From the keypad of Peggy Pardo…

We spend one third of our lives sleeping. (Okay, I agree. How many busy people are actually lucky enough to get 8 hours of sleep each night? But for this post, I’m going to stick with that thought.) If we’re going to spend that much of our lives sleeping, don’t you think it should be done in a bed that is not only comfortable but also FABULOUS looking?

A bed doesn’t always have to include of a footboard and siderails. Some of the most beautiful bed designs I’ve seen consisted only of an amazing headboard. I’ve selected a few headboards for you to savor. Some you can even make yourself!

FABRIC

If you have a small room but want to make a dramatic impact, this headboard is just the thing. The rich plum color and satin fabric create a very elegant look. However, I’d have to change the lighting, artwork, sidetables and bedding. The headboard is fantastic, though…

Source: House to Home

DIY

Drama can still be created on a budget. In this next photo, a couple of inexpensive pieces of metal artwork were spray painted in brushed-silver metallic and then hung above the bed. Creative, thrifty and very chic…

Source: Better Homes & Garden

HANDPAINTED

Want a wrought iron headboard, but it’s not in the budget? Try handpainting or stenciling one on the wall instead. Another plus, the ”headboard” won’t take up any extra space in the room. That’s especially helpful in small spaces…

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

This lovely trompe l’oeil design was created using a two-layered stencil…

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

DISTRESSED RUSTIC CHIC

This headboard was created using distressed white tin ceiling tiles. Carrying the distressed finish to rest of the headboard and side table create a cohesive and cozy look…

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

TYPOGRAPHY

Did anyone say “alphabet soup”?  A variety of letters in different sizes and fonts create a fun headboard. You can find letters like these at craft stores and large home improvement centers…

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

VINTAGE CHIC

An ornate headboard goes ultra feminine with the addition of a old store canopy draped in lace.  Vintage hats and beads hung beneath it take the look one step further. Check out the finishes on the antique vanity and metal stool…

Source: Country Living

MIRROR, MIRROR

An antique mirror brings added elegance to this room. (For more gorgeous photos of antique mirror patinas, check out Regina’s post from earlier this week.) I love that the headboard extends all the way up the high ceiling…

Source: Country Living

Using a large 19th Century antique mirror as a headboard helps to make this small room seem much bigger than it is. The use of layering and mixing of fabrics creates a very inviting cottage charm…

Source: Country Living

The bed is the centerpiece of the bedroom. Since it’s usually the first thing your eyes gravitate towards, it should make a statement and set the tone for the room. Keep in mind that a bed without a headboard looks incomplete and prevents the room from ever looking totally finished. It doesn’t have to be huge or dramatic; sometimes less truly is more. This is a chance for you to be creative. You can use just about anything; so no matter what your budget is, you can have a great headboard.

Have you created your own headboard? Do you have any unique ideas that you’ve put to use to make a headboard? I’d love you to see photos or hear about what you’ve done!

Cheers to all,
Peggy

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About seven years ago, my brother and I decided that our company, Garay Artisans, would actively pursue hospitality commissions.  Hotels, boutiques, spas, restaurants — these all fall under the hospitality design umbrella.  Since then, we’ve worked on a number of these projects and although wonderful, they require a certain mindset.  Over a year ago, we were consulted on a large number of columns for a hotel and in the back of my mind thought that if we did the work, I would post about it on the blog.

In a recent chat with Michelle Lopez of Sparkle Faux Designs, she asked me about the columns.  (How cool is that? Being asked about something you wrote on the blog?) I said that yes, indeed we received the approval but that the finish ultimately chosen did not represent well in photographs and so I was probably not doing a post about the commission.  She suggested doing a post on running a hospitality project as opposed to showcasing the actual commission as the focus.  So, I’m taking her advice.

Picture of the Hyatt taken during our very first meeting.

The column project was for the Hyatt Regency located within the Orlando International Airport.  There were 38 pillars to finish and each about 10′ – 12′  height, with varying widths and either made of metal or concrete.  They all had fading and peeling light wallpaper on them and so we needed to coordinate the wallpaper removal, cleaning, prepping and finishing of all the pillars.  Two of them would require a lift (those two were about 20′ high) and coordination with airport security as the lift base would be parked right in the area of where security checks are held.  Thankfully, we’ve worked at the airport before so we were familiar with their procedures.

You can see a few of the 38 columns within the scope of the project...

