Colors of Siesta Key

The eclectic styles and array of colors for our private residences and various condominiums contribute to Siesta Key’s charming appeal. Although there are only a few codes or rules that monitor color choices on private homes, should personal preference be your only consideration?

Home owners use different approaches when choosing colors for the exteriors of their homes. Mr. Hani Rihan chose to paint his home after purchasing in 2004. He went to the selections of Lowes Color Palettes and chose a suggested combination that he felt enhanced his home, landscaping and surrounding neighborhood. “I thought it was going to be ugly”, was Mr. Rihan’s first comment when he began painting. However after his completion, he appreciates the enhancement the colors have made in identifying the different architectural features.

The controversy will always be personal preference of you and your neighbor when painting exteriors. Interior colors are your own personal space, neighborhoods are shared.

So often we believe neutral is best, that it is risk free. However the beauty of color is appreciated by all. Well, maybe except for the neighbor who does not like color!

The houses have come a long way. The interior framing is completed, wires are being pulled... And now we are painting exteriors. It isn't easy attempting to tie in color with the neighborhood and still make the color palatable. So more often than not, I will blend with the colors of nature in the area.

Architecture is a beautiful element of design. There are times when architecture needs nothing more than the brilliance of sunlight or the casts from colors of natural surroundings.


Before you enhance your home with color, take all aspects of architecture and design into consideration. If you choose not to consult with a professional, it is simple to access information online. There is a plethora of websites with good advice available.


Three key points to remember:
· Focus on a combination of 2-3 colors that enhance your architecture
· Light colors add size, dark colors create drama
· Borrow from the nature that created one of the most beautiful places in the world!



Happy Holidays!!!

The A+ Team

The team began with three small businesses. Working together with Mark Smith and Dan Gerdes is unique in that we all have the understanding of good design and proper execution to move the project forward. The beginning of the A+Team.

Tom's New Office in the garage of 316 Calle Miramar
He really needs a nice rug and lamp, don't you think??

And here is Tom. He is the reason we will have two new homes under roof in 4 months! Tom has an easy smile and everyone likes him. However, I think if you tell Tom you are going to do something and don't do it - at the time you say you will do it - Well, I know I would personally not want to be on or below his B list!

The owners of 316 Calle Miramar arrived in Siesta Key today. They were able to walk into their home and begin to see what the views will be and how the space will feel.

The Nana Door System is going to be amazing. Where Tom's old office was - under the tent - that is going to be a pool soon!! And those large windows - well that is the doorway to sitting in that pool with a cold drink!

It is beginning to look a lot like a house!! And it is so exciting! I met with Jack Busby of Busby Cabinets last week - they will begin production on our cabinetry soon. Everything is about the quality and details for them. As you all know space is what I love, and efficiency is so important. Busby Cabinets manufacturer within 1/8 of an inch for my designs. And they are locally built in Florida! http://www.busbycabinets.com/index.html

Tile has been ordered from Walker Zanger in Estero. I am working with Ed and Drew. They are helpful and always on top of it, I never worry about their follow through. http://www.walkerzanger.com/showroom/estero/index.php

The plumbing fixtures for 320 Calle Miramar are Lacava.

Wait until you see the tower vessel sink for the powder room and tub filler for the master bath. Plumbing fixtures are sexy!! I am using the Kubista Series. http://www.lacava.com/collection/Faucets-all.htm And I have been priviledged to work with Rich and Kelly at Richlin Interiors. They have a great company!

See the holes in the wall? These are the speakers for the Living Room entertainment center. Because of planning, there will be no wires, no cabinets and speakers will be recessed and transparent. These things are only a touch of reality and what happens everyday.

So when I say we have an A+ Team on this project - I can assure you there is nothing that can't be accomplished with the best of the best!!!! Thanks Team!!

