Canvas of Color

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According to an ancient Chinese proverb, “The journey is the reward.” This couldn't be more true for one lucky gentleman who found that creating the home of his dreams was fun every step of the way.

This Clayton homeowner's condo was a blank canvas ready to be transformed. With the expert help of interior designer Renée Céleste Flanders, ASID, his new home became a retro, contemporary space that refers back to the '60s and is alive with color and artistic presence.

“Whenever I begin a design project,” says Renée, “I study the architecture of the building itself. This was a circa 1960s mid-century modern construction, and I took that into consideration with respect to the interior.”

With that design tenet in mind, the homeowner's desire to acquire an Eames® lounge chair and ottoman, a quintessential example of mid-century design, figured perfectly into the direction Renée wanted to go.  Following a trip to Ivey-Selkirk's Modernist auction, the homeowner had three new pieces of art and a rug, all of which influenced the condo's color palette.

“My client loves bright, primary colors,” says Renée. “So, we chose bold fabrics that would pop off the white walls in the main living areas.” In a distinct departure from the neutral background, saturated green countertops were the inspiration for matching walls in the kitchen and dining area. The stark white Saarinen round dining table and tulip chairs are wonderfully juxtaposed against this rich shade. In contrast, a soft gray in the master bedroom provides a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.

In addition to happy hues and classic mid-century furniture styles, artwork played a huge part in setting the tone for this condo. “It was great fun finding wonderful pieces to display,” says the homeowner. I love having a home filled with so many interesting things to look at and enjoy. Owning the ‘real thing' is also very important to me,” he adds. “If I'm going to have it forever, I want to know it's authentic.” That being said, Renée and her client were continually searching for significant pieces that would punctuate the home with originality, playfulness and a sense of humor.

Of special note is the Walter Bauer “Toothpicks” sculpture that graces a corner of the living room. This original artwork consists of 144 wood pieces resembling toothpicks, all held together by gravity alone. Another of the homeowner's most favorite newly acquired possessions is the Miss Rio ottoman in the living room. Made by local Brazilian craftspeople, this sure conversation starter is constructed entirely of recycled flip-flops.

The journey – to find just the right pieces – was a grand adventure for the homeowner. “No part of this project was work,” he says. “It was all fun. I loved the process. It actually became a great hobby for me. I think it's so interesting that there's a story behind every piece of art, every chair, lamp and rug.”

The repetition of horizontal lines, vertical lines and circular shapes was key to Renée's plan. “I see interior design as a form of visual poetry,” she says, “so I am constantly on the lookout for two- and three-dimensional objects that ‘rhyme.'” That design imperative, along with her commanding use of bright colors, classic mid-century modern furnishings and unique and whimsical art, give the space a strong voice that makes you want to sit up and listen.

The homeowner couldn't agree more. “I feel very comfortable here,” he says. “Renée really took the time to get to know me, and it shows. This is a place that makes me happy.”

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RENEE'S RULES

1. Generally, a maximum of 7' is considered comfortable conversing distance when placing seating groups. Anything farther than that and conversations must be shouted to be heard.
2. Cocktail tables are generally 18” from the front of the sofa – a convenient distance to reach forward to place a drink, and so on.
3. I usually hang artwork, mirrors, etc. at 60” to 62” from the floor to the center of the piece to be hung.
4. Think of the surrounding wall space as “framing” the artwork so that it has room to breathe.
5. If you aren't already an art collector, start collecting! Educate yourself by going to museums, shows, art openings, reading reviews and art magazines. Your home will have a soul if it has original art.
6. Buy the best quality furnishings that you can afford. If your budget is tight, haunt estate sales, auctions, or e-Bay. Otherwise, educate your eye to discern the best in trickle-down high design offered by mass merchandising.
7. Camouflage all outlets, switch plates, grilles, light trims, and so on, with the same paint as the surrounding area so they “disappear.”
8. Rule of thumb for hanging chandeliers: 30” from the bottom of the chandelier to the top of the table for rooms with 8' ceiling height. Add 3” for each additional foot of ceiling height.
9. Align the long, straight side of a grand piano parallel to a wall, preferably an inside wall.
10. The best idea for what to put on a grand piano is NOTHING!