Design & Architecture Resources

Interior design and architecture is a world of details, historical facts and mathematical figures. There's a lot to know. I wanted to be sure to share my Pinterest Board called <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/linda_merrill/resources-info/" target="_blank">Resources and Info</a> where I collect infographics on all kinds of subjects, including: <br /><br />Styles of Chair Backs<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ad/df/cd/addfcdbdfde31bb2a7bc691d3ae90812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ad/df/cd/addfcdbdfde31bb2a7bc691d3ae90812.jpg" /></a></div><br />Optimal dimensions for light fixtures over a table<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ae/6a/44/ae6a44bb388196e32c18404b518a096d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ae/6a/44/ae6a44bb388196e32c18404b518a096d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Sofa shapes and historical details<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/de/0e/85/de0e850bb2b28bb823353a2f79800a37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/de/0e/85/de0e850bb2b28bb823353a2f79800a37.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><br />There's so much more, so, please feel free to<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/linda_merrill/resources-info/" target="_blank"> follow my board</a> and re-pin any items you find useful. Even if you don't have a Pinterest account, you should be able to access the board and download any of these images as needed.<br /><br />I'm going to be California later this week for a design business summit which I'm really looking forward to. It was in the 30's and snowing here yesterday. It's expected to be in the low 80's in San Diego by mid-week. While I'm not a huge fan of hot weather, a touch of it will be nice!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTN6LVuBdwurxLA5dXgabcaIIaCv9ZOdfy9kgQryjWArXp-Kw2tw6u1abKp0pnhhvsok9VTTz1sdnnzrPKM8DzBgAnHnLc_CW133LYAVxpwR-7Wa_pfzJiHF2SV6oukMMjvSCZJendtc/s1600/Linda+sig2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTN6LVuBdwurxLA5dXgabcaIIaCv9ZOdfy9kgQryjWArXp-Kw2tw6u1abKp0pnhhvsok9VTTz1sdnnzrPKM8DzBgAnHnLc_CW133LYAVxpwR-7Wa_pfzJiHF2SV6oukMMjvSCZJendtc/s1600/Linda+sig2a.jpg" /></a></div><br />

Design & Architecture Resources

Interior design and architecture is a world of details, historical facts and mathematical figures. There's a lot to know. I wanted to be...

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Boston Magazine Dream Home 2014

