Plum Tree Grows!

Plum Tree Interiors is so delighted to announce the addition of Stephanie Manthei (on right) to the team. Stephanie will bring to your projects added organization, coordination and service! She has a knowledge of our local vendors and suppliers, understands Laura's crazy design methods, and has the ability to get things done that will only increase the successful outcomes of your project. It is an exciting time indeed...

Fresh from the furniture market

TREND REPORT

Market this year was full of supple, rich, silky textures on upholstery. Metallics. BRASS IS OFFICALLY BACK. Little tables in various shapes, sizes and heights. Including 12" high lilly pad tables, fabulous for moving around and setting those little neccesities on! Retro 70's is not only big in fashion but back in upholstery fabrics with bold oranges, blacks and greens. Bling is in too with lots of jewels and bubble glass. Oh my how design is fun!

Power of Shade

Never underestimate what window treatments can add to a spaces function and aesthetics! This installation of a rigid panel system adds great pizaaz and comfort to the guest suite at my sisters contemporary loft in Portland.

Check out some of the new and exciting progressions in window treatements at www.shadestore.com!

Northern Michigan Rustic Contemporary

Sometimes you just got to shake it up a bit! This showroom display designed for Capital Granite provides a vision of how contemporary lines can be combined with the beautiful woods of northern Michigan to create a warm, interesting, clean interior. Beautiful illuminating onyx bar top and shelf back bring organic rich color to the space. Why not consider using a glass vessel bowl and wall mounted pot filler fixture to bring new pizaaz to your bar area? Oh, the options are endless! Check it out next time you drive by Capital Granite located on US31 downtown Petoskey.

Home Life Magazine Article

The Crotty Residence was completed this summer! Home Life Magazine, a Petoskey-News Review publication did a series of articles about the building process. This is the final article showing finished photos and

lists the great team of participants that made it all happen.

Enjoy!http://www.miseasons.com/homelife/issues/julaug09/crottyremodel.html

Get your tickets now!

2009 Ultimate Up North Kitchen Tour is going to be featuring a "Laura" design. Mark the date, October 24th.

Follow this link to get your tickets now!

http://community.mynorth.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2345865%3ABlogPost%3A31220

Texture- Giving spaces life!

Never underestimate the power texture has on our interiors. Layers of color, shape and TEXTURE are what create interest in architecture and interiors. There are some fantastic materials available in the market place for enhancing texture in your spaces.

One is these products is by Modular Arts. I was at a design show, at least 6 years ago, and this manufacturer had a tiny booth tucked in the back of the show. I was delighted to find them and was confident they were on to a great idea. As most innovative ideas, it takes a while to hit mainstream. They are not there yet and for something still cutting edge- check out the textures they offer you to enhance your interiors.

http://www.modulararts.com/

Evolving Style through Finishes

Plum Tree's latest design submission! (written by my fabulous designing sister)

Dearest design sponge,

I found these two pieces of furniture on craigslist for $300! Between my sister (interior designer) and I (art director) we knew we could make them into fabulous contemporary pieces. It was a challenge to figure out and we thought you and your readers might find there to be some useful information. I attached the photos of the phases with more details. We are huge fans of your blog! Thanks. (for those of you not familiar http://www.designspongeonline.com/)

Phase #1: I found a posting on craigslist for redwood driftwood table. All I wanted was the table, but the guy threw in the chair for an extra $25! He told me that the table and chair were from a factory in northern California and were purchased by his parents in the early 70's. (The guy actually busted out Christmas photos of himself as a baby on the table) They were in really good condition, but were completely yellow from that awful shellac that people used to use in the 70's!

Phase #2: I found a local artist here in Portland, OR who did metal sandblasting. He sandblasted both pieces for $150.

Phase #3: At this point it was very unclear as to how to proceed because after the sandblasting was done we could tell that the chair was not all redwood. So we attempted a white oak wood stain, which did nothing. Laura suggested that we white wash with a greener toned white, to counter act some of the red in the redwood. So I watered down the paint with a 3/4, 1/4 ratio and painted everything. Once it was dry, we rented a hand sander with a 120 sandpaper and very careful took off portions. Lastly, used a low-luster water based acrylic from benjamin moore. Gave it the final touch, that really pulled out portions of the wood.The finished product we are so happy with... literally it took 20 years off these pieces! With materials in all, we spent $800. Not bad for 2 new pieces of furniture that will last us another 20 years.

Thanks and all the best. Heather and Laura Gray

Fireplace Transformation #2

This beautiful fireplace renovation included the complete removal of the old and updated finishes to incorporate the owner's style. And of course, media equipment. The television is tucked in the custom cabinet to the right. It lifts out via mechanical lift. The new fireplace is painted and glazed wood along with limestone. Dyed poplar creates the rich cabinetry that flank the hearth. An uplight is incorporated into the mantel top to illuminate art. This picture was taken just before the installation of the side cabinets was complete that includes frosted glass doors with metal grille inserts.



Before.

Fireplace Transformation

Anyone for TV? No, you prefer to just rest and not look at that big black void? Ok.

Before.

Outdoor Kitchens

We are getting close to the time of year when we all want to get out of the house! Outdoor kitchens are becoming a popular way to extend our interiors out. This is an outdoor kitchen I designed with a built-in pizza oven, custom teak cabinets, concrete countertops, a washed concrete floors, and a nice dining area under a beautiful wood ceiling.

Some considerations to keep in mind:
What do you want to cook outdoors?
How many would you like to entertain?
What do you want to store outside?
What style do you prefer?

and then...
When would you like it to be completed?


I will figure out the rest! Bring on summer.

Home Life Magazine #4

Crotty Residence progress continues to be documented!

Check out the article at: http://www.miseasons.com/homelife/issues/mayjun09/homestretch.html

Coverings '09

I attended the Tile and Stone Design show in Chicago this last weekend. Although American manufacturers were barely represented, I got a good feeling where the European manufacturers are taking things. Here is my trend report.

1. VERTICAL.

Tiles of all shapes and sizes are being turned to create a more vertical orientation. If tiles are being turned then varying tile shapes or colors are being introduced into designs to highlight architectural features in a vertical way.

2. SHIMMER AND BLING.

Metallics which have been taking over the fashion industry for the last few years have officially moved into tile. Crystals are being set into tiles. Washes of iridescence or shimmering top coats were very common. My favorite was glitter grout, not yet available in U.S., but being made by Mapei in Italy-

so it's coming!

3. TEXTURE and SHAPE.

Thank goodness tile manufacturers are listening to us say we are bored with 4x4. Shape options have gone nuts! From curves, to HUGE, to narrow and long. In addition, three dimensional tiles that actually extend from the wall and create texture are becoming more available.

5. PRINTS.

Large format photos are being morphed and printed on tiles to create some interesting options that can include multiple colors are be rather simple and elegant in black and white.

Tile away! The design options are endless. As always, it's an exciting time to be in design.

HomeLife Magazine Issue #3

Check out the article:
http://www.miseasons.com/homelife/issues/marapr09/remodel3.html