Stars of Design:

Melissa Brewer; CEO M'elle Decor

NA: You have developed a builder showroom with an incredible reputation as a builder expert, can you explain a little on how you got into this field and a brief description of what you do?

MB: I was blessed to begin in the retail floor and countertop industry for the first (9) years and expanded into full interior design through remodels, custom homes, and conversions in Washington State, Oregon, and Hawaii. I have a major in Interior Design through Family Studies and a minor in Accounting. Our appointments can be very intense and are mostly relationship based so a keen sense of reading others’ emotions and managing their budgets is crucial. Moving into the builder industry in Southern California (6) years ago, I was introduced to a concept that encompasses an initial plan that is duplicated to encompass multiple homes with the ultimate goal of creating enough selections for a homebuyer to feel as if they’re purchasing a semi-custom home as well as meeting all construction dates at the job sites. Creating a program that benefits the homebuyer as well as creating a profit for builders allows everyone to see a value in the builder design process.

NA: When a client comes into your showroom, how do you start?

MB: Following mutual introductions, we don’t normally jump right into product selections. Stories are usually shared to learn the buyer’s lifestyle wishes and budget expectations. We spend a lot of time getting to know the family members that will be enjoying the benefits of our design selections. At that point, we’ll usually narrow down the showroom selections to a handful of choices so as not to overwhelm our clients. Meeting their budgets and style preferences we can give them a range of products to stretch them from the norm and still be within their means.
NA: What style is your home? How did you get to that decision?

MB: Laughing…my home is all about comfort and low maintenance! If there’s such a style as country beach cottage…that’s me. I like the reclaimed 7” beach silver woods with autumn slates, painted brick walls, and overstuffed white furnishings. I like the sparkle of polished chrome lamps with clear acrylic and white accents and sexy offices of white leather and polished chrome. It’s ironic that I’m so into whites. Our design worlds are based so much on color that a room of white allows me to freely play with extreme colors and soft neutrals.

NA: Do you have a favorite style that you wouldn’t do in your home? If so why?

MB: I absolutely love soft modern urbanism. The simplicity is appealing to me. I like to mix textures such as natures woods and slates with glass and metals. If I could discipline myself to live in this simplicity without my flurry of clutter…I’d love this style in my own surroundings. HOWEVER…the “beachy” cottage forgives me of this tidiness!
What is you favorite product and why? I really like the reclaimed woods that we’re seeing more of this year. We can find a “green” story in its history because the wood has been taken from temples in China and reused in the US. There are a lot of knot holes, color variations, and uneven edges that make it nearly impossible to maintain (so I don’t have to!!!) and I would venture to say that it couldn’t be matched if you were trying to duplicate an area because of its rareness and individuality. It can be found in light painted greys to deep chocolate espressos.

NA: What do you think has been your greatest success story?

MB: I have two: my son and my naivety. I have been blessed with a son that has grown me up these past (14) years into a centered and extremely focused mom and business person. We set our goals and our sights early and we’ve been accountable to one another. My naivety conveniently blindfolds me prior to jumping in and taking on the world because…I never knew that I couldn’t. My son and I have incredible family support and a strong (overly competitive) will to succeed. We motivate each other to be better people. We play hard and we laugh loud. Life isn’t worth working this hard unless you’ve got someone at home cheering you on and helping to guide your way!

NA: What are your plans and goals for Melle Décor in five years?

MB: Let’s just focus on these next (5) months!!! Actually, I hope to have grown M’Elle Décor to expand into other local markets such as Washington and Oregon. I hope to hire the right people and get out of their way so we can all make great money; be proud of work; and play really really hard!

M'elle Decor

850 E. Parkridge Ave #110

Corona, Ca 92879

www.melledecor.com

951.279.2341

Smith & Fong Plyboo

Smith & Fong Plyboo

Resource Day: Plyboo

Plyboo product from Smith & Fong takes bamboo to another level. Not only does this product have a spectacular design and style but it is green and sustainable. Please view the link to their site:

Plyboo® History

Smith & Fong was founded by two friends in the spring of 1989. Since then we have dedicated our efforts to developing new uses and applications for bamboo. With imagination and technology bamboo is being manufactured into flooring, paneling, and plywood. The base material for all our products is "Plyboo". Plyboo is our term for laminated bamboo and is a registered trademark of Smith & Fong Company.

