Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 34th episode, Mary talks about the renaissance of Harrisburg.I live in Harrisburg and also in New York. There is quite a bit of difference between the two. Both have very interesting qualities. John O'Hara once said that Harrisburg is the perfect place to do research because nothing ever happens to break your train of thought. In some ways it is a quiet city, but it is also a city that has a lot of opportunities. It is now ready for a major change. My studio is located on the river, with a beautiful view. A wonderful location. Except, when the river starts to come up. Then you really go a bit crazy. There is nothing that you can imagine that is like a flood coming into your living room. Unfortunately, our first floor has had 8 and a half feet of water. That is a lot of water, and obviously it can do a lot of destruction. When you live along a river, this is what you can expect.Fortunately, I have been working with a number of architects and designers who said, wouldn't it bel lovely to live along the river and not have this kind of fear. Not to worry about flooding. We started looking at his location, and the buildings, and because of so many floods, they deteriorate. It is a problem because every time you flood something, it does break down the infrastructure. What do we do so that we can live in this beautiful environment and not think about flooding? Obviously there are ways of doing this. We've worked out a plan to create an environment where people can live in perfectly healthy homes. Buildings that require no energy resources. Don't buy any electric, gas, or oil. You're living with all healthy materials so there are no contaminants in any of the building materials or environment. It is also a building that is so well constructed because much of it is built in a factory. The rooms are really correct in size. In fact, in many cases, this type of construction is off less than 1/32 of an inch. I know, as every other designer or builder will tell you, that there are very few buildings which are that exact. When you are building in a controlled environment, you can do things like this.Harrisburg is in a position where it is ready for a renaissance. It is ready for a big change. It's excellent in its location. Very close to Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, New York City. I travel back and forth to the city 170 miles, and there is not a red light until I hit the Lincoln Tunnel. That's not bad considering many commutes a lot of other people have which are far worse and more congested. Here we have a great beautiful city. Probably one of the most beautiful rivers in the East. It is really very attractive because it has not been commercialized. It is rock bottom. In fact, there are only 8 like it in the world. This river was formed geologically before the mountains, so it will always stay very much as it is. We have a beautiful river, a lot of conveniences, wonderful health clubs, very nice restaurants and other very good service industries. We have access to a lot of the other things on the East Coast. We live in a reasonably moderate costing environment. Why shouldn't Harrisburg be one of the greenest leading cities int he country? I would like to see this happen. As much as we have heard so much discussion about the financial aspect of Harrisburg, unfortunately the financial people are getting ahold of this. They think they have a system of really bringing Harrisburg out of this. Now, the designers need to take their position and create a city which is livable and safe, and a wonderful environment that we can all enjoy.Any of you who have heard me speak, I often say that when we look at our environment and our problems, don't blame the President, the governor, or the mayor. Blame the designers, the architects, and the engineers. They're the ones that create the environments that are really safe for us to live in, that are healthy for us to live in, that really work for us. The design world can make a tremendous difference in all of our cities. Harrisburg is a great example. I look forward to seeing this happen here so that Harrisburg can be an example that every other city with a river can aspire to.The renaissance of Harrisburg.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

Interior Design Today

Interior Design Today - Episode 034

Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 32nd episode, Mary talks about concrete.Concrete has become a major material in our interior spaces. Kitchen counters, desks, wall finishes, floors, so many different ways of using concrete as a functional and an art form.It has been fascinating to see the extensive range of finishes used on concrete, making them polished and finished, not just industrial looking. At one point, we looked at concrete as a material when we wanted informal use. Something casual and functional, but now we're seeing it used in a more refined and finished way. It is wonderful to see the extensiveness of the opportunities for this material and the fact that it can be brought into almost any style of space.Next time you are considering a finished and practical top, look at concrete. It is often a very practical and artistic material.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

