Stiles Fischer Interior Design

No Bull: Keep it simple

2012-03-06T09:14:00.003-08:00

One small detail that can make or break your kitchen or bathroom is the counter edge detail. Many people have never had to make this decision before, and unfortunately make an uneducated selection. If you want to take the look and feel of your room down a notch, use the bullnose edge.

The bullnose edge: It's bad...it's really bad. I don't know a designer that would spec out this edge. To be honest I don't know it is that makes it lack style. It could be that if you go to Home Depot to buy a premade countertop, it will have a bullnose edge. It could be that if you leave it up to your fabricator or builder to choose for you, odds are they will give you the bullnose. It could be that all pop-up subdivision houses and apartments use bullnose edges. Whatever it is, just avoid it.

Here we are trying to dress it up. Still does not work.

There are a few different edges that actually look good. I will not get into any edge details here that have a profile, or detail to them. Seventy five percent of the time, I just stick to a square edge. It is clean, looks good, and emphasizes the thickness of the counter. It will not go out of style, and is a lower cost to fabricate. Here are a few similar variations that always work.

Beveled Edge: I cant decide if I like prefer a beveled edge over a square edge, but this is a nice look. The bevel helps reduce chipping. I typically do the width of my bevel less that what is shown here.

Here is a concrete counter with a square edge. An updated clean look. A standard for me.

This is called an "eased edge" (slightly rounded). Again this helps with chipping. Each fabricator's version of "eased" is different. The less rounding the better.

In short, unless you are dealing with a traditional or historic styled kitchen it is typically best to just keep it simple.

There's no place like home

2012-02-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

A creative mind needs a creative space. I am finally moved and settled in to my new studio/office. I am a little further from the Design Center, but a little closer to the coast (and my favorite lunch spot). Here is a little before and after peek showing some things I have collected (and unintentionally been left with) over the years.

A natural way to get a fresh color palette

2012-01-11T20:51:00.000-08:00

This is so simple and I love it. Design icon Barbara Barry gave a little secret that I would like to keep to myself, but here it is. For a simple color palette with contrast and variety with a cohesive feel, select a few different beach rocks and match their color.

All of these colors work so well together

I love the yellow with the dark gray and the white/cream tones

A muted combination with warm and cool tones

Next time you are out enjoying nature, grab some smooth rocks that catch your eye...and hold onto them for your next project. Use these colors for wall and fabric color combinations.

Moving day

2011-11-18T19:54:00.001-08:00

Packing late on a Friday night; Never fun unless it is for a good thing. Right now I work in a quaint little space. It has everything that I need, except for the space part. I am excited to be moving into a great little studio in Laguna Niguel tomorrow. For some this could be one of my more boring posts unless a floorplan excites you. I can't just move furniture in and figure it out as I go, so I obsessed over the best way to get in a seating group, some display, and my desk near the resource room. It worked out nicely...back to work.

Victoria Hagan- Skills to pay the bills

2011-10-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

Just picked up a nice thick book on the work of Victoria Hagan, of NYC. A must have for great concept and inspiration images.

I have always admired her work and approach and mindset toward interiors. She has a way of making a space look complete and amazing, but without needing to bring in a lot of additional furniture and decor

Other than the architectural details, all this room needs to look complete is the chair, table and vase.

A perfect blend of the traditional and modern.

HGTV Showhouse Showdown Winner! Room photos

2011-10-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

It was definitely a relief and excitement to be awarded as the winner in October's episode of "Showhouse Showdown". Now that images of the rooms are published and public, I can post some up here on the blog in case you did not catch the episode. Here are quick overviews of the rooms-

My personal favorite- the dining room. I love the blue/gray paneled wall and the head chairs. This is definitely "me"...what I would do for myself. A big thank you to "Witford" at the Laguna Design Center for their help in sourcing the chairs and the perfect chandelier for the room.

Family room: With many projects, the rooms never quite get 100% done, for time reasons, budget etc. This room was the exception and finished to every detail. Looking back at it, I think the cowhide ottoman is a bit much/busy for the room. The pillows could have been simplified as well, but hey, there was no time to make changes. For this room a big high five to Kravet fabrics for helping with pillows, the orange chair, and the window treatments.

The bedroom was deemed "too masculine". Whether it is or is not, it's a cozy space that most everyone loved.

No one seemed to be into the green wall. That was fine and the acceptance of it was not my intent. Since it was a competition, I wanted something people would remember. Although I love the rest of the home, nothing seemed to leave a distinct visual memory...but this did. Whether you like it or not, it is a cool catch-all space for the young ones that you can appreciate for what it is, and the vibe it puts out.

Nook: some small slipcovered chairs soften up an open space. Thanks again to Kravet for the fabrics and wallcovering, and Witford for the light from Visual Comfort.

Kitchen: Of all the things that I worked on, this was the easiest. I specified the wood finishes, counters, tile, and cabinet configuration and it was all taken care of from there...well I guess I need to include the sink, faucet, hood, decor, barstools, lighting, cabinet pulls...OK it was not that simple I guess but it came out exactly how I hoped.

Thanks to everyone who helped with product, construction, production and support.

Mixing it up: It's not always about fine twined linens and such

2011-10-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

A lot of designers don't like to get their hands dirty, or they may feel they are above the grunt work. I kind of like it. I grew up doing grunt work and building things. It's those little creative side projects keep my creative juices flowing. Just for fun here are a few photos of a little summer lemonade stand I designed, built, and painted for my daughter and some friends. We put it across the street from our house (which is conveniently at the neighborhood pool) and she of course earned a return on the investment :)

A removable chalkboard sign (easy to raise their prices as the day gets hotter)

Who can resist the blue and yellow sign!

