KohcoStage: Erwin Tech Design Concept Boards

These are some of my design concept boards from Erwin Tech here in Tampa, Florida.

After studying the furniture styles of Traditional English and Early American, I was required to create an eclectic guest bedroom for a woman who had recently inherited some antique pieces from her Grandmother's estate. Included were a Chippendale highboy and Sheraton poster bed to be used in the bedroom. I had to find a comfortable chair, end tables, and a vanity or desk with a chair to complete the room. This had to be, of course, traditional and I had to choose bed linens, flooring, window, and wall treatments.

I began with an Antique English Axminster rug circa 1900, in the style of the French Aubusson and Sovonnerie. This rug has many tints and tones of bright pink. I used fabric in the window treatment, bedding, pillows, and over all color theme based on the colors in this magnificent rug. I felt that pink would definitely soften the harsher tones of the dark wood furniture. I repeated the 'urn' motif and flowing lines throughout. The urn motif is actually on the bed, deck chair, mirror, and in the cornice and window panels.

Since I was using a Chippendale piece, I thought to add an accent wall of Chinoiserie behind the bed, a design style that was prominent during the Chippendale era. I also decided to use Sheraton bed side tables, and a Hepplewhite style serpentine desk and chair. This space was SO enjoyable to create; I would just love to see this space in real life!!!

Erwin Cafe Redesign

After speaking with the cafeteria business owners, I came up with a design concept inspired by nature. These clients are awfully proud of their imported coffees and teas. They shared that they preferred the colors espresso brown, green, and black.

These colors are all naturally found in nature, so I decided to introduce a beautifully painted mural of the rain forest. Thinking that this may be a nice touch with the amazing greens found in nature, and where coffee grows naturally.

The yellow serving pieces could also be painted either with this theme or just an appropriate shade of green. I would like to see the walls a light cocoa color.

The owners are installing a black granite counter, and wanted four seats to be placed by the counter. I went with brown leather on black metal legs. I also went with contemporary furniture due to the color palette chosen, the stainless refrigerators, and granite counters. No flooring or ceiling/ lighting fixtures were chosen because the school is going to be installing them.

In the cafeteria area, I decided to have the lowered wall above the vending machines in the mural as well. If that is too much, green would be appropriate. I would definitely like to see the architectural beams all painted similarly. They would be so nice to look at while enjoying coffee or tea. In the cafeteria, I went with 42” tables in the look of stainless, multi-colored chairs, and a large comfortable sitting area for studying, hanging out with friends, or just lounging. Colors here will be in the greens and browns.

In the patio area I chose 7.5 foot cocoa colored umbrellas, and continue with the theme of the murals on the existing tables and the seats that don’t have the mosaic finish. I am recommending repainting or replacing the doors.

Contemporary Furman

My first board. A crazy color scheme was desired, I used repetition of the triangular design throughout. I ended up being pleased with the outcome. I wanted to pull my hair out, though, getting there, between learning Auto Cad and deciding on fabric. I needed the teachers help!!! I am an Old World girl, when I began I hated contemporary design. I learned, had to do many contemporary design concepts, and ended up really gaining an appreciation for contemporary design, for sure. The history is pretty incredible, if I must say! = )

High Style Kitchen

Balance and rhythm is the theme of this space. A high style kitchen has to be designed and decorated for the home that the clients are currently building. There is an existing 42" light oak pedestal table being used for dining. These clients enjoy collecting fine art and sculpture. Their preferred color choices are dark green and yellow-orange. I have decided to incorporate an earthy feel to the space with the use of these colors and the natural oak table.

I had to include a range, side by side refrigerator, dishwasher, double sink, and trash compactor. I went with Viking and Fisher Paykel appliances, and a Swiss Franke sink. I was able to find a 12" trash compactor by Broan. I am using stainless steel for all appliances due to the high end look.

The flooring will alternate between the Avignon Collection Cavari Ash and Corsica Clear by USFContract Flooring. The throw rug is a custom made wool/silk mix in a fern design.

The dining chairs are adorned with a magnificent peacock motif and an off-white velvet tufted front with amber colored rhinestones. The art is abstract and the decorative ceramic accessories come from a collection from a Danish mid-Century artist by the name of Axel Salto.

Art Deco Kitchen

This design concept for the Art Deco kitchen and breakfast nook is for a couple, Stephen and John.
They enjoy fine art, photography, and travel. This couple would prefer a high style Art Deco themed kitchen with a monochromatic color scheme in black, white, grey, with yellow accents. This space is going to be used for entertaining and for daily food preparation.
The table will be 53" in a black lacquer finish and will comfortably seat four, it will be roomy enough for two more place settings when needed. A magnificent side board cabinet will be used to store dishes and linens in true Art Deco fashion.
An elevation has been included of the East wall, it represents the leaded glass custom windows, sideboard with coordinating mirror, and the amber glass light sconces. There is also a matching larger light fixture for over the table from the same collection. This fixture is in amber glass as well, it is made with aged brass to match the elements in the gorgeous Art Deco Empire State Building piece chosen for the south wall!

Spanish Styled Kitchen

In this particular design, I was given an empty residential kitchen space to design. I had to include elevations for the four walls in my Auto Cad drawing and choose all kitchen appliances and accessories. I went with Viking for the appliances in a gorgeous cobalt blue finish. The required appliances included a large range with oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator which will be in the blue. The smaller Viking appliances are the under the counter frig and wine cooler for the beverage nook. I was also required to have a double sink which I chose in a gorgeous hammered copper finish, a trash compactor, and a table to seat four which is also in the great Spanish style.

