“Three” - A New Painting

“Three” – 24” x 36” Acrylic on Canvas, Michelle Morelan, 2010

Piet Boon

Piet Boon- From the book BEACH (thanks for gift sis)…I think Mr. Boon’s look has really bloomed everywhere over the last couple of years;  linen, clean lines, modern beach inspired interiors and furnishings with mixes of greyed and natural solid woods. His ode to nature is inspiring and I see more of it to come, with a nod to the future as well.

Vancouver’s Granville Island

With all the excitement of the games, I thought I would introduce you to a little gem in the middle of Vancouver. Not only a tourist destination, with galleries, shops and restaurants, locals use it daily. Granville Island offers beautiful vistas to downtown, the north shore mountains and the bridges that get you there.  It has an industrial vibe, that remains from it’s history. Come visit…we’ll treat you real well!!

  

 

Lauren’s Front Door

 

I love the colour of Lauren’s front door…it’s even inspired me to paint mine…I think a brick red colour. It’s the first thing you see and touch…make it a statement…introduce people to what’s to come.

Look for my doors of Amsterdam originals, prints and note cards on my Etsy store soon.

The Rendering for Interior Design Video Series- finally some progress!!

 

Lots going on around my makeshift studio…we are filming the opening sequence…it’s taking much long than I thought!! Look for my, yet to be named, HD video series on drawing for Interior Design soon. I’m going to pick a bloggers room for the first episode!

Happy Valentines Day!

   

My husband and I don’t spend too many Valentines  Days together, because of his work. He just happen to come home last night with Belgian chocolates fresh from his flight from Liege. And…he set up a huge delivery of lilies, just in case he didn’t get home. Life is good.

I hope you and your sweetie have a wonderful day!

Brooke’s Warm Home

 

Haven’t we all just lusted over the amazing talents of Brooke and Steve?

Her home is as warm as she is!!

Best, Michelle

rendering by Michelle Morelan, 2010

My Workspace…and a New Painting

 

“Upwards 2” above the bar cabinet, Acrylic on Canvas, Michelle Morelan. The vase is from Heather Ross[in house] in Vancouver. I bought two that day…the sea urchin glazed box is also from Heather’s shop. The Bhudda was Brian’s grandfather’s and the smaller vase is Jonathan Adler.

A peek into my office this morning…just so proud of how clean it is …have a great weekend!! We will hosting a small event called the Olympics…opening ceremony is Friday…I’ll be think of you Francine!!

A Project on Vancouver Island

 

 

Next week, I am presenting to clients on Vancouver Island. She likes country and bead board, but in a less feminine fussy way. My goal with this renovation of the upper floor was to give her exactly that…an updated version…more modern in its approach to country.

Walnut floors, woven window shades, and a great striped Robert Allen fabric on a modern armless wing chair keep the look updated without being too pink or yellow in undertone. Touches of black in the art, mirror and pendant help ground the space.

I am proposing both this plan, and one with a square moulding wall in the dining room, and a 1x2 marble mosaic (in mixed emperadors) over the back kitchen wall.  A new custom designed wrought iron railing with walnut stained handrails and new lighting gussy up the approach up the stairs. Small recessed pots on dimmers allow the rooms to be adaptable and glow in the evening, when my clients are mostly home.

A bar is located on the right side of the kitchen…something on HIS wish list, but still blending into the kitchen, and her vernacular.

Interior Design and Renderings by Michelle Morelan Interior Design, 2010

Capitol Gains

A recent commission has me thinking about my own engagement almost 14 years ago. Tonya got engaged on the steps of the Capitol Building…where did you make that jump of faith?

My engagement (formally), was by long distance on the phone from Miami. I flew out to meet him the next week, and we bought the ring at Costco… it couldn’t have been more romantic.

Thanks to Sarah for the referral!!  And to my mom for the husband referral!!

I wish my clients many more happy years together :)

Rendering by Michelle Morelan, 2010

Asian Inspired Outdoor Living Space….and why I use SketchUp

 

This outdoor space conveys much different information done in a white model compared to the same colour version. White models work great for working out volumes and massing, which is why architects like them, but for applying finishes, switch to material mode in SketchUp.

The great thing about SketchUp is it gives you instant feedback…what would the accents look like in red?…where should I put them?…how long and thick should this wall be? …even what it looks like to walk from one space to another.

It also blurs the line between schematic and working drawings, because you build and design to scale. This means you can use the same model for working out the design as for contract documents or working drawings, saving lots of time. With the use of a  section plane, by turning off the perspective view and adding dimensions, you take the drawing to that next level.

I would actually use the white model to trace over for an early client meeting. The computer model looks so final, and unchangeable. A client doesn’t want to think it’s a done deal.

There is a modern bathtub around the other side of the fireplace, a skylight and a green living wall with an outdoor shower.  Another fireplace and a seating pit provides a place to gather with lots of friends and family.

Interior Design and Renderings by Michelle Morelan Interior Design, 2010

A Kitchen Model MPEG

The kitchen rendering commission from a NYC designer I featured here was easily made into an AVI file to walk through the space with her client. Email me about this service I offer to designers; you supply the CAD or PDF CAD drawings- I build a model for you, which is easily turned into renderings of any perspective, and a movie to show your client all the nooks and crannies you are proposing. 

A couple of options for finishes were also explored through renderings (featured below). The designer, Jacquie,  writes in her recent email…”it's my hope and goal that we'll stay pretty faithfully to what's been rendered”.

 

Destination Commission

A Destination Commission

It’s a place which calls you to visit or return. I share their dream of visiting small Italian walking villages just like this.

Rendering by Michelle Morelan