If pursuing projects such as these, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• TIMELINE:  In hospitality design you will overwhelmingly be discussing a project about a year (or a bit less) in advance.  Such was the case with this one – we met the wonderful Hyatt team in January and the work was done in August.  The design teams plan well in advance either because they need to time all the trades correctly and/or they need to schedule the work perfectly in between confirmed events at the location.  We are currently in the midst of negotiating two that are about a year away and one time, we started working on a project 2 years in advance. Sometimes it’s a bit surreal.
• SCHEDULE: In all our initial talks, we discuss the schedule and the clean-up.  There have been very, very few hospitality commissions where we worked normal hours.  There was one project where we worked 8 am – 8 pm virtually every day for a little over a month — there was a grand opening to consider and a lot at stake.  That being said, we more work the 10 pm – 6 am shift.  We usually set up at 10 pm and breakdown at 6 am, leaving absolutely no trace that we were ever there.  We call it “Stealth Faux”.  (…and btw, you meet the most unusual folks at that time. The stories I could tell you…)

Finished Columns

• BUSINESS FORMS & COMPLIANCE: Have your insurance and licenses up-to-date.  For these projects, they are not optional – they are mandatory and you will be passed over if you are not sufficiently covered. This goes for your team members as well.  Also, ask if you need to add any companies as an “additional insured” right at the beginning.  This will save you time and monies as some insurance companies do charge for this extra feature.  If using scaffolds or lifts, I always make sure we are following OSHA guidelines to a T.
• FINISHES:  There are so many fantastic finishes out there and hospitality commissions can be wonderful canvases for these.  You do need to think long-term, though.  These are spaces where thousands of people will pass through and be inspired to touch.  The staff will go by with carts and nick the bottoms of your walls or columns. Housekeeping will use strong cleaners on your finishes.  Guests will touch, tear, write with pens, scratch, scar with their luggage, spill their drink, bang their chair — you name it, it can happen.  The finishes may be gorgeous but they must also be ultra-tough and relatively ease to patch up.  We usually plan to train the Engineering staff on how to touch up the finishes, provide them with written instructions and a guide on where to purchase the products in the future and how to contact us if things get out hand.  It proves very helpful to the client.

Finished Columns

For this project, five of us worked the overnight shift for three weeks. On Week 3, we started calling ourselves the Zombie Nation.

I came in to ensure our finishes looked good during the light of day and found the Hyatt staff setting up for a beautiful lunch in the midst of an area we had just cleared a few hours before! It was a great moment to realize how valuable great communication and organization with the design team can be. We all knew the products dried quickly and it kept the hotel's pace intact. Most of the columns you see are finished.

We went with a heavy but smooth application of lustery plaster over the columns.  It hit all the points specified: a) neutral but with a shimmery elegance; b) durable; c) relatively easy to fix and d) nestled perfectly within budget.  We originally had another finish slated with a more pronounced shimmer — but while it looked incredible in the evening lights, it did not look appealing in the sunlight.  Sometimes, you have to change your direction very quickly to complete the job well.

All in all, a wonderful project!  One more thing — and I cannot stress this enough — it is imperative to be surrounded by a good team, a happy team, during a hospitality commission.  When hiring for large projects, we look for talent and a fantastic attitude. There will be that day when you will have all sorts of things going wrong and to have a group that has a great disposition, some who are able to project manage while you put out fires, artists who are nice to one another at 4 am, people to laugh with and moan about coffee together, all pulling each other through the “zombie” hours — that is Priceless.  For that I thank Mary Childs, Monica Arrache, Roger Herota and NEVER least, my brother, Jason.  They, as well as the Hyatt’s executive staff, are extraordinary. The right people will make your hospitality commission that much more pleasant — to visit and to recall in memory.  Hope this has proved helpful — have a great day!

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Faux Design Studio Finishes: Left, from Black Magic Series; Right, from White Wonders Series

We’d like to extend a warm welcome and say thank you to sponsor Faux Design Studio.

Faux Design Studio is Chicago’s Premier School of Decorative Arts. They offer faux painting classes and workshops where they continually introduce new, cutting-edge techniques and products in the field of faux finishing and painting.

The owner of Faux Design Studio, Sheri Zeman, is an industry leader with vision and a true passion for faux. With her vast product knowledge and keen eye for design, she is always looking for ways to challenge her skills. Her sought-after “Innovations in Faux” educational program gives designers a new awareness to faux possibilities not imagined just a few short years ago. Sheri is currently developing national educational programs to share these techniques with other professionals.

The work of Sheri and her Faux Design Team has been featured on several episodes of HGTV programs, and numerous publications such as Luxe Magazine, Faux Effects World and Chicago Home & Garden. Their work can also be found in many high-end residential and commercial properties.

On March 10, 2012, Faux Design Studios will be presenting The Fifth Annual Spring Fling from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be special guests, demonstrations, goodie bags and networking opportunities as well as savings on tools, supplies and classes. This fantastic faux event of the year is free, but you must register before March 1 to guarantee a spot.