Timber Bamboo

Growing and Harvesting Fast growing and long lived, our timber bamboo grows to a height of 40 feet with a diameter exceeding 6 inches and matures in 5-6 years. Bamboo is a grass and from an environmental standpoint, this is important. Unlike traditional hardwoods, bamboo when harvested does not require replanting. Mature bamboo has an extensive root system that continues to send up new shoots for decades. Our bamboo is grown in managed forests in China. Harvesting is done by hand, minimizing the impact on the local environment. By working with bamboo and understanding its growth patterns, bamboo farmers are able to maximize timber production while maintaining healthy forests.

Manufacture of Plyboo®

All our products are made from Bamboo strips. Bamboo is hollow in the center and we are working with the wall thickness of the stalk. The wall at the base can be more than an inch thick and will taper over the length of the stalk. We are milling a flat strip from the core of thiswall. These strips are then boiled in a bath of boric acid and lime solution. The purpose of this bath is to extract the starch that attracts termites or powder post beetles. Boric acid and lime are a natural non-toxic repellent, used to insure that our products will come to you pest free and will continue to be so throughout the duration of their product life. The strips are kiln dried and sanded to a smooth surface for laminating. The strips are then laminated edge to edge to create a single-ply panel. These panels are then laminated again to each other to create a multi-ply bamboo plywood. Our products come in two colors, natural and amber. The natural color is the color of the bamboo untreated. The amber color is derived from a heat treatment process that darkens the bamboo, giving it a warm tea-stained, amber tone. Smith & Fong believes strongly in both educating the public about the products we manufacture as well as supporting our community at large.

Eco-paints

"Hundreds of colors make greener, and safer, than ever"

Making "green" improvements gets easier with eco-friendly items, like reclaimed wood and organic fabrics, becoming more available. Eco-paints have now entered the mainstream as well. home-supply stores increasingly carry a wide selection, some times in hundreds of colors, with zero or very low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These gases, which are emitted from common paint ingredients, may have an adverst effect on your health. Conventional paints produce fumes that pollute the indoor enviornment and contribute to smog outside, while eco-paints minimize such contaminants without sacrificing performace.

How do you know what's "green"? Check the lavel. those certified by Green Seal, GreenGuard Environmental Institute, or Scientific Certification Systems will bear an official seal. these groups ensure paits meet tight emissions standards and have good coverage (since extra costs would negate the benefits of a less toxic formula). Some companies skip certification to save money, so you can alo look for VOC levels directly on the can 9prodcuts with higher levels may not tout them on the label, so stick with those that offer this info). Regular interior flat paint contains up to 2.1 pounds of VOCs per gallon. Greener options have no more than 0.42 pounds per gallon.

Brands that go even further: they limit risky additives, avoid petrochemicals, or broaden color palettes. So give your home or development a lasting sheen of a healthier environment- inside your house and out.

BioShield Casein Milk Paint $29.00 per 1.5 gallon yield, bioshieldpaint.com

YOLO Colorhouse Zero VOC Interior Paint- Green Seal certified $39.00 per gallon, $6.00 per swatch, yolocolorhouse.com

AFM Safecoat Interior Zero VOC $32.00 to $37.00 per gallon, afmsafecoat.com

Benjamin Moore Eco Spec in Interior Latex $31.00 to $39.00 per gallon, benjaminmoore.com

Sherwin-Williams Harmony Interior Latex $35.00 per gallon, sherwin-williams.com

"The new breed of eco-paints offers plenty of style without the fume-induced headaches."

As seen in body+soul magazine. Page 60 by Jennifer Roberts. July 2007

Monday: Q & A


Why is Going Green so Important?



