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While each and every part of an interior counts, I have found that the ceiling is often an afterthought – and in many cases completely overlooked.

This is unfortunate as the ceiling is an important focal point – especially since it comprises nearly 1/3 of a room.  The good news is there is a vast array of wonderful patterns, finishes, materials and designs that can transform a plain white ceiling into a beautiful work of art.

At The Grand Del Mar, a one-of-a-kind luxury resort just north of San Diego, we designed each and every ceiling differently: using such techniques as hand stenciling, frescoes, elaborate wood, stone or fabric inlays, wood beams and light coffers.  In this particular project, we were intent on using ceiling designs that reflect what is seen in many historic buildings throughout Europe. Most importantly, these ceilings are all in keeping with the interiors – an intricate Mediterranean style – and never fail to amaze visitors.

Following are ideas – some simple; some more ambitious – that will bring life and character to a plain, unadorned ceiling:

Stenciling: Stenciling can enhance any room, but is especially useful if ceilings have been painted with a flat paint in medium- to dark-based hues.

Exposed Wood Beams: Wood beams lend architectural appeal. They can be formal or informal and are particularly interesting when rusticated.  We have used rusticated beams extensively, especially when designing mountain or rural retreats.

Wood Planks: If you like the look of wood flooring, consider installing a similar look on the ceiling – wood planks infuse warmth and elegance.

 Hammered/Pressed Tin: A unique and antique look, this style can really brighten up a space, and typically works best in older homes.

Lighting: Beautiful, well thought out lighting is the finishing touch on any ceiling. Install a beautiful chandelier and highlight with a dimensional plaster or foam medallion or a stenciled rosette.

Moldings: Moldings are a classic, timeless accent. Consider crisp white crown moldings and/or panel moldings in a ‘tracery’ or other kind of pattern.

Coffers: Coffers are drops in the ceiling and provide an interesting dimension to ceilings.  When designed correctly, multiple coffers add a great deal of depth and often trick the eye to an otherwise low ceiling.

Beams: Wood beams that crisscross in a grid, lend a traditional, polished touch. Try painting beams in a special finish or adding a stencil pattern to the bottom or sides of the beams.

Wallpaper: This is a fairly simple ceiling solution, and the diversity of products on the market offer myriad possibilities. Try using a wide tone-on-tone stripe and install it in a rectangular format so the stripes follow the direction of the walls

Wood /Stone or Fabric Inlays: Create rectangles on your ceiling, either with wood beams, coffers or panel moldings.  Within the rectangles, install either wood veneer panels, wall coverings or upholstered fabric panels to add color and depth.  During a recent project, we installed antiqued mirrors within the rectangular insets.

Special Note: Keep in mind that ceiling height smatter and are a definite factor in setting the tone for a room.  Ultra high ceilings, in particular can make a room appear empty if they don’t have the right decorative element like a unique chandelier, while lower ceilings can make a room feel smaller. In general, we tend to recommend higher ceilings in living, sitting and dining rooms and lower ceilings in kitchens and bedrooms.

Whether you opt to add architectural elements such as vaulted or cove ceilings, beams or moldings or to simply dress them up with paint and imagination, redoing ceilings adds a new dimension – as well as style and character – to all rooms.

Please send me photos of your newest ceiling design!

While the design philosophy of Warren Sheets Design Inc. is often rooted in classicism – with ample use of traditional forms and a host of various finishes – we love to work in different styles, especially since we firmly believe that no two projects should be alike.  With this in mind, following is an overview of some basic design styles:

TRADITIONAL:

The most popular design style, traditional is a mix of timeless and well-defined elements, and for the most part refers to European design although it can also reflect specific countries such as England, France or Italy or regional styles such as Art Nouveau, Georgian, French Regency– all of which are indicative of a point in history.

Each of these traditional country or regional styles has its own distinctive details, and all elements within these interiors reflect designs or details from the past. For instance, wood floors, beams, stone fireplaces, arches, decorative iron with classical detailing, bronze, fabrics with damask patterns and cords and trims are all design accents and elements that can be found within a traditional interior.  Furnishings typically reflect antique or antique reproductions, such as French Louis, English Queen Anne or Chippendale styles. The key advantage of designing in a traditional style: longevity.  When done correctly, incorporating finishes and fine details in traditional interiors, rarely – if ever – go out of style.