A natural wood, not painted, but "whitewashed" for that authentic look. (If you are not sure what that is, read Huckleberry Finn)

"Showhouse Showdown" Pulling it together

2011-10-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

Since my episode of HGTV "Showhouse Showdown", I have received several emails inquiring about specific products that were used. In case you are one of those with your eye on a particular piece, here are a few of my most popular selections. Feel free to add a comment if there is a piece you love, that I missed.

This little hand carved whale sculpture is actually what had the most interest out of all things in the home. Everyone that walked through loved it, and wanted to know where to get one. It is hand carved from aged driftwood, so each one is a little different. The base is a simple iron plate base, with a support post. They are only sold to the trade through the manufacturer, so I do not know of a local supplier it just varies for each city. If you would like to purchase one through me, they are $395 each and in stock.

This is the "Goodman" pendant light, from Visual Comfort. There are three different sizes, and a few different finishes from white, dark gray, silver to brass. A really cool, really simple fixture. Pricing is around $900 for the larger size

This is the "Andalusia" rug from West Elm. Around $500 for the 8x10 size, and $700 for the 9x12. It is wool, but due to the looming style, it is a flatter rug (not the plush "cut pile" like other rugs). Because it is thinner, it tends to not lay 100% flat all the time, but a great look at a lower price point.

I love this "Hostess" chair by Lee Industries. It is well built, and has a great shape and profile. It comes with or without nailheads, and you specify your own fabric. They are priced around $1,200 each (plus fabric) Contact me for a price quote if you are interested.

These pendant lights were used over the kitchen island. They are from "Troy" lighting, and come in a few different sizes and shapes. Pricing will range from $300-$1,000 depending on the size.

Alright...I'm back to work!

Got Pillows? Designer pillow giveaway

2011-10-02T22:55:00.000-07:00

Couture pillows...get them while they're hot! My online store www.orangeplush.com is giving away $150 of pillows this week! Need a custom designer pillow or two?

How to win: Become a follower, and post a comment OF YOUR FAVORITE PILLOW ( I would love to know what shoppers like). Just click the "Followers" link on the right to follow me and then make a comment on your favorite, at the bottom of the post.

In one week we will use www.random.org to generate the winner of the $150, which you can use toward any designer pillow (or pillows) that you want! The winner will be contacted, and I will also post a comment stating the winner when the giveaway has ended. Good luck!

What I do...presentation boards

2011-10-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

So a large majority of design blog posts feature "top pick" products, and "other people's photos that I like" posts. While these are great, and I will do some, I am trying to put out some unique posts and information. Here is a little glimpse into some more personal aspects in the life of a designer.

The presentation board is a standard way us designers show our vision for a space. There is a tremendous amount of work, thought, sourcing, and creativity that goes into a complete conceptual plan for a space. Here are some samples of specific project boards I have come up with lately.

A punchy and bright palette. Something I don't get to do all that often.

Here is a sophisticated, modern style with toned down organic finishes.

Ahhh...I am excited to post some pictures of this almost complete full restaurant design in Huntington Beach. Here I kept it clean, but mixed it up with a variety of materials and textures. I love all of this!

A strictly traditional, and classic to the T room.

A corporate interior in Southern California. The owner wanted a modern dynamic space, with an organic, and "zen" feel.

If you had to choose one of these to be your room...what is your pick?

Stairway to Heaven: Before and After

2011-10-02T20:27:00.001-07:00

OK not literally, but if you wanted to build one this might be the right direction. I am working with a young family that is updating and modernizing their somewhat dated home. The sweeping staircase is the first thing you see when you come into the home, but it didn't sweep you off your feet. Here is my playbook to doing it right.

Before: Great shape, not-so-great style for a soon to be modern home.

Concept photo: We loved the style and look of this staircase. I really like the outline profile of this, but to get that full continuous outline, the riser of the stair would need to be a stained wood as well. That works on this particular staircase, but for the large sweeping staircase I am working on, it would be a bit of a heavy look.

Concept photo: This staircase has a nice classic and simple look. The white riser gives it a clean feel. You can see that the moulding profile of the edge of the tread gives it more of a traditional feel.

Detail Drawing for Staricase: To update the stairs, I decided to go with a no-profile, square edge on the side of the tread. I did a bit thicker/chunkier tread than normal, it gives a sleek custom look. I wanted to keep some classic elements to the stairs, so I specified a traditional recessed detail on the posts, but helped modernize it with a very thin vertical panel, with no other detail. You can see the side apron has a custom three-tiered detail (if you are building something custom, at least make it look custom)

After: Look how great the curve is emphasized. The smaller center railings are a painted steel. To keep it from feeling too "commercial" I did the thick square handrail in wood, instead of steel.

After: Not quite complete. I wanted to treat the interior curved wall with something subtle but unique, to really make that feature stand out. As I write, that material is on it's way from England.

This is the material for the curved wall, and the icing on the cake. It is from Zoffany and I have used it before and love it. It has a commercial coating on it, and will hold up great to dragging fingers, and kids.

Nathan Fischer on new HGTV interior design show!!

2011-09-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Check out the new series "Showhouse Showdown" on HGTV this month. I will be featured on the episode on October 3rd (Monday) at 9:00 PST. Unlike many of the HGTV shows, Showhouse Showdown takes reputable designers (instead of the do-it-yourselfers) on the show. Each episode puts two designers on the same new home model, same budget, and same timeline to see what we come up with. The public walks through the completed homes and votes on their favorite. The winner will be announced at the end of the show. Bob Guiney, from "The Bachelor" will host the show. It was a blast, and I am excited to see how how it turns out on the episode.

