Scott Louis Brown

BEACHFRONT CONDO / Before & After

2012-01-29T15:33:00.000-08:00

We recently completed this remodel of a beachfront condo in Southern California, the low-rise mid Century building built on the sand with an Iconic view of the Santa Monica pier.

While the interiors were dated (and not in a good way) the design plan was to keep the clean lines and accentuate the feeling of space and wonderful light the unit has. Because of time and budget considerations we choose to use products almost exclusive from Ikea. While I am a fan of Ikea I have seen my share of bad results from consumers "high on saving a buck", a little design restraint and always a good plan goes a long way . . .

Following are some before and after images, (click on the photo to enlarge)

The kitchen was bad. It was dark and felt small, the full depth refrigerator was barley three feet from the sink cabinet. One word sums this up "Demo"

We were able to borrow a foot from the closet behind the refrigerator wall, this helps expand the space and the addition of floor to ceiling pantry storage behind white glass sliding doors was huge. This enabled us to eliminate wall cabinets and use 1" white glass tile giving a wonderful reflective surface under the stainless steel shelf.

Oh my! While I have nothing against mirror, this is just wrong. The combination of the gas fireplace (which did not work) and white shag carpet, did not say welcome to the beach . . .

We found this cool electric (and very realistic) fireplace framed in honed gray limestone, along with simple framing details to create niches the room has a relaxed sophisticated vibe.

The bookcase niches are covered with thin stacked porcelain tile and the floating Ikea shelves are back lit with LED lights

The before photos of the bathroom were to ugly for public viewing, (think White shag carpet and silver mylar wallpaper with sea shells covering walls and ceiling).

These cool "floating" sink cabinets with integral porcelain sink tops really cleaned up the bathroom spaces. We repeated the white glass tile and the mirror doubles as medicine chest on one side.

Unifying the whole space is this wonderful wood floor, actually it is not wood at all but vinyl planks from the "Free Fit" collection. I loved the driftwood gray reclaimed effect, not to mention how practical it is at the beach.

Artist of the month + Charley Snow

2011-11-09T10:31:00.000-08:00

You have to love a good cow painting! And those of artist Charley Snow are wonderful. Charley is able to capture the personality of each of his "subjects" as if an old friend has come to visit. If you are visiting Palm Desert in the next month check out the show at the Coda Gallery or find there web site here.

Sedum & Succulent centerpieces

2011-07-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

(Click on photo to enlarge)

I had fun today creating these table centerpieces, using a variety of sedums & succulents.

Simple clear glass low containers, the perfect touch to your summer dinner party!

Best of all, once you are done with the centerpieces you can transplant them to the garden!

A Japanese garden in Central Oregon

2011-06-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

You might think this is not possible in our Central Oregon climate, but it is! I spent the most wonderful day touring a friends ranch in Tumalo, Oregon. I was with a client who is planning a Japanese inspired garden for her own hillside home, and she asked were do we start! It seems to me, a garden design is not unlike an interior. the same principles of scale and balance can be applied, using texture and playing with light and shadows. Add in a few sculptural elements, and always consider the most important principle of "less is more"

(click on photos to enlarge)

Now I am off to the Japanese garden in Portland, a true gem! Happy gardening

Cottage on a Tumalo farm

2011-05-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

For the last couple years I have been helping a dear friend pull together this charming cottage on a farm in Tumalo. (That's Central Oregon for you in the city)

(click on photos to enlarge)

A simple vignette at the front porch to the main cottage,

Detail of the front door, we found this in Portland at Rejuvenation hardware,

The master bedroom has the most charming view of grazing livestock and the Cascade range beyond,

Let me just say, how wonderful it is to work with someone like my friend who has lived all over the world and collected such treasures it is truly magical, both our friendship and the cottage.

In the sitting area of the master bedroom a rustic painted table is at home with 18 century frame chair vintage Wicker works lounge and a fabulous painted Japanese screen,

A carved wood Buddha stands looking over the distant fields,

I love this tooled silver chest of drawers as a bedside table in contrast with the painted balustrade lamp.

The vintage iron railing we found at a favorite shop in Portland - Bernadette Breu

A separate cottage for guests is nicely appointed with 18 century walnut dresser, Fortuny textiles, fabulous blue & white porcelains and jute cloth curtains. Who wouldn't want to be a guest in this room!

Not only do I love my passion for decorating and collecting but the opportunity to grow and learn every day from friends . . . THANK YOU

FLOWER POWER

2011-04-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

One of my favorite passions is flowers, and the opportunity to create new arrangements in clients homes. The photo above is a study in all white, inspired by Blanc de Chine.

This is one of my favorite powder room designs, with hand painted silk wall covering and antique accents. The pure simplicity of clear glass cylinders with floating orchids is the perfect compliment to this room.

My client was hosting a luncheon featuring an artist from Breedlove guitars, for this arrangement we used elements from guitars as sculpture to set off the flowers.

Flowers add beauty and life to any room, whether you use simple cut stems or create unique arrangements. Have fun and experiment with unusual containers and add elements with graceful forms, if you are searching for that perfect accessory it could be as simple as flowers.

Spring Awakening

2011-03-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

With Spring upon us I was remembering this party I staged with beautiful flowers and hand made pottery from Portland. The lodge style house in Bend Oregon was huge! with a 12' foot long table and soring ceilings. I was not particularly in love with the iron chandelier so we created 6' tall floral centerpieces. Quite dramatic, and it worked! Looking forward to the peonies blooming at Adelmans garden in Brooks Oregon. 20 acres of peonies in bloom in every color!