TRANSITIONAL:

Transitional or “new traditionalism” refers mixing old and new. While this style has no rules or boundaries – other than to use both traditional and contemporary design elements – it is, nonetheless, a well thought-out way of decorating. When designed in an artistic and provoking manner, new traditionalism utilizes lively, upbeat, contemporary patterns, textures and design motifs harmoniously juxtaposed against traditional elements. I think this type of design is an art form which works best when traditional outweighs contemporary elements. An example might be using a contemporary silver leaf finish on a classical chair frame. Inspiring and artful ‘transitory’ interior design is not random or haphazard, but comprised of one simple detail: composition. Keep in mind this approach to design is complex and not a discipline that should be approached by the novice designer.

CONTEMPORARY:

While contemporary interiors are often considered sleek and sometimes cold, this is a misconception. A contemporary interior is actually extremely livable and comfortable. What most contemporary rooms possess is an element of surprise, such as a splash of color, an abstract light fixture or an unusual textile. In general, contemporary design is characterized by clean lines, smooth surfaces and minimal details or clutter — utilizing balanced, warm, bright tones. As an example, Scandinavian, Modern, Retro as well as the styles created by Eichler, Thonet and others are defined as a contemporary style.

Before you embark on a renovation or redo, carefully determine precisely what it is you like – regardless of the style. With this in mind, make sure whichever style you choose encompasses your likes and dislikes, and aptly conveys your personality.

A water feature can transform a modest outdoor space into a garden sanctuary – providing an important focal point, as well as a soothing, trickling sound which carries into the interior.

 From large fountains to small birdbaths, water features run the gamut in size and scope. Often, when we think of water features, traditional swimming pools come to mind. But a water element doesn’t have to be elaborate. With a bit of creativity a wonderful fountain can be fashioned from a simple garden pot.

While there are many options, installing a water feature into an outdoor space hinges entirely on personal style, available space, threshold for maintenance – and, of course, budget. Examples include:

Fountains. While one of the straightforward types of water features, fountains can add tremendous depth to any home and range from massive concrete structures to small garden pots converted into bubbling containers.

Waterfalls. Waterfalls add an exhilarating accent, but can be a fairly complicated endeavor. To properly place and install, you may want to enlist the expertise of a professional.

Ponds. A small pond can be integrated fairly easily into a backyard, but does take some careful planning, including identifying the ideal location, pump installation, etc.

Swimming Pools. The most common of all water features, swimming pools are of course the most expensive but can be customized and upgraded in many unique ways to reflect a unique design style.

As an example, we created this one-of-a-kind swimming pool featuring a hand-assembled intricate mosaic at the center. The sparkling glass tile medallion was hand fabricated by a family of master stone and glass tile artisans in Verona, Italy. To create the mosaic, we drew a life-size replica of the medallion in our design studio and sent the design to Verona. There, a four-generation family of artisans carefully recreated our design by cutting individual slabs of glass into more than 20,000 irregularly sized pieces – accented with clear glass leafed with 18 carat gold creating an additional sparkle. While it took four months to cut the medallion into its final shape, the end result was well worth it – and tied in beautifully with the owner’s magnificent Mediterranean-style home and vibrant color palette.

As another example, in the pictured garden, we incorporated a simple bird bath, which is also a slow running fountain. This feature added a decorative element and instilled a peaceful sound that carries into the interior, providing audio as well as visual appeal. Always remember interiors can be multi-dimensional and are not restricted to the visual senses – an element of sound can significantly enhance a home’s décor.

Whether you opt to install a plain birdbath or completely refurbish your backyard, water features are refreshing, cleansing and aesthetically pleasing – and offer a wonderful way to revive your outdoor living area.

Outdoor rooms are all the rage – even more so as the weather warms up.

There are many reasons for the soaring popularity of outdoor living. With the housing market remaining stubbornly sluggish, consumers who would otherwise move to larger places are remaining in their homes – often renovating and expanding them to include ultra comfortable outdoor living spaces.