Here is a link to the HGTV website for more info: http://www.hgtv.com/showhouse-showdown/fresno-california-showdown-the-fabulous-fifties-vs-really-good-bones/index.html

Tune in!!!

Vintage Reclaimed: BUYER BEWARE!

2011-08-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

Restoration Hardware- They have done a great job popularizing the reclaimed/antique look, and bringing it to light. We have all seen a photo or ad in this style by now-
Sure the room has a hip vintage modern look. The same look that every other concept photo they publish has. This is where the problem starts. Companies like Pottery Barn, West Elm, and especially Z Gallerie mass market and shove a specific look down your throat. They find a emerging design trend that has not gone mainstream yet, and overdo it. Once they grab hold of it and create a buzz, that style is already nearing the end of it's short lived era. (We have seen this with Shabby Chic, Hollywood Regency, Tuscan, etc.)
As a designer I always avoid "trends" and "themes", which is unfortunately what this vintage reclaimed look is. A piece or two is great and can work well. Please just don't buy into this whole pre-packaged look, or in two years you will need to jump on the next/newest look bandwagon, and start the viscous cycle again.

The above room: I love the barstools (and have used them on more than one project). Instead of paring the vintage barstools with the vintage table, mix it up...use something more modern, more traditional. The pendant lights (which I have used before and love them), isn't it a bit expected in that setting? Well now I am rambling...in summary; just don't overdo it, and avoid the themes.

Our new line of designer pillows!!!

2011-06-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

Stiles Fischer Interiors is excited to get our new line of designer pillows off the ground and running. Below are some samples of what is available. Click the link below to view the store. Let me know what your favorite pillow is, I would love some feedback!

www.orangeplush.com

A collection of fabrics from F. Schumacher, Kravet, Osbourne & Little and more.

The Imperial Trellis Pillow, by Kelly Wearstler

Our Windsor Smith Pillow collection showcases a few great softened linens with geometric prints.

Ikat pattern pillow

Sofa arms 101

2011-06-14T21:13:00.000-07:00

When it comes to sofa arms I may be to prejudice. I don't have much against them but for the most part, designers and myself are done with oversized rolled arms. The oversized rolled arm is too common and is usually associated with cheaper mass produced furniture.

There are plenty of other sharp looking options that I will try to source on my projects. Here are a few of my favorites.

I love the classic relaxed look of the "english arm". It took me a while to warm up to it, but now I am hooked. It is very comfortable, and fits the shape of your arm. I have this arm on my own sofa and have no regrets.

They are not high on the comfort list, but I love a thin, squared off arm. Add some nailheads to it and you are set.

Still want a rolled arm? That is fine. Try a smaller scale like the image above, it has so much more character.

For an updated look that is still comfortable, go with a wider square arm.

Another great look is to have the arm slope down toward the edge of the seat. It give a great profile.

A simple fireplace remodel: all the way up

2011-05-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

I worked on a smaller project for a new client. One item on the list was to update the fireplace and to keep it and the price simple. In most California homes, 9 out of 10 fireplaces could use an improvement. On the east coast and in many other places that is not the case. But pretty much all homes over here from the 80's on have a bare-bones, no detail fireplace. Here is a photo of the typical scenario. A "decorative" mantle and nada but drywall above it.

In my opinion, for most traditional fireplace units there should be some other material that extends from the mantle to the ceiling. It would typically be wood (painted or stained) but could also be stone, a wallcovering, tile etc.

Before: Not ugly, but not done right. The fireplace wall opening and the entertainment unit top are at the same level...a visual conflict. That also leaves that awkward strip of wall along the top.

After: My first instinct was to carry the white wood from the base, up the full wall, and tie it into the existing crown moulding. A simple recessed panel on top adds the needed detail and gives hanging space.

A very simple solution with a worth while payoff. The once freestanding looking unit now looks built in, and integrated into the wall. I also refaced the surround of the firebox with a broken travertine mosaic. The round mirror helps break up the monotony of all the rectangular shapes going on. Total cost for construction (patch over existing opening, add paneling, crown moulding bump out, painting, tile and installation, accessories) just under 2K.

A fresh alternative

2011-05-07T23:03:00.000-07:00

For the most part, I try to avoid using interior house plants on my projects. There are always exceptions, but it can be a fine line. After harping on this a couple times in my last post, I won't get into the details. If you still want some greenery or a botanical element, here are some great alternative arrangements by Krislyn Floral. These are like little works of art with great unique character. Here are a few of my favorites:

Design snob: A higher calling

2011-04-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about being a designer, is that I am justified and entitled to critique everything in your personal space. (in case you don't know me, insert sarcasm here) Isn't that why we become designers; for that golden ticket of holier-than-thou when it comes to your home? On several occasions I have been in a strangers home, and the social dynamic is just fine...until they find out I am an interior designer. Then follows the excuses and reasons why "this is not finished because...", or "that is over there because...", and "I know this does not belong but..." The truth is you can do what you want and don't need to worry about what I think of you, but if you want me to think a little better of you, here are some tips: I am sure that many that are reading are guilty of a couple of these, most homes I have been in will have at least one on my list. But hey I didn't make the rules so don't shoot the messenger.

The ficus tree: A typical sorry attempt to fill a corner. I don't know why people insist on filling their homes with these. You do not need a tree in your house to achieve a good look...fake or alive. 9 times out of 10 your corner will look better without it.

The small rug: look at this sad little scrap on the floor. A rug should always go under the front feet of your furniture, at least the sofa. A small rug like this serves no purpose. Most living/family rooms will need an 8x10.

Fake Ivy: It dosen't matter what you paid for it, or how new it is, keep it off your cabinets.

