The Perfectly Imperfect World Of Wabi-Sabi

I recently attended a Sherwin Williams color forecast seminar. They spoke about what trends we will see in 2018 and what influenced them. Sincerity, unity and connectivity were the three topics of discussion. Some of 2018's trends were based upon silence, Instagram, treasuring your flaws, revamping our sense of community, techies being the new hippies, productivity and environmentalism. Thought provoking and moving as they were, the topic of finding beauty in the imperfect was what stood out to me the most.  How a hyper-local approach allows us to connect with our roots in a sustainable way. They spoke about the world of Wabi-Sabi. It's not the fiery paste that ignites a storm in your nostrils, but a decorating style and way of life. Wabi-Sabi interiors favor a more minimal approach and sees the beauty in timeworn treasures. There is a mutual respect for natural objects which can overlap into our everyday lives. The way one thinks, works and the mindset of becoming increasingly unencumbered. For example clearing the clutter from your home. The more clutter the more one feels distracted from whatever calm your home provides. The Wabi- Sabi approach teaches one to simplify, don't buy what you don't need and take time to block out noise and technology. This approach does not have time for the over-stressed consumer culture.Wabi-Sabi tends to lean into minimalism. In an intentionally modest way, but not in a stark way. One can appreciate the flaw and injured in the Wabi-Sabi thinking. Go ahead and be conscious of a room's unwitting flawlessness. Enjoy the imperfections of your grandparents rich oak dining table, or a crack in vase that makes it more interesting, giving it a greater meditative value. The quirks that can arise in the construction of an object add to it's uniqueness and beauty according to the Wabi-Sabi way. Its patina or visible repairs heighten the love of a space. If you find yourself in favor of this style, then earthy tones is the best way to go. Browns, greens and grey colors with worn unfinished, imperfectly shaped pieces will fit perfectly with the Wabi-Sabi concept. Look for natural handmade fabrics and accessories. Natural stone, clay and wood become interesting in a Wabi-Sabi space as they exhibit changes that can be observed over time. Remember this style  is not a shabby chic . These pieces are not intentionally distressed to look antique they are pieces that have evolved over a natural cycle of growth.  I'm also in favor of letting filtered light permeate our homes. Too much harsh light doesn't give one lift one's mood and general well-being as much as filtered light. A Wabi-Sabi aesthetic is big on hanging thin, gauzy curtains inside.With all that said go ahead and look at some ideas below and get inspired!         

Was That A Pumpkin That Just Fell On My Head? ~Fall Home Decor 2017~

As I was mirthfully walking down the isle of my favorite home décor stores when I was stopped dead in my tracks by the site of brightly painted pumpkins. Yes, that is what I said, pumpkins! The vision of the plastic, pulp free robust symbols of the upcoming holidays got me thinking of Fall. Believe it or not, it’s just around the corner and I’m setting my sights on what hues and home design trends are about make their presence felt. When the weather makes a shift (a slight one for those of us here in Florida), you can make a few modifications to your home as well. There are a lot of trends that are really beautiful, but not everyone wants or needs to give their home a complete makeover. I can show you a few  and easy ways to transition your home to the look of fall 2017.

Velvet!

The beauty in velvet is its ability to speak. It should have an elegant soft voice that’s heard, without over powering the conversation. It’s important to choose one show stopping upholstery fabric and velvet may just be your ticket! The fabric feels luxurious and welcoming for fall. When combined with smooth metals and natural textures it adds visual interest and palpable alleviation. If you don’t have the budget for an upholstered sofa add a velvet throw or accent pillows instead! 

Blush

I am lovingeverything blush! From vintage glassware and bedding to my Sunday Brunch’s eye shadow, this refreshing color speaks of youth and femininity. If you’re not the frilly type popping a blush throw or frame into a space is less serious, and overwhelming.  By coordinating blush with elements and materials found in nature you can create a more contemporary edge and looks stunning mixed with stone and marble. If you are looking for a more ethereal look you can create a space that's monochromatic. No matter how you choose to add this gorgeous color into your space it will certainly keep you blushing.I’m asked what colors look best with blush from time to time. I say it looks great with greys or warm neutrals, and fresh when paired with rose gold metallic or trendy copper. Here are a few of my favorite ways to incorporate the color blush into your home's decor. 