While no one has a crystal ball, it is clear that momentum is growing for consideration of green/sustainable issues in every design project. As recently as five years ago, it was often difficult to obtain green/sustainable product information. Today most companies can supply information, although ‘greenwashing’ may be a problem. Often there is no or only a minimal cost increase to specify green/sustainable products. Companies are adopting sustainable manufacturing processes because it makes good business sense to do so. Professional organizations (IDEC, IIDA, ASID, IFMA, AIA) are sponsoring programs and CEUs to enable their membership to become better informed. Certification and awards programs encourage green/sustainable specification and recognize leaders in the field. Retrieved July 30, 2007, from http://www.idec.org/greendesign/where.html

LEED GREEN BUILDING RATING SYSTEM Developed by the USGBC membership, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) Green Building Rating System is a national consensus-based, market-driven building rating system designed to accelerate the development and implementation of green building practices. In short, it is a leading-edge system for designing, constructing and certifying the world’s greenest and best buildings. The full program offers training workshops, professional accreditation, resource support and third-party certification of building performance. The current version of the rating system, LEED 2.0, was designed for rating new commercial, institutional and high-rise residential buildings, however, active member committees are developing criteria addressing new project types. LEED rating systems for Commercial Interiors and for Existing Buildings are currently under development.US Green Building Council. LEED Green building rating system. Retrieved October 6, 2002, from http://www.usgbc.org/AboutUs/programs.asp

TEN SHADES OF GREENThis traveling exhibition of recent architecture combines innovative design with environmental sensitivity. "Green design is not only about energy efficiency, and it is not purely a technical matter. Instead it involves a whole nexus of interrelated issues, the social, cultural, psychological and economic dimensions of which are as important as the technical and ecological--thus the 'ten shades' of this exhibition's deliberately ambiguous title. Ten shades refers to ten key issues that need to be considered to create a fully green architecture: low energy/high performance, replenishable sources; recycling; embodied energy; long life, loose fit; total life cycle costing; embedded in place; access and urban context; health and happiness; and community and connection. It refers as well to the built schemes that are the exhibition's focus, and to their various degrees of 'greenness." Architectural League of New York. Ten shades of green. Retrieved October 9, 2002, from http://www.archleague.org/tenshadesofgreen/10shades.html

There are a few individuals who are forging new directions in design practice. William McDonough, an internationally renowned designer who is recognized as a leader in the sustainable/green movement, is one of these individuals. His newest book is, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way we Make Things, written with his colleague, the German chemist Michael Braungart, is a manifesto calling for the transformation of human industry through ecologically intelligent design. He is the founding principal of William McDonough + Partners, Architecture and Community Design, an internationally recognized design firm practicing ecologically, socially, and economically intelligent architecture and planning in the U.S. and abroad. In 1999 Time magazine recognized him as a 'Hero for the Planet' (2/22/99), stating that "his utopianism is grounded in a unified philosophy that—in demonstrable and practical ways—is changing the design of the world." His ideas and efforts were honored when, in 1996, he became the only individual to receive the Presidential Award for Sustainable Development, the nation's highest environmental honor, presented by President Clinton in a White House ceremony.Retrieved October 20, 2002, from http://www.mcdonough.com/#

Walkin' on Fire...

Last night Tiffany Fadem and I attended a Fire walk with Entreprenuers Organization at the Aquarium of the Pacific. We had a wonderful motivtional speaker teaching us that we can accomplish anything we put our minds to.

We watched an excerpt from Karate Kid which followed by a block breaking exercise. Music pumped through our chests and motivation ran through our minds as we were prompted to punch our hands through solid wood blocks. I am very pleased to say that Tiffany and I both broke the solid wood block on the first attempt. It was quite impressive!!!

We then went outside where a layer of hot coals had been roasting for hours. We were motivated by wonderful fire dancers as Alan (the host- great speaker by the way) gave us insight on the point of fear and overcoming anything we put our minds to. One by one hundreds of us walked on hot burning coals. I have attached some real live photos of this amazing experience. We focused on getting to the other side and did it!!!

We can accomplish anything by overcoming fear!!! Fear often holds us back and this was proof that walking through the fear is enlightening, exciting and motivating.

Tiffany walking through the fire!!! The burning fire!!!!! It was HOT!!!

Monday: Q & A


Question: How does lighting effect your environment?

