Archive for December, 1969
The Gorman Residence in The Ridges is to Die for!
Today I am happy to share the home of some friends of ours, Geoff and Shelley Gorman. Shelley is a designer who realized her dream of designing her family’s home in the Ridges. I am thrilled she is giving us a sneak peak into their beautiful diggs. We’ve had the luck of attending two great parties in their home which prompted me to get down on my hands and knees to beg Shelley for photos to share with you! Enjoy!
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Front elevation
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Front elevation
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Backyard
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View into backyard
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Master Bedroom
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Family/Game Room
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Grotto
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View of waterfall in grotto
Dining Room
Living Room
Daughter’s Bedroom
Daughter’s Bath
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Son’s Bedroom
Movie Room
Interview with Shelley
Varnish- You went to U of A in Tucson, which also happens to be my hubby’s Alma mater. You also share a degree in Architecture. Where did that passion for design come from?
SG- I have always been a detailed observer of colors and the built environment. At age 16, I was given the opportunity to redesign my shoebox of a room in a suburban Chicago row house. I chose a white palette combined with punches of color filled Merrimekko fabrics. Growing up my parents took us on trips to explore our heritage in Norway and Finland. My exposure to downtown Chicago and Europe at a young age had a huge impact on my love for the built environment.
Varnish- What was it like designing a home for you and your family and will you ever do it again?
SG- Designing a place tailor made for our family and the way we live was a dream come true. I had designed commercial spaces in the past for clients but there is something amazing about getting to move in to your creation and experience it on a regular basis. I would do it again in a heartbeat as long as Elegant Homes was our contractor again. It was so great to be working hand in hand with such a professional and honest team.
Varnish- What was the most enjoyable part of that process?
SG- I would have to say watching it rise out of the earth day by day and enjoying the many phases and layers of the building process. It has also been quite a high to watch my husband and kids enjoy the house – they each have their favorite hangouts – the movie room is my retreat! It has also been amazing to completely furnish and finish off all the rooms in the house so soon after moving in. I really enjoy being a decorator and having my own home “done” and off my to do list has allowed be to focus completely on my clients needs. Having a dedicated home office with space for all my tools of the trade is a huge blessing and allows me to be ultra productive.
Varnish- What was the least enjoyable?
SG- I would have to say the time it took away from my young family, but my husband is so supportive and such a great dad that it worked out just fine.
Varnish- Lastly, are there any pearls of wisdom you could share with someone considering designing their own home?
SG- If you are not in the hands of a good builder I think this process could be quite painful. Decision making for me was easy as I had done it before in my profession, but I think it has got to be tough for someone without a design background. My husband had given me a list of 9 things he wanted out of the house and I knew as long as those goals were being met I was golden. He also had the confidence that I was going to be able to stay on budget and keep things moving along by making decisions in a timely manner. I would strongly advise couples to seek professional guidance and not try to go it alone when building a home. Architects and decorators are problem solvers that look at all parts of the equation keeping the budget and timeline in mind. They will save you money and keep your blood pressure down – it is a long process and there is a huge learning curve. They are also a mediator that can keep things running smoothly between all parties involved.
*Also, if you are interested, the Gorman Residence is on the market. It is 6000 sf and is listed at 2,825,000 and is the third lowest priced home on the market in The Ridges. For additional information you can contact Ken Lowman at Luxury Homes of Las Vegas.
Zebra Print is Always in My Friends
Why is zebra print so freakin cool? Well, for starters it’s one of the most graphic patterns in nature and every once in a while we need to be reminded that God is the best designer of all. There is something about the black and white that is so timeless, sexy and natural all at once. Go figure but it is. It’s grounding. And the best part is you can get away with that being the only print you use in your entire house and it works. Zebra print is modern and traditional. It goes with every color scheme. I have a few clients who I have and am currently hoping will “go for it.” So, in an effort to find some inspiring images for them, I managed to find that Elle Decor shares my passion for this African animal print. They have it everywhere and so should you.
all images featured in Elle Decor via flickr
The Coolest Typography EVER!
