Interior Design: Is It A Feminine Profession? Is It Future Oriented?

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Peggy

I once paid good money( by accident) to hear a well known gentleman discuss how Architects liked to “erect” tall pinnacle shaped buildings , while Interior Designers focus on the “inside”. The idea is that Architecture is a masculine profession and Interior Design is a feminine profession. The presentation almost made me feel like I had attended an R rated movie , and also made me wonder if I was supposed to think I was ” less than”. Less than as serious as an Architect for example. Who did more important things like  build phallic symbol  structures according to the seminar.

I also recently have read a very interesting book called ” After Taste/ Expanded Practice In Interior Design.” Which states on page 15 , if I may quote , that “Historically , interior design has been identified with feminine taste , and this has led to its marginalization , especially by architects.” Of course as most of us know , there are male Interior Designers , and female Architects (although very few , some statics say as small as 1 per cent of registered Architects in the USA are women.)

 As we make up more than half the world’s population , I don’t feel diminished , defeated , minimized , or marginal because I am female. I also have not worked with any Architects that made me feel that way. Or for that matter seemed to have phallic fascinations.

Rather than focus on sexist statements , cliques , or unsupported attacks on Interior Design as a “real “profession . I would like to have a chance here to put across my own observations about what is important to know now and in the future about Interior Design .

1. Being  in a female dominated industry is not a bad thing. Most of the wealth in the world is in the hands of women now. Obviously almost all Interior Designers and their clients know that the styles that emerge from client /designer collaberations can be masculine , feminine , or androgynous. Whether a male or female designer , we aren’t all peddling Chintz and Cabbage Roses. We are designing medical facilities , retail showrooms , and sustainable interiors. I never had a client worry that I would go all “girly” on them because I possessed ovaries.

2. The future of Interior Design is expansive and solid. Yes the Economy has been sluggish and College enrollment in Interior Design , ( like most professions) is down , however the diversity of specialities that are emerging in Interior Design are staggering and are moving at the speed of I-PAD generations. This is due to sustainable  and technical advancements that affect all areas of design. There is also a connectivity occurring between Graphic , Fashion , Landscape  , and Interior Design . We will experience an even more comprehensive and diverse service from Interior Designers in the future.

3. HGTV didn’t kill me , it made me stronger and more desirable to clients. Yes , a lot of people watch HGTV and then go DYI and enact some self expression in their own homes. But , HGTV has also made Interior Designers seem like Super Stars , and  thus someone interesting to hire when budget permits. We fared better than many built industry related professions , as the public views us as a luxury purchase they hope to possess.

4. We are different from Interior Decorators , and are not going to be absorbed into any other profession. Interior Decorators work with what all ready exists.  When someone decorates , they shop for furniture , etc. Interior Designers develop plans , create custom  solutions to design questions , and impact the Interior Architecture of a space . We do not do the job of Architects , nor do Architects do our job , nor should they . We are a young profession with a more viable and growth oriented future than most  other career paths available today. 

5. Interior Design , while giving many women a chance to engage in a fulfilling and often profitable career , is not a gender identifiable profession. All nurses aren’t women , all doctors aren’t men . There is no longer a profession that is attributed more as one sex over another , except maybe sperm or egg donor. Working on the “inside” of a building whether a home or office does not release a rush of estrogen in a woman or  a man  and make the profession feminine. It has nothing to do with where my reproductive organs are located.

 So forget about the masculine or the feminine influences on Interior Design or any profession . We can all choose to be who we want to be , work in what arena we select , and approach it from whatever gender or genderless direction we believe to be appropriate .

It is Monday , do you rush forward with preconceived notations of who you are and  those who surround you? Do you flow down stream with the current  toward new landings ? Or are you clinging to the same rock midstream? Today just let go and explore the possibilities.

Peggy Oberlin RID4986

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Kidney Stones , Clients , and General Craziness

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Peggy

Having a kidney stone and trying to work immediately dumps a lot of life lessons your way. I learned a lot of factoids about kidney stones that I wish I never needed to know. Like how they can get stuck in your ureter (something else I never thought about). Anyways ,  mine did for 6 weeks until they had to laser it out of me last Wednesday. In the interim there was lots of time of pain , bleeding , tiredness , and other unfortunate side effects that are quite icky to hear about.

Most of the people I knew were concerned about my health , but then there were the people who just could not work their schedule around the unpredictable kidney stone spasms , and in that experience, the craziness of our society is revealed.

1.Patience- We as a society in this world of instantaneous gratification have no patience. We want to devour life like a lunch time Big Mac. It reflects in everything we do , often negatively. It interferes with getting what you really want in some cases. When we settle for what is quick , we miss out on the process of creation. We do not give an artisan the time they need to show us a custom and personalized solution to our design question.We do not even allow designers the time they need to research the best answer to our needs. We shorten the process , but cheapen the result.