Answer: Lighting is an intrigal part of interior design. It creates mood, shadows, colors and depth. One of the key elements in a space is the light. Its effects on the environment can make a cold space feel warm, it can make a hot space feel cool. Lighting is where balance can be achieved and serenity takes shape. I am often asked, "What makes a good interior design project?" I have always made the same comment, "A successful healthy project is one that has mastered the key components of all areas. A complete project has an Architect, an Interior Designer, a Lighting Designer and a Landscape Designer. These four components make a project complete."
Being involved in a number of projects has allowed me to analyze what makes a finished project complete. I have always been the most pleased on projects where the lighting is an intrigal part of the design. The atmosphere is created in a space with multiple layers of design and comfortability. I am always apt to find my sense of wonder intrigued in a space that creates this atmospheric environment.
Setting serenity and harmony in various places throughout your home will help to achieve this balance. When you walk into the dining room do you want the versatility of mood lighting and task lighting? When you go into your bathroom do you want the versatility of mood lighting and task lighting?
I find that most people want mood lighting in their dining room and task lighting in their Butler's Pantry and Kitchen where the meal is being prepared.
In the bathroom having mood lighting and task lighting is key. Both are key components to the space. During the day or in the morning most people are getting ready for the day and the more light the better. (Especially for woman applying make-up and doing hair- Key note: there is special lighting for woman and their vanities which show true color renditions for make-up application) The bathroom can also be used for a warm bubble bath to unwind from the day, so having versatility in this space is more important than in the dining room.
Lighting is an intrigal part in creating an environment and setting the tone for expectation and use of space is key. Lighting can uplift a space that may not get much sunlight and it can subdue a space that needs a mood. Layers of light are key to the way it effects you being welcomed into the space. Lighting has many effects on you and your environment.

Monday:
Q & A
"Living Room Design Themes"

Client: How do I choose what design is best for my Living Room? I like so many different styles and themes that it is very difficult to determine what will most reflect my family and lifestyle.



Natalie: One can do nearly anything they want with their living room design these days, yet it is still important to consider living room themes when designing your living room. The most important element that having a design theme provides to any designer is the ability to see something as a collective group. Many time I will find a piece of furniture that they fall in love with, and have nothing to match it with. Other times I will find a pattern of wallpaper that looks like it came straight from heaven, yet won't be able to find a single piece of furniture to match. When you think of living room design in terms of living room themes, you will avoid having this problem, and end up with a final product that is as kind to the eye, as it is collectively matching. The living room design themes that are most common amongst people today often come in several ways, but most likely deal with work, play, or family. Each category shares some similarities when it comes to living room design theme, but each is distinctively different in other ways. A living room design theme focused around work should incorporate all that one needs to accomplish their goals for a work at home office. Can a living room really be an office? Absolutely, in fact, the number of people telecommuting to work is higher today, than ever before. When doing a living room design theme around this concept, simply make the space a useful one, with sofas that position your body upright, chairs that could be used for conferences and tables that could be used as desks. The more double duty the furniture you choose does, the better your living room design theme will be. Thinking of a living room design theme is the realm of play, is as much fun as living in one. There are a many ways to make a living room the ultimate playroom. Everything from home theater elements, to parlor games should be considered when doing this living room design theme. You could skip wall paper on a wall, and install a chalkboard, or a white board, for the fun of it. It doesn't get much more playful than drawing on the wall.While most think of a family living room design theme as one with board games, and fluffy carpet, it can be much more. Family oriented living room design themes are common, and often are similar in looks. In order to accommodate a family you must have a place for everyone to sit. For this theme, you should focus on making the sofa as large as possible, with as much room for the family as needed. Using the sofa as a design anchor, the rest of this living room design theme should fall into place.

Friday: Concept Ideas

Traditional Bathrooms with Modern Amenities

Many of todays modern amenities can be construed as being contemporary and are usually seen in modern settings, however I like to mix the old with the new. Many of the homes we do in Southern California usually reflect a Californian Meditteranean Style so it can be a challenge incorporating modern amenities in traditional settings. This master bathroom was designed for a very special client of ours which proved to be successful. We used Square sinks, an infinity tub and a ceiling mounted tub filler. Streamlining the gap from modern to classical is a favorite concept of mine, it is where the old and new meet again in a comfortable and serene setting.

In addition to the mix of old and new I always like when we are able to add our distinctive touch by splitting the gender gaps. For her sink we did a feminine chandelier and for his sink we did masculine wall sconces. This theme followed through into his and her closets where his closet represented a well groomed Armani store and her closet represented a luxurious Tiffany's store adorned with crystal chandeliers, silk covered ottomans and glass cabinet knobs. These concepts proved to be very functional as well as aesthetic.