Posted on Thu, Jul 15, 2010
Stella's Picks
This week, Stella was drawn toward George Schock's photography currently seen throughout the Slifer Designs showroom in beautifully styled vignettes. The gorgeous Colorado landscapes remind Stella of her favorite hikes in this region that she frequently takes with her owner, Susan Ferrari, vice president of Retail Operations for Slifer Designs.
Below are a few of Schock's "moment in time" images that are Stella's favorites. From top to bottom, these are the titles:
Among the Aspens, Autumns Treasure, Gold Rush, Gore Range, Illunimation, San Juan Sunrise, Vail Back Bowls.
What better way to bring the outdoors inside with these gorgeous images. They all capture a singular moment of beauty, one that you will always remember. Stella feels as if she's there in each image. Whew- she's tired after this outdoor journey. Time for a nap!!! Shouldn't be too hard to find a nice soft chair for her afternoon ritual.....
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Tue, Jul 06, 2010
I was lucky enough to get away to the beaches of Kona, Hawaii with my family a couple of weeks ago, and I am happy to report that I was outside more than inside! Getting away from the hustle and bustle of our design studio usually takes me a few days to unwind...but this time, I immediately transitioned into vacation mode right away.
My son Reese and daughter Hudson, ages 8 and 5, had so much fun. They are such "mountain kids" that when they see the ocean, they are in awe of it's size and endlessness. I know how my client's kids must feel when they first see Vail's Back Bowls.
We visited an old church whose stone schmear exterior resembles a home's exterior that I am working on in Aspen. This is the fifth home I've designed for these clients, and I just love working with them.
In the meantime, I'm busy finishing up the creative phase for a client in Arrowhead. Right before I left for Hawaii, I joined my client on a private jet ride to Utah to look at some very unique Brazilian stones in order to choose a countertop for their new kitchen. We found a gorgeous green toned quartz from European Marble and Granite in Salt Lake City. My clients love it and it is going to look beautiful, and better yet, provide functionality in a busy kitchen.
Pictured above, this slab was on display and although we didn't select it, we were all in awe of it's beauty. It's iridescent qualities light up at night. I'm keeping this in mind for a future client....perhaps a cool restaurant with an active bar scene.....
I'm also putting the finishing touches on a vacation home in picturesque Adam's Ranch, just outside of Eagle, Colorado. Together, with my colleague Sarah Carr, we installed this home in one week and the clients have already moved in and are enjoying their new home. Here's a view from their living room into dining room...
Stay tuned for my post tomorrow about our long awaited Loading Dock sale......it starts on Thursday and ends on Saturday. You don't want to miss 60-90% off an amazing array of items....
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Sat, Jul 03, 2010
INTRODUCING STELLA'S PICKS
Meet Stella - she's our showroom's mascot of good taste. Her owner, Susan Ferrari, Vice President of Retail Operations, approves of all her "picks," and we hope you do too!
Today she searched our showroom for things red, white and blue in the true American spirit of the 4th of July. She found some amazing items starting with this beautiful off-white tufted Baker ottoman (pictured above). It is currently marked down in our Red Room. Stella finds it very comfortable.....
Above, is a framed American Flag. You can't get more patriotic than that....here it is in the entire room:
Here's a detail of the Daniel Stuart "Dahlia" pillow in the middle of the bed. Stella loves the detail on this accessory:
Next, Stella found another bedroom vignette, that she dared not jump up on, because it is in all white:
The sheets were custom designed in a snowflake pattern, exclusively for Slifer Designs. In addition, the matching ivory sable blanket and pillows extend pure luxury in the bedroom and make this queen tufted bed fit for royalty. And, the tray is set for breakfast in bed - maybe a little strawberries and cream for watching the Gentlemen's Final at Wimbledon??? (Stella loves watching tennis on TV).
Now for some blue.....
This cute "Tini" topped with lizard is just the conversation piece needed for your living room. And, the perfect size for a treat for Stella.....
Happy 4th of July!!!
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Wed, Jun 23, 2010
I recently attended a fun event at Decorative Materials in Edwards. I love visiting their showroom, which is conveniently located right across the street from our studio. Not only is their staff friendly, informative and helpful, but they also have gorgeous kitchen and bath displays.
Here I am with Marilyn Smith Heaney (she's been with Slifer Designs since 1985 and is one of our top designers) and Tab Bonidy of TAB Architects.
Barbara from Decorative Materials, who hosted the event in conjunction with Smart Shop, has helped me design many kitchens and bathrooms over the years. She is a valuable resource to my team at Slifer Designs.