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/logo-dh2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="http://cdn1.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/logo-dh2014.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />The 2014 <a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/designhome/" target="_blank">Boston Magazine Dream Home </a>will be open for public tours starting on September 10th. For the last ten years, the magazine has been teaming with a local builder, architect, designer and a charity to build a house that focuses on a specific kind of living style. This year's house, located in Salisbury, MA, is a single family house that feature's "net-zero" energy living.<br /><br />The design/build team this year is Ridgeview Construction, Kaplan Thompson Architects, and the design coordinator is Lisa Wasserman Sivan. Boston Children's Hospital is the non-profit beneficiary.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSZhr3NrxbFD3UkkXI6D0EpKQWNeUHccMoTuhRT3EHcgHmaYWCoyjellxjGIAZ6HdVIu9jPC0SoktjaWiQDsD7W3qaPWLHoXPjDAmzS4DWeOmgxVXpSoEFFXrUqQqzzfB0jOLJPnK7Bo/s1600/Back+Exterior_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSZhr3NrxbFD3UkkXI6D0EpKQWNeUHccMoTuhRT3EHcgHmaYWCoyjellxjGIAZ6HdVIu9jPC0SoktjaWiQDsD7W3qaPWLHoXPjDAmzS4DWeOmgxVXpSoEFFXrUqQqzzfB0jOLJPnK7Bo/s1600/Back+Exterior_1.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br />The roof on the back of the house is covered with solar panels.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujptpUZjMNe6gC3zXctJEVykRpj86-bNTO3ddXs7tDdeHo7_tZx_Srw9__UIMXdp91L98b4RHBb2gRUs-5Myw_jTZaLcwrm1pizKAkCDowpY-Ra2O6GFVSjfXz61Len7AukJwu3elf6w/s1600/Dining+Room_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujptpUZjMNe6gC3zXctJEVykRpj86-bNTO3ddXs7tDdeHo7_tZx_Srw9__UIMXdp91L98b4RHBb2gRUs-5Myw_jTZaLcwrm1pizKAkCDowpY-Ra2O6GFVSjfXz61Len7AukJwu3elf6w/s1600/Dining+Room_4.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-OOH9jHVWLP4NXIQkYlExnZ-hKqKKyiYBz_v_6_00OGGbaSxVibXaOnDp7gRgvauvnrkLf5h-wFbwWMHD2JEBsuY_700HzZti8rqQly-y4Tl1wO5_UFRT8PtzGwAQ0n1CvPTRKuaass/s1600/Entry_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-OOH9jHVWLP4NXIQkYlExnZ-hKqKKyiYBz_v_6_00OGGbaSxVibXaOnDp7gRgvauvnrkLf5h-wFbwWMHD2JEBsuY_700HzZti8rqQly-y4Tl1wO5_UFRT8PtzGwAQ0n1CvPTRKuaass/s1600/Entry_1.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>The amazing console table above was made by my friend Ray Bachand of <a href="http://www.60nobscot.com/" target="_blank">60Nobscot</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kQe2LYyljaEPCpvzKaYTTBM6aOPWAUe21m8hYD_WV_WXw-V-nXqG9U5ckaoVkQ47zz-EPSLHk_oQTRJ6SB8kO1cb1qJgGFfjeRkkAnaXVQ9q9TRvaygwxAD9qpJZZ2o0DisjMfExTs8/s1600/Kids+Bedroom_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kQe2LYyljaEPCpvzKaYTTBM6aOPWAUe21m8hYD_WV_WXw-V-nXqG9U5ckaoVkQ47zz-EPSLHk_oQTRJ6SB8kO1cb1qJgGFfjeRkkAnaXVQ9q9TRvaygwxAD9qpJZZ2o0DisjMfExTs8/s1600/Kids+Bedroom_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFosks3c6jz1lPhPMB7iAJQUaD9j9ehA9LbMnuOztya4Iq11rlYt7pVEIXQXREfcX-rGDZXpATxt1yCK-n8vgr7KpPxN9HMRzluxAFw68C_9NF8LoIroscoaUyFhdrdY0_37igETugqU/s1600/Loft_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFosks3c6jz1lPhPMB7iAJQUaD9j9ehA9LbMnuOztya4Iq11rlYt7pVEIXQXREfcX-rGDZXpATxt1yCK-n8vgr7KpPxN9HMRzluxAFw68C_9NF8LoIroscoaUyFhdrdY0_37igETugqU/s1600/Loft_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G7bAsKW0TJJkyBL8Tca6rbzwdEC-cHsid1-YqOJGxbniVoj9k6HomwekwJAe-YLss2pycXTXOF8EcPevFvtG7UoBMB16VY-iD8vJ5pJcQa-8di0zOs1DDRQJU1HeKcBaNtzhSQPwrww/s1600/Master+Bedroom_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G7bAsKW0TJJkyBL8Tca6rbzwdEC-cHsid1-YqOJGxbniVoj9k6HomwekwJAe-YLss2pycXTXOF8EcPevFvtG7UoBMB16VY-iD8vJ5pJcQa-8di0zOs1DDRQJU1HeKcBaNtzhSQPwrww/s1600/Master+Bedroom_2.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;">All photos by Michael J. Lee</div><br />Here is a time-lapse video of the contraction of this modular home:<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="270" id="flashObj" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=3570544092001&playerID=2653835856001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAACaZLRSXk~,UlZGdzs6RCrzZuKvbQ6su-ctxIAoHqT8&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=3570544092001&playerID=2653835856001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAACaZLRSXk~,UlZGdzs6RCrzZuKvbQ6su-ctxIAoHqT8&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="480" height="270" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object><br /><br />Tickets are $25 with 100% of the ticket price going to Children's Hospital. For more information and to purchase tickets, <a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/designhome/" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-DQn-N9w56WCtzz4s5QI-4Gh69TSCCU5k94pEYyDH_Rr9O5oxheO7CnHi2JuHIZVxQFZvqwwLqjEGGCw8KCRoAe3Zc0KmpPGPBbrI9xhinBNPa6M6VD3xVqp9SPZp0raYsZYJtm_PL4/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-DQn-N9w56WCtzz4s5QI-4Gh69TSCCU5k94pEYyDH_Rr9O5oxheO7CnHi2JuHIZVxQFZvqwwLqjEGGCw8KCRoAe3Zc0KmpPGPBbrI9xhinBNPa6M6VD3xVqp9SPZp0raYsZYJtm_PL4/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br />

Boston Magazine Dream Home 2014

The 2014 Boston Magazine Dream Home will be open for public tours starting on September 10th. For the last ten years, the magazine has been ...

