Frequently asked Questions

One of the most frequently asked questions via emails is

"what color did you use in this bathroom you designed?"

Well , After about the 100th time of answering this question individually (honestly it's more :) ) We've decided to tell the rest of you as well what is is. On HOUZZ.COM it's been added to over 1387 idea books and it's just a great color!   

Color on walls:

Benjamin Moore : Sherwood Green HC-118

Click below and see what the buzz is.....

Popular bathroom on Houzz.com  and
Zen Bath on HGTV.com

Timesless bathroom.

It's one of the most asked about bathrooms we've designed .

We get an email about this bathroom at least once a week.  Our HGTV viewers Love it!

Can you guess how long ago we designed it?  

Taking Business to Another Level

I just finished reading this book called The Business of Design: Balancing Creativity and Profitability by Keith Granet. I absolutely loved it! And it couldn't have come at a better time in my life, as I am about to embark on some new ventures of my own. I will definitely be applying some of Keith's suggestions! Perhaps with the right preparation and some more success, I may be lucky enough one day to hire Keith to help me with my licensing and product developments.

In the 17 years I've been in the design industry, I've never read a book that so clearly and accessibly breaks down the fundamentals of running a successful design business. Keith draws on his wealth of experience from working with many successful designers and design firms. He also brings to the table the wisdom, tips and tricks he has learned over the years . His book is a summation of the sort of education you can't get in school; it's the stuff you can only learn on the job.

The Business of Design is a great book because it has something for everyone. Whether you are a student of design, just starting out or a seasoned designer like myself, you will learn something from this book about running a successful business and how to help your business make money.

Let's face it, designers are creative people. And like most creative types, we often think about our projects from an artistic perspective and forget that the business aspects are just as important as creating beautiful designs for your client.

Keith knows this and he also knows that as a result, a lot of designers end up short-changing themselves or getting overwhelmed with “annual operating budgets” and “managing profitability.” But he also knows that when designers who run our own businesses have effective management skills and efficient management systems, we can free up our brainpower to focus on the artistic side of the job that we love so much.

That's why chapter two – “Business and Financial Management” – was my favorite. This chapter really makes us designers think about things we should think about more frequently, instead of just once a year with our tax accountants.

Keith offers many suggestions and key tips for success, but perhaps my favorite reminder is that we have the power to say “No.” It's hard to remember that not only can you say no to projects, but that there are certain times when you should say no. It's a realization that comes with time for designers, but once you get to a point in your career where you understand that, it's a wonderful thing. At first, it is hard to say no to projects. You worry that if you say no to this project, you not get another one. But remember that every project you take means another project you will have to pass up, so you can wait for the right ones.

Keith suggests that you listen to your gut. He gives you six easy questions to ask yourself when considering a new client:

1. Do I like the client? 
2. Will this project advance my goals for the firm?
3. Can I work with the client?
4. Does the client appreciate my expertise?
5. Does the client have the proper budget to build this project?
6. Are all the members of the team people I can and want to work with?
7. Have they offered me a glass of water?

I love the last question!  I know there's 7 questions, did I mention he's quite witty too.  Keith says it's really important to notice this: “The truth is that if a client doesn’t offer you a glass of water, or anything for that matter, that client probably doesn’t care about you. This may seem harsh, but it’s true. The client needs to treat you right for any project to be successful.”

I have definitely applied the power to say no myself and I can vouch for it. Most clients (the good ones) see the value and are willing to wait for a good designer.

What's more is that Keith's style is personable and engaging. The book is full of wisdom and anecdotes told by a real person who has learned – sometimes, the hard way – how to make art and business live side by side without sacrificing one for the other. Keith is as a brilliant business man and you should not miss the opportunity to pick up this enlightening book!

Keith's press in the New York Times and Elle Decor. You can order his book on Amazon.com.


I hope you guys enjoy reading this book as much as I did!

Dwell Magazine July 2011 Feature

One of our Projects was Featured in this Month's issue of Dwell -July/August 2011!  Run out and get your copy if you don't already have it!  It's a fabulous issue with lots of great kids spaces.  Our Feauture is on page 96.  All photos by David Young-Wolff

 

If you missed last Saturdays' panel at Dwell on Design on Kids Spaces with Erica Islas, here a couple tips she shared and more!  Enjoy!