2. The “I don’t want this to be happening so it isn’t” or the land of denial. When some people pretended I did not have a kidney stone or it could not be as bad as I thought , it did not keep me from falling to the floor and writhing in pain when it spasmed.  I am sure no one really wanted me at their house when that occurred , but they just weren’t thinking beyond their immediate needs. We as a society in some cases have hardened ourselves to the misfortunes of others. We shut off our concerns about those who serve us.Including their health , financial , and family crisis. We do not allow others the courtesy and recovery we would allow ourselves. And again we short change our own selves because you do not get the best out of others under duress. We reap what we sow , less than the ideal.

3. Finally I call it crazy when we do not seek the best but seek the most available. A bird in the hand does not apply to fine design. There is custom and there is convenient. And there is a big difference between the two.  You will usually pay about the same for both , so you start to throw your money away as well when you won’t wait. We used to say Patience is a virtue , it still is , and maybe even more so.

It is Wednesday , can you wait for Friday and plan a great weekend of magical moments , or do you rush forth through the day angry at whatever stands in your path? Do you resent anyone who throws off your schedule? Are you so rigid in your control that you are missing the mores and accepting the less? Watch out , life has a way of grabbing your attention and showing you who is Boss, it can be as small as a 6mm stone.

Peggy Oberlin RID4986

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Mies van der Rohe- Beyond the Obvious , A Lesson In Networking.

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Peggy

As Interior Designers or Architects we can practically regurgitate on command the ‘God is in the Details” , or “Less is More” mantras.

We recognize Mies van der Rohe for not only his quotable quotes , but the  steel and glass visionary structures , Iconic furniture pieces such as the Barcelona chair , and basically for being the key figure in the Minimal Design movement. The freedom of the open space , the fluid use of balance , and “skin and bones” construction are all his hallmarks . This changed the look of an Industry as well as lives. But there is more to the man than less , when we add in his Networking genius.

Mies van der Rohe knew that collaboration and partnering were critical when one wants to bring a new movement forward.

Among his many successful Networking ventures were mingling with the German Avante -Garde , and contributing to the Progressive Design magazine G. He was the Architectural Director of Werklund , and of course a member of the Bauhaus Design school.

Mies was able to engage and interact with many of the other professionals in his field , and with this strength of numbers ,  put forth change in Design , as well as learn and grow as an artist/designer/architect himself. It is important that we all realize our need to communicate with our peers in order to further ourselves in  life. We give to get.

Perhaps Mies biggest strength was recognizing the future of Design is the students . While a self educated man , he constantly gave back to education . Lecturing , Mentoring , and spending time with fledgling designers and architects was something he enjoyed. Mies van der Rohe was inspired by their pure interpretations of the Industry as well as offering his own wisdom and unique point of view in return.

We all can take a page from the book of van der Rohe’s life as an example of how to expand ourselves in our Profession. Mentor , Intern , Inspire the Young. Give someone their first break. Do not look at other Designers or Architects as just competition , but see them as those walking the same road as you with similar goals.  Talk to those in your field , socialize , attend seminars , find someone to bounce ideas off. Broaden your support circle.

We can make a difference by being as open and possible to the wealth of information that we gain from our fellows.

It is Thursday and the first day in 6 weeks I have “less” of a kidney stone. In this case I do not wish for more. Look for ways that you can Network toward a better you . By accident you may help someone else as well. And finally Mies also said  , “A chair is a very difficult object to design. A skyscraper is almost easier. That is way Chippendale is famous.” Find your trademark , make a difference.

Peggy Oberlin proudly still RID 4986 Florida

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Chartreuse or Citron , Whatever , It’s Green and Therefore Good!

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Peggy

I am a lover of Green . Almost every shade , although I do have some Lima bean  trauma , can you say  Succotash? Shudder! In any case 2012 brings Chartreuse to greater popularity. I have adored it forever as one of my signature colors. Green is such a great neutral in Florida , even the  bright shades. We love the bolder Greens to truly accomplish an Outdoors-In Color scheme, since they match our vibrant environment.

Chartreuse is named after a French liqueur and is a yellow -greenish hue that has brightened over the ages. Originally it was rather dull , and now it is quite springy in appearance. Benjamin Moore has a great Chartreuse in their paint line , it is number 2024-10.

 So let us celebrate the rise of the yellow -greens or green -yellows!  Whether we call them Chartreuse , Citron , or Citrus , we love our warm Greens !

It is Friday , and a fabulous day in Naples , Florida where we enjoy the Winter that never was. May you find a way to bring a touch of Chartreuse into your life . It is a happy hue!

Peggy Oberlin RID 4986

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Interior Design Trends :The End Of The Study/Home Office . The Rise of The Kitchen Work Place.