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Good Design Is...

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KMs_r9ElSy9Xrb6u9-XXTGoybG8euv54-uEa_sF4jeRh935nqyb6m_xJ2n4EJGTRSSaOsXqxSPNWzdr8y-ZsxaKta2615PrK_ew8g08tK50o5m4scnCyzTEZqklTTO2WBn-rBf_9YJyk/s1600/Dieter+Rams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KMs_r9ElSy9Xrb6u9-XXTGoybG8euv54-uEa_sF4jeRh935nqyb6m_xJ2n4EJGTRSSaOsXqxSPNWzdr8y-ZsxaKta2615PrK_ew8g08tK50o5m4scnCyzTEZqklTTO2WBn-rBf_9YJyk/s640/Dieter+Rams.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/multisite_files/codesign/imagecache/1920/DesignMuseum-portrait-Dieter-Rams-credit-photo-Luke-Hayes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://www.fastcodesign.com/multisite_files/codesign/imagecache/1920/DesignMuseum-portrait-Dieter-Rams-credit-photo-Luke-Hayes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/1662043/dieter-rams-the-god-of-pristine-minimalism" target="_blank">image source</a>)</span></div>The amazing industrial designer Dieter Rams' 10 Principles for Good Design should be pinned to every designer's bulletin/Pinterest board. Mr. Rams, now in his 80s, defined great modern product design in the 20th century and continues to inspire today. iPod, iPhone, iPad anyone?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/gadgetlab/2011/05/T3-Transistor-Radio-1958.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/gadgetlab/2011/05/T3-Transistor-Radio-1958.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dieter Rams T3 1957 transistor radio inspired Apple's Jonny Ive's design of the iPod. (<a href="http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/05/gallery-of-gadgets-which-inspired-modern-day-tech/" target="_blank">source</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/gadgetlab/iphone_braun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/gadgetlab/iphone_braun.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Apple iPhone Calculator App is a tribute to Rams' design for BrAun's 1977 calculator. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And how does Mr. Rams live? Beautifully, of course!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hypebeast.com/image/2011/07/yatzer-dieter-rams-home-visit-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://hypebeast.com/image/2011/07/yatzer-dieter-rams-home-visit-01.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hypebeast.com/image/2011/07/yatzer-dieter-rams-home-visit-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://hypebeast.com/image/2011/07/yatzer-dieter-rams-home-visit-003.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(credits and additional photos and article <a href="http://hypebeast.com/2011/7/yatzer-dieter-rams-home-visit" target="_blank">here</a>)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note the shelves in the above photo are Rams' iconic 606 Universal Shelving system for <a href="https://www.vitsoe.com/us" target="_blank">Vitsoe Home</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://d2lsod3xpjaepj.cloudfront.net/files/assets/1000/219/sizes/950_2x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://d2lsod3xpjaepj.cloudfront.net/files/assets/1000/219/sizes/950_2x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.triplefivedesign.com/img/Dieter-Rams2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="433" src="http://www.triplefivedesign.com/img/Dieter-Rams2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KMs_r9ElSy9Xrb6u9-XXTGoybG8euv54-uEa_sF4jeRh935nqyb6m_xJ2n4EJGTRSSaOsXqxSPNWzdr8y-ZsxaKta2615PrK_ew8g08tK50o5m4scnCyzTEZqklTTO2WBn-rBf_9YJyk/s1600/Dieter+Rams.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KMs_r9ElSy9Xrb6u9-XXTGoybG8euv54-uEa_sF4jeRh935nqyb6m_xJ2n4EJGTRSSaOsXqxSPNWzdr8y-ZsxaKta2615PrK_ew8g08tK50o5m4scnCyzTEZqklTTO2WBn-rBf_9YJyk/s640/Dieter+Rams.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, meanwhile, as I ponder what good design is and Dieter Rams' beautiful design work, I wonder how I reconcile this sleek modernity with these gorgeous images I've recently pinned to my <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/inspiration/" target="_blank">"Inspiration" folder on Pinterest</a>: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/550x/f6/29/44/f62944ef74536c15c83f4ea37ee431d1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/550x/f6/29/44/f62944ef74536c15c83f4ea37ee431d1.jpg" width="492" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stefano Pilati's Paris Apartment via <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/celebrity-homes/2013/stefano-pilati-paris-duplex-apartment-slideshow#/slide=1" target="_blank">AD</a>, photo by Bjorn Wallender </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/550x/10/41/aa/1041aa647707d0093bc50321e02a0d37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/550x/10/41/aa/1041aa647707d0093bc50321e02a0d37.