I came across this ad campaign for the Houston based furnishings store High Fashion Home and had to share it with you all. The concept is by Ad Agency, The Butler Bros. and the photography is by Adam Voorhes. A furniture alphabet? It’s perfection!
Desert Living Done Right
I ran across some beautiful images on Architectural Digest and thought I’d share with all of you who may be desert rats like me. These are all homes designed specifically for a desert climate….for truly enjoying, not just tolerating. Imagine that!
Producer Jerry Weintraub’s vacation in home in… Palm Springs (I think!)
Architect Antoine Predock designed this home in Santa Fe
Donna Livingston designed this home for indoor/outdoor living in Indian Wells, CA
Marmol Radziner was commissioned to design this prefab home for a couple’s vacation home in Colorado
Sam A. Cardella with Interactive Design Corp. designed this home in Rancho Mirage, CA
Architect Steven Ehrlich designed this fabulous home in Dubai. And you think it’s hot in Vegas!?
Edward. M Jones designed this custom home in Scottsdale. It’s a bit much for me but the desert landscaping is beautiful. Who says cactus is ugly!
Color Coding Your Bookshelves is Neat!
Good morning people. I have to admit to you all that I’m about to hit the road for a little mini-vacay in Laguna Beach. Don’t be a hater! To gear you up for the week, I’d like to share a post from Maria Killam’s blog, Colour Me Happy. In fact, this post was actually written by guest blogger Sara, from Sara Says Awesome. Either way take the time to visit those blogsites. Maria offers wonderful, not mention, expert color advice and Sara will make you laugh your arse off. I’m kind of bonkers for this color coding we’re seeing on bookshelves everywhere and am now looking at books for the color of their jackets rather than their content! Don’t be shocked if I have some interesting reading material happening in my living room soon. Anyhow, enjoy the eye candy and consider this a fun new way to dress up those boring shelves!
Glamorous (and Girly) Home Office
My friend Amanda asked me to help “glam up” her home office which led me to this photo. I think that many of us are not in the position to completely remodel to our heart’s content but there is something about a fresh color (it was hot pink on the ceiling for Amanda) and some new accessories that can really breathe new life into your office. If you’re anything like me, you spend an obscene amount of time on the computer, doing bills (okay not so much me) and really just becoming more and more a part of the cyber world. Why not have a pretty little spot where you can do your thing? I love the fact that the small closet is being utilized as a desk area even leaving the room for a “conference” table and a disco ball. The gray, pink and white color scheme leaves ya wanting for more!
via decorpad
Meet Jennifer Ramos at MadeByGirl
Happy Friday! I always like to leave you with something extra pretty to look at over the weekend so here are a few of my favorite prints from Jennifer Ramos over at MadeByGirl. Jennifer is a Las Vegas local (woo hoo!) who has made a name for herself within the design and blogging community. She is all about girl power, going green, being creative and pushing yourself to follow your inner artist! Please check out her blog or her website for some must have artwork.
Green Piano
I love this green painted piano! What a fun way to bring music and design together. Also proof that you can paint ANY piece of furniture a funky color and bring it back to life. I stole an old piece of furniture out of my neighbor’s trash pile and have every intention of making it awesome. I’d love to know if you guys have any DIY paint projects that you’d like to share. If you do, email me and I’ll feature your creative genius on this here little blog. Shout it from the rooftops people, “we’re as good as any of those yahoos on Top Designer!”
Modern Kid Rooms
I’ve had few friends ask for a post on inspirational kids rooms. There were so many to choose from that I think I’ll give special attention to the theme for the rest of the week. A child’s room is a wonderful opportunity to get playful, whimsical and just get away with a lot more. Noone is judging your child’s bedroom so it may be approached with a bit more abandon, which I think is something we should try to do a little bit more in the rest of our homes. I’m guilty as sin when it comes to “playing it safe” but to quote Vern Yip, “playing it safe it won’t win you this competition!” Be bold with your interiors and be bold with your life! All images via Elle Decor.
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