tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69349850248632177322024-03-13T07:48:49.539-07:00paint chip diariesStories of color and design, in paint swatch format.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-64968620950324020112011-03-26T13:56:00.000-07:002011-03-26T13:59:53.068-07:00Milton Avery Paintings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5bVN3kXOxFc/TUU4xHY0nFI/AAAAAAAAC20/YDROVjRLJrk/s1600/1944+Autumn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 804px; height: 610px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5bVN3kXOxFc/TUU4xHY0nFI/AAAAAAAAC20/YDROVjRLJrk/s1600/1944+Autumn.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tfaoi.com/cm/3cm/3cm429.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 377px; height: 322px;" src="http://www.tfaoi.com/cm/3cm/3cm429.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Currently enamored with the forms and colors in the paintings of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milton_Avery">Milton Avery</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-9522624162082279612011-03-26T13:43:00.000-07:002011-03-26T13:52:32.285-07:00Concepts for Small Spaces<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://zittel.artservr.com/artists/resize.php/102/images/767_large.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 720px; height: 540px;" src="http://zittel.artservr.com/artists/resize.php/102/images/767_large.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />It seems like everyday, I'm dealing with the issue of how to pack as much design and function as possible into small spaces. I find conceptual artist <a href="http://www.zittel.org/">Andrea Zittel</a> very interesting in this respect.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-48410232380660093162009-03-25T21:20:00.001-07:002009-03-25T21:24:06.041-07:00Patterned mosaic tile<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wallpaperintrend.com/images/wallpaperintrend_explosive.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 484px; height: 645px;" src="http://wallpaperintrend.com/images/wallpaperintrend_explosive.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I am so in love with this photo from <a href="http://wallpaperintrend.com">Trend</a>, an Italian company that makes mosaic tile with patterns that look like wallpaper.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-28357725392160337292008-08-26T10:08:00.000-07:002008-08-26T10:18:13.074-07:00Ray Fenwick's Life of Mystery<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I2K8EXWqIUM/SLQ5tRoBmMI/AAAAAAAAAC4/JuzqyR6NGYM/s1600-h/rfenwick_poster_lg.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I2K8EXWqIUM/SLQ5tRoBmMI/AAAAAAAAAC4/JuzqyR6NGYM/s400/rfenwick_poster_lg.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238875716526905538" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.tinyshowcase.com">Tiny Showcase</a> just announced a new print by <a href="http://www.coandco.ca/ray/">Ray Fenwick</a> that recalls those old schoolhouse educational posters, without actually being based in truth. This <a href="http://www.tinyshowcase.com/learning/mystery/">Illustrated Guide to a Life of Mystery</a> makes me think of Scooby Doo, Nancy Drew, and all those detective stories I loved watching as a kid. Love it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-10570031146035378842008-06-27T22:22:00.001-07:002008-06-27T22:35:14.239-07:00Before and After Walls<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/2617761162/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2617761162_76a50020b1_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/2617761162/">entryway.jpg</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/paintchipdiaries/">paintchipdiaries</a>. </span></div>In between some more major projects, I snuck in some time to paint my entryway. I use <a href="http://www.re-modern.com/glossary.html">low-VOC paint</a> whenever I can, and since this was an extra small area, I splurged on <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/">Benjamin Moore</a>'s <a href="http://www.myaurapaint.com/">Aura</a> line of paints ($20 per quart). Out of the eco-friendly paint options on the market, <a href="http://www.myaurapaint.com/">Aura</a> has a wonderful sheen and ranks among my top two favorites to use - my other favorite being <a href="http://www.yolocolorhouse.com">Yolo</a>. Next up...the rest of the house!<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-3421223095568543272008-06-13T16:15:00.000-07:002008-06-13T16:35:26.978-07:00Narrow bathtubs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1.hdpi.com/product_enlarged/starck1-700001tub.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://images1.hdpi.com/product_enlarged/starck1-700001tub.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2008/04/bathtub-case.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://cache.gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2008/04/bathtub-case.