Lessons from Design School, Green Roofs

By Cate | September 24, 2012 - 7:00 am | design

Hi friends,

I’m working on a bunch of reading and papers due this week for school, but I wanted to check in and share this little glimpse of green building in my small home town. One of the classes I’m taking is Architect Construction Process. Most of the class content focuses on building codes (yawn!), but we’re also delving into sustainable building practices. Right now I’m writing a paper on green roofs. Are you familiar? In a [very little] nutshell, green roofs consist of vegetation and boast many benefits, including

increased energy efficiency
mitigation of rainwater runoff
aesthetic value
extra outdoor living space
reduced air pollution

Who knew!? So, check out this green roof right here in my town.

To give some perspective, you can see a few cars in a parking lot across the street on the right of the photo.

This is called an “intensive” green roof, since it’s built to be walked on and to hold large, heavy plants.

“Extensive” green roofs simply hold native grasses and succulents, like these stunning images I found on Pinterest.

Source: somacedesign.com via domesti on Pinterest

Source: dwell.com via domesti on Pinterest

Though, this photo shows how they’re most often used here in the States, hidden away on urban rooftops:

Source

Pretty interesting, huh? Have you guys seen a green roof? Would you consider installing one in your home? They make modular systems that are apparently easy to install and you can just place them on top of existing roofs.

(For another Design School lesson, click here.)

Linking up to Serenity Now.

Source: greenroofs.com via domesti on Pinterest

Design School, Lesson #1

By Cate | July 13, 2012 - 3:36 pm | career, design, my story, Uncategorized

1 Comment

Hi friends! So, you may know that I am an aspiring designer. I’m a full-time mom for now, but I decided to start the process of getting a degree in Interior Design, on a very part-time basis. Western Carolina University is just over an hour from our home, and they offer an accredited BS in just that. A few weeks ago I attended orientation (talk about feeling old!), and just last week I started my first class. My hope is to take a class or two per semester. I’m thinking I can finish in 4 or 5 years, since I can transfer a bunch of credits from my old degree (in Elem Ed).

This class is Intro to Interior Design, and is 100% online. Gotta love that during these summer months when we have all kinds of road trips planned. I thought you, my dear readers, might be interested in some of the lessons I’m learning along the way. I’m thinking this will be the first in a series.

In the first chapters of the text book (Foundations of Interior Design by Susan J. Slotkis), one of the most valuable tidbits I’ve learned is that of the elements and principles of design. As my professor says, elements are like the vocabulary, and principles are like the grammar of design. Understanding them has helped me put a voice to the thoughts I have about a particular space. You know how a space just looks “right” or “wrong”? Using the elements and principles, you’re able to explain why.

Elements of Design:

Line

Pattern

Texture

Scale

Light

Color

Principles of Design:

Proportion

Balance

Rhythm

Contrast

Emphasis

Harmony

One of our assignments this week was to choose two full-page color images of spaces in a design magazine, one that reflects the principle of harmony, and one that does not. Harmony is basically the culmination of all of the elements and principles into one beautiful space. Using my understanding of the elements and principles of design, I was to prepare a written justification of my choices.

I had a copy of House Beautiful (May 2012) to look through, and let me tell you…most of the spaces in that magazine are absolutely gorgeous. I had a hard time finding one that did not feel harmonious. These are the rooms I chose and what I had to say about them…

Harmonious:

Perhaps personal taste comes into play in this exercise, but I personally feel that this image is much more harmonious than the other I chose. This kitchen feels balanced in many ways. There are many textures present, from the soft green grass and the wicker basket below the table to the sleek polished metal of the shelves and chandelier. The natural light is very appealing, as is the contrast of the white cabinets and black counter tops. The curvilinear lines of the metal pieces and the center window detail balance the right angles of the framed art and doorway and transom on the left. The horizontal lines of the counters and ceiling joists create a sense of stability and rest. Though the majority of the palette is in neutrals, the bright turquoise vase, green grass, and purple cabbage bring life. Personally, I would like to see a little more color, perhaps in a painted door or in the upholstered chair. All of these components come together to create a successfully harmonious, pleasant space.

Not Harmonious:

This image feels quite harsh and unwelcoming to me. Even though this space also has white cabinets and black counter tops, the lack of warm, neutral tones creates a cold feeling. Though, the texture and color of the leather chair in the foreground does bring a hint of natural warmth. Other than the chair, the majority of textures are high gloss, smooth, polished, and sleek. There should be a bit more variety. The sharp angular edges of the Lucite stools create a sense of unease. I do appreciate the proportion of the patterns in the back splash (smaller scale), flooring (larger scale), and wallpaper. I feel that these create a nice balance together. I suppose the focal point or emphasis would be the back splash. Black is a unifying color here, bringing many of the elements together. Even so, this space is not one I would personally deem harmonious.