Interior Design Today - Episode 032

Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 33rd episode, Mary talks about technology in design.Technology has really changed the way we design and build. We love all the features, but sometimes they really aren't very beautiful. In other cases, they eliminate a lot of storage. I think of all the audio and recordings that we've had, and now we have just a very simple iPad which can hold all of that information. Things are now so minimal, and the quality is excellent. It really has changed the way we design things.I've been amazed at some of the features we have in televisions. I'm working on one now which is above a fireplace (not my favorite place to put one), but considering the room, the client wants it there. It is definitely the best location. On the other hand, they tell me they never watch television, but they must have a 60" screen. Isn't it sad that our very best wall is taken up by this big, black screen, which is not used. I decided that we've got to do something different with this, so in this case, we're doing a very simple application. We're not hiding it behind doors and lifting screens, these systems were several thousand dollars. Now, all I've done is a beautiful tapestry panel on a track, which simply slides with a baton, so that they can move it aside when they're watching television. Meanwhile, you wouldn't know the TV is there. It is hidden by a beautiful piece of art.It's just, why should we waste the best part of our room with something that we're using occasionally, which isn't very pretty. Here, we can have a beautiful piece of art. A painting, a tapestry, or something else. I have noticed that people are doing televisions which look like a plain white wall, but it's actually a screen. All we do is turn it on, and our wall becomes a great video screen. Not only featuring television, but communications systems. All of the information that comes from their various family members, photos, and almost anything else one can imagine. It can be hidden in this very discrete way, so that it is there when we want it and gone when we don't.I would love to see some of the things that you are doing with your television and other types of tech. Together we can create even more exciting ways, having the advantages of technology, but without losing the artistry of our homes. We want the art, but we also want the convenience of tech, so let's put them together in a creative way. They can compliment each other, but the tech does not have to overtake the beautiful parts of our spaces.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

Interior Design Today - Episode 033

Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 31st episode, Mary talks about fans.Fans come in many sizes, shapes, and designs. They do some incredible things. In a typical kitchen situation, we either have the ceiling fan or the fan above our stove, or we had the fan that came from under the burners (through the lower part of our room). Suppose we have a room or a building that is on a slab, and we have a cathedral ceiling. We don't really want to see that venting go through our beautiful opening into the cathedral space. We have fans that can be brought in from the sidewall and handled in many different ways.Today, a fan doesn't need to look like a fan, or have a large space taken up in your kitchen. It can be done in so many creative ways.If you're interested in more information, just get in touch with me for resources and details.Just remember, fans can be creative, and a special part of the design. They're practical. They work. They're very attractive, and they can be installed in so many different ways. A fan is not a fan. A fan is a beautiful art object that really fills our needs in so many different ways.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

Interior Design Today - Episode 031

Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 30th episode, Mary talks about urinals.We've seen incredible styled sinks. It has just been amazing, the marble, the crystal, the beautiful ceramics. Here is one example of a floral design. Now notice the urinals. I've heard so many clients say, "I'd really like to have one as part of my master bath so that my husband has the convenience of this. Also, I would like something attractive." Well, now we have it. Isn't it amazing, the artistry that is used for such functional things? When you're planning your next powder room or your master bathroom, or any particular bathroom where you think it might be convenient to have a urinal, just consider that there are all types of designs.It's been fascinating to visit the many hotels and see the beautiful waterfalls that are also urinals, or the abstract designs that have been featured, or the troughs, on and on. Now, we're looking at floral designs. What next? But how much fun?This is design, and we have so many opportunities to be expressive in so many places and so many ways. Enjoy.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