Classic White

Hardly boring, neutral white can virtually go with everything and anything. From glossy to chalky it’s a calm and cool vibe that I love! White adds an inherent easiness to any space it graces. It fits seamlessly into any design scheme or style. I love how crisp white walls can bring a modern edge to a room’s vintage stylings or how a white accessory can pop against a dark wood toned console table. 

Furniture & Accessories That Double As Art

Art is taking center stage this fall. It’s no longer an afterthought or left as the last part of the puzzle. People will be basing their entire rooms around it and I’m not just talking about the art you hang on your walls. I’m talking about furniture and accessories that double as art. We will see interiors that are anchored not only by art but artful design pieces. 

Spring 2016 Color Report- Pantone Color Of The Year

Harmonious and softly mindful are Pantone's colors of the year: Rose Quartz & Serenity.  Their gorgeous pairing bring a refreshing feel to one's home and I feel it's a nice departure from last years rich color, Marsala. They dance to a song of equality and peace. A beautiful story of well being can be told with these calming colors, in this uncertain world. Rose Quartz & Serenity give off a hint of whimsy. A magical being of sorts, created from sweetness and fairy tales. I see these colors working seamlessly not only in home decor, but in fashion and beauty products as well.

SERENITY

I love the color blue! It's been my favorite color from the moment I could feel the beauty in colors.  I love the blue of Key West, hydrangea blooms and my favorite blue jumpsuit with golden zipper details . I think of all that's good in the world when I think of the color blue. It brings a sense of peace and serenity to a mind that stays in constant motion. Pantone's light blue is like a cashmere blanket on a Fall's day. It can bring warmth and serenity to a space with its appearance. Once you acknowledge this pretty shade in a space you can truly appreciate its beauty.      

Rose Quartz

The color pink reminds me of sweet lullabies, cotton candy and pink lip gloss. It's an antidote to the stresses of life. I can see this compassionate color being used in a nursery a serene painting or a few well played accessories . Airy and light, I can see Rose Quartz in both modern or glamours spaces.  Appealing in many finishes this relaxing color can be surprisingly sophisticated and livable. I can see Rose Quartz paired with many colors. I can see it paired with cream, black, gray, teal, burgundy, taup or shade of metallic. 

The occasional chairs are adorned in a rose quartz fabric. The designer at Beasley & Henley Interior Design incorporated serenity into the stripe of the drapes.

Rose Quartz Wall Paint

    

