching story connected to the extraordinary beds in the room: " Michael Taylor made them for Nan Kempner in 1951 because it was between graduating from College and marrying Tommy Kempner in 1952. Nan's "step-mother" felt Suzanne should have them given her connection with Michael Taylor and that Suzanne knew Nan. So she graciously gave them to Suzanne a few months ago, right before the Elle Décor Showhouse opened."

This little bit of history makes the room all the more interesting. 

19th Century Craftsman Style Bleached White Oak Chair is from Tucker & Marks. Baluster Drinks Table is Clear Murano Glass from The Wicker Works.

Suzanne's work has always struck me as some of the most beautifully detailed in the industry. This room is no exception. I was very impressed by the attention to the smallest details, like the tiny leather welting on the bed pillows that was overlaid with a little whip-stitching. Just lovely.

Vintage Murano Galss Lamps  through DWM Maloos. Mirror by Made Goods available through Mecox Gardens. Blue Shagreen Box through John Nelson Antiques in LA.

 So here are a few more details I thought you might want to see.

Suzanne's Hatley fabric makes a beautiful wallcovring in a custom colorway made up just for the Showhouse!.....from Suzanne Tucker Home. Photo courtesy of Tucker & Marks.

Guest Bathroom by Tucker & Marks. Photo courtesy of Tucker & Marks. Corner Etagere by Artasia. Matelisse Vanity Fabric by Suzanne Tucker Home. Wallpaper by Sister Parish Design.

Glass Mosaic Floor Tile by AKDO.

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did!

Elle Decor Showhouse 2010 - Sexy Basement by Erin Martin

Elle Decor Showhouse Basement by Erin Martin

What can I say about Erin Martin? Brilliant? Playful with a evil sense of humor? Provocative? She is all of these things, but perhaps most importantly, she is a designer who pushes envelopes and creates spaces that are truly unique. Super talented Erin Martin designed the large basement for the Elle Decor Showhouse, styling it as a party pad that seems to cross 70's groove with a bit of Boho chic,shaking it all up with some 007 Bond coolness.

Erin has pulled together some vintage mid-century pieces and Moroccan accents like the coffee table and area rugs, and added custom light fixtures and Victorian portraits ( with irreverent additions) in a way that made me want to stick around til Happy Hour!

 I hope you enjoy it as much as I did....

Basement Personality, Erin Martin

A Master at Shelf Display



Mid-Century Swivel Chairs, African Coffee Tables and Moroccan Area Rugs. Custom Light Fixture made from what was originally a Table Base...wicked!



Back Painted Glass Panels with Gold Medallions, Victorian Portraits with Added Embellishments.

Crazy Cool Art

Metal Mesh Screen Stair Rail. I loved this idea!



Custom Wall Sconce made with Common Electrical Socket Parts.



Erin Martin is nothing if not full of gutsy imagination. I hope she never stops.

If you are hoping to get to the Elle Decor Showhouse to see all of the amazing talent...be quick! This is the last weekend!

For ticket information, check the Junior League of San Francisco Website HERE.

Have a great weekend!

Elle Decor Showhouse 2010 - Kitchen and Breakfast Room by Palmer Weiss

Palmer Weiss' Breakfast Room

More Elle Decor Showhouse! What could be better? As promised, here is the beautiful Breakfast Room and Kitchen designed by Palmer Weiss. Full of fresh ideas and beautiful fabrics and materials, this space shows us there IS a new way to look at blue, white and yellow that is sophisticated and unexpected. 

Kitchen by Palmer Weiss showing Ann Sacks tile

Palmer Weiss used gorgeous Ann Sacks back splash tile above the range, and industrial chic Circa Lighting pendants over the island. Brass IS on it's way back! And this proves that one needn't worry about mixing up metals in one room. It looks beautiful.

For those of us that wan to use Carrara marble but are afraid of the maintenance...try this! Use marble subway tile on the back splash and Caesarstone for the counters. Caesarstone feels just like stone and has no maintenance issues. The look is fresh and easy.

Palmer has a way of putting in refreshing accents that keep things updated and give what could be another white kitchen character and charm.

And a little touch of wallpaper in the little hall to the back yard doesn't hurt one bit!

Rear Foyer by Palmer Weiss

For more information about the ongoing Elle Decor Showhouse and a virtual tour of the Palmer Weiss kitchen, don't forget to hop on over to Elle Decor HERE!

Next up...Erin Martin's sexy Basement Bonus Room!

Elle Decor Showhouse 2010 II - Den and Dining

Elle Decor Showhouse Den by Will Wick

The Elle Decor Showhouse was full of designers that are up and comers. You will be seeing much more of them in the years to come. Will Wick is just one of these designers. Mr. Wick took on the Den off the main hall creating a chic Mad Men atmosphere with a bit of Old English Club thrown in.

Den Bar, Will Wick

There is the obligatory dry bar, ready at all times for shaking up a martini. The papered sliding doors look like they are covered with chips of old ivory or bone.

Den by Will Wick

The brass Klismos chair stole the show in this space...a piece of art. The whole space spoke of the owner's love of travel, art and creature comforts...a good place to lounge, a cocktail, a book about far away places, and souvenirs of places visited...it's all here.

Mr. Wick also designed the Den Bathroom using stone tile to create this gorgeous pattern on the wall. Very handsome! And I do believe brass is making a big comeback! Aged brass if you please.

Den Bathroom by Will Wick

Next up, Steven Volpe's  handsomely moody Dining Room. The wall color is as comfortable as washed  denim, but with a much more sophisticated edge. Comfortable minimalism serves to highlight each piece of furniture to it's best advantage.

Dining Room by Steven Volpe

I particularly like the cabinet with the basket weave carved doors. It was a standout! The art depicting ocean waves casts a spell on the room as well.

Dining Room by Steven Volpe

 My mind was reeling with creative thoughts after these rooms, and I was anxious to see what else lay ahead!

Next up....the gorgeous Kitchen and Breakfast Room by Palmer Weiss. You are going to love it!