Carol Oaks

Here is my newest project. Its hot off the presses for your viewing pleasure. This project was a joy. I was going for a sophisticated, livable Island look. When I am designing a project I have a theme in mind to keep me on track of course, however, I feel that it is what you edit out that makes a project successful. The goal being a feeling of infusion of the theme, not icing on everything.

This is why the blog has been a little sparse lately. Have a look...
Dining Room Kitchen Nook
Place Setting

Master Suite

designer girl

My day job...

Well, I am sure you've all been wondering where I have been. The blog has been quiet for a few days. I received a call last Tuesday to do a model home. It was kind of a last minute thing and so it has been taking up a considerable chunk of my days (namely all daylight hours!). I'll post pictures as soon as I have them!

I haven't described what I do yet have I? I am an Interior Designer specializing in Model Home Design and Staging. Model Homes are my focus. I love creating a story with my interiors. I tell the story of a life well lived, one that is tasteful and interesting, a life to aspire to and that is totally attainable. Creativity and thinking outside the box are vitally important to the overall success of the project. It must be something that people can relate to and desire to achieve because I am hired by Builders to take their product and make it marketable - 'sellable' - a hot property. It really is an interesting field, a bit more psychology than mainstream interior design.

As for staging, it is really what I do with model, but also with individuals, using the same principles. Staging spills over into any area that the public comes into contact with a residence. That could be an apartment or condo model, a furnished vacation rental, a home for sale, a new construction model home, an idea house or show house. They all involve staging of some sort. Staging for real estate or furnished rental is the only area of all of that when there is the potential for someone to be living in the interior as it is furnished. All others are simply the illusion of home.

I like the idea of a large project. One room at a time is difficult for me stop there. I have so many ideas that they spill out into different rooms.

So that's a brief overview of the day job of...
designer girl
Until next time good citizens!

In summary...my feet hurt.

So much to cover... whew! It took three separate posts to get through the awesomeness that is the bi-annual Upper King St. Design District Walk! So many pictures, so much information, so much walking! Cumbersome I know, but you really should start 3 more posts down6to begin at the very beginning.

That is all that I have for you until next spring concerning the walk, but I will be doing various features on the various shops and designers of King St. I had a great time... I hope you enjoyed hearing about it. Until next time...

designer girl

And I Keep Walking...

Ok, now it's getting darker and cooler, which I am infinitely grateful for. My next stop on my whirlwind tour is Fine Rugs of Charleston.

I have been here before and I always enjoy myself. Strange thing to say about a rug shop, maybe, but you'll just have to check it out to see what I mean. Everyone that I have talked to there is always great fun and I seem to learn something new every time I am in. Not to mention the beautiful pieces of art they have hanging all around in the form of woven rugs from around the globe. Art for your floor... what next?

A World Apart

One of the newest additions to Upper King is A World Apart. A store devoted entirely to importing only environmentally responsible and sustainable materials and goods from around the world. Very cool. And I am in good company,because the store was so packed I couldn't move! More on A World Apart when I have a chance to see what all the fuss is about!


I am trudging at this point, I have been walking this street in downtown Charleston for two hours now (and if you've seen the sidewalks in Charleston, you'll understand) and I just had some Sangria that is not agreeing with my walking self. And what do I see coming up next that makes me smile? It's Wonderland!

Another new addition to Upper King that is devoted to new arrivals! How perfect. Kid Couture! It was truly adorable. Everything is cute in miniature, but there were a few numbers in there that I wish came in my size. Of course everyone was checking out the new kid on the block, so it was a bit of a squeeze to see it all, but they seem to be purveyors of the fine life for kids. Everything from design solutions for the nursery to the latest in stylin' strollers to of course the clothes! The cutest clothes! But just be prepared it is couture. Don't say that I haven't warned you. But you simply must go and see Wonderland for yourself!

Autumn Design Walk '07 Part Deux

So the walk continues...

