When asked, “what is my design process for selection and using of art in a room”, my response would be the following 3 things:
First I start with the clients’ personality and taste specifics. They are the ones who will be interacting in the environment, so make it something they would enjoy. The subject matter of a piece is perhaps the one area that can be altered the easiest but is most often overlooked. Colors are the primary thing that we all respond to. As children that was how we started identifying things. It hasn’t changed too much from that even in adulthood. I will often suggest that clients think outside their comfort zone, so that they can get a fresh perspective on what an environment can be.

Scale is the second consideration. Where are you positioning the item?  Will the art overcrowd the area in its use? Unless it is in a gallery, art is enjoyed and lived with, not just to be seen from afar. Interaction with the art is just as important as the sofa, or refrigerator. All of these items are used for one purpose or another. Why should art be any different? The use of art can be tactile, optical and many other things to many different people.

The last step in my planning process is to evaluate how the art and the user will not only react to each other; but how the art interacts with its surroundings. Art can blend in and be subtle, for demure observation, or it can be bold and striking, engaging you with every sense you have. Finish materials can be selected before the art, thereby guiding, or directing the way in which art is displayed, or the opposite. If the art is selected first then my job is to harmonize that environment with the       imagery selected.

I find even more of my traditional style clients are starting to understand & appreciate the option of Contemporary Art in their spaces. I feel Menaul Art provides a wonderful presentation method that allows clients to see the art in their space before they ever have to take it home. The laborious way of the past, trying several pieces in a space before a decision is made, can now be sidestepped, so everyone involved wastes less time. The clients will appreciate that, and designers do too.

John Beck
8870 N. Himes Ave #404
Tampa, FL 33614-1627
O 813.239.3983
C 941.320.8808
F 813.231.4746
JBADesign@tampabay.rr.com

Simplicity of Character is a Natural Result of Profound Thought

I started life humbly, growing up on eastern plains of Colorado on an Angus cattle ranch.  A hard work ethic & strong morals brought me to where I am today. While in High School I was asked what I would want to be when I graduated/grew up. My response was become a Butler and Interior Designer.

I have had the privilege of butlering for Suzanne Sommers and other internationally known celebrities in Palm Springs.

I graduated from the Ringling College of Art and Design as a Trustee Scholar from the Interior Design Department, and opened my own Design Firm the month I graduated.  I am an Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID.)

I had the opportunity to start my employment history working with my father on the ranch.  From there I went to riding livestock in the National Rodeo Circuit in Denver, Colorado.  After the rodeo, I worked every job I was offered in the 5 Star Denver hotel, The Brown Palace. I started as a dining room attendant & ended up a Sommelier in the Private Club dining room. A Maître d’ by the name of Jürgen Schuler was my mentor the entire time. He taught me that people with money are no different in qualities from anyone else; however they did demand respect & loyalty. He taught that when the guests needed for anything you must know it before they even asked, or at the very least you had to be able to produce the item in an efficient manner.  After working for many years in the Hospitality industry in as many facets as possible, a major car accident  almost took my left arm away from me in August 1995. Through many weeks & surgeries later, I was able to keep the semblance of an arm.   Although it gave me a constant reminder of how quickly we can all pass from this world, it also became a reason to push harder to get what I wanted from life. That is…to design.

Through much struggle & pain, I excelled in Erwin Tech School’s Interior Decorating program, then on to get my Associates in Science at HCC. With that and a portfolio of past artwork, I was able to apply to the College I had dreamed about going to for Interior Design…Ringling College of Art & Design.

Ringling educators & contacts were the next set of people I would call my mentors.  I maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.87 for the 4 years there. I found my life skills and experience coming to play a very helpful role in understanding the teachers & college. They freely told the     students that if you did as you were asked & no more, then you received a C. I learned that to be successful in college was just like the real world. You had to stand out to get noticed by the people you wanted to work with. One way to stand out was to join the student chapter of ASID. I was also involved right away in a National Professional Society that would catapult my career. I took in every bit of information I could get my hands on that would not only help me in college, but assist me in the future career I wanted. Many volunteer hours were given to become an accepted part of the Society.  It was through one of those ASID peers that I received my biggest clients to date.

The client has 4 properties along the coastal islands in Sarasota, and several others on Toronto. I have worked on a variety of design jobs for this any many other clients, and I enjoy every minute of it. It gives me great joy to know I helped guide someone toward accomplishing their dream, a space they couldn’t create without my input. Many of the vendors I have worked with over the years have also given me leads. I feel you should never burn a bridge; you never know when that will be needed during a drought or a flood (figuratively speaking). Loyalty in times like this is essential.

We specialize in complete Interior Designs. Masterpiece Interior Designs work with complete homes or specialty areas. Many times we help client’s redo & update their homes. We create beautiful homes in traditional, contemporary or “The Mix” style.

Masterpiece Interior Designs has a full line of interior design products. We offer excellent selections of furniture, window treatments, area rugs and art work. Key to all the above, is the design work that puts it all together for that great interior!