It was so difficult finding an “unharmonious” image! Looking at that second photo now, there are so many things I can appreciate about that space, even though it’s not really my style.

I’ll let you guys know what grade I get on this assignment. And, will you let me know what you think about this series? Are you interested in hearing more about design school?

Have a great weekend y’all!

Weekend Update

By Cate | January 30, 2012 - 12:00 pm | design

Empty Frames Gallery Wall

By Cate | January 27, 2012 - 12:00 pm | decor, design, DIY, living room

18 Comments

[Hello wonderful readers! The fact that you're reading this is a great thing....I just switched to a new URL, and am hoping the switch was made thoroughly. Now, instead of theycallmedomesticate.com, my URL is theycallmedomesticate.com. Please email me or leave a comment if you notice any glitches or problems. If you subscribe via RSS or email, would you let me know you've received this OK? Thanks!]

Today I’m having lunch with a new friend. She owns a local design firm, and I can’t wait to sit down with her and pick her brain. She commuted to WCU later in life to get her design degree (like I’m planning to do). And, she’s super sweet and charming. Should be fun!

Onto today’s topic…I mentioned on Wednesday the $1 frame I picked up while thrifting. It was part of a project to spruce up the corner we look at the most.

I’ve touched on our awkward living room layout before. Here’s another glimpse at the floor plan for you spacial/visual peeps like me.

Today we’re focusing on that bottom right corner where the TV is. At first I tried having an armoire there, but it was just too big and bulky, and had to be set on an angle….all of which I didn’t like.

A few months ago we passed the armoire on to a friend and purchased this cabinet and a wall-mount bracket for the TV. I’ve been collecting empty gilded frames at various thrift stores lately, and this weekend I came up with an open frame gallery corner.

It offers so much more personality and depth, and the bonus? It allows for two small seats. (FYI the chairs are high on my list to paint and reupholster.) In the pic above the TV is angled out so we can view it best from the couch. Here it is flush against the wall.

I had been collecting frames with no specific intent, until I came across that huge one surrounding the TV. It’s about 24×36″ and is almost proportionate to the TV. The TV’s silver sheen contrasting against the gold frames bugs me a bit. I can’t quite figure out how to rectify that.

I just eyeballed the placement of the frames, then used a level to hammer two nails for each to sit on. By placing the nails a few inches in from corners of the frames, I can slide the frames to the left or right a bit to perfect the placement.

I thought about filling the frames with pretty fabric or paper. I could easily wrap that around foam core, and just pop it in each frame. But, I like the openness. I think it might be too busy if the frames were filled. Though, perhaps it would help detract the eye from the TV when it’s not on. What do you guys think?

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Our Porch…so far

By Cate | January 23, 2012 - 12:00 pm | design, inspiration, Our House, porch

7 Comments

As I mentioned in our Home Goals post, our major project this year is to finish up the porch. We’ve been working on it for over a year (and by “we” I mean Frank). Slowly but surely, he’s been plugging along on weekends and holidays, weather permitting. I wanted to give you guys a little background on how it all has progressed so far and some inspiration images of where I’d like it to end up. Like this lovely spot…

source

When we moved in five years ago (! where did that time go!?), our backyard boasted a cement patio and an oddly shaped “garden” including an old stump.

And here we are today:

A few years ago Frank dug up the stump, we redesigned the garden area, and included a raised garden for veggies in the summer. Last year Frank started on the porch.

The new porch roof prompted the replacement of our entire roof, which he and some friends did this summer. That was a huge, time consuming job.

So, here we are now:

The bulk of the porch work is done, but there are lots of little details left to do.
- seal, grout, then seal again the tile floors
- install 2 porch doors
- build the railings
- cover the columns with finish wood
- build a small platform and stairs to the yard
- install the finish boards on the ceiling
- install electrical/lighting
- paint it all
- screen it in
- furnish and decorate (my favorite part!)
- finish the bottom of the porch with lattice or some slats or something (including a small door for access)
- landscape along the perimeter

I’ve sketched up a little visual of the finished space as I see it. Seating area on the left, dining area on the right.

Of course, I’ve been pinning like crazy since the work has been underway, thinking through how we can best use the space, and envisioning bright, happy colors and soft deep seating. Personally, my number one wish is to have a space to nap. I would love a big daybed that would also function as a sofa. There are some amazing hanging bed photos floating around, which are just dreamy.

