Jessica McIntyre Interiors

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

one of a kind

My eyes are constantly on the lookout for original art. Placing art and photography for a project can be time consuming and tedious. Luckily for art/decor enthusiasts, there are now websites to make the hunt for original art a bit easier. Art Quiver even has a quick survey to help you find art you love (a Pandora.com of the art world, if you will).

Check out these wonderful selections from two of my favorite online art sources, Art Quiver and Zatista.

Photographs by Lana Bernberg

Tulle by Mildred Lachman Chapin

Natura Morta 2008 by Paolo Scalera

Pastels on Paper by Susan Singer

X-Ray by Tracy Mewmaw (photograph)

Yellow Chair by David Pettibone

Monday, December 13, 2010

get in the zone

Lost when it comes to furniture placement? Space-planning can be difficult, especially with odd shaped rooms. The effort can be made simple by paying attention to one major concept: THE CIRCULATION ZONE. Here are some tips to get in the zone!

Tip #1: Don't drop furniture in one spot when you move in and leave it there! You should never be afraid to move furniture around the house and try out new arrangements.
Tip #2: Don't push everything against a wall to make the space feel "bigger", it doesn't work.

Tip #3: Think about how the space is going to be used, and how the circulation zones will occur. These zones will influence the layout, and can guide you to furniture placement that works.

PRIVATE RESIDENCE | FAMILY ROOM
This circulation zone divided the space into two distinct living areas. The main living room was centered around the fireplace as a focal point, and the secondary space was utilized as a card table or occasional family dining spot.

PRIVATE RESIDENCE | MASTER BEDROOM
The circulation zone divided this space into many small opportunities. We started with the bed location, and then placed the media cabinet and television (with the many floor-to-ceiling windows in the space, we were limited with options for the television). What followed was a comfortable seating group for reading/relaxing, and an open wall for a client requested writing desk.

Friday, December 10, 2010

holiday paperie

What are the holidays without mailboxes full of beautiful cards from friends and family? My favorite time of the year is made even better with a surplus of mail from loved ones. Whether you choose letterpress, photo-cards, or a simple holiday message... here are some of our favorites this season.

(photo card tip: first select your photograph, then select a card that looks good with it!)

"joy" personalized cards, horchow

celebration holiday photo card, minted

holiday messages (set of 3), bon vivant press

peace and joy, tiny prints

happiest hanukkah, hello lucky

"merry christimas" letterpress, armoto design

wreath foil holiday card, paper source

Thursday, December 9, 2010

sneak peak | vista butte

JMI's latest project has been full steam ahead this fall. A vacation home called "Vista Butte" that sits in the valley of picturesque Crested Butte, Colorado. The client's dream home is a sophisticated, rustic getaway that is comfortable for the whole family. We recently presented these project concept sheets to very happy home owners. Enjoy this sneak peak and look for photographs of the installed project this winter.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

WOW with windows

Windows seem to be the last on the list of home decor priority. Friends and clients will frequently ask me how they can enhance their home to make it look complete. Some home owners can work, work, work on improving their home, yet the look just doesn't seem "finished". Hear me now... WINDOW TREATMENTS FINISH THE ROOM!!! But, please do it right!

Architectural styles can throw home owners for a loop when it comes to treating their windows. Here are some great examples of window treatments that are appropriate for the space.

Problem: Windows that don't allow for drapery treatments due to size or architectural feature.
Answer: Roman Shades. I prefer a natural woven roman shade, or a simple fabric that doesn't fight with the rest of the room.

Problem: Windows that meet at the corner of a room.

Answer: Don't be afraid to move forward with drape rods and panels because two windows meet in the corner of your space. The best solution is to look for a drape rod that dies into the wall with no finial, or a drape rod that has a very minimal, simple finial. A large ornate finial will make the corner appear crowded. Another solution is to put only one panel on the rod, instead of two. This will simplify the look and appear less congested.

Problem: Wall of windows with operable doors.

Answer: One long rod that spans the entire wall of windows, with drape panels that are sheer to let light infiltrate the space, and on rings to pull open/closed for access to the doors. Typically, this occurs in the family room and is the main source of daylight. Sheers not only let in the natural light, but also allow visibility into the back yard.

Problem: Low ceilings

Answer: Window treatments can manipulate the appearance of ceiling height. Too often, clients settle for placing a drape rod at the top of the window frame, missing an opportunity to fake height. If you raise the drape rod to the ceiling, the room with feel as though it has grown taller!

My perfect window.... LAYERED.

Windows look their best with an initial layer of roman shades or sheers, with an outer layer of heavier drape panels. The look is sophisticated and will "finish" any space!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

JMI 2010 wish list

This year JMI has been blessed to remain busy with new clients and amazing projects. Throughout 2010, we have had the pleasure of seeing beautiful home goods from incredible to-the-trade vendors. During the hustle and bustle of daily designing... we couldn't help visualizing these fabulous home goods in our own abode. This is our "we wish Santa were really real" JESSICA MCINTYRE INTERIORS 2010 WISH LIST.

All goods available through JMI.

connaught bar cart in antique brass, $1200