Be Inspired

When everything seems gray…there may just be an unexpected burst of color to brighten your day! We all know how miserable driving in Columbus can be when it is raining.  After sitting in traffic for 30 minutes, exhausted from a long day, I was ready to just be home.  This rainbow peeked through the clouds and made my day.  As unsafe as it might be, I had to take a picture of it…I was inspired. Why is it that every time I see a rainbow, that little girl inside of me comes out and I actually think I might be able to reach the end of it?!?!

1. With Christmas just behind us, most people are probably familiar with LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lights.  Many homeowners decided this year to purchase LED Christmas lights instead of using their old fashioned incandescent bulbs.  What’s so great about LEDs?  LEDs can be used to build energy-efficient lighting products that save energy, help protect the environment, reduce maintenance costs and make people and things look much more attractive than traditional lighting…not to mention they can last much longer than traditional lighting. Another unique element about some LED lights is that you often have the ability to specify the fixture to be color changing. This is how we specified some of the lighting at the MoJoe Lounge we designed. This gave the owner the ability to change the lighting depending on the time of day – bar at night and coffee shop by day.

2. While artificial lighting is needed, often times the sunshine creates just as beautiful an effect. This stained glass window is the main feature of an alter in a church we are currently renovation: Faith Lutheran Church in Whitehall. We are doing some interior renovations and a minor addition, but this masterpiece is certainly going to remain a highlight of the alter. The Pastor informed me that the beautiful glass was crafted by Franklin Art Glass in German Village. If you are doing any sort of renovation project or are in search of beautiful unique glass, I would suggest visiting their showroom.

3. I have never seen a corporate interior design concept as interesting as this. I’m not sure how easy it would be to convince a client of this direction, but I do find it brilliant.  Designed by the Dutch Architecture Firm Hofman Dujardin, the DLA Piper Office is a playful space intended to accentuate the variations in sunlight throughout a typical working day.  What does that mean? The side of the building that receives the most sunlight is balanced with cooler tones, while the side that receives the least is compensated with warm tones. Meanwhile, the giant gradient of carpet connects the four main meeting rooms, while also creating a simple and clear sense of orientation within the building. Amazing.

4. This is a building I came across and was very intrigued. I searched to find out where this picture was taken, but with no luck. It would be interesting to use this concept as a wayfinding method in a parking garage, hospital, or anywhere really. I love the clean lines and bright, bold, pop of color.

5. Photo manipulation. Andy Warhol was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as Pop Art. This famous print of Marilyn Monroe is one that is recognized by all.  Be creative and use your photos in a similar fashion for a distinctive art solution.