"The Great IKEA Challenge" Part II

Ikea Blog 2When we left off last week we were at the Ikea store, unattractively gaping at the impossibly gargantuan number of options in the furnishings warehouse.(Recap – Beasley & Henley Interior Design has been tapped by Lennar Homes to create 2 unique model home using IKEA furnishings only. This has never been done in a regular single family home! This Blog is our second entry about how we are going to make these IKEA homes happen! Click here to read the previous week’s Beasley & Henley/Ikea/Lennar adventure!)  We find Sam, who it turns out, didn’t sneak off. She is actually elbows deep in huge blue bin searching for coordinating sofa pillows.Let’s stop a moment. This is good time to dispel some of the delusional dreams about the glamorous life of an interior designer. It certainly has its glam-moments, but more often than not you’re elbows deep in a blue bin full of pillows.But anyway…We leave IKEA, exhausted, and head back to the Beasley & Henley design studio. Sam is already diciphering the notes and measurments she wrote on the floor plan and trying to make sense of it all. Was that the Karlstad corner sofa or the Ektorp sectional? Is that number a 3 or an 8?Back at the office Amanda, Sam's assistant on this project, helps sort out all the details, and there are a lot! Along with Sam, Amanda searches the IKEA site for product images, double checks measurements, jots down pricing and slowly begins to put the presentation together for Lennar. At this point Kim, interior detailer, enters the room looking for the furnishings dimensions so she can lay all the pieces into the CAD floor plan with proper sizes and details. Amanda hands over all she has, and not missing a beat, gets right back to the website and her fledgling presentation.According to Lennar Homes, the idea of the IKEA home is to tell propestive homeowners- You can furnish you home in IKEA only and look how great it can look! Not just that, but this is how much it will cost. You can afford that!Of course, it's our job to make it look great, and we will.Amanda hands the pricing list over to Leah, the new assistant. She's quick on excel and soon her fingers are flying across the key board and the pricing begins.A few minutes later I wander over to Amanda and Leah to ask how it's going. When I get a muffled group response of, "It'g going" and no one looks up from their computer screen, I know that means it's a good time to back away and let them do what they do.As I leave I can't help but look at the presentation as it nears completion. OMG this is going to be great!_________________________________________________The phone rings and my Lennar contact is on the other end. She is so excited the thrills are just dripping from her voice.“When will you be ready to show us the ideas for the two models?” she asks. I know she’s trying to be calm, but she’s really revved up to see how we are doing.“Tuesday!” I volunteer hopefully. I’m not sure where Sam and her team are in the process, but I’m pretty sure it can happen.  I figure we’ll be ready on Monday, but Mondays are bad for client presentations. What if something goes wrong late in the process or someone gets sick and you can’t finish properly?  On a Monday there is not much you can do to fix it, but by Tuesday, well, we figure it out!So Tuesday it is. I let the team know.  The response is clear as eyebrows are silently raised in my direction. Their pace picks up and I back out of the room.One more time, selections are checked to make sure they coordinated in color and style with the ‘backgrounds’ in the home (ie the flooring, countertop, cabinetry etc). Each piece of furniture is properly sized for each room. Furnishings are scrutinized again with the end user in mind. Do they match the demographics?  Are the rooms family-friendly? Does each bedroom have a unique personality? Colors are coordinated. Artwork is selected.  Last minute reselections are made where needed. Double check. Triple check.It’s Tuesday. Sam has her water and her game-face on. We load the car with the presentation boards and print outs and head off to the Lennar office.It’s go time!

The Inside Story- What Designers REALLY Do

WHAT DO YOU DO ALL DAY?

Back by popular demand we are reposting our "What Designers Really Do" blog today. We found  a deep interest in our design process and are happy to share it with you again.

I recently met with an intelligent reporter who focuses on architecture and engineering in the media.  We had a good conversation that eventually came around to the subject of interior designers.

Turns out that this well-meaning woman had almost no idea what interior designers actually do.  She knew about furniture and fabrics, which is great, but little else.As interior designers, we live and breathe our work, so it is always a surprise to us when people assume we spend every day picking paint colors and sofa fabrics.Most of our projects go on for more than a year. The important ‘furnishings and fabrics’ part takes place in the last 3-6 months of job. So what could we possibly be doing the rest of the time?  Here is a glimpse into a ‘day in the life’!1. The first stop for any project is a review of the architect’s Floor Plan. We work with good architects so we are always thrilled to get their good floor plans.  But designers and architect’s don’t look at spaces with the same eyes.  We start with a general furniture layout using typical features or even specifics (like, a client may say I need room for my Baby Grand or I have a huge collection of antique books).  We make sure things fit and that the floor plan flows per the furniture plan.  We make sure the doors swings won’t hit the furniture, the windows are aligned to the furniture layout, the walls make sense and are long enough for the client’s fantastic huge sofa or California King bed. We also look at the bathrooms and often make suggestions for changes there as well.TIP: The sooner we are involved in the floor plan the better.  It is a lot cheaper for the client to change things on paper and make sure they are built right, then to change things in the field where every alteration costs money and time. Cha-Ching!2. Lighting and Electrical.  We receive the lighting plan from the architect and make sure it works for what the client told us and how the house flows.  Again is easier to work out problems on paper then with the electrician standing there, waiting for decisions, charging by the hour. Lately, there is often an additional expert, the lighting consultant, on the project.3. Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP).  The RCP is the project’s ceiling details, beams, coffers and other interesting details. Usually the architect gives us the RCP with very little on it.  They know we will create the designs to match the other aspects of the interiors.  This is a huge part of the project and when we create it, we are also consulting with the mechanical, electrical, engineering and HVAC specialists, plus we make sure the new lighting plan works as well.4. Flooring Details. We determine what flooring will go where, like carpet, tile wood, etc. It may not be the exact tile, but at the early stages we determine the concept of what the material will be.  These are decisions that need to be made very early, even before the slab is poured, because the final flooring material will affect the thickness of the slab the builder needs.  And believe it or not, the Flooring Plan goes with the Electrical Plan, because floor outlet locations have to be decided before slab is poured to avoid a loud guy with a huge saw cutting concrete months later.

