February 14, 2014

This geometric screen holds the dining room in while still keeping an openness to the space. (Folder of Ideas)

Screens are a versatile design element I like to use as much as possible because of their multiple functions. They are a versatile tool that delineate rooms, create zones for privacy, add texture and often have a decorative quality. They originated in ancient China, eventually spreading to East Asia and Europe, and were first used primarily to help prevent drafts. In classical times they were used as dressing screens in ladies change rooms (think Downton Abbey). Today they can be purely functional, solely decorative or both. Here are some of my favourites. Enjoy!

Jaw dropping Art Nouveau door to the former C.D. Peacock jewelry store on State Street at Monroe in Downtown Chicago, Illinois. Divine! (Flickr) — Jaw dropping Art Nouveau door to the former C.D. Peacock jewelry store on State Street at Monroe in Downtown Chicago, Illinois. Divine! (Flickr)

Contemporary space that I would love to work or live in with textured wooden screen very effectively adds richness, separation and filtering of light. (Flashdecor)

These Art Deco bronze screens were salvaged from the original Toronto Eaton's department store for my own home.  A great find, especially since the cabinetry had all ready been built and they fit perfectly! (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - P… — These Art Deco bronze screens were salvaged from the original Toronto Eaton's department store for my own home. A great find, especially since the cabinetry had all ready been built and they fit perfectly! (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by ted Yarwood)

I found this door image with a grill pattern very similar to the ones I used above for my cabinets.  Someday I will have my own doors created for a similar affect (this is when a small home becomes a challenge!) (HomeDSGN) — I found this door image with a grill pattern very similar to the ones I used above for my cabinets. Someday I will have my own doors created for a similar affect (this is when a small home becomes a challenge!) (HomeDSGN)

Walk in closet screen nicely divides space and adds richness and texture. (Studio Annetta) — Walk in closet screen nicely divides space and adds richness and texture. (Studio Annetta)

Screen with De gourney wallpaper can be used in the corner of a living room for height and drama, a master bedroom for private dressing or in a  ladies' private sitting room. I would love to feature this in an ultra contemporary white interior.… — Screen with De gourney wallpaper can be used in the corner of a living room for height and drama, a master bedroom for private dressing or in a ladies' private sitting room. I would love to feature this in an ultra contemporary white interior. (Belgian Pearls)

For a different take on screens, here I used vintage letter press storage boxes for this dining room buffet. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc - Photos by Michael Graydon)

PostedFebruary 14, 2014

AuthorTheresa Casey

CategoriesInterior, Design Tool

TagsScreens, Privacy Screens, Room Divider, Dining Room, Closet

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February 7, 2014

Imagine dining at looking out these  floor to ceiling windows. (Afflante) — Imagine dining at looking out these floor to ceiling windows. (Afflante)

I know the term "Loft Living" has become ubiquitous of late, but I happened upon some images of loft apartments that reminded me of why they are so appealing. They often feature grand floor to ceiling windows, open floor plans, inventive use of space and fun off-the-wall possibilities - like being able to get around your space on roller skates or your bike! Maybe I'm channeling my inner Patti Smith, but what they heck, enjoy the ride with me and check out some of my latest, greatest favourites.

Black windows here are terrifically graphic and the outrageous height of them is artfully played up with low furniture. Wonderful drama. (Vector Design Store)

The great opportunity of loft spaces is the height and the chance to create drama, bold statements such as this grand brass and lacquer island. (Habitually Chic)

Love this clean space - the amber coloured furniture really warms it up! (Decora)

A Sophisticated Loft featuring traditional elements - works just as well as uber modern and with loads of personality. (Content in a Cottage)

Tribeca Duplex - love the feeling of space, the white floors, the natural colour palette. I would move in a heartbeat! (Archinect)

I like how the space is divided with tall tall black metal french doors so that there is intimacy and openness. The walls and floor of the master bath are lined with very graphic cipollino marble and divided with a classic black metal framed doors t… — I like how the space is divided with tall tall black metal french doors so that there is intimacy and openness. The walls and floor of the master bath are lined with very graphic cipollino marble and divided with a classic black metal framed doors to great affect. This is a space that invites you to wander around and discover. I love the hint that we get here and wish I could explore. (Elle Decor)