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I've been on a hunt recently for a well-designed, narrow bath tub for a remodel of a vintage bathroom. The standard bathtub width nowadays is 30", a symptom no doubt of America's new monster homes and growing waistlines. However earlier in the 20th century, everything was smaller, less supersized. The easy solution of course would be to buy a standard tub and end up with less floor space. But that won't do when we're starting out with a 24" tub in a small-enough-already bathroom. So here are a few of the less-than-30" tubs currently on the market, including this <a href="http://www.italian-interiors.com/baths/alupi.html">Antonio Lupi</a> tub above with a built in bookcase, and <a href="http://www.philippe-starck.com/">Phillipe Starck</a> designed <a href="http://www.duravit.com/products/series/starck-x-useo6q3rsu.html">Duravit</a> tub.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-63269095142193121222008-05-04T19:49:00.000-07:002008-05-04T20:01:59.338-07:00Stenciled floors<img src="http://la.apartmenttherapy.com/images/uploads/JA45-large-photo.jpg" width=400><p>I've been looking at inexpensive ways to transform old floors and came across these <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/how-to/stencil-the-floor-0138">Mokko Stencils</a> from <a href="http://stencilgallery.com.au/">Stencil Gallery</a>. The photo shows it used on interior painted hardwood floors, however I would love to see it adapted to outdoor applications such as a porch or concrete patio. Read more at <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/how-to/stencil-the-floor-013801">Apartment Therapy</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-38829693297288646522008-03-19T16:24:00.000-07:002008-03-19T16:28:01.958-07:00Vintage Marimekko<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I2K8EXWqIUM/R-GhJ1j4xxI/AAAAAAAAAB4/8JLnFVSKheg/s1600-h/il_430xN.20745666.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I2K8EXWqIUM/R-GhJ1j4xxI/AAAAAAAAAB4/8JLnFVSKheg/s400/il_430xN.20745666.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179598236821276434" /></a><br />Mainstream retailers like Crate and Barrel made Marimekko popular in recent years, but this company has been around for much, much longer. Check out these vintage Marimekko glasses for sale at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9931436">my etsy shop</a>...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-141657851950548212008-03-08T12:15:00.001-08:002008-03-08T12:15:31.740-08:00The perfect light fixture?<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/558783692/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1314/558783692_9a8028e738_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/558783692/">branch light context.jpg</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/paintchipdiaries/">paintchipdiaries</a>. </span></div>Imagine this... a minimalist bedroom with a spectacular light fixture that casts shadows as if you're sleeping out in the open underneath the trees.<br />It's a simple concept I came up for my clients last summer and I thought I found the perfect ceiling light with this Hollywood one by <a href="http://www.brandvanegmond.nl/" target="_blank">Brand van Egmond</a>. So I ordered it. That was NINE MONTHS ago! (I'll spare you the details of how the 2 month lead time ended up being 9!) I can't wait to get this light installed since the rest of the renovation for my client's home has long been complete. I guess it's a good reminder that even if you're undertaking a remodel with a professional, there are still unforseen delays that can occur with any custom building project.<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-35022652989973098292008-02-22T16:13:00.000-08:002008-02-22T16:16:26.821-08:00Origami TablesI love these new <a href="http://www.re-modern.com/product/MIO-ORIGAMI.html#">origami tables</a> by mio. The <a href="http://www.re-modern.com/product/MIO-RIPPLE.html">wallpaper</a> in the background is pretty cool too. <a href="http://www.re-modern.com/product/MIO-ORIGAMI.html"><img src="http://www.re-modern.com/images/product/mio/mio-origami-context_600.jpg"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-40674268627301632982008-02-13T15:06:00.000-08:002008-02-13T15:26:06.119-08:00New Soul by Nael Naim<a href="http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=-YUxbDEPFiM"><img src="http://aurgasm.us/images/julija/yaelnaim.jpg"></a> I'm usually not one to write about songs, but ever since <a href="http://www.apple.com">Apple</a>'s <a href="http://www.apple.com/macbookair/">Macbook Air</a> came out, I've had Apple's <a href="http://www.apple.com/macbookair/#ad">TV commercial</a> song in my head. Thanks to <a href="http://www.npr.org">NPR</a>, I now know who sings it. <a href="http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=-YUxbDEPFiM">Nael Naim's video</a> is a treat for any nature-loving, interior designer/artist. I just love the photographic mural in her music video. Her album will be released in the states next month. Watch the video <a