OUR SPACE BEFORE

Nothing speaks of creative artistry more than James Cameron’s Avatar.  This became our very ambitious theme for an exhibit at The Next Cool Thing event. Rather than copy the mega-blockbuster movie, the concept was to create an “Avatarization” of Atlanta.  It soon became known as “Avatlanta.”  Who wouldn’t want to travel to the magnificent land of Pandora?  We decided to present a living room that might be found in this fascinating world.  To create the illusion, there needed to be a blending of both 2 and 3 dimensional elements.  Here is the result. . .

COMPLETED EXHIBIT

Here are the 8 elements that made it come to life:

1)  The mural.  A beautiful room begins with a beautiful view.  A huge 10 foot by 20 foot canvas mural stretched on a curved wall offered the perspective of a vast vista for the background.  Details were carefully scaled and designed by muralist, Megan McKeithan to give the illusion of looking over the edge of one of the Hallelujah floating mountains.  Familiar landmarks of Atlanta were incorporated like the King and Queen building of Perimeter Center and the Chattahoochee River.

2)  Dimensional Branch.  The transition to a 3 dimensional experience began with a textured faux tree branch on the mural.  This element was complete with the appearance of twisted bark and knots.  It was fitted into the mural at the studio but actually attached when we arrived at the exhibit space.  As a final touch, moss and botanicals were added for even more dimension.

3) The path.  The exhibit space had concrete floors.  Large stepping stones were created on pieces of laminate.  Additional shadowing was incorporated for the illusion that they were dimensional.  This provided a durable path to lead visitors through the environment.

4) Custom Furniture.  Rafael Fernandez of Upholstery House Plus designed and created innovative furnishings that were consistent with the theme.  Once fabrics were selected for the seating, the details of the color scheme were fine tuned.  He also fabricated the graceful leaf table that was finished in  textured bronze to compliment  the trim on the chairs.

5) 3D Leaves.  The innovative craftsmen of Malone’s Design and Fabrication assisted with more of the custom 3D elements.  The basic concept was, “If they can build it, we can paint it!”  The large graceful leaves brilliantly set the scale for the exhibit and camouflaged support columns in the front of the space.  Special touches were added to each of these 49 leaves (some over 5 feet long).  Three colors of  reflective texture were tinted and blended to replicate the colors of the seating.  They had the appearance of shimmering silk that everyone wanted to touch.

6) Flying dragon.  Malone’s talented sculptor, Frank Yokulan, was also responsible for the hanging mountains, the illuminated fiberglass cypress knees and the flying banshee that came to be known as “Fred”.  This element made a dramatic entrance as it broke through the picture plane of the mural into the exhibit.  The 3D and 2D elements of Fred were painted  to combine an effect that every visitor wanted to examine. Mounted on a fulcrum behind the wall, it came to life as his head moved in the breeze.

7)  Foliage.  Anything that sat still long enough was fair game to be painted!  Andy Schwartz of Labs Inc. provided all of the foliage and custom flowers.  This was the finishing touch that gave the appearance of an exotic tropical forest.  He graciously allowed me to scavenge through his warehouse to create fantasy flora and fauna.  Armed with cans of spray paint, metallics, multiple colors of interference and plenty of hot glue, my mission was to use parts and pieces of botanicals to create fantasy flowers that would only be possible on Pandora.

8)  Floating seed pods.  Paint brushes and trowels aside, what would Avatlanta be without those mystical seed pods from the tree of souls?  Simple elements were engineered and assembled in a not-so-simple way.  The process took over my dining room!  Illuminated with fiber optics, over 200 of these wonderful little creatures floated gently throughout the space.  Catch one if you can!

I have never worked so hard but had so much fun.  We had an incredibly talented team.  It was an opportunity to utilize our skills and travel beyond what we are traditionally asked to do for our clients.  Imagine what we can create for YOUR special projects like a theater room, wine cellar or play area?  My mind is already exploding with  ideas for next year’s event!  But for now, all elements of Avatlanta are safely stored and available for purchase.  Contact me for more information.  770 777 7020

My Partners:

Megan McKeithan of Visionary Mural Co.  www.VisionaryMuralCo.com

Rafael Fernandez of Upholstery House & Plus  www.upholsteryhouseplus.com

Andy Schwartz of LABS, Inc. botanicals  www.labsinc.com

Frank Yoculan and Geoff Markiton of Malone Design/Fabrication  www.maloneinc.com

Special thanks to Barbara English of To The Trade Only  www.tothetradeonly.com for creating and organizing The Next Cool Thing.  For more information about this event visit: http://www.nextcoolthingevent.com/

Bette Raburn is the designer who put this concept together.  She has gathered a team of artists, products and craftsmen that value the opportunity to offer options that are well beyond ordinary.  I was honored to be invited to contribute to this outstanding showroom.