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://euro-trash.us/wp-content/uploads/110625_ANNIE-BOOK_JASON-5409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://euro-trash.us/wp-content/uploads/110625_ANNIE-BOOK_JASON-5409.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/550x/b9/c6/37/b9c6373be4733a65bd5cb957f285df89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/550x/b9/c6/37/b9c6373be4733a65bd5cb957f285df89.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It feels like warring factions - wanting simplicity but loving deep colors, rich details and very, very pretty things. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Can they co-exist?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><strong>Rams's Ten Principles of "Good Design"</strong><br /><br /> <strong>Good Design Is Innovative</strong>— The possibilities for innovation are not, by any means, exhausted. Technological development is always offering new opportunities for innovative design. But innovative design always develops in tandem with innovative technology, and can never be an end in itself.<br /><br /> <strong>Good Design Makes a Product Useful</strong>—A product is bought to be used. It has to satisfy certain criteria, not only functional but also psychological and aesthetic. Good design emphasizes the usefulness of a product while disregarding anything that could possibly detract from it.<br /><br /> <strong>Good Design Is Aesthetic</strong>—The aesthetic quality of a product is integral to its usefulness because products are used every day and have an effect on people and their well-being. Only well-executed objects can be beautiful.<br /><br /> <strong>Good Design Makes</strong><strong> </strong><strong>A</strong><strong> Product Understandable</strong>—It clarifies the product's structure. Better still, it can make the product clearly express its function by making use of the user's intuition. At best, it is self-explanatory.<br /><br /> <strong>Good Design Is Unobtrusive</strong>— Products fulfilling a purpose are like tools. They are neither decorative objects nor works of art. Their design should therefore be both neutral and restrained, to leave room for the user's self-expression.<br /><br /> <strong>Good Design Is Honest</strong>— It does not make a product more innovative, powerful or valuable than it really is. It does not attempt to manipulate the consumer with promises that cannot be kept<br /><br /> <strong>Good Design Is Long-lasting</strong>— It avoids being fashionable and therefore never appears antiquated. Unlike fashionable design, it lasts many years – even in today's throwaway society.<br /><br /> <strong>Good Design Is Thorough Down to the Last Detail</strong>—Nothing must be arbitrary or left to chance. Care and accuracy in the design process show respect towards the consumer.<br /><br /> <strong>Good Design Is Environmentally Friendly</strong>— Design makes an important contribution to the preservation of the environment. It conserves resources and minimises physical and visual pollution throughout the lifecycle of the product.<br /><br /> <strong>Good Design Is as Little Design as Possible</strong>—Less, but better – because it concentrates on the essential aspects, and the products are not burdened with non-essentials. Back to purity, back to simplicity.<br /><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.sfmoma.org/about/press/press_exhibitions/releases/880#ixzz2LPkZgUpf" style="color: #003399;">http://www.sfmoma.org/about/press/press_exhibitions/releases/880#ixzz2LPkZgUpf</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://www.sfmoma.org/" style="color: #003399;" target="_blank">San Francisco Museum of Modern Art</a></span></div></div><br />I guess, when it's boiled down, good design for me is functional, self-revealing, timeless, long-wearing, and comfortable. Something to truly aspire to.<br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Good Design Is...

( image source ) The amazing industrial designer Dieter Rams' 10 Principles for Good Design should be pinned to every designer's bul...