href="http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=-YUxbDEPFiM">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-66836024069948126402008-02-11T09:23:00.001-08:002008-02-11T09:36:25.975-08:00Window coverings are like marriage.Selecting the right window coverings for my bedroom has been a dating vs. marriage experience. I've been searching for a long time and was seduced by a number of modern graphic contenders. If it wasn't for the exchange rate (about $2 USD = $1 UK), I surely would have gone with these <a href="http://www.bodieandfou.com/productdetail.asp?pid=354&cat=13&subcat=99#">gorgeous graphic shades</a> by <a href="http://www.loveisblind.info/">Love is Blind</a>. Get them from <a href="http://www.bodieandfou.com">Bodie and Fou</a>:<br /><a href="http://www.bodieandfou.com"><img src="http://www.bodieandfou.com/images/products/BF276.jpg" width=100> <img src="http://www.bodieandfou.com/images/products/BF277.jpg" width=100> <img src="http://www.bodieandfou.com/images/products/BF274.jpg" width=100></a><br /><br />I also considered these lovely <a href="http://www.theshadestore.com/category/chilewich/chilewich">Chilewich woodgrain roller shades</a> and ruled them out because <a href="http://www.healthybuilding.net/pvc/facts.html">vinyl</a> is just so toxically bad for the environment. Besides, I also didn't want to have to deal with any potential off-gassing smells in the room where I sleep. I also liked the idea behind <a href="http://www.saumadesign.net/EAalto.htm">Elina Aalto</a>'s city silhouette blackout shades, and ruled those out as well because of the vinyl-factor:<br /><a href="http://www.theshadestore.com/category/chilewich/chilewich"><img src="http://www.theshadestore.com/item-files/gallery/gallery_photo_855313_file_name.jpg" width=195> <a href="http://www.saumadesign.net/EAalto.htm"><img src="http://www.saumadesign.net/IMAGES/betterviewcurtain_1_press.jpg" width=150></a></a><br /><br />In the end, I decided to go with a much more classic solution that still has a clean look to it: <a href="http://www.shadesshuttersblinds.com">Hunter Douglas</a> <a href="http://www.shadesshuttersblinds.com/HunterDouglas-duette-honeycombshades.asp">Duettes</a> with a top-down-bottom up option. While it didn't initially look as snazzy, these honeycombs offer a whole lot more flexibility when it comes to controlling light and with various choices for single, double, or triple-cell construction, will also reduce energy bills and offer some sound absorption. There's also an Architella version that's super energy-efficient. And there are some cord options like UltraGlide or LiteRise, which will either retract or eliminate dangling cords for households with children and pets. A number of places online sells these and I found the best prices for mine at <a href="http://www.shadesshuttersblinds.com">Shades Shutters Blinds</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.shadesshuttersblinds.com"><img src="http://www.shadesshuttersblinds.com/images/Duette-Image-9.jpg" width=350></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-20947605373595554612008-02-02T21:08:00.000-08:002008-02-02T23:14:14.675-08:00Not-So-Neutral BathroomsIt's been awhile since my last post because fall is always so busy when it comes to building projects for my clients. Everyone makes a mad rush to complete construction before the rains start and then move in before the holiday entertaining begins. Here are a couple of recently completed modern bathrooms I designed:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/1590668126/in/set-72157601604412199/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2040/1590668126_60f31a70d9_d.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/1590668126/in/set-72157601604412199/"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1367/1420696848_69df4eb6ae_d.jpg"></a><br /><br />I really believe in adding color and texture to utilitarian spaces like bath and powder rooms. It's a great way to add some indulgence into a room that everyone has to use.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-2018738476495522692007-10-07T23:03:00.001-07:002007-10-07T23:03:21.792-07:00SF Federal Building<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/1512250318/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2292/1512250318_15d86187b2_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/1512250318/">Atrium</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/paintchipdiaries/">paintchipdiaries</a>. </span></div>I recently went to a Harvard symposium and tour at the San Francisco Federal Building featuring Pritzker-Prize winning architect, Thom Mayne of LA based firm Morphosis. This new highrise office building is so green that workplace windows actually operate and there's no air conditioning needed. It's a great example of how good architecture is inherently sustainable. Check out my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries">Flickr site</a> for more photos of this building that's changing the landscape of SF architecture.