The design process:

Our challenge in this space was to add interest to a standard and predictable kitchen island . . .  something that would compliment the beautiful glass tile in the back splash, blend with the richness of the wood cabinetry and reinforce the image of  quality.  Bette is always looking for innovative solutions.  Together we came up with this idea . . . when you have something that is already good, just make it even better!  So, with some creative brainstorming, this was the result.

The addition of these panels gives the illusion of a stunning 3 dimensional pounded copper sculpture.  After determining the exact colors to blend, I created them in my studio.  Working with the carpenters, they were cut for an exact fit and installed during the final construction of the island.

One of the advantages of this process is versatility.  In the future, these panels can be easily removed and/or replaced.  As a result, if your colors change or your personal style takes a turn in a different direction, new panels can be designed and made to your exact specifications.   One client said to me, “When you decide to change, I want to have those framed.  They will become great pieces of art on my walls.”  Keep in mind,  we can easily do that, too!

Be sure to stop by The Works to see this and many more creative options in person.  You must see it, feel it and touch it to believe it.   It is filled with inspiration for anything you need for your home.  Hence the name, “The Works”!

Located in Roswell, GA at Hwy 9 and Mansell Rd.   10800 Alpharetta Hwy., Suite 240, Roswell, GA 30076

(770) 649-9993        theinteriormotive.com

Please leave your comments below.   Be sure to visit www.kasswilson.com for more ideas from Wallstreat Studio.

I love participating in designer events.  It is an opportunity to work with a fun loving and creative group of people.  This one was called “Collaborating For Success”.  It was organized by ToTheTradeOnly and had a whole new twist . . . it was almost like that HGTV show “Design Star”.  Each designer chose a small space.  Unlike show homes, their resources were limited to a specific group of participating vendors.  These vendors had particular products that they made available to either donate, give or lend.  It was up to the designers to work with these and create a space that would knock your socks off!  In my mind, this is a very difficult design challenge . . .  work with what you’ve got, not with what you can buy.  I am always amazed at how a great designer has the vision to make something special out of nothing.

Rachel Young of Liquid Design Studio invited me to be on her team.  Her idea was to recreate this ladies’ restroom  with the elegance of a “Marie Antoinette feeling”.  We didn’t have time for  samples.  I just showed up with an assortment of products from my shelves and began to trowel.    It was a leap of faith!  Many subtle reflective and metallic colors were blended to complete this finish.  The addition of the pattern offers gentle curves to “soften” the strong geometric lines and hard surfaces in the space.   Everyone kept peeking in to watch what would come next as each layer was applied.

The evening of the event was filled with design inspiration thanks to all of the creative and talented participants.  Needless to say, our space was a hit!  The ladies’ room was not a place where the  girls could retreat for privacy.  Every gentleman was opening the door wanting to see what we had done!  We were able to create formal elegance that would be suitable for any black tie affair.   To quote one of the guests, ” It has become  a place that is beautiful enough for a champagne toast!”

Let us know what you think.  Be sure to post your comments below.  For more transformations, visit www.kasswilson.com.

Contributors to this space

• Liquid Design Studios,  Rachael Young, 404 348 4406,  www.liquiddesignstudiosllc.com
• ToTheTradeOnly, Barbara English, 404 536 0664, concierge@tothetradeonly.com
• True Source Cabinets, Kevin Kremer 678 494 0110, www.truesourcecabinets.com
• Old Castle Surfaces, Julie Brewer, 404 355 3108, www.oldcastlepg.com
• Masterpiece Lighting,  Phil Sherer, 404 207 1950, philsherer@masterpiecelighting.com
• Atlanta Daltile, Leslie Dean,  404 355 0158, leslie.dean@daltile.com
• LeFais Do-Do Event Center, Marie Andjuar, 404 387 3027, www. lefaisdodo.com

Bold contemporary patterns . . . rich reflective fabrics . . . sleek shiny accessories.    All of the elements are in place to present a statement about current design trends.   This project took place at Luxe Home Interiors, a full service interior design and furnishings studio located in John’s Creek.  They wanted to showcase an example of how to incorporate today’s clean lined style with drama and elegance.  The addition of a stunning faux finish on the wall provides the perfect background to complete the picture.

