"Scoring Design . . . "

Greetings,

There's always a fine line around these parts.  One always wishes to be chic . . . but, not trendy.  Current . . . but, not *so* current that you're faced with the unenviable fear of looking dated in a month.  

As I review the design world that exists outside of our own little offices here in San Francisco - there seems to be a certain amount of debate on the (at times) very touchy subject of wallpaper.  As I said, these conversations always seem to be happening outside of our office . . . 'cause here inside our walls . . . we LOVE wallpaper.  

I often think about designing space in term of symphonic construction.  Writing a musical score with the perfect balance of colours and shapes - just like instruments and melodies.  Not everything needs to be blasting trumpets and clashing cymbals.  Sometimes I'm looking for a cello.  Or a Bassoon.  For those situations . . . we need a simpler note.  Not a print.  Not another pattern.  But, just some depth.  Some contrast.   And one of our long-time favourites is the amazing papers from Phillip Jeffries.  

We've been working on a little update to our website - and so have been reviewing most every image in the portfolios from our projects . . . and these classic, and sometimes dramatic, wall coverings keep coming into view.

Peruse a few of our favourites . . .

"The Study" in Berkeley, CA.

A simple grasscloth lends texture and warmth to the space. It also highlights the woodwork

by giving the sturdy white mouldings something to play off of. 

3483-B Island Raffia in Bermuda Grey

"The Master Bedroom" in Woodside, CA

The papered ceiling wraps this master bedroom with a sense of calm. 

#3501 Japanese Paper Weave in Latte

"The Living Room" in Atherton, CA

The textured paper helps to soften some of the formality of this living room. 

#3423 Manila Hemp in Wheat

"The Guest Bedroom" in Piedmont, CA.

For me, nothing feels more restful than this bedroom - wrapped in chocolate silk paper. 

#3806 Japanese Silky String in Tiger's Eye

"The Living Room" in Woodside, CA.

And here we used paper to highlight the existing architecture, creating 

the "negative space" to balance the view of the outside.

#3442 Manila Hemp in Camel

For those more interested in patterned and printed wallpaper . . . stay tuned.  There's always more to come.

Cheers,
Scot