Point: theories

“Design... deserves attention not only as a professional practice but as a subject of social, cultural, and philosophic investigation.” is what Richard Buchanan and Victor Morgan believed backed the creation of a structure and I believe this quote has numerous points that supported the first unit. Actual structures built and ideas lifted from the purpose of objects, all form from the environment, the people, the culture, and the function in which it will be located. Without the history and tradition of the area, a structure will hold no significance. Numerous builders, architects and theorists have created manifestations that explain why and how a structure should be created but reoccurring within all of them is “commodity, firmness, and delight” in some form or another.

Structures like Stonehenge and Avebury are ancient locations that contain stones placed in lines or circles that have relevance to one another. The civilizations are gone now but people still have the ability to understand why the stones may have been placed where they are and can understand that, for example, Stonehenge was possibly a place for ceremonies or worship with levels of importance between the different stone circles or a place of studying the stars (a place of the Gods). In the earliest years, BC, theories were centered around understanding the idea of the different layers of circles with the stones and how the people were able to place the monstrous boulders in a pattern, as well as, have some mounted atop others. All the many ideas behind the purpose for the site and the actual creation of Stonehenge are supported by the cultural influence and the environment, which is still a place of beauty due to the mystery of not understanding the exact purpose.

Besides the mystery, beauty, and possible reasoning for Stonehenge, the monument itself was constructed well. Several construction phases have been recorded and evidence has shown assembly expands as far back as 6500 years ago. Even with many stones missing, the main appearance and final idea of the structure is still visible today. Not knowing the original builder or creator, present day people are still able to experience Stonehenge as a complete monument. The stone placement and stability of the natural materials used have increased the lasting preservation of the site.

Blog Finds

The wallpaper mixed with the sheen and color of the pillows and cushions is quite appealing!!


Painted furniture is a popular trend I'm finding on blogs right now. I'm going to be taking on my own project of painting my night stand pink for my new apartment bedroom that will be mainly white, with a light grey accent wall, and then accent pieces of light pink.

Mix & Match patterns, fabrics and colors in this large living room area is something I'd love to do in my new apartment living room with my two sorority sisters.

*images from bellemaision, pink wallpaper, hamilton design,

Cupcake Birthday

Tomorrow the 21st is another interns BIG 2-1 birthday, Sara!!!! So today I brought in cute cupcakes from Harris Teeter. An inside bit is that August 20th, the Preservation Society is holding a Cupcake Festival, judging "luscious" cupcakes (sponsored by Carolina Woman). Therefore, its been an ongoing thing at the house that we are all in sugar mode.

I couldn't bring myself to eat the whole fishy guy, he reminded me of Nemo! And another one of the cupcakes used to have four turtles, now reduced to two and one with only one eye... poor guy!

Internship

I was lucky enough to find an internship at the Preservation Society of Chapel Hill this summer. Just browsing through current internships in my program, UNC-Greensboro Interior Architecture, emailed Ernest Dollar and he said he had a project starting if I was interested and I got right in to researching the Cameron-McCauley Historic District of Chapel Hill. Woo hoo


*image provided from the Preservation website

Just paper...

Toots & Magoo is a cute boutique located on Franklin St. in Chapel Hill, NC. This dress is made of tan tissue paper base and white textured top. A blue scarf is in place of a belt for a pop of color. It is so beautiful!

Helping Daddy

My dad restores antique furniture, so I've always been able to be involved with the projects and this picture below is a marble slab from the top of an 1875 sideboard to store silverware, with birds eye maple interior and european walnut exterior that he had to put back together and fill in. I got involved by painting in the blank spots to mimic the marble pattern.

Mom's Favorite Color: Turquoise

I got my mother's full attention when I showed her the website of Toronto interior decorator
Holly Dyment. Any shade of blue, but mainly turquoise, makes her weak in the knees!!



Another amazing site with colorful eye-candy is the Chicago-based Civility Design. So much personality, so much FUN! The Fontana Arte chandelier in the living room is fantastic, along with those fuchsia sofas.




I found a new love for a blogger: Phoebe Howard, check her out.



And finally..... Daniela of Aesthetic Oiseau created this "to die for" kitchen that so many people will fall for.

Coral Obsessed

I am in awe at the beautiful headboard and the patterned throw pillows paired with the coral quilt.

Blog Obsessed

I found these amazing photos of a beautiful home of a New Hampshire-based designer Lisa Teague. She also has a blog filled with inspiration and great photos! For more of her work, view her website here.



Two rooms stood out to me most:




A small seating area with a painted ottoman, crisp couch & chair with patterned pillows. Even the newel post of the stairs and server add a unique antique touch to the refreshing room.




Anything in the range of pink or coral AND involving anything nautical hits a place in my heart! Yet again, I'm noticing a pattern in my likes of a simple neutral, topped with pops of colors. Another focal point of this room is the fushcia wall with orange leaves, pulling in another rich color.

The way I work!

Our final, on going project for the semester was based on the process that we go about working through to a solution. I am always writing multiple notes and writing little notes down on sticky notes. Also "what sparks me" is COLOR, whether its in the color palette of a room, fabrics, acessories, or flooring.

I'm moving back home from my first apartment for the summer. I'll be moving into my sororities dorms next semester so I'll be needing to leave a lot of things at home. I have a queen sized bed, vanity, mantle, desk, and window seat as my main pieces. I thought of a palette of seafoam, coral and neutral of grey or pink, orange, and neutral of tan. The way I plan on using these colors, I'd like to create an atmosphere that can be used as a comfortable, inspiring spare bedroom once I leave.

Presentation

My final presentation of the studio space for Stella McCartney was presented with three hand drawn perspectives (using marker and colored pencil), two sketch up images, materials, floor plan, history of client, and the four elevations of the studio.

"Precious Moments"

I chose Stella McCartney as my client. An English fashion designer for women everywhere. Her summer and spring 2010 collections inspired my color pallete for the studio space, neutrals of white and nude with the pops of orange, pink and blue.

Assigned to measure and explore the existing loading dock on the bottom floor of the Gatewood building, we were to find a client and design a studio space within the area yet could be versitile to other artists, photographers, designers, and architects.