Lauren’s LR and Video Series Update

There are so many creative and gifted bloggers out there; one of them being Lauren from Pure Style Home. I love the soft greens, the large chandelier and canvas she has put together in her living room. . .such restraint! The room is stunning.

**Rendering for Interior Design Video Series Update: I’ll be posting the first drawing (to follow along with) and a materials list over the next couple of weeks. We are hoping to have a 20 minute video featuring a new room every month after that. Tripod issues have slowed us down, but am happy to report there is film on the editors floor (so to speak). Did you know that a video camera tripod is over 1000 dollars? EEK. I’m really proud of my son Jes, who is filming and editing this series :* It’s been great to spend time together, and I’ve gained much respect for what he does.

Rendering by Michelle Morelan, Interior by Lauren Liess

Take Me Away Calgon…

I don’t know if I’m dating myself with that comment from the 70’s!! This fascination of late with bathing probably comes from the fact that I have been living without a (usable) tub for a few years now.

I remember making it an experience…a glass of wine, music, a book. This bathroom is one I designed for just us girl types. A black Baccarat crystal chandelier, custom chaise in a grey velvet, sheer draperies, black metal window frames and custom vanities are all appropriate for such a grand space. The bathtub is my all time favourite.

                         

Design and Rendering, Michelle Morelan Interior Design, 2010

MMID on the SketchUp Blog!

Pop over here and check out MMID on the SketchUp Blog!

It’s titled “Using SketchUp to Create Hand Renderings”.

Thanks Chris!

DIFFA and the AD Show

Back from NYC, and the great weather! Here’s a peek at the DIFFA tables, which were amazing as part of the Architectural Digest Show at Pier 94. It’s my first time attending both shows, and it was so much fun.

 

Continental Airlines by David Beahm Design

Carini Lang by Joseph Carini

 

David Rockwell

2 Michaels

NY School of Interior Design with mentor Michael Tavano

 

Evette Rios for Buitonis

Fashion Institute of Technology with Mentor David Stark

Kravet

Eric Warner for Aesthete

MMPI by Poggenpohl with Harry J. Daniell Design

Artistic Tile

Ralph Lauren

Benjamin Moore by David Stark

Arpad Baksa

A Tina Fey Moment

I found this quote by Tina Fey, that made me chuckle, and about sums things up.

“I thank my parents for somehow raising me to have confidence that is disproportionate with my looks and abilities. Well done. That is what all parents should do”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

…and the winner of the November Beach Series Give-away is nannykim at the Spindle Cottage who chose 199 (the number was 190)…thanks to all who participated…I’d love to send you all one :)

Kim…please send me your address!

Bathing Under the Stars

I love the concept of being in the wilderness and bathing under the moon and stars, as I grew up in quite an isolated area. This is your own mini lux-campsite, with two buildings; one shed is for sleeping and lounging, and one for cooking and eating. There is an open fire pit just outside the kitchen shed, and an old claw foot bathtub situated on natural local stone “floor”. A composting toilet in it’s own shed and an old pedestal sink round out the space plan.

Cedar on the sheds and for decking is appropriate to site, and is long wearing; bright red Adirondack chairs provide contrast, and cascading decks mimick the boulders around the site. The sheds are positioned to catch the sunset over the stone outcrop. Old bog trees and the rock outcrop wrap gently around the camp like “walls”, making it feel protected and private. There are a variety of levels which provide an outlook, a pit and a cocooning space. The kitchen is central to all, and a sail protects you from direct summer sun, acting as a partial “roof”.

There is no plumbing to the bathtub, just allow the water to drain off the stone surface, and use a bucket to fill it with hot water (or have someone do it for you ;) …this is part of the charm, and the experience. I could spend a whole season here…just hiding out from the world. You’ll find me in the tub,reading a book .

And…it’s a cell phone free zone.