ARTIST OF THE MONTH + LAWRENCE STOLLER

2011-02-12T18:58:00.000-08:00

BREATHTAKING is the one word that came to me when I first saw the works of Lawrence Stoller. I was fortunate to organize a tour of the Crystal Works studio this last year. and look forward to returning soon!

The book Frozen Light shows many of the crystal sculptures Lawrence has created, his works are featured in museums and galleries around the world all produced in his studio in Central Oregon.

You can find more information HERE

If you would be interested in an upcoming tour of the Crystal Works studio please drop me a line,

Artist of the month + Brent Comber

2011-01-13T20:39:00.000-08:00

Brent Comber is a wonderful artist from the Pacific North West who specializes in designing modern urban forms from ancient sources.

Find more of his work here.

A few of my favorite things

2010-12-12T15:16:00.000-08:00

A few of my favorite things . . .

Scalamandre damask . . .

Buccellati silver wine bucket . . .

18th century Swedish frame chair from Therion & Co

and a stack of my favorite books!

EXTREME MAKEOVER

2010-11-19T19:13:00.000-08:00

Before makeover

After makeover (click on photo to enlarge)

Before

After

Our latest upholstery transformation for a client in Bend. The sofa was tired and dated, probably because it was going on 18 years in service. The frame was good quality with eight-way hand tied construction, it was just the wrong style for the rooms makeover. I wanted to give the new frame more height and resemble a daybed with clean lines, after a little grumbling from our upholsterer I managed to talk him into the transformation. Of course now he takes all the credit (and well deserved)! We chose this wonderful linen cotton blend from Castel fabrics woven in Europe, the throw pillows are a collection of mixed textiles, always changing and giving new personality to the room. Next time consider giving new life to that old sofa or chair you are thinking of tossing.

Reuse + Repurpose + Restyle!

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

2010-10-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

Recently we were very pleased when our latest project with Black Rock Construction won several awards including best interior detailing and architectural design. We worked closely with the client and Black Rock to create some wonderful architectural details for this Tuscan farmhouse design.

In the guest room we hung old weathered shutters at the window, in new construction I feel it is important to use some elements with age and patina. The wall sconce selection was a very economical one but works perfectly in the space.

We worked with the firm Stone Cutters to create this massive limestone mantel which is the focal point for this room. They were able to achieve the perfect patina we were looking for, each visit they would embellish the finish until we felt it meet its goal.

The original design for this room was for the second floor to be completely open with railing running the length of the room. I felt it lacked interest and was not practical for the upstairs space. The solution was to create these wonderful arched balconies which emphasize the iron railing and provide wonderful views over the great room.

The staircase leading up to the tower was my favorite detail. The first thing you see when entering, we used this wonderful mosaic tile alternating patterns at each step. The iron detail and open plaster work under the stairs was adapted from a beautiful home in Europe, I always look to references from classic architecture for inspiration.

Decorative light fixtures are so important to the overall design, the wrong choice can really mess up an interior. On this project we had to choose many of the fixtures at a very reasonable price point, and were able to splurge on a few others. There are good looking fixtures at lower price points like the one in the photo of the shutters, while the sconce above has beautiful detail and scale for the stair tower.

This pair of antique doors we found at a dealer in Los Angeles, they add the perfect focal point in this guest room.

The entry into the master bedroom we used this deep set arched door which leads you in anticipation of whats to come. The details are what makes a successful design.

IS THIS REALITY?

2010-10-27T22:35:00.000-07:00

Recently I was asked to participate in a design challenge, Central Oregon's version of HGTV Design Star. While I think most of those reality competition shows are ridiculous, it did sound like fun. The challenge was to create a room setting in 24 hours with different resources and materials assigned to each designer. We were given paint and limited supplies and zero budget,

as they say "make it work"

The space was a small 10' X 10' box and needed some architectural interest, I chose to create a painted parchment wall treatment. Using white craft paper and spray paint I was able to hang the paper in 24" squares resembling stone blocks.

Each room had a small window on the back wall, I used a simple matchstick shade and dressed it up with these wonderful side panels made of jute. A simple play on textures and neutral colors helped disguise the small proportions of the room.

I continued with the theme of neutral texture and contrasting simple elements along with more refined accessories.

More textural elements included vintage weathered shutters for a room screen and a grouping of raku pottery crystal mineral and bronze table lamp.

It was actually a lot of fun to work on despite the stress of time limits, but I was not alone working along side two other talented designers from Central Oregon we put on a good show! Would I do it again? What do you think?

BEFORE AND AFTER REMODEL

2010-10-10T16:05:00.001-07:00

We recently completed this whole house remodel. We felt the house had "good bones" when we first saw it, our client asked us to consult on the changes needed before they purchased it. Knowing there art collection and taste we were able to create a beautiful home in just six months. "A perfect fit"

Pictured below are before and after photos of each area (click on photo to enlarge)

This area upstairs lead to the master bedroom entrance and had these crazy arched openings looking down to the living room. My client thought they would never sit in the hall and hated the space (me too!). We were able to close the arches and relocate the master door so this is now part of the master suite, creating a wonderful private sitting alcove (they love it!)

In the main entry the stairs have beautiful shape, but the carpet had to go! We were able to match the original bleached walnut floors adding to the sculptural shape, in fact we replaced all the existing carpet with the same walnut floors throughout the main level.