Earlier this year at their showroom, I was in a more serious mode, perusing selections to consider for a client's home. There were so many beautiful choices and new products I discovered, that I couldn't go wrong with my decisions. Barb's advice was invaluable.
Many homeowners find the task of re-doing a kitchen or bathroom daunting, but by working closely with knowledgeable professionals, the end result is something you can be proud of.
We'd love to help you with your kitchen or bathroom remodel, and with resources nearby like Decorative Materials, I am confident we can design a new room that would make you proud.
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Tue, Jun 15, 2010
Since I am off-site on an install this week, I've invited my colleague Marilyn Smith Heaney to guest blog. Marilyn has been with Slifer Designs since 1986 and has many wonderful insights into the world of interior design. I've asked her to share her recent experience at Hickory Chair University, which just sounds amazing!
Marilyn Smith Heaney, veteran Slifer Designs Project Manager and Interior Designer
Interior designers select and place beautiful items in client's homes every day. We spend a lot of time looking at color, pattern, style, scale, comfort and quality. (Price is also always a factor, but I'll save that topic for another guest blog). At Slifer Designs, we have our favorite vendors, and of course Hickory Chair is at the top of our list. We like and trust them because we know they produce gorgeous furniture of excellent quality.
Now that I've attended Hickory Chair University, I have a new appreciation for their extremely high level of quality. There is a story and amazing employees behind every piece they make. The leader of the tour was Hickory Chair's Director of Marketing Services, Laura Holland, who was very informative and engaging.
(I am in the back row, third from the left. Sarah Carr, fellow Slifer Designs Project Manager is in the second row, first on the left).
Below is Hickory Chair President Jay Reardon holding up notes from a recent problem solving meeting with two members of his staff who worked on a particular issue. Problem solving and encouraging excellence in every employee is the driving force of the Hickory Chair culture. This daily philosophy increases productivity and has kept them very competitive in a down-economy.
I love their saying about stress (see below)...I think I'll post that in our studio!
This innovative employee (below) found a way to decrease the sanding time on hundreds of spooled pieces from three weeks to two days - now that's efficiency!
Below, two Hickory Chair employees are hand sanding furniture pieces. The vented table allows sand dust to fall through. Not only does this create a cleaner work environment, but the saved sawdust is collected and burned for recycled on-site energy. They won an award for this innovation.
This display case is home to all the important tools for specific tasks. Not only does it help avoid lost tools, but it also maximizes productivity.
This Hickory Chair employee is demonstrating an eight-way hand-tied spring.
Here's an employee applying glue to the veneer which will then be applied to a piece of wood.
And the next step in the process is to apply the freshly glued veneer to wood.
I'm a huge fan of nail head trim, so it was wonderful to watch this employee demonstrating the art of the nail head application. The speed at which he works is impressive.
And, this employee is meticulously applying welt and back fabric to a dining chair.
Finally, we toured some lovely finished pieces, many of which the Slifer Designs showroom carries.
I have a new appreciation for all of the Hickory Chair pieces I have selected over the years, and looking back over my portfolio, the rooms start to take on new meaning. One of my favorites is a desk I chose for the Gary Player Offices in The Cliffs, South Carolina (see below). This room takes on a whole new meaning of integrity in design having attended Hickory Chair University.
Here's another Hickory Chair piece I chose for a model I recently designed for East West Partners at Manor Vail. It's a lovely table that I placed behind the sofa in the left of the photo below. Hickory Chair refers to it as the Country Hepplewhite sideboard from their Archive Collection.
Thank you Hickory Chair for allowing me the opportunity to learn and grow as a designer. I really enjoyed learning about your process and culture.
And, I hope to guest blog for Yvonne again soon!
I'd love to hear any "back to school" experiences you've recently had and how it's changed how you do your job. Or, please comment on what you think about Hickory Chair.
Have a great summer--
Marilyn
marilyn@sliferdesigns.com
Thank you again Marilyn!
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Thu, Jun 03, 2010
Yesterday, I attended the Roth Distributing "Inspiring Design" conference in Denver. In partnership with Colorado Homes and Lifestyles magazine, Roth gathered several notable experts in the field of interior design, real estate, publishing and marketing. Below is Roth's Culinary Room, where Elaine St. Louis, Art Director at Colorado Homes and Lifestyles, presented a seminar called "Think Like an Editor."
I especially enjoyed Adam Japko's seminar which was geared to helping designers embrace socia media into the day-to-day marketing mix. It was reassuring to hear Adam's suggestions, some of which we are already doing here at Slifer Designs. He referred to a designer who recently saw a 25% increase in business as a result of a social media campaign. That's impressive!
