In this section: a more in-depth view on a variety of commercial and residential exterior and interior projects, and rug design. The focus is on sharing the featured project’s client requirements and goals, design approach, methods and solutions, results, and responses.
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How to listen: Take a tip from Joseph Albers
“Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers.”
Among the many “what’s the first step” items in the process of a new client-relationship, asking the right questions is at the top of my list.
Of course this also goes for any project, even with people we think we know, since each project carries its own set of circumstances. That’s why I love the above statement by Josef Albers.
While creatively problem-solving, opportunities to learn—and to teach—abound in every project
“Atlantis,” an EcoHues Full Spectrum color, is on the back wall of dining area and continues into the foyer that is visible from the dining room.
Rich soft colors enhance—and subtly define—three connected spaces, with 3 different close colors.
One example, from a client’s note to me
“…you helped take the confusion out of color selection process and opened up our eyes to color choices we never would have thought of using. We appreciated how easy it was to work with you, and how carefully you listened to our wants and needs.”
It just takes practice!
As artists and designers, it’s so easy to become excited about a project and about our own approach and inspirations. The practice is in listening, and advising while not imposing our personal preferences. It’s really all about the goal for every client.
Connect and coordinate a simple color palette with collaboration, colors, and textures.
Sometimes it’s easier than others, and sometimes it just Looks easy! Carefully considered wall finishes and coordinated custom rugs can help. Collaboration gets it done.
In this Boston high-rise condo, to create a backdrop for stronger colors we used a neutral-based color palette in custom finish of textured walls, with custom Tibetan rugs.
Hand knotted rug: 100% wool. All custom Tibetan rugs shown are from Silk Road Weaves.I’ve worked in tandem with Boston-area designer Cynthia Brumm, of SpaceDesign, on a number of projects. Here, Cynthia was the lead and she asked me to create wall finishes and rug designs. In addition to designing custom pieces for this client, Cynthia selected beautifully vibrant furnishings to complement the owner’s existing pieces.
Existing dining room furniture is beautifully complemented by GEO-Borders in wool and silk, from Silk Road Weaves
Cynthia also designed this dramatic console cabinet in a beautiful dark wood finish.
Cabinet design by Cynthia Brumm. Artisan wall finishes by Barbara Jacobs Color and Design
Custom wall finishes in an architectural, low-profile texture provide a beautiful backdrop for the custom rugs from Silk Road Weaves.
The adaptable nature of GEO from Silk Road Weaves becomes a runner in 100% wool, and complements the living room and dining room rugs, also from the GEO group.
The wall finishes are the same throughout the main open areas: Entry, Hallway, Living room, Dining room.
Kitchen and powder room are different.
Powder room features walls having a soft bronze layered glaze. Wall finishes by Barbara Jacobs.
The overall effect is comfortable, yet stunning, with a dramatic view overlooking the city.
Yes, there is a view of Boston!
All images by Barbara Jacobs.
It’s not often that a client is adamant about a house color. At least not to the extent of being so fixed on one color family that all others are not available for consideration.
With that caveat, I began to look at various yellow paint colors for the exterior of a Victorian home in a Boston-area suburb. Not only was the only option to be “Yellow,” but the painting was going to be done by an area company specializing in a ‘never-paint-again!’ method, and so it had to be the right yellow to last…and last…and never be changed.
One view, from the back of house, "before." Note existing color-testing by the owner, on the siding
Originally built as a single family house, as were most structures of this general style, this house has been made into apartments.
Stuck on Yellow, the owner had done a few swatch tests and come up "empty."
The house was already yellow…
Before: looking for the right change to make the difference
Selecting a different yellow for the body, with a more subdued color for the doors and an earthy color for porch floor and steps, was not a huge color change but it was a significant one overall.
The new palette: Sherwin Williams colors
The palette: all from Sherwin Williams. Note: your monitor will not look like mine so please get the actual paint colors to test them.
New colors, almost done - but lacking the detailed accents
I had specified Rookwood Amber to be used on the details of millwork as well, which would have been a lovely detail, and would not have appeared over-decorated. Some of the column detail was done, but other details that were to have been done on the peak trim and some of the other decorative millwork would have completed the picture.
Ultimately of course it’s up to the homeowner, who is the person hiring the painting contractor. Sometimes the finishing touches are omitted due to the budget constraints and the result, even if beautiful, seems to be missing something.
Three quick tips
Overall, it's a big improvement!
View from the street. The colors of doors, porch and stair treads complement the roof color.
Accredited Color Consultant, IACC International Association of Color Consultants / Designers
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