Tamara’s collections have a timeless elegance that can blend within any contemporary or modernist setting. Planes appear to float within the thin steel frames on her case pieces, shelving, desks and tables. Chairs have a modernist Bauhaus leaning. “Poof” ottomans are tailored yet soft. Her block tables are aged tree trunks but the artistic applied finish is anything but natural. Finishes range from natural colors and textures to refined artisan renditions. Codor is committed to using environmentally friendly material and aims to marry the eco ethic with luxury design.

INSTUDIO Design Directors can see any contemporary, modernist, or eclectic interior enhanced by a splendid one of a kind Tamara Codor work of art disguised as furniture.

For more information on Tamara Codor visit:  http://codordesign.com/info

INSTUDIO the art of design the business of living  instudio-sf.com

Photo Credits:  Charles Schuck furniture photography.

The art is tactile and visually stimulating, creating a sense of wonder:  “I’ve seen something like this before, but where?”  Caryne creates works of beauty taken from what we have all gotten too accustomed to seeing cluttering our landscapes:  remnants of our throwaway society.  As INSTUDIO does this with its reuse, recycle and re-purpose interior design projects –– Caryn does the same in her creative process as an Artist.

The artistic statement for Caryn’s work is:  “No longer are these items part of our everyday routine, lost in the midst of everyday life. I use such artifacts as inspiration to create monuments of cultural artistic creativity, giving them a renewed sense of beauty.”

The Design Directors of INSTUDIO love Caryn’s work and applaud her artistic vision.  Enjoy more of Caryn’s work at:  www.havicanwilliamsgallerystudio.com

INSTUDIO the art of design the business of living   instudio-sf.com

When selecting an odd pair of chairs, look at your existing room/furniture to evaluate what would add to the overall composition. Colors, textiles, finishes shapes and size of your existing furnishings will give you direction towards finding elements on the new odd chairs that will bridge the design and add to your overall décor.

If you like the idea of using an odd pair of dining chairs, consider three or four sets in a combination around a dining table. A grouping of one of a kind chairs is also a great look. Careful shopping is required because each chair must look good next to each other or the design will visually fall apart. Search flea markets, consignment shops, antique shops, thrift stores, vintage furniture stores and online sources (using descriptive key words) to find the perfect odd chairs to complement your rooms.

INSTUDIO the art of design the business of living    instudio-sf.com

Shane King and Arne Johnson of MISSION PICTURES asked the Design Directors of INSTUDIO to develop a design plan that would allow them to casually work in their small studio while giving them more style than their film equipment and free leftover furnishings was providing. Being unfamiliar in working with interior designers, the film makers had reservations in how their working environment would match the vision that INSTUDIO would create for them.  Their desire was to convey a “homey, comfortable” atmosphere where a dog and three young children often come to the workplace.

As with any size project, the INSTUDIO approach is, “it starts with a plan”.  Knowing that space was limited and work and storage requirements could not be compromised, the new furniture and placement was a leading factor in the overall design. Due to Budget constraints the Design Directors used Craigslist, online stores and local discount sources for materials, furniture, and accessories.

The colors and materials that were chosen were clear colors found in nature. The various shades of the ocean blue carpet are a strong foundation and counterpoint to the warm golden hue chosen for the walls. Since film makers work with visual imagery the Design Directors suggested constructing a “controlled chaos” art installation wall that can evolve with their lives. MISSION PICTURES requested a “Mad Men” style bar for the occasional cocktail party after work. INSTUDIO thought that tall directors’ chairs completed the hip young film maker vibe.

INSTUDIO likes to design for small business because the personality of the business owner can shine through carefully selected furnishings, materials, fixtures, colors and art. It starts with a plan.

INSTUDIO the art of design the business of living    instudio-sf.com

The table goes beyond any strict category of art, craft or furniture. INSTUDIO Design Directors have a number of reasons to like this table:  the creative reuse of pipe wrenches and a playful industrial look.  The “X” forms that have been used in furniture designs for ages add a classical element to the table. The heaviness of the tools balances the lightness of the glass top.  And, can you say red?

Because this unique table makes its own sculptural statement it can find itself fitting comfortably  within any type of room, including a family room, man cave, apartment, converted garage, loft, art collector’s space, or country cottage. The Pipe Wrench table can blend into almost any style of design as well.

See a wide range of Jonathans’ creative works at: http://www.etsy.com/listing/90649206/wine-barrel?ref=pr_shop.

INSTUDIO the art of design the business of living   instudio-sf.com

The Design Directors braved the cold to stroll the Sculpture Garden and were continuously inspired as they rounded each bend and turn of the garden paths.  The cold, grayish day only enhanced the sculpture providing a uniform back drop for the works of art, making the sculpture the focal point of the environment in which they are situated.

