50 Shades of Grey

50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James has swept the nation. Ok, maybe not the entire country, but certainly the female population from...oh let's say 20 years of age to 78! Even writing my blog took a backseat, because I was so caught up in the power of Grey.

Pondering the book’s title then led me to thoughts about the color, gray.  (Though both spellings can be used interchangeably, in America we typically use g-r-a-y for the color.) Given this cultural obsession with 50 Shades, I thought it unavoidable to talk about color, and the shades of gray.

Color has a tremendous capacity to conjure emotions, with each member of the color wheel having its own personality. After reading the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy, I did wonder if the name Grey was purposefully used by the author to borrow attributes from the color gray. Their “personalities” share a striking resemblance. The color gray is seen as sleek and sophisticated, industrial and unconventional, disciplined and contemplative.

Each year committees in the fields of fashion and home decor gather nationally to forecast new color trends. And suddenly, as if on cue, we start to see that color pop up in stores and permeate the marketplace, from towels at Target, to accessories at Crate and Barrel, and couture clothing at Bloomingdales. For much of this year the trend setting color has most certainly been tangerine tango! We have seen it in clothing, and furnishings, and will continue to see this lively orange/red coral along with its bold citrus yellow counterpart.  New to the color stage this year, blue and aqua have come out strong.

But what I find most interesting this year is our neutral base tones. Beiges and browns are simply stepping back, making room for the refined newcomer. It is all about gray! With shades ranging from pearl to charcoal, gray is often associated with a sense of cloudiness, even moodiness. Unlike beige, gray has the power to be unsettling and non-conforming. Unlike black, it is not bold, but rather more subtle or subdued.

In architectural interiors we are seeing refined rooms of gray, accessorized with splashes of bright bold color. Tangerine, citrus yellow, and lime green continue to dominate, with blue and aqua boldly entering the scene, as red makes its exit. The gray and crisp white color scheme can also be a refreshing and soothing combination for architectural interiors.

The sophisticated refinement of gray paired with a bright, playful, and youthful splash of coral, citrus, aqua, or lime can be unexpected, and rejuvenating. Maybe unconventionally refined is what we would call this color scheme--and interestingly an appropriate description for Mr. Grey himself……

It can be exciting and quite liberating to try a new color scheme. We often get comfortable with a certain palette of colors, and we feel nervous about changing it up. But color can be a powerful force affecting our mood while defining a room's personality.  It can be a simple, cost effective way to create dramatic change.

My suggestion is to look at the spaces you live in. Have you grown so accustomed to the color scheme that you don’t really even see it anymore? Making a color change makes us more aware of our surroundings, as it urges us to be more present in the moment.  Maybe it is time for a new shade…..

Take a look at the images of various gray interiors for inspiration…

And as an interesting footnote…our eyes can actually distinguish not 50, but 500 shades of gray!

all photos from google images

Staying the course through adversity: in Architecture...as in Life

“Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.”
Horace quotes (Ancient Roman Poet. 65 BC-8 BC)


In the world of architecture, creativity must strive to maintain its design integrity despite regulations, city mandates, code requirements, and limitless obstacles. No matter how well planned, researched, or studied, each project inevitably runs up against its hurdle.

Architecture can be described as livable art pursued in the real built environment. Sometimes that sounds like two mutually exclusive pursuits. Art enjoys the freedom, non-conformance, expressive fluidity of the creative process. It is the pursuit and the result of passion. Conversely, the real built environment is laden with rules, codes, calculations, guidelines, and restrictions. It is more about what you cannot do, than what you can. Oftentimes, in the pursuit of inspiring architecture, these two forces oppose each other, and we find ourselves at an impasse. In order to comply with the restrictions and codes of the built environment, it appears that we must let go of some of the design components of the project.

This is the critical step. The architect’s role and commitment to his/her design integrity is significant at this juncture. Certainly the design can be altered in order to comply, but will it lose its vitals? Will it crumble without its core? In so doing, are we losing the design integrity that gave the project its spirit?

This is where the real work begins; because we must problem solve while holding tightly to our creative passion; we must be flexible, but not to the point of spinelessness. Though frustrating at times, and though the solutions can be puzzling and evasive, without these hurdles the results of our passion would be solely Art. However, architecture has a significant calling to be much more than three dimensional Art. It has a mission to create unforgettable spaces with undeniable spirit.

In our lives, how many times have we been traveling along smoothly when we feel that we are sideswiped and hit with an obstacle unforeseen? In those moments, we feel derailed, and we can lose our inspired goal, wishing to give up. On the other hand, we can make the choice to stand firm in our integrity, to push forward and overcome the obstacle without losing sight of our dream or vision. And it is often those unforeseen shifts that can become the catalyst for the most interesting changes and most inspired solutions.