Fencing Design Fears

Regardless of how many times you make the same type of deicisons, about the same areas of design, you have the same design fears. Or at least I do, especially when I do something out of the norm...which of course is my "normal" way of design :-)

In the past 10 days, I have reviewed all interior products, priced all options and made those last minute critical decisions. Like deciding tile for a guest bath shower should not cost $5000.00... but remember, the less money you spend, the more work you have to do!

You look at these two houses, at this phase, and you need to know what colors are going work for the roof tile, on the decks, color of stucco, on the trims and for the railings...


Then you begin to contemplate how the colors of the landscape will affect the outdoor and indoor finishes. Regardless of years of training and experience, there is always the chance you are going to forget something that is important. Like where will the sun be hitting the surfaces inside and what shadows will that create? So first you go over everything on paper, and then you walk through it visually, a couple of times... Sometimes it becomes a little overhwhelming!

The more contemporary home is the one on the back lot, 320 Calle Miramar.

Interior finsihes are shelled concrete, steel beams for stair stringers, concrete block walls for the master shower and artisan crafted stainless steel cooking center in the kitchen. While doing research for another product, I found a reclaimed wood company called Centennial Woods.

http://www.centennialwoods.com/

This company reclaims snow fence in Wyoming, remove the nails, and turns it into tongue and groove 3/4 wood floors, paneling and planking. In the midst of all the contemporary finishes, I have decided to use this reclaimed wood on the 2nd and 3rd floor. This is going to be a massive focal point with a lot of movement and in reality; most people would believe it belongs in a log cabin.

However I believe I can use this wonderful green product and make an unexpected design statement. As strange as it may seem, I believe the remaing products will need to be extremely contemporary in order to make this work. I guess time will tell!! The moral of this story, good design means sometimes being fearful. But never be afraid!

CG Designs: Vendor Profile

Here are examples of some of our favorite vendors, all of which are available through the Cheryl Gaddie Designs showroom. Call 941.346.7401 for an appointment:

Photo by C.R. Laine

Established in 1958, C.R. Laine, remains a family owned and operated furniture company based in North Carolina. Featuring fine leathers, fabrics, and finishes, C.R. Laine is known for creating exquisite upholstered hand-crafted furniture, made exclusively in the U.S.A. 

Photo by Castec

The Castec window collection features folding shades, balloon shades, and drapery panels in a wide range of fabrics and styles. Castec solar shades are also available for a more contemporary and practical Florida window treatment solution. 

Photo by Selva

Italian design company Selva has been offering a high-quality line of modern and classic furnishings for over 40 years. Based in Verona Italy, Selva boasts fine Italian craftsmanship throughout all of their living, dining, sleeping and office furniture collections. 

Photo by Jamie Young

Jamie Young is a Los Angeles-based company offering a global mix of innovative lighting solutions and interesting accessories for the home. Collaborators Jamie Young Jeter and David Jeter bring their passion for art and travel to this incredibly unique brand. 

Photo by Jamie Young

Photo by Walker Zanger

Walker Zanger offers a stunning line of tile and stone for custom residential and commercial installations. Not limited to kitchen and bath applications, Walker Zanger custom tile and stone can bring tremendous style and character to your home. 

-Carrie 

Design Vision

Our architect, Mark Smith understood the constraints of the two lots on Calle Miramar. His vision began to form as he manipulated what would be acceptable and meet code requirements for square footage and set backs. Those were his considerations while creating interest in the architecture and interpreting the clients needs and their own vision.

It is a unique gift to have a vision for design. Vision encompasses the entirety of the project. I understand when clients make the statement they want to duplicate something they have seen in a magazine. It is my obligation to explain why we need to be creative and how they can make their own design statement.

Interior Design is a passion. And when it comes to new residential construction, I always begin with the hearth of the home - the Kitchen. If you are awestruck when you walk into a stunning kitchen, then you should be able to have that experience every day, in your own kitchen.

Designing a kitchen in a new home can be challenging. Although it is the perfect opportunity to create that dream kitchen you always wanted.