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What do you think? :: Wallpaper selections & 3D Renderings

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGykjorT_-93K-F5uQ9wO1JC99_6Dt-XFv-0MGj70-VDWCTn6S6UqdaY9uLCOyhmT7U12M2UYMVDjbOL1KbrMBteJnOc3xYEVI9GIrkaJZBsmt2RSNWG_jo90x42RuwfOmSyi3M83h9sD-/s1600/IMG_2212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGykjorT_-93K-F5uQ9wO1JC99_6Dt-XFv-0MGj70-VDWCTn6S6UqdaY9uLCOyhmT7U12M2UYMVDjbOL1KbrMBteJnOc3xYEVI9GIrkaJZBsmt2RSNWG_jo90x42RuwfOmSyi3M83h9sD-/s640/IMG_2212.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'm in the process of selecting a wallpaper for a client's first floor lavatory. As we all know, small bathrooms are a great place to experiment with bold pattern and I'm excited that the client is on board with adding a little wow factor into the space. I've narrowed down the selections to a general "tree" theme in blacks, whites and grays. This is part of a rural farmhouse addition, so we're a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, as Donnie and Marie would say. The papers I'm looking at are from <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/14214555046204456/" target="_blank">Designer's Guild</a> (top left), <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/14214555046108967/" target="_blank">Osborne & Little</a> (top right, bottom left) and <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/14214555045980099/" target="_blank">Graham & Brown</a> (bottom right).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJ4e8ajelF1wBykvZLJRf4uyfwuBsrnfBzL2XQZzpjKJDV-c83iZKvWSf6HuwgNtbaY2xlhAuqMf6WsWPIl9Lpy9TJGhdesfef6vGIzhsy3A8Uu6Kz-XDvSnc7oi3Ao_Wu2IlW_Tuhked/s1600/NH+Farmhouse+bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJ4e8ajelF1wBykvZLJRf4uyfwuBsrnfBzL2XQZzpjKJDV-c83iZKvWSf6HuwgNtbaY2xlhAuqMf6WsWPIl9Lpy9TJGhdesfef6vGIzhsy3A8Uu6Kz-XDvSnc7oi3Ao_Wu2IlW_Tuhked/s640/NH+Farmhouse+bathroom.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bathroom features bead board wainscot to about 42", a white, marble top vanity similar to the one above, sconces from <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/14214555045322616/" target="_blank">Hudson Valley Lighting</a>, carrera marble shower walls and floor, and a dark charcoal color ceramic floor from <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/14214555046204485/" target="_blank">Urbanite</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are my 3-D renderings of the bathroom plan, with the different wallpaper choices:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cdHd6z6yw41h4s6oz0uz4xYWY6ei6bkB8HiaccGXJHsHRsSBLZLXQ9P0IeFQwEGT9OOSGJd_GmW5kPiKeBC4ccSVC29ZJIhORO_378daSTW3-4J7ognbnS0lt2or1MSNdvXIAYLsb-AG/s1600/Bell+Bath+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cdHd6z6yw41h4s6oz0uz4xYWY6ei6bkB8HiaccGXJHsHRsSBLZLXQ9P0IeFQwEGT9OOSGJd_GmW5kPiKeBC4ccSVC29ZJIhORO_378daSTW3-4J7ognbnS0lt2or1MSNdvXIAYLsb-AG/s640/Bell+Bath+1.jpg" width="540" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MJ47-PJF5Hi5ziouSlrqpYpv4a9qqAp4Tp04PRk0gJlXIqpPqangjGz77bdh8vTbmpaU3IUJKb7rUPUTv8xndPoIEk_VM7I7kzsYqfuYuRm84a1i68jzUZxm_dZ7J2N4LJwTv7SDOxHN/s1600/Bell+Bath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MJ47-PJF5Hi5ziouSlrqpYpv4a9qqAp4Tp04PRk0gJlXIqpPqangjGz77bdh8vTbmpaU3IUJKb7rUPUTv8xndPoIEk_VM7I7kzsYqfuYuRm84a1i68jzUZxm_dZ7J2N4LJwTv7SDOxHN/s640/Bell+Bath2.jpg" width="544" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsU3sY9h2WnAhyphenhyphenj0b9mya8l3yQmujn_CQnUR1RQQoIoMyf5yHA20YKaHFkOL9gZ9qoQwzi1I_XIf2dPbiU5B2aieEKKFk9PHspkJuvGAngy2GvC63YuCpq55t3naXnNE0fmFkvxfOOzrl/s1600/Bell+Bath3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsU3sY9h2WnAhyphenhyphenj0b9mya8l3yQmujn_CQnUR1RQQoIoMyf5yHA20YKaHFkOL9gZ9qoQwzi1I_XIf2dPbiU5B2aieEKKFk9PHspkJuvGAngy2GvC63YuCpq55t3naXnNE0fmFkvxfOOzrl/s640/Bell+Bath3.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>I think #1 and #2 are my favorites. The O&L papers have too much metallic shine to them. I love the Designer's Guild paper - it looks totally hand sketched. And I love the Graham & Brown for the color contrast. To my eye, however, the Designer's Guild paper really makes the room feel taller because there is less contrast and the trees are so vertical. <br /><br /><br />Do you have a preference?<br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