The Roth Distribution Center is amazing. The pull-out ironing board is genius! Our clients are going to appreciate the convenience of this design.
Love the round sinks and cabinets going all the way to the counter in the corner. It's a great use of space.
Sleek hood designs--
Commercial Sub Zero is a very cool industrial look. I can't wait to show some of our developer clients this new line.
Check out the handsome stainless steel cabinets with leather wrapped hardware. I really like this juxtaposition - very original!
So, while I was thinking like an editor and learning about the importance of social media, I was surrounded by Roth's beautiful kitchen displays.
Back at home, I received great news: Vail will host the 2015 Winter Alpine Championships. Having previously hosted this event in 1989 and 1999, I can't wait for all the excitement to begin. Hundreds of international media will attend to write about and photograph the best ski racers from all over the world, as well as our lovely valley. Now that I am thinking like an editor, thanks to Elaine, I'm looking forward to the opportunity.
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Fri, May 14, 2010
Mountain Living magazine recently included us in their Women In Design story. As one of Colorado's Top Women Owned companies, Beth Slifer's influence on this industry has been enormous. It is nice to see her efforts recognized in this beautiful magazine.
Also this week, Amy Casey won an ASID first place award in the vacation home category for a home she designed in The Chalet's in Vail Village. The soft, pretty feel of Amy's home reminds me of some new fabrics I just saw during a Bergamo presentation by John Brooks.
One of the new Bergamo lines is offered through Sahco and is designed by Lori Weitzner. The inspiration for her new Byzantine line is from the Hajia Sophia Catherdral in Istanbul built around 500 A.D. The architecture, mosaic patterns and gold used throughout the historic church when translated by Weitzner evoke a romantic and harmonious feel that would look great in any home.
At the end of this work week, I find myself flying back to Vail from South Dakota after putting the finishing touches on the Liberty National Bank in South Dakota (here's our presentation board for the project) that I mentioned in an earlier blog.
As of right now, I can now say that Slifer Designs has designed a bank!
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Thu, Apr 29, 2010
It's important to remember what inspires us to do good work. Sorting through the highs and lows of a "week in the life," these recent events standout for me as inspirational.
I was reading the current issue of Luxe magazine, a publication that is thriving under the helm of the very talented editor, Michael Wollaeger and it's publisher, Sandow Media. It's so refreshing to see this magazine grow and improve, especially during a time when a record number of shelter magazines are folding (Domino, Met Home and Conde Nast House and Garden to name a few).
Wollaeger, formerly the editor and co-founder of Western Interiors magazine, has a keen eye for interiors that work. The current issue is crisp and features several spectactular homes that are sure to impress their readers. Sandow Media has also recently bought Interior Design magazine, our industry's bible, so we're thrilled to know they are in good hands and will survive this media storm of the printed page.
As I looked through Luxe's pages, I unexpectedly noticed a private residence in Telluride that we completed a few years ago. Andrea Georgopolis, Project Manager and veteran designer at Slifer Designs, and Kellye O'Kelly, Interior Designer, upon seeing their design work published, call it the "ultimate compliment." The eclectic home draws it's inspiration from the local mining history, and is evident in the architecture, the building materials and the furnishings. It's an excellent example of how the various elements of a home can blend to convey a theme. Congratulations to the team that worked on this with Andrea and Kellye including Jodie Shike Wright of one architects and Pete deLuca of deLuca Construction.
My second inspiring "event" was attending Berry Creek Middle School's Career Fair. With many at-risk students attending this local school, it was heart-warming to share my background with them and let them know what it takes to be a designer. As we looked over floor plans, furniture cut-outs and fabric samples, the students were inquisitive, thoughtful and enthusiastic. They loved looking at the finished photos of our projects, especially some of the "tween" bedrooms we've designed over the last few years. I was asked many questions including what type of schooling was necessary, what skills are needed and what opportunities exist in the field of interior design. Regarding this last one, the sky is the limit, which leads me to my next inspiring event....
Lavender and lime green continue to be "in." Even though Slifer Designs is firmly "anti-trend" I find myself admiring some of these new textiles as they arrive in our Resource library daily (Schumacher, Osborne and Little, Manuel Canovas, and Designer Guild to name a few). These new sumptuous velvets, texturals, appliques, embroidery and crewels are irresistable to me. I can't wait to show some of my clients how these shades and patterns could work in their home.
Lastly, I loved hearing back from Sarah Carr and Sloan Pressly who attended a lighting seminar in Orange County, California (hosted by The Helius Lighting Group). I learned that light can affect taste, in particular red light makes wine taste fruitier.