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Peggy

Your Kindle and Nook are letting you know that Books are the antiques of the Future . Along with  “real” books  becoming obsolete over time , we will see the end of the Study. Maybe faster than the demise of  books. There are many different changes in technology and lifestyle that have contributed to the death of the Home Office. Here briefly are the main culprits.

1. Smaller homes . The ever growing National Trend toward down sizing of houses has limited the square footage available for a “luxury” space such as a Study.  Why have another room built   when a  desk in the Kitchen will do?

2. Open Kitchen plans. Following in  the  style of the Europeans , we have finally embraced a more casual , comfortable extended Kitchen /Family room area. The Kitchen is now the hub of all activity  , including being the main docking station for our phones , iPads , iPods , lap tops , etc.  People sit at the counter or on an adjacent sofa with their lap tops or other devices , and never make it to the Study. The island and bar counter areas are expanding and becoming tables as well . Not just surfaces  to be used for eating  , but work also. One large area is serving many different purposes , eliminating the need for several individual rooms.

3. No more paper trails . With printed materials being able to be neatly stored in your computer folders ,  and the increase in on line banking and bill paying , file cabinets and the place (Study) needed to put them  in are a thing of the past.

4. Advanced Kitchen technology. Refrigerators with computer screens and televisions on their doors. Under the cabinet mounted computers and T.V.s. , and the Whirlpool Plug and Play  with it’s” Central Park ” iPod docking feature. There are a myriad of ways both big and small that future technology will shift the  focus to the Kitchen as the Work Place .

5 .Lifestyle changes . Due to the Economy ,  Multi- Generational families living under one roof have led us toward a more interactive and modern “tribal” lifestyle . The group gathers together at meal time , and the younger set never arrives with out some Electronic gadget. The older folks are actually starting to follow suit , as Social Media continues to sweep the country. We  like to be in touch with our 300 friends on Facebook at all times.

Find this annoying , depressing , or unwanted ? Love the quiet lure of the Study , the feel of a leather bound book , the crispness of paper? Me too.  I  am sure that it is something that my Grandchildren will fondly recall about Nana , in their Den -less , Book -less , Minimalistic yet Open Homes

.Peggy Oberlin ASID , LEEP AP , Registered Interior Designer #4986

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God Is In The Details, Even In Door Knobs.

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Peggy

Just want to take a moment to give a shout out to a wonderful ASID Industry Partner  , Out Of The Blue. http://outofthebluedesignstudio.com/

They recently took a booth at our ASID/ CBIA Product Expo in Naples , Florida , and I was amazed at the artistry and detail that was brought to door knobs and pulls.

Working with a variety of talented glass artists , they present a line of custom , colorful , and eye catching hardware that makes you want to redo your kitchen or bath.

 In particular the door pull with the built in LED lights that changes colors by remote control was whimsical and just good fun. You get the same thrill as watching fireworks on the 4th of July.

Visit the link to their website above , and be prepared to be bedazzled !

It is Wednesday , it hits you Out Of The Blue , that half the work week will soon be gone. Have you brought some detail to your duties? Two more days to make a difference.

Peggy Oberlin RID 4986

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Keeping Your Creative Confidence

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Peggy

Ever worry that your design wasn’t good enough? Respond to a critique by feeling depressed and deflated? Compare yourself to others in your field and feel that everyone else is more talented? We all go through times when our confidence falters. Even the most seasoned veterans or so called Super Stars of Design have moments when they feel they are just fooling themselves and others around them. Here are some things to remember to do when you start to feel those doubts about your talent.

1. Refresh your self with new stimuli. Visit a Botanical Garden , Art Gallery , Museum , High end Fashion store or even your competition’s shop. Seeing new colors and compositions , even those provided by nature will awaken your own artistic juices.Take photos of things that interest you.

 2.Educate yourself constantly and consistently. Don’t become stale or a dinosaur . Take CEUs , attend Webinars. Listen to Audio books , just skim the Internet. The field of Interior Design is ever changing and ever growing. Stay up with the latest technology , new color trends , and Green design.

3. Put up that inspiration board. Whether on line like Pinterest , or on Cork in your home office , surround your self with fabrics , photos , and materials that interest you.

4.Get a Life Coach. If you can , pay a professional. If you can’t  afford one , then find a mentor you trust and admire to give an honest critique of your work. Discuss  what can be improved upon , expanded on , and what is just plain good about it.

 5. Get a life. When we begin to judge our self esteem solely through our profession , no matter how much we love it , we need to broaden our focus. Volunteer at a charity , spend more times with friends and family , take up a sport. There is a whole lot else to life. We can’t depend upon the ability to hit a home run everyday at the job. Find some balance.

It’s Tuesday. Let us trust in ourselves to make a few good decisions and even some mediocre ones. It’s all okay. Tomorrow is a clean slate. Pick up the chalk and write your own future.