[All inspiration images can be found here.]

But, as much as I like to rearrange furniture, a simple day bed is a safer bet.

Another priority is a big dining table. I imagine us having having meals out here often.

Extra chairs for big gatherings will be hung nearby.

And the ceiling simply must be painted haint blue.

The railings will be white, and the door frames black.

I have a project in mind, similar to these mason jar lights. They’ll be strung around the rafters.

And I have this beautiful vintage bicycle that is much nicer to look at than it is to ride. I see it hanging against the house, in the peak of the ceiling, with a basket overflowing with trailing plants. I couldn’t find a picture of that. Maybe mine will be the first!

The steps down to the yard will be strewn with pots.

I can just feel the warms breeze,

hear the laughter of friends,

taste the cool crisp wine,

smell the freshly cut grass,

and see those fireflies flickering.

Y’all come on over when we’re done! Do you have any suggestions or ideas for a comfy, functional porch? Is there something I’m missing that you think we’d like? Any thoughts on weather proofing a mattress or cushion for the day bed? I’d love to hear any thoughts.

Linking to: Chatty Chics

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Our House, Elsie’s Nursery

By Cate | January 8, 2012 - 8:25 pm | baby, decor, design, nursery, Our House

7 Comments

I’m back with another glimpse into our little home. One of my favorite things about being pregnant was designing the nursery! I took these photos just before Elsie was born, so they’re almost a year old now, but I wanted to give you an idea of what it looked like then. Things are shifting around, as she grows and as her needs change. Soon I’ll write up a post about that, and what to consider when decorating a nursery, knowing how things will change as the babe grows.

This is what the room looked like before:

The wall color, window treatments, and light fixture above were all as the previous owner had left them. I had been using it as my craft/sewing/junk room. This photo was taken after I cleaned out all of my stuff.

We knew we were having a girl, and I wanted to create a unique, eclectic nursery with feminine touches, without using a lot of pink.

I was inspired to choose a navy blue for the walls by Lauren Liess. I just loved her son’s nursery, and am truly inspired by all of her design work!

We owned a dresser to be used as the changing table (it’s the companion to the one in our guest room), and some bookshelves and a desk. The only furniture we bought was the crib, and the upholstered chair (a $20 thrift find).

The footstool was passed down to me. It’s part of a glider set like this.

source

I made a slipcover to hide all of that wood. The pleats in the slipcover allow it to still glide easily.

The curtain panels are painter’s drop cloths from Lowe’s. I pleated them at the top and hemmed them to the right length. It’s definitely the cheapest way to buy neutral fabric, at about $10 a panel.

One of my favorite parts of the room is the gallery wall behind the chair, inspired by the Petersik’s nursery. This vintage French magazine advert was my starting point for the whole room… a watercolor of blues, yellows and a few touches of pink.

We picked it up at a flea market in Provence a few years ago. I just loved the colors and whimsy, and each time I see it I’m reminded of our amazing trip. I had it matted in pale pink to feminize the room a bit. It’s one of the few pink things in the room.

I made the dog and cat silhouettes after seeing the idea on Prudent Baby. The cross stitch of dancers on the top right was made by mom for my childhood bedroom. The painting of the boy is a study that was done of Frank as a child, for a larger portrait. The two black and white photos are of Frank and I at about 18 months old.

It’s difficult to see, but on the bottom right I framed a tiny pale pink baby’s vest that was worn by my mom in the 50s.

That Brian Andreas hanging to the right of the closet doors was in Frank’s childhood room.

I found the globe below at World Market. It’s propped on a small glass tea light holder. I can tell you now what a great purchase Sophie was! Elsie still loves her, even after 9 months of play time. She’s scuffed up and worn down now, but well loved.

On the little bentwood chair hangs a very special quilt. In the 1980s my grandmother made it for my future children. I was a child at the time, but she had the foresight to create this heirloom gift.

She passed away long before I even thought about having children.

Mom and I spent a fun afternoon creating the mobile you see hanging over the crib.

It’s simply scrapbook paper circles and buttons hanging from a wire frame we created.

The framed map on the wall below is actually a piece of wrapping paper I got from Paper Source. It’s a vintage map of Paris, and a great inexpensive piece of art! We happened to have a frame that fit it perfectly. Woot woot for happy coincidences!

Vintage childrens’ books were gifted to us by our families.

Now, for the crib bedding. We went with crisp white sheets, as I love on all our beds. I whipped up the bumpers and crib skirt myself.

