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|  | my home office re-design! :: the beginning
Topic: Our Design Experts
Posted by Brett Valenstein ♣ on (Updated 2 months ago)
at long last, i am finally moving forward with plans to spruce up my home office. here are the "before" shots -- i resisted the urge to straighten it up so you could really see how i work ::
Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer
sad, isn't it? no wonder i tend to work in my dining room!
stay tuned for in-progress shots, floor plans, shopping lists, etc!
I'm off to tape {bleh} and get some primer on the walls!
ps if you want a hint as to what is to come, look at the last image in the slideshow ...... what do you think? leave a comment below!!
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| | Elle Decor Does Denver
Topic: Travel
Posted by Brett Valenstein ♣ on (Updated 9 months ago)
How excited was I when I received my December 2009 issue of Elle Décor and saw that Denver was featured in it’s monthly travel guide!? You have no idea. 
Writer Amanda Faison opens the piece with a nod to one of Denver’s more famous residents, Jack Kerouac:
“A gray shroud fell over the city. The mountains, the magnificent Rockies that you can see to the west from any part of town were ‘papier-mâché’”
photo credit: © Blaine Harrington Faison raves about David Adjaye’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and refers to it as a “smoked glass jewel-box on the edge of downtown”.
photographer: © Dean Kaufman
She of course also mentions Denver’s dedication to public art, although I’m not sure the “dancing aliens” at the Performing Arts Complex, the giant 40-ft tall blue bear that peers into the über-modern conference center, or the blue mustang of the apocalypse outside DIA should be recognized, but that’s just my opinion.
]  Of course you can’t talk about Denver’s architecture and public art scene without mentioning Daniel Liebeskind’s Frederic C. Hamilton Building at the Denver Art Museum. The building has no, that’s right — ZERO, 90-degree angles in the 146,000 sq ft space. Every time I visit the museum I feel for the builders on the project.
Photographer: Steve Crecelius for Visit Denver
Faison closes out the article by saying:
“And at its core, Denver is both Western and modern. The intersection of these two ideals—and the distant mountains—infuse it with an optimism that permeates every facet of life. ‘We can build the world afresh,’ the MCA’s Lerner says. ‘That’s the spirit of Denver.’”
I was beyond excited to see that Faison mentioned some of my favorite Denver spots which include: The Curtis Hotel, which boasts very cheeky interiors that appeal to your more playful and irreverent side. Definitely pop by The Corner Office bar —the drinks and bar apps are delish!
 Root Down, a former service-station, now serves eclectic organic fare. The chef adheres to a “field to fork” mentality, which results in very creative natural, local and organic dishes. The food is impressive, but don’t pass up the totally original cocktail list; The Pepper Blossom is divine! { St. Germain elderflower liqueur, Prarie organic vodka, muddled fresh basil, lemon, jalapeno and agave nectar. Fragrant and light with a little kick at the end}
Composition is located in Belmar, which is a little out of the way, but it boasts the most complete offering of my beloved Russell + Hazel products — definitely a dangerous place for the paper-obsessed.
 Lee Alex Decor is by far my favorite vintage furniture shop in the city. It boasts a wide array of well-priced mid-century pieces and has a great selection of vintage barware, costume jewelry and cufflinks. And the lamps! Oh my god, they have the best lamps. I need to go to Lamps Anonymous because of Theo {the owner}. Be sure to chat up Sherry when you go in — she has stories that would make Howard Stern blush. For reals.
Faison, however, failed to mention one of my favorite Denver restaurants — Table 6. The ever-changing menu of seasonal flavors never disappoints, and neither does the wine list. Be sure to ask nattily-dressed owner and sommelier Aaron Foreman to recommend a bottle from the eclectic and reasonably priced wine list. No one does duck like Table 6 — take my word for it.