I had to be sure that the work triangle was correct, at no less than 12ft and no more than than 22ft. I chose beautiful multi colored granite for the counters, Saltillo flooring, and custom roman arches for the windows, with no type of window covering. One of the walls has a neat tromploi which is detailed in the Auto Cad drawing. I chose Spanish and Mexican pottery accents and table ware.

Contemporary Game Room

This is a game room in a new contemporary lake front home. The requirements for this room included a game table, portable bar, a wall unit to house the TV, stereo, VCR, and their accessories. It also needs comfortable seating for as many as possible! This room will be used for entertaining the older teenage children and their friends, as well as the homeowners. They would like to keep this room casual.

I decided to use a trendy chocolate and teal color scheme with neutral accents and geometric patterns for a casual contemporary feel. The carpet was already installed, so I had to work from there. This game room has awesome linen black out lined sliding panels, an Italian custom white leather sectional that is able to be rearranged, a fantastic game table, and a $30,000 custom made cement billiard table from the manufacturer Mars.

Early American Duncan Phyfe

In this beautiful design, I had to identify the Early American Federal style of Duncan Phyfe. I had to arrange the furniture in this room and use surface treatments for the living room that were true to this time period. In addition, I had to select floor covering, wall and window treatments.

I chose to do a Federal style room inspired by the 'Green Room' of our American White House. I used Federal blue for the primary color and blue and gold fabric for the amazing window treatments. I chose wood flooring with an incredible 100% Chinese Qum Silk hand knotted area rug that covers the entire room. I have also chosen an authentic 19th Century 13star flag and artwork depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. I just love this design concept. I found the furniture, art, and accessories suitable for this time period by going with our American history in the year 1776.

Rustic Lodge

The design concept for this space was to decorate my former clients rustic ski lodge in Denver. The furnishings, accessories, and surface treatments had to fit the atmosphere of this space.

I used a beautiful light colored wood flooring and neutral wall color. Also in the color theme I chose splashes of reds, greens, and browns with copper accents used in various fixtures and the sinks.
I used many throw rugs throughout, chose a bear theme for the guest bath, followed by a pine cone motif in the hallway, leading into, and in the kitchen. I then went with a moose theme in the living/dining area with antlers and all! Going on into the bedroom, I followed with a pine tree motif, leading into branch and pine cone decor in the master bath.

I put a few antique items throughout the lodge, including the doors leading to the bedroom, the hall tree, the ski mirror in the hallway, and in the wood used in the custom bathroom.

I enjoyed doing this design concept immensely. I do hope the clients will enjoy these ideas as much as I have enjoyed creating them!!!

A Gorgeous Asian Space

This design concept for the Oriental Living Room and Foyer presented itself with a design problem of a small foyer which needed to appear larger and a large spacious living area that needed to be filled!!!
We had to use the concepts of space expanders and diminishers.
The clients, Megan and Curt, had recently purchased their new home and required a very formal Oriental theme. Meg wanted the foyer to have a little table or commode with mirror. The living room required a grand piano, seating for 8 to 10, shelving to display collectibles, and a reading area with two chairs.
I chose a red and black theme with beautiful artwork, and a bit of repetition with a circular shape. The items in the foyer were to have horizontal lines so the space would appear wider, and the living room to have primarily vertical lines in the artwork, shelving unit, and some other furnishings. Dark furniture was also chosen with a busy design for the sofa fabric.

Commercial Office Space

This is a commercial design for a Doctors waiting room. The Doctor prefers a contemporary design and is quite fond of the Wassily chair which he would also like in the space. This is a new space, the Doctor will need new chairs, tables, and possibly a sofa. The room must accommodate 12-18 people. I also incorporated a children's play area. I chose the floor and wall covering, and window treatment. The Doctor initially preferred navy, I suggested a beautiful blue lighting and ceiling solution. I then suggested some softer tints of blue and rust. The rust color is being used in the receptionist's chair, the waiting room chairs, and in the main focal point artwork. Blue is being used in the children's furniture and in the sliding panels for the large window. The area rug has both blue and rust in it's design.

Commercial Space Redesign

Time to update the Doctor's waiting room! Now the Doctor would like a contemporary but more formal look. I am keeping the existing blue light and ceiling design, and Doctor wants to keep the two Wassily chairs. I have changed the wall covering to a textured rust colored faux finish. I am taking the blue sliding panels out and putting a unique window treatment to better coordinate with the ceiling. I am going to be changing to deeper colored artwork, the sofa is going to be a more practical navy leather, and the wood flooring is either going to be ripped out or covered with taupe colored commercial level loop with navy and rust accents.

English Hepplewhite

This design required authentic Hepplewhite furnishings, or close copies, and surface treatments. I found these pieces searching auction houses and sellers of fine antique furniture.

Angelica Kauffmann was the artist of the day, so I found some of her beautiful works, as well. I decided to go with some muted blues for the window and wall coverings, then added lots of neutrals. I also used some accents of red tints and tones in the rug and tapestries for some color interest. I would love to incorporate the fantastic white plaster detailing that was so in vogue during this time. I enjoyed doing the research for this design concept. The artwork, tapestries, window, and wall coverings were so dignified and refined during this time period.

Using Lines to Create Atmosphere

The design concept for this black and white board was to make a smaller living room appear wider by the use of horizontal lines.

There is an existing stone fireplace, seating for 4-6 people was required, a portable bar, and bookcase. The client preferred a masculine feel, so I went with a contemporary design. (Left)

The other client was a female attorney who wanted the low ceilings of her office to appear taller. I had to use vertical lines to emphasize height to create this illusion. An executive desk and chair, bookcases, a credenza, two easy chairs, a love seat, and end tables were required of this design. I chose traditional for this office for a stately and dignified appearance.