DIY Vertical Garden

Ever since I(Kari) saw Flora Grubb's work several years ago, I've been smitten with the idea of a vertical garden using succulents. A visit to the musée du quai Branly in Paris a few summers back sealed the deal: Vertical gardens make me happy. I am alway happiest when I see "green" around me (the summers here in Visalia make me miserable because there is not enough green!) and I love how the vertical garden is so painterly---panels of succulents always end up looking like an impressionist painting. If you ask one of my good friends from my design program, she'll tell you that I am always looking to insert a bit of "living art" into my designs, the vertical garden being one of my favorites.

Here are some vertical gardens that I've been collecting in a file on Pinterest:

Source: notcot.org via Kari on Pinterest

Source: re-nest.com via Kari on Pinterest

Source: lushe.com.au via Kari on

Source: floragrubb.com via Kari on Pinterest

Source: floragrubb.com via Kari on Pinterest

Source: plantsonwalls.com via Kari on Pinterest

Source: fieldandsea.tumblr.com via Kari on Pinterest

Source: snowsnow004.tumblr.com via Kari on Pinterest

Source: lushe.com.au via Kari on Pinterest

I have long been wanting to attempt this project, and today was the day. I have been buried under a mountain of CAD work for a huge project looming, and after about five hours of staring at my project on the computer screen, I decided I needed a little Vitamin D and a break. It was sunny yesterday, and being locked away in my office was starting to get to me, so I decided to dive in and try this project as a way to escape the looming deadline I have coming up.

I purchased the supplies for this project at my local Lowe's. Now, admittedly, Lowe's doesn't have the most stellar succulent options, but since I am "testing the waters" a bit when it comes to this project, I decided to dive in anyway. I will be on the hunt for a wider variety of succulents now so my panels achieve a more "painterly" look, but I'm happy with the project so far...

I bought a couple flats of succulents in a variety of colors and textures:

I also picked up these nifty black plastic panels, specifically for planting vertical gardens. I was excited that Lowe's even carried anything like this!

You can see that when these are hung vertically, the little compartments are slanted to hold the dirt and the plant in place. These also come with the hanging hardware you need:

I started to fill the compartments in with soil and succulents. I still need to buy a little moss to squeeze into some of the voids. I think that will look good and will also kind of hold everything together even better.

First one complete! I laid it on the sidewalk and gave it a spritz of water. I will also let these chill on my patio table for about a week before I hang them up. I want the plants to get settled a bit.

I made two, and each one I filled in a bit differently. It's an "experiment"...I want to see which one I like better when they start to fill out a bit. (Again, I need to add moss to fill voids...)

I have three more panels to fill, and I'd like to build out some wood frames to put these in. They will be mounted on a very ugly empty space on a very average-looking fence in my backyard. I can't wait! I love them, and this project was super easy. Now I am off to find more exciting succulents...

Armani lifestyle!

Beauty with functionality 

Who hasn’t dreamt with Armani clothes? Well I certainly have especially when as a child I dreamt of being a fashion designer. At a young age I was taking clothes to my seamstress and designing how I wanted them to look. As a teenager I would replicate Armani’s lines (sorry Armani but I was only a child). So I suppose that I have always been a fan of the famous Signore. 

But let me tell you how Armani has come a long way from the career path he embarked upon as a medical student to becoming a household name. 

In 1957, he abandoned medicine to pursue a merchandising job at Italy's department store (a bold move which proved to be very successful), followed by a stint with a few fashion labels. Giorgio Armani S.P.A, was founded in 1975 with partner Sergio Galeotti, launching a men's and women's ready-to-wear line. By the 1980s, Armani established his reputation as one of the world's most influential and successful fashion designers. Today the Armani brand includes several labels.

 

In 2000 Giorgio founded Armani/Casa, a platform for him to realise the Armani aesthetic for the interiors; both comfortable and sophisticated. The designer says "Everything that bears the Armani signature is interrelated. I want to feel an intimate environment around me where all pieces of furniture, textiles and accessories work in harmony,"

Armani/Casa relocated from Bond Street to the design centre at Chelsea Harbour where they showcase luxurious furniture, furnishings, accessories, décor and fabrics. 

That’s when on London Design Week 2011 I come upon their new showroom; if you were looking for dramatic then look no further, you can’t but be impressed with their showroom which is divided into several divisions by illuminated walls of polycarbonate almost resembling the byobu partitions used in Japanese houses. Armani are so thorough that after setting the shop up they had to take pictures of the vignettes and send them to Italy so they know that it all looks the Armani way. I have to say that even I wanted an Armani vignette in my house and they have this amazing coffee table that turns into a bar, every man’s dream or woman (me).