What do you think? :: Wallpaper selections & 3D Renderings

I'm in the process of selecting a wallpaper for a client's first floor lavatory. As we all know, small bathrooms are a great place t...

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LivingKitchen 2013

::Surroundings:: regular contributor Lori Dolnick is always on the go and her most recent trip was to IMM Cologne in Germany. Lori was kind enough to put together a great video of what's hot in European kitchen design. <br /><br />Trend Report by Lori Dolnick<br /><br />I recently traveled to Cologne, Germany for the 2013 LivingKitchen trade show with the BLANCO Design Council (<a href="http://www.blancobydesign.com/">www.blancobydesign.com</a> to learn more). It is always inspiring to experience the show through the eyes of the designers/bloggers both on the BLANCO Design Council and with the <a href="http://www.modenus.com/" target="_blank">Modenus</a> BlogTour who met up with us for press events. Out of the hundreds of photos we took - these are curated by trend including reclaimed wood looks in cabinets + tiles, grey colors, a stunning architectural sink design called MODEX by BLANCO plus pure white design for appliance + cabinets. Everywhere we looked, there were smart phones, tablets and remote controls. If you ever wanted to see an international home design show in under 2 minutes - here's your shot! <br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3P-6eWPimNM" width="853"></iframe>

LivingKitchen 2013

::Surroundings:: regular contributor Lori Dolnick is always on the go and her most recent trip was to IMM Cologne in Germany. Lori was kind ...

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Dark Beauties

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/122300946100811098_Ca5KUT7p_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/122300946100811098_Ca5KUT7p_c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe it's because it's getting cold outside but I'm really drawn to all of these images of dark spaces. Dark rooms just feel so luxe and yet don't need a lot of extra "stuff" to bring out the drama. The dark backgrounds really highlight the architecture and the form of the furnishings and accessories. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8246766278/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" id="blogsy-1354687717326.1736" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8246766278_c81ff998eb_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8245698253/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" id="blogsy-1354687717317.7363" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8245698253_02f42a089d_b.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8245698483/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" id="blogsy-1354687717275.7588" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8245698483_5f50c0d4e8_z.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8245698627/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" id="blogsy-1354687717324.293" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8245698627_588c6bbb6e_b.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8245698775/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" id="blogsy-1354687717304.598" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8245698775_9b2ac298bd_b.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8246767232/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" id="blogsy-1354687717251.7297" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8246767232_6c7bab8d9e_c.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Credits and sources for above images <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/inspiration/" target="_self" title="">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8245699275/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" id="blogsy-1354687717265.2988" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8245699275_bae1cd4364_c.jpg" /></a></div>And finally, one of my favorite spaces, created by my friends Sally Wilson and John Kelsey of Wilson Kelsey design, shot my Michael J Lee for The Boston Globe. Gorgeous!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="blogsy_footer" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: right;"><br /></div>

Dark Beauties

Maybe it's because it's getting cold outside but I'm really drawn to all of these images of dark spaces. Dark rooms just feel so...