Sheri also has a special offer for all Fauxology Readers! You can save 10% off any class with the discount code Fauxfan101.

Follow Faux Design Studio as they fascinate us on Facebook.

Welcome, Faux Design Studio – we thank you for your support!

From the keypad of Peggy Pardo…

Do you have a foyer or hallway that is screaming for a piece of furniture, but you’re not sure one will fit? Then how about half a piece of furniture?

A demilune may be just what you need. “Demilune” is a French term that literally means “half moon”. In furniture, demilune applies to crescent-shaped or semicircular-shaped consoles, tables and cabinets that are usually placed against a wall.

I’ll start with one of my favorites! I love the curved lines of the scroll overlay and the slight curve of the legs…

Source: Scroll Demilune Chest, Neiman Marcus

This demilune has bent mirrored beveled facings and antique silver accents…

Source: Demilune Mirrored Chest, ZGallerie

The mirrors on the next demilune were done in a process called reverse painting. Verre églomisé is from the French term meaning glass gilded, it’s a process in which the back side of glass is gilded with gold or metal leaf. The style is Louis XVI Neo-Classical…

Source: Salon of Fine Things

This one was hand painted, but you could easily create the look using stencils…

 Source: Inviting Home

Here’s a demilune that has a great sense of whimsy…

Source: D Magazine
Photographer: Danny Piassick

Chinoiserie is a classic design. I recently did a post on it. It lends itself beautifully to this demilune…

Source: Inviting Home

Demilunes come in all shapes including kidney-shape…

Source: Satinwood Kidney-Shaped Demilune, Richard Rothstein Classic Interiors

Demilunes are great for foyers, hallways or most any small space. I once used a pair as bedside tables. I needed something tall but without a lot of weight, so I chose one that had an open base. It looked fabulous. Have you used a demilune in an unexpected place?

Cheers to all,
Peggy

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From the keypad of Peggy Pardo

Hello Everyone! I hope you had a marvelous weekend. We have a lot of fabulous things in store for you this week, so let’s get started!

When you hear the word “platinum” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Wedding bands? Blondes? American Express cards? Interior design and finishes? Though there is nothing wrong with the first three, I really hope design and finishes were included in there somewhere.

Platinum is a wonderful color to work with. It can be sophisticated and sexy, modern and classical, bold and serene, feminine and masculine. It all depends on what you pair it with and how it’s presented. It also makes an excellent foundation color to build on because it goes with almost any color scheme. Another testament to its versatility.

In this room, the color platinum holds court as the main color. The design is classical and sophisticated with a modern sensibility. Various shades, textures and surfaces keep it visually exciting.  I absolutely love, love, love the molding and the wallpaper panels…

Photographed by Polly Wreford

Ready for some sexy platinum (and I don’t mean Marilyn)? This modern chaise is very seductive in a platinum velvet. And check out the great finish on the wall panels…

Source: The Dream Home

What a statement this antiqued mirror occasional chest makes with its platinum shimmer hand applied finish. The graceful lines are oh so feminine…

Source: Belle Meade Corinne Platinum Shimmer Chest, Zinc Door

The curved lines of this classic style bench seat are enhanced by the addition of the platinum tufted silk and the beautiful finish on the legs. Love this one, too…

Source: The Virtual Architecture Exhibition

Okay, I’ve covered sophisticated, sexy, classical, and feminine. Are you ready for bold, modern and masculine? The three pieces of art that I’ve found for you check off all those boxes. What makes them even more unique is that each one of these can be created using a kit from ArtistInU…

Venizia Cafe

Athens Traffic

Melting Platinum

Source: ArtistInU

Platinum isn’t a boring, cold color. Quite the contrary; it’s exciting and full of life. You can take it wherever you want in design. What imaginative ways have you used platinum?

Cheers to all,
Peggy

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The distinctive curved shaped pattern that defines paisley has been said to resemble a pine cone, be kidney-shaped, teardrop-shaped, resemble a mango, or be a convergence between a flower spray and a cypress tree. Though what it was originally modeled after is up for debate, its origins can definitively be dated all the way back to the Sassanid Dynasty in 200–650 AD. Talk about being a classic design! Its name, however, comes from a town in Scotland that became the foremost producer of shawls that recreated this intricate design on Jacquard looms starting in the early 1800′s.

Currently, paisley is one of the hottest patterns in interior design and fashion. And it’s no wonder. This fanciful pattern is as equally at home in whimsical settings as it is in more sophisticated environments. In tone-on-tone colors it seems polished and refined. In multi-colors it’s playful and full of energy.