In the family room area the wall with the fireplace and TV was a little confused. To much going on, the TV did not fit the niche and the equipment was a mess, even with the storage doors below. We were able to rework the niches to better show the clients collection of sculpture. We choose not to hang art over the fireplace but used an important sculpture on the hearth as A focal point.

At this side entry alcove the closet door was seen also from the main entry and was not a very good focal point. Because there is another guest coat closet around the corner we choose to eliminate the closet and create an art niche. Now there is a strong focal point from the main entry and also directly across from the powder room.

In this gallery hall our client wanted to feature a favorite sculpture, we removed the shallow arched niche so not to conflict with the strong vertical sculpture. The area was also visually enlarged by removing the french doors on the left and extending the wood floor.

The existing limestone mantel was not in the budget to replace, but felt heavy and not cohesive with the surrounding materials. We chose to repaint all the walls a soft muslin color which helped soften the area. Then we hung a large scale 40" sculpture over the mantel visually correcting the scale of the wall.

The view from the kitchen through this existing courtyard area was lack luster, and the client wanted to create better flow from room to room. We were able to enclose the courtyard which was a very unattractive exterior space, basically it was a leaf collector! The result is a wonderful view through to the living room.

The main living room had a very poor space plan and felt isolated from the rest of the home, the client asked for an intimate seating area to encourage conversation in front of the fireplace. This is the room you see from the kitchen pictured before. Besides replacing the french doors with deep set openings we were able to create art niches for some prized sculpture.

What a wonderful opportunity it is to help create a home.

Scott Louis Brown: What inspires you?

2010-09-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

Scott Louis Brown: What inspires you?

What inspires you?

2010-09-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

What inspired me was Old Master Dutch still life paintings. When a client asked me to create a floral arrangement for her breakfast room, she said her guests would appreciate "attention to detail" I was inspired! By the beautiful setting, the colorful embroidered table cloth and this wonderful cast iron garden urn. Mission accomplished!

Heirloom Dahlias

2010-09-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

Dahlias are one of my favorite flowers available when summer winds down and cool fall days set in. This arrangement in a beautiful antique gilded container has the most stunning color! Combined with kale and agapanthus it becomes a study in still life.

Fall is blooming!

2010-09-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

Click on photo to enlarge

This past weekend I had the pleasure of designing and arranging flowers for a clients party.

The colors of fall were in full bloom! and I was inspired by the collection of antique and vintage crystal china and fabulous containers all set on this beautiful embossed leather table. I love mixing patterns and textures to create an elegant table scape. With the Holidays approaching look to combining some of your favorite things when setting the table, dare to experiment!

UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN

2010-08-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

Photos - blackstone Edge Studios

Love this sunny guestroom we just designed in the Tuscan farmhouse. The walls are painted with Sydney Harbour's "lime wash" paint in a beautiful blue called Lucca. The fabric is a classic toile pattern in a mustard yellow mixed along with vintage linens and cotton slipcovers. The bedside table is antique country pine with a lamp made from a vintage painted baluster. For the closet we "found" space under a stairway adjoining the room and used this wonderful pair of antique doors to access the closet.

Tuscan farmhouse

2010-07-27T21:45:00.001-07:00

photo: Blackstone Edge Studios

(click on photo to enlarge)

Well we did it! Our design for the Tuscan farmhouse at Brasada Ranch is done. The tour was fantastic, thank you to everyone who came out to see us. In this photo the great room is anchored by a massive limestone mantel from the talented Stone cutters Inc. This is the first of several mantels I will design for their signature line.

We were also very happy with the lime wash paint from Sydney Harbour paints, definitely a favorite detail on the tour. Pictured in this photo is one of a pair of custom light fixtures from Bruce Eicher / Woodland lighting, vintage slipcoverd furniture from Michael Taylor and a fantastic antique pine Dutch desk, along with other antiques from my collection. I will share more photos soon.

CALIFORNIA SHOWCASE - NEWPORT BEACH

2010-07-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to Southern California we had the pleasure of touring this fantastic villa in Newport Beach. Our firm along with some thirty other designers from the west coast were invited to participate in the showcase sponsored by California Homes magazine to benefit the philharmonic. While this project is located next door to one we are just completing, (convenient) I feel our hearts and focus right now are in Central Oregon. Not to mention our entry in the Tour of homes in Brasada Ranch opens in a week and a half!

The California Showcase is spectacular!!! You enter the 12 1/2 acre property through the "gate house" driving over a stone bridge spanning a half acre lake along a sweeping drive lined with ancient olive trees overlooking the hillside vineyard. Yes your own private vineyard, along with stables and tennis pavilion, then you approach the main house. The villa at just over 18,000 square feet is on the market for $75,000,000 (imagine that) I look forward to the finished house tour in October.

REUSE . . . REPURPOSE . . . RECOVER !!!

2010-07-02T08:49:00.001-07:00

Before

After

On a recent visit to a friends house, I just had to explore her basement and found this sad but fabulous sofa. She said it came with the house when they purchased in 1949! (The sofa came with the house, do you love it!) The frame has such a wonderful shape I choose a simple linen blend from Calvin fabrics to recover. Cant wait to see it in it's new home . . .

CALIFORNIA SUITE

2010-06-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

This was a favorite bedroom suite I designed in a 1910 Craftsman home in San Marino California. I played up the wonderful quality of light by using a neutral palette of butter, cream and soft whites. The bedroom has corner windows and french doors opening to a balcony on the second floor, I covered the windows with roman shades made from light gauze fabric woven from bamboo fiber.