When designing spaces for kids, it’s important to remember that Kids go thru phases really quickly, so design a space they can grow with.

Example: Think about furniture that has multi-functions – cribs that convert to beds, changing tables that convert to dressers or desks that can change heights, the Stokke Tripp Trapp is a chair that can grow with your child too.

Don’t paint murals of characters…instead get bedding of characters (if that’s your thing) or add wall decals that can easily be peeled off after they outgrow that phase.

“Themes“ do not stay current - instead use Iconic pieces to decorate for a timeless room .

Iconic Pieces Ex: Eames hooks, nelson clocks, Classic Eames chair, Jacobsen Egg chair, Clever Tomato even makes mini versions of these ! which are adorable…they even make a replica of the Bertioa called Lil’ Bert.
Italian lighting - Artemide, LucePlan, Flos, Foscarini, etc….they are Fun! Playful, timeless!

Furniture with clean lines mixed with some vintage adds soul to a room. Keep it simple, nothing too ornate, or ONE ornate piece is ok, keep rest clean lines for a timeless space.

MOST importantly .....
• Get child / kid involved ( they have very creative ideas and know how THEY want to use their space)
BUT !!! don’t ask open ended questions - give them 2 choices based on what has been discusses as needs and wants.

• Use Kid /pet Friendly textiles that can take the wear and tear longer.   For example :
Contract Fabrics like Maharam and Sunbrella – variety colors patterns and textures. Textiles from the 20th century – Eames Dots by Maharam – actually Maharam has a lot ! also Marimekko patterns. Fornasetti designs.
Denim is one of my favorites – used on upholstery, it’sFUN ! totally hip, modern and just timeless . Iconic patterns on fabrics is a great way to also keep things timeless.

• Go Green ! (it’s important we start implementing the importance of sustainability with our children )There is so much product out there that it becomes a matter of choices now a days ,it no longer a problem of availability . Ex: organic natural fiber bedding, buy local, low or no VOC paints, FSC certified wood to build, wool carpets, reclaimed wood floors, etc...

• Creative / Fun Storage solutions ( every kids space needs Storage ! Lot’s of storage, so it’s important to make it Fun for them to tuck their things away, Ex: tables with hidden toy compartment, combination of closed and open shelving for books and toys, vintage lockers come in a variety of BRIGHT powder coated colors)
• Space Plan ! Once the room is designed , then you can have fun with decorating. Form follows function. I approach every project from an architectural perspective, do I need to remove walls ?, make new walls?, built in case goods? Determine the functions of the room and address those issues first. Take advantage of the vertical space as well with storage or even a train track around the top of the room.
Basically what you are doing here is: Designing a room a child can grow into –& you can Decorate with what they like. It’s okay if accessories are Trendy.

MORE Decorating IDEAS for Family and Kids Spaces :

• Mount kids stuff creatively, wheather it be guitars, CD covers, Skateboards, surfboards, sport Jerseys etc….. This personalizes the room and it is Completely UNIQUE !

• Frame art work they have made, there are several ways to hang & display things, there are even Frame kits that have everything you need to display 10 frames in a harmonious way!

• Wallpaper options are endless and Way cool ! Some cool  trendy ideas : Dinosaur fossil wallpaper,  Robots, World Maps, etc….

• Fun Ligne Roset TOGO floor cushions! Colorful, comfy, classic design, something parents can chill on too.

• Kids are activity driven / orientated - so making fun ways to get up and down from beds/ lofts , or install a swing, or crawl into a reading nook is great. Also because they are activity driven – find storage to tuck away all these activities.

• Create cozy place for reading and have a good amount of storage for reading books. KIDS and Parents LOVE books, can never have enough! Then come trophys etc….

Hope you enjoy these few tips !  Until Next time  -

Dwell On Design 2011

I am thrilled to announce that Next week Saturday June 25th, 2011 I will be speaking on a panel at Dwell on Design 2011 on the Innovative Design Stage.
It's all about form follows function and FUN kids spaces!

Click here for details!

Also on Dwell.com Today (front page too) , get a glimpse into the upcoming Kids' Spaces Panel in an interview I did with Dwell Editor,  Miyoko Ohtake.  

Look forward to seeing you all there!

Also don't forget to check out my clients' kids space in the upcoming July/August issue of Dwell on stands on June 28th, or come get your free copy at Dwell on Design 2011 at the L.A Convention Center.