The furnishings are designed to fit specific zones in the home: living, dining, bedroom, study, kitchen and bath. Each season, they introduce additional lines to complement the existing ones and each piece of furniture is designed with functionality in mind.  

These are stunningly elegant fabrics that reflect an indefinable sense of glamour. One of my favourites is the TB049 - Derby. You will find this fabric in 5 beautiful colours. I was attracted mostly to the beautiful orange colour but also the unusual visual effect.

Armani /Casa will debut their 2011-12 collection which will be the third collection of home textiles produced in partnership with Rubelli Textiles at the Armani/Casa store at via Sant'Andrea 9 during the Saloni Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. 

 

Design and comfort, elegance and functionality are Armani/Dada motto. Since their “Bridge” kitchen was first launched in 2006 which now famous as got two new additional models. The main objective is to bring the simplicity and the elegance of true Italian style to the whole world. You will be able to see the new Kitchen systems on display at via Manzoni 37.

Armani/Roca has united their experience and talent as world leaders in their respective sectors, and I for one couldn't be happier. Two of my favourite companies are about to create an intimate and elegant bathroom area which provides a comfortable and harmonious atmosphere. Even the illuminated false ceiling can be fitted with coloured lights for Chromotherapy. They have created not only luxurious bathrooms but a deeply sensual experience. The first Armani/Roca bathroom concept will be presented during the Saloni Internazionale del Mobile in Milan at via Manzoni 37. 

 

 

So if you are going to Milan for the Saloni Internazionale del Mobile you must go and check out their new collections; if you are looking for elegance and sophistication then look no further because this is the Armani signature.

I love Armani/Casa new collection and I know that so will you!

www.aguilarinteriors.com

Pictures via Armani/Casa & my own.

Fabulous Finds

So, life is a lot crazy right now. I (Kari) am finishing up a second major and have a crazy senior project right now (40,000+ square feet to design, render, present, etc.), my very patient design clients are stacked up (waiting for me to get to their projects), my husband and I are in the midst of what we call "travel season" for his job, I have a handful of weddings for which I am doing some type of design work, etc. I also have two very naughty dogs that need walking, a blog that needs tending to, a website that needs completing, taxes to complete, a yard that needs a little "spring cleanup," friends' baby showers to attend, and general "life" stuff that needs to be accomplished (drycleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, exercise, house cleaning, etc.) To say I have bit off more than I can chew is an understatement; I figure I'll be caught up sometime around August. :)

I am thankful for patient people in my life who understand that I'm busy, busy, busy. (Aren't we all busy? And I don't even have kids yet...!) I'm always awed by people who have set work hours and then get to lounge by the pool with a book when work is finished. I'm envious and I admire those who can fully relax, but I'm just not wired that way, you know? I always need a project, a challenge, a something...I am not a person who can sit in front of the TV and just relax. Even while watching a DVD with my hubby I am folding laundry, doing design research, sketching an idea, or working on school work. My hands like to be occupied and I am a multi-tasker to the extremes. (While I am able to pack a lot into my day, my nervous energy of always having to DO something can be a drawback, too: I don't know what to do with myself on vacation (you'll almost never find me laying by the pool for more than fifteen minutes without looking for something to do), I drive my husband nuts by constant fidgeting when my hands aren't occupied, and I tend to overcrowd my schedule.)

Right now, the thing that is suffering most from my schedule is my own home! I have some "finds" that I'm dying to breathe some new life into, but I just haven't had time. So, these poor objects are scattered around the house just waiting for me to give them some TLC and restore them into the beautiful objects they are destined to someday be...

Number 1: This chair, scored for almost nothing. I love the lines on this baby, but it needs an overhaul. I need to pick out a fab fabric and do a little reupholstery magic. Any suggestions?

Number 2: This lovely, fabulous, chic brass tray. I LOVE this thing. It's waiting for me to use a little Barkeeper's Friend on it to make it shine like it used to. It also needs to be styled---it's going to be our buffet-top bar a la Mad Men:
Number 3: A really great brass lamp, rescued from a very dingy antique store. Jill actually spotted this first. I love "treasure hunting" with my sister, but I have had some great finds end up in her house, causing me a bit of angst. I spotted a great oil painting at the Rose Bowl Flea Market and suggested that it would look amazing in her house. She bought it, and now every time I'm over there, I stare at that painting and wish I'd kept it for myself. :) So, she was very kind to pass on this lamp so I could have it. I need a shade for it (I'm thinking black lacquer, thank you very much) and it needs some kind of finial, but overall it is lovely.