The focus for this kitchen is entertaining family and friends while enjoying the outdoors. By placing the dining area next to the pool, whether the Nana Door System is open or closed, the experience of outdoors will always be there. This casual contemporary design will be clean lines and acrylic finishes with dark stained rift cut white oak as a compliment.

Counter tops are Zodiac quartz and appliances are Wolf/Sub Zero stainless. The cabinetry is custom built by Busby Cabinets, a local Florida manufacturer.

As soon as I figure out how to download floorplans and elevations to this blog... or find the time to photograph all the product, I will continue these kitchen details!

In the meantime, the construction is coming along very smooth and organized. Just like it is supposed to!!

Cheers!

cg

Sarasota Modern

Florida Modern by Jan Hochstim

Sarasota Modern by Andrew Weaving

Paul Rudolph: The Florida Houses by Christopher Domin and Joseph King

Bookstore 1 Sarasota opened on March 1, 2011, and the store's motto of "Joie de Livres" is evident in their eclectic assortment of staff-only selections. Visiting the store insures one of those comfortable and charming shopping experiences where a staff member is eager and happy to discuss your choices and make suggestions that you find truly useful. Even if you're thinking "but I only use an e-reader now" trust us, Bookstore 1 specializes in the kind of must-have books you need and want to own and display.

This is the kind of small-town shopping experience that makes you feel lucky to live here, and if you're visiting, well it makes you never want to leave. They also offer meeting space for special literary events and readings.

Of course, we especially love that Bookstore 1 has a great assortment based on local contemporary architecture.

Stop in for a visit and pick up these gorgeous books for yourself!

Bookstore 1 Sarasota
1359 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34236
www.bookstore1sarasota.com
Phone: 941-365-7900
Open Monday-Saturday: 9AM-9PM

Sunday: 10AM-6PM

Carrie

Design Like A Pro

The houses are coming up quickly! At this stage, almost every interior product from the Kitchen Sink to the Washer/Dryer has been specified. It is the only way to avoid the dreaded “Change Order”!

We are working on specifying hardware. While in New York over the weekend, I visited several showrooms sampling various products. There is a fine line between a quality product and simply an expensive product. Two of my favorite hardware companies are http://www.vallivalli-us.com/ and http://www.hafele.com/us/ Remember to place your dollars in areas that should never need to be “replaced”.

Planning and verifying, again and again… on every detail, that is the key to saving dollars and having a spectacular project. An efficient design team can save you time, and time is one of the many ways we can save you money.

There are many unfortunate stories I hear when a homeowner decides to manage the project to “save money”. Cost overruns, products purchased that don’t fit, sub contractors not showing up, product delays, a “forgotten” permit when needed, a paint color that isn’t what you expected….it goes on and on.

Before you make the decision to build, remodel or install a new kitchen/bath, it is important to consult with a professional. Most designers, architects and general contractors offer complimentary consultations. If you decide to do a “self managed project”, here are a few things to remember:

• Begin from the bottom up – start with the foundation of the project. Know everything BEFORE you begin. Don’t make assumptions.
• If you are decorating, begin with flooring, paint and lighting – lighting is extremely important! You are building a foundation for style.
• Do not impulse-buy products because they are on sale. If they don’t fit, you have wasted time and money attempting to put a square peg in a round hole.
• Know your options before you make a decision. Not every salesperson is trained in the product they sell. Take the time to do your research.
• Review space plans for your project. There are several free “self help” sights from painting stores (my favorite is Benjamin Moore) to full design programs http://sketchup.google.com/download/ . You must be willing to do the work!
• And most importantly, do not be afraid to ask for help :-)

Next week – We will talk about kitchens!!

-Cheryl

Interview with Smith Architects P.A.

This week's profile is on Mark H. Smith, AIA of Smith Architects, PA. This Siesta Key native specializes in contemporary green design and project administration for residential and commercial projects throughout Florida's Gulf Coast. We had a chance to interview Smith and find out what led to his career in design and what inspires his work.

Q: What prompted you to enter into the field of architecture?