If you are thinking about making a visit to the Mile High City or are currently a resident, read the full Elle Décor article here: Elle Décor Goes to Denver
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| | Advice from the Design Legends: William Haines
Topic: Our Design Experts
Posted by Brett Valenstein ♣ on (Updated > 1 year ago)
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A former actor on the silver screen in Hollywood’s heyday, William Haines redefined the way stars lived. Under Haines’ discerning eye, the interiors of some of the most famous stars of the day, including Joan Crawford, Claudette Colbert, Carole Lombard and George Burns, became lighter, fresher and more cosmopolitan compared to the often oppressively dark and heavy style that was currently in place.
The new look was called “Hollywood Regency” as it was inspired by early 19th century England. Haines’ work is synonymous with southern California and Hollywood glamour. Hollywood Regency recently enjoyed a resurgence in popularity through the work of decorator Kelly Wearstler among others.
William Haines’ aesthetic vocabulary included tufted couches, lamps with art objects as bases, and Chinoiserie. He also mastered the art of mixing period antiques with his own modern designs.
One of Haines’ signatures was to create one of a kind lamps from objets d’art and custom lampshades, which gave each client’s home personality. These unique lamps would inevitably become conversation pieces. A number of his original designs can be found for sale on 1stdibs:
Exotic artifacts namely Chinoiserie, would also become one of his signatures. Haines' affinity for Chinoiserie can be seen in the bases of these upholstered swivel chairs from 1stdibs:
“When you do a home, you must do it with the feeling that it has been lived in for years. The rooms must look as if there might be carpet slippers beside a chair, and a pipe or two on the table.”
{Visit Design Babylon to read the rest of the article!}
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| | Ten Things to Know Before Designing Your Bed
Topic: Tips & Tricks
Posted by Brett Valenstein ♣ on (Updated > 1 year ago)
One of my favorite rooms to design is the bedroom. It should be a sanctuary and a lot of thought should be placed into the design as you will likely spend a lot of time there.
A component of bedroom design that is often overlooked is bedding. People tend to focus on the fixed finishes, like flooring, paint color or wall paper as well as furnishings, but if you are going to go all-out on your bedroom design, why would you leave bedding decisions to the end? Well-designed bedding can really pull a bedrooms design together and should be an integral part of the design process.
{Note in the above photo how the box spring cover, bolster pillow and window treatments are made out of the same fabric, which visually pulls the room together, as does the consistent use of blue on the coverlet, bedside table lamp and Chinese Chippendale chair.}
Chaz Stevens started Chaz Stevens Design in Los Angeles when he realized that there was a real need for custom bedding in Los Angeles. Bedding was either generic and available in a handful of colors, or overly expensive and fancy. Chaz Stevens Design is To-The-Trade-Only, but Western Interiors magazine featured Stevens and his “Ten Things to Know Before Designing Your Bed” which I’ve included for you below:
Chaz Stevens’ Ten Things to Know Before Designing Your Bed
1. Start Early.
Don’t wait!! Every bedroom has a bed, so when you’re planning the space. do the linens as well. At the end of a two-year design process, people are tired of writing checks. The bedding then becomes an afterthought. It doesn’t get done properly, and correcting it can end up costing even more. {DB Note: Remember anything custom has a lead-time and depending on how busy the workroom is, your bedding could take weeks if not months so plan accordingly!}
2. Thread Count is a myth.
This is a huge, confusing mystery to people. Americans have come to equate thread count with quality, but the reality is that it’s not that important. The finish and the yarn are what matter. A thousand-thread-count sheet can feel like sandpaper because of the way it was woven and finished. So don’t choose by thread-count. Choose by what you like.
3. Understand the language of bedding.
It's important to make sure everyone is on the same page so that you don't think you are ordering one thing but in actuality getting another. How big is a California King versus an Eastern King? One person's coverlet is another person's duvet, so be sure to do your research.
4. Know how things fit.
Take into account the drops and the relationship of the headboard to the pillows as well as the scale of the bed frame and the linens. A pillow-top mattress can gobble up the headboard if it isn’t measured properly. {DB Note: accurately measuring the drop is key -- I once made the mistake of letting a client measure the drop for me and the drop of the custom coverlet was too short to cover the mattress’ profile and I had to have it remade. Insert grimace here.} 5. Down isn’t pretty.