I wanted the skirt to “grow’ with the crib, as Elsie grows and we move the mattress lower. So, I simply sewed up four individual panels, one for each side of the crib. I then pinned those to a mattress cover that was exactly the size of the crib. That cover and the pins sit right below the mattress. We’ve since lowered the mattress, so I repinned the panels to be the right length for the new mattress height, and it all works really well.

Does that make sense? I’d be happy to do a tutorial post on this. Leave me a comment if you’d be interested in that.

On the left side of the crib is a bookshelf, similar the one under the Paris map. These two bookshelves used to belong to my grandmother. They’re similar sizes, so I painted them both a crisp glossy white, then lined the backs with polk-a-dot wrapping paper. It makes them feel like a set, even though they’re not.

Hanging above are more vintage baby clothes that were passed down to me. I love that these pieces have sentimental value, and as a novice seamstress I can appreciate all of the intricate details (can you see that scalloped hem!?).

Behind the door hangs a cork board I covered in fabric and ribbon. The white tacks on the blue ribbon are pushpins.

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing the nursery. Leave a comment if you have any questions!

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Our House: The Foyer

By Cate | December 1, 2011 - 10:17 pm | design, foyer, Our House, quotes

I could have guessed it

By Cate | November 26, 2011 - 4:00 am | Brevard, design, thrifting

When I grow up…

By Cate | November 26, 2011 - 12:53 am | career, design, my story

5 Comments

I want to be a designer. An interior designer, I do believe. Let me just say, I’m one month shy of 32 years old and though I’ve known it practically my whole life, it’s taken me this long to come out and say it.

I can remember as a child of 8 or 9 years, drawing floor plans. My friend and I would pretend we were designers or landscape architects, and we had “official” manila folders filled with pencil sketches of designs for our “clients.” Once Mom helped us construct doll houses for our Barbies out of big cardboard boxes. We built walls and decorated the boxes with wallpaper and homemade furniture. On the weekends we would haul those big boxes over to each other’s homes for sleepovers.

My 8th Birthday, 1987

In high school I felt pressured to decide what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. After all, the high school classes I chose would be prerequisites to the college courses I would take, and if I had a prayer of finishing in 4 years, I better know what I want to do before my freshman year. This was all made very clear. It was true…those friends who didn’t declare majors going into college ended up on the “extended plan.” (I can’t remember now why I was so set on finishing in 4 years…maybe lack of funds.)

Sooooo, I decided on Elementary Education. I loved working with children, and have to admit the thought of long summers and holidays off was very appealing. Though I had some doubts throughout my college years, I hung in there, determined to graduate on time.

College Graduation, 2002

Upon graduation I entered AmeriCorps NCCC and spent a year out West. I needed to get some adventure in before settling into my career so I could retire at a reasonable age, you see. I thought I had my life mapped out pretty well.

Jizzy and Cate, NCCC 2002

Well, after NCCC I wasn’t quite ready to start the career and procrastinated by moving to Key West and waiting tables. What a fun year!

Kelly and Cate, Key West 2003

Then, after working at a summer camp and falling in love with Frank, we moved to Park City Utah and worked at a ski resort for a few years. I did attempt to find a teaching job in Park City, but jobs were scarce in that little resort town.

Frank and Cate, Park City (from a hot air balloon) 2004

Eventually we moved back to North Carolina and I scored a year-round job at my beloved summer camp. Though I was stoked to nab one of the few year-round positions at camp, it was mostly clerical work. Parts of the job I loved, but I ended up feeling a bit unfulfilled.

Dreamy camp, 2006

Whew, this is turning into a longer post than I planned. I hope you’re still with me! I’ll speed it up a bit…

After about 4 years in that job and a fabulous wedding, we come to my pregnancy. I knew I wanted to stay home with the babe, and it seemed like a good place to end my camp job and reevaluate my future. I plan to stay home for at least a year, maybe 2 or 3, but how in the hell did 8 months go by already!? I can NOT believe I’ve been jobless for 8 months. I am loving many aspects of staying at home, but am itching for a creative outlet. This blog will help a bit, I hope, but I want to make a plan for my future. (I’m a planner, can you tell?)

Cate and Frank’s wedding day, Asheville 2008, photo by Regina Holder

My current “career”, precious Elsie B! November 2011

There have been many signs lately: books, magazine articles, TV shows, conversations with friends, discussions at church, that have encouraged me to take a step forward and follow my dreams. This article in the November issue of O got me excited today. Driving home from our Thanksgiving in Greensboro, Frank helped me complete the exercises. And my future seems so clear to me now! Perhaps this blog will help keep me accountable to my goal.

The specific goal that the article helped me come up with is “To work as a designer in a small firm, focused on creating spaces that inspire and bring joy.” So, what’s the next step?