Interior Design Today - Episode 030

Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 29th episode, Mary talks about the 2013 Architectural Digest Show and DIFFA.It was a great show this year, featuring a lot of different artisans and companies from different parts of the world. There was quite an upgrade of quality in many of the things, especially many of the kitchen features. There were many new and "techy" contributions, which are really part of convenience and which also provide space saving and other elements. There are marvelous conveniences and things that we can do with technology that we could never dream of before.In addition to that, they also feature the DIFFA dining by design. This is where different companies and designers working with them feature their design for dining. Some of them were very different than before. There was one by Benjamin Moore which you could definitely tell was a painting company because they showed how you could use color and paint in many ways. It was very rich and very fun, but also, there was no question that their product was paint.The one that the Pratt students did was very interesting in that it featured a map of the world. They did it in a very "techy" way, using an interesting lighting treatment, which I hope you can see from my photographs. It was very interesting and quite well done. We were all amazed at their thought patterns and how they developed it with design.Ralph Lauren, last year, had an outdoor porch; very country. This year, its was much more modern. You will see a number of fun designs throughout the photographs I have taken as best I could with my simple camera.This is a wonderful contribution to the arts that all these designers and companies are making, both in monetary contributions, as well as their artistic display.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

Interior Design Today - Episode 029

Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 27th episode, Mary talks about entertaining and conversation.We do a lot more entertaining and visiting this time of year than usual. How do our spaces, our living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, contribute to the enjoyment of the visitors that come into that space. It's so interesting. I was listening to someone on Saturday tell me how they so enjoy going out for a meal and having somebody serve me. I think I much more enjoy going into someone's home or inviting people into my home and having the pleasure of discussing a personal subject or something that is just for us and not having everyone around listening to what we're doing, not having to hear others and picking up the noise of the space.We've been taught, that when we want to communicate properly with a person, they should be no more than 6 feet away from us. Which means, as we look at our spaces and plan our seating in any space where we want conversation, we should consider that measurement. After all, you've noticed that if you have a huge table and a person is 12 feet down the row, you don't really get the full impact of their conversation. You pick up parts of it, but not all of it.As we look at the surrounding aspects of the room, what materials absorb sound? How can we eliminate the noise from people moving their feet or glasses on the table or other kinds of things which are often distractions. This is really all part of our joy of conversation. Having the right environment in which to have that talk…Think about the joys that you will be sharing and the time and opportunities you will have in the next few weeks or months of really spending time with people that have meaning to you. Make sure that your environment properly supports it.I had an experience a few years ago when I was helping some students tour a new senior citizen complex. I said to the design students, "If you brought your grandfather into this coffee shop and wanted to talk to him and have a fruitful conversation, where would you have him sit?" It was interesting because really they were not sure what to do. The bottom line is that you would want to be careful that he was sitting against a wall or some form of blockage so that he was not getting background sound. You would also want to be sure that the particular surface absorbed some sound so that you were not getting things reflecting against it and bouncing back.It's really quite interesting as you place people around a table, whether at a restaurant or at your dining room table, that you are concerned about the different physical qualities of that person. If their hearing or sight is limited, how you will light the room to care for that. Older people are not as intrigued by that romantic candle-lit table as young people are because it is quite different when your sight is not as acute. You are very happy for the light contribution of an overhead light or some other source so that you are not totally relying on candle-light. Not just to read a menu, but also to read expression of the faces of others at the table.As we look around, whether we consider using a table cloth or not, whether we want the noise of hearing items moved on the table, or whether we're looking at the lighting or the people hearing our conversation, this is all part of the way we design a space that is designed for good communication. Communication is really the highlight of our human interaction. Let's use all the design elements properly to support the best type of communication. Whether it's your house or a public space, there are great things that design professionals can help you with to make your space enjoyable for good conversation.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

