Thrilled to Announce

My friends over at This Next (www.thisnext.com) have posted a profile of me.

This is one of my newest favorite sites and has proven to be almost in dispensable for me. The basic idea is that you log in and post new finds and product recommendations. For someone trying to stay up with the latest trend or looking for a gift less ordinary, I cannot recommend this site more, I hope you check them out.

Here is the link to my interview: http://blog.thisnext.com/blog/mark-cutler-design-star.html

Modern Fireplaces

I have always been a big fan of contrast. Playing light against dark, old against new and most of all modern against traditional. Some of my favorite designers are masters at this, and in my mind, the tension you create can make a room much more interesting, than if you had stuck with just one style.

Today's post is about modern fireplaces. A fireplace represents a unique opportunity in a room, because almost without effort it draws the eye and anchors the space. Because of this inherent property, I like to keep the fireplaces fairly simple. So for me, this is the perfect opportunity to interject a modern element. Here are some thoughts about Modern Fireplaces:

• Think carefully about the material you decide to use. You can see in the fireplace above i used brushed stainless steel, but because of the softness around it in the upholstery, carpet etc, it actually looks very warm. So when deciding on material, be aware of its context, even the most industrial materials can show a softer side if handled correctly.
• When doing a modern fireplace, scale is crucial, you may want to make a mock-up first, to avoid a costly mistake.
• Just because its modern, doesn't mean you can't show the hand of the maker. I prefer modern elements where you can see the craftsman hand, such as elements that include, venetian plaster, or hand worked metal. So while the shape and form are modern, you get the sense it is still within a tradition of craftsmanship. This is an important idea when working the modern against traditional pieces.
• Some of the best modern feeling fireplaces I have seen, are made with old world material. Elements such as rough hewn stone, or hand worked metal, when massed in a simple way can feel more modern than some things made from steel or concrete. So do not feel limited by materials, seek your inspiration from the context of the room.
• Have a fireplace already and want to make it feel more modern? How about a sandblasted glass firescreen, or paint the mantle a vibrant color (lime green would do it), or even as something as simple as chrome fireplace accessories would do the trick.

..... and don't forget the bear rug :)

Thursday is Resource Day

I was out shopping for a client the other day and I went to one of my favorite stores and was reminded again what I liked so much about it. Often, people equate cost to quality or taste, I beg to differ. Today's resource could not be more the opposite of that idea. It is Cost Plus World Market. I love these stores, they are a treasure trove of well priced ideas. I have included a few images of some of the things I especially liked.

The first one is this great dinner set. It is sold by the piece, and while I am not convinced that a whole set is for me, I am using one or two pieces as bathroom accessories for a major celebrity client right now. I think that the pattern has such great coloration that it goes so well in a bathroom, and is a welcome relief from crystal or plain ceramic, that you see so much of. They would also make a great addition to a desk as well. The key is to find what you like, then ask the question "what else could this be?".



The next thing is this stunning folding screen. It has a woven rope pattern attached to the face, that gives it a cool hip look, but I think that for someone on a budget it would make a terrific headboard. If you want something with a bit more drama, take it all the way across the bed wall, and place your bedside tables in front. It will give your room a very chic, modern primitive feel.



Lastly, I am thrilled to announce the death of the Tiki Torch as the default backyard light. These fabulous little string lights are festive without making your garden look like a year round Cinco de Mayo party. String a bunch together and loop them back and forth over the area you want to light and sit back, and listen to the praise of your friends.



So I hope you enjoy this resource, remember the question to keep asking yourself is "what else can I use this for"?

Designing with Pets in Mind

There is a line that is now notorious in my office, and it was uttered by Margaret Russell, Editor of Elle Decor, during one of the first episodes of Top Design, "you can't design a room around a cat." While that statement may be true, for those of us with cats, or dogs; designing with a pet in mind, can produce its own unique challenges, I hope that this helps:

• 
  
  If your pet has access to the outdoors, then traipsing dirt back into the house is always going to be a problem. Try to make the access point somewhere with a hard surface, such as wood or stone, rather than carpet, as that will make it easier to keep clean.


• 
  
  Provide a textured mat, both inside and out, it will help capture some of the dirt.


• 
  
  Slipcovers are an excellent idea for furniture pieces that are frequented by pets. Using a natural material, such as cotton or linen, will hold up well to regular washing (remember to wash the fabric first, before you have the slip covers made).


• 
  
  I have heard people give the advice that you should create furniture the color of your pet so you don't see the shedded hair. I don't know about you, but I would dread not knowing whether my furniture was clean or not. This is not an argument for all white, but a warm neutral I think provides some relief, but also early warning of dirt.