Faux finishing: A short lived trend that was popular circa 1994 among do-it-yourself Home Depot shoppers. If you are going for that "dated" look faux finishing just might be for you.

This furniture style is the epitome of blah. Wrought iron base with glass top. Avoid it like the plague.

Design Find- Overdyed rugs

2011-04-09T21:42:00.000-07:00

I love rugs, of course the well made good looking ones. I am typically not one to follow trends, but this is one trend that I am drawn to. Over-dyed vintage and antique rugs. There are plenty of older well made rugs out there, that are lacking when it comes to desirable colors, and color combinations. This process bleaches out the bulk of the color (still leaving some dark/light contrast), and re-dyes the rug in a new bold color. They are quite pricey, but worth it for the right space. Google it, and you will find several sources onlie. www.abccarpet.com seems to be the front runner for this product.

Before and After: Ladera Ranch Interior Design

2011-04-02T19:58:00.000-07:00

Here is another little glimpse into a past project. This was a fun job with one of my favorite clients. The challenge here was to give the great room an updated and fresh feel, but keeping with the architectural style of the home, which can be difficult to do with most Orange County properties.

Before

The kitchen and nook had a heavy and dark feel.

After

I removed the armoire against the wall and added a built in bar and storage cabinet. We updated it with backlit frosted glass cabinets, and Ann Sacks iridescent glass backsplash tile. I added a new chandelier, vintage style pendant lights from Arteriors over the island, and some white leather barstools. The new tile on the built in unit continues through the kitchen

Before (Family Room)

Not a "bad" room, but lacking character and any uniqueness.

After Here we added faux wood beams on the ceiling, then removed the carpet and replaced it with wood installed at a 45 degree angle. The fireplace wall was stripped down and simplified. The upholstery is from Lee Industries at the Laguna Design Center (Witford Showroom). I designed the custom ottoman, and had it upholstered in a cowhide.

The fireplace wall features wood paneling that conceals the AV components. The bottom panels open to storage, and the television pulls out and pivots if needed. The fireplace unit was re-faced with copper, which I personally added an antique patina finish to. Grasscloth on the wall gives a great texture.

A relatively simple room, but keeping it simple and refined is what made it a success.

Quality art at everyday price

2011-03-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

So I am sort of an art snob when it comes to placing artwork in a project. Sometimes it is a necessary evil, but I always try to avoid reproduction prints, framed posters etc. whenever I can. Not everybody can afford original artwork, and not every project needs all artwork to be original. There are some alternative solutions. One thing that I have used with success on occasion, is smaller antique prints.

You can find these prints (usually taken from antique books and publications) everywhere online. There are dealers with thousands to choose from in all different categories, from architectural, figurative, botanical, animal, automotive, medical and more. You can also find some pick and choose prints on Ebay and Etsy.

You can find a print around 7"x9" for under a hundred dollars. To beef up the size, I use a large white matte surround on the framing. The piece itself does not need to be large for the impact.

Here are a few that I have been sourcing on a couple projects.

I love this blue Octopus print. It comes in a larger size at aprox. 30"
This egg and nest print is one in a series of three I am doing. A simple and unique look.

I love the subtle tones on this asian print

This little whale print is historic and funky in a modern way as well.

If you have some wall space to fill, find a print or two with a subject matter that interests you. Don't just get an old print of the Eiffel Tower if you have never been there, or if you dont know the history of it. If your father was a pilot however, find out what the first plane he flew was, and find a print of that. Take it to a good framer, invest in the framing job, and you now have a piece of art with historic merit and a personal story. It will stay in the family and be well worth the small investment.

Corporate interior project preview

2011-02-23T16:09:00.001-08:00

I am often asked "do you focus on homes or business" with my practice. Although the bulk of what I do is residential based, I have worked on all types of commercial projects from restaurants, salons, churches, hotels, medical offices and more. Here is a quick little preview for a great company in Orange County that I have been working with, and am just wrapping things up for.

This is a botanical arrangement that I built from sandblasted manzanita, and preserved moss. It is a great piece for the entry, and sets the organic tone for the office.

A custom built conference table. Carrera marble, with a hand chiseled edge gives a classic and edgy look. The bases are handmade raw iron pedestals, with A/V component storage. I am lucky to have great tradespeople that can pull off these great projects. Cannot go wrong with a classic mid-century style task chair.

A embossed foil paper by Zoffany in the conference room. A great product, that can be used residentially as well.

That is all for now. I will post complete photos once I have dotted all the i's and crossed the t's.

Sofa vs. Couch- Spot the difference

2011-02-21T21:06:00.000-08:00

One way to tell if your designer is really in the biz and knows what they are doing, is how they refer to one specific furniture piece. Is it called a sofa or a couch? First off, if you did not know what a "couch" was, just the sound of the word would make you assume it is not an attractive item. That is precisely how you can tell the difference between a couch and sofa. A sofa looks nice, a couch is something that belongs on the free section of craigslist. Here are some samples, and some dry designer humor.

cow-ouch

Sofa

couch (flaps on the back are for storing misc. items I guess?)

Sofa

Couch (oh no...not the cupholders)

Sofa

Design Find- Noir Furniture

2011-01-29T08:20:00.000-08:00

One of the great things about living in Orange County is having L.A an hour away. Close enough to get to on a regular basis, but not having to deal with the traffic and parking as if it's your full time job. Noir furniture (http://www.noirfurniturela.com/) is one of the hidden gems L.A has to offer. I recently went up to their warehouse to inspect some furniture for a client. They have a unique product, that is constantly changing and being added to. The quality...to be honest, it is not high end but for the price it is an excellent find. I have no reservations with their line (except for the upholstery...not the greatest).