<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-76578872900946243722007-09-03T21:33:00.000-07:002007-09-03T22:00:05.967-07:00PaintChipDiaries on Etsy!I love <a href="http://www.etsy.com">etsy</a>, I really do. I've shopped there before for everything from wall art to birthday presents. And now, I finally launched my own store. (Because the faster I can clear out my creative stash, the more I can make.) Check out my newly launched <a href="http://paintchipdiaries.etsy.com">etsy store</a> for colorful handmade goods:<br /><a href="http://paintchipdiaries.etsy.com">http://paintchipdiaries.etsy.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-18845425631847952392007-09-03T00:44:00.001-07:002007-09-03T01:17:14.854-07:00Summer building projectsMy, my... where DID the summer go?!! I must apologize for being rather inconsistent with this blog because I'm been so busy with work and design projects. So in case you're wondering what I've been up to, here are a few images from my current construction projects.<br clear="all" /><br /><div style="float: left; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/sets/72157600404897184/" title="Muir Beach House"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1436/1307333599_d1dbd87c1f_m.jpg" alt="" width=380 /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/sets/72157600404897184/" title="Muir Beach House"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1014/1308217868_e28fdbe048_m.jpg" alt="" width=380 /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/1308217868/">Muir Beach Addition</a> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <br> The new deck and storage room near completion. Isn't the setting and views spectacular? </span></div><br><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/sets/72157601604412199/" title="Green Modern Remodel"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1356/1183582781_9cd0137135_m.jpg" alt="" width=380 style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/sets/72157601604412199/">Green Modern Kitchen Remodel</a> <br /> New bamboo cabinets by <a href="http://www.henrybuilt.com" target="_blank">Henrybuilt</a> just installed. Gorgeous <a href="http://www.durat.com" target="_blank">Durat</a> countertops (made from recycled plastic and glass) are also in place. To save the clients money, we were able to re-use the existing sink and re-face the refrigerator instead of replacing it.</span><br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-61944627522004170412007-05-26T00:30:00.001-07:002007-05-26T00:33:20.145-07:00Sizzle Vibration<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/418187705/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/151/418187705_c408c5530f_m.jpg" alt="" width=380 style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintchipdiaries/418187705/">Vibration Sizzle</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/paintchipdiaries/">paintchipdiaries</a>. </span></div>I'm in a red and orange mood.<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-51130794875164552812007-03-12T23:28:00.001-07:002007-03-12T23:30:38.521-07:0011F Blues<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7293833@N02/418182995/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/418182995_398ef01562_m.jpg" width=380 alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7293833@N02/418182995/">11F Blues</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/7293833@N02/">paintchipdiaries</a>. </span></div>Wasn't the sky beautiful today?<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-56307326140000463862007-03-11T18:48:00.001-07:002007-03-11T18:55:56.718-07:00Garden Party<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7293833@N02/418183000/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/159/418183000_a7f956bb27.jpg" width=380 alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7293833@N02/418183000/">Garden Party</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/7293833@N02/">paintchipdiaries</a>. </span></div>Spring makes me think of garden parties. I made this little collage after a Rosegarden neighbor's tree-staking and lunch gathering.<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934985024863217732.post-82218695832156406992007-03-11T18:33:00.001-07:002007-03-11T18:37:35.983-07:00Welcome to Paint Chip Diaries<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7293833@N02/418183003/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/418183003_31c6a5f5c7_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7293833@N02/418183003/">Paint Chip Diaries</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/7293833@N02/">paintchipdiaries</a>. </span></div>Hello and welcome to my new blog!<br /><p>I am a professional Design Consultant who is always experimenting with new color combinations and juxtaposing form. A few years ago, I began making these little sketch collages from excess paint chips and called them Paint Chip Diaries because they are inspired by actual events and things I see everyday. They are real life stories, in paint swatch format. <p>I hope you enjoy my little creations and welcome any comments!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0