A Ying sort of Yang.

...Waking up in Asia

Every so often, the window display in the shop gets a makeover. Its a great way to use your creativity as well as advertise the latest fabrics and well matched design schemes.

Ciara had the idea of creating an Asian display. Following her vision, we set out to chose the appropriate fabrics and finishes. She had some lovely ideas to start with which made the fabric choices quite easy.
The great thing about the window display is it allows me to observe the likes of Ciara and learn from her ideas and give me a good knowledge base on styles and trends.

We were torn between a set of golds and reds versus blues and greens. We decided to display them both, hence the birth of the Ying and Yang effect. Half the window will be a warm representation of the Asian colours, and the other half will be the cooler and fresher colours.

Using different props in the store (such as my table- delightful), we started to piece together a display from hanging lights to angled façades.




After all the pushing and pulling, the end result was well worth the effort. Even though the windows are split into 2 colour schemes, they are both complimentary. Bringing some Asia to Ireland.

Two-faced Furniture

The magic of a Lick of Paint...

Turning something old into something new. Sounds simple enough but when it comes to the grind, I struggled to get my head in the game.

I walked down the road to the auctioneers called Buckley's in Sandycove. Here there is an array of antiques to be auctioned. Ciara and I went walking around and had to fill in the references codes of the pieces we liked.

My biggest problem was that I like most of the pieces as they were and struggled to see how to 'improve' them. But much to surprise, John arrived into the store one morning with having auctioned 2 side tables.
And that's the end of that decision. He took the labour out of looking and now the task at hand was what exactly was I going to possibly do with it?

Looking at previous interns examples for guidance, I quickly started to realise the importance of ones own design signature. Whilst I like what I had seen done by the girls, it wasn't to my style. I like simple, eclectic and white. Some say boring, I say fantastic (I would, wouldn't I?)

So taking one of the tables, so my DIY adventure began:

The table was a simple rectangle shape with a worn out look.
A look that I happen to love so that was half the battle.
First step was to prepare a surface where I could work and then sand the table down.

Once sanding down the table,  I took out a white base paint to cover just the top surface of the table.

This would help me achieve that 'eclectic' feel about the furniture.

Having painted one coat on the surface, as it started to dry, I realised that I wouldn't need a second coat because I had already achieved the look I was going for.

While waiting for it to dry, I started to think of the pattern I wanted to create. 

Ciara had mentioned to me previously about changing the window display and how she would like to create an Asian look and feel. That's when I had a light bulb moment and decided to design something that would work in the display.

I went for a cherry blossom meets autumn day kind of design. Using Reds and blacks to contrast against the white, it also brought to life some of those warm Asian reds. 

I didn't want to create a design that over shadowed the surface of the table but rather something simple and effective. 

And there you have it. Considering it was one of my first attempts at giving something old a face lift, I am pretty happy with the result. The marriage of Asia and the Antique. 

The Study... The kitchen of the Mind

Weird and wonderful titles happening here but I promise its relative to the subject. As well as trying to keep it fresh.

I was presented with a task that involved 2 adjacent apartments that have now been made into one. And since having joined them, there was 2 of everything. The occupants then decided to convert one of the existing kitchens into a study area.

And this is where I come in. Having the apartment a mimic of its other half, it was important for me to introduce something the reflects the outside as well as the components of the inside, to better continue this theme of replication.

This kitchen was a basic open plan L shape so there was great opportunity to be creative.

This is the existing floor plan of one of the apartments. If you take a mirrior image of the floor space, it would represent the space they now have.

The kitchen is postitioned center of the room as stated by the drawing here.

The idea was to keep the original shape but introduce different angles to make it a more dynamic and create a different space to the already existing surroundings.

I included floor to ceiling book shelves with a built in window seat (with no window) but rather an image that is reminiscent. This also mimics the other side of the room with the window so im maintaining uniformity in style.

I intdroced a curve through the additon of a room divider.
I chose to use bamboo shoots because its a natural element that would carry through the elements of nature seen out the large windows. It also creates privacy but not exclusivity.

Its a playful element that works well the implemented design.







Using Sketch-up Pro, I was able to construct a mock version of what I intended for the space.

From this view, you are able to get a sense of the shape of the room.

From here, you can see the floor to ceiling book cases as well as the 'window' seat nook that breaks up the shelves but keeps the space symmetrical.


In a hidden corner (visually hidden) of the room, I included a small study space where their potential form work/ homework/ drawing and general admin.

In terms of the colour scheme, I went with the existing colours that featured around the apartment and expanded on them. 

The dark wood is an existing feature that I continued in the space and by adding a white background, it really gives it a dynamic and fresh feel.


Using the addition of the curved room divider, I also used this to mark off the start and finish of a new flooring application. The existing floors are wood so I decided to add a warm beige carpet that picks up the tones in the bamboo and the greens as well as makes the space feel like a separate room without enclosing it off.

This view also highlights the effectiveness of the bamboo divides. 




Now you can feed your mind in a space that is both anaesthetically pleasing and comfortable. 

Shed some light on the whole DIY situation...

Sometimes people don't know they have it in them until they try. If you had asked me 5 years ago to get my hands stuck into a lamp shade, I would have given the best look of confusion and said "What?"

Not only do I deal with decorative elements on a day to day basis, it also becomes important to get familiar with the terminology.

