#tsgdesign

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Entryway Solutions w/ SOI BOI Design

Ever find yourself stuck with what to do in a challenging space like an entryway? It’s the first thing people notice when visiting your home, but often the most limited when it comes to space. Below, SOI BOI Design Team Shay O’Connor and Rita Howerton give us 3 fool-proof tips on how to make an impact in your entry. 

SOI BOI Tip #1

1) Mirrors can be your best friend in tight spaces and are a great way to trick the eye. A well-placed mirror can give the illusion of more square feet, height and even light. The key is to find an element that the mirror can reflect in that tight space (for example, we utilized the oversized prints from the adjacent wall in this particular space).  

SOI BOI Tip #2

Speaking of, don't shy away from incorporating oversized images or frames to make an impact. These additions can become a defining element in a small space and often bring together an overall design or color scheme. Now it goes without saying, if you're going BIG make sure you love it. This central piece really can set the tone for your entire space.

SOI BOI Tip #3

Texture texture texture (we love natural greenery, woven elements, and mixed metal finishes). These final touches in a small space can really bring everything together and make the space feel lived in.

To see more inspiration from SOI BOI, or to contact them for your own design consultation, be sure to visit their website below and tell them the SCOUT sent you!

SOI BOI

(all photos courtesy SOI BOI)

- Jaclyn

[beachdylbacon]

@tsgdesign on Twitter (http://twitter.com/tsgdesign/status/839995432650579968)

[tsgnorthwestarkansas]

#scouted | three of our most fav home design elements: black & white + tribal pattern + tons of texture from the local design team at @bassettfay #livelovelocal #shoplocal #home #design #interior #blackandwhite #currentlyloving #bassett #fayettevillear #color #texture #pattern #tribal #tsgnwarkansas #thescoutguide #nwarkansas #tsgdesign

[tsgnorthernnewjerseynewjersey]

D E S I G N  S C O U T: Design Favorites from Summit’s Premier Home Decor Boutique

One of our favorite scouting activities is to visit downtown Summit’s fabulous A.Home to see and hear about the shop’s newest items. A specialty boutique featuring fine linens & furnishings, here you will find a vast selection of unique products that are NOT featured online including beds, upholstered seating, dressers, chests, lighting, mirrors, accessories and gifts.

Interior designer and owner Ashley Moos, is ever gracious about discussing her new finds with us, and her passion and enthusiasm are always contagious. She has an incredible ability to find speciality goods of the finest quality and in the best taste, and she provides superior personalized service to assist her customers in creating spaces with chic, timeless style. The type of talent and expertise that Moos readily shares with her clientele is such a rare find that whether you are shopping for a single lamp, or decorating an entire home, you want to make sure that you do not miss out on an opportunity to visit such a truly superior local resource. Here are just a few of our many favorite A.Home speciality items: 

1.  “Make It Yours” Chests - A hand-crafted process allows the Make It Yours program to bring you one of the broadest selections of personalized furniture in the industry with a vast selection of finishing options. Personalize your bedroom case pieces with a variety of options, including custom embellishments and hundreds of finish options. Choose your bedroom case piece and add a base style. Select an overlay design for drawers and doors, add a hardware option, a personalized finish and custom embellishment to create a look that is completely your own. Other Make it Yours programs include beds, tables, and mirror insets. Speedy production times insure you will be admiring your custom pieces in no time! 4-6 weeks, MADE IN THE USA, and sold exclusively in this area by A.Home.

2.  Pavillion Lantern - In gilded iron - a modern touch to a classic design. The light reflects nicely off the gilt finish and the absence of glass panels create an open design.

3.  Chinoiserie Mirror - Glamorous 1940’s style Hollywood Regency style chinoiserie pagoda mirror with open fret design and elements of stylized bamboo and rattan. Paint to order program in 16 colors. Chairs and tables also available in this line.                                                                                               

4.  Elk Antler Lamp - This sophisticated faux piece in painted composite is perfect for your rustic retreat. Available in gold, natural, and white and topped with an elegant drum shade.

5. Studio Pillow Collection - This beautiful decorative pillow collection is made with exquisite fabric and trims, expertly tailored with standard feather-down fill and zipper closure. Each is produced domestically by highly skilled artisans. 50+ linen and velvet fabric colors to choose from.                                  

(Blue trim) "Ellie" box pillow, 14x20 and 20x20 with solid linen accented by a velvet gusset border & inset border. Boxed edge has squared-off edges and contrasting piping adds definition. 

(Red geometric) Tribeca Fretwork pillow is 22x22 in solid linen with a self flange/corner pleat and accented with your choice of a contrasting Tribeca fretwork design.

(Navy and red animal print) Tibet pillow is 22x22 and features a beautiful animal art-scape, solid linen reverse, contrast piping. Available in 5 colors.                

6.  Dowlins Sofa - As an exclusive area retailer of this high-end custom furniture manufacturer, A.Home offers endless possibilities with the line’s hundreds of finishes and fabrics. Designed for sophistication, the Dowlins Sofa is shown here in Tuscan feather upholstery over a high back, sloped arms, and plush cushioning. Nailhead trim is accentuated with tape trim and oiled Java finish legs. Kidney pillows in rich charcoal gray.