• 
  
  Clean the rugs at least twice a year. So many times rugs, to their own detriment are ignored and not deep cleaned regularly. If you have pets this is crucial to keeping a home that will feel fresh all the time.


• 
  
  This one may seem self-evident, but groom your pet regularly. Regular washing and more regular brushing will keep your home fresher and cleaner than almost anything else.

Most of all, enjoy your pets, and let them enjoy your home too.

Dining Room Lighting

I find that with so many things in life as well as in design, that the first solution to a problem is not necessarily the best. A light fixture to hang over the Dining Room table is the perfect example of this problem. For so many people, the first reaction is to put in a crystal chandelier, while it may be very pretty, there are a host of other options that can create a much more interesting solution.

Here are some thoughts you may want to consider:

• If one is good maybe three is better? If you really want the sparkle of a chandelier, maybe you could try using a grouping of three smaller ones, clustered together and hung at different heights. Using a collection like this can create a fresh, hipper feeling, and allow you to use less expensive, smaller choices.




• Try using a lantern instead of a chandelier. Especially in a colonial home, this can be a great, simple choice.




• The fixture in the picture above is made of papier mache and Christmas lights. I bought it in the south of France from an artist there, and I think it creates the perfect counterpoint to an otherwise sophisticated room.




• If you find an old piece that you want to use, maybe you can have the wiring removed and use real candles instead of bulbs. This will make even the most pedestrian fixture into a glamorous item. Be sure to use drip less candles!!




• I like the simplicity of the rice paper lanterns too, that are so readily available at import shops. Their quiet simplicity is perfect, and they cost very little, so you can swap them out for different shapes on a whim.




• With a little work a regular lamp shape can make a very pretty hanging fixture. You may want to make sure you make a base for it, because sitting at the table looking up into a bare bulb is not want you want your guests to see.

Happy Entertaining!

Answer Day: A Small Entry Hall

I had an intriguing question sent to me during the week by Rebbecca, who says that since they moved into their house, traffic patterns have changed and they now greet most of their visitors at the tiny landing at the back door. She wants to know, short of Architectural changes, what can she do.

Well Rebbecca. there are a few things I can suggest:

• Take a look at your Garden, is there a way you can change that up a bit to encourage visitors to come to your front door? You can use lighting, plants, even a brighter color, can draw attention to the front door, which can help guide people there.


• A less subtle approach is a nice sign, directing people to the Front Entry.


• If these approaches don't work, embrace your new smaller entrance. There is s lot you can do to make it more warm and inviting.


• Try to make it feel larger, by using space outside, treat the garden area, almost like its own little room, so its almost an antechamber. Put in a small bench, light it well, some flowers too, this will start the Entry feeling even before they get to the door, creating a larger sense of space.


• Inside, you can make a space feel larger by using a deeper color. I think chocolate makes for a great Entry color, everything looks so dramatic against it.


• Use mirrors liberally too, this will help to make the space more vibrant.


• Cut the clutter, there is nothing worse in a small space than lots of "stuff", clear out all but the essentials.

I hope that these tips help.

Top 5 Lamps

As part of the ongoing series that I post on Sunday's here is my list of Top 5 Lamps, Enjoy, I hope you find this illuminating.

1. 
   
   Sahara Lamp- Mark Cutler Design Well I would be a schmuck if I didn't include one of my own lamps. This was inspired by the great old hotels of Las Vegas in the 1960's. It has a vaguely retro feel and is available in stained wood or in black, white or red lacquer. Contact my office for purchasing info.
   


2. 
   
Jack Table Lamp- Circa Lighting (www.circalighting.com ) This little lamp makes me smile every time I see it. It is available in a bunch of different finishes and is such a great shape. I have used this lamp in Kids' rooms, as well as Living Rooms, I think it's totally versatile.


3. 
   
   
   

   Faux Bois Lamp - Oly Studio (www.olystudio.com) Anyone who reads this Blog often, knows that Faux Bois is one of my favorite things in the world. This lamp from Oly is a great example of the style. The scale is perfect and the concrete style finish is great.
   



4. West End Lamp- Steven Handleman (www.stevenhandelmanstudios.com ). Steven Handelman is a wrought iron manufacturer from Santa Barbara, and he makes some great pieces, this is part of his line of lamps. It has a very cool Arts and Crafts feel to it, that sets it apart from the rest.



5. Manning Table Lamp- Crate and Barrel (www.crateandbarrel.com ) This is such a terrific staple, that can go from Traditional to Modern. I use this lamp to add scale to a space where I don't want to make a big statement. One other thing you can do too, is open the lamp up and fill it with your favorite collection. Sea shells, toy soldiers or even dried flowers, would all create a cool, very personal lamp.

Well I hope that this list has been helpful.