Ideas and dreams are the best parts of beginning a new project because the options are only limited by one’s creativity or lack thereof.
This gold disc against the white adobe walls provides perfect sparse yet bold decor. The Compound restaurant, Santa Fe.
For the last year, my mind has been occupied with ideas and dreams for my own new home. Designing for myself is my favorite project as I can experiment with schemes that might not appeal to a client. Purchasing, renovating, and moving, along with my usual client work, has been stimulating but detrimental to my writing. Hopefully, I can offer some inspiration now that I am returning to normal.
Below are some images that have caught my eye in the last year.
This textured door was seen in the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos.
(Photo: getthegusto.com)
The thicker texture of these Mexican petates is even better. I would like to cover the upper portion of my walls with these with a tiled wainscot below.
Tile is forever catching my eye.
This image was seen on Instagram, possibly from Rodman Primack.
Tile figures into all of my projects. These fun patterns are different and would be fantastic as an overall floor.
Lovely fountain seen in Palo Alto.
Working often with tile, I like to think of unexpected ways to use it or of unusual combinations. This fountain is not new, but the mixing of materials and sizes is a detail to remember.
Popped into an open house, of a spectacular vintage house, while in San Mateo.
Clavos are a common detail in many Spanish colonial homes. Several designs were used on this front door.
My favorite blacksmith made some custom clavos for me recently for my kitchen cabinets. Above is the chosen layout.
(Photo: @studiomikediaz)
The photo above appeals to me because it is a typical Spanish-style interior with a twist. Disregarding the snake, the spikes on the black lamp inject just enough spunk.
Many of my ideas and dreams begin with the kitchen. Examples that are out of the ordinary get my attention.
Los Angeles kitchen of Jessica Hart & James Kirkham by Carlos Mota. (Photo: Douglas Friedman)
Jessica Hart’s kitchen designed by Carlos Mota is a favorite of mine. His use of the stained glass door at the back gave me an idea for a spot in my own home. See images of Hart’s home here.
Rarely does one see the arched openings in American kitchens. They are common in old Mexican kitchens. I have always loved them and just incorporated one into my newly renovated kitchen.
It is not necessarily the most practical of ideas. Carlos Mota used curtains to allow more items to be housed behind his. Leaving them open usually only looks good if you have one large item there or it is left empty.
Later I will post entirely about new tile inspirations. For now, here is an image that has me thinking of diagonal stripes. Possibly in my butler’s pantry.
Casa V loves collaborating with clients to create a unique vision for their home.