In the bathroom we restored the original claw foot tub and pedestal sink, the walls are painted in a large argyle pattern with two tones of butter cream. The ceiling fixture is a wonderful gilded wood sunburst.

The most fantastic built in closets / dressing rooms were typical in this vintage of house

The sleigh bed is stainless steel with crisp white linens, sisal area rug on the original bleach wood floors and a cream linen rug is serving as table skirt for the bedside table.

Relaxed, sophisticated, Inviting . . .

ORGANIC SCULPTURE

2010-06-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

The latest work by artist Paul Schick, 6' x 8' manzanita organic sculpture.

This is an earlier work by Paul in my collection at home, I love the juxtaposition between the organic sculpture and antique pottery figure. To see more of Paul's work go here.

BUGS !!!

2010-06-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you who did not get up to watch Sunday morning on CBS, I thought I would share my favorite artist of the month. Christopher Marley from Salem Oregon is one talented man behind the very successful Pheromone gallery. Its all about bugs, and other treasures from the natural world. As a designer I appreciate the fantastic color and amazing design Christopher presents with his work, each piece is an inspired work of art. Check out the latest work at the Pheromone gallery here.

DESIGN ELEMENT / KUBA CLOTH

2010-05-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

A design element I like is incorporating antique and vintage textiles into your interior, the Kuba cloth works perfectly as an accent. This ancient African tradition is woven from raffia with complex geometric patterns, no two textiles are alike.

As the woven panels are limited in width the obvious use is on pillows, these are a few from my collection. I also like to use fragments as panel details in custom bedding as pictured above. If you have an antique chair and want to give it a new look consider upholstering in Kuba cloth, an instant classic!

2010-05-30T20:23:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the gap in my blog postings, I have been busy working on new projects and getting ready for the home tour this July. Oh and we also did a photo shoot with Luxe magazine of our home in Bend. We hope to hear soon when it will be published!

SPRING GARDEN

2010-05-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

(click on photo to enlarge)

Spring is here and my favorite garden is looking fabulous! This year its all about color, to compliment this exquisite garden designed by Maureen Klecker we recovered all the Sutherland teak furniture in wonderful saturated color! There is something magical that happens when a collaboration between client landscape designer and interior designer put there minds together.

La Cienega Design Quarter + Legends of Hollywood

2010-05-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again, to celebrate the best of design and decoration. One of my favorite shopping destinations is the area known as the La Cienega design quarter in Los Angeles. Five blocks between Melrose and Santa Monica Blvd and of course the infamous Melrose Place is chock full of antique galleries mid century furnishings and art dealers and just some of the best "stuff" around. Once a year designers from around the country converge on the quarter to celebrate the Legends of La Cienega. Best of all is spending "Q" time with your design peers and Friends. On my return I will share some highlights!

ARTIST OF THE MONTH + ROBERT KUO

2010-04-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

For many years one of my favorite artist is Robert Kuo, his sculpture and furniture design is timeless. Incorporating classic elements as cloisonne and repousse copper and the most beautiful lacquered finishes that create a soft honed patina. Roberts designs are always the perfect touch to both traditional and contemporary interiors. You can find the Robert kuo collection at Gump's San Francisco and his showrooms to the trade in Los Angeles and New York. A visit to the Robert Kuo showroom is a good dose of "aesthetic inspiration" To see more of the collection, find it here.

ALMOST DONE

2010-04-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

After six months of planning and installing, finally we get to the finishing touches of this home on the Newport Coast.

I enjoy planning the gardens and outdoor spaces while working on the interiors, here we used vintage Michael Taylor log chairs in a small courtyard off the main entry. The black and taupe Sunbrella fabric balances the black Mosaic tile in the fountain,

A stunning white marble sculpture is placed at the end of this colonnade, this view is pictured from a large window off the dining room.

I love the sculptural lines of the infinity pool, a constant theme is repeated throughout the residence blending contemporary and traditional elements.

In another side garden we placed this stainless steel sculpture on a floating concrete wall, always considering the view from the interior we placed the wall opposite a pair of french doors from the breakfast room.

The client has a wonderful collection of Summit teak furniture we moved from there previous home, here we give it new life with an Ebony stain.

On the main staircase we replaced carpeting with bleached walnut and placed this sculpture by Robert Kuo in copper repousse.

The living room has two curved banquettes of my design surrounding a beautiful Robert Kuo lacquer table.

A large wood Buddha rests on a bronze base half way up the curved staircase, we screened the window with a shoji panel.

Outside the powder room we created this niche to show an important Egyptian sculpture.

The view from the kitchen through to the living room, we placed a wood stump table from Mimi London. This area was originally outside space, we removed the three sets of french doors and relocated the entrance to the back garden. Matching and extending the original bleached walnut floors resulting in more flow from room to room.

The dining room has two stone tables with twelve chairs and a very beautiful eight panel screen

Antique kilim rug, original Tang dynasty horse, stainless steel abstract painting and zebra textile. A nice combination when entering the family room.

The master bedroom is a study in neutral texture complimented with antique tribal rugs and large scale contemporary paintings.

This project was such a pleasure, after designing the clients previous home over twenty years ago we were able to "redeploy" most of the original furnishings and give this home a unique personality. That says something to investing in quality when you can with an eye to enduring design.

