New beginnings and a fresh start on many levels. It’s a season that has possibility in the air…people making plans for Summer, the days get longer and there is a decided feeling of “I made it through another Winter…thank God!”

It’s the best time of the year to make changes…in your life and your home and surroundings…paint the walls, spray paint your cocktail table, add a bright and beachy woven rug to your floor…what the &%##@…paint the floors!! (I love painted floors!!)

In celebration of Spring, I love putting together my list of things and places that I love, that are classically fresh and Fun with sense of ease and to me…say SPRING with a capitol “S”…and hopefully will help you get inspired, agree with me, disagree with me, think about something that you’ve put away in the back of your head for a long long time…or call an old friend to reminisce about some crazy vacation that the 2 of you took….long ago….in Spring.

I.Cape Cod

II.Black and White striped awnings

III.Boxwood Topiaries (I know…done…but I still love ‘em)

IV.Datson 240Z….in white …classically hot!

V.Colors to love: Clear, edible Yellow, Creamsicle Orange, Summer Sky Blue…Aqua

VI.Painted wood floors

VII.Ceramic pitchers shaped like fruit

VIII.Vintage painted glassware…. with ice tea and big slices of Lemon

IX.White High Gloss woodwork with Black doors…. anywhere and anytime!

X.Vintage Alain Mikli eyeglass Frames…the older the better! Still soooo cool.

As always…laugh like you were a child again!!

-Mark

We are now in the thick of it. I thought that in light of the stresses of the holiday season (Just read the paper), people also tend to let the decorating get away from them…not to say that they forget to do it, but they make their homes look like someone else lives there or try to copy something from a design magazine (Oh yeah…I fell for the gold dipped gourds from Martha Stewart’s magazine…and zillions of dollars later…you get the picture!).

The lesson of years past is to decorate simply, warmly and to keep your own personality showing…also, just because the decorations are 99% off at the after Christmas sales doesn’t make them “Perfect” for your home.

Make something or reuse items that you currently have around your home. Consider that a beautiful bowl of exotic fruit mixed with ornaments from the tree and some greenery looks warm, inviting and great as a table centerpiece and can be eaten later or during the holiday by you, your family and guests.

Most of all, remember the meaning of Christmas and that it’s the season to be with friends, family or to bring a meal to the elderly woman who lives downstairs AND stay to have a conversation.

I am posting an excerpt from my book, “What Would You Do With This Room?” from the chapter where I talk about my 10 commandments for great Interior Design…I hope that it helps and reminds us all to personalize and simplify!

Remember to laugh like a kid!

-Mark

Design For How You Live

Design for how you live, not how you wished you lived. The design
you create should reflect the person you are and the life you lead. In order to
create this design; you will have to be true to yourself.

Designing for how you live will be an exercise in both psychology and philosophy. We will touch upon these topics in order to see the relationship each has to home design.

In psychology we are always seeking to find and accept our true selves.
This honesty allows us to confront the demons that hold us back and push us
forward, or make us behave in certain ways. Likewise, this honesty allows us to accept and appreciate our lives, thereby creating a nurturing environment for our loved ones.

In philosophy mankind is always asking the question, “What is truth?”
For us, truth is about knowing what you like and how you live, admitting it,
and allowing it to be a part of your life.

John Keats wrote in “Ode on a Grecian Urn,” “Beauty is truth, truth
beauty.” The ancient Greeks believed that the definition of beauty was
symmetry, proportion and harmony. Know what it is that brings harmony to
you, and its beauty will be apparent.

In design we use these basics of psychology and philosophy. We must
be honest with ourselves, know our demons, our behaviors, and what makes
us happy. In doing so we create beauty.

“Design for how you live” can mean choosing fabrics and colors that
work for you, your kids, and your pets; it can mean choosing furniture and
accessories that are conducive to your habits—good and bad. Remember—
“Beauty is truth, truth beauty.”

Case History of the Messy Console

Maxine, like many of us, is a little messy. She had a console in her foyer
that was always covered with the remains of the day. Underneath and on top of the console was an array of shoes, umbrellas and keys–a real mess.

Maxine called me to say that her home needed redoing and she couldn’t
live with the mess anymore. Her top priority was to get rid of the console.

I knew Maxine, and, therefore knew that the console was not the issue,
and argued my point. Maxine turned a deaf ear. I designed her space sans the
console, and she loved it.