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Trends: architecture, industrial design and urban living

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.brizo.com/images/pic/catalog/kitchen/collections/large/vuelo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.brizo.com/images/pic/catalog/kitchen/collections/large/vuelo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.brizo.com/" target="_blank">Brizo Faucet</a>'s director of industrial design Judd Lord recently teamed up with esteemed architect Randy Morton to identify the trends that are driving the consumer experience as it relates to design and architecture in urban spaces.  Randy and Judd share their thoughts on emerging trends in designing for urban human experience and how they're creating work as vibrant, rich and dynamic as the cities themselves.  I think there is no question that design is getting more and more streamlined these days. Clean surfaces, environmentally friendly materials, ease of use and the return to smaller living space concepts are all having an effect on how we see our interiors whether we're city or country folk.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/o_b7TRTyAgI?fs=1" width="480"></iframe> <br /><br />What are your thoughts? Do you see a streamlining in our design choices?<br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Trends: architecture, industrial design and urban living

Brizo Faucet 's director of industrial design Judd Lord recently teamed up with esteemed architect Randy Morton to identify the trends t...

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Book Shelf: Henrietta Spencer-Churchill's "The Life of the House"

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOFgt9ACwakB3FtcC_kHrNODW2JCeJyPClviLwEWQJlzdeadmxklPGfqIPq-9mPitzgVIP0ptwhfR4rRVrDFTd3nh3FdIxwXn_-W9ZDY2hWQxXEUSEd9DBVpwHoocG1wN7Ym1nYgviamW/s1600/Henrietta+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOFgt9ACwakB3FtcC_kHrNODW2JCeJyPClviLwEWQJlzdeadmxklPGfqIPq-9mPitzgVIP0ptwhfR4rRVrDFTd3nh3FdIxwXn_-W9ZDY2hWQxXEUSEd9DBVpwHoocG1wN7Ym1nYgviamW/s1600/Henrietta+book.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0847838560/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=chameleoninte-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0847838560&adid=1YSQZPE7XNPP420Y0258" target="_blank">The Life of the House</a> by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill (published 2012 by Rizzoli) is sub-titled "How Rooms Evolve" and showcases gorgeous historic homes in both the UK and US. As a descendent of both the Churchill's and the Vanderbilt's, Lady Henrietta has been in a unique position to have experienced some of the most famous homes on both sides of the Atlantic, including Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England and Marble House in Newport, RI. There is truly nothing like daily exposure to the best architecture, design and art to educate one's view. The book features these houses, plus a couple of her professional design projects through her company Woodstock Designs. <br /><br />The book is divided into chapter's by space - Architecture, Halls, Living Rooms, etc.  and showcases several centuries of English and American design and how their inhabitants lived. Frank Lloyd Wright projects are included alongside the classical English estates as well as a few loft project in New York. There is even a section on how electricity changed interiors.<br /><br />An excellent book for Anglophiles and architectural interiors fans alike. <br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Book Shelf: Henrietta Spencer-Churchill's "The Life of the House"

The Life of the House by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill (published 2012 by Rizzoli) is sub-titled "How Rooms Evolve" and showcases g...

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Book Shelf: Candice Olson's "Bedrooms"