ERIKA BRUNSON - STYLE MAVEN

2010-03-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

Pasadena Showcase House of Design 1994

Room design by Scott Louis Brown / Console by Erika Brunson

1stdibs Introspective - Style Compass - Erika Brunson

One of my first showhouses in California Erika loaned me a beautiful giltwood console in the Faux Bois style. I love Erikas sense of color and style. And most of all her love of animals.

Check out the article on Erika Brunson from 1st dibs above.

PAINT MAGIC

2010-03-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite resources is Sydney Harbour Paint. All water based environmentally safe, they have the most fantastic colors! With wonderful products like Lime Wash and Roman Clay even the novice painter can create exquisite painted finishes. Check out there complete collection here.

INSPIRED BY COLOR

2010-03-13T22:02:00.000-08:00

Beautiful elements from the creative minds of 18 karat.

BLOSSOMING

2010-03-09T17:30:00.000-08:00

Cherry blossoms in bloom at the Japanese garden

It's happening now! Time to get to Portland to visit the Japanese gardens in Washington park.

One of the most beautiful gardens in the country is a must see! For more information visit here.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT ?

2010-03-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

This is what I am looking at right now. At any one time my desk is piled with at least ten books, some of my favorites are above. Remember most of these are available at Amazon sometimes you get lucky and find gently used versions. Whenever I need inspiration I head to the "Book pile"

ONCE IN A LIFETIME

2010-03-01T21:40:00.001-08:00

Gregory Colberts Ashes and snow

Recently I was reminiscing about a place or event that has truly inspired me in a profound way,

this is definitely one of those.

On a beautiful Sunday morning in May of 2006 on the beach in Santa Monica California I stepped into a nomadic structure designed by Japanese architect Shiqeru Ban, and to this day have never experienced anything quite so beautiful.

The stunning photography moving images sounds and written words by artist Gregory Colbert are unlike anything you have ever seen.

After leaving California the exhibit traveled to Tokyo then Mexico City now Brazil and hopefully some day back to North America. If you cross paths in the future do yourself a favor, GO.

In the meantime explore the enhanced site at www.ashesandsnow.com

ROSE TARLOW + DESIGN PERFECTION

2010-03-01T20:32:00.000-08:00

The best thing about having to travel to the city frequently is the opportunity to visit new resources. My last trip to LA was punctuated by a visit to the new Rose Tarlow showroom. I rarely use the term perfection, if there is such a thing this is it! Rose sets the standard when designing comfortable elegant interiors and architectural integrity. Something to aspire to!

The showroom on melrose Ave in the design district of West Hollywood is open to the trade only. The Melrose house collection is available through your designer.

The "Private house" by Rose Tarlow is a must read for all who appreciate the art of design.

CREATING A TUSCAN FARMHOUSE

2010-02-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

On a recent trip to LA we found this fantastic fireplace mantel for our tour home in Brasada Ranch, the massive scale is perfect for the great room. The Iron light fixture is one of my favorite new fixtures, we are having a pair of them made larger for the same room.

The stair detail is my inspiration for the tower staircase. After a little grumbling the framing contractor has done an incredible job! The traditional Moroccan tiles shown we are using on the stair risers, alternating patterns at each stair with wood treads. These are beautiful patterns made from cutting and fitting terra cotta and glazed tiles together.

The hand painted terra cotta tiles shown at the top are just a few of the patterns we have selected for the showcase home, they are from the new Contessa collection at Walker Zanger.

As we make more selections including some wonderful furnishings and antiques I will share them in the future.

CENTRAL OREGON TOUR OF HOMES

2010-02-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

It's that time once again, we are planning our entry in the 2010 Central Oregon Tour of Homes.

This years tour home is located in Brasada Ranch. Working along with Rick Wright design and Blackrock Construction we feel this will be a wonderful showcase. Dont's miss the tour this July 16-18 and 23-25.

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS ?

2010-02-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

EI8HTEEN KARAT

While waiting for the paint to dry on our Newport Coast project (literally), June and I attended the winter design show at the World market center. We walked most of the three million square feet of showrooms! There is a lot of bad design out there. and should defiantly stay in Vegas. My one glimmer of hope is a new resource (to me) called 18 KARAT. The showroom was stunning with many beautiful objects at good price points. I defiantly look forward to placing some of there products in our designs.

"IT NEVER RAINS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA"

2010-02-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

But man it pours!

After eight inches of rain in one week and a minor tornado! my project in Newport coast is officially two weeks behind. The infinity pool pictured above came through OK, but can't say that for the rest of the yard.

We leave this weekend for Newport and try - once again to install. Six trucks of furnishings and art await, time to get my directors hat on! I promise photos of interiors soon.

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

2009-12-07T21:36:00.000-08:00

"Room of the Month" July 1978 Pacific Design Center

OK here's the background, the year was 1978 I was a couple years out of high school and I was asked to design the "room of the month" in the lobby of the then new Pacific design center in Los Angeles. This task was usually asked of seasoned professionals, I guess they wanted to see what the new kid would do?

The space was a boring 10' X 15' "box" with a glass front, so I decided to paint the entire room black. To my surprise it expanded the room visually then I laid 10" pine planks and stenciled white stripes on a diagonal. I designed the 12' banquette in white canvas and found this great frame chair covered in hand stenciled black chintz. At that time it was like experimenting with the most unusual objects together in one room, I loved it! When Designers West magazine published the photos they called it a rather "bold & brave" design. I guess not much has changed in thirty years.