Weeks after the entire house was completed I returned. The console was
still gone, but in its place was an unceremonious pile of the same keys, mail,
lipsticks, boots, and shoes that were there before.

Before I could say a thing, I was quieted by Maxine’s knowing look and
conciliatory words, “I need something for my mess.”

I knew it would happen. Maxine knew she did not like the mess she would
create, but was mistaken when she felt that removing a piece of furniture could change her behavior.

In this case the solution was not to take away the console, but to provide a
piece of furniture that could be compatible with her habits. A cabinet with shelves and doors was the answer.
Maxine could have her mess, and hidden, too.

Lying to yourself is detrimental. Don’t do it. Did you love grandma’s
house circa 1971 with the bright orange and green flowered sofa and shag
carpeting? Did you dig the Hummel collection? Admit it by taking aspects of what you loved about it and working it into your space.

Case History of Grandma’s Afghan

Lori was in the middle of re-doing her family room. She had an old afghan
made by her grandmother, which she loved and used frequently, but felt would be out of place in the new, “done,” room. She had resigned herself to retiring the much-loved piece to a closet or chest in the interest of design.

I listened to Lori and said nothing. I thought the afghan would go
marvelously in the room. The style was old, the edges were frayed, and it’s love; well worn.

I designed a special stand for the afghan, and placed the stand partially
behind a big chair so that the afghan peeked out.

When I revealed the room to Lori, tears sprung to her eyes.
Incorporating a piece that client loves will make their space more
comfortable. This is good design. Not only is Lori’s family room beautiful, but also it brings her closer to her grandmother.

Don’t deny the things that make you, you in an effort to be hip or
modern or trendy or sophisticated. Don’t deny behaviors you wish were
different, but are so. Be realistic. Remember that in design, as in life, honesty is the best policy.

Case History of the Television in the Bedroom

Cindi had the best intentions for her bedroom, and these did not include a
television.

“You don’t watch TV in the bedroom?” I asked.

“Of course I do,” she answered. “But I need to read more.”

Cindi’s guilty pleasure was being lulled to sleep by the sound of Conan
O’Brien’s voice.

“You want to deny yourself your guilty pleasure so that you can read
more?” I asked.

“Yes,” she replied.

“So where are all your books?” I wondered.

“I’ll buy some.”

Knowing that we were walking down the slippery slope of not being honest
with oneself, I steered Cindi in a new direction. I proposed that she allow the
television to exist in the design. In fact, I encouraged her to purchase a
ginormous flat panel television to mount directly in front of her glorious bed so that she could enjoy her guilty pleasure to the hilt.

She did it, and she loves it.

Had I not encouraged this decision, Cindi would have been miserable. By
including the television in the design, it addresses the client’s true needs and
desires.

There is design to accommodate all your desires, and look good at the
same time. Don’t allow these desires to be mere afterthoughts. In other
words, if you like grandma’s stuff, use it. If you watch a lot of TV in bed, have a television in the bedroom. If you feel guilty about that television,
incorporate reading lamps and keep a copy of War and Peace on the
nightstand, just in case.

Summary

✓Great design can live hand-in-hand with comfort.
✓Know and understand your habits (and that new
design won’t change them).
✓Consider upkeep when choosing materials and
accessories.
✓Don’t forget kids and pets.
✓Think of your own comfort, physical size, and style.

—Excerpt, “What Would You Do With This Room? My 10 Foolproof Commandments to Great Interior Design”

RECENT POSTS
Things Just Get Curiouser and Curiouser or Hey…Your Artwork is Wayyyyy too High
Thankful
Holiday Cheer is Alive and Well on the Next Corner
Looking for Problems…Design Problems That Is

Please ‘like’ us on Facebook here: Facebook.com/MarkOnCall

Follow us on Twitter: @MarkOnCall

“What Would You Do With This Room? My 10 Foolproof Commandments to Great Interior Design” by Mark Lewison

The holidays are here again…argh!

With the prospect of people in your home for parties, dinners and holiday gatherings or just you looking around at your space, I’d like to address a design issue that we’ve all seen, have in our own homes or just plain makes you have a migraine…artwork that’s hung too high on the wall as to make you feel like you are in Alice in Wonderland and getting shorter all the time! Or as I like to say…Hung just like Grandma did it!

