Work In Progress...

Schelfe and Associates is well into design implementation of a luxury penthouse condominium.  This project located at the top floor of a high-end luxury condominium in Raleigh, North Carolina, is schduled to be completed in February 2012.  

Working closely with the Owner, Schelfe and Associates has crafted a new 4 bedroom home within the exisitng 3,000 square feet of space.  This new home will feature a kitchen with bamboo cabinets, quartz stone countertops and a contemporary marble backsplash.  New deep stained hardwoods floors will be installed throughout and accented with stained Sapele hardwood doors. 

demolition phase...

work under progress...

The interior for this new home will showcase a warm and contemporary sleek look.  A color palate of khaki and cream tones accented by deep chocolate and gold tones will provide the background colors.  Additional accents of crimson red will be highlighted throughout the home.

design inspiration ideas...

Check back in a few weeks to see the next
"Work In Progress"...

Glass Stairs, all the rage!

OK so I am sure everyone is asking why build a staircase totally out of glass?  We'll because they can!!!  And of course because it is truly remarkable...

Not for the faint of heart or those who do not like to look down, a glass staircase can make an unbelievable statement to an interior.  Visions of floating on air or suspended by light come to mind.  Not too long ago the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History re-opened after a 180 million dollar renovation.  The international design firm firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merill led the design work and one of the crown jewels for the new museum is the all glass staircase in the central lobby.  I had the fortune of being one of the first to check it out and to walk the planks when it opened.

No matter how great a photograph can be, experiencing the real deal for yourself is the way to go.  Next time you're in the Washington area check out the National Museum of American History. 

Maybe not so new to the scene but what a way to say WOW... Well over 20 years ago at the Carre D’art museum in Nimes, France the glass staircase made its debut.  No I have not been there yet but rest assure it's on my bucket list!

Design and the human spirit can stretch our imagination to new heights in ways we have yet to even experience.  Hooray for innovation, the human spirit and the need to explore how we interact within our world!!

The Washington Post "House Calls"

Recently The Washington Post came knocking on the door of Schelfe and Associates.  Tim Schelfe was asked to provide a design vignette for a weekly column in the Washington Post called "House Calls".  House Calls has been a popular column for the Post in which homeowners contact the Post asking for serious design help on a home project.  The designer would then work with the existing space, provide design ideas and provide the creative direction to get the project done.  The designer is also challenged to work with a moderate fixed budget and the selections need to be sourced locally and available for purchase directly by the homeowner.

Tim's challenge was to redesign a Family Room.

The Before...  

The After...

Tim created a less cluttered contemporary style for the new look of this Family Room, including adding a creamy white sectional, a circular cocktail table with a polished chrome base and matching wood stained consoles flanking the fireplace wall.  Accents of crimson red and burnt orange add color and detail to the room!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home-garden/2011/11/16/gIQAy4qNlN_story.html

A punch of color!

How do you add a splash of color to a room without changing the entire room?  Well in this case we did it with the draperies!  The owner of this traditional style Dining Room needed window coverings that would bring together the colors from the area rug, dining chairs seats and the wall color.  Also the drapery design needed to reflect the quality and traditional style previously established for the home. 
Before....

After...

A printed fabric with a coral color background was choosen as the body for the drapery.  The fabric has a soft green garland design accented with aviary details in gold, green and pale blue.  The draperies are further accented with a tassle fringe which helps define the edge of the panels and adds dimension to the overall design.

Homes by Dickerson, Design Center!

Over the past several months Schelfe and Associates has been busy completing the design and details for the new Homes by Dickerson  Design Center.  Homes by Dickerson is recognized as one of the premier builders of fine custom homes in the region.  This new Design Center will allow their team of dedicated professionals to meet with Homeowners and guide them through the design and construction process.  The Design Center will feature several completed Kitchen vignettes, displays for Lighting and Plumbing fixtures, selections for tile, stone and carpet and several meeting areas where customers can spread out their design plans and make all the necessary selections to make their home turly their own!  