The Design Process:

After selecting the furnishings and accessories for this space, it was time to  “look on the bright side”.   The finishing touch of a wall treatment was the perfect answer.  The design journey began with their team of designers.  Together we explored the many innovative faux finish options that would compliment all of these features.  The ideal characteristics were identified.  Here was the wish list:

• A rectilinear pattern to honor the tailored appearance of the furniture.
• Multiple colors within the same tones to maintain the sophistication of this look.
• The use of subtle reflective textures consistent with the glamour of this setting.
• Occasional random hints of platinum to offer the unexpected but necessary “bling”.

And hence, a custom finish was born!

The day of the application was festive.  Since it is directly in front of the glass entrance, many curious visitors stopped in just to observe the transformation taking place.   So many great questions.   It is always fun to watch people as their wheels start to turn.  You can see them beginning to imagine how wonderful a wall finish like this could be in their own home.

This stunning space can be seen in Luxe Home Interiors at John’s Creek.  I encourage you to stop by and take a first hand look at the intrigue of this finish.  You must see it, feel it and touch it to believe it!

Special thanks to Luxe Home Interiors at John’s Creek.   770 622 5120  www.luxejohnscreek.com

Be sure to visit www.kasswilson.com for  more transformations.

The Concept: So often I am asked, “Where do you come up with the ideas for your finishes?”  I would like to believe that there is some kind of divine intervention that takes place!  But in reality, it is just thoughtful and innovative planning that guides the development of the perfect faux finish.  A collaborative effort of creative individuals is the key.  This seminar was intended to present an

	We first identified a surface that was in need of some TLC. It was small but visible the instant you enter the showroom. We wanted elegant, updated and unexpected. The goal was to allow this wall to grab your attention with a personality all its own. In essence, we set out to create a focal point where originally there was none!
	The design process begins by selecting a palate which continues the visual flow of colors that exist in nearby spaces.  We evaluated a number of possible options.  It was determined that reflective tones of gold as a base with accents of red would be the most complimentary blend.  This photo from “Wallovers” best represented how these colors would “read” on a wall.
	Next, we look at techniques. Everyone likes to include an element of the unexpected. Together we paged through my portfolio looking for ideas. What captured their attention was a faux finish from my project titled “Wake up call”. The surprise is the way it blends the traditional damask design with an updated twist . . . the geometric shapes. The voting was unanimous. There would be random rectangles of a design but in the colors that we had already determined.
	Now, for the fine details. It was time to select the exact pattern that would be applied to the inside of the squares. I love working with talented designers. The only thing that is predictable is that they will think of something clever and UNPREDICTABLE! They gathered a few accessories as a source of inspiration and the ideas started to flow. They brought fabric samples with different patterns and held them up to the wall. This helped to visualize how a design might look as a square. It was exciting to watch them understand the process and imagine the endless possibilities. One of the designers was wearing a skirt with a zebra pattern. This was the winner. What a testimonial to the quote, “inspiration is all around you . . . just keep your mind wide open” !!!
	I took some artistic liberties by using multiple shades of red within the pattern. This included a blending of brick reds, Christmas reds and burgundy. Being a retail showroom, it is subject to frequent changes. Introducing a variety of similar tones was a method of ensuring that this wall is versatile. It will always compliment any vibrant red accessory that is placed next to it.

This was a day of great fun.  Design lessons were applied, innovative minds were stimulated and a beautiful wall of wonder remains.  In the end, a new finish had evolved.  We titled it “walk on the wild side”.  Everyone learned how to take standard faux finishing techniques and elevate them to a higher level of decorative artistry.  We were challenged to think outside of the box.  Each project is an opportunity to revisit this creative process.   I am able to leave behind the gift of a personalized piece of custom art for every client.  This is why I love my work . . . it makes people smile.  It is a joy to make their visions become reality.

I am always happy to do a “demo day” or presentation for any group functions.  I love to teach and have plenty of ideas on topics that would be appropriate for your event.  Please feel free to contact me at 770-777-7020.

Special thanks to DOTI (www.dotiduluth.com) for sponsoring this great event, Wallovers (www.wallovers.com) for providing the initial point of inspiration for this finish and all of the attendees who shared their talent and creative ideas.