Outdoor rooms are also versatile and functional,  and can range from fully equipped spaces with sleek built-in kitchens, top=of=the-line furnishings, firepits and fireplaces, outdoor electronics and much more to simple garden areas appointed with benches, flowers and other accessories.

While the possibilities are limitless, it can be fairly simple to take a front porch, patio, back deck gazebo, garden nook, courtyard, loggia – or even a rooftop – and transform it into a hub for outdoor living and entertaining.  Adding to the possibilities are new options in outdoor fabrics – allowing homeowners to achieve a sophisticated outdoor setting with an array of appealing – yet highly durable, weather resistant materials. One of my favorite designers of outdoor textiles is Joe Ruggiero, who has created more than 500 beautiful designs for the classy yet durable Sunbrella line. http://www.joeruggiero.com/textiles.html

With summer heating up, following are some tips for creating a special outdoor space:

The Perfect Retreat: Carefully examine your outdoor areas and consider the possibilities. Make sure the space is accessible and that you situate it in the appropriate proximity to your home.  Covered areas such as porches are ideal, but patios, decks and garden areas can all be transformed into fabulous outdoor living spaces.

Size Matters: Before embarking on the project, very carefully measure the exact space/ dimensions of the area. An accurate measurement is key.

Define the Purpose: What will you be using it for? Entertaining? Reading? Cooking? Playing? Remember, this space has to be engaging and accessible or you won’t use it.

Let There Be Light: Infuse depth, drama and interest through a carefully thought out lighting scheme. A combination of accent and garden lighting enhances natural landscaping, while subtle lighting in seating areas creates a warm and inviting space.

Functional Furnishings: Whether you choose simple benches or cushy sofas, make sure the pieces are ultra durable and weather-resistant and approved for outdoor use.

Think Natural: You want the space to reflect the surroundings. Blend a variety of natural materials, such as wood and stone, to create a juxtaposition of textures and colors. Colorwise, earthy shades of green and lavendars can make an outdoor space feel more natural, while flower-inspired  hues like yellow, orange and blue impart a splash of fun and color.

Accessorize: Add plenty of colorful accessories, such as outdoor pillows, rugs, curtains, lanterns, vases, plants, candles and more.

Water Features. Water elements – including fountain, pond and swimming pools – can  enhance the natural feel of the setting, and add a soothing sound.

Whether you keep it simple or go all out, the addition of an outdoor living area to your home will expand your usable living space – and ultimately improve its livability and appeal.

The Key: Approach the design of your outdoor space in the same way you would your interiors – carefully take into account style, function, colors, lighting and more – and consider it a very important extension of your existing home.

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Summer is here, and many of us are gearing up
for visits from seasonal guests. With this in mind, it’s time to spruce up that
extra room – and make it inviting, appealing and ultra comfortable for
visitors. Achieving a warm and inviting guest room doesn’t need to be an
expensive, time consuming endeavor – following are some suggestions:

– Simplicity rules. In a guest room, less is more,
since it should appeal to both sexes and to all ages, if
possible. Decorate in a clean, simple style and palette by restricting your use
of color to three or four hues, including a shade of white – which will give
the room pop. When developing the color scheme, start with a fabric you really
love, and choose one or two colors from that fabric. This fabric can be used on
pillows only – it doesn’t have to dominate the room – and you don’t need to
choose the predominate color in the fabric, just the ones you like the best.

– Choose the style. Decide
whether you want a contemporary, traditional or eclectic motif. When we design
an eclectic interior, we try to keep to a 75 to 25 percent ratio of one style
to another. Keep in mind that using predominately traditional furnishings with
a few contemporary pieces is easier to accomplish than the reverse.

– Comfort counts. Appoint the room with comfortable
items, e.g. high thread count, 100 percent cotton sheets, ultra soft pillows, European
style pillow shams, plush towels and scented candles.  A great mattress and box springs are critical
– and you’ll make guests extra happy if you add a quality mattress pad. Also,
to accommodate all ages and body types, make sure the bed is not overly high or
low. The mattress pad and box springs should top out at 28 inches and be no
lower than 25 inches. Also, keep in mind that your nightstands should be at
about the same height as your bed.