Both Laura & Diane have been professional ASID Designers for over 30 years, and are the exclusive designers for Todd Johnston Homes. We work with many residential clients.  Laura and Diane have had pictures of some of their interior design work in local magazines and newspapers over the years. The firm has won design awards in a number of Parade of Homes.

We work in the Sarasota area, but we are available for work in other areas outside Sarasota. Please call if questions on furniture or art used in the photo. We enjoy using Menaul Fine Art in our projects.

Laura Burnside, ASID  Fla. Lic #0000940

Graduate of Kansas State College, BA in Interior Design and Housing.
Worked in Kansas City for three years at a large home furnishing/design store. Moved to Florida in late 70’s. Worked in design studio in Kane’s of Sarasota for over 20 years. Senior designer for many years. Specialized in models and complete interior design in clients homes. Have been with Masterpiece Interior Designs for a number of years as Manager and Interior Designer. Laura has had numerous photographs of work in newspapers and magazines. The model homes done by Masterpiece Interior Designs have won many Parade Of Homes awards. Laura has participated in show houses for The West Coast Symphony, A.S.I.D. designer showcase and the Boys and Girls club showhouse.

Diane Machise, ASID. fl. st Lic # 0001216

I attended Indiana University and studied interior & fashion design.
In 1978 Diane and her family moved to Sarasota,Florida Opened Interior Design Studio, ( Nettle Creek Shop and Interior by Diane) Two years later we opened a second studio in Fort Myers, Fl. My design work has taken me to New Hampshire, Maine, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky & Tennessee. We enjoyed a successful business for over 23 years. I have been a member of ASID for 20 years and served as Director of ASID and Program Chairman for many years. I am now employed at Masterpiece Interior Designs were we do Model homes for Todd Johnston Homes and create beautiful and functional interiors for our many clients.

3859 Bee Ridge Rd. Suite 102
Sarasota, FL 34233
941-929-1110
lburnside@masterpieceid.com
dmachise@masterpieceid.com

Studio M was looking for a Florida artist whose complement the impressive design of our recent project at Signature Place, a new landmark condo/mixed-use complex in downtown St. Petersburg, FL.

Signature Place features an innovative slim glass design that resembles a gossamer sail, transforming St. Peterburg’s waterfront skyline in a most fitting way. Menaul’s arresting artwork is an appropriate choice for the architectural artistry of Signature Place as both seem to elicit similar responses from those who see them, helping to maintain design continuity from the outside in. Words like “intriguing, inspriring, awestruck, and touched me in a personal way” have all been used to describe both Menaul’s artwork and the architecture of Signature Place.

Menaul’s artwork is like air, crystal and light with a wonderful infusion of colors that forward the Signature Place design. I have always been intrigued with how light, color, textures and sound can influence a space and we strive to produce interiors that enliven the senses. Menaul is a master in his use of light and color on giclee canvases that pick up the surrounding elements, tying the decor together, bringing life to the space.

Michelle Jennings Wiebe

306 East Oak Avenue
Tampa, FL 33602
info@InteriorsByStudioM.com
813-221-5260

Surrounded by historical homes in a small town, Michelle’s passion for design grew as she did. With a gift for detail at a young age, she drafted floor plans, designed small scale homes and painted still life. Now, with more than sixteen years of professional experience and a love for the colors and forms of God’s creation, Michelle considers each new space an artist’s canvas. From custom residences to corporate headquarters, she designs interiors that bring inspiration and joy.

“I have always been intrigued with how light, colors, textures, and sound can influence a space. At Studio M, we strive to produce interiors that enliven your senses.”

As a Professional Member of ASID, she is recognized for meeting strict standards and maintaining Continuing Education. A cum laude graduate from Florida State University with a Bachelor degree in Interior Design, she has been a licensed practicing Interior Designer since 1991.

Michelle enjoys traveling, reading, and just hanging out with her two young sons and husband.

http://www.interiorsbystudiom.com/

twitter.com/StudioM_

www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-M-Inc/107761643599

Art plays such an integral part of a completed project. It can add drama, set the style, fill a void and add color and texture. When designing a project, I often look to a client’s artwork for inspiration and have planned color schemes and lighting around existing artwork. Whether the artwork is where a project begins or is added later, I believe that it should always be a reflection of the client’s taste. —Christine DeLashmutt

Christine DeLashmutt, RID, ASID
813-340-6711
CDeLashmutt@verizon.net

Florida license #3585
NCIDQ certified

Practice encompasses yacht, residential and commercial interiors. Having spent 15 years in the yacht manufacturing industry designing and specifying the interiors for up to 116’ motor yachts and express boats, primary focus is on functionality, space planning and style. These same priorities are applied to all design projects whether they involve boats, homes, vacation homes or businesses.