7.  Horn Sconce - This clean-lined wall sconce features a unique faux horn reproduction in composite with nickel fittings. This sleek metallic accent pairs with the light fixture's rectangular shade for modernity in a choice of earthy hues.

(Above - a custom chest from the Make it Yours program.)

A.Home // 11 Beechwood Road, Summit, NJ // 908.273.3737

[tsgboiseidaho]

Augusto Fine Rugs + Lorelle Rau Landscape Foothill Collaboration

At The Scout Guide we often talk about the importance of remaining curious, seeking inspiration and being open to discovery within our own community. For the past two years we've watched a collaboration rooted in this belief unfold between TSG Boise members Anna Augusto and Lorelle Rau.  

Anna is the owner of Augusto Fine Rugs, a full service area rug design studio and showroom specializing in luxury carpets, rugs and custom specifications. With more than a decade of concentrated work in the area rug business, Anna works diligently to provide her clientele with rugs sourced from the most respected artisans across the globe. 

Lorelle is a contemporary collage artist, who uses cut paper and appropriated imagery to investigate concepts of nature and place. In her landscape series, Lorelle expresses the transformative qualities of nature, particularly the rich contours and textures of the mountains. As an avid hiker and camper, the experience and rawness of the natural world has always been an integral part of her creative process. 

Anna and Lorelle first met at the TSG Boise Volume 1 launch party in March of 2018. The concept of bridging Anna’s incredible eye and custom rug expertise with Lorelle’s artistic talent unfolded as they shared their mutual affinity for the landscape surrounding Boise. After a number of brainstorming sessions at Augusto Fine Rugs, Anna and Lorelle’s creative process fully took shape when they set out on a hiking adventure together.  

They started out on the easily-accessible Ridge to Rivers Trail System, hiking Sweet Connie Trail off of Bogus Basin Road. Throughout the afternoon they trekked several miles, gathering inspiration and source material through photography. Back in the studio, the two of them assessed their photographs and determined which textures and compositions would translate best into a rug. Lorelle created multiple cut paper collages which she translated into a simple, black and white line drawing using Adobe Photoshop. Once the line drawing was in hand, they met back at Anna's showroom and explored some of the rich fibers, textures, piles, and knots that were obtainable for the project. Next, they converted the drawing into a rug design software program, specifying every color and detail, considering fiber contents and knotting techniques in order to achieve the desired texture. 

Final Rug Rendering shown with Landscape Collage 

Once the final design was completed, Anna sent it off to be fabricated by skilled artisans at a weaving facility in Nepal. The final result is a stunning 4’ x 6’ work of art composed of sheep’s wool, undyed yak wool, and hemp.

Images of rug on the loom and final washing in Nepal

The finished product beautifully depicts the foothills and high desert landscape that frames our city. This piece will be on display and generously donated by Anna and Lorelle as an auction item at the 2020 Boise Art Museum Gala, held on March 7th. 

Close-up rug details alongside Foothill Landscape

To learn more about Augusto Fine Rugs and Lorelle Rau, please visit their websites listed below.

Augusto Fine Rugs

Lorelle Rau Studios

- Jaclyn

TSG Boise

[tsgboiseidaho]

24 Hours with Camille Olson  of The Design House

Camille Olson purchased The Design House three years ago with a vision to establish a workplace built on approachable, positive, efficient and collaborative design services.  We recently sat down together for an inside peek at her life both inside and outside of work. A traditionally private person, she thoughtfully shared what a typical day in her life looks like below. 

photo: Snapshots by Jolene

5:30am - I wake up at the same time and either practice or teach yoga 7 days a week at YogaSix. My practice truly is my grounding and where I find balance and a spiritual reprieve during busy or stressful times. After yoga, I tend to lean toward a quick and easy breakfast along with a much-needed stop for coffee at Dutch Brothers. Now that I'm an empty nester (Olson's daughter recently relocated to California, and her son is a student at BSU), I really try to take that early morning window as time just to myself.

(Olson, photographed with her daughter): Ampersand Creative

8:30 / 9am - I arrive at the office and tackle administrative work and plan for the day. My current staff includes 5 designers and an admin team, and each month we get together for a team member meeting where we all sit down and Skype in remote employees. Creating a positive work environment and opening up a platform for questions and feedback is so important to the culture I hope to build for this office.

10am - It's fairly regular to have product knowledge meetings with our vendors at least twice a week. It can range from previewing the latest trends and offerings from furnishings to fabrics, flooring, tile and window coverings. Honestly, any element that can be found in our clients' homes is a priority to educate our team on.

12pm - I'm loyal to another local small business, Rise & Grind for my lunch fix (I love the Mexican Mocha Shake). It always feels so nice to support people in local business and they are without a doubt one of my favorites. I gravitate towards a healthy on-the-go lunch option as I'm often rushing out the door for meetings in the afternoon.

