Directions In Design, Inc.

A Day in the Life of an Interior Designer

Directions In Design was pleased to have Alyssa, a student in the Architectural Studies program at the University of Missouri, Columbia, visit for the day. An important day in the life of an Interior Design student is the day they shadow a professional designer as an assignment in their Professional Studies class. The day consisted of; introductions, explanation of office protocol and practices, exposure to work flow and projects, vender presentation, portfolio review, and a design task. It was a pleasure to host Alyssa and Directions In Design wishes her much future success.

Trends to Follow in Tile

Tile trends presented by Julie Zobel, from ISC Surfaces, visited with the designers at Directions In Design last week. She caught us up on all the latest tile trends. We would like to share these trends:

The classic loft look is attained with brick look tile. Some looks painted, some sand blasted and some natural. Brick-look tile is an easier way to maintain this option than actual brick and you’ll get the same look and feel.
Wood-look stays relevant. It actually is looking better each time a new product is introduced. The latest wood look is hand cut, textured and colored in out of the norm presentations.

Not just for backsplashes between counter top and cabinet. It’s covers wall from floor to ceiling. Move over wall paper and paint, tile is here.

Marble, yes marble is back! Everyone wants marble once again. Porcelain tile is carries off an unbelievable realistic look, thanks to digital photography.

Cement, isn’t a new idea for floors and walls. But, add a touch of metal, texture, and contrast these tiles take cement look to a new level. These tiles beg for a touch of the hand.

Final Touches Added to Directions In Design Luxury Apartment Project

Directions In Design has completed the interior architecture and interior design of St. Louis’ newest luxury apartment community, the Alinea Town and Country. Vassa, one of the interior design team, was busy accessorizing and placing all furnishings in their proper place. One of her biggest challenges was the hanging of this beautiful art object by Miami artist, Natalie Dunham. Vassa adjusted over 1000 vanes by hand to give the feeling that the art was spiraling through mid-air on a breezy current.

Art Object by Artist Natalie Dunham.

Design Dilemma:
Bringing Warmth and Sophistication to a “tunnel” like Foyer

“The original design of this hi rise condo had a foyer which had the form of an uninteresting tunnel. The flat ceilings and long unadorned side walls were not a suitable preface to the amazing cityscape view. The first step was to address the wall on the right by breaking it into three staggered wall panels that perfectly frame the contemporary art. It was important to create interest in the long flat ceiling. The construction of the ceiling did not allow it to be raised in order to create a coffer, so three different levels of layered drywall created the same dramatic effect. Square domed semi-flush light fixtures warm and highlight the new ceiling with a soft glow. A wing wall was created at the end of the foyer to house a curved lighted niche, perfect to display the owner’s prized sculpture. A sneak preview of the amazing view is beautifully framed to the right of the wing wall. “
Jane Ganz ASID

Consider Wood Paneling For Your Next Project

The paneling we use today has little resemblance to the paneling of the 1960’s other than it still comes in 4’ by 8’ sheets. We use bead board paneling as an accent for walls, backsplashes, kitchen islands, ceilings, and back panels for bookcases and open cabinets. Bead board paneling is definitely a classic as well as paneling in a natural state like unstained cedar. These sheets are smooth and refined unlike rough sawn cedar of latter days. Cedar paneling works beautifully between beams on a slanted ceiling. Turn the cedar paneling on its side and the grain runs horizontal for a great spa look in your master bath. Order a little extra and you can line your closet in cedar.

Luxury Amenities Find Their Way To College Towns

Directions In Design is familiar with the increasing demand for luxury apartments and the amenities that are expected. On a recent visit to a complex specializing in student housing , I wasn’t prepared to see the level of amenities being offered to students. The building I visited in Columbia, Mo. provided more than the requirements of study areas, printing centers, security, connectivity, and short walking distances . The students can use 2 barbeque pits, outdoor big screen TVs, and plush seating around the gas fire pit, all on the beautiful outdoor terrace. Indoor is a full gym, an aerobics room with large screen showing life size instructors, and a movie theatre. A sun tanning salon, heated garage, and a 24 hour Starbucks coffee machine for those late night study sessions, are all available. The competition is fierce between student housing both public and private , so the addition of the next greatest amenity is just a semester away.

Directions In Design Founder, Jane Ganz, Inducted Into Ernst and Young Hall of Fame

Since 1986 Ernst and Young has honored and celebrated entrepreneurial excellence through their Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Jane is a past recipient of this coveted award and was inducted into the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame in a celebration held this year in Kansas City. This was also the award’s 3oth anniversary. The Hall of Fame is located on the 23rd floor of the EY US headquarters office at 5 Times Square, New York. The Hall of Fame highlights the history of the program and the business leaders who have been honored with this distinction. The Hall of Fame is open Monday through Friday during the hours of 9am to 4pm. Access requires proper identification.

Interior Designer Stephanie Donnelly Enjoys Painting During California Vacation

While visiting San Diego, Stephanie joined an art class using the techniques of the legendary TV artist, Bob Ross. Although she didn’t get a chance to watch Bob Ross’s show “The Joy of Painting” when she was younger, she has recently watched every episode, learning in detail about his “wet on wet” painting techniques which helped introduce thousands of amateur painters to the art world. Bob died of cancer at the age of 52 in 1995, but throughout the show he kept a contagious positive outlook on life, insisting that there are no mistakes and only “happy accidents”. His show ran for 11 years on PBS and amazed viewers with his paintings that took less than a half hour to create. “My painting took 2 hours to paint and 3 days to dry. I am thrilled with the results since I paint mostly watercolors and this was my first time trying oil painting,” said Stephanie.

The Successful Compromise
This transitional media room satisfied this active family’s needs for a fresh facelift to a traditional home. Having moved from a New York contemporary they wanted to simplify and calm with neutral colors with bursts of color. The wool rug is a warm contrast to the textured stone fireplace mantel and hearth. Sheers with figured patterns allow ample light while reducing late afternoon glare from the West. Heavy commercial fabrics are used on the upholstered pieces and are ready for family movie night, video games , and spreading out with homework. This combination turned out to be a successful compromise between and fresh new style and practicality.

Northern Iowa University Design Students Visit Directions In Design

Directions In Design hosted a visit of 35 interior design students and 2 faculty from the University of Northern Iowa, located in Cedar Falls , Iowa. They arrived in St. Louis on Friday, September 23, 2016. They toured Kenney Designer Resources, Autco, Lawrence Group, Arcturis, and Tao Lee Associates before visiting Directions In Design Monday afternoon. Though it had been a grueling 4 days they were eager to see and learn more. Direction In Design’s Evie Chen, Karen Johnson, Stephanie Donnelly, Vassa Sproull, Brianna Flasch, Tim Kaiser, David French, Carlos Goldberg, and Steve Patton conducted presentations and answered many great questions before sending them home with care packages produced by Evie. Iowa professor Gowri Gulwadi summed up their visit to Directions In Design saying, “Our visit at Directions In Design was their best ever!”