Schelfe and Associates worked with the team at Homes by Dickerson to design the plan, details and specifications for the new Design Center.  This new space will reflect the quality and attention to detail that Homes by Dickerson is known for.  Although only in the rough framing stage the Design Center will be open soon!  Keep checking back with us to see the latest updates! 

8th Annual Business of Design Conference

The past three days the gang from Schelfe and Associates were in fabulous New York City to attend the 8th Annual Business of Design Conference.  This Conference, founded by David Shepherd, brings together designers from many of the top Interior Design firms from around the country for two days of business networking, seminars and learning opportunities.

Tim, Ruth Anne and Marlene had a great time networking with all the friends they have come to know over the past seven years of attending this Conference.  Guest speakers such Stefan Sagmeister, Stanford professor Dr. Jennifer Aaker and Luxury Market consultant Steve Nobel presented topics and helped facilitate the Conference. 

Ruth Anne, Tim,  Marlene at the end of the Conference and the traditional "Champagne Toast"

The Conference also included a behind the scenes "back of house" tour of the Kravet Design Offices in NYC.  Kravet is the industry leader in to-the-trade home furnishings, including fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, trimmings, carpet and accessories.  The private tour took us through two floors of the Kravet Design Offices and we were able to look, touch and feel new fabrics and patterns under design development.  We also viewed new ideas and concepts for the Kravet furniture line and the Kravet Custom Rug collection.

A Kravet designer explaining the newest items soon coming to the design market.

Showing off the delicate details of a traditional Chinese Block print.

New York City from "Top of the Rock", 30 Rockefeller Center.

Max Hayslette, Artist.

For the past few years I have been a fan of artist Max Hayslette.  To me the landscape images he creates are vivid, warm and fun interpretations of places he has explored.  They are fun to view, fun to own and fill your spirit with warmth and calm.  

In a time when economies ebb and flow, wars are raging around the world and you're just not sure what tomorrow will have in store, it is nice to have peace and serenity in one's life; to me the work of Max Hayslette provides that escape! 

Bev's Fine Art in Raleigh is a fantastic Gallery and features many of the works of Max Hayslette among dozens of other artists.  I have used Bev's Fine Art for many years for many of my clients and the selections and service they provide is excellent.

I hope you find your respite in these uncertain times, who know maybe Max can help?

Master Bath Remodel

Check out this recently completed project by Tim and Marlene at Schelfe and Associates!  This project consisted of a complete redesign for a Master Bath; all new cabinets, new layout, new finishes, new lighting, new fixtures, the works!
See the before....

Now see the after!

See the before...

Now see the after!

Working very closely with the Homeowner and the Remodeling Contractor for the project, Trendmark, Inc the design team created a Master Bath which blended seamlessly with the existing interior of the home.  The design team at Schelfe and Associates created the vision for the project and provided all the design details and specifications.  The construction team at Trendmark did a beautiful job executing all the fine details and provided superb craftsmanship.

More to come as more projects hit the boards!  
Stay tuned......

Brown Jordan

Schelfe and Associates is proud to offer our clients Brown Jordan furniture.  Although in our line of furnishings for many years, Brown Jordan continues to update, re-new and re-invent furnishings for the outdoor world.

Since 1945, Brown Jordan has designed luxury leisure furnishings and accessories that transcend time and liberate the senses.  Established by Robert Brown and Hubert Jordan in Pasadena, California, Brown Jordan was the first company to create furniture for full-time outdoor use.

Brown Jordan furniture is designed to complement your leisure lifestyle. The Brown Jordan portfolio features more than 30 collections in a range of design styles. Distinctive silhouettes are hand-and machine-crafted into high quality furnishings that enhance traditional, transitional, and contemporary environments. Brown Jordan collections are appropriate for residential and contract environments, both indoors and out. Known for producing stylish, award-winning designs, Brown Jordan has built a reputation on more than 60 years as the industry leader in innovation and design integrity.

 
Please contact Schelfe and Associates, Inc to check out the full line of Brown Jordan!