Here are a few of their pieces that I have used, or have my eye on:

Showroom in Gardena

I love the shape of this funky, large coffee table. It is a black finish, with a white"hand rubbed" texture that fills in the grain.

An alternative idea for a nook table. The steel top is indestructible, and great for families. The top can even spin, and has an adjustable height.

Geometric dresser (could use an upgrade on the knobs)

Antique silver mirror floor screen

Reclaimed Oak mirror

Iron frame bench

Having a hard time finding a large coffee table? 76"x44" gray wash wood top with cast iron legs.

Noir sells to the trade only, so contact me if you would like pricing on any of their items. They can be picked up in Gardena, CA., or shipped out of state as well.

Before and after: guest bath

2011-01-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

I love to work on bathroom remodels. They start and finsh quickly, which is great if you demand instant gratification. When giving a bathroom a facelift, it doesn't take much to up it a notch from what is typically done by the do-it-yourselfer. Here is a quick before and after of a client's guest bathroom with a simple update.

Before: Not an absolute eyesore, but it definitely needs some character.

After: wood, stone, tile, mirror, sconces, and a curtain valance finish the room. Mixing the fixture finishes (polished nickel, and antique bronze) keep the room from inheriting a mail-order/pre-fab look.

Gallery Show- Scottsdale, AZ

2010-12-27T23:09:00.000-08:00

Join me and artist Max Hammond at the Bonner David Gallery. The reception will be this Thursday 12/30/2010 at 6:00. If you happen to be in the Phoenix area and would like to attend, click the invitation image below for address and details.

Yellow Fever

2010-12-14T16:21:00.000-08:00

Whatever project I am working on will usually dictate what my new design interest is. This month it is simply the color yellow. Not just any safe yellow that the average person would use, but yellow in it's pure form.

I am working on a new restaurant in Huntington Beach and we are using this color, in a small quantity very selectively. It does amazing things to the overall feel of any space. Here are a few examples of how it adds a unique element to any space, and updates the look.

If this watermain were on your building exterior, that would typically be an unsightly necessity. Here it is looks like a designer upgrade.

The yellow takes what would be a very cold and stark space, and gives it 200% more life, while keeping it very contemporary.

Any passerby will notice, and peer into this restaurant...myself included.

Take the yellow out of the equation, and you have a totally different interior.

Bigger is better....sometimes

2010-12-01T07:03:00.001-08:00

There is something about a large, oversized and overstated piece of artwork in a space that is so appealing to me. It could be that it gives the space a gallery feel, or that it just adds a personal and unique element. Most people might feel that they are displaying a large piece of art, but in most cases they are not. By big I mean at least five feet in one dimension.

A simple room by Victoria Hagan. The photo print makes the space.

A simple, under-decorated room becomes a designer space just because of the large painting. A very traditional room, is now updated and a little fresher with the contemporary piece.

Dont have, or can't afford a 72x72" painting? A series of prints, etchings or photos can give the same effect. Overstated is definitely what it takes to get the right look.

I love this. The collection of art is the first thing that you notice in this room.

To be honest, the subject matter or the piece itself is not too important. It's all about displaying it in confidence, and keeping it's surroundings simplified. It can be a series of prints depicting birds, trees, chairs, or maps...to a large painting of a single textured color.

New project: Diamond in the rough

2010-11-09T23:10:00.000-08:00

This past month I have started on a few new projects throughout Orange County. A good chunk of my projects will fall into a specific exterior style. If you are not familiar with South Orange County, where most of my work is, then I should let you know that it is textbook surburbia. Depending on the neighborhood, the term "cookie cutter"might be an understatement. Terra cotta roofs, stucco, and street view garages are the nature of the beast.

Typical south O.C specimen

Don't get me wrong there are some amazing homes in Orange County, but these great homes will typically share a common feel to others. Here is a truly unique home I have just started working on with a couple in the north hills of Orange County.

I love this entry. Makes me feel like I am back home in Monterey, and up in the Big Sur area.

A very Pacific Northwest feel

It needs an all around updating and is a little rough around the edges, but has great potential to be a one of a kind home.

Extremely large and open Living room.

Antique imported European fireplace came with the home.

Great mid century style fireplace

What looks like a dated bathroom, with a simple update will be a design savvy setup. The neglected limestone will probably stay, and will look great when cleaned up.

A little splash of retro with the white lacquer framed and mirrored built-ins.

I am excited to get started and see where things go. Stay tuned for the finished project next year.

The Furbish Theory: vintage finds

2010-11-08T17:32:00.000-08:00

After 2 years of hard work, my good friend Brittany Stiles has launched her online boutique with one-of-a-kind unique furnishings, lighting, and decor. If you were wondering where the "Stiles" in Stiles Fischer Interiors came from, now you know. We started the firm a few years ago as a joint effort, and now work independently. I have seen her working on her product line for two years, and am almost as excited as she is to see all wrapped up. Take a look at a couple of her 100% unique and original pieces.

Asian toile loveseat with down cushion

Art deco dresser w/ custom finish

I saw her get this vintage porcelain whippet a while ago, and was quite jealous. I wanted it so bad, and still do.

A great pair of chairs in a geometric pattern. Reminds me of a similar chair by McGuire.

Brittany has a style of her own, and you can tell that all these unique pieces have that designer signature. Take a look at some of the other great pieces online. Check back in the future for updated stock. www.thefurbishtheory.com

Dining tables: outside of the box

2010-11-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

A good percentage of the projects that I work on, involve sourcing a dining or nook table. When you think of a dining table, I am sure you typically picture a table with a wood top and matching base. This is typically what I end up using on projects, but every now and then I will come across a house that is very "brown". Depending on the style of home, using a wood table along with wood flooring, wood cabinets or built in's, and wood trimwork can be a bit too much of our fine grained friend.