5. Wall Elevations and Details. At the same time the other design work is being done, we are also creating the details for the walls; creating special detailed features, niches, making sure walls meet up with proper, trim, baseboards, fireplace design and all built-ins and media centers.

   6. MEP (Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing). We also consult with the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing professionals to make sure things like AC chases and mechanical closets are detailed in. If not, we re-draw the plan and make them work.7.Wall textures and base paints.  Walls that are to be painted need a different treatment than those that will get wallpaper or faux or decorative treatments. All these details go on a spreadsheet and are sent to the builder and painter.8. Then comes the ‘Specifications’.  Such as, the exact plumbing fixtures in the project including toilets, showers, faucets etc.; the exact flooring materials and detailed patterns for them all drawn out so the installers can follow the plans; cabinetry and hardware in kitchens and baths are determined or custom designed; countertops decided on often after visits to the marble yard to select exact slabs; lighting fixtures, paint colors, wall textures, faux or decorative treatments; wall paper, etc etc, all set up on detailed spreadsheets for the builder, the client and anyone else who needs a copy.9. During all this,  an introductory color and furniture plan is presented to the client.  This way we know the colors and general style of the home. All the details, ‘specs’ and drawing are all geared toward the meshing with the final vision.10. Then we do furniture. :)THAT is what all the fuss is about.  That is why only a talented interior design firm with dedicated resources and a talented team of professionals aimed at completing all these important steps  should touch your design project!And that, is what we do all day!

Expanding Geographical Reach is Key to Success for Beasley & Henley

Like many businesses today, award-winning design firm Beasley & Henley Interior Design has found that one key component  to keeping their company strong is expanding the geographical reach of their services. Beasley & Henley is a national interior design firm with a strong presence in Florida, particularly Central and Southeast Florida. Recently, they have expanded their reach and are beginning projects in Jacksonville, Palm Beach, Ocala and Gainesville.“We have always traveled for our clients,” explains Troy Beasley, Design Principal. “Now we have the opportunity to do more of it.” In recent years, Beasley & Henley has also completed projects in the Caribbean and China, and bid on work as far away as Saudi Arabia and Baku, Azerbaijan. “The Baku project was a few years ago, and a lot of fun to do. We like just to be able to say we bid on something in Baku, because people invariably say… where?” quips Troy Beasley.Beasley & Henley say long-range projects are no problem because of the ease of using Skype and the Internet, close access to airports, and the normal expectation of a 2-3 hour drive to a project. The firm expects these types of projects to pick up in the next 12 months.

Troy Beasley Interview

Troy Beasley is the principal designer for Beasley and Henley Interior Design. The company works with architects, builders, and private clients from every corner of the country to create beautifully personalized interiors. Troy’s travels through Greece, Italy, and Asia have influenced his tastes in architectural detail, artistic crafts and textile art.1. Which designers influenced you?I can’t site a specific designer or even a group of designers. I look at so many different people! I am influenced by anyone who is creative and artistic. It’s not just designers, but also artists, writers, fabric designers, architects… There’s a long list of captivating creative thinkers. I soak it all up.2. What’s your favorite design style?Hmmmmm…. Eclectic Classical. I like to blend periods and styles. For example, modern artwork used with traditional case goods, and then mixed in with transitional upholstery. Or traditional oil paintings over a modern sofa set beside a funky lamp. It’s a challenge to get the mix right. I love it.3. What’s the essential home accessory (or piece of furniture) you use in your designs?I always look for an odd accessory or an unusual piece of furniture. Something unexpected, like a stool as a side table. I loved it when the petrified wood side tables first came out because they fit perfectly into my search for quirky pieces. I also love to use art books and travel books because they can take you to different places. People love to flip through them.4. Show us a picture of the room you most enjoyed designing and tell us why you love it.I have two. The first is the living room in my own house. I enjoyed designing that (really our entire house) because of the personal connection to my family and what my wife and I wanted for us and our children.Then the club at Luxautica. It’s an exotic car club, a public space, and a great entertainment venue, so I knew a lot of people would be enjoying it.5. What’s your favorite vacation spot?LOL! That is like asking me about my favorite designer! A favorite vacation spot is really any place with great buildings and ambiance. Italy jumps to mind. I love the history and the architecture. Thanks, Jenna from Design Happens