So, I’ve developed my list of foolproof guidelines for hanging artwork and transforming your space to look just like a Design professional has toiled for hours over the nail banging and picture hanging throughout your house, apartment or dorm room…or as I like to say, the end to having it look like a machine gun went off behind all of your artwork and still, everything is eye level to the green giant…or just like Grandma did it!

So, here we go guys…and this pretty much goes for whatever style or space that you are living with:

1. Artwork should be hung so that a 5’-6” person can stare straight into the center, or “Body” of the piece or the total arrangement. Now there are exceptions to this rule of course.
First, for emphasis, I like to start at eye level and depending on the wall, either lower the piece or raise the piece.

2. If you choose to lower a piece, it should be in an area that someone could walk up and bend down to look at it…a hallway, under a stair or above a very low bench, counter or table.

3. If you choose to raise a piece, make sure that it isn’t higher than the highest architectural detail or piece of furniture in the room..this is known as “Roomscaping”….keeping the “Mountains” at the same height and the “Valleys” at the same depth.

4. If you are hanging a multi-piece arrangement of varying frame sizes, start with the largest and keep with the previous guidelines (eye level, raising and lowering)…the remaining pieces should keep an equal distance from the large piece to the top side and bottom…for a balanced yet interesting look)

5. Always hang artwork with 2 hooks in the wall and never one. One hook creates way too much stress on the frame and can allow the piece to lean forward as well as be unstable if people bump it as they walk by. I hate to constantly straighten artwork…don’t you?

6. If you are unsure about the height at which to hang a piece of artwork…err on the side of too low rather than too high….always!

I know Grandma would get it!

Always laugh,

-Mark

RECENT POSTS
Thankful
Holiday Cheer is Alive and Well on the Next Corner
Looking for Problems…Design Problems That Is

Please ‘like’ us on Facebook here: Facebook.com/MarkOnCall

Follow us on Twitter: @MarkOnCall

“What Would You Do With This Room? My 10 Foolproof Commandments to Great Interior Design” by Mark Lewison

This year, quite frankly, I will usher out with a big smile on my face and a sense of utter relief.

This year, on March 29th, I had quadruple bypass heart surgery. I had no idea that I even had heart disease until I went in for a routine procedure that every 50 year old is told that they must do…and I almost cancelled the appointment since I was too busy, had too much to take care of, a lot of useless paper on my desk at work and a multitude of other reasons…but it was that nagging voice that made me keep the appointment that day.

Prior to the procedure that I was having done that day, a nurse, my savior, the one that quite frankly, gave me the rest of my life; she told me that my heartbeat was very irregular. I pooh-poohed it and said that I’m sure that it was nerves…she insisted, “No…really irregular” she said, and that as soon as I could, to get it checked out with my regular doctor. I still thought that it was nothing since I spend hours in the gym, eat right and for all outwardly appearances, I’m in pretty solid shape.

That saved my life.

After several tests, visits and a really tenacious cardiologist who I can say that I truly love with all of my heart…who I fail to believe was not sent to me by the spiritual entourage headed my beloved and departed grandmother that follows me around (as a psychic once laughingly, but seriously, told me at a party once)…there it was…an 80% blockage in something called the “widow maker”…my life crashed in.

However, as Lisa my heart doctor said “Bad day for you, great day for me….I just saved a life…your life.”

I’m happy to say that I am healed in both body and mind although I still get really emotional when I really think about this year. I’ve changed several lifestyle habits of course, prioritized what really matters in life and expect to be here for the duration. Through this all, some very special people have entered my life and most of all and more than ever, I deeply cherish the friends and family that were there for me and continue to bring light and love into my life.

Thankful…absolutely. A changed man…you bet.

Knowing what truly really matters and doesn’t…priceless.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday and remember, listen to that little voice in your head…I think that it’s really someone that you love sending a message from the other side …and most importantly…don’t waste a single day by not telling someone how important they are to you.

-Mark

RECENT POSTS
Holiday Cheer is Alive and Well on the Next Corner
Looking for Problems…Design Problems That Is

Please ‘like’ us on Facebook here: Facebook.com/MarkOnCall

Follow us on Twitter: @MarkOnCall

“What Would You Do With This Room? My 10 Foolproof Commandments to Great Interior Design” by Mark Lewison

I was watching television the other night and a commercial came on touting the beginning of the “Shopping Season”. Mind you, not the “Family Season” or “Be with Friends Season” or the “Give Something to the Needy Season” or “Slow Down and Say Hello to Someone Season” …but… “The Shopping Season”.