SHANGRILA IN LA ?

2009-11-24T22:06:00.000-08:00

This is it, my version of Shangrila. The courtyard gardens at Charles Jacobsen Inc. in Southern California. Charles is a dealer in the most exquisite antiques and garden ornaments, while access is to the trade only you may visit with your interior designer or find him online here.

MY LATEST PROJECT

2009-11-24T21:44:00.000-08:00

OK, so some of you are wondering where I have been hiding the last couple months? I have been having far to much fun on my latest project at Newport Coast in Southern California. The challenge is to completely redesign the interior and beautiful gardens in just under eight weeks!

We are three weeks into the remodel, so far so good! I love my job!!! I will update soon.

A GARDEN FOR ENTERTAINING

2009-11-24T19:46:00.000-08:00

Click on photo to enlarge

You might ask why an interior designer would design a garden? Why not! I look at it as an outdoor room with all the same concerns as designing an interior space. For this garden I wanted the "outdoor room" to flow from the interior which is one of my favorite projects in the coastal town of San Clemente California.

The challenge was to create entertaining space from an intimate back yard once covered by an expanse of lawn. I designed a grid of poured in place concrete pads surrounded by DG (decomposed granite). The central focal point is a concrete fire bowl filled with crushed glass opposite the "sofa" at just over twelve feet is the anchor for the lounge area. At one end of the garden is a floating ledge stone wall with a sheet of water falling into a black pond below. The wall is serving double duty as a backdrop to the dining area and concealing the outdoor cooking station.

Together with succulents and my favorite papyrus grass the garden is the perfect outdoor room

ready for entertaining.

MAKE AN ENTRANCE!

2009-10-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Mark Boone of London Boone

Scott Louis Brown for J.S. Brown design

Every good design project needs a dramatic entrance, it's the first and last impression. I went gaga for the antique door and surround leading to this homes courtyard, designed by Mark Boone of London Boone. You must check out more of this fantastic design in the November issue of Architectural Digest.

The other photos are my design for our family home in Bend Oregon. The antique door from India similar to the one Mark found is the focal point leading to a foot bridge and the homes entry. In both cases a simple stucco wall shows off the door spectacular!

SCREEN SAVER

2009-10-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

My client had this beautiful antique screen, unfortunately the six panels did not fit on any of the living room walls. Our solution was to turn the corner and use two panels on the short wall, it creates a wonderful backdrop for this intimate corner arrangement.

Furnishings from Michael Taylor designs.

THIS CRYSTAL ROCKS!

2009-09-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

After searching every chandelier in LA, I fell in love with this rock crystal nugget chandelier from Studio workshops. My client in Newport Coast has the most incredible art collection from Asian antiquities to modern sculpture and art. This does it for me!

ANTIQUES IN LA

2009-09-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to LA we stopped in at my favorite antique resource. J.F. Chen, one of the best collections of 20th century modern furniture and art from some of the best designers around the world. Joel has two locations one is the "loft" and the other the "vault". If you can't find it at one of these locations it's not on the market. While access is to the "trade only" you can visit with your favorite designer. You can find some of Chen's collection here.

DID YOU SAY ZEN?

2009-09-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

I must have been Asian in another life, it sure does it for me! I love this antique Elm wood table, with dishes from Pottery barn and maple leaf branch from the garden. Bon Appetite!

TABLE FOR TWO PLEASE

2009-09-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

Here is the challenge: Create an intimate table setting using whatever is laying around.

My answer was Imari plates I just bought for $5 each, darn could not find persimmon colored chargers so banana leaves will have to do. I had this wonderful king sheet in a poppy color, it all works especially the antique Chinese tomb house. LOVE IT!

DID SOMEONE SAY PARTY!

2009-09-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

We all have something to celebrate about these days, and I can't get enough color! I set this festive party table in the corner of my living room with some of my favorite things. For a few of you lucky people who watch morning television you can catch my design tips on table settings and entertaining. (Good Morning Central Oregon airs my design tips the first Friday of every month).

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

2009-09-06T21:19:00.000-07:00

Dale Ferguson raku bowl, Rainbow Gate charger, Poppy Dully pastel of the Portland Japanese garden. I was inspired by color for this assemblage on my living room mantel.

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

2009-09-06T17:35:00.000-07:00

SANDY & ALEX ANDERSON

Not only wonderful people but very talented artists, Sandy & Alex Anderson from Bend Oregon.

There works in clay have a very strong architectural line while at the same time very quiet.

Check out more of there work here.

A ROOM WITHOUT A VIEW

2009-08-31T21:51:00.000-07:00

We all have that problem window, weather it's a lackluster view or worse the neighbor with opposing window. This is my latest design to solve that problem. I used a resin panel with natural thatch grass embedded between two sheets one clear and the other opaque. The result let's all the natural light in, blocks the neighbor and creates a wonderful focal point in this dining room. See more of the 3-from collection here.

ART IN THE HIGH DESERT

2009-08-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

Lauri Chambers

Leif Holland

This weekend I was fortunate to spend time with friends viewing some very nice art in Bend. The second annual "Art in the High Desert" was held along the banks of the Deschutes river. This is a juried fine art and craft festival with over 100 artists from around the country. A couple of my favorite artists are shown here.

Leif Holland creates beautiful "botanical sculpture" If you know me, you can see why I love his work. You can find Leif Holland, here

Lauri Chambers creates these fantastic hats! they are works of art each and every one. When surrounded by Lauri's work one has the biggest smile, What could be better than that! Find Lauri here.