See that brass lamp below in this photo from Apartment Therapy? Purdy, right? Mine will be, too, if I ever get around to giving it some love!

I like the mix of brass with black, like in this photo below from Everything Fab. That mix is so luxe and chic to me, while giving a lot of depth and also a lot of options to mix in other colors and textures.

Ahhhh...Dreaming of the day when I get to give my house a little attention! Until then, it's back to "the schedule" for me. I hope each of you are able to catch a little R&R in between your hectic schedules---I know I'm not the only one with a whole lot goin' on!

WestWeek Recap

(Okay, before I (Kari) begin, I must apologize for the really terrible photos in this post. I have an old iPhone and the picture quality is miserable. I'm not really a gadgety type of gal and my photos show it---sorry.)

This week was Westweek at the Pacific Design Center in L.A.

Last year was my first time attending Westweek, and after attending again this year, I can honestly say this is now a MUST on my yearly calendar. If you are a designer (or a design student), Westweek is a great way to network, learn about new product and ideas, and come away inspired.

Here's a brief recap of Westweek from my perspective:

Got in to the Hollywood area on Wednesday morning---so happy to see sunshine! There was rain looming on the horizon, but a little Vitamin D to start our morning out was most welcome after the rain we've been seeing in the Central Valley!

The Blue Whale, a.k.a the Pacific Design Center:

First up was a great roundtable of editors. Charles Cohen mediated the panel discussion between Michael Boodro (Editor-in-Chief, Elle Decor), Newell Turner (Editor-in-Chief, House Beautiful), Ann Omvig Maine (Editor-in-Chief, Traditional Home), and Dara Caponigro (Editor-in-Chief, Veranda). It was interesting to hear from these editors who, while not designers themselves, are exposed to the best of the best when it comes to design. There was discussion on the importance of designers (Michael Boodro announced, "People say 'I have good style so I don't need a designer.' Well, I'm fairly good at math but I'd never do my own taxes!") The editor panel also discussed on how designers should go about getting their work published---very good information for designers who dream of having a spread in Elle Decor or Trad Home someday!

The conversation also ventured into the topic of "California Design" and how livable luxury is being reconsidered today. I enjoyed this part of the conversation---I love the idea that consumers are spending more on one special piece that they'll love for life instead of making a lot of little ho-hum purchases that need to be replaced frequently (which eventually ends up costing the consumer more in the long run, but people often take a short-sighted view of their home).

Following this roundtable discussion, we headed over to the Schumacher showroom to hear the lovely Trina Turk discuss her fabric line. It was fun to hear how she collects inspiration photos and vintage textiles to drive both her ready-to-wear line and her line for Schumacher. I love Trina Turk, so this was a fun hour for me! Trina's use of color is something that always speaks to me---it's happy, bright, joyful, and her style is very Californian. She is a talented person, for sure, but she also comes across as genuine and friendly.

Following Ms. Turk's presentation, we heard Christiane Lemieux (DwellStudio Founder and Creative Genius) discuss how to build a modern design business. Christiane is a dynamic speaker and had a lot of great things to say about using current technology and social media to drive a brand. She also briefly mentioned that DwellStudio's new furniture line will be launching next week at Highpoint! She referred to the line as "Decorative Modern" and said it is "midcentury luxe." Oh, how I wish I was headed to Highpoint this year! I cannot wait to see the new line---everything DwellStudio does is spot-on in my opinion, so I'm beyond excited to see what the furniture pieces look like.

To cap off the day on Wednesday, Michael Boodro (Editor-in-Chief, Elle Decor) led a keynote discussion titled "Demystifying the Designer." The panel present included Amy Kehoe, Peter Dunham, Oliver Furth, and Windsor Smith. All four of these designers are amazing, but I have to admit it was a huge treat to be in the same room as Windsor Smith and Peter Dunham, two designers I admire so greatly! Their discussion about Interior Design as a professional field was enlightening and entertaining!

On Thursday, we listened to Steve Nobel (Executive Director of the Decorative Furnishings Association) talk about "Transitions in the Design Industry." This "town hall meeting" turned into quite a lively discussion---there were a lot of opinions in the crowd about where the design industry should be headed in the future, especially with the current state of the economy in mind.

Finally, we attended a humor-filled discussion panel with four of the five designers from Bravo's upcoming show, "Million Dollar Decorators," to air this summer. Nathan Turner, Kathryn Ireland, Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, and Mary McDonald bantered about their upcoming reality show, design philosophies, and such. The four on stage had amazing chemistry (turns out these designers are all friends in real life and even vacation together) and I cannot wait to see Bravo's new show this summer.