SMITH: It became apparent to my mother I was going to be an architect when I was a small child playing with building blocks. From Lincoln Logs to Legos, it was one design build project after another. As I got older, I realized that I was drawn to architecture (no pun intended). I can't imagine doing anything else.

Q: Which key influencers would you say helped craft your particular style of design?

SMITH: Like most young architects that grew up in the '60s and '70s I was inspired by the modern architectural movement of Frank Lloyd Wright, Paul Rudolph, and the like. Their use of indigenous materials and site specific design made so much sense to a young architect-to-be.

Falling Water

Q: What would you consider to be one of your personal favorite buildings designed by an American architect?

SMITH: "Falling Water" by Frank Lloyd Wright is a renown masterpiece of modern architecture and an inspiration to anyone with a pulse! Hard to believe this year marks the 75th anniversary of this National Historic Landmark located in Western Pennsylvania. The building is just as beautiful and timeless today as when it was first built.

Q: With the unfortunate loss of so many beautiful buildings across America, what would you say is one of the biggest local demolition tragedies this town has suffered?

SMITH: Riverview High School by Paul Rudolph was right here in Sarasota and I was lucky enough to study there in the early '70s. The school incorporated "green" design before people were thinking green. It had moveable glass walls that allowed cross ventilation. It had 8 foot wide concrete sunshades protecting the classrooms from the Florida sun. The school had light monitors in the hallways to allow the hot air to rise up, drawing in the cooler air under the sunshades through the classrooms. The light monitors also provided natural light to filter into the hallways making an incredibly pleasant learning environment...without air-conditioning! Unfortunately a narrow-minded school board followed the recommendation of an egocentric school superintendent and Riverview was demolished in 2009. We all must be on a constant vigil to preserve our architectural heritage.

Riverview High School by Paul Rudolph

Sarasota is lucky to have this talented and insightful architect in our midst! Smith is known for successfully bridging the gap between careful preservation efforts and bringing contemporary updates to existing design. He exercises green principles wherever possible in all new projects. Smith's studio is located at 5032 Calle Minorga on Siesta Key. For more information, please visit www.smith-architects.com or call 941.346.7205.

Feeling inspired? Click on this link to order a Lego Fallingwater kit from Amazon.com!

-Carrie

The Custom Built Home

You find the perfect section of land. You imagine a structure of concrete and steel, glass walls and stucco. The pool glistens as you look out your window, this art form that will become a dwelling. Your own custom home built to accomodate your lifestyle...and so it begins.

For two homes currently under construction by our teams on Siesta Key, the land began as a residential lot in the Siesta Key Village. The lot was divided into two conforming sizes to allow for best use of space by building two single family custom homes. Both are private residences. Both have in-ground pools elevated to first floor level. Store front windows were specified in one home, a Nana door system in the other. Both designed to capture the beautiful outdoors. I love windows. No doubt I could survive in a glass house. Although the use of passive solar design is helpful, the most daunting of moments in our designs are when I realize I will be forced to cover some of those windows!

Our teams of professionals understand that details are imperative to complete a structure that we admire and live in comfortably.

Meet Tom, the most important person on the job!! (We can't tell the architect or the GC that little bit of info). He is weathering the weather because we don't have room for a job site trailer. Tom catches all of our little mistakes and corrects them. He is the best!!!!

The interiors are designed and space planned. And the kitchens, well just wait until you see those designs and products. They rock!!

Over the next weeks we will tell you what products we are using and why they were chosen. We will update you with floor plans and elevations. You will experience the textures and colors of these new homes and hopefully get caught up in the excitement of creating spaces.

Questions and input are always welcome. Of course you can always do a drive-by for 316 and 320 Calle Miramar. So stay tuned as we walk you through the excitement of building custom residential homes within a block of the Number One Beach in America - Siesta Key!!

Cheryl

Who "Did" your walls?