In 1991, I was working at an architecture firm while finishing my thesis at school. I had watched as a recession began that transformed a 50 person architecture firm down to 30 people within weeks. And then, it was my turn to be laid off.

Married, pregnant with my first child, and finishing my Masters at SCI-Arc, I did not feel that I could sincerely pursue another job just then. I had no idea if I would need maternity leave or not. It would have certainly been easy to take that layoff as a sign to put the career on hold. But….that was a key pivotal moment in my life.

Rather than looking to be hired by another firm, I focused on the creativity in architecture that had captivated me, and found my first independent project. What happened after that was the start of Otis Architecture, and a career that has brought me so much freedom, creativity, and fulfillment. Sometimes I think back and wonder if I would have had the guts to go on my own, begin my own practice, if it were not for being unexpectedly derailed in 1991.

So looking at your life now, is there something that life has thrown you that is an obstacle you had not foreseen? Did life somehow take an unexpected turn? Did the stifled economy of the last few years affect your career and/or retirement? Do you feel frustrated that your goals and dreams feel out of reach?

Once you have absorbed the shock of being derailed, and sorted through the frustration that accompanies the shock, step back and assess your life with a clear mind. Let go of the mindset where you thought you knew exactly how your life was supposed to be. Allow your thoughts some flexibility, and begin to accept that the outcome may differ from your preconception.

And finally, elicit your talent and strength in the face of this adversity. Something new may be anxiously waiting in the wings. The result may be inspired.

"An obstacle is often an unrecognized opportunity."

Home

In the midst of the Thanksgiving holiday, I am struck by the amazing feeling that comes from being surrounded by family. It sort of wraps its arms around you with unconditional security and love. For many of us, this time of year stirs our need to let people in…into our homes, and into our hearts.

Just as we appreciate the inviting warmth of our families, we want the very same from our homes. Homes personify so much more than shelter; they are extensions of our personality, our values, and a reflection of our individuality. Our homes should not only invite us daily, but at this time of year, they need to extend their arms even further to our neighbors, families, loved ones, and friends.

So how does a home extend its invitation? The hospitality begins outside, at the approach. Are there well-lit beautiful plants and a pathway to the door? The door itself should be a pausing “moment.” Perhaps the door is over-sized and spectacular in its grandeur. Or perhaps its materials are beautifully crafted, rich in natural color. Perhaps there is some glass at the doorway, allowing visitors to see the warmth within.

The threshold is the marked transition bringing guests into our home’s embrace. There should be a momentary delightful “aaahhh.” From there all of our senses should be invited in. We might see the home’s heart, the fireplace. It should not only be a striking focal point, but it should radiate its warmth, drawing us both physically and visually. Its colors should emanate beyond the hearth. The inviting colors of coral, deep red, green, sienna, and brown remind us of the palette of nature.

The lighting can set the tone or mood in any space. While bright lighting can be visually exhausting to our eyes and better suited for tasks and work, slightly dimmed lighting offers the opportunity to soften a room. When combined, varying light sources such as lamps, overhead lighting, and candles, convey character and ambiance.

The textures throughout the house should invite comfort. Cozy knits, chenille, faux furs, tempt us to nestle. Extra throws and cushions provide that added sense of comfort. Our furniture should encourage us to recline, relax, converse, and linger.

The scent of a home can also have a powerful pull. Whether candles, flowers, or fragrance sticks permeate the air, we are drawn to the aroma of vanillas, jasmines, lavender, and cinnamon spices.

And finally, the sound of the home is equally powerful. Whether it is the crackling of the fireplace, soft music, or a soothing water fountain, we are drawn to the harmony that tranquil sounds instill.

So as the season coaxes you to welcome others in, let your home invite all their senses to the forefront. Far more than shelter, a home’s warmth wraps us in comfort, evokes security, and embraces our soul.

The light is what guides you home, the warmth is what keeps you there. ~quote by Ellie Rodriguez

The Balancing Act

"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony." -Thomas Merton

Balance is a powerful word. It can be both elusive and difficult to achieve, yet holds the key to unlocking peacefulness, and harmony. Architecture is deeply aware of balance as it not only keeps structures from collapsing by balancing weights and loads, but it also seeks a harmonious composition of the spaces, and their facades as it balances architectural features, volumes, color, etc.

Balance is understood when we see Stonehenge

Balance is understood when we see a ballerina on Pointe

Balance is understood through the teachings of yoga

And with that sense of balance, even when precarious, we feel a sense of rightness, of harmony, equilibrium, and steadiness that resonates with us.