Interior Design Today - Episode 027

Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 26th episode, Mary talks about powder rooms.Powder rooms are quite different from bathrooms. They can be fun. They're something that we use occasionally and we always have them ready for our guests. We can incorporate some fine art into our "surprise" space. Powder rooms can be in many parts of your building, but one of the things I try to be careful of is that I never want them close to an area we are using for conversation or other purposes. I always like to tuck them around the corner or have them out of the main trafficked areas. We really consider their function a bit more private.When you open the door of that powder room, let's make sure it makes a statement. Let's make it fun. We don't need to worry about the light for shaving or doing cosmetics, and we don't have to worry about showering or bathing issues. This is strictly a space we use for a few minutes. We can make it a surprise so that when your guests return from the powder room, they're smiling because they've seen something artistic, fun, and beautiful.At one point, I had my most valuable painting in my powder room. It was really perfect there, and also it was rather protected, away from a great deal of light. I thought it really could be appreciated in that environment where it was a single object which we could really concentrate when viewing.What does your powder room look like? Is it really convenient? Do we have the little things that make it practical? Is it large? Is it small? Normally they are not terribly large, but very often we can incorporate a nice piece of furniture, a special vanity or chair, where one might put on boots or adjust a garment. More than that, look at the mirror, the lighting, and the artistry. This is a chance to really incorporate something that is exciting. One of the bathrooms we did which was not terribly large, we incorporated a sizable mirror. We didn't want lighting fixtures exposed, so we used fiber optic, and the light spotted through crystals on the mirror. It was very dramatic and very artistic. Yet, it made the space look much larger and very contemporary. I also love to light a powder room in different ways. One that we're working on now has a raised vanity with just a small amount of light peeking from the base of the vanity. This could be left on when you're not using the room to make it easy for guests to find the space.Look at your lighting. What is it doing? Is there flexibility? Is there a way that I can leave a small amount of light on when we're not using it, but yet, let guests see that it's available? If someone chooses to fix a contact or touch up their cosmetics, they can illuminate the room at a brighter intensity and take care of whatever that need might be.Your powder room should fit the spirit of your house and look like it belongs there, but also it is a space that we can do something that is a real surprise. Make your powder room fun, enjoyable, and spirited.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

Interior Design Today - Episode 026

Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 25th episode, Mary talks about bathrooms.How many bathrooms do you have in your house? At one time, we thought it was wonderful to have one, maybe one and a powder room. Today, it is not unusual to see everyone having their own bathroom plus a few extras. What do these bathrooms look like? Right now I am working on one that is quite small. It is fascinating how the various people who are supplying the components are saying, "this is really tight, this is really small." No wonder because the one we did last week was 15 x 20. Many of them are even larger than that. Some of them are larger than the master bedroom, the living room, or even the dining room.It is amazing what people are putting into their bathrooms today. We did one a while back where the people had a party when they finished their bathroom. They filled the bathtub with ice and served champagne in the bathroom. I guess we can have parties in our bathrooms...We are now learning that bathrooms are something that are really designed to fit us individually. They're designed for our size and our special needs. This person wants 8 or 9 shower heads. Another person, a Japanese soaking tub. What type of materials are we using? Amazing, amazing materials. I'm also concerned about safety every time I work on a bathroom. At one time, we always did a large master bathroom, but now in most cases, when we do a master bedroom, we'll do a his and a her bathroom. Perhaps they have their own sinks and share a shower or tub. In other cases, if one has a strong preference for a shower or a tub, they may have their own bathrooms.People ask about resale. Nobody is worried about that much today. They're worried about what they want. What is convenient for me? What suits me? Am I tall, do I want a higher counter? Am I short, do I want it lower? Do I want a shower that I walk right into so that I don't stub my toe? Good ideas. Of course, we put benches in some showers. We might want a steam shower, this is ever so popular. Every time you add a certain element, it requires other supportive materials. It is amazing to see the types of fans or exhaust systems that are appropriate for bathrooms that have steam showers. After all, if you're producing all that steam, where does it go? We don't want it creating mold or other problems in other parts of the house, so we must be sure that it is properly exhausted.Just in these few minutes, look at all the elements we've talked about. Look at all the variables. Everything from the water type and sources that we're using. In the house that I live in, the water heater's in the basement and the shower is on the third floor. I can tell you that it takes a long time for the water to get warm in the morning. We no longer do that. We often put the water heater close to the shower, saving water and giving instant hot water for the shower. We no longer have to wait 7-10 minutes for the water to get warm.Think of all these little elements that we're dealing with, whether water, lighting, surfaces of our floor, grade and draining, etc... The technicalities that are now part of just a regular residential bathroom... No wonder we have specialists. No wonder we are looking for how we can do this the right way, not just the way a contractor has done the last few. You're different. You have different views, wants, and requirements. We need to consider those.It is so much fun when we do bathrooms for children. What a different type of environment. This can be great fun and be so adaptable to the young children, yet it will grow with them as they mature. Look at your bathroom, is it really giving you the function and the pleasure that you want? Is this one of the rooms that you go to when you want to retreat, relax, or renew? How are you using your bathroom, and what can be done by simple changes or by major ones, to make it more effective for you?We have all types of opportunities in each and every aspect. Sometimes we're incorporating beautiful pieces of furniture. Other times, it's a mastery system of lighting. All the elements that are now part of this beautiful environment. This lovely music that you hear. The sounds that are stimulating and awaken you in the morning or those that quiet you down at night. Make your bathroom that special place that you can hardly wait to enjoy and you enjoy with great pleasure.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