I’m going to start with a dining room that was designed by KDS Interior Design Studio. It shows paisley used in a most elegant setting…

Source: KDS Interior Design Studio

And now it gracefully adorns a bedroom wall…

Source: Design Inspiration Planet Stencil Library, The Stencil Library

You can find paisley wallpaper and paisley stencils, but if you can do it yourself I say go with the stencil! At the International Decorative Artisans League Convention, Melanie Royals of Royal Design Studio demonstrated how to create a magnificent paisley wall design using stencils. This colorful paisley pattern was done with metallic foils using new Modello masking stencil patterns. Here she is hard at work…

And now for the finished design. Voila! It’s gorgeous! See for yourself…

Source: Designamour

Here are two chests that have been lifted out of the doldrums by the colorful use of an allover paisley design…

Source: Left – Blue Shell Studded Chest
Right – Painted Paisley Duchess Chest
Both from Belle Escape

And here is a custom painted dresser that also takes on new life with a delightful paisley pattern…

Source: Paisley Spindle Chest, Benny Jackson Designs

The armoire in this next picture was hand-painted by an amazing artist named LUCAS RISÉ. It’s called Circus…

Source: Sans Parapluie
Artist:  LUCAS RISÉ

If you want to create something with a paisley design, but a piece of furniture seems overwhelming why not try it on something smaller. Here are a few less intimidating suggestions for you…

Source: Ivory Decorative Box, Ask Furniture

Source: Black Paisley Lamp, Best Priced Furniture

Source: Elizabeth Marshall Paisley Feather Tray, Bellacor

Of course, I could never forget our favorite family members. Even our pets can go paisley…

Source: “Blue Willow” Hand-painted Doggie Bed, Pampered Paw Gifts

We have this next picture in our game room. It’s titled Classic Interlude and the artist is Chris Consani. As many times as I’ve looked at it, I’ve never noticed until today that the pattern on the walls is paisley! I just had to include it…

Source: Artist Chris Consani, All Posters

I’m lovin’ me some paisley! I’ll definitely be using it on one of my furniture projects in the very near future. When I do I’ll share it with all of you in a post.

Have you used this versatile pattern in your designs?

Cheers to all
Peggy

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Happy Valentine’s Day! In honor of this special day, I am going to pay tribute to the color of love – vibrant, exciting, ravishing red.

Red is the most emotionally intense color in the spectrum. It not only represents love, but also anger; two highly charged emotions. Red is a real attention getter; it stimulates the pulse and can get the heartbeat racing. It can add vitality and energy to a room. Just a small accent of red in a neutral color scheme can add a lot of punch and keep a room from being too plain. The color red is also said to stimulate appetite, making it a popular choice for dining rooms and kitchens.

I’ll start with this exterior wall. The red finish could be translated to a room literally by doing a wall in this type of finish or you could use it as inspiration and find a piece of furniture with a distressed red finish. The metalwork I see as antique gold or brass fixtures. To me the red door is velvet fabric all the way…

Source: Vicki’s Photostream, Flickr

Terry Bryant created this Venetian Plaster wall in the stairway of a San Francisco home. The vivid red looks wonderful paired with the bright white crown molding that you can see above the picture…

Source: San Francisco Chronicle, Photo Courtesy: Terry Bryant

I included these panel stencils from The Stencil Library in my Lovely Chinoiserie post. Here they are done up in gold and silver metallic paint on a Chinese Red wall…

Source: The Peak of Chic

The wall in this bedroom is actually Oriental inspired wallpaper, but you could easily do something similar to it using stencils or an artist hand – be it yours or someone else’s…

Source: Furniture Trends – Interior Design

I’ve shown you some beautiful walls; now I’ll show you a couple of gorgeous ceilings starting with this one done in a Venetian Plaster…

Source: Tick Ramirez at Dipity.com

The following fabulous ceiling was done by artist Melinda Shriver-Vicari. The ceiling is glazed with gold in the center radiating outward to a deep bronze perimeter…

Source: Melinda Shriver-Vicari

The interior designer in me couldn’t finish this post without adding some fantastic furniture finds. Remember what I said at the top of this post about how a pop of red does wonders? I’ve found a great example of that at Better Homes & Gardens. The distressed red side table is just what this room needed…

Source: Better Home & Gardens

The distressed red paint and warm wood tones of this farmhouse hutch compliment the yellow pottery…

Source: Hudson Goods

This Bombay Chest from George & Frances Davison, Inc. is handpainted. You could easily create this type of look using stencils like the ones that I’ve found here at Royal Design Studio and here at The Stencil-Library…

Source: George & Frances Davison, Inc.

Red can grab your attention or wrap you in warmth. It’s a bold, dynamic color that enlivens any decor and always makes a statement. Red is the perfect accent color for just about any other color. It can be glamorous and inviting all at the same time. Red, what’s not to love?

Cheers to all,
Peggy

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