Accomplishments
BS Interior Design, University of Georgia, Cum Laude.
NCIDQ certified.
Registered Interior Designer, State of Florida.
Candidate for The Super Yacht Society International Award for Design 2008
The Super Yacht Society International Award for Design Leadership, Nov. 2000
Showboats International Bal de la Mer, Monaco 2000 Best Interior Design Semi-Production Yacht
ASID Design Excellence & Professional Design Awards:
1999 & 1997, South Florida
2003, North Florida
2005, Florida West Coast

Publications
Showboats International, interview November 2001 issue
Robb Report, interview “Best of the Best” issue, 2003
Icon, interview 2007
Work published in numerous magazines: Robb Report, Showboats International, Yachts International, Yachting, Power & Motor, Southern Boating, Tampa Bay

Activities
Active member of the Florida West Coast Chapter of ASID. Currently serving as President.
Enjoy travel, walking, kayaking, shelling and spending free time with family and friends.

My Process For Selecting Art

When choosing art for a room, one of two approaches can be taken – the piece selected will either finish the room or define the room. Both approaches are appropriate, but will obviously enhance the room design with completely different statements. A beautiful painting that echoes the look of the design adds a classic touch that completes a space. This is art that finishes a room.

On the other hand, a bold, contemporary piece of abstract art that makes a statement on its own merit is art that defines a room. Scott Menaul’s Natural Musings triptych installed as a vertical orientation on a 22’ tall focal wall makes a striking visual statement in this modern living room. The broad strokes of russet, gold and aqua echo and enliven the room’s muted, earthy color palette. The dominant size of the art carries the eye upward to bring the custom, hand-blown glass chandelier into more prominent view. The statement is exciting and memorable. This is art that defines the room!

Karen Brown Interiors, Inc.
6022 River Terrace
Tampa, FL 33604
913-340-2085
karenbrowninteriors@gmail.com
www.karenbrowninteriorsinc.com

Karen Brown, President of Karen Brown Interiors, Inc., has worked as an interior designer for over 20 years serving residential clients throughout the Tampa Bay area. An allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers, she has designed numerous award-winning model homes and designer showhouses for the Florida Orchestra, ASID and, most recently, the Mayfair Charity Showhouse in Tampa.

Having been involved in the restoration of     numerous historic homes, Ms. Brown is a strong advocate for historic preservation. During the recent multi-million dollar renovation of Ca’ d’ Zan, John and Mabel Ringling’s circa 1924 mansion turned state museum, Ms. Brown was honored to act as adviser to the curator on the selection of historically accurate fabrics and furniture.

Ms. Brown was featured on an episode of the popular HGTV television series Designers’ Challenge. Her designs have been showcased in numerous publications including the New Kidspace Idea Book, Dream Walls and Decorator Showhouses. In addition, her work has been published in Florida Design, Gulfcoast Design, DuPont Registry, Tampa Bay Illustrated, Tampa Bay Metro, Flair, Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times.

Along with interior design, Brown is also a proficient mural artist and frequently begins with a custom designed mural as inspiration for a client’s room. Ms. Brown was honored to receive a special commission to design and lead a small team of artists to paint a mural on canvas symbolizing the relationship between a Tampa Anglican church and its sister parish in Rwanda. The team traveled to Africa to present the mural to the bishop and congregation in a meaningful ceremony in 2008. Active in community service, Ms. Brown is a member of the board of directors of The Education Channel and also sits on the advisory committee of the newly-formed Tampa Bay Arts Channel.

Thomas Jackson, Allied ASID, has managed Copenhagen Imports in Sarasota for going on 28 years. Tom’s love for beautiful wood and his adventurous use of color has made him a stand-out in his field of interior design. You probably won’t find much in the way of beige in his projects. As he says,”Do you see beige in a rainbow?” The bold use of color in his interiors may not be for everyone, but why not? When was the last time you walked in to a home and said “I just love this off-white room ?” Most people will comment on a bolder color palette. How about that red powder room or that yellow laundry?  What about an orange kitchen? It worked for Howard Johnsons.

Upon discovering Menaul Fine Art, Tom immediately was enthralled with the possibilities of taking a great piece of art then modifying it to suit a particular setting. In the home pictured here , the owners had the typical 1980s beige and almond . They knew they wanted change but were unsure of an exact color way. Tom took their ideas and meshed them with his for spectacular results. Working with Scott was icing on the cake. Tom scoured through Scott’s collection ,ignoring colors, but concentrated on images only. He then worked with Scott to modify the colors and dimensions to achieve the final results seen here. Ta da!   Thanks go to Scott and Jerri.

941-504-8772

“When choosing art work for clients, the first thing I consider is their personalities–I want to give them something really special to make them feel good every time they see it. The next thing I consider is budget.   Everyone has a magic number he is considering. Style, color and subject matter round out the thought process.”

A. Alex Incorporated
Interior Decor Services
Phone:  (813) 968-2869

Alice Alexander has been servicing clients as a professional interior designer for many years. Her specialty includes window treatments and accessorizing. Her clients include from the personal homes of high profile sports professionals to moderate income professionals who want to enhance their living spaces. She truly enjoys collaborating with her clients to create the space of their dreams – functional, fashionable, and suitable to their lifestyle. Her experience in the furniture business gives her a foundation of structure, while her time working with an art licensor has taught her that the mood of an entire room can change with the framing of just one art piece. Alice truly enjoys the texture of textiles – be it on upholstery or window treatments, she enjoys making a statement.