Interior Design Today - Episode 025

Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 24th episode, Mary talks about the lessons we've learned from Hurricane Sandy.I have noticed that in many instances, contractors have not been quite as honest as they should be with clients. One of my clients had a roof problem, and they were referred to a contractor who was doing other rooves in the area. They asked for a quotation, and they were told $22,000. Another person came to look at the roof from quite a distance, they looked over the situation, didn't take any notes, and the client never heard back from them. The client called me, and I recommended someone we've used before, and they came and quoted them less than $12,000, just about half of the previous quote.The part that is so disturbing is that when we were children, we were taught that things were good or bad, black or white. As we mature, we really realize that everything is pretty grey. When we see this type of situation, this type of a scene, we find that people can be wonderful and they can also be almost evil. Fortunately, as a designer, we get to see and know these contractors. We know who they are, how they work, and what they do. In so many instances, we can be of great assistance to our clients and make sure they get to the right people and that their money is invested appropriately. In my own practice, I do so much of this work. It is quite true, I really didn't get paid for most of those services, but when I think of the invaluable contribution we've made to our clients, it is just amazing.Use your designer to their fullest. Make sure they are giving you the very best and the latest, and use them as a consultant on other building issues because very often they have information that can be very valuable to you in whatever your situation.--I've given you a copy of an article I wrote for the local paper and which has been passed on to a number of publications throughout the country. We need to realize that building codes and standards are really there for a reason. Take a look at the article below and realize that you are in a position to use your voice to encourage better action in your community.View the Patriot News article here.View the Central Penn Business Journal article here or here.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