– Eliminate Clutter. Don’t
fill the room with unnecessary items. Keep it clean and simple, so guests will
have plenty of room for their own belongings. Above all, clear the guest room
of all personal items.

– Lighting is essential. Bedside lamps and
additional accent lights, such as desk lamps, wall sconces and chandeliers will
all ensure that your guests can see properly and read comfortably in bed. Avoid
using ceiling lights, unless decorative, as they can create a harsh ambience. For
flexibility, have a dimmer installed two inches above the top of each
nightstand.  Enhance other lights with a three-way
dimmer at the room entry.

– Shield the sun. Make sure the room has adequate
window treatments so your guests can have some privacy and sleep late.  Adding blackout fabric to the backside of your
drapery will ensure total darkness. Have the drapery installer put in two
overlapping drapery tracks for each window, so when panels meet in the center
of the window, they are overlapping. Unless you do this, you will end up with a
crack of light, which can be very annoying. If you opt to use blackout shades, consider
a drapery valance, as it is the most effective way to hide the necessary
hardware, and can also act as a decorative element.

– Keep your guest room alive. Fresh flowers are a
must for any guest room – a small vase with a few stems on the bedside table is
always a welcoming and thoughtful touch.  Use flowers with fragrance, if possible. I
prefer to use a colorful flower, accented by a stem or two of white flowers and
a tuber rose.

– Provide  ample storage space. In addition to the
prerequisite closet, guests may like extra space to store travel accessories
and clothing. If possible, equip the room with a chest or bureau. If you do not
have enough room for a bench at the end of the bed, wooden luggage racks are a good
alternative.

– Stock up on amenities. Provide an assortment of
items – shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, soaps and lotions –
so your guests will not need to ask for anything. Other items to have on hand:
sharpened pencils, scratch paper, magazines and books, maps and guide books.

– Mirror, mirror.
Mirrors add depth and dimension to any room. Hang a small mirror for quick
touch-ups, a horizontal mirror usually works. Install a vertical mirror in the
closet or on the back of an inconspicuous door. Add molding around the mirror
so it has a more refined look.

– Area rugs. For wood
flooring, a large decorative area rug is a good choice. In any event, place a
small, soft rug on each side of the bed, as it is much more comfortable in the
morning when the feet hit the floor!

– Comfortable seating. So your guests can sit and
relax together, add an upholstered chair, bench, writing desk or other
furniture pieces that allow a place to sit, put on make- up or write a note. When
possible, place a chair near a window so your guest has a quiet spot to
read/relax.

– Spic and span. Finally, get out the vacuum
cleaner, broom, dust mop and cleansers and make sure your guest room is dirt
and dust free!

Before your guests come, spend some time in the
room and check out the fine details. See what works and what doesn’t. Is the
lighting right? Is there an alarm clock? Are there cobwebs in the corners? Is
there enough storage space? How is the room temperature?

Better yet, spend a full night in your guest room
to make sure it is just right – but be forewarned, your guests may not want to
leave!

For many reasons – including aesthetics and financial – LED lighting has become increasingly popular.

LED stands for light-emitting diode, which is a technology that produces light differently than an incandescent light bulb. Incandescent bulbs contain a metal filament, glowing and producing light when heated up. LEDs, on the other hand, use semi-conductors, expending a fraction of the energy to produce the same amount of light. In fact, compared with incandescent bulbs, LED lights can reduce electricity consumption up to 85 percent.

While more expensive, LEDs are much more cost-effective. Although a100-lumen Edison bulb costs approximately $1 while a 100-lumen LED is roughly $25, an LED light will last 75 times longer which means you would have to purchase 75 Edison bulbs in the period of time an LED light would last.

While LED lights come in many shapes and sizes – including standard bulbs and continuous light strips – LED bulb wattages are measured differently than incandescent bulbs. For example, a 14-watt LED is equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent bulb.  This represents a substantial savings – nearly 85%.

