Latest on our book: The Westlake Hill Home

In a world where smoky glass triumphs over clear once season only to be “out” the next, and mixed metals go from being risky to stylish, a designer’s main challenge is incorporating new trends without compromising function and style. Another important cue for a designer is listening to the client’s needs. Some times, it is simply too hard to let go of a furnishing that has been passed on from generation to generation.

Our vision for this Westlake Hill’s home? Timeless design. We took the basement, an area that was once a children’s playroom and turned it into the ultimate adult entertainment space adding a glass gym room, wine tasting room/kitchen, vintage pool table and re-doing the staircase. The best part was incorporating vintage elements and nostalgic pieces that not only added a personal touch to the room, but also remained “ageless,” like the homeowner’s engraved dining table and Chinese  armoire. We worked around the concept of keeping timeless pieces and introducing modern twists like the hand-printed wallpaper and wine bottle rack.

Our year in pictures

As we wrap up 2014, Spaces Designed would like to send a big thank you to all of those who made possible the completion of a very successful year.

Here is a look at what 2014 had in store for us.

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Amazing Organization!

Being a designer and a mom, Organization is a key aspect in my day to day life. I am always looking for new ways to creatively and aesthetically fit items that we use daily and keep the counters always clear. It is very important to plan for every little things
to fit inside the cabinets, and not see them all always sitting on the counter-tops. Here are some examples!

Ying Yang Bookshelf- loved it!!

Our latest residential project

As designers, we have to learn to understand our client’s language, much like we distinguish the difference between sapphire and tufts blue. A “modern”, “clean” design might mean something completely different to each set of eyes reading this post. Throughout the years, we’ve learned to read between the lines and really dig deeper and study our client’s individual needs. This has allowed us to produce work that is not only aligned with their vision, but also in line with their necessities.

For our latest clients, a young couple from Austin, we aimed for the midpoint between homey and modern. As lawyers, they were looking for clean lines, but did not want to compromise the cozy aspect of their home.

We first started working with these clients two years ago in re-designing their kitchen. This time around, they were looking to update their 1970’s style bathroom. We custom built their cabinets with a selection of warm materials and finishes, added unique light fixtures, and turned up the drama with back splash tiles for a space that was both modern and welcoming. Just like they envisioned it.   

 

Spain rediscovered

Combining your passion for travel and design can be a great starting point for shaping up your portfolio

My suggestion? Once a year, go to a place you’ve never been before and draw inspiration from there for your next projects. You’ll learn to see things differently through travel, and add a cultural edge to your home.

My latest travels took me to Spain, a country filled with quintessential charm and bold architecture.

First stop, Alhambra de Granada, a palace/fortress, dating back to the 13^th century, located in Andalusia, which stands today as a testament of the influence Moorish art and design had in the country.

The name Alhambra originates from the Arabic words ‘qalat-al-hamra’ meaning ‘red castle’. The name refers to the reddish tones of the interiors produced by the flames of the torches illuminating the otherwise white space.

The main attractions, still visible today, are the fortress and the Nasrid palaces. 7 palaces completed the complex, although only 3 remain today.

The Alhambra gave me a glimpse of Islamic architecture, and its rich ornamentation (minimalistic on the outside, but very elaborate on the inside), luxe details and mysterious essence inspired me to create my new line of accessories. One of the most recurrent themes I found was the irregularity of shapes and extensive craftwork. The combination of geometric shapes, light and color is something I’ve incorporated in my own work.

 

 

Next stop, The Mezquita arches of Cordoba. Cordoba, once the capital of Moorish Spain, has a world of heritage and the best of Islamic design. This church, adorned with columns of marble, onyx and granite, is nothing short of grandiose. Layers of culture adorn what is now a catholic church, seamlessly blending the ornamentation of medieval Islamic architecture with gothic elements brought forth by the Catholics.

 The mosque portion boasts horseshoe arches, cascading columns with Greco-Roman type design (collected from Roman remains in Cordoba). The Catholic influence steps in with elaborate pointed arches and stained glass windows. My design take? Mix, mix, mix! Different cultures blend beautifully. The trick is knowing where one influence ends and the other begins. 

A look inside our latest project: The Austin Emergency Center, South Lamar

Hospital settings don’t need to be dreary and outdated. We proved this to the Austin community with the completion of Austin Emergency Center’s new location on South Lamar. 6 months went into the planning and execution of this project, which began with the selection of the right materials, and ended with adding finishing touches like zebrawood and vibrant artwork to the 7000sq ft. space. We crafted our concept with you in mind. Our goal was to create a space comfortable and welcoming for patients, visitors and staff, and we achieved it!

Creating a health care interior from scratch can be a tricky project to undertake. The development is not always just about enhancing the appearance, but also, about creating a workspace where form meets function. Our concept was built around integrating modern, but comfortable furnishings, playing with warm, inviting colors, adding cloud lights to incorporate subtle curves, and creating an overall relaxing atmosphere.

This is what this space looks like today, after the Spaces Designed’s treatment.

Market Musings

What is design? Literally speaking, it’s an object or a project that serves a function. Look around. Can you spot a design? We are not speaking solely about buildings or automobiles. See that tree near that interception you cross daily? Isn’t that design? Isn’t its wood functional for furnishings? And at the same time, doesn’t it radiate beauty?

As you can deduct, design is all around us. Sometimes all we have to do is look in a different direction. That’s why we headed over to the Dallas Market to get a fresh dose of inspiration for 2014, and boy where we in for a ride! For those not familiar with the term, markets are design centers which house resources for designers and other trade professionals. Luckily for our readers some are also open for the public periodically. Markets feature one-of-a-kind pieces and the hottest new products.

Our findings?

It’s time to swap those light fixtures. LED will continue to be a hit in 2014, only bigger and better. Stores like YLighting offer unique and contemporary designs with impeccable craftsmanship.

Out with monochromatic and in with radiant orchid, neon greens and jewel hues. The color of the year must have been a sign because 2014 is as packed with color as Miami Beach in the summer. From hand-blown glass fixtures to decorative pillows and carpets if you like to be on top of the latest trends, you cannot fail to ride the color wave.

Our tip? The next time you are in a design rut go out and explore! Design is everywhere, just take the time to appreciate it.

2014 Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid

After all of the seafaring colors of the past couple years, corals and turquoises, we think this new year deserves a twist in another direction. That is why we are fully on board with Pantone’s choice for 2014: Radiant Orchid. Richer than lavender yet more vibrant than violet, this color is modern, fresh, and fun. Here are some inspirational photos to get your creative juices flowing in the spirit of the New Year!

 

 

 

Feature in Austin Home Magazine

Hello all! We are honored to show you a feature of Spaces Designed owner, Komal Sheth, in Austin Home Magazine. Komal was asked her opinion her favorite chair…take a look at what she said!

MICHEAL CHAIR // COLLECTIC HOME // STARTS AT $2,200
“This beautiful piece, with it’s feminine styling and attractive curves, is my favorite chair. The selection of two-toned upholstery makes it a standout statement piece in any room.”

You can also view a full-page version of the feature here!