Interior Design Today - Episode 024

Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 23rd episode, Mary talks about Hurricane Sandy. What did we learn from Sandy, a natural disaster that has changed many people's lives? Almost everyone in the northeast knows of someone or a situation that has been devastated by this natural disaster.Now, we look at things like building codes, and we say, 'Well, what if things were not designed the way they were? What if the wind load had been stronger on these buildings so that they would not have diminished or disappeared? What if the construction systems that were used were more supportive?"Think of all the problems that could have been eliminated.In Harrisburg, there was a very serious flood in 1972, which caused many of the building codes to be changed. Yes, of course, it was a federal regulation, but not every community adopted those standards. Some of them just pushed it aside saying, "This doesn't happen here. This is not our climate or our problem." I'm wondering whether, now that we've looked at this serious devastation, people will be much more concerned about building construction and the standards and ways we do things.How much of this will affect our business and our industry and the way we buy all types of building processses. After the flood in Harrisburg, we were told that we may not have any electric panels, generators, or any major systems in basements. As a result, you'll walk into a home and see the electrical panel high on the first, second, or third floor, but not in the basement. Not anywhere where it could be in jeopardy of flooding. If this were the situation in some of the New York hospitals, we could have saved a lot of trouble.They tell us that these storms are going to be with us. We've had three, the last three years, and this is more than we've had in 100 years. If this is the case, it really does demand our attention. Whether you are in the design world or whether you are a consumer, consider how the standards should affect whatever you are doing. Be it a small remodel or a revision you're doing to your property or a major new construction.The other thing that I see happening out of this situation is, for example, in Pennsylvania, we have a lot of companies doing factory built construction. For example, I had a client who wanted 76 motel rooms with bathrooms and storage and so on, and they wanted them in less than 90 days. The only way that I knew to accomplish this, especially since their decision was made in January/February and they wanted them occupied by May, was to factory build them. The first thing we had to check out was, could you deliver them? There are many situations where you simply can't make the delivery due to highways or wires or whatever. After we formulated that they could be delivered, we started the design and created marble bathrooms, beautiful quality appointments in every respect. Everything was completed in the factory, and by the way, these rooms were less than 1/32nd of an inch off. Look at your building. See how square it is. I doubt very much that you're living in any spaces which are this accurate in measurement. What they did is they built a model for us, and after we approved it and determined that every light switch, outlet, plumbing detail, etc... were just the way we wanted them, they went on to build the additional 75. They were delivered on-time. The foundations were prepared, and they lifted the rooves and put the singles on, on-site. A very sleek operation.As we look at the capabilities of Pennsylvania's manufacturers today, it is very likely that they could deliver 10,000 or more to New York City within a period of 60 days. There is another wonderful part. With all of these units, there is a state regulation that requires a warranty of 20 years on electrical, plumbing, and all basic components. This means that if you install one of these facilities, you don't have to worry about repairs or maintenance for quite a long time. This of what this could save the city's public housing situation. They're telling us that they need between 30 and 40,000 units. Just imagine the maintenance cost and what it could save the city. It isn't really the cost because very often the cost is less to factory build than to stick build in the field. It is also the issue of what is the long term cost. Even if you are spending 10% more or so, that is nothing compared to your overall costs over a period of 5-10 or more years.Will this situation bring forward many different building opportunities and many different demands? That's a question that I have and I feel it will be answered very soon. I feel that the average person will be looking at, why aren't we doing it? Is it a political issue that's holding us back? If so, we won't tolerate this. We want good building standards. I hope that we do get something positive out of all the suffering and problems that have been caused by this natural disaster. It's unfortunate but yet, in many cases, it is wonderful the things that do result from this type of situation. Let's make something out of it. Let's say that this changed our quality of life and our building standards. We all look forward to these better buildings of the future.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

Interior Design Today - Episode 023

Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 22nd episode, Mary talks about lighting. When you're lighting a room or a particular feature, there are now so many opportunities. I was looking at some LED lamps which I'm going to use on a desk, and it's amazing because their lifespan is probably 15 years. You really don't need to worry about light bulbs, and the beautiful part is that you can lift the lamp off, head it in different directions, it'll never get warm, it's really just a pleasant type of light to enhance a work area.Do I want this type of lighting everywhere in my room? No, not really. Nor do I want cans, coming from the ceiling, as one of my clients called it, a swiss cheese ceiling. Aren't we tired of these? There are so many other ways to interestingly light a room and give you a much more enhancing and beautiful effect. I was taught that you never use a highlight or a spot on people. Terriffic on a sculpture, plants, or other object, but definitely not on people's heads. I think so often when I look at kitchens and see all of these down lights, with the heat coming off of them. Here you are cooking, with this light coming down on your head, adding to the heat created by cooking. Not the right way to light a kitchen, but how many different ways are there?We're doing a bathroom right now where we've added a small light underneath the vanity. Here, we have the benefit of simply having that on while entertaining guests. As they walk in, they can see where they're going. In that same bathroom, we're making sure that there are variations in lighting. If you happen to come in and don't want a lot of light glaring at you, you can have a soft light. If you happen to be doing makeup or contacts, you can have a lot of light.We also look at our surfaces and reflection of light to determine that type of lamping that we want to use. It isn't just dropping lights into a room. How do they reflect? How do our eyes pickup the details of that space or the functions of that space. What color eyes do you have? What age are the people? What is their height? Are they standing, sitting, or just how do they expect to need light for the subject that goes on there.You see, it's a material which has wonderful opportunities. It can be our friend or it can be a problem. When we walk into a room, the first thing we notice is a light source. Windows or lighting. The second, of course, is color. Since lighting is so primary, look at your lighting. Is it really what you want it to be?Mixing lighting is where we go today. Look at your rooms. Do you have all one kind of lighting? If so, review it. You probably want to add a few others. I like lighting coming from different lights and directions to enhance and show the dimension of the space. Lighting is a tool. Use it with skill an pleasure.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