So, in deciding to shop and buy from local merchants, which I did beginning last year, I have found something that we have lost. Personal connection and a return to small town interaction with people.

Also, I have found warmth, friendliness, and far less impersonal holiday advertising designed to make you feel less than human if you don’t join the hoards on “Black Friday”. And best of all…I actually enjoy shopping again!!!!

You may be asking what this has to do with Interior Design. Well, considering that a paint color can add a perceived warmth or coolness to a room, so goes accessories and artwork.

Personality that has been added to a room with locally made artisan objects, antiques and/or items that you have made or collected yourself over the years, non-mass produced accessories, and at this time of the year, Holiday Decorations, can have a profound effect on the perceived temperature and tone of a space. People have asked me time and time again as to why their homes feel cold. After looking around their space, I inevitably find a bowl, frame, tray or roomfuls of furnishings that I’ve seen in every store, showroom or neighboring house for miles around…and we’re not talking about cost here.

A “Found” object can be as trivial as an old costume jewelry necklace from a flea market, draped across a tray that is actually the top of an old box.

Hint: Think like a kid when you are accessorizing your space…yes, matchbox cars can look great on a shelf in any room…that is as long as they mean something to you AND they are arranged artfully like on piles of books or with other like items to form a “Collection”. A great “personality” accessory for your room can be found in the most unlikely of places such as an old drawer, your parents attic or a second hand store.

Be Creative and think Smaller…Shop Locally,

-Mark

Please ‘like’ us on Facebook here: Facebook.com/MarkOnCall

Follow us on Twitter: @MarkOnCall

“What Would You Do With This Room? My 10 Foolproof Commandments to Great Interior Design” by Mark Lewison

The Summer is over (though it is 98 degrees in SoCal today), time to get to work and that hideous bathroom, worn out carpet and peeling paint has only gotten worse…it hasn’t miraculously re-designed or replaced itself…even though you tried, with all your might to wish it away.

So, here’s the deal…my September 16th post hit a nerve with you and I received so many positive responses to posting a design problem from one of my readers along with my solution, that I’m asking for more of your problems!!! Like I don’t have enough of my own…so send me yours!

I will making Design Solutions part of my regular blog postings. Just send me a brief description of your situation, problem, money pit or design horror story, along with a few pictures, and I will be choosing several for each blog post to address, help out with and hopefully, give you viable, reasonable, stylish, creative solutions to the problem that you can tackle yourself…or with the help of a handyman!!

I love before and after stories, quick and creative fixes and if you want, more in-depth capitol improvement solutions that you can embark upon…your call. I will change the names to protect the innocent and not even let on to your neighbors that you are completely design-challenged!

I am so looking forward to this!!

As always, Laugh like you did as a child,

-Mark

Please ‘like’ us on Facebook here: Facebook.com/MarkOnCall

Follow us on Twitter: @MarkOnCall

As one of the great estates from the heyday of industrialists in the United States in the past century, the Hearst Castle is one of the Jewels. However, as one article that I’ve read pointed out, William Randolph Hearst had a more pedestrian eye when it came to his art and extensive architectural antiquities collections…let’s say notches below what Getty amassed in his lifetime.

I will say that what Hearst lacked in subdued good taste, he more than made up for in sheer volume, variety and grandiosity. My guess is that he was the Donald Trump of that time.

We spent the day taking a tour of the Guest Houses, Wine Cellar and Kitchen…then the remainder of our time there soaking up the sun beside the Neptune pool and walking the grounds…and of course, like everyone does, making mental notes as to how I would furnish the place if it was mine, which guest house was more “me” and staring at the old soaps, combs and toiletries left strewn about in the bathroom for display; and of course the inevitable next step that everyone does…look around as to where the security cameras were!

I, of course, took a lot of pictures, to find out later that I had hit the video button on my phone so ended up with only half the photos that I wanted…but I still have a few good ones for the blog. The lighting freak in me made me take photos of each and every light fixture. Of course with the plans to duplicate someday…right! Even with the videos that I can’t use, you’ll still see some really great light fixtures in the photos.