With down, it’s important to know what you’re getting, because it’s a horrible, smelly product. If the down shows up to the store even a little dirty or if it hasn’t been washed properly before going into that pillow, then the dust mites have already been breeding in it for some time {ick} . Our down is thoroughly cleaned. Ask questions about the down so that you know what you are putting your head onto eight hours a night.
6. Don’t shop by price.
When it comes to bedding and even the mattress, higher prices don’t make things nicer. But you also shouldn’t skimp. Your bed should be the one place in the house where you always buy what you like and what feels good to you, no matter the price.
7. Do your research.
The information and the technology are all there. You can’t always count on people in stores to give you the information you need. 8. Know how to care for your bedding.
Don’t use traditional soaps and detergents on your bedding, or it won’t last. Detergent is a heavy cleaning agent. I always suggest spending a little more on non-commercial detergents, which are available at places like Williams-Sonoma or at linen shops.
9. Be aware that retailers often discontinue products.
Upscale linen shops sometimes operate as design houses, so they tend to stop producing their collections. If you decide in another six months that you need an extra set of sheets, love the duvet and want more towels, chances are they’ll be gone. Find out if the linens will be available later on.
10. Thicker doesn’t always mean better.
Again, go by the feel and what you like. For example, the best cashmere is very thin. A thick cashmere blanket shouldn’t cost you more. 
Photo: Elle Decor
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| | 10 Questions to Ask When You are Looking to Hire an Interior Designer
Topic: Tips & Tricks
Posted by Brett Valenstein ♣ on (Updated > 1 year ago)
Photo: Slim Aarons
Hiring an interior designer can be a
somewhat intimidating, if not completely foreign, task. To help
prepare you for this process, I have prepared a list of ten questions
that you should definitely ask a
designer during your first meeting. This list is by no means
exhaustive, just a good jumping off
point!
1. Do I like this
person? Can I spend a lot of time with him/her?
Good communication is key! You could be working with this person for a
couple of weeks or several years, depending on the scope of the
project. The designer will really need to get inside your head and
understand how you and your family live and how you would like to use
your home to deliver a final design that will make you happy. If you
do not like your designer, this “get to know you time” could be
unpleasant and in the worst case, you skip this step entirely and you
do not get the end result that you want.
2. Inquire about the
designer's education, training, experience, professional affiliations
and other credentials.
You are going to trust this individual with your home, so definitely look for educated and
accredited interior designers who can demonstrate their creativity and
talent and display an eagerness to listen and work with you.
3. Ask to see a
portfolio of past projects and references.
If the look you are going for in your project is not represented in the
designer’s portfolio, ask the designer if they will be able to design
in the style you want. Sometimes designers will put together a
mini-conceptual presentation to show they can design in your desired
style, but be warned -- most designers will charge a small fee for this
additional step. Your prospective designer should readily provide
references once you request them. If there is reluctance to provide
this information that is definitely a red flag!
4. Does the scale of my
project really warrant an interior designer?
People often do not realize the time it takes to redesign a home, or
even a single room. Do you have the time and inclination to deal with
all the phone calls, logistics, vendor meetings, and all the other
unanticipated tasks/problems that crop up during any project, no matter
the size?
5. How do you charge for your time?
There are several different ways for an interior designer to charge for
his/her services. There really is no “typical”or “customary" fee for
an interior designer. Your designer may use one of the fee structures
below, or any combination of the three:
- Fixed fee (or flat fee) --
The designer identifies a specific sum to cover costs, exclusive of
reimbursement for expenses. One total fee applies to the complete range
of services, from conceptual development through layouts,
specifications and final installation.
- Hourly fee -- Compensation
is based on actual time expended by the designer on a project or
specific service. The hourly fee can range anywhere from $100 p/hour
to $300 p/hour.