MY LITTLE CORNER OF PARADISE

2009-08-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic trip! Thank you Terry & Richard.

A few visual moments from the garden and new sculpture, INSPIRING!

WORKING + VACATION

2009-08-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

While it's been hovering around 100 degrees in Central Oregon, I'm heading to Laguna Beach for some inspiration ! I will be staying at this fabulous location while working on a new project for this client.

See you all in mid- August with more thoughts + posts + inspiration

Scott~

ARTIST OF THE MONTH + SUE SKELLY

2009-08-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

Years ago I found this wonderful artist Sue Skelly from the Pacific Northwest. She works in natural elements like redwood vines and creates beautiful garden ornaments. This photo shows one of my clients gardens with a Skelly sculpture 60" sphere. WOW! When I return from my "working vacation" I will share more photos of her work. CIAO!

ROOTS

2009-08-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

I found these incredible petrified roots at the D.A.O. gallery (Design Around Objects) I have them hanging on my dining room wall ( they replace the Marcia Meyrs painting) I think I like it even better ! When your in L.A. next check out D.A.O. on Beverly Blvd just off Robertson.

TREASURES

2009-07-20T20:13:00.001-07:00

For this home in Laguna Beach we hung the clients treasured wood mask over a simple limestone mantel. In the foreground a found treasure, the client was deep sea diving and found this encrusted mortar shell. It makes the perfect vase for fresh cut papyrus.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

2009-07-20T20:00:00.001-07:00

Abstract painting, raku vase, eighteenth century console.... LOVE IT!

EAST MEETS WEST

2009-07-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

I like to use unexpected objects to give an interior character. In this home theater I found these unusual bronze rain drums from Thailand they make the perfect scale tables. I have seen some pretty good reproductions even some in composite material. If you can, go for the real thing as it will be cherished by future generations.

REUSE + REPURPOSE + RETHINK

2009-07-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

This interior was a little to serious, I went for a walk in the garden and found this fantastic cast iron balustrade complete with peeling paint! Sometimes you don't have to go far to find that hidden treasure.

SOMETHING NEW SOMETHING OLD

2009-07-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

In this table top vignette I love the raku pottery placed with a stone relic and modern Ron Rezek light.

JUXTAPOSITION

2009-07-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

"The art of placing contrasting objects together"

In this dining alcove I placed a stack of books next to a beautiful eighteenth century chair. Some of the most elegant rooms benefit from a whimsical touch.

THE WHITE ROOM REVISITED

2009-07-18T00:18:00.000-07:00

This was my second room I designed for the Pasadena Showcase house in 1991, I call it the white room. The home was a fabulous mid-century modern design and this living room at

just over 1200 square feet with floor to ceiling windows on three sides was quite an inspiration! I designed the room with one of my favorite mentors in mind, the late Michael Taylor who was one of the most talented designers ever. I was very fortunate to be sponsored in part by Michael Taylor designs who loaned most of the furnishings for the show. For another view of the room scroll down to the bottom of the page.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

2009-07-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

BEFORE
AFTER

Everything was wrong with this fireplace wall before we gave it a face lift. The focal point now is this sleek modern firebox and floating slate hearth. We were able to hide the storage behind the vertical cabinet covered in beautiful tamo ash wood veneer. The fireplace wall now creates a beautiful zen like focal point.

FIREPLACE MAKEOVER

2009-07-17T23:45:00.000-07:00

BEFORE
AFTER
FLOATING BOX SHELVES

This home in Bend was in desperate need for a fireplace makeover, the original design was not living up to it's potential. I removed the slate tile and used natural cut stone, and carried it around both sides. With a larger scale firebox and new floating shelves to replace the short windows and cabinetry it is indeed the focal point!

UPHOLSTERED WALLS

2009-07-17T23:14:00.000-07:00

Click on photos to enlarge

For this home in San Marino I designed the guest bedroom with upholstered walls. We used an inexpensive artist canvas and upholstered in 30" squares, the bed hangings are also in the same fabric. Along with sisal floor covering it creates the perfect backdrop for the collection of antique furniture. although this room was designed in 1990 I think it still has a timeless look, I recently recreated a similar design in my home in Bend. To see the Bend house visit my website here.

ARTIST OF THE MONTH + MARCIA MYERS

2009-06-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

Marcia Myers has been one of my favorite artists for years, her technique of "fresco" on linen is among the best. My only regret is not purchasing more in the early days, you have to be a serious collector today. The photo above is a room we used one of her paintings along with the clients antiques, great juxtaposition. The photo below is my dining room in Bend.

You can find Marcia Myers work at select galleries across America and Europe.

AMERICAN ART TILE

2009-06-30T19:29:00.000-07:00

click on photo to enlarge

Looking for something to collect? I have been fascinated by antique and vintage tile for years. There were over 100 companies throughout America producing tile from 1876 thru 1941. these tiles have become very sought after ranging from the low $100's to the $1,ooo's for a 6" X 6" tile. I have started several of my clients with collections, the idea is not to retile your back-splash but feature your collection like it was art. In the kitchen above we found a nice grouping of different designs and had them mounted in a steel frame. The result is quite the focal point framed in a niche over the range.

Check out "American Art Tile" by Norman Karlson

CARGO !

