realdesigner's Profile

Should have said "trying to copy". Don't think the Bourellecs or Vitra are losing too much sleep over this.

Hmmm. I bet these large prints will be out in 2010. "Recession brings a new sobriety to the home..."

They're a bit dated now-- been used in too many hotels and restaurants. I wouldn't want to stare at one for more than a few weeks.

I think a small sofa and one cool chair along with a flat panel tv and perhaps an oversize ottoman for party seating is all this small room needs. If you want, I can send a sketch.

Getting a good sofa used on craigslist is definitely the way to go. Goodwin is gorgeous but make sure the structure is kiln-dried hardwood and it is a sturdy foam cushion. If it isn't, you don't want it. I recommend sofas by Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams and Desiron as well. Lots of places are having sales right now as well!

White epoxy floors would look great but know that epoxy is very harmful environmentally-- lots of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) / fumes. Try to find a more eco alternative like a glossy eco-paint spec.

You might look into sheer fabric window shades that close horizontally on a track as well as regular curtains. The shades would be more contemporary and cleaner.

I really like the idea of the open shelving to either side of the fireplace-- you can put the tv on one of them and place minimal stacks of books or objects on the others. Place large rectangular baskets on the floor beneath the bottom shelf to hold magazines and clutter.

As for the mirror above the fireplace, how about something minimal and luxurious like:
http://www.hudsonfurnitureinc.com/2007/

I'm really not a fan of placing the tv above the fireplace-- it's kind of passe now and says that the TV is the focal point of the room. You want to hide it a bit, and categorize its importance and function with the books and other media.

I would paint the baseboards so there isn't such a screaming contrast between them and the walls.

And as for the hallway, maybe painting the ceiling a darker color would "lower" it visually, so as to change its proporations and make it look wider. Also, maybe a fun wallpaper with a large pattern would "activate" it a bit.

Rex Ray's work is very of-the-moment because of the "recycled" quality of the paper collages and the "eco"-look of the colors and textures used. I think the shapes are kind of sixties/hippie-ish but I guess he's from San Francisco (!) I love the mix of the textures and patterns-- it really takes a good artist/designer to get all these balanced on the canvas or page. And it's nice to see a graphic designer returning to working with his scissors and glue and craftpaper instead of his Mac!