- Cost plus -- A designer
purchases materials, furnishings and services (e.g., carpentry, drapery
workrooms, picture framing, etc.) at cost and sells to the client at
the designer's cost plus a specified percentage agreed to with the
client to compensate for the designer’s time and effort.
(Source: ASID)
More and more designers are now charging a combination of either a
fixed fee (also called a design fee) that covers the time to come up
with the design and cost plus for products and services the designer is
asked to purchase on behalf of the client.
6. Can we stay within my budget?
It is critical that both you and your designer realistically evaluate
your budget based on the scope of your project. If you have concerns
about price, discuss them with the designer. Don’t be shy about asking
the designer to help you optimize your budget. But be realistic, too.
You may need to scale back your project or consider having the work
done in stages. When it comes to fixed finishes and furnishings, the
designer can provide you with several different options to help you
stay within the decided budget.
7. What if I don’t like
the design? Do I still have to pay for it?
YES! When you choose to hire an interior designer, you decide to trust
his/her design recommendations. As a client, your responsibility is to
provide as much information as possible to achieve your desired look.
8. Is it possible to
make changes once the design process has begun?
The key thing to remember when thinking about making a change in the
design is that everything is inter-related and any change you make can
set off a domino-like chain reaction of required adjustments, which
ultimately add time and expense to your project. A good designer will
present you with several options in terms of the design; a good
designer will also listen to your concerns regarding the design and be
amenable to making your requested changes AND will let you know, to the
best of their ability, how these changes will affect the cost and
timing of your project.
9. What if a piece of furniture comes damaged?
Typically, the designer will retain the services of a
receiver/warehouser that will inspect and inventory furnishings as they
are delivered. A good designer will inspect the furnishings as well.
If any damage is detected, the designer and vendor will work together
to come to a resolution.
10. How long does it
take for furnishings, etc to be completed once they are
ordered?
There is no set timeframe, especially when it comes to custom orders,
items coming from outside of the US, or items that are not in stock.
This list should give you a basic idea of what kind of “lead time” to
expect:
- Upholstered Furniture: 10-16 weeks, depending on vendor
- Casegoods: 14-16 weeks, depending on vendor
- Window Treatments: 6-8 weeks, depending on size of job
- Accessories: 4-6 weeks or less
- Rugs: 2-4 weeks for machine made rugs. 3-4 months for hand-knotted rugs
- Wallpaper/fabric: 3-5 days
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| | The Well Thought Out Guest Room
Topic: Tips & Tricks
Posted by Brett Valenstein ♣ on (Updated > 1 year ago)
What makes a good guest room? You probably already know with out really thinking about it; when a host puts a lot of thought into the guest room, you wake up rested and refreshed with everything you need (or possibly forgot).
Here is a list to get you started on creating the perfect guest room (Warning: Your guests may never leave):
- Include some of your favorite books or paperbacks that are not in bookcases in public areas of the home.
- Current issues of popular magazines
- Many of us use guest rooms as extra storage and the closets are chock full of seasonal clothes, sports equipment or other items you have not been able to get rid of quite yet. When you are preparing for your guests’ arrival, carve out some space in the closet (complete with empty hangers) and clear out at least one drawer for the guests to put away their belongings. This will help your guest keep the room tidy which is a win-win for the guest and the host!
- No matter the size of the bed, make sure the bed looks as inviting as possible. Clean sheets (hopefully matching!), a down comforter with an extra blanket or quilt across the foot of the bed and several pillows will always do the trick. Decorative throw pillows will complete the look.
- Lamp - seems pretty self explanatory, but I’ve spent the night in several places with no bedside light and it makes it hard to read to go to sleep when you have to cross the room to turn the (overhead) light out. Besides, I’m opposed to using overhead lighting in a bedroom, unless it’s a twinkling chandelier.
- Notepad and pen/pencil for jotting down thoughts and or numbers
- Alarm clock - so you (the host) are not responsible for the wake-up call!
