Quality in Our Home is Sustainable to the Environment

"Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected." ~Steve Jobs

Many of us continue to look for the quick fix. We think that our lives may somehow be fulfilled through consumption and accumulation. Instead of saving to purchase quality, we think that we will be financially better off getting the biggest "bang for our buck."

Yet today, more of us are not feeling enriched within our lives. Nor are our wallets any fuller. In fact, our lives and homes have become cluttered with excess. Our money is being wasted on items that are quickly replaced. And further, we have a growing concern with the impact all of our waste has on our environment. We are continually looking for ways to "Go Green" at home.

According to the US Green Building Council, "a green home uses less energy, water and natural resources, creates less waste and is healthier for the people living inside compared to a standard home." There are many steps we can take to improve our home's efficiency and promote environmental harmony. The USGBC provides resources to help, including the guide 9 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient and Tips for Living Green.

To lessen our carbon footprint, let's raise our standard of quality. Being mindful of our purchases allows us to further treasure our possessions and surroundings. Recycling or donating items that don't have purpose or value eliminates excess. Organization occurs when everything has its place. Once you are ready to honor your possessions and space, invest in well-thought design. Detailed design meets both aesthetic and functional needs. Quality provides longevity. Longevity contributes to sustainability. Value quality over quantity.

Contemporary Mediterranean-Style Design

Living here in sunny, warm El Dorado Hills, I'm surrounded by golden hills and oak meadows, nestled in the foothills between the Sierra-Nevada and the Sacramento Valley. The local vinyards lend inspiration to the Tuscan-inspired architecture. The nearby San Francisco bay area and Napa/Sonoma Valley also provide influence to the vernacular architecture of the region. I feel fortuate to live in a lovely home among such natural beauty.

El Dorado Hills, California

Photo by Ali Giaudrone

However, there is a huge difference between developed stock homes and thought-invoked architecture created for a specific site. As a design enthusiast, I continually search for architecture that lifts my spirits and motivates me.

I was flipping through the latest issue of Architectural Digest for October 2008 and found, among several awe-inspiring homes, the quintessential masterpiece. This resort like setting exemplifies my true personal style. With his clients Gary Friedman, president and CEO of Restoration Hardware and his wife, designer Kendal Agins Friedman, architect Howard Backen of Backen Gillam Architects created this amazing blend of old world influence and pure, sleek moderism. Their vision was to capture views in all directions. The core axis of the residence faces the Golden Gate Bridge with wings that wrap the adjacent views of downtown San Francisco, the bay, Sausalito and Mount Tamalpais.

This 1st floor plan shows the angled wings with the infinity pool that faces the bay.

The open arm embrace of the motor court is a perfect balance of symmetry.

Photo by Erhard Pfeiffer

"They began with the idea of a great room that would spill out onto what is essentially an at-home resort--a stepped pool terrace with oversize furniture in niches, a fireplace, a hot tub and an infinity pool that seems to drop into the bay. This 'not really a room' room is Backen's specialty, resulting in mahogany pocket doors and companion screens that completely disappear and eliminate the barrier between indoors and out." --Patricia Leigh Brown, AD

Seating areas angled around the infinity pool with varied views of the bay beyond.

Photo by Erhard Pfeiffer Steel trelliswork supported by square columns covers the upper terraces.Photo by Erhard Pfeiffer The core of the home's dining room opens fully onto the terrace. The infinity pool appears to drop into the bay with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge beyond. Photo by Erhard Pfeiffer

Opposite the dining area, the symmetrical living area displays antiques and artifacts. Juxtaposed against the clean lines of the architecture, the pieces give the room warm and a rich texture.Photo by Erhard Pfeiffer

The kitchen is surrounded by windows to take full advantage of the sunrise and sunset views. Use of abunant island storage replaces conventional wall cabinets.Photo by Erhard Pfeiffer

In the master suite, the doors disappear onto the terrace with an uninterrupted view of the bay leading to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Photo by Erhard Pfeiffer

The master bath brings sunlight in through the skylight and French doors. The wall sconces illuminate the space while the neutral palette of the built-in cabinets, stone floor and counters topped with surface mounted basins evoke a simple, yet luxurious spa-like feeling.

Photo by Erhard Pfeiffer

This amazing residence epitomizes California living, where the indoors is blended contiguously with the outdoors. The contemporary lines combined with Tuscan-inspired details creates a masterfully crafted home carved into the hillside.

Now that's inspiring!

Pure Design

For me, "pure design" is uncluttered, bold and sophisticated. I love contemporary design. It's modern, yet warm and livable. There are a lot of great sources out there for great design. From them, I have found my own inspiration. Below are a few of my favorites that I thought that I'd share.

Kreiss has some really nice furniture with wonderfully clean, contemporary designs.

Andreas Charalambous of FORMA Design created some nice bedroom designs that I've had in my inspiration library. Like Kreiss, his palettes are neutral with large pieces, but he adds striking punches of bold color as accents.
These are just a few of my favorites that I've found. Notice how important lighting becomes in order to illuminate the design and add a beautiful glow to the room. Don't be afraid to go bold, but also realize the purity of Mies van der Rohe's euphemism when he said, "Less is more."

Personalizing a Space

Architecture and design are my passion. In design, I create visual interest through the combined use of contrasting elements, including color, texture, material, cultural influence and placement. It is important to include pieces that accentuate your personality and style. My style is inspired by cultures throughout the world. I include items that I've both purchased on my travels and in my favorite boutiques. But I also find pleasure integrating furniture and accessories from some of my favorites ubiquitous stores as Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Resoration Hardware, Z Gallerie and West Elm.

In accessorizing the entry hall below, I combined pieces using earthen elements and tones. Smooth, metalic-finished ceramics and a dark, polished mirrored bench are grouped with contrasting rough surfaces of light wood and wicker and velvet-textured textiles. New pieces are integrated with antique treasures. I especially love the ornate, metal gate which anchors the items and provides a unique, textural backdrop. Pieces are positioned to emphasize the gradual rise of the gracefully curving staircase.

I adore design influence from around the world. In this corner niche, I grouped and layered elements for interest. African ebony candlesticks contrast against the elevated Asian-influenced hammered brass platter and gracefully curved ceramic urns. Combined, the pieces provide visual movement and balance.

It is important to design with a sense of pride. Maintaining a space free of clutter provides clarity of mind and contributes to a look of distinction. Display charished items. Eliminate excess. Allow your space to radiate your ideal self.