This doesn't mean that you need to replace that wood table, but next time you are in the market for upgrading the dining room or breakfast nook, keep some alternative material options in mind:

Here is a simple copper based table, with a stone top. Clean looking, and easier to clean and maintain.

Probably not the most practical, but an antique mirrored dining table is definitely on my to do list.

I love this Greek patterned antique silver finish dining table from 1stdibs.com. At $30,ooo I am keeping my hopes lower than normal.Here is a very simple concrete slab top table. Love it.

A painted table looks great, and wears well also. Here is a Chinese black lacquer table. It will show every scratch and smudge, but it will show that scratch in style.

Spot the not: Nailheads

2010-10-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

I typically like to use nailheads on one piece in each room. Like all things, if done wrong it is a hindrance more than a step in the right direction. Here goes... This is another item that falls into my "poor man's" category: The poor man's nailhead. Spaced. Cheaper upholstery lines (or cheaper upholsterers) will space their nailheads. It reduces your materials by 50%, and your labor by about the same. The result: A cheaper cost, and a cheaper look. Go all in, or all out.

The ultimate bad decision. "Rather than nail individual tacks along the chair, lets just use one of those strips and pop it in place"...let's not. Not only does it look low budget, it is a safety hazard when it pops up, and exposes that sharp edge.

A proper nailhead installation. Tight and clean. Here the nailheads are actually serving a purpose in the construction of the piece. In the first photo, they are merely just applied to...wherever.

In some applications, the spaced nailheads are actually intended. It is usually when you have an oversized head, like in this application. There is a fine line on when it becomes good vs. bad, but if you know your stuff, you know what I am talking about.

The little things...

2010-10-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

I started off writing a post about my favorite tile line: Ann Sacks, but then realized that I like too many tiles to narrow it down to just a handful. Instead I am focusing on the new "Savoy" line. I am obsessed with this tile for some reason. It could be that some of the tiles look like little candies, and I was hungry at the time.

As you might know, many of Ann Sacks products can start at $50 per sqf., and go up from there (along with a 4 week production time). I love this line because it is around $10 per sqf. and ships out immediately. Here are some of my favorites. (photos taken from the Ann Sacks website)

A close up detail of the "penny" round pattern. Love the light tile with the accented edge.

Perfect for a backsplash, and a no-brainer to install. Don't you just want to touch it?

Like most mosaic tiles, they come pre-mounted on a 12x12 sheet for easy install.

You cant go wrong with the classic hex pattern. I am installing this in a celadon color in a kitchen next month, and will post some photos once finished.

The stack pattern. You can install it horizontally or vertically. Once again, don't you just want to touch it?

I am having this stack pattern installed in a shower/tub enclosure, in the metallic bronze finish. A really sharp look, and again, I can't wait to get some photos posted once finished.

Of course the ever popular brick offset mosaic

For whatever reason, I am working on a lot of tile based projects right now (kitchens and bathrooms) and I keep coming back to these tiles. There are a lot of other great options that I will post about later, but for the price, this is a great place to start.

Painting giveaway winner

2010-10-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

We have a winner! Congratulations to "Sue & Tom Hall", you were the 64th follower. I will get your painting mailed off soon.

Thanks to everyone else that is following. Stay tuned for the next giveaway.

Before and after #2...and the evolution of a project

2010-10-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

This post goes through the before and after process of a full project, and includes a little peek into the design that goes into the details. Rather than bore you with all the technical drawings, I have included a couple of the key items, to give a little glimpse into what I do exactly. For anyone reading, that happens to be "in the biz", I will do some product name dropping as well.

The project was a home in south Orange County, for a large and involved family. They were ready for some change, and so I helped bring a fresh and light feel to the house.

This was the dining room before. The problem area: a 14' tall focal point wall, with no detail.

The solution: Some paneling and matching hardwired sconces. At first I was a little leery to suggest the 3rd option; floor to ceiling paneling, but once installed it was obviously the best choice of the three.

The paneling had no edge detail, we just stuck with a shaker style installation to keep it from feeling too formal. It was tricky to line everything up in relation to the mirrors, lighting, doorway, and heat register (not seen).

In the room is an antique brass chandelier from Visual Comfort lighting, along with the sconce pair. I designed the dining table, and had it custom made in L.A. It was made from solid rift oak, with a light cereused finish, and is probably the heaviest table I have ever felt (a good thing). The rug was their existing rug, which worked out great. We went with some neutral linen drapery panels, and antiqued silver finish rod and rings.

The living room before: Note your's truly in the left mirror (even though it looks planned, I hate when that happens!)

Living room after: As you can see, we continued the paneling from the dining room. The brass bamboo side tables are from Arteriors, and the Restoration Hardware coffee table is made from vintage reclaimed industrial wood (they are on limited stock, so if you want one, better hurry. It is a great value in my opinion.) We used some of their existing art, including some of their son's college art sketches, and had them reframed. A good frame will make anything look like a million dollars.

Kitchen before: Adding storage space, and opening up the room was the name of the game.

A conceptual sketch helped put the goal in sight. My client had the idea to add a window above the range. Not typically done, but in design...rules are meant to be broken, and in this case it was a perfect crime.

My contractor came by for a walkthrough, before we started. We wondered if we could remove the full ceiling, so he cut a hole, climbed up in for a few minutes and returned with the news. This is a couple days into the demo.

The finished project: Cabinet doors match the dining room paneling style. Clear glass cabinet pulls are topped with a pair of celadon jars from Tozai Home. You can't see it too well in this photo, but after a lot of time spent looking at backsplash tile, we went with a ribbed Barbara Barry subway tile from Ann Sacks. My client had the idea for the cupboard on the island to be a roll-out butcher block with storage below (which it is, but you just cant tell.)