Design and Renderings, Michelle Morelan Design

**I’m off to the big city for a week, and will close my Art Giveaway when I return, so leave your lucky number until then  :)

November Beach Series Giveaway

I’m spring cleaning, and giving away this trio of petite canvases (8x8”) . Just leave me a comment with a number between 1 and 200, and visit my Etsy store on my sidebar.  Kelly…it’s not 57!! LOL

Shipping within in the US and Canada only- sorry. I’m afraid of what kind of shape they would arrive in outside of North America :(

November Beach Series, Acrylic on Canvas, 8” x 8”, Michelle Morelan 2010

A Florida Escape

I love thinking outside of the box as a designer, so when Gwen asked me to give her some ideas for the deck of the new home they are planning near Islamorada, I was thrilled. The solution…custom outdoor wicker, foam and white slipcovers with citrus and deep sea blue toss cushions.  I’ve suggested flexible cubes and an Eames Lounge to break the straight lines of the sectional; it also takes a nod from their modern style. A NanaWall system creates the seamless indoor/outdoor lifestyle Floridians are so known for (and what brought Gwen here- thanks NanaWall). You can see my indoor/outdoor office design using the system here.

Design and Renderings by Michelle Morelan Design

Holy Guacamole!!

There’s this amazing Mexican restaurant around the corner from the hotel I stay at in NYC (Columbus and W67th)…of all things to look forward to when visiting this amazing city, it’s the guacamole made at your table that I have been dreaming about. Look how beautifully it’s served! Guacamole…food of the gods as far as I’m concerned. Do you love it as much as I do? What’s your special ingredient? Do share!

The Power of Four

I’ve loved the four lounge chair configuration for quite some time. Offering perfect radial symmetry, considering your personal space, and allowing you to face the people you are spending time with, it’s an equal endeavour, without hierarchy. I also think it brings out the primal person in me, because I especially love the idea of a fireplace near or a fire pit in the center.

The cocktail table height is important, otherwise it would be a dining room scenario, but try a card height table for working on your laptop, afternoon tea and poker game evenings. You need some space for this floor plan, but it’s a great solution for all those formal rooms we don’t use anyway.

August/September 2008 Western Interiors, Designer Betsy Burnham and Photographer Matthew Millman

June/July 2007 Western Interiors, Designer Agnes Bourne and Photographer Roger Davis

Patricia Gray Interior Design,  Photo by Roger Brooks

Elle Decor March 2009, Waldo Fernandez Interior, Photo by Firooz Zahedi

Western Interiors, Feb/March 09, Architect Thomas Bosworth, Photos by Matthew Millman

Met Home, Sept 07, Design by homeowner Mark Schomisch, Photos by Grey Crawford

I designed and rendered this commercial space using Eames Loungers, Flos floor lamps, a solid wood table and Modernica lighting.

Michelle Morelan Design

Indoor/Outdoor Office

Just because you work, it shouldn’t mean being under fluorescent lights in a badly ventilated room. I dream of working in nature, and would love my firm’s digs to reflect that. This “shed” is 20 by 40 feet, and has a NanaWall that opens up the whole length to a tree and rock garden; nothing complicated, or too much to distract, just the sounds of the birds in the trees and a rambling brook…hey work with me here, it’s my dream…lol. The Eames office chairs in white leather and the B&B Italia Athos tables with marble tops don’t compete with the view or the task at hand. You can, however take a step outside and paint with your easel if you need a break :)

Every creative firm must have to have a space to meet with clients and each other. The Bob chairs from Coalesse in an saturated blue gray wool/felt and the Tulip table by Saarinen shows your clients that your firm is creative,  and knows now to have fun but also be serious.

Every studio needs a wall of storage, and I think closed is best for all those fabric books, wood samples and such. A bulletin board and map drawers  keep projects organized, and file cabinets to each side are plenty. Skylights between the beams wash the whole space with light…in case a whole wall of light isn’t enough! Art by me, and there is a Nelson bench right under.  To warm yourself as you work late winter nights, a fireplace clad in a beautiful undulating granite is ready at the flick of a switch. You can watch the moon in the skylights and over the trees as you sip tea and close your calendar for the day, then walk 30 feet to your house. What a lovely commute!

All renderings and design by, and the property of Michelle Morelan Design.

Bring your project to life in perspective – even while you are still in the planning stage…designers and homeowners contact me here.