Next stop is a favorite of mine...dwelling.

I could live in a dwelling world! dwelling is a place of luxury and serenity. It has all of the attributes of a home that you would aspire to; cozy, warm, stylish, refined, beautiful, quality, interesting, luxurious. Isn't that what we all want? A home that reflects back to us our own unique style in a way that brings out all the best and finest attributes of us in visual form?

I love the subdued sophistication of all of their vignettes. It speaks to me.

Look for an interview with Leigh of dwelling and more on a dwelling world in posts to come. Their website is down for construction, but look for it to be up in Winter '07.




I love this bedroom! It's a great masculine set up, but most definitely not over the top. It is so inviting and comfy looking... I just wanna dive in! (besides, at this point in the design walk my feet are screaming, and there is still so much more to take in! Oh, but for a five minute nap...)



A good turnout for the design walk at dwelling. The aesthetic here is understated and appealing to a wide variety of people. I love to watch people's reaction to the environment within this downtown vintage loft setting.



Upon introducing myself to the staffers mingling about I find that they love being here as much as I do. Here are just two devoted employees I had the pleasure of meeting this evening... Chris and Marie.

Leigh Ann and friends chatting it up at this stop on the design walk

Autumn Design Walk '07

Here's a look at my bi-annual romp on Upper King St.

I had hoped to get a few interviews from a few people on the walk this week, but alas, my schedule started running and I had to go chase it. Check back next week for that... but onto the details of my Design Walk!

the design district at dusk

October in Charleston is never cold, but this year the heater is on full blast! I am off to find a chilled Pino to cool me off. I am in luck, the first place that I stop is Lulan Artisans. They are prepared with a cool beverage and exotic atmosphere.

entering into the world of Lulan

It's this great little place for amazing silks. The story of the shop is interesting. Basically, it is a shop selling the wares of small village weavers in Asia. The purpose is to create beautiful silks using traditional methods to help sustain their way of life.
The materials are organic and the colors are natural. Its sustainable and socially conscious. What's not to love. More on Lulan in future posts.

what could be more lovely than being surrounded by bolts of the most beautiful silk!?

Next I was off to a new little shop next door just recently open in conjunction with Amelia T Handegan Interior Design.

She was recently named one of the Top 40 Interior Designers by the Robb Report. The shop seems to be an eclectic extension of Amelia's Interior design inspirations. For all of you who are a fan of her work, she now has a shop for you to come and be inspired by!

I love the look of empty frames on a wall

Off I went to ellington, to check out their newest collections.

I am always interested to see what ellington is up to. A truly eclectic shop. You will find anything from furniture and home accessories to clothing and accessories. Definitely a place to go if you like unique limited pieces. they have a wonderful color palette year round, always rich and strong. I would venture to say its a celebration of color and all ways to experience it.

ellington window display

Then to Haute Designs...

A local Interior Design company with a store front here in the Upper King Design District. Their aesthetic is an updated take on European design sensibilities.

a snapshot of the beauty that is Haute
Haute has been featured in a number of design publications and has done 3 CSOL Designer Showhouses ('01 '02 '05). I really admire the work that they do and the scale that they do it on... many of their projects are quite sizable. An interesting place to pop into when on Upper King.

And still there's more...

Ford Smith Interview

Where: The Richard James Gallery downtown Charleston
When: Saturday October 20, 2007 1pm – 4pm
Who: Ford Smith
What: Demonstration of his signature “Splash Painting” Technique

I was introduced to Ford’s work just last year, and I have been following his work ever since. I'm drawn into the imagery. My favorite of his works are the comtemporary, abstract feeling landscapes that tap into my imagination. I think it’s the combination of the color palette, the light, and the organic feeling. Now that I have met Ford, I see that a bit of his cheerfully relaxed personality is infused into each painting and that’s what makes them so interesting. He says that they all come from his own imagination as inspired by the places he's been. When I heard that he was coming to Charleston, well needless to say, I was giddy. I can't wait to see what effect our cascading, Spanish Moss covered Live Oaks will have on his imagination for the future.

