Kristin Drohan Interior Design

Hide Rugs... Timeless? Of course!

The other day, I finally received some Angora hides I'd ordered at the fall High Point market.  I initially intended to use them for my Christmas tree skirt.  Clearly, they did not make it in time for that. 

 
I have three of them now.  They look a little like "Cousin It" but they are sooo soft. The source I utilize to obtain my hides uses end-of-life cycle hides.  That means that they are intended for use as a food source or they are animals that have died through natural causes.   It is a responsible and eco-friendly use for these hides which would otherwise be headed for a landfill.  This company also uses a more eco-friendly tanning process and is trying to develop a reduced chromium procedure. I love these funky things but now I don't know what do to with them.  Any thoughts? I love the use of hides in decor.  They are super durable, feel awesome on your feet, and give a room great texture.  The use of hides dates back to ancient civilization when the use was a practical measure of meeting basic food, shelter, and clothing needs.  Zebra rugs were standard in the 1930's Art Deco movement (one of my favs).  However, those were the real Zebra hide.  I prefer a stenciled cow hide.  The African Market people (they sell the real Zebras at High Point) tell us that Zebra's need to be culled like deer which is why they sell them.  I don't buy it.  Am I a hypocrite?  I can handle a cow but there is something about the real zebra with the beautiful mane that I can't be okay with.  Some people feel the same about the cow though. 

Here are some of my favorite hide uses:

The doors in Miles Redd Apt.  I love this in a totally warped obsessive way.

 
 Cowhide ottomans with a zebra stencil

 
Ivory cow hide in the bedroom.

 
Cowhide pillow

Black and White cowhide rug. 

Hide chairs.

I know this isn't for everyone, but it could be.  Some of my husband's peers find this to be waayyyyy out there.  HA!  Oh well, do you like?  Do you have any creative ideas for my Angora hides?  I'll be attending Paula Grace's Timeless Tuesday party tomorrow, so make sure you join us. 
 
 
 

What's Next After the Style Evaluation?

Sorry for the lack of recent posts.  I've been swamped with a couple new projects.  When I'm in the beginning stages of a project, I have a hard time doing anything else until I have the last detail specified.  I dream about it, obsess over it, and I can't focus on much else.  Thank goodness it only lasts for a few days.  I'd pretty much stink at mothering and wifeing if I was like this all the time. 

What happens after I hone in our a client's style profile?  The next step is to put the room dimensions and architectural elements into a scaled space plan.   I use a 1/4 in equals one Ft. scale in my computer program.  Many have asked what program I use.  I use Minutes Matter instead of Auto Cad because, it is simply prettier.  I can put the exact fabric I'm specifying on the curtains, pillows, and upholstery.  I have found it to be a valuable visual.  With many of my clients in other states, this is a way I can communicate exact specifications to them.   If I'm having something custom built, I use Auto Cad for that.  Most contractors prefer to use Auto Cad drawings when they are constructing something.  We don't need pretty for that.  This is what a space plan would look like.

Much prettier than black and white, yes?  I can even put the exact rug in the plan.  In this case, it is a simple sisal rug.  The white square in the right hand corner is where I put details and pricing.   I can either print it with the grid lines or not.  I usually don't print them but to show you I thought this might be helpful.  BTW, this was for a client who is  Transitional Casual Coastal.  They have a newly constructed home with craftsmen details located in New England.   I can't wait to transform this space.  It is going to be an awesome Before and After.   If you were my client would you prefer a colored space plan?  Grid lines or not? I'll be joining both Met Monday at BNOTP and Blue Monday at Smiling Sals.  Make sure you check them out. 

 

What's Your Style?

Last week I had a long "to do" list.  I had lots of client orders to place, two big presentations, a new client meeting, and my son's 11th Birthday party.   Somehow it all gets done.  My new client meeting was really interesting and it inspired this post.  These clients have recently relocated to the Boston area from Colorado.  They have a brand new home and they were looking for a departure from the "lodge" look in their previous home.  The problem was trying to communicate what they were looking for to me.  This happens an awful lot.  I've designed an exercise to help decipher what a client's "style" may be.

I first start by having them go through tear sheets.  I have tons of shelter magazine pages I've filed by room in every style imaginable.  The only criteria for me is they have to be great rooms.  As part of the process, I ask them to go through them quickly and set aside pictures that speak to them.  It may be a single element, a color palette, or the room in its totality.  After they go through them, we go over their "like" pile.  I ask the what and whys of each page.  It is amazing how quickly consistency shows up. 

The next step is to show them various chair styles.  I want to know what furniture style they are partial to. Here is the chart I show them.

 

Next I show them my fabric chart.  It has different categories that helps me determine if they like traditional, transitional, modern, or ethnic looks.

 

I also want to determine what wood and metal finishes they prefer.

 
Lastly, we talk about color palettes.  Do they like neutrals, brights, warm tones, cool tones?

   

 

 
It is amazing how much info I garner and how quickly clarity is gleaned.  So, if you take the test and leave it in a comment I'll give you my analysis.   Since this is truly a metamorphosis, I'll be joining Met Monday at BNOTP. 
 

Happy New Year!

I made it!  It was touch and go, shopping Christmas Eve day for last minute gifts and my daughter's Christmas Eve outfit.  The cards went out just a couple days ago but, hey, they went out.  Nothing was fabulously done this year, but we succeeded in filling the squares and finding some down time. We had a nice visit with my parents.  My mom, daughter and I spent countless hours cuddled in bed in the guest room watching one HGTV show after another while the guys watched a continuous stream of sports in the family room.  We had lots of snow over these holidays, so it felt like I had permission to be holed up in the house.  I even perfected a Peppermintini and a St Germaintini.  I had every intention of publishing them for you, I even took the pics, but I just didn't get it together enough to get a blog done.  Well, I'm ahead for next year.  Now we just have my son's birthday party this coming weekend and getting all the holiday decor cleaned up, and I think I may see the light at the end of this 12 month tunnel.  My one resolution this year is to stress less.  I don't know how successful I will be.  I fuel my tank with stress but I can't do another 12 months like the last.  I've never been one to do the resolution thing either, so... we'll see.   Wish me luck, divine intervention, whatever...it will take every means possible.

It wasn't all play time the past couple weeks.   I have spent the last two days at my computer putting together my Decorati shop and portfolio.  The endless hours working on this furniture line have finally made it to fruition.   So, please check it out.  The button is at the top left sidebar.  I'm off to try my luck at this de-stressing thing.  I have my fab bath waiting for me.

I'll let you know if it works out.  PS we really need to talk about this Antonio thing on HGTV now that I've been inundated with the commercials.