I've been very remiss in posting about several new books I was sent to review - and they've been piling up and making me feel guilty for months! So, while it seems that every other blogger and designer in the known universe is at High Point this week and covering all the great new products, I'll be featuring some of the fantastic new crop of recent book releases!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/0c/42/0c427eeb8e2a3023ff8786c08930a580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/0c/42/0c427eeb8e2a3023ff8786c08930a580.jpg" /></a></div>Candice Olsen's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118276817?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1118276817&linkCode=xm2&tag=chameleoninte-20" target="_blank">Bedrooms</a> (published in paperback from Wiley) is a compendium of many of her signature projects from her television series. The books shows before and after shots, the challenge and design solutions, room sketches and design boards. It is broken up into Master Bedrooms, Children's rooms and Personal spaces and showcases large and small spaces and the design challenges inherent in each. There are many great detail shots and fans of her show will like being able to stop and take in the fine details.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUA0uX3P8A8lCPcwKcqwFnHr4MaFXEyPRjQe1SxK0UWjpp5TKNUeBqam5PnEbGNyAvVg-jxVEm001B8Tkd5llYnkSOSDHLTtS1_jZ7fNOUuOBtOvlK_Y_o6YwcLoEmabaY8Sx7gfieqmwk/s1600/IMG_1647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUA0uX3P8A8lCPcwKcqwFnHr4MaFXEyPRjQe1SxK0UWjpp5TKNUeBqam5PnEbGNyAvVg-jxVEm001B8Tkd5llYnkSOSDHLTtS1_jZ7fNOUuOBtOvlK_Y_o6YwcLoEmabaY8Sx7gfieqmwk/s640/IMG_1647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6SFn94wYQiW6O2UO5-6b5q6AaSYG6qXE-YN3HsboGYcwweR5i-Vj4694wC53poaRpjtFkKXV7CYcM5zZMGMERRaIyMLHnHk5ZgffGWWnSkGIEIQojIZYn_Ka74MPVjQDe_r0qCHYsNiz/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6SFn94wYQiW6O2UO5-6b5q6AaSYG6qXE-YN3HsboGYcwweR5i-Vj4694wC53poaRpjtFkKXV7CYcM5zZMGMERRaIyMLHnHk5ZgffGWWnSkGIEIQojIZYn_Ka74MPVjQDe_r0qCHYsNiz/s640/IMG_1648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDef-0ebvzwn1_ZAU6AkIcpw18Z6QHdNIvoNxwe_mVfstA_O5tGAz3YCY4mFP9do6sjwlpY3wJT_HEqthwCFxHXehsFMbkFd0AiyPWWEeVo6faUOScf9hrCsy-QkuT248yFlQ6j5X53pn/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDef-0ebvzwn1_ZAU6AkIcpw18Z6QHdNIvoNxwe_mVfstA_O5tGAz3YCY4mFP9do6sjwlpY3wJT_HEqthwCFxHXehsFMbkFd0AiyPWWEeVo6faUOScf9hrCsy-QkuT248yFlQ6j5X53pn/s640/IMG_1649.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Book Shelf: Candice Olson's "Bedrooms"

I've been very remiss in posting about several new books I was sent to review - and they've been piling up and making me feel guilty...

Read more »

Finding Inspiration

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/deco-diva-logo-official-2012-website.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/deco-diva-logo-official-2012-website.png" /></a></div><br />My design and bloggy friend Carmen Natschke, aka <a href="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/" target="_blank">The Decorating Diva</a>, has launched a great new series of blog posts on finding inspiration. Carmen asked several designer/bloggers what's inspiring them and I was honored to be included in such a gifted and creative group!<br /><br />The first batch has been posted and below are the images that designers and bloggers find inspiring. It's a great read! Do any surprise you?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/IgnitingCreativitySeeingPossibilitiesinC_ED87/clip_image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/IgnitingCreativitySeeingPossibilitiesinC_ED87/clip_image001.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/InDesignItsAlwaysabouttheDetails_EA10/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/InDesignItsAlwaysabouttheDetails_EA10/image.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/TimelessDesignMiloBaughmanCredenza_11024/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/TimelessDesignMiloBaughmanCredenza_11024/image.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/TheWellDressedChairSophisticatedGlamourS_D895/clip_image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/TheWellDressedChairSophisticatedGlamourS_D895/clip_image001.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/CreativeFreedomthatInspiresBreakingFreeo_B850/IMG_9180lo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/CreativeFreedomthatInspiresBreakingFreeo_B850/IMG_9180lo.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/KeepingitinPerspectiveHowBeautifulDesign_B4E3/JaimaBrownKentuckybluegrass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/KeepingitinPerspectiveHowBeautifulDesign_B4E3/JaimaBrownKentuckybluegrass.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/InspirationalImpactDesignMaterialChoices_AF7A/p154886_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/InspirationalImpactDesignMaterialChoices_AF7A/p154886_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/LoveLostLoveFoundTheSentimentalValue_ABDD/myboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/LoveLostLoveFoundTheSentimentalValue_ABDD/myboat.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pop Quiz: Which image is my inspiration? <a href="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/tag/blogger-and-designer-inspiration/" target="_blank">Read here. </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Have a great weekend everyone!<br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Finding Inspiration

My design and bloggy friend Carmen Natschke, aka The Decorating Diva , has launched a great new series of blog posts on finding inspiration....

Read more »