Outside...looking in.

I love to design one "stand alone" unique piece in each kitchen, if space permits. Here I went with a hutch, featuring a unique toekick, unique hardware/pulls, a larger crown, clear display glass and more. A great way to keep things consistent with the kitchen, but give it the look of a piece of furniture.

Finished product

Family Room before

Family Room after: It can be hard, and at times expensive to find a coffee table or ottoman to fit a seating arrangement properly, so I typically have them made. If you keep the design simple, it us usually very cost effective, such as this faux leather ottoman. The chair in the back corner was an antique 1920's chair I found on craigslist and had refinished/upholstered in a Kravet linen (Pelaogs pattern) then lined in chrome nailheads. The pillows are made from Romo fabrics with the window treatment fabric a high end Osbourne and Little, that we scored in the L.A fabric district for pennies on the dollar. We waited a long time for that backordered rug, but it was a necessary touch.

Thanks for reading!!

Blue and Brown...a word of warning.

2010-10-18T23:22:00.000-07:00

Each decade has it's style trend, that typically is chuckled at years later. In the 90's it was beige on beige, mixed in with a little beige. In the 80's, we had white walls, with refreshing white (or mauve) carpet, and a peach finished dining table. The avocado colored kitchen appliances mark the 70's.

I feel that the "theme" that epitomizes the current years, is the in-your-face, blue and brown combo. To take it a step further, it is blue and brown, mixed with funky white decor/furniture, polished steel and glass. It's not that I don't like this look, it's just the way it's overdone that is sealing it's own fate. Any time the word "theme" is used to describe your room, you are typically off to a bad start.Here is a room that at one point I would have been drawn to, but now is a textbook Z Gallerie or West Elm ad. All we need to finish the stereotype look is to add stacked clear glass-ball lamps in the back, and some chrome bowls on the tables. It could be a nice room, but is just too themy. You could probably order each of these items right now from the West Elm website.

Here is an image that has paraded it's way around the online design websites. This room will have a shelf life of about 1 year. Even though it has a lot of bold features, it has no soul.

If you like blue and brown, like I do, it is still possible to stick with it. Here is a photo of a traditional room, illustrating the color palette but in a tasteful way. It definitely has those accents but in a toned down sophisticated manner. As usual...less is more.

Rant #1: Countertops

2010-10-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER!! I am sure that this, and future "rant" posts may offend some. If you have worked with me, you probably know that I am not the biggest fan of granite. I don't mean to put anyone's personal counters or preference down, and understand that it is probably not possible to just go ahead and swap out your counters on a whim. That being said, I think that the interior design profession is over granite. It is overused, and quite frankly not that attractive (in most cases). Here are my thoughts on granite countertops, and their alternative. The culprit: "Baltic Brown", and the other similar members of their brown and beige crew. Even the name sounds bland. To top it off, in this photo, the owner has gone with the "poor mans backsplash", running the stone remnant up the wall, adding insult to injury.

Try suggesting to your contractor or stone fabricator that you would like to use a stone other than granite, and they will give you a blank and confused stare. I have seen it on more than one occasion. This is because they, like most people, always go to granite because we have been trained to think that granite is the "end all be all" of style. Wrong...there are endless options, that are much better than the standard Home Depot look.

Engineered Quartz- This was a bathroom I remodeled down the street from my house. We went with the "Lagos" Caesarstone. This product has a modern look, and is as durable, or more so than granite. Goes great with the custom vanity. Blotchy granite would have taken it down 2 notches.

Another project where I specified Caeserstone. Here we went with the "Rosemary" color, giving a polished concrete look. You can drag a hot metal pan around on it with no problems, and it does not need to be sealed or treated.

My personal favorite: Carrera marble. Timeless, classic and works with fully traditional styles, and ultra modern. One of the most historically used stones, architecturally and artistically for a reason. It is now moderately priced, and easy to source. Be selective when picking your slab, as the colors and patterns change dramatically. I had an installer bring his own slab for a dual vanity installation, and after seeing his selection, decided that it had to be ripped out and replaced. Not a happy day for anybody.

Crema Marfil (marble): Another personal favorite. This was for a good friends master bath. A soft texture and mild color option. Well priced, and widely available. It is tougher for the installer to work with, as it can break easier in handling, but one installed, is no problem. It does etch and stain easier, but if sealed properly, and cleaned, is fine for a bathroom, and fine for mild kitchen use.

Emperador Dark: Another great option. Dark, with great texture, but with a nice veined pattern, as opposed to the splatter pattern granite. Once again, well priced and easy to find. There are a lot of color/pattern variations with this stone.

Emperador Light: Same family as the above stone, just a lighter option

Granite: What? I thought you said no? Granite does have it's place in the countertop world. I hate to compliment it now, but granite is cheap, and durable. It would be the option (rather than the above options) for a commercial kitchen, or a kitchen that gets heavy use.

This is from the same house I worked on as the Crema Marfil above. Here the granite looks great with the surrounding materials. The name of this stone is "Lagos Azul" a great blue/green/gray option for a modern room. Click to enlarge the photo, and see the little irridescent blue accents in the stone.

Another great granite: "Bianco Romano". I found this little gem recently. I am doing a very large conference table in this material, a bit higer priced compared to other granites, but a sleek look.

The moral of the story: don't just settle for the standard beige or brown granite because that is what the salesman is saying you need to go with.

Original painting giveaway

2010-10-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

In a shameless attempt to boost the traffic to my just-launched blog, I am doing a little giveaway drawing. I will be randomly offering an original mixed media painting of mine, to a new follower of this blog.