Balance plays an integral role in the design of our spaces. As architects, we balance the desire for light-filled spaces with the need for privacy; the use of new bold materials with a sense of comfort and warmth; vibrant lively design within a soothing environment.

Our personal lives too have experienced the importance of balance. We were first introduced to it as we tried to sit up as babies and balance our heads upright. Certainly wobbly at first, we unknowingly learned to “balance our weight,” thus understanding point and counterpoint. Then as toddlers, walking gave us an often rude lesson on balance. Sometimes painful falls were our teachers as we naturally got a little bruised up with some of our early balancing acts.

In adulthood, the search for balance is a life-long endeavor. As parents, we try to balance our work and our family time. When one area of our life becomes too dominant, the other parts suffer as we fail to strike that balance. Many of us stay on the endless treadmill that we think will lead us to a happiness triggered by success and achievement. But, we often find that we are running aimlessly and truly getting no closer to our pursuit of happiness, or we exhaust ourselves in the process. Without balance, we feel unsteady.

In a generation of excess and instant gratification, capturing and maintaining that sense of balance is a true feat. It is much easier to allow oneself to be pulled into something all-consuming, where discipline and balance are disregarded. It is with far more awareness and dedication that we make our way towards the beauty and poise of balance.

So, look within to understand the elements that are in need of balance in your life: the balance between your driven, success-oriented, energy and the quiet, reflective, stillness that resides within. Allow the balance into your life, so that the quiet voice of introspection and peacefulness can surface and be heard.

Only a life that is balanced is genuinely poised for happiness.

Change...inside and out

This past week researching for a City presentation, I discovered an anonymous, yet poignant quote:

“Change is inevitable, but growth is intentional.”

In regards to architecture, this is particularly true. The spaces in which we live are forever changing. It is impossible for them to stay entirely still and static. Even without purposeful changes to your built environment, then at the very least, the space is changing by aging or simply from use and wear.

For many of us, as we live in and utilize our homes, we enjoy the vitality of making small changes continuously. Perhaps you enjoy changing the throw pillows to a new color scheme, painting a wall a new color, adding different candles, prints, or accessories to introduce a change. Even adding a plant or replanting can alter the space. And for others, who associate change with discomfort, leaving it exactly as it is, and maintaining the familiarity of it, is more important and less disruptive to a routine.

Regardless of your preference, our surroundings evolve. As the quote says, “Change is inevitable.” So we can choose to either let the changes just evolve through wear and over time, or we can embrace the opportunity at different stages in our lives to instigate a change and revitalize our homes, and in so doing, ourselves. Typically, we will reach a point where we have outgrown parts of our home. Perhaps as we grow up, the design aesthetic and style no longer accurately reflect our personality, or the way that we would utilize a space has changed because our family has grown up.

And this is the very key to remodeling.

Remodeling, however big or small, has the power to transform a space. Recently I just completed an interior remodel to a home that I had originally designed approximately 13 years ago. At that time, we had gutted everything except for the kitchen, since it had been remodeled by the previous owner.
We had actually demolished the entire house surrounding the kitchen, plastic-wrapped and sealed the kitchen, and furiously fended off El Niño to preserve it. Now, in 2011 my client asked me to redo the kitchen. The transformation that we did was truly remarkable! With the kitchen at the very core of the house, it is now a spectacular focal point.

The energy of the new aesthetic made its way into the living room as well...

This idea of transformation and change is something that we do personally to ourselves several times throughout our lives. When we go to college, there is a tremendous change. Similarly when we have kids, and again when the nest is empty, we transform our lives, often redefining ourselves. Though it can certainly introduce stress, uncertainty, pushing past our comfort zone of familiarity, it inspires tremendous possibility and creativity.

And maybe that is the key to staying inspired, to never stay too long in that familiar comfort zone; to always look at ourselves and our surroundings with fresh eyes. People and places are never too static to change or adapt.

And if we can look at our homes, places of business, places that we see or frequent every day with refined clarity, perhaps we can allow ourselves the freedom to think out of the box; to imagine new possibilities.
So if you feel hesitant with the discomfort of any changes in your life, remember…

“If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living.” -Gail Sheehy

“A home should be a reflection of the spirit that lives within.”

So much of our built world has a “generic” sense, neutrality that attempts to create a universal acceptance or likability. We often choose conventionality in order to make our spaces, our homes neutral enough or mainstream enough to be liked by all. But in that “play it safe” approach, we tend to create impersonal spaces that can lack character and personality…specifically—ours.