Interior Design Today - Episode 022

Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 21st episode, Mary talks about glass. Glass everywhere! It seems that glass has become an important material, but why are we surprised? Don't we realize that the main material of our time is silicon. We went through the brass age, the iron age, and all the other materials, and now we are supposed to be mining glass, or silicon. It's the strongest material we have. It's hard to imagine, but glass is stronger than steel. When we're building with fiberglass and using some of those materials in our automobiles and other items, it really is an item of strength. Now we're seeing it become so fashionable in all types of furniture items and finishes. We are now doing some beautiful tiling in glass. We haven't seen this type of thing done for many years. Now it's not just one type of glass tile, but many many others.We have to look at where is the appropriate place to use it. Perfect for a shower wall, a bathroom wall, or a decorative wall. I saw someone putting it on a kitchen floor; no, it doesn't belong there. On the whole, it's very fragile. It will crack, it will break. I've used it on countertops. One of my favorite countertops for kitchens today is a very nice thick glass with a slightly textured finish so that it shows no marks. It is totally kosher, and it is the cleanest countertop you could have. The beautiful thing is that you have options of underlining it with different colors, textures, or patterns. It is so easy to take care of and work with. The edges and details are all quite important. One makes it practical, the wrong one makes it a problem. Obviously, it depends upon knowing your materials.Installing glass on shower walls or other areas that don't mark or spot. There is no longer a need for a squeegee because now we have glass that doesn't sport or mark. We are also seeing this used in high rises and other places where it won't collect dirt or spots. Isn't it wonderful the innovations that we have today and the opportunities that we have to work it into our designs?As you consider your material, just think of the many opportunities. Of course your glass can be treated if it's being used for windows so that it reduces the heat or light impact, but when it comes to light, it doesn't totally reduce fading. Any type of light will cause textiles to fade, whether it's your lamp or something coming from the exterior. This is something that we do need to consider.Look at glass with a very different light and consider some of the opportunities of where you can use it to enhance your interior in a very practical way. Yes, of course, there are safety issues. I've noticed at the Barnes Foundation museum, the way they did the door design. They had a thin glass panel from the top of the door to the bottom. Of course, taking care of ADA and other safety measures, but adding a very interesting decorative effect. Really wonderful how we can use glass, and it can be very safe and most affective. Not just fiberglass draperies, not necessarily, although there are a few being used. Look at it as a building material, an architectural material, and a decorative material. You'll see more of it, and fortunately, in so many different ways.We're using a laminated glass right now in a project. It is two layers of glass with a pattern infused in the center of it. It's very practical and very beautiful. Think about the way you can use glass in your interior to really enhance some of the details of your space. It's a new material, an old material, but it's out there everywhere. It's different, and it's beautiful. Look at its opportunities, and I'm sure you'll find a spot where you would like to add glass as one of your features.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