He came in with his paint smudged Bob Ross “Happy Trees” T-shirt and I introduced myself. “I’m such a fan!”, I squeaked. (Yep, this interview is off to a great start). But Ford proved to be a rock star with his patience, casual demeanor and informative conversation. Throughout my entire dialog he casually yet industriously painted away. His genuine passion for art is evident in his generosity of spirit. At one point he even offered up his paintbrush to a little girl who studied his every move with rapt attention. People stumbled in off the downtown street to find themselves in the midst of a gallery turned studio for an afternoon. They flowed through the space experiencing his finished works hanging and curiously watched as his creation took form before their eyes. Ford answered each question with a genuine appreciation for each person’s interest. Ever gracious and unaffected. At the end of the afternoon, as I said goodbye... I felt that I had though I was finishing up a conversation over coffee with a friend, and yet, magically a bright and lively sunset landscape had come to life.
For more information on this interesting and talented artist check out his website Ford Smith. And if you are in the Charleston area, check out his exhibit at the Richard James Gallery at 231 King St until October 31st.

My conversation with Ford Smith:

designer girl: Do you begin with the end in mind or do you just begin and watch things evolve?
Ford Smith: Not really. I usually have an idea of the general composition, but not the specifics. It’s a very organic process, it evolves. I’m as surprised as anyone with the finished product. All of my paintings are strictly from my imagination and instinct. It’s an emotional process. So it’s truly a revelation at the end. It’s a surprise to everyone – including me!

designer girl: Do you ever sketch out ideas that you have?
Ford Smith: Never. It’s really an intuitive thing. I just – go.

designer girl: Where does the inspiration for landscapes come from?
Ford Smith: Probably because you can find them anywhere. They are always around – even in the city.

designer girl: Approximately how long does it take you to finish a piece?
Ford Smith: Well it varies, of course and I have multiple paintings going at once. They need time to rest and dry so I keep going on another while I am waiting. But I would say – depending on the piece - about a week.

designer girl: Have you always used this technique – “Splash Painting”?
Ford Smith: No. It evolved from the mosaic paintings that I had been doing and I was so into the details. I needed to loosen up. Splash Painting was a sort of reaction to that more structured way of painting. I combined [the look of] Jackson Pollack with [the style of] Pointillism. I really think I invented a whole new style of painting. I know people use this technique in painting, but I don’t know of anyone else using this technique alone to create a painting. It’s totally new in this way.

designer girl: are you still developing new techniques? Or do you feel that you have all that you need to create your work?
Ford Smith: I don’t actively try to develop new techniques. Sometimes things just happen, or I find a solution to a problem and that turns into an ‘insider trick’.

designer girl: What do you think is another signature to your work?
Ford Smith: I think the light effects come from my many years behind the lens of a camera. Photography forced me to study light and how it affects subjects. I think that comes through in my work today.

designer girl: Do you expect each painting to be a success?
Ford Smith: No, not at all. To some people it’s a success if it sells or if it’s popular and gains recognition. I think that ‘successful’ in the art world is subjective. To me I think that successful means that its satisfying to me. Although I have [created] some works that are good but not exciting to me, but have been some of my most popular works. It’s all subjective, but I paint to satisfy me.

designer girl: How many paintings do you go through to get to one that is successful? What do you think is your ratio?
Ford Smith: I think if even half of my paintings are good – I think that’s great. I don’t go into it looking for each one to be the best. Sometimes it’s the ones that I think I have ruined that surprise me in the end. The key is to keep working, keep painting, and keep producing work. That’s what creates success in the end is to keep going.

designer girl: And for a final question. Who is your favorite artist living or dead.
Ford Smith: Gustav Klimt… He’s famous for works like ‘The Kiss’ but he has some amazing landscapes that are lesser known, but are really great.

designer girl: Ford, thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I have really enjoyed talking with you and learning from you.
Ford Smith: It’s been great.