Each sculpture was selectively placed to become a visual point to its surroundings.  A principle the Design Directors of INSTUIDO regularly utilize in developing designs and space plans.  As you enter into a space, your eye will naturally be drawn to a focal point.  It is these focal points that the Design Directors use to provide cohesion to a design plan carefully selecting furniture, accessories, and a color palette that enhances the visual focal point and provides a seamless viewing journey through the interior space.

These visual cues, just like the visual cues of the natural environment of the Meijer Sculpture Park, can bring excitement and interest to an interior space.  Let the Design Directors of INSTUDIO help you find your visual vocal point in your interiors and develop a personal design plan for your home.

For more on the Gardens:  http://www.meijergardens.org/

INSTUDIO the art of design the business of living    instudio-sf.com

Loft living became mainstream throughout the United States as manufacturing left the hearts of cities and towns. Those who wanted the true loft experience in San Francisco defied local laws and building codes. A few loft style apartments were developed as live/work spaces in historic buildings but codes required that they be developed with plain standard kitchens, bath rooms. The true spirit of loft living was lost.

Restrictions gave birth to creativity as loft style apartments were developed South of Market. New condominium buildings with large open plan living spaces were built to satisfy the demand of those who wanted urban loft style live/work space.

INSTUDIO Design Directors were asked to develop a new design plan for a client who was in the process of purchasing a large but dated loft. The loft had great bones and lots of private outdoor space, but pure white walls, poorly refinished ebony stained floors, track lighting and plain maple cabinets made the great spaces dull and lifeless.

INSTUDIO rethought the lighting and finishes selections, then produced interesting furniture plans for the client to consider. The white color palette throughout was replaced with a warm neutral color that changes with the light:  Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray. Oak floors were refinished receiving a honey colored stain. Plain black metal stairs came alive with a new color that was inspired by aged steel. Maple cabinets throughout the loft with beautiful brown and black granite countertops were transformed with paint in complementary neutrals or black.  Basic track lighting was augmented with contemporary ball pendant fixtures.

The client was asked about her favorite color to wear for special occasions, she replied RED! The design directors selected a beautiful deep orange red as an accent wall color that can be seen throughout the loft. A new circular sofa purchased for entertaining has dramatic effect. A custom shag rug follows an angled feature wall that leads you through the space.

Loft living can feel as comfortable as any home while reflecting your life and style when you get design direction from INSTUDIO.

INSTUDIO the art of design the business of living   instudio-sf.com

The Octagon Dining Table was inspired by a crystal candlestick designed by the American architectural master Frank Lloyd Wright. The table would be at home in a contemporary, modernist or mid-century interior. The simple geometric shapes can be a counterpoint to a traditional dining room or used as a center table in a grand foyer.

Lewis designs home furnishings with no boundaries.  His contemporary aesthetic has developed through his interest in art, architecture, craft and designs from many periods, styles and cultures. His timeless and sculptural designs are suited to mix with anyone’s personal style.

Samuel is one of the few furniture designers that continue the tradition of developing his ideas through the art of hand drafting.  Mechanical pencils, plastic triangles, architectural measuring scales along with crisp white vellum paper are the media used to cultivate his drawings and designs rather than reliance on computers.

The INSTUDIO Design Director is thrilled to have the Octagon Table selected as a winner by this iconic American furniture manufacturer. Samuel’s winning entry will be produced by Hickory Chair Furniture Company as his prize in 2012. Visit instudio-sf.com to see the realized Octagon Table next year.

INSTUDIO the art of design the business of living   instudio-sf.com

Use gold or silver spray paint to create the first layer of glamour to clean and dry pinecones.

Open a plastic kitchen size garbage bag and add glitter (the larger the pinecone the more glitter you will need). Open another plastic bag and place it where the completed pinecone will be able to dry overnight.

In a small vessel add about one third of water to Elmer’s glue and stir well with a paint brush and set aside. Use the paintbrush to paint the glue and water mixture onto the pinecone making sure that some of the glue gets into the interior surfaces.

Place the glue covered pinecone into the bag with glitter. Close one end of the bag with your hand and shake the bag in all directions until you think the pinecone is completely covered in glitter. Carefully remove the pinecone and place it on the open plastic bag to dry overnight. The following day shake and brush off excess glitter from the pinecone. Add the new sparkly pinecone to your holiday décor.

When holiday guests ask about your stunning pinecones just say I made them myself. “It’s Shake & Glitter and INSTUDIO helped”.

INSTUDIO the art of design the business of living instudio-sf.com

Within a few hours you too can create a personal bold holiday warp with an assortment of recycled papers, Elmer’s glue, a paint brush and a hair dryer.

Make paper bows with a stapler and tape for additional graphic punch.

Check out the slideshow for easy instructions to freestyle with your own wrap!

INSTUDIO the art of design the business of living   instudio-sf.com