Interior Design Today - Episode 021

Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 20th episode, Mary talks about acoustics. It isn't just what we can see, but what we can hear. One of the most important things that we all appreciate is a good conversation; one in which we truly understand what the other person is saying and what is really meant. This takes in many components. We do need to be able to hear what they are saying, and then, of course, if we are fortunate enough to be in the same room as them, we're interested in their body language and how they respond; their persona. What I find to be a major issue in almost every interior space that I see is that so often we are not considering acoustics. It isn't just in the theatre, to be able to hear the wonderful symphony or theatrical production, but it is also a question of sitting in a restaurant and being able to hear what is being said by the others at your table. It is also frankly about not hearing what is being said by those at another table.I think it is the responsibility of everyone, whether doing a family room or an office, a restaurant, or any space where communication to consider acoustics. Even in our offices, we're looking at what works with this piece of equipment. There are some types of environments which are really destructive to every bit of sound. In our residence, we seriously want to hear 'what we want to hear' and we don't want to hear 'what we don't want to hear.' Often, when families are very young, parents are very sensitive to hearing what is happening in the nursery, so they'll mic it so that they can be sitting in another room and be totally aware of whether the child is in any form of distress. As the children grow older, they tend to make a lot more noise, we then reach the position where we would really prefer not to hear the noise quite as often. Drumming, television programs, etc... are things that we really don't need to hear. As children age, or as we share our spaces with other adults, we all have things which are for us to hear and not for the rest of the group. It is critical that we understand this. After all, this is part of our life. We want to share some things, but other things are really just for our use.This is part of designing interiors. Let's look at the acoustical aspects of design. We have seen wonderful designs of open entrance areas, up into the bedroom area. Families turn on the television in the family room, and children can hear it in their bedrooms just you can in the family room. This is not an appropriate design considering this space may be shared by people of various age. If there are one or two people in the house, it may not be a problem, but it can quickly grow to be a major consideration.I was interested in a conversation today where someone said in a restaurant, 'It's so noisy, I'm really disturbed by this.' They had a bit of a hearing problem. They suggested putting acoustical tile on the ceiling. I said, well, that would help some, but the reality is we need acoustical absorbing material closer to the level where voices are used. When seated, the voice area is somewhere between 3 and 5 feet, not at 10 feet. For the sound to get up there and to come back, it really is reverberating and causing a lot of other issues that we don't necessarily want or need.As you look at what you want to hear and do not want to hear, consider that we know a lot about acoustical control. Whether it's broadcasting or blocking, we know how to encourage the right volume. We have wonderful materials today that don't necessarily look strange, but they're very decorative and appropriate and can be incorporated into any type of space to make it more comfortable. When looking at the design of your space, it isn't just furniture or materials, but it's also: how will the space work for us? Acoustics need to be a consideration from the very beginning.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

Interior Design Today - Episode 020

Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 19th episode, Mary talks about tabletops. Are you using a tabletop specialist? It was very interesting, but last week, I had a gathering in my apartment in New York. Fortunately, I had a specialist helping me. It was really exciting to see the way I did things and the little touches that Jay could add. He knew how to put some magic into that table. It was really fun to see some of the pieces that I had used in so many different ways being presented with just a touch of artistry which was something that I hadn't thought of. Fortunately, we had some nice pieces to work with, but he also added a few that enhanced the overall presentation.As I think about entertaining today, we all have many things that we can use. We don't want to use them in a boring style, we want something that's just a bit exciting and different. Especially if we are entertaining, often the same people, you feel like you don't want to put out the same food in the same way. Yet, you know that there are certain things that are healthy or well liked, and you obviously want to present them in an attractive way so that they just look a bit special.As you look around your space, whether it is your office where you are working with a few clients, or whether it's your residence or a picnic you're doing, you really want to make it a bit special. After all, you want your friends to feel that they are special and that you've put a bit of effort into it. With my lifestyle, unfortunately I don't have a lot of time to dedicate to these things. I need shortcuts. Fortunately, I've found ways of being able to put together a dinner or small affair within a matter of a half an hour in many cases. Yet, it is appealing. I admit I am not the most creative chef in the community, but I do have a way of finding and preparing a certain amount myself. I try to make sure it is presented in an attractive way. I find that even the simplest food is most appealing and exciting if it is presented properly.Look in your closets. See what you have. How can it be used in a different way? How can you, perhaps, add a piece or two that really makes a difference? The old China that you received as a wedding gift, it can still be presented in a different way. Make it up to date and make sure it's exciting. We aren't eating the types of food that we did so many years ago. So often, we need to change and adjust. Check out your tabletops, make sure they're beautiful. Whether it is for a buffet or a sit-down dinner or even a simple breakfast, design is part of our lifestyle. Use it to its advantage.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.

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