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”

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…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.

“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