SketchUp Basecamp 2016

Wow…I had the amazing privilege to attend SketchUp Boot and Basecamp last week in picturesque Steamboat Springs, Co.

Image-1

Initially planning to primarily act as a travelling companion for my design assistant, it was not long before I, too, was affected by the incredible passion and enthusiasm the SketchUp staff and presenters exuded. Unbeknownst to me, SketchUp users span the globe and represented all continents at this year’s conference. Attendees included designers, architects, engineers, contractors, educators and cattle ranchers (and more)!

Image-1[1]

Presenters included world-renowned architect renderers, Alex Hogrefe https://visualizingarchitecture.com/gallery/. Alex walked us through his multi layer rendering technique using his own textured sketches, SketchUp and Photo Shop (and a host of other design tools).

 

I’ve attached the following pieces – without permission – to share the incredible potential of 3D drawing applications we experienced during our training sessions.

 

Screen Shot 2016-06-21 at 3.54.58 PM

 

Boston High Rise by Alex Hogrefe

 

Screen Shot 2016-06-21 at 3.54.44 PM

 

Cranbrook Painted Perspective by Alex Hogrefe

Read full story Comments { 0 }

High Point 2016 Spring Furniture Market

High Point Spring Market was last month and did not disappoint. It is always fascinating to see the incredible creativity and design details applied to each manufacturer’s new introductions.

 

There were definite themes that ran through all categories – albeit furniture, fabric, wall covering, lighting, accessories, etc.   The key themes I noted were geometrics, applied details, bright accents and organic elements.

 

Geometric designs are not new to modern design, but continue to inspire and integrate into more and more design elements. Even though geometrics themselves are more of a classic motif, used in flooring, tile, wainscoting, backs of occasional chairs, etc., they create a clean, updated aesthetic.

Image-5 Image-6

Image-4

In regards to applied details, simple contrast bands or gimp/nail head combinations added to furniture and transformed basic upholstery into fresh, updated pieces; details applied to lampshades (painted gold stripes) renewed key classics; and unique pulls/ tassels, stencils or overlays applied to accessories or case goods converted basic styles in to exciting showstoppers.

Image-1As mentioned, color pops continued to thrive at Market. Key pieces of any room remain relatively quiet (although decorated with thoughtful details), allowing room for easy, fun (and bright) accents. Neutral settings became inspiring vignettes with the addition of brightly hued accents.

Image-3Throughout all of the showrooms at High Point, the most predominant design themes were organically inspired. There was a noticeable increase in the number of outdoor furniture vendors and several manufacturers included new introductions that were labeled “indoor/outdoor” – lighting, area rugs, furniture, accessories, etc.

Image-7Offerings varied from driftwood starburst mirrors, iron/stone, teak or zinc topped furniture pieces, and a multitude of outdoor lanterns.

Image-2Faceted crystals adorned anything from small tabletop accents (lacquered boxes) to table lamps, candlesticks and show stopping chandeliers.

 

Lastly – and without any supporting photos – there is a trend in the industry to offer more family friendly textiles to those interested in updating areas in their home but hesitant to do so due to the inevitable wear and tear. Crypton Home is an environmentally friendly high performance textile solution. The fabric is immersed in the solution so that it never breaks down its resistance to stains, moisture and odors. The Crypton Home fabric spans all contents (cotton, linen, silk, etc.) and does not change the natural hand of the material.   Most new stains are removable with a clean damp cloth and water!! Not new to the industry, Crypton Home as partnered with several manufacturers and product lines to make their product more accessible to the public.

 

I’ll be heading to the Atlanta International Gift Show in July and back to High Point in October, but in the meantime look forward to incorporating some of these amazing products into current design projects!!

Read full story Comments { 0 }

Holiday Decorating!

IMG_9964 IMG_9967

We were so excited to offer holiday decorating services this year!  Please keep us in mind for Christmas 2014!  MaryEvelyn did an amazing job with the above mantel and entry chest.

 

Read full story Comments { 0 }

High Point 2013 Spring Furniture Market

IMG_3177

High Point’s Spring Market was amazing!  I think it might have been the best Market I’ve attended since my very first visit!  It’s always exciting to be overwhelmed with fresh new design ideas – whether it’s in the shape or form of accessories, furniture or artwork.

IMG_3227

Armed with a five-page list of vendors to see, the goal was to review  new upholstered furniture lines, lighting vendors as well as to seek out new, well-priced accessory lines.  Determined to find a bevy of options to fully custom pillows, I was overwhelmed with the assortment, creativity and sharp price points of semi-custom pillows shown below:

IMG_3259

Geometrics continue to be a predominant theme this season.  The designs transcend categories, be it  linens (upholstery, drape or bed), lighting, case goods, upholstered furniture (wood framing, stretchers) or accessories.  The geometric elements provide flexibility of style whether yours is traditional, transitional or contemporary. Often, the geometric designs were offered in pop colors – highlighting additional significance to the piece(s).

Another significant element consistent within all lines was nature.  Leaf and trellis/lattice patterns continue to be strong contenders in fabrics, artwork and accessory themes.  Twig shapes, birds (of all feathers), eggs, butterflies (and all other insects) were highly noticeable as accents or principle designs in fabrics, artwork, mirrors and lighting.

Not my personal favorite, but worth noting, was an inordinate amount of industrial elements – a juxtaposition  with the nature themes mentioned above.  Repurposed mechanical components were evident in accessories, lighting, case goods and distressed wood and painted pieces were seen throughout Market.

 

 

 

Read full story Comments { 0 }

Welcome!

IMG_4951

Welcome to the new online home of The Gilded Nest! We are very excited to unveil a project that has been in the works for quite some time. We worked with CooperHouse to create an entirely new website that will showcase our projects, and make it easier to stay connected with our clients. Please feel free to look through our new portfolio and peruse some of our latest projects. If you’re interested in transforming your space, please contact us.

Read full story Comments { 0 }
  • 8635 McHenry St.
  • Vienna, VA
  • 22180
  • Ph: 571-228-7445
  • Fax : 703-208-2295