Above: Red lights in the wine room at the Dancing Bear in Aspen - designed by Slifer Designs.
The lights can actually be adjusted to different tones of color, affecting the tastings that will take place in this beautiful room for members only. I can't wait to share this fun tidbit with friends over dinner...and some wine, this weekend!
What has inspired you lately?
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Tue, Apr 06, 2010
Hard to believe that we are still enjoying powder days here in Vail (Beaver Creek reported 13 new inches of snow this morning, and Vail had 11!). Many people's mindset is moving beyond ski season though, and how best to enjoy their leisure time after the snow melts. Whether it's thinking about golf, vacations or a family reunion, there's no doubt that we are nearing the season that most locals say they moved here for - summer.
Holly Hunt Outdoor Furniture Collection
We've seen a new trend with our clients toward the "outdoor room," complete with indoor styled furniture (treated for inclement weather) and all the luxuries that go with a finished room, such as lighting, a rug, accessories and artwork. I created a covered outdoor room, complete with an outdoor kitchen, for a client in West Vail who incorporated a beautiful outdoor fireplace into their home's design:
If your patio or deck space is cozy, furniture placement becomes a top priority. Below, I arranged the furnishings to take advantage of the gorgeous views of Beaver Creek Mountain and Mount of the Holy Cross. There's also an bar area with an island for serving drinks.
An outdoor space need not be complicated, as in this Telluride home's back deck. Who wants to compete with the gorgeous backdrop of San Juan Range? Once again, placement creates symmetry and balance, and a place to gather with friends and family. And, the red chairs add bright color to the surrounding natural landscape. An antique mining wagon serves as a perfect coffee table for drinks and snacks. The wagon also adds charm and is in keeping with Telluride's mining history.
For added warmth consider adding a fire pit, as we did with this home in Los Cabos. Built-in semi-circular seating is fun and original. The bright red cushions are lively and comfortable as well. (We recently came across a cool company called Jatex who custom designs copper fire pits).
You'd be surprised at the fabric selection available for outdoor furniture. Andrea Georgopolis, Slifer Designs Interior Designer and Project Manager at Slifer Designs, along with Interior Designer Kellye O'Kelly, had fun with this outdoor deck overlooking the Pacific in Malibu. They chose NOMI fabric for the Summer Classics furniture, "High Couture for the Home," which is made with 100% solution dyed acrylic that is sophisticated enough for indoor use as well. The umbrella is key for shade on a sunny day.
Fleur Pool outdoor fabric by NOMI
Here are a few more NOMI outdoor fabric choices that should inspire to begin planning your outdoor space. Take a look...they might surprise you.....
Abigail Oyster Alladin Terra
Arabesque Ice Fleur Jungle
Below are our favorites from the Holly Hunt Outdoor Furniture Collection. Timeless and luxurious selections that are sure to inspire you:
Investing in your outdoor spaces by making it a comfortable room will bring years of enjoyment. Why not make it beautiful too? We think it's smart design. I look forward to helping you design your outdoor room....before summer starts.
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Fri, Mar 19, 2010
What better time than spring to consider giving your home a fresh new look? Interior design inspirations come naturally to homeowners during this time of year as we de-clutter, clean up and simply take a new look at everything around us.
I can't think of a better time, and that is why our showroom is offering incentives to get you to think and act -- twice. If you purchase a certain amount, our fabulous showroom will reward you with a gift certificate toward a future purchase.
Wow!
Here is our ad that is running in the local newspapers:
So, don't hesitate to drop in. The promotion starts immediately!! The showroom features beautiful vignettes displayed exactly how they will look in your home. Our award winning team of merchandisers work tirelessly to display many different looks also, so you will definitely see something to suit your tastes. And, to top it off, our showroom changes merchandise weekly with new products so that every time you visit, it offers new inspirations!
The Slifer Designs showroom features products from Hickory Chair, Ralph Lauren, Henredon, Thom Filicia, Vanguard, Century, Environment and many other vendors that are known for their quality, comfort and timeless designs. If you see something that you love the way it feels, but don't love the fabric, we can custom order the item to your liking. We have a huge resource library with all the different selections available to you, and are happy to walk you through the process.
In addition to furniture, we sell beautiful art, accessories, lighting and bedding. Our out-of-town customers tell us they wish they had a store like this back home, so we know we are unique.
I'll look forward to seeing you in our store. We are located in Edwards, Colorado right next to Starbucks in the Riverwalk at Edwards.
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com