Peggy Oberlin RID 4986

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Shamrocks To You- Four Leaf Clovers In Interior Design

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Peggy

Today is St Patrick’s Day , a day of parades , Green beer , and Shamrocks. I often watch the celebrations from the sidelines , because it all can seem , well, rather Circus tacky. But I guess that makes it all the more fun.

I do enjoy a four leaf clover though , and remember as a small child searching through the lawn for such a find. Even though clovers can have more than 50 leaves , we all focus on the 4 leafed variety.

The four leaf clover is still a rarity.There are over 10,000 3 leaf clovers for every 4 leaf you will find. And it has some special representations , if not powers.

The Shamrock was believed to be carried by Eve out of the Garden of Eden as the legend goes. The ancient  Druids thought that a 4 leaf clover could be used to help spot demons or witches. Today we see it as a luck charm , one leaf representing faith , the others are hope , love , and of course luck.

In Interior Design we have incorporated the Shamrock shape into accessories like this Pottery Barn mirror. Furniture like the Driade chair , and floor plans , like the 4 leaf Kindergarten in Slovenia.

The 4 leafed clover shape is a perfect yet basic composition for the layout of a large square room. It is a great placement for artwork on a wall  . The Shamrock is a design that has both Unity and Rhythm in it’s Composition. We are reminded when viewing the Shamrock that the more simple the Presentation , the more successful the end result can be.

Today is Saturday and St Patrick’s Day as well. “For each petal on the Shamrock , this brings a wish your way. Good health , good luck , and happiness , for today and every day.”

Now go get that green beer!

Peggy Oberlin RID 4986

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Staying Custom In A World That Wants Instant Gratification.

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Peggy

You went into Interior Design to bring forth your vision , creativity , artistry , point of view , and all those lofty yet achievable goals. What happens then when a few years down the road that you feel more like an Order Taker than Style Maker? How did you go from designing a custom sofa to shopping for one at the local furniture showroom? Can you turn this ship around and set sail in an new/old direction?

Yes , you can and it takes some reeducation of both yourself and your clients. because Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is an office space , living room , or retail store. In an age of I-PADs , I-PODs , emails , and other Techno or instantaneous means of meeting your needs , everyone expects things to just magically appear in their spaces . Even though installations still require  selection , instruction , production , shipment , and delivery. It can be very frustrating for all involved to try to remember that this isn’t possible with custom Interior Design. And this is not really what one hires an Interior Designer for.

It is important from the initial interview stage that you do not sell yourself on fastness . It is as disastrous on down the road as if you sold yourself to a client by your cheapness. Having not enough money to complete a project is equal to having not enough of a time frame. When talking in person with your client and within the contract structure  ,  it is important to point out that you seek the most ideal solutions to their design questions . Detail out that this often involves a creative process where you seek the best fabrics , products , and other materials that often are not  readily available  at aisle B in Frank’s Furniture Bonanza. Remind them that they seek something special and uniquely memorable , and they do not wish to have their place of business have the same trending color scheme as the guy up the road. Impress upon your clientele that Branding involves projecting what is different and individually signature about their Company. Come up with a realistic time frame and give yourself a couple weeks leeway. Remember that in today’s Economy , things often are not in stock , that many businesses are on four day work weeks or short staffed , and that there are less Freight companies still on the road.

In order to have the Career you had hoped and dreamed of , you need to stay true to the Artisan within , who needs time , expertise , and the correct materials to create that perfect outcome to the design inquiry posed. Stay Custom , Stay True to Your Ideals.

It is Monday , will you rush through the day forgetting what is best and grabbing what is available? Or can you take a little more time and walk away at the end of the day feeling fulfillment ? The choice is yours , the ending remarkably different.

Peggy Oberlin RID 4986

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Design And Designers Are Sexier In The South

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Peggy

Recently as I have been down and out with a kidney stone , I have had time to focus on important things like how obvious it is that Interior Designers and their Designs are sexier in the South.

Hot weather , hot blood , hot color palettes. Things just have more sizzle when you throw in sun , Salsa , and South Beach. Our designs are the colors of Chili peppers , Citrus fruits , and are bikini proof . Even our life guard stations have personality and pizazz. We invented outdoors in.

There is just something about driving around in a convertible 9 months of the year with your Prada sunglasses on and a bikini under your linen suit that brings out the sensual side of everything you create. Or maybe it’s all those lunch time meetings at a Tiki bar having drinks with orchids floating in them.

In any case , it sure beats the hell out of trying to create something lively on one of those numerous bleak , drab , grey , or worse yet ; snowy northern days. Days where you yearn for hot coffee and long  johns under your woolen coats.

Let’s hear it for the sexy South , where designs and designers are Muy Caliente!

It is Monday , let’s bring our sexy Southern style to everthing we do today.

Peggy Oberlin RID 4986

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