2pm - I love the culture being created here at The Design House and building this brand, but I'm thrilled to have recently started taking on my own clients again. My afternoons are typically dedicated to working directly with those clients, as well as builders or contractors.  

4pm - 6pm -  I'm typically wrapping up my office day around this time and when I get the chance I enjoy spending quiet evenings unwinding at home. This time of year I love grilling simple, fresh meals and relaxing on the patio. I also am very active with philanthropic efforts, and evenings often include events supporting local non-profits close to my heart (Idaho Youth Ranch/Wine Women and Shoes, St. Alphonsus, Women's & Children's Alliance, Camp Rainbow Gold and Dress for Success).

photo: Abby Blossom Photography

The Design House is featured in both Vol1 and Vol2 of The Scout Guide Boise. You can read more about their services and contact Olson via their website: THE DESIGN HOUSE.

Be sure to tell them THE SCOUT SENT YOU!

- Jaclyn

[tsgboiseidaho]

Augusto Fine Rugs + SOI BOI Color Collaboration

You can often find the duo behind the design firm SOI BOI (Rita Howerton and Shay O'Connor) pulling selections for their clients from the Augusto Fine Rugs showroom. Owner Anna Augusto has filled her space with handmade rugs, accessories and one of a kind vintage selections from all over the world. For us, it’s always a thrill to see two TSG members collaborating regardless of the project. I was fortunate enough to recently follow along as these members combined forces to discuss design, color and the stunning impact a rug and bold accessories can have on a room.

We started off at the Augusto showroom, pulling from the pieces Anna recently imported during her travels to Morocco. The connection she has to each piece is evident through her stories of traveling the country, meeting with artisans and spending time in the weaving facilities where each rug comes to life. “Being able to connect with the weaver and the story behind each rug truly has become a driving force in building my business and contributing to this industry.” 

For this collaboration, the teams knew traditional Moroccan rugs (known for vibrant color and detailed pattern) can often be considered a bold choice when added to an existing neutral space. "I have found that the temptation to keep a space neutral is to stick with solid color,” shares Augusto.  “The reality is that a solid colored rug can read too visually heavy in a space. If you want to add color, stick with a bold color that has a pattern to it.  Often a large scale pattern, helps balance out the boldness of the color.  In addition, pulling accessories that also have color to help relate the two and keep the room enriched yet not overpowered.”  SOI BOI did just that, selecting two rug options that represented this design perspective. Next up, seeing the impact each rug would have on a designated space. 

- THE BLANK SLATE -

I consider myself the fortunate guinea pig who not only observed the initial selection process between these design forces, but also the install that ended up taking place in my very own living room. Considering I have the tendency to play it a little safe with color (hello white and grey), this space ended up providing a true blank slate for these fabulously creative minds to have a little fun. 

True to SOI BOI style, they pulled options that not only demonstrated bold color but also eye catching pattern. Along with the rug and accessory selections from Augusto, they incorporated pieces that already existed in my home.  “Regardless of the project our goal is always to enhance and elevate the look of your home by letting the space itself guide our design decisions,” shares O’Connor. “Taking this neutral living room and recognizing the existing aesthetic allowed us to really let the rugs shine without any major changes to furniture or layout.”

First up, this stunning hand-knotted gold Moroccan. “I like this example for people that may be a bit hesitant to use color and are concerned about completely filling their space with a huge living room rug,” says Howerton. “The size of this rug would actually lend itself to layering with a larger, very neutral low pile rug to further fill the space without overwhelming it.” Augusto also noted “you'll want the bottom rug to be low pile or even a natural fiber, such as a jute, sisal or hemp, so the bottom rug adds the size, yet stays very neutral with texture.  The bottom rug is usually in the 8x10-10x14 range, and then the layered rug would be in the 5x8 to 6x9 size.”

This gold rug selection also allowed SOI BOI to really demonstrate how traditional accessories can work right alongside a bold rug. “That thin little stripe of mustard yellow in an existing throw pillow really tied the selections together,” shared O’Connor.  

Next up, MORE color, pattern and a complete transformation with this vibrant selection featuring shades of burgundy, blush, teal, orange and black. “This rug absolutely brought the space to life and truly complimented the warm floors and fireplace subway tile, said Howerton. “It really proved the point that a Moroccan can easily exist alongside more traditional finishes and neutral accessories.”  

Speaking of accessories, the fresh eyes SOI BOI brought into the space again reinforced the impact color and texture has throughout a home. “​Any accessories that are made by human hands are such a good fit for our hand-knotted rugs,” said Augusto. “The authenticity of the hand-made product is a perfect compliment to the rugs.”

The jury is still out on which rug is coming home for good - be sure to let us know your favorite and visit our Instagram page (tsgboise) for behind the scenes footage and outtakes from this collaboration! You can browse all of the rugs and accessories featured here on the Augusto Fine Rugs website and contact Shay + Rita directly over at SOI BOI. Be sure to tell them the Scout sent you (and be sure to say YES to color)!

- Jaclyn