I was asked to repair on old lamp in the shop today. I was given all the tools and sent on my way!
I learnt that the trim on a shade is also known as 'gimp'. I discovered that Copydex is the choice of adhesive when attaching the gimp to the rim of the shade. And I learnt the art of 'slow and steady' wins the race.

The attention to detail were required to ensure a smooth and proper finish.
I started off on a practice shade just to get my hand and eye ready.

Here, I measured the size of gimp I needed and cut it to size. I just practiced along the top edge of the shade.














Once I had the correct measurments, it was time to apply it.
Using a paint brush and about a large teaspoon size of Copydex, I was well on my way to creating magic (Or as I like to think of it).

Even the glue is quite quickly drying, it was suggested to me to maybe hold it in place for around 30 seconds to best secure a grip

All the practice with the green gimp left me and well and prepared for the task I was set out to complete initially.

The gimp was used to hide any undesirable joint edges as well as give an old lampshade a mimi makeover.

Say hello to the pink beauty that was born under my careful supervision. And its only fair to say what a proud parent I am!



And who knows, a lampshade today...... the Sistine Chapel tomorrow. Watch this Space!!

My room needs a personality please!

Some days have passed within the internship and as my time there grows, so does my knowledge of fabrics and colour co-ordinations.

Coming from a technical background, I wasn't always too sure as to what looks best with what.

As part of an ongoing project within the firm, I was asked to assemble two colour combinations to compliment an already existing space. Sounds easy enough, huh? Wrong!

Its one thing to come up with a colour scheme that seems appealing to you but here we have to provide a pallette according to the taste of someone else. The trick is to apply your better judgment with the direction of your clients vision (as i am slowly learning along the way).
Time to breath some life and personality into an already existing space...

This part of the project dubbed 'E55' is regarding a spare bedroom in a holiday house. 

So picture this:

Existing walls are in a light green, almost champagne colour with a subtle detail.
The curtains are a faded green, almost one shade darker than the walls.
The head board looks almost to boast an olive colour.
Side tables are in a rich dark brown.
There are gold decorative accents, such as a mirror, around the room.

Ok, so having the project brief disected, it was time to put on the creative gloves and dig through all the fabrics I could find.

Firstly:

A pallete of rich and warm colours. The idea was to with neutral tones around the room and accent the greens with a red tone. By keeping the bedspread neutral  the addition of coloured throw cushions will make the colours pop. The addition of rich textures, such as silk, will carry through that elegant and rich feel that is distributed around the room already through the use of colour.

....Then in contrast

A pallette of calm and fresh colours. Now, initially the introduction of such a fresh blue was a bit risky but set against the other elements such as dark furniture and gold decorative accents, it really brings the green to life. Its not to be used as a consistent tone, rather a highlight- such as in the bed throw cushions and the upholstery of the study chair. The strips maintain a clean line and draw your eyes towards the complimentary greens, both olive in colour and in marriage with the wall existing wall colours.

This is still a work in progress but its always fun to add on and look back at ideas, you never know what you might stumble upon!

Even the window needs an outfit

Window Dressing: the act of decorating and arranging products to display in a store window.

First off, its definitely not as easy as it looks. The previous intern had set up an industrial feel about the display. Now it came for me to up-style and create a new and different selling point for the store.

Stripping down the window definitely gets the old elbow grease going. Moving, pushing, pulling, uncapping .. you have to be prepared to get stuck in. Literally!

My initial idea was to go on a Fresh burst of summer within the store. Retaining the elements of summer ahead of the doom and gloom of winter. My direction was slightly altered by Ciara who presented me with a new Sanderson wallpaper that had just arrived into store.
A wallpaper that needed the attention it deserved.

Wallpaper: Sanderson Themis Wallpaper, Carbon/ Purple 

So my course of action changed. Having the wallpaper as a guideline, it altered the colour direction of display, I picked up on the rich tones and gave my window the title of...... 

"The Bronze Age"


Using different elements around the store, I wanted to maintain a clean and simple look with highlights of the bronze and rich colours.

I added in decorative highlights such as mirrors, bronze lanterns and a stack of books. It all adds to the character and feel of the window.

Highlighting the simplicity of the display through angled facades created a more dynamic look which worked well the simplistic elegance I was aiming for.
 

In the end, I was highly satisfied with the result. This didn't come to me straight off the bat, but after a lot of back and forth... "The Bronze Age" was born.

Window Display: Outside shop front in Sandycove.

The First of Many.... But lets start with Day One.

Wednesday 18th September

Today is my first day of the Internship at Martin-Hudson and Gibson Ltd.
After fighting with the snooze button, I eventually get up and get ready to make my way out to Sandycove.
Talk about a beautiful seaside little village. It definitely reminds me of being holidays.

John and Ciara give me a tour of the shop and give me a chance to familiarize myself with all the products.
I now get the chance to work with fabrics and wallpapers that I haven't used or seen before. Definitely a great scope of learning for me.

While fishing through the wallpapers, I cant help but notice an opportunity in the store.
A chance to remodel the space.

Being day one, people would say it is bold (and cheeky) for me to attempt but I was just using my initiative....

It was simply looking at an exiting space and seeing how the different positions of the furniture pieces could create a new and different space whilst highlighting the best sell-able items withing the store.

There was lots of pushing and pulling but the outcome was definitely satisfactory.

Kerry 1 - 0 First Day Nerves