- Water carafe - you can find great water carafes that uses the lid as a cup
- Scented candle - creates a homey feeling for your guest, and makes them feel special
- Make an extra set of house keys so your guest can come and go as they please.
If your guests are bunking in a room or space that is usually occupied, like a den or living room, make room for them and clean up the area around the bed, especially the bedside table.
One final touch that will make your guest feel like royalty is the welcome note. It can be as simple as a personal note that reads:
“Welcome to my home. I’m so excited you are here and can’t wait to catch up”
You may also leave a more detailed note that may include restaurant recommendations, wireless password, house phone + fax numbers, and any other contact information. You may also include an itinerary for the guests’ visit -- i.e any dinner parties, cocktail engagements or dinner reservations.
Next: The Ideal Guest Bathroom
All Images Brett C. Valenstein. Design by Jeffrey Alan Marks Design
Please check out my official blog at http://designbabylon.com
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| | My First Blog Post {16 October 2008}
Topic: Be Inspired
Posted by Brett Valenstein ♣ on (Updated > 1 year ago)
As the inimitable Coco Chanel once said, "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous. Classy and fabulous are my dream for this blog, a place for me to share my musings on all things design, fashion, style, and entertaining. In short, all things related to "The Good Life."
I am so excited to share my ideas with you and hear your opinions as I continue to discover who I am as a designer!
Cheers!
Brett
Please visit my official blog, Design Babylon, at http://designbabylon.com
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| | It's Saint Patrick's Day, So I Guess I'll Write About Green
Topic: Holidays/Special Occasions
Posted by Brett Valenstein ♣ on (Updated > 1 year ago)
It's Saint Patrick's Day so I am thinking about all things green.
Green beer has never appealed to me, but I LOVE green in the home!
Green is a cool color that symbolizes nature, tranquility, good luck,
and health. Mint and aqua are refreshing shades of green while apple
and lime green are more stimulating and create an atmosphere of joy and
lightness. Darker greens like olive or forest contribute to a calm
ambiance.
I LOVE this green kitchen featured in the 2008 issue of Domino.
The green ( Sherwin Williams Direct Green #6924) is so
bright and cheery and is very reminiscent of Kate Spade's trademark green. It takes
what could have been a rather blah kitchen and adds some interest.
(Photo: Paul Costello)
If bright kelly green is a little too bold for you, the green used in
this living room (a combination of Glidden Longacre #919 and Timothy Straw
#794) might be more to your liking.
Photo: House Beautiful
Green even works well in the bedroom. This pear green ( Benjamin
Moore Pear Green 2028-40) bedroom featured in Domino's
February 2007 issue lends a playful air to the room. The very tailored
nature of the bed and linens keep the bedroom from feeling too wacky.
I also love the gorgeous Kuan Yin porcelain lamp on the bedside table.
Photo: Laura Resin
If painting an entire room green is a little too much for you, there
are tons of home accessories in various shades of green that will add a
pop of color to your rooms.
This adorable ice bucket is from Pieces in Atlanta (be sure to check out
their website for all the other fabulous things they have for sale.
Green and otherwise!)
These green Zombie Tumblers from
CB2 would look great lined up next to the green ice bucket on
your bar for some more St Patty's day flair. Throw in some orange
glasses as well to be truly Irish.
I love these storage totes from Hable
Construction (Available at Pieces) 365 days a year, not just St
Patrick's Day. If you prefer that people not wear shoes in your house,
put one of the totes in your entry and fill it with inexpensive flip
flops from Target or Old Navy so your guests have something to slip on
once they doff their shoes. The tote is also great for magazines,
craft supplies and so much more.
These pillows are so fun and they
look like they are Missoni but only a quarter of the price! What would
I do without West
Elm?
Green is not just reserved for Saint
Patrick's day -- it helps provide balance to a space and is a great
accent. Other options for green accents (beyond green house plants)
are lamps, lamp shades, art, picture frames, decorative glass,
sculpture, pillows and rugs.
May you always have
Walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire!
- Irish Blessing
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