Some of my favorite quotes from this panel:

On living with style, Mary McDonald: "If you really love style, you'll set the table better, you dress better..."

On being a designer, Kathryn Ireland: "Creating magic is the best part of my job."

Such a great few days! In between the sessions, there were visits to showrooms, enjoying cocktails and meals at local eateries, and lots of discussion about design---one of my very favorite things!

If you are a designer (or aspire to be one), I highly recommend you put Westweek on your calendar for next year. You'll leave inspired!

Small kitchen design ideas

maximize your Small kitchen design ideas space to create the small but efficient kitchen design. You need to work on three main areas of small kitchen design: storage, lighting, and equipment. small kitchen design should be both functional and comfortable. Help create a bright and white surfaces is considered a small space in the kitchen added. Many shades of bright colors help create a greater perception of space. With your kitchen cabinets white kitchen sure to look very beautiful. In addition, the white color will help your kitchen look bigger and broader.

 

Efficient kitchen is one that allows easy movement and adequate space for the sink, counter area for food preparation cooking, cutting and chopping, and. The most popular form of kitchen kitchen kitchen kitchen two-way, L-shaped kitchen and the U shaped kitchen.

 

 

 

The free spirit of Spain

Simple, elegant with old world charm - a few select pieces can add a lot of panache.

London Design Week 2011

New collections!

Sunday 6.00am far too early to be getting up on a rest day but hubby is going to Abu Dhabi and I being the dutiful wife am taking him to Heathrow terminal 5 which proves to be a disaster but that’s entirely another story. So after I drove to Chelsea Harbour because London Design week was starting and I was looking forward to seeing all the new collections. 

Problem…far too early as I noticed when I got there. Take note; next time arrive at mid day or after.

Anyway since nothing was open i decided that a latte and croissant was in order and i would wait for the rest of the world to wake up.While exchanging texts and phone calls with a very unhappy hubby, who's been rerouted to Dubai, the design centre slowly started to come alive.

Some of the showrooms windows were truly artistic and although maybe not to everyone’s taste but nevertheless the artistic juices were flowing and some excelled more than others. 

Zinc collection is strong, tactile and urban with playful, quirky undertones. The new Zinc collections integrate sumptuous texture and modern graphic design together with an eclectic mix of fabrics they capture the revival of chic English hedonism of the 1970s and pay homage to the great designers of the time. Those blue and greens took me back to sea in the caribbean. I am in love with the colours; they are a reminder of the sun and holidays that we all so long for.

 

Having had got a phone call from Anna Casa Interiors I decided to pay them a visit and see their new collection and did you know they have extendable tables in which the systems were devised by none other then Ferrari? I swear that every time Puja opened one I thought she was going to smash them but how wrong was I? It works beautifully and with the right house they will look amazing specially the one with Murano legs.

Zoffany’s new collection is truly lovely and eclectic, from 1832 maps of London wallpapers to an old duty stamp and from Victorian times to renaissance drawings they were all given a modern interpretation and the result is superb. Do go and check out their Intaglio, Frangipani and Roman stripes. 

Next it was Sahco, also one of my favourites; their fabrics are just so luxurious and sophisticated that I can't help but  get inspired by their collections. The colours, patterns and weaving techniques are truly awe-inspiring.

Lelievre is also a favourite of mine with not just their fabrics but also their furniture, quite something and I can’t resist to seeing their Kenzo collection, the colours are always so spectacular and I would say this is at the moment one of my favourite fabrics.Colour, texture and pattern what more could you ask for! Stunning.

How stunning is  this Antiqued Copper bath tub from Ann Sacks and the tiles, so amazing. If you dare to let your creative juices flow then this is the place to come. 

Probably my three favourite window displays were Jim Thompson’s with his really amazing monkeys, the elegance of Robert Allen’s window with those lovely birds and the beautiful cages plus I think I have a secret desire (to own a red sofa) and Romo’s window with such jovial, trendy and amazing bright colours from  Zinc's Miami collection that will get rid of anyone’s winter blues without a doubt. 

By two o’clock I had enough plus my car was in the car park and probably going to cost an arm and a leg (yes I know you can park in the street for free on Sunday as my friend Zuzana from Robert Allen pointed out, and yes I WAS LAZY , I got up far too early remember?!)

So since I was driving I decided to leave when they started serving wine, I only had coffee, tea and water (sniffs). Take note; next time take the train so i can have some wine. I did have some yummy nibbles though. 

And here you have it my journey to London Design week 2011, hope you enjoyed it and if you are nearby do go and take a look at some fabulous new collections.

www.aguilarinteriors.com

Pictures via zinc, robert allen, lelievre, sahco and  my own.