"Unfamiliar" 20x20 mixed media

{click to enlarge}

Add yourself as a follower on the right sidebar. At the end of the month, I will randomly pick a follower, and mail or deliver the painting. I will use www.random.org to generate the winner, and will post the winner on the blog.

To view info and images of my artwork, visit http://www.fischerarts.com/ Good luck!!!!!

It's all in the bones

2010-10-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...nothing makes a room like the architectural "bones". Not so much the spacial architecture itself, but the three "key ingredients": Flooring, trimwork, and walls. Even the most simple, under-furnished room will look great if these three items are done right. If you follow and love Barbara Barry's work, you will see that this is a principal she works by. If you have ever walked into a vacant or empty home, but felt like you walked into a magazine photoshoot, here is why:

Nothing will finish off a room, and increase the feeling of "space" like dark...dark floors, and light walls. I love the contrast. Just that in and of itself is an interior power statement. People will respond to it, and remember it. The chunky window casing adds to the effect.

You could clear everything out of this room, and the shell itself is perfect. It has everything. A sharp looking and unique wood floor, the gray horizontal board walls, with the white woodwork ceiling. If this were a vacant house on the market, consider it sold. Flooring, trimwork and walls. Nothing over the top, or overly expensive. Just good design and good planning.

Again, a unique wood floor makes the space. Coupled with the crown detail, and window casing. A very finished looking room, even though there is not much else to it. The white walls just add to it. Paint the walls beige, and you just killed the space.

The moral to the story: So many people try to up their project a notch with wall decor, paint colors and such, when if you invest in the proper "bones" of your home, the rest will fall into place.

Contrast the above with this. Here is a room that actually has some potential. Right now it is just a room with a beam in it. Add furniture, and whatever else you can find, but this room will always be lacking. You can't put lipstick on a pig. Where is the character? Trim out the door, add some more detail to the ceiling, and treat the fireplace wall...then you have something.

Before and after...ugghhh.

2010-10-04T22:10:00.000-07:00

I was talking with another designer friend about before and after photos. If a designer has a large before and after photo on their web homepage, or if they have one as their portfolio feature...not good. A before and after photo can say: "Yes I know the room is not that great, but look how it was before I worked on it". A good after shot speaks for itself. But the truth is, people like to see them, and I have no before and after photos on my website, so here goes. This is one of a few of these posts I will do, but I will space them over time.

Here is the original room. This home is in Talega / San Clemente, CA. The client was a young family, looking for a funky but sophisticated space that reflected their interests and style. He is an art director for a major surf/apparel company, and she, a mother with her hands full, both needed a unique but low maintenance space.

Custom upholstery, metallic grasscloth wallcovering, and a mix of leather, stone, and stainless steel make the room.

Thanks to my client for helping with, and deciding to go for these wing chairs.

The next project is a beach condo in Huntington Beach, with an amazing front row view of the pier. This room was for a retired couple, who was ready to simplify, and bring in a sense of the coast with materials and color. This is the conceptual rendering was done by my design assistant Maile, and myself before getting started.

Living room before:

Living room after:

We kept a number of pieces from their antique and artwork collection. The existing carrera marble flooring was a huge plus.

Nathan Fischer artshow- SF Design Center

2010-10-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

McGuire Showroom- San Francisco

I am excited to be preparing for an art exibit at the McGuire/Baker showroom in the San Francisco Design Center. This temporary show will be in conjunction with Bonner David Gallery, and will be set up for the "Winter Market" product showcase in February 2011. McGuire will be launching a new line by Bill Sofield. If you are familiar with McGuire or Baker's product line, you know this will be a great event. They have always been my favorite furniture line, so I am excited to have my work displayed by one of the industry's top guns.

Here are a couple pieces that should be on display.

Last Impression #4

"The first few" 24x36

Making an entrance.

2010-09-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

It seems that a fitting post for my first entry would be my thoughts on entry doors. I notice doors. If I have been to your home, odds are that I could pick your front door out of a lineup. First impressions are everything, and that includes your entry door. Make sure it’s character fits the sense of your home. If you scheduled a carpet cleaner to come by, and he shows up with a double breasted suit, briefcase, and a bad combover, that would be a bit off-putting. Likewise, if you approached a mid-century Palm Springs rambler, to face a Home Depot paneled fiberglass door, that first impression looses it’s impact. Take that Palm Springs home, and add a simple no-detail door with high gloss paint, and an over the top knocker, and you have something. You have an intriguing presense before stepping in.

A tough decision. I have had to decide between my 3 favorite painted door options before, and it is never easy. Classic black, red, or blue. All great (the best) choices in my opinion. If you have a basic run of the mill door, or one with a dated stain, going this route will help.

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I saw an octagon doorknob on a door in Laguna Beach, and have since always loved the shape. It was the one thing that left the biggest impression on me about the house. Who wouldn’t want to open this door. This simple knob set ranges from $50-$150 from Baldwin Hardware.

http://www.baldwinbrasshardware.com/estate_knobs/estate_misc_knobs.htm#5073 Estate Knob Set

A similar style from Rocky Mountain Hardware.

A simple or funky knocker will take it up a major notch.You can find a cool, one of a kind door knocker easily online or on Ebay. Start looking.

Here we go...

2010-09-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

For years I have fought off the expectation to start a design blog. Why?...I am not sure. It could have been that 99% of designers under the age of 50 have a design blog. Or that 99% of everyone under the age of 40, that is NOT a designer, has a design blog as well. Either way, here I am. The purpose of this blog is not to make a huge impact on the design scene. It is a simple glimpse into my dealings, and life as a designer in California. A place for former clients, potential clients, and friends to see what makes me tick.