2009-06-29T22:19:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, Cargo is one hip place. An Importer of hand picked antiques and artifacts, you can't buy more direct than this (right off the boat) thus the name. I like to be there when they unload a shipment, it's like a kid in a candy store! Over 20,000 square feet of fun located in the Pearl district, Portland Oregon.

Click on Cargo above and go to the website.

My favorite public sculpture (today)

2009-06-28T14:51:00.001-07:00

"Lodestar" by Roger Berry

Located in Bend Oregon at the roundabout on Bond & Reed market Rd. How lucky are we to live here !

A Lady in her garden

2009-06-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

The Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury

Last Fall I was privileged to hear Lady Salisbury give a talk on her garden designs. Now in her eighties she was delightful and had the audience spellbound as she shared stories of designing the gardens for her seventeenth century home in Hertfordshire England, along with many of her clients gardens including HRH The Prince of Wales. Pictured above is his home Highgrove

Check out the book "A gardener"s life" If you ever have the chance to hear Lady Salisbury or tour one of her gardens, do it !

Master bedroom suite

2009-06-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

In this bedroom I used custom painted parchment to cover all the walls. We had it hung horizontal and left 1/2" space between each panel, when the reveal met up with the fireplace we had the glass etched to continue the pattern. The result was to visually add architectural interest and expand the space.

Parchment wallcovering

2009-06-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

This treatment is one of the most beautiful finishes you can apply to furniture or your walls. The photo above is a detail of a torn parchment pattern, it is very organic and resembles a stone texture. There are beautiful custom papers available through your designer, or if your feeling adventurous you can paint your own using white parchment paper. I will be demonstrating this on my monthly "design tip" on COTV channel 11 "good morning central Oregon" Friday July 3rd.

I will try to post video segments from the show in the future.

Water feature

2009-06-23T23:10:00.000-07:00

This is my latest garden design, for this entry courtyard we used a 6' square steel sculpture that acts as an infinity pool spilling into the basin below. It creates a beautiful zen like mood. Fabrication and installation by Goph Albitz a very talented Central Oregon artist.

ARTIST OF THE MONTH + PAUL SCHICK

2009-06-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

Paul Schick is one of my favorite artists working with natural materials. I have been a collector since the early eighty's. find his work at www.paulschick.com

My favorite skirted table

2009-06-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

OK for this room I splurged, I used a antique flemish tapestry to cover a plywood round, who says you have to hang them on the wall ? You can achieve the same look with a rug or vintage textile and have a very unique table. The room in the photo is part of a dining room I designed for the Pasadena Showcase house, the house called "Pegfair" was built in 1930 by the architect Gordon Van Pelt.

Floating wood shelves

2009-06-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

I collect these wonderful wood bowls. Every year at the Sisters Fall festival this artist shows his work, I try to be the first in line. So far I have collected twelve bowls and I cant tell you which one is my favorite. I like to display them on these floating wood shelves, I had them made by a local cabinet shop and painted them. You can also find them on the web at West Elm.

Tulip party !

2009-06-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

My client decided to host a party celebrating her spring garden (how wonderful is that !) We decided to keep the flowers simple and play up the color. My inspiration was her hand painted china, We found it at a fun store called Twist in NW Portland.

A few of my favorite things

2009-06-23T00:26:00.000-07:00

concrete table by John Dickinson, Steel daybed by Shannon & Jeal and a wonderful antique door I found in a flea market is now a floor mirror. "If you love what you collect it will never go out of style"

Fabulous find!

2009-06-23T00:02:00.000-07:00

I love this gallery! D.A.O. (design around objects) located on Robertson Blvd in Los Angeles. They have the most wonderful collection of natural objects from all over the world. I fell in love with this root console, I had to purchase it for a client in Laguna Beach. It's there favorite thing in the house! I will share more treasures I have found in the future.

Bamboo fences

2009-06-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

I was recently visiting my favorite Japanese garden in portland and photographed this fence. It has inspired me to create a bamboo fence in a garden I am designing in Southern California. I will keep you posted on the results, in the meantime if you have never visited the Japanese garden at Washington park in Portland. Put it on the top of your to do list! Also check out the book Bamboo fences by Isao Yoshikawa.

wabi-sabi

2009-06-22T23:02:00.000-07:00

This is my concept of making a statement when entering. The design for this residence was a seven foot wide pivot door, I love the contrast between the geometric design and the organic wood pull. I promise to show you more of this wonderful house in the future. We just installed an 8' live-edge dining room table. Love it !

Arroyo Seco Landmark

2009-06-22T22:39:00.000-07:00

I loved this project, my last space I designed for the Pasadena Showcase house of design. I retired that gig after participating for ten years. This house was a landmark brick tudor estate overlooking the Arroyo Seco. Sadly it burned to the ground a few years ago, but it survives in many movies that were filmed there and in my photographs from the show house.

George Rickey sclupture

2009-06-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

A beautiful garden in Bend Oregon features a kinetic sculpture by the artist George Rickey. Here I have collaborated with the talented garden designer Maureen Klecker from Central Oregon.

Feeling the need to spend?

2009-06-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

OK here is my favorite thing for today, Caesar stone / Concetto collection

I love the light smoky quartz. Can you imagine a slab of quartz rock crystal

on you wall or counter? Did someone say were in a recession? I look at it

as the ultimate economic stimulus! Check out www.caesarstone.com

Enduring design

2009-06-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been eighteen years since I designed this residence,

still looks pretty good to me. I worked along with Fred Briggs one of the AD 100 top architects, what a pleasure.