   

Would I recommend the trip to Hearst Castle…oh yeah…
Was it a good value for the Tours…absolutely…
Did I get a lot of Ideas for my someday castle…yep…
Would I like to be this guy for a day…in a minute.

Enjoy Fall!!! Road Trip!

-Mark

Please ‘like’ us on Facebook here: Facebook.com/MarkOnCall

Follow us on Twitter: @MarkOnCall

So that being said, I received an email from a Mark on Call user last week. I’ll disguise the name to protect their privacy, but it was such a great design problem that I had to share it. At first, I was kind of stumped but then I listened to my own inner Design voice….hmmmm…make it look like you meant to do it…so here is the original email followed by my solution. Hope you like it!!!

Hi Mark,


I have a design challenge for you.  We built stairs, which access our basement and had to take space out of this bedroom.  We’re going to be renovating the room for my son (8 yrs old) and are struggling with what to do with this.  In the past, we’ve used it as a bench seat and put a TV on the shelf, but would like to do something, maybe industrial looking with it.  Any thoughts?

Hi Craig,

Hmmmm…this is the kind of stuff that I love. First, I like to have a rule when you are faced (stuck) with either something that is a less than perfect result from something else (the building of the stair) or an architectural feature that you can’t change…make it look like you meant to do it.

So that being said, an 8-year-old boy might really like my plan. The lower surface would become a platform bed base…extend it to accommodate either a twin or full sized mattress, making a platform bed.

The second level…I would extend straight forward to run along side the bed and add shelves, cubbyholes or flip up doors. This could become a great storage area.

The third level…I would use as the starting off point for a shelf around the room, 11-13″ deep.

In other words, I might build in this entire room and make it very much a multi-level loft. I can’t tell what the dimensions are but I’m going to wing it and send you a quick sketch.

All the Best,

Mark

We are really excited about the new version and we hope that you are as well. It should be on the iTunes site really soon now!

In my world of design, Summer is a slow period….NOT!

It’s my favorite time of the year and a lot of exciting things are happening in the shopping arena…

I’ve found my newest favorite website for getting great designer finds of furniture, Rugs, Lighting, Accessories and all at unbelievable pricing in a sort of high-end fantasy garage sale format…better than the showrooms…www.OneKingsLane.com.

Also, I really love Tom’s shoes and their corporate philosophy….can’t get enough of them. Really cool looking, really comfortable and for every pair sold, they give a pair to a needy child…www.Toms.com.

Happening in the color Arena in Interior Design for Summer 2011 (Remember that Interior Design trends follow fashion trends) are cool shades of Blue, Green and the pale brights.

For Fall…you can choose any color you like but make sure it is more subdued rather than flashy. Or you can opt for soft hues including lavender, cantaloupe or honeydew. …. Color tends to deepen or intensify after the Summer months.

Just a note, I always believe in classic colors for Interiors (either subdued or really Intense, but not wishy-washy in between…as I like to say…”either do it or don’t do it…just don’t show indecision in your room”) that you can accent seasonally by bringing in a pillow, throw, lampshade or accessory in the color of the moment.

Enjoy the rest of your Summer and make sure that you wake up each morning thankful for one thing in your life and do something that you did as a kid…and laugh…loudly.

Best,

Mark

It was a gorgeously rainy day and I became really homesick for the hustle and bustle that is decidedly New York….what an electrifying city.

It was kind of a whirlwind visit with meetings the entire time…but we had the chance to have a great dinner with an associate, stay in a really great hotel in Mid town..and stop into the Apple for some forgotten equipment and pretty much see the nickel tour of mid town!

The presentation had a great turnout with designers that were truly interested in using technology in their presentations and as a design tool….we also have an interview on Go Design Go….the blog for the Cohen Design centers nationwide….if you have a chance, please take a look at :

http://godesigngo.com/videos/theres-an-app-for-that-mark-on-call/

For now, summer is in full swing so enjoy it and use my new favorite color….Periwinkle…saw it everywhere in New York..it’s fresh, crisp and you can almost taste the Summer in it….especially if it’s used in light breezy cotton draperies and Summer bed quilts…very Summer, very picnic..very “House on the Lake”….and I’m leaving for Montana on Thursday….I’ll have a boat load of stuff to tell you when I get back.

Cheers,

Mark