Former Factory Loft In London doesn't get better than this! (Afflante)

A Light-filled London Loft featuring a ladder to reach tall shelves - it's something that lots of us would love. There is something so romantic about it and I also love the green painted wood floors. (Bloglovin')

The brick walls have been painted and there is a hint of whimsy to the wide-open space that makes it very appealing. (Remodelista)

I just love this clean warm kitchen. The shiny cabinets and the matt wood are great dance partners.   It reminds me of a cottage we are designing so I'll be sure to post pictures as we're in the construction phase right now.(Remodelista) — I just love this clean warm kitchen. The shiny cabinets and the matt wood are great dance partners. It reminds me of a cottage we are designing so I'll be sure to post pictures as we're in the construction phase right now.(Remodelista)

A dreamy minimalist design bedroom in white. The tall tall ceilings make this appealing as I don't usually like the split wall but I love the zen vibe. (Loftenberg)

What's not to like about this classic loft with the metal staircase, rows of books and openness. (Weheartit)

PostedFebruary 7, 2014

AuthorTheresa Casey

CategoriesInterior

TagsLoft Space, Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Floor to Ceiling Windows

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January 17, 2013

The New York Times Style Magazine featured a Chicago high-rise featuring gilding and mirrors. — The *New York Times Style Magazine* featured a Chicago high-rise featuring gilding and mirrors.

One recent installation by Casey Design combined mirror and silver leaf to create a dynamic opening impression in a client’s foyer. The small space needed a boost, and we thought mirrors would be a bold way to add interest as well as to expand the space. We have used mirror extensively before, on feature walls, or by covering a fireplace wall, but never in conjunction with the silver leaf.

A similar Chicago project, featured in a 2011 issue of The New York Times Style Magazine, used gold leaf on the moulding in a combination with mirrors inside the panels. In our case, we wanted a more contemporary style so we chose to silver leaf the moulding of the panelled walls, and installed beveled mirrors onto the entire wall surface surrounding the moulding.

Gold leafing or gilding has been used historically for surface decoration to give objects the appearance of being solid gold or silver by covering the base with thin layers of foil or 'leaf'. Both silver and gold leaf are finicky materials to work with, and take expertise and patience to apply flawlessly. Thankfully we had our talented artist/designer, Kari Serrao, execute the silver leafing. Here are the steps undertaken for the foyer: a base clay coating was painted on the moulding, then a layer of clear glue was applied, then the leaf was carefully applied, and finally a finish lacquer coat sealed the surface. The next big step was to have our mirror installers do extensive measuring and calculating for the over 100 pieces of mirror. The final result: a transformed entryway and a vastly enhanced spacious foyer, with drama and depth. The clients were thrilled!

A client's mirrored foyer with a custom floating, lacquer table. (Photo by Ted Yarwood)

The floor-to-ceiling mirrored fireplace emphasizes the verticality and expands the space. (Photo by Ted Yarwood)

The client's foyer before the work began.

Designer & artist, Kari Serrao, beginning the silver leaf process.

The foyer once the silver leaf and lacquer was applied.

Mirror pieces were measured, cut and numbered to ensure they were installed correctly.

All of the pieces are starting to come together.

In process - installing the final mirrors.

This girl's bathroom is completed with mirrored panels that have hidden storage behind. Any girl's dream come true. (Photo by Ted Yarwood) — This girl's bathroom is completed with mirrored panels that have hidden storage behind. Any girl's dream come true. (Photo by Ted Yarwood)

PostedJanuary 17, 2014

AuthorTheresa Casey

CategoriesInterior, The Design Process

TagsMirrors, Foyer, Fireplace, Mirrored Fireplace, Gilding, Silver Leaf, Bathroom

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November 26, 2013

A designated Family Room creates the perfect place for the children to play and watch TV. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

It is often thought to be impossible to keep your home neat and tidy and stylish once the children arrive. Images of all the toys and clutter associated with children come to mind. However, if planned correctly, it can be possible to have both a chic, beautiful home and a big family to live in it. You just need to adopt family-friendly design concepts to accommodate your growing family as you create the style of your dreams.

