February 21, 2014

I upholstered our basement guest room walls in black and white silk creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. No one feels hard done by sleeping here! (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Angus Ferguson) — I upholstered our basement guest room walls in black and white silk creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. No one feels hard done by sleeping here! (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Angus Ferguson)

I love the drama of all black and white interiors created solely to play on the contrast between light and dark. One of my art school teachers, John Leonard, taught me that CONTRAST was one of the most valuable tools in the artist's tool box. Over and over I return to the truth of his statement. The other intriguing quality of black and white interiors are their calmness. I know this seems inconsistent when I've just said that these interiors are often dramatic, but I would say that if you look through the following images you can see how these interiors draw you in and have a peaceful quality. I would liken it to looking at black and white photos. Somehow the lack of colour helps us to focus more clearly, and to appreciate the simplicity of the palette. Another quality that you will often find in these black and white interiors is a rich variety of textures. Let me know what you think.

Gorgeous marble wall offset with handsome black accessories creates the drama I love! (Yellowtrace)

Ticking black and white stripe Chesterfield is yummy but what's really yummy is pairing it with black velvet drapes and gold trim. (Tokyo Jinja)

This graphic basement home office featuring striped area rug, collection of black and white drawings to create an airy yet interesting work space. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Angus Fergusson) — This graphic basement home office featuring striped area rug, collection of black and white drawings to create an airy yet interesting work space. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Angus Fergusson)

Villa Sorra, in Emilia Romagna, Italy, an old world take on black and white Italian style. So clean but so warm. (IIIInspired)

The client's non-functioning kitchen was redesigned to create this galley kitchen with marble counter top and backsplash that nicely contrast the dark cabinets. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

I love everything in this room especially the minimal fireplace and the art on top! (Peek of Perfection)

The floating, walnut vanity in this guest ensuite leaves plenty of room for the toile fabric storage baskets below. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

The ultimate in black and white styling. I can't resist. (Ark Pad)

Wall Of Frames in Slanted-Ceiling Bedroom is divine and just as strong as one large painting. (House & Home)

Are these black silk pleated walls? If so, I want them. (Ark Pad)

I did this project for a young entrepreneur over 10 years ago and it still has a classic enduring quality.  The clean, textured, sexy custom black lacquer fireplace brings focus, texture and drama to this contemporary living room. (Casey Design… — I did this project for a young entrepreneur over 10 years ago and it still has a classic enduring quality. The clean, textured, sexy custom black lacquer fireplace brings focus, texture and drama to this contemporary living room. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

PostedFebruary 21, 2014

AuthorTheresa Casey

CategoriesInterior, Contrast, Design Tool

TagsBlack & White, Texture, Calmness, Drama, Bedroom, Kitchen, Living Room, Office, Bathroom

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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 30, 2014

My kitchen is inspired by luxury ocean liners and features custom cherry wood and brass kitchen cabinets with marble counters and walls. I never grow tired of coming home to this! (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

I have been having an unabashed love affair with unlaquered brass finishes for over ten years. It started when I was doing research on the designs from the 1920's, 30's and 40's for a residential project. I then began collecting wonderful design books from all the great designers of that era: Jacques Quinet, Andre Arbus and Jean Royere. These designers used unlaquered brass as accents on cabinets, as one of a kind hardware, on screens, you name it.

Not long afterwards my husband and I purchased a 1930's house and renovated it, and used brass throughout as one of the main materials. I even went so far as to have chrome bathroom fixtures stripped of their chrome finish as I knew that a beautiful brass finish lay underneath. I love brass' warmth, it's patina and unlike the shiny tacky glossy finish on brass you find from the 80's, this is like an aged wine - timeless and deeply satisfying.

Modern brass lighting and take off on vintage version but not usually seen in brass. (Elle Decor)

Brass railing, light fixture and hardware very sexy with graphic black and white Colour scheme. (Elle Decor)

I played off the contemporary brass tub filler with an Asian inspired mural of cherry blossoms to create a zen peaceful ensuite for a young chic couple. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Donna Griffith)

Custom designed mahogany vanity with stone counter and muted brass taps/hardware/sconces in master ensuite. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Donna Griffith)

AERIN Nesting Sphere Bowls perfect for adding warmth to a still life composition. (Elle Decor)

A clean contemporary makeup area featuring 1930's brass sconces and hardware that leads from the walk-in closet to the master suite's four-poster brass bed. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Donna Griffith)

Marble nesting table by Jim Hannon-Tan. in the Jan 2013 issue of World of Interiors. I love the mix of materials here and the scale: solid, parchment coloured tables with the brass long necked bird. Their inherent qualities are so opposite that thei… — Marble nesting table by Jim Hannon-Tan. in the Jan 2013 issue of World of Interiors. I love the mix of materials here and the scale: solid, parchment coloured tables with the brass long necked bird. Their inherent qualities are so opposite that their differences makes them look better when seen together. (World of Interiors)

Old World glamour is brought to my bathroom with a black glass and marble tub, vintage brass faucets and cherrywood accents. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

I found these brass vintage grills at a flea market and they were perfect for the built in cabinet surrounding our dining room banquet. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

A master ensuite featuring custom designed onyx floor and walls and vintage brass cabinet for towels. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Guest bathroom in Cameron Diaz's home creates "Old World Hollywood" glamour through the use of brass shower stall, sconces and sink. Please invite me! (Elle Decor)

PostedJanuary 30, 2014

AuthorTheresa Casey

CategoriesColour, Finishes

TagsKitchen, Light Bulb, Brass, Accessories, Finishes, Brass Railing, Foyer, Bathroom, Taps, Handles, Closet, Lighting, Brass Sconces

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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!