Drama

So, who did your walls? Sherwin did mine! and Benjamin helped out too. But, I plan on making a change and letting the "other" guys help me this design go-around. Yes, I am talking about wallpaper. I know, most of you think of the horrid paper of the latter days, with random shapes of varied colors with little designs going every which way. Or maybe your basic complementary color stripes with little pineapples running vertically throughout the paper. Nope! Wallpaper is so now! And your are probably thinking, in Florida? Yes, even in Florida. What doesn't get a little crazy with all of our moisture. There are so many wonderful textures! Yes, we can take the time to smooth our walls and add the correct kind of texture. Who isn't tired of our knock down. I know I am! Wall coverings add so much dimension, style and drama to a space. Think of small spaces that you may not have enough room to really display the right kind of art or accessories, add some wallpaper and you're done. Helps to save on the budget too. Guys, think of all the time saved from having to visit the boutiques to find that "perfect" accessory. Girls, think of it as the perfect dress for any occasion in that space. Now, go find the room in your home that you would like us to DO!

Masculine Stripe Power

Sophisticated Elegance

Super Modern

Christy

Interior Stylist / CG Designs / 941.346.7401

Busby Cabinets

Cheryl and I were recently invited by Busby Cabinets to visit their flagship showroom in Orlando. The team at Busby has agreed to allow CG Designs to be their exclusive dealer in the Sarasota area. As you can imagine, all of us here at CG Designs are very excited about the opportunity to represent such an exclusive custom product.

Within the next few weeks, we will be receiving our sample door and finish selection center and vignette display for installation in the CG Designs showroom. Please feel free to visit the Siesta Key studio and take a look at what we have to offer in the way of fine custom cabinetry and custom millwork. In the meantime please enjoy these photos, which are excellent examples of the work and capabilities Busby Cabinets has to offer:

You can reach me at 941-374-2068 to schedule an appointment and discuss cabinetry concepts for your particular project. I look forward to hearing from you!

Will

Designer / CG Designs

All images are under copyright of Busby Cabinets.

Cheryl Gaddie

At the age of 5, I began to arrange the items on my Mother’s bureau. At the age of 21, I started my first business. Today, I have over 30 years of experience and education in the business of design.

Having surrounded myself with like-minded interior designers, working with highly-skilled contractors, and incorporating exceptional architects for solid structural engineering, I have learned to appreciate all aspects of the design process and the building industry. Throughout my career, my design business has served thousands of residential and commercial clients. I am confident in saying that each one of them would testify to the superior quality and satisfaction achieved through my work.

Residential design is a collection of accommodating personal styles and creating satisfying home experiences. I am able to understand my clients' needs for space design and overall function while assisting them in important creative decisions throughout the process. Commercial design involves taking the input of what is often a group of professional partners and narrowing in on their collective needs in addition to what will be the most appealing for their consumer audience. Both applications allow me to work with passionate people and ultimately assist them in facilitating their own realization of a dream.

I address Interior Design with an artistic approach. Each room is a canvas in which color and texture are the backdrop. When you enter a space, it should envelop you, not surprise you. When circumstances of life create a stressful environment, our peace may be achieved in the places where we dwell. Sometimes in order to achieve that serenity we need to modify our surroundings. Whether that change is to achieve better function, more comfort, or simply pure aesthetics, environmental change can be very rewarding. The attached photos are of my personal living space, where I spend equal parts in total relaxation mode as well as hosting friends and family when we entertain. Stay tuned for what's happening next in my personal world of design!

The purpose of this blog is to share the design process with our readers. My team and I will discuss trends, the importance of color, our favorite designs and designers, and we'll point you in the direction of resources we respect and admire, while educating and explaining important design decisions along the way. We also welcome your feedback and questions through the "comments" section!

I truly look forward to sharing this journey in design with you in hopes of inspiring ideas, staying in touch with friends and clients, and making creative alliances within in our wonderful design community.

Cheryl

To schedule an appointment, please call 941.346.7401 or visit www.cherylgaddiedesigns.com

(C) 2011 CG Designs