I am sure we have all walked through countless homes for sale, and have seen the “vanilla” building design. It is usually the “safe” beige color inside and out, with limited elements that would draw attention. The features follow current mainstream trends, and in that predictable design, the result can feel uninteresting and lacking in depth. There is a detached and somewhat stale feeling to the house that shows no sign of who lives within.

And truthfully, it seems to be unnatural. We should always have an impact on where we live, and in turn, it should have an impact on us. It should be representative of who we are, and should naturally reflect our personality. Whether it does so by displaying our tastes and aesthetic style, or by housing special images or mementos with personal significance to us, it should speak to us and create an environment that is both inviting and defining.So as you look around your home right now, does it speak to you? Does it feel like YOUR home, or could it just as well be anyone’s? Do you feel an emotional attachment to it?

There are so many unique ways to inject personality and life into a house, and in so doing to make it a home that speaks to you.

Pictures are powerful images that connect us to places and people that mean something to us. Surrounding ourselves with these images gives our home vivacity and depth. Whether you place them on a console table, the mantle, or fill a wall, use different frames that are similar in color. This gives variety while still feeling cohesive.

Visiting new lands can be exhilarating, educational, and enlightening. And bringing a part of that culture or land back to our homes is a way to maintain those memories. Why not take a wall and decorate it with colorful or antique framed maps of the places you have visited, or plan to visit? Or, create display cases of unusual objects, souvenirs, crafts, or art pieces that have personal meaning from diverse travels.

Kids artwork, no matter how “artistic” always holds significant feelings and memories for us. Rather than storing them all in a box high up in the garage, why not devote a wall to kids paintings over the years? You can help to unify the different frames by painting a “panel” in a unique color as a backdrop for them; for example ,a light slate blue wall, or sage green with black frames of various artwork. They will feel unified, while maintaining a playful aesthetic.


So today when you walk into your home, take stock…look around. Does it reach up to greet you? Do you feel your personality embedded within? Allow your home to surround you with the kind of comfort we get when we are with someone who truly knows us. Let your home reflect the spirit that lives within.

Complexity

Architecture becomes interesting when it explores the idea of putting two or more things together, and experiencing the result. It can be the creative spark that happens with the juxtaposition of elements to create a new understanding, new meaning, and new vision.

When we hold two opposing or conflicting thoughts in our heads at the same time, our thoughts have more depth and complexity than if one simple thought resides. Pairing two complementary or different elements can create something entirely new. For example, when we pair a good wine with food, what we enjoy is a complexity of flavor that brings out something new in the wine. Often the profundity in design is similarly the result of a merging or collaboration of elements that encourages us to see anew.

In the design of architecture, we can put two materials together that we might not ordinarily see. Merging the two, juxtaposing them, allows each one to comment on the other. For example, stainless steel next to smooth stucco—each one can be a beautiful finish, each one feels smooth, but the coolness of the steel emphasizes the warmth and tactility of the pottery-like stucco.

So let’s take this a step or two further…

How do we pair things in our homes in order to create something new? And how do we pair things in our lives in hopes of obtaining an even more interesting result?
Combining several different textures in your home can be an easy solution to inviting that complexity in. For example, smooth varnished wood shelves against a rough stone wall. Or, satin and silk throw pillows upon a textured couch…a thick wool rug lying on a smooth polished concrete floor. Merging the two, and highlighting the contrast, makes each one individually more interesting.

Now for the more difficult question…How do we bring that depth and complexity to our lives? When we get accustomed to doing the same thing day in and day out…we begin to blur our vision. We become less and less observant and less present. If we were to inject something new and complementary to our routine, perhaps we would begin to take notice of that, and everything it contrasted. Perhaps the pairing would bring renewed awareness. For example, if you spend a lot of time talking on the phone, socializing at work or conversing with your kids and family once you get home, try to carve out a time for true silence. Whether it is a walk on the beach, a meditative pause, or a time to read or reflect, you will sense the profound quiet and stillness. The contrast of this tranquility to the typical mundane routine and chaos of your life will bring a new awareness you did not know.

For some of us, watching television every evening becomes habitual, and while we are tuning in to our favorite show, we are all too often, tuning out. Maybe try sitting on the porch or in the backyard with a glass of wine whether alone or with your partner. Or choose eating dinner outside on the patio by candlelight. This can add the depth and complexity that is lacking by contrasting that which has become all too familiar and ordinary.

"Abandon the urge to simplify everything, to look for formulas and easy answers, and to begin to think multidimensionally, to glory in the mystery and paradoxes of life, not to be dismayed by the multitude of causes and consequences that are inherent in each experience -- to appreciate the fact that life is complex."
— M. Scott Peck