Thursday, October 27, 2011

Solution of the Week: Ipe Wood Deck

As we dive into the rainy season, here’s a small project that should brighten you up and remind you of the not yet forgotten splendors of summer. This home is a retreat, nestled in the heart of forest park and surrounded by lush foliage on all sides.


On our first visit, we realized that in addition to a problem of clunky detailing, the front of the house is the only spot that receives direct sun. Our clients wanted to alter their existing entry porch to better take advantage of that.

The first step was to trade the heavy wood trim for a lighter, more neutral palette that better complimented the house. We also got rid of the porch columns in favor of angled supports that opened up the space and allowed a much better view of the site. 

Another goal was to create an inviting entrance patio that features the gardens, and introduces rich, modern detail into the look of the house. We enlarged the porch’s footprint to include a direct connection with the street as well. The bridge enables the landscape to look and feel more intentional, and truly allowed its beauty to shine against the neutral backdrop of the house itself.

Finally, a contemporary look was accomplished through the use of rich colored Ipe wood on the deck and the horizontal wood detailing in contrast to exposed concrete landscape planters. The horizontality of the built improvements are in contrast with wildness of the plant life, but the warmth of the wood harmonizes the two elements, making them seem like the perfect pair.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

SRM Featured on Houzz.com
One of our favorite residences, Fazan, is currently a featured project on Houzz. Check it out! 

Friday, October 14, 2011

Designer Word of the Day
Deliverable: Despite how awesome it sounds, it's definitely not a word. Since Merriam Webster has yet to add it, here’s our definition:

(n).  something either tangible or intangible intended for another party, usually a client or a contractor. Ex. “Hey Laura, we need to meet to discuss the deliverables for the Johnson’s bedroom remodel, there are a lot of orders that need to go out by end of day today. “

Monday, October 10, 2011

The Glamorous Life... of a Designer

Mix together 11 parts beautifully designed homes, one part hand-crafted hors d’oeuvres and sprinkle with a good cause, and you have a recipe for a great time in South Salem. The SRM interiors crew headed down to Salem to help with the Chef’s Tour, an annual benefit for the Assistance League of Salem
One of our residential projects, Creekside Residence, was featured on the tour. People poured to see behind the doors of eleven distinct homes and nibble on a variety of appetizers from nearby restaurants. We weathered the dreary day by keeping our feet moving and showing visitors around the house, which we designed from the ground up. We spent the day answering questions and occasionally refueling in the kitchen, where Crooked Street Bistro kept us warm and well-fed with their delicious treats. All in all, not a bad way to start the week!
 
For a detailed rundown on the day, check out this article from Salem's Statesman Journal. Click here for more photos of the gorgeous South Salem house. 

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Designer Word of the Day 
Luminaire: The French word for light fixture. It sounds more graceful, more beautiful, more expensive…don’t be fooled, you have them in your house too.