...a house to LIVE in

Today as I was flipping channels on my TV, I came across a show on the travel channel about the most extravagant ski houses. I loved it, and if you have any interest in doing residential design I would suggest watching it. It shows what the top of the residential chain looks like. I went under the website to try to get the name of the show... no luck!(I will keep trying to find it and post it when I do.)


There was one house in perticular that really captured my interest. It was a 'retirement' home for a couple. The wife designed every room. The over all style of the house was the a big rustic lodge. What made the house so interesting was the way the owner incorperated all of her art into the house and the design. The artwork consisted of statues, rugs, paintings from around the world and from various cultures. With so many different ethinic symbols in the house, one would think it would feel so overwelming and busy. But not so! She was able to weave each peice in so that it was showcased, but the didn't overpower any other piece or the architecture of the house.

Another interesting fact about the house, is most of the materials are all reused...Ex: The boulders (yes boulders! a crane was used to put them in) for the fireplace, to the beams (reused from the previous house on the property) or the stonework (found around the area). So in essiance the whole house was part of the place it was built. 


In the basement was a movie theatre room. It was constructed to look like a cave (the ceiling sort of resembled a obscure barrel vault). Local stone was used on the ceiling and walls. The room looked amazing! The atmosphere that was created was the perfect for movie viewing. The only question I had was about the acoustics. With that much stone the noise would bounce around.


I think what grabbed me most about the house:
-was the fact that the designer was able to talk about her goal in captureing the views from surrounding mountains
-use of local materials
-show off the owners interests and hobbies
-have room for the whole family (many grandkids!)
-Each room was so well executed for its purpose. And done with style.
-It was absolutely beautiful. I'd move in, in a heart beat.




On a final note: 
When the wife homeowner told her husband she wanted to design a house for them, he said "I already have the house I intend to die in." She said, "Then let me build you a house to LIVE in." ...What an interesting concept.

and we're off and running...

I have never done a blog before- so bare with me as I get the hang of this. A little about my self... I am an interior design student with a love of all things art. When not looking for the next inspiring picture/design/texture/etc. I enjoy singing and dancing and a

Today one of my friends and I met with a very successful Interior Designer in Dallas. It's rare to find a designer that can articulate well when explaining how they make their mark in this field. She was so passionate! I feel that when you ask someone about something their passionate about you can learn so much by just sitting back and listing. People just begin to open up and you learn more than you ever thought you would.

Next we went to the Dallas Market Center and the World Trade Center for the Annul fair where buyers come out and acquire new pieces for their stores(ie. Pier 1) I've been to several design convention shows but this was overwhelming in a fun way though. I'm not sure what the best part was, getting materials from different vendors to stock my materials library with or getting to see all the displays and learn about new companies. I can't wait to go back when it's not so crowded and I can spend more time in the different shops.