Quite a few years ago, a residential client of ours, wanted to build a high level, high style office building and asked me to undertake the project. I loved that it was a great opportunity to make a strong and lasting design statement. To achieve this goal I used several elements -- color, floor pattern, and staircase design. Starting with a base palette of light and dark gray, we added a deep teal blue on ceiling, columns, wall-covering and paint. This hue, which was specified in both interior and exterior accents, adds richness as it unifies the outside and inside spaces. Another dramatic element was the staircase, which we specified in acrylic and steel, with our accent teal highlighting its shape. The final dramatic touch was the floor pattern, done in dark and light gray marble tiles. Instead of doing a standard border, I designed a pattern to parallel the angle of the stairs, which served to further emphasize the interesting architecture. 25 years later, this design is no longer cutting edge, but it does a good job of withstanding the test of time!
Recently, we did a project for a Camarillo company, involving decorating their lobby and doing complete conceptual design on two new dramatic executive bathrooms. In the lobby shown here, the "statement piece" was the custom rug. It is an abstract depiction of an electrical storm, perfect for a company whose product is alternative energy. Previously all the walls had been empty, so we also added a number of art pieces to the room.
This view, from the opposite direction as the previous photo, shows that the "Storm" rug is equally interesting both ways. Here you also see the new upholstered furnishings, tables, art work and plants that we added to the space.
Our client wanted executive bathrooms that would say "wow" without being flashy, so we gave them a look that was corporate, classy, and totally original. We kept color understated, using only black, and various shades of gray and stainless steel. What gives the baths their unique character is the use of materials in unexpected ways. This picture shows the women's bath, complete with full length mirror (on the right) and makeup area on the left. More detail follows in the next photos.
In this close-up, you see details of the mirrors we used throughout. I found a fantastic tile in a random pattern of black tumbled marble and stainless steel mosaics which I could use to fashion mirror frames of any size. For a luxurious feeling in the women's bath, we did individual mirrors, lit by individual sconces over the sinks, and a large "dressing" mirror" on the side wall (see previous photo).
The detail here allows you to see the wonderfully textured grey wall-covering we used on accent walls. (This moody photo makes things appear darker than they really are.) The tall slim sconces, made of stainless steel and glass, are used throughout the spaces for dramatic effect.
A view of the somewhat smaller men's bathroom, through the partition that separates the sink area from the toilet area. This bath uses the same materials as in the women's bath, but with more limited space we specified a large single mirror over the sink, instead of individual mirrors. And yes, the men also got their own "dressing mirror"! This architectural photo also shows the skylight effect that was achieved with stepped soffits. Various tones of gray paint enhances this area. Finally, you see details of the floor pattern, combing 12 x 24 gray tiles, with accents of small black tiles. The finished baths delighted our clients, who appreciate having a design that is both current and classic!