With the proper engineering and coatings, LED lights produce a whiter light comparable to incandescent lighting, without the artificial blue light emitted by  fluorescent lights.  Using the innovative combination of various colored LEDs, beautiful and dramatic color changing effects can be produced from a single light source.  In fact, LEDs can produce nearly any color of light – creating fabulous glows in bookcases, under cabinets or in display areas.  Their ability to accentuate the richness of fabrics and finishes brings a whole new dimension to interior design.

Because of its energy savings and vast color spectrum, LED technology has also revolutionized both television and theatrical lighting, as it eliminates heat loads and maintenance costs.

I am very fond of using LED lights in interiors because the accessibility of hundreds of colors is as simple as sliding a few levers.  Subtle changes in lighting hues can make a dramatic difference in an interior, adding interest, dimension and depth.  There is no question in my mind that LED lighting is the future – so now is the time for us all to embrace it!

As the final segment of this three part post, “The Revolutionary Design Vision…”, I had intended to give credit to the many dedicated individuals that helped make our vision a reality, not to mention to give special thanks to the Owner and Developer of the project for having given us the opportunity to preserve “Authenticity and Permanence“.   However, in the midst of  having written this final segment, the following was posted online which says it all:

The Grand Del Mar Wins Three 2012 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awards By Susan Kime  |  Posted: Nov. 17th, 2011 Staff Writer | Luxury Lifestyle Expert | JustLuxe             Photos courtesy of The Grand Del MarJust two weeks ago, I traveled to The Grand Del Mar, in Del Mar, California, this time to interview Warren Sheets, the architectural and interior designer of the Grand del Mar, The Villas At The Grand Del Mar and Addison, The Grand Del Mar’s restaurant. The article on Mr. Sheets dealt with his design vision of elegant permanence and authenticity, as he selected the most significant materials and furnishings for this project. His work has become an award-winning articulation of diverse design elements, and his visionary expertise also appears to be a major reason The Grand Del Marhas become the elite benchmark for exceptional lodging, dining and spa experiences in the San Diego area — especially with its most recent award acquisition.The Grand Del Mar, given its multiple awards in 2009, 2010 and 2011 has again raised the bar for the Southern California hospitality industry, as it is the only hotel in San Diego to achieve a Forbes Travel Guide Five Star award. It is also the only property in California to earn three 2012 Five-Star awards of Lodging, Spa and Dining — all the spaces that Mr. Sheets designed. The Five-Star Lodging award places The Grand Del Mar in the rarified company of only 57 high-end hotels and resorts throughout the world to hold this designation. The Grand Del Mar is one of five properties in the nation with three Forbes Five-Star awards, garnered by the Forbes Travel Guide (formerly The Mobil Travel Guide).  Other U.S. properties include The Cloister at Sea Island in Georgia; Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas; The Umstead Hotel & Spa in North Carolina; and The Broadmoor in Colorado. The 2012 Forbes Five-Star recognition marks the second year that The Spa at The Grand Del Mar, a 21,000-square-foot, Renaissance-inspired resort space, has received the award; and it is the third year that its highly acclaimed signature dining venue, Addison, has earned the coveted Five-Star accolade. This award is in part due to the culinary expertise of Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef William Bradley’s artisanal approach to cooking, combining unique local ingredients and tastes with contemporary French influences. Seasonal menus are available. When we dined there, we chose from selections on the fall menu that included among others in the first course, Langoustine with golden Ostera caviar and scampi, a Sea Bass Ceviche with cucumber, coriander and Thai green curry; for a second course, a Fois Gras Pot De Crème with Port wine and garlic bread, a coddled farm egg, risotto with preserved lemon and prosciutto; and the third course included Duck A L’Orange with licorice, leeks and red beets, and Salmon sur la late, with radish, green apples and dashi. The subtlety and unusual nature of the different tastes left a substantial impression. The Wine Room, strategically located in the center of the main dining room, punctuates the importance of Addison’s world-class wine tasting environment, with over 35,000 bottles of wine to choose from. There are just 30 spas and 25 restaurants in the U.S. with these ratings. Additionally, The Grand Del Mar retained its AAA Five Diamond hotel rating for the third straight year, while Addison has earned the AAA Five Diamond distinction for the fourth consecutive year. To see more, visit TheGrandDelMar.com.