Be sure to check out his works at Ford Smith Fine Art or Richard James Gallery
Thanks again to Ford and everyone at the Richard James Gallery...

designer girl

Super Bad

Thursday was the semi-annual Upper King Design Walk here in Charleston. The design district throws open it's doors for the night for your shopping and socializing enjoyment. Shop owners are there to mingle and artists make appearances (more on artists during the French quarter Art Walk). I had such a great time and spoke to so many wonderful people that I have decided to spread out my thoughts, pictures and interviews over the coming days. There's so much information swimming around in my head that I don't want to put it all into one post... there's just too much. So stay tuned folks, there's much more to come. Until then I'll leave you with my favorite picture from my jaunt on King this time 'round. It's this really great clothing shop right at the heart of the posh Charleston Design District - 'cause where else would you go for "Super Bad New York Styles for Men and Boys"?

designer girl

Favorite New Blog

I am in love with DESIGN HOLE! Jennifer Mitchell is the host of this smart blog that is just chock-full of design ideas, interviews, resources and wit. Kudos Jennifer, I can only hope that my blog grows up to be just like yours.
designer girl

Char.m Slideshow!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Weekend Tour

This weekend we went on the Charleston New Homes Tour. I can't seem to get enough. I go to model homes constantly always learning, comparing and critiquing. I love the art of a Model Home... all of the phsycology, design skill, color theory, innovative ideas... I could get carried away in the science as well as the creation of it all. Strange thing for a designer to say I know... but that's probably why I enjoy my niche as much as I do.



My favorite idea of the tour so far... a powder room wallpapered
in NOAA maps of the local waterways.






I was a bit surprised to see the color schemes of the model homes I toured through. A majority of them were fairly recently furnished and yet had a color scheme of crimson, hunter and gold. I feel that organic, natural colors such as moss, bark, ocean blue with accent colors of lagoon blue, natural coral, and palm frond reflect the natural elements of this beautiful place. Natural colors are best suited to giving a model the local personality that people look for when they are looking for a home here in Charleston. We live in a place like unlike any other I think we should have that all around us and embrace it.

I have a few more pictures from this weekend to post that I plan to get to soon. My camera batteries quit in mid tour, so I might be stopping back by a few places to capture my favorite things. This tour goes on for another two weekends so there will be plenty more to come. For more information on the tour dates for Fall '07 click on the 'Charleston Design' link at the top of the page.

Until next time,
designer girl

Still setting up

Having a blast wandering around on others' blogs! I'm a planner, which means I have the need to scope out all the possibilities before diving into the set up of my very own-squeaky clean-brand new- blog. Essentially I am nesting. I should be all moved in by the end of this week and begin contributing meaningful content- until then... Hello new neighbors!

designer girl

Hello

Wow. That was easy. I have a blog now. Cool.
I stumbled upon a blog while searching online and thought,'wow! this is kinda interesting.' So I looked around some more... so far so good... looks pretty simple, yet complex enough for me to feel accomplished. I just might be onto something here. 'Sold! I'll take one!', I thought. So I set it up. Fancying myself as interesting I dubbed my blog the adventures of designer girl. Catchy don'tcha think? Okay, so now what? I realized that I have absolutely no pictures of myself... so until I get a decent one I shall remain faceless to you. And for all of the other stuff - the content, links, pics, etc. I have been perusing blogger to see how it's done around here. Interesting stuff out there. Keep it up people! I am thinking that this will be a cross between the musings of a budding artist and notes from the designer about town. A place for me to share my business news and the events that touch my world. Maybe even a few interviews from women business owners and local design mavens. As much as I love to find new resources and creative ideas, I love sharing them too. I love to learning and passing that knowledge onto others. I feel that if it's interesting to me then there has to be someone else out there who feels the same way.
I am excited to see what this evolves into.
Join me again soon!
designer girl