Compass Pointe Spa-Pool

A few weeks ago the team at S&A installed the furnishings for the new Compass Pointe Spa Pool.  Compass Pointe is a residential development located in Leland, NC, just a short drive south of historic Wilmington, NC.  Compass Pointe is the development which our own Tim Schelfe was a designer "contestant" for the on-line reality series The Nations Next Top Model Home.  Although Tim did not snag the prize for that competition his firm was awarded the contract to design the interiors for the Pool buildings, procure the furnishings for the Pool and will soon be completing the interiors for the Compass Pointe Grand Lanai.  The Lanai will be the centerpiece of the entertainment area at Compass Pointe.

So, a few weeks ago Tim and his team delivered and set up the furnishings for the new Compass Pointe Spa Pool.  The results are spectacular and the opening of the Pool was highlighted by a grand party in which over 400 guests attended the event.

If you have an opportunity to check out Compass Pointe when visiting Wilmington please do so.  Also stay tuned for more work coming from S&A at Compass Pointe as the community flourishes.

A Room with a VIEW!

The Willis Tower (formerly The Sears Tower) in Chicago has what I think may be the best view of Chicago!
For those faint at heart stop here....

Last month while visiting Chicago I had the pleasure of taking my kids to the SkyDeck level of the Willis Tower, yes the 103rd floor.  Although this is our second visit to the tower in 3 years this time we were there to see and experience the new Glass Sky Boxes the tower now has.  YES you read right; on the 103rd floor you can literally walk on air (at least is seems like you are).  You can walk out onto a 2" thick glass floor surrounded by equally thick glass walls and a glass ceiling and look straight down to the street below, just 103 stories straight down!


I have to admit it took me some time before I ventured out, but once I did the view and sensation is incredible.

So next time you're in Chicago, stop on by and test your metal at the 103rd floor!

Móz metal panel systems!

OK so you need something really cool to brighten up your Club, Restaurant, Spa or Office?  Look no further than Móz Designs.  Móz Metals and Architectural Products will do the trick.  

Móz Designs strives to be the leader in providing innovative products and creative solutions to the leading edge design/build community with unsurpassed quality and customer service. The mission of Móz Designs is to partner with architects and designers and provide support and long term commitment to the design and installation of their specified products. Their hand-crafted decorative metals are unique in the industry, and they guarantee the highest quality, and all products are made in the USA.  Over 300 pattern and color combinations are available to the construction, architectural and design communities.

Take a quick look:

At Schelfe and Associates we have used Móz Designs on numerous projects.  The metal panels can be used for ceiling surfaces, wall surfaces, furniture, column covers and many other decorative uses.  It's really up to ones imagination!  We look forward to designing with Móz Designs on your next project.

 

Current Projects...

Among our current projects is this lovely grand home located in north Raleigh.  This home, all 11,000 square feet, will have a sweeping grand staircase, a beautifully detailed wood paneled library and a large glass skylight that floods the second floor with natural light.

The home sits on a secluded private lot which includes a long winding drive to the home.  Scheduled completion is mid May for the home.  

Marlene on site reviewing the work in production!

Check back for more updates on this and other Current Projects...

Bethesda Row

OK, one of my favorite places to explore, hangout and of course eat is at the way cool Bethesda Row area located in Bethesda, Maryland.  Although only a few short blocks long this area on the edge of Washington DC has a tons of boutique shops, restaurants and cafes.  I make it a point to stop in every time I am in the area. 

Today I enjoyed lunch at Le Pain Quotidien which translated means "the daily bread".  This restaurant prides itself on serving the freshest food made with wholesome organic ingredients.  They also have incredible pastries!  Check it our next time you are in town.

Of course other fine treats are easy to find and another one of my favorite haunts is Georgetown Cupcake.  Can you say YUM.  Everyday they roll out hundreds of custom made cupcakes like Chocolate Ganache, Peanut Butter and Fudge, Pumpkin Spice, Lava Fudge and of course Chocolate and Vanilla.  This place will do you in!

Bethesda Row is a great place to spend time with friends or just hang out, munch on a gourmet cupcake, find a great book, shop till you drop or just watch a movie.  I'll be back soon!