Key points to remember for family-friendly design: You can always create separate spaces for the children and adults to entertain or hangout. A third floor family room gives the children a place to watch TV and listen to music, while a master suite can create a calming space for parents to relax in. Use kid-friendly fabrics and furniture that can be easily cleaned. This does not mean you have to settle for childish patterns. A bold, green, vinyl wallcovering with assorted vintage letters adds interest and warmth to the room for both adults and children. It also creates a modern space you can be proud of. Storage is another important factor as children come with a lot of stuff. You need to find ways to store their toys and books in a manner that adds to the design of the room. Use storage and shelving that makes everything easily accessible, but can hide the more unsightly clutter. A contemporary, white gloss cabinet with a mix of open shelves and closed cupboards does just that, for example. Lastly, you should simultaneously incorporate the personalities of the children and create a room that they can grow with, so you don’t need to re-do the rooms every couple of years. A client’s son had an interest in collecting toy cars, and we found an antique glass cabinet and created custom, steel shelves to display them. These pieces will remain classic bedroom pieces that he can grow with and they add sophistication to the room, while the collection of toys brings the fun of childhood.

This cozy banquette provides additional space for the client's teenagers to hangout. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — This cozy banquette provides additional space for the client's teenagers to hangout. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Master Suite with fireplace, seating area and spa-like washroom for parents of three to retreat to. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Master Suite with fireplace, seating area and spa-like washroom for parents of three to retreat to. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Two Storey "Great Room" fit for family as well as catered business functions with its separate pantry. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Two Storey "Great Room" fit for family as well as catered business functions with its separate pantry. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Kid-Friendly wallpaper with assorted vintage letters that adds interest to the room. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Michael Graydon) — Kid-Friendly wallpaper with assorted vintage letters that adds interest to the room. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Michael Graydon)

These polkda dot shower curtains enhance the design while adding a fun element to the bathroom. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — These polkda dot shower curtains enhance the design while adding a fun element to the bathroom. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Contemporary, white gloss cabinet that is perfect for storage. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Michael Graydon) — Contemporary, white gloss cabinet that is perfect for storage. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Michael Graydon)

Side Mud Room with cubby storage for the whole family. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Side Mud Room with cubby storage for the whole family. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Antique, glass cabinet and steel shelving to  display our client's son's toy car collection. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Antique, glass cabinet and steel shelving to display our client's son's toy car collection. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Bedroom that plays off of our client's daughter's fashion interests. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Bedroom that plays off of our client's daughter's fashion interests. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

A bathroom created for a teenage girl that will grow with her. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — A bathroom created for a teenage girl that will grow with her. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

PostedNovember 26, 2013

AuthorTheresa Casey

CategoriesInterior, The Design Process

TagsWallpaper, Bathroom, Bedroom, Master Ensuite, Living Room, Kitchen, Storage

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November 19, 2013

Red and Orange Textured, Linen Wallpaper (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Red and Orange Textured, Linen Wallpaper (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Before I started working at Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. as the social media coordinator, I thought of wallpaper as a trend of the past. I recalled my grandmother’s house or my family’s kitchen and the flower bud wallpaper that was such a pain to take down when we decided it had seen its last day. Little did I know that wallpaper had made a huge comeback…

The reinvention of wallpaper has made it a new modernizing tool for interior designers around the world. It can be used to add colour, texture, and depth; effects that no amount of paint can achieve. Here are some inventive examples of how we have used wallpaper for our clients: A bold, red and orange circled, linen wallpaper is used to make a statement in this entryway. A nature-inspired wallpaper creates a calming atmosphere for a master bedroom. A Toile wallpaper creates an Old World, French style for a powder room that looks as if it belongs in a chateau. Theresa and the team at Casey Design Group have never been afraid to use wallpaper creatively, and now neither will I!