Video: Interior Design Process

Established in 1993 by Troy Beasley and Stephanie Henley, Beasley & Henley Interior Design has grown into one of the most innovative and respected design firms in the world. With a design team led by globally recognized design principal Troy Beasley, ASID, their  fresh and artistic approach to interior design is seen in fine private residences and luxury models throughout the world. Exquisite furnishings and interior details complement their clients unique lifestyles and their discriminating tastes. They utilize the masterful use of textures, colors and details that touch emotions and create the unexpected. In the following video  they will allow us to take an inside look at their design studio as well as the process and mindset that unfolds when they are working on a project.

Watch Video of Beasley and Henley | Interior Design Process

Bold Prints and Moveable Fireplaces Are All the Rage in Interior Design

Troy Beasley and Stephanie Henley, the husband-and-wife team behind Beasley & Henley Interior Design in Winter Park, have been creating eclectic interiors together since 1993. Their distinctive designs have earned plenty of awards and recognition over the years.The couple’s design work is distinguished by its clean, understated modernity expressed in rich layers of high-end materials and finishes. Their spaces feature unexpected design elements, including antique granite, Venetian plaster, industrial lighting and stained concrete floors, combined with classically-designed furniture pieces, sumptuous fabrics and fine details such as nailhead trim and deeply tufted upholstery.They tore themselves away from their fabric swatches and paint chips long enough to share their expert opinions on today’s top interior design trends, as shown in the accompanying photos of their work.

‘Floating’ Fireplaces

Because they use alcohol-based gels or bio-fuels that don’t produce smoke, the latest fireplaces don’t require a wall or a chimney; instead, they “float” in the center of the room. “These creative new fireplace designs can be placed anywhere in a space for a multitude of purposes,” says Henley. “In the condo shown here, we used it as a room divider.”

Dimensional Wall Treatments

3-D applications, including deeply textured wallpaper, multisurface tiles, wave walls and wall panels “give a space visual complexity and depth,” says Beasley. “I like installing a dimensional accent wall in a room with an abundance of smooth surfaces to add contrast and interest.”

Oversized Artwork

A single large piece of art or photography that dominates a wall delivers more impact than a busy grouping of smaller pieces.  “It’s a cleaner, stronger look,” says Beasley.

Shag Rugs

Area rugs with long looped or cut pile (some resemble sheepskin, chenille or bouclé, a heavy looped pile) add warmth and comfort to a space. Beasley and Henley like to use thick shag area rugs to provide a soft, inviting contrast to rooms with multiple hard or shiny surfaces.

Orange Accents

Pops of citrusy shades in artwork, as well as on walls and decorative accessories, instantly bring warmth and energy to a room. “It’s a great color to use in entertaining spaces,” says Henley, who advises balancing this hot shade with soothing neutrals.

Big Prints

Room accents such as pillows with bold, oversized prints are big news this year. “We love bringing in large, bold prints to a space that features understated furniture pieces and neutral tones,” says Henley. “Big prints are lively and eye-catching; they make a space come alive.” Big prints should always be used sparingly, as they can quickly overwhelm a space.By: Denise Bates EnosThank you, Denise.

The Momentary City – Urban piece of Oriental Philosophy

The Momentary City is a delicate sequence in the anonymously ever-chaning cityscape of Hefei, China. Beijing-based Vector Architects have designed this structure to convey a glimpse of sky and an instance of tranquility, filtering dust and noise, retaining light and shadow, plants, delicate phenomena in a subtle hierarchy.The Momentary City is a series of courtyards between indoor space and outdoor city, enclosed by fiber glass grid screens that cast light and reflect the courtyard themes, affording transparency from the outside.With its orientally austere display of warm materials, perforated fiber glass, blonde wood, white surfaces, copper shell and gentle tree silhouettes, the Momentary City is tranquil yet thought-challenging, a refined array of feelings.