Join us on our scavenger hunt here!

But before any of that, there’s the steady stream of research I compile to inform each concept.  The process of sifting through inspiration pictures is where it all begins.

Recently I’ve had the pleasure of working on a client’s exquisite colonial home in La Jolla.  I’m designing the interior architectural elements; paneling, pediments, and built-in units, and the research led me down a rabbit hole of traditional East Coast colonial-style homes, which just happens to be my favorite style of home.

Image Source

I love this room designed by Victoria Hagan.  The abundance of white paneling offset with gorgeous antiques.  In my clients home we are going to be adding pilasters, pediments, paneling, and a plethora of built-ins.  After many hand sketches, we plug the approved designs in CAD.  Here is a sneak peek into the Living Room elevations.

I have built quite a library of trim books.  Here are some of my favorites; Driwood, New Decorating with Architectural Trimwork, and Creating a New Old House.  This research takes time, and it’s not the most social part of the job, but in the end it feeds creativity.

Please join me here to see my daily adventures as a designer.

In the design world, we talk a lot about how travel and shopping can rejuvenate one’s eye.  That’s certainly true for me; a trip to a new country can result in a flood of creative ideas.  But I sometimes forget to turn a sharp eye on my immediate surroundings.  Our walk reminded me of the beauty that surrounds my everyday life.  Here are a few pictures I captured on my iphone.

Rancho Santa Fe has quite a bit of history (by Californian standards at least).  In 1906, the Santa Fe Railroad began seeding the area with eucalyptus imported from Australia, hoping to harvest the trees for use as railroad ties.  Though the eucalyptus wood proved too dense for use by the railway, the trees, as well as many other non-native forms of vegetation remained and flourished in the area.  The rich fauna drew great interest, and in 1920 the planning of a residential community began.  Today, the houses sit on large parcels of land, and much of the architecture speaks to the area’s turn-of-the-century, spanish-american and equestrian roots.

There is something about the patchwork of white fences and horse stables giving way to sweeping views of the canyons that catches my breath.

Inspiration often has more to do with our willingness to see it than our surroundings. If international adventure isn’t on your horizon, you just might find a walk will do the trick!

Oh, and I have created an Amy Meier Design Facebook page.  Please join me here to see my daily adventures as a designer.

I am thrilled to be included in the January issue of Ranch & Coast Magazine!  In the article “Innovative Home Renewal Tips“, three interior designers give readers advice on how to spruce up their homes.  (Guess who is one of the designers?) Here are the pages from the article.

I hope enjoy the article!

Happy almost New Years!

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Nothing like a white Christmas.  Happy Holidays!

See you all in 2012

Attention to detail goes way beyond picking the shape of a sofa.  Clients expect – and fabulous design deserves – original, custom work.  That means thinking through touches like a contrast top tack on window treatments, or a hand carved leg, or a scroll tape tracing the edge of a chair with a three nail head pattern.

Every day I get to create designs that can’t be found in the marketplace.  That’s a huge honor, and it’s the part of my job that I love the most. It’s also the part that transforms a project from “a home” to “your home.”

Going beyond the expected adds depth, intrigue and distinction to any interior.  It takes time, hard work, and yes, investment.  In this era of wham-bam décor, it’s a privilege to support the painstaking and brilliant work of true artisans and craftsmen.  I’m grateful for clients who value their talents and mine.

Happy Friday!

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Photograph by Simon Biswas

She deserves a LARGE milk cocktail for her patience!

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Michel Brosseau

As different as the objects of our affection were, they all shared a germ of inspiration from Martha’s Vineyard, a spot that makes our hearts sing.  And that’s what art can do in a room.  Art can steer a room towards calming or dynamic energy.  It reminds you of the places, times and pastimes you love.

Steve Mills

When you look for art in a place you love, you’ll probably find art you love.  We found ourselves drawn to pieces that might not have had obvious connections, like a traditional oil painting of a barn amid rolling hills and an entirely abstract representation of a sail.

Rebecca Kinkead

Forrest Rodts

Alison Shaw

Robert Cardinal

Furniture alone can only take a house so far.  Art transforms it into a home.

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Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours.

Since this time of year is all about entertaining, let’s start with the dining room.

Great design goes way beyond picking paint colors and fabrics.  I source every detail of a room, even down to cutlery and china.  I couldn’t believe my luck when I ran across this dinnerware while antiquing.  The teal and red color palette compliments the room perfectly, and the turkey motif couldn’t be more spot on for fall.

These plates will get lots of use.  My clients intend on gathering their many children and grandchildren for holidays in this room.

It’s all about creating spaces that span the generations, especially during the holidays.  I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones!

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