Guest Blogger: David Jimenez "Living with Photos"

I've introduced you to David Jiminez before on this blog. (You can read his other Martha Moments contributions here.) The talented designer and stylist is vice president of visual merchandising for Hallmark and is a regular reader of this blog. David and I struck up a friendship after a bit of online banter and he has thankfully agreed to periodically contribute some design tips to Martha Moments. In this article, David reflects on his passion for collecting and displaying photography in his homes (he lives in Kansas City and has a summer place in Palm Springs) and offers some helpful tips for displaying your own collection. Read his article below and please visit his website for more inspiration.

Ever since I can remember, I've been passionate about photography. As a teenager, I would buy those inexpensive large calendars (the kind that are filled with black and white photos of European cities), tear them apart and use the prints as artwork on the walls of my small bedroom in the Bronx.

I would carefully thumbtack the photos, edge to edge, creating a perfect grid above my headboard then lounge for hours staring at the beautiful images, transported to the romantic destinations they depicted. Over the years, I’ve amassed a large collection of black and white photography and charcoal drawings. They have no pedigree to speak of, just a range of subjects I choose based on how they make me feel. As a result, it’s an eclectic mix that ranges from thrift store finds to original pieces signed by the artist. What unifies them is their monochromatic scale and my admiration for them.

Whether it’s a gallery of family photos or a mixed collage of subjects, I love the way a wall of framed photography adds warmth to a room and conveys a personal story. I also love how impacting just a single photograph can be when it's placed in the perfect spot, giving the design of the room context and character.

When I relocated from San Francisco to Kansas City, it took me a little while to adjust to my new surroundings. I was driven to set up the rooms quickly, surround myself with furnishings that were familiar and reconnect with my stuff.

Filling the rooms with photography was something I was anxious to do since it gave me the same pleasure that I had as a kid daydreaming about far away places in my room.

The feeling we all experience when we create the right space is one of peace and harmony – a happy place that we can’t wait to spend time in and share with those that mean the most to us.

A collection of black-and-white photographs mingle with charcoal prints behind a sofa in the carriage house. They create geometric depth while drawing the eye upward to the bank of small windows above.

A closer look at the same vignette reveals the beauty of the layers and the contrast in scale and texture.

In the home office, photographs snuggle warmly into the corner, filling nearly every inch of the wall. A photo of a pair of hands on the desk leans casually onto a framed mirror behind it.

Subtlety is the order of the day in this guest bathroom. A photograph of a woman standing on a rock by the sea fades quietly into the lightness of this all-white room. The feeling is clean, pure and airy. In David's bedroom, below, a bouquet of white roses is echoed in the striking photograph behind it.

Inspiration: Create the Perfect Gallery

Nearly every surface of my home is layered in some way. Sometimes, it's as simple as layering a mirror with a photograph to create a casual vibe and a look that is spontaneous and carefree. In making choices, I start by pulling together pieces that vary in shape, texture, and finish. Creating gallery statements with my art collections is a fundamental cornerstone of style that I rely on time and again. Whether they are family photos or collected pieces of artwork, nothing is more personal than a grouping of framed art collected on a gallery wall. Here's a closer look at how it's done on this wall of eclectic photography and some tips to consider when creating your own gallery.

Keep your palette simple. I usually stick to all black-and-white, gathered in a combination of like-minded frames.

• Different frame sizes will create an asymmetrical composition that will look more interesting.


• Keep the wall neat and aligned by laying out the frames on the floor first and assembling them there in a rectangle that duplicates the space on the wall.


• Use a bench or a piece of furniture to anchor the scene. It gives the gallery a finish line.


• Create added warmth and richness by accessorizing with pillows, throws, and candles. Heap a stack of books on any surface to add depth and create instant chic.


• If you have wall space to the left or right of the piece of furniture, layer and lean photographs against the wall, instead of hanging them, to keep the arrangement looking casual and loose.

I have already introduced you to the fabulous David Jimenez in a previous post about his beautiful home in Kansas City. The interior designer is the Vice President of Visual Merchandising at Hallmark, and has lent his creative styling genius to such companies as Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware over the years.

When someone wrote to David after reading the interview with him here, asking him to recommend a decorating book, David wasn’t sure which one to suggest and asked my opinion. I was flattered, of course, and started brainstorming: Why not make a compilation of our favourite decorating books and discuss them here? So, that’s what we did. We limited ourselves to five books each – the ones we truly love and continuously turn to for design ideas and inspiration. Below, you can read about our recommendations.

David, overwhelmed by his library of design books.

To preface the list, I think it’s important to convey a few tips about looking for good decorating books, especially ones that fit your particular requirements and budget. Most books on interior design or decorating are quite lavish, printed in large, hardcover format on glossy pages that are filled with photographs of the rooms in question. This is not simply pandering to luxurious presentation nor is it an accident...nor does it make these books inexpensive!

The photography of the interiors and the presentation of the photography in these books are essential to an effective book on the subject, in my opinion. If the color is off or the photos are too small, the book will fail to fully convey its ideas or succeed in inspiring the reader.

I always think a good decorating book should take your breath away a little as you turn the pages. It should set off sparks of creativity and make you feel as though you are inside the rooms, that you want to explore the rooms and potentially achieve that same effect in your own home.

Photography and presentation, of course, are just half the story. I would get bored of a book filled only with photographs of lovely but random homes. I like to read about the rooms and the houses and the designer, and the owners in many cases. A good interior design book will focus on all of these things, and the best ones will tell you how to either achieve the look yourself, or at least provide a guideline for coming up with your own

ideas to realize.

Shopping for interior design books should be a thoughtful process and can be done from a few different perspectives. Always start by asking yourself what you’re looking for: Do I want a book to simply enjoy looking at in my leisure time, or do I want a practical, how-to book about the art of interior designing? That question alone will dictate your choices. (Books about the homes of Hollywood stars, for instance, are not terribly practical, but they can be entertaining to read.)

There are also numerous categories and sub-categories to explore. Many interior design books follow the collected works of one renowned designer (Axel Vervoordt, Kelly Wearstler, Bunny Williams) and examine their theories and principles. Others focus on particular styles based on region or style: English Country, French Provencal, Caribbean, Modern or Traditional. Others will examine one specific decorating element or room; books only about kitchens, for example, or books on painting technique and color harmony, books on furniture style or window treatment.

Assess your interests, needs and wants and then spend time browsing at the bookstore. If you shop online, pay particular attention to the reviews of customers who have read or purchased the book you’re interested in. I’ve been steered away from books I thought would be excellent but turned out to be duds after reading 20 negative reviews. So, without further adieu, here are the lists compiled by David Jimenez and myself. Enjoy!

DAVID JIMENEZ:

Domino, The Book of Decorating: The "how to" for young, fresh and on-trend decorating. It's like having all of my favorite tear sheets from Domino magazine in one place.

House Beautiful, The Home Book: Chock full of inspiring rooms that are not overly staged or trendy, this book covers all design basics with little editorial and beautiful photos.

In The Pink by Dorothy Draper: The Grand Dame of Hollywood Regency style, from the 1930's to the 1960's Dorothy Draper was one of the most popular American designers in history. Years later her designs still look as fresh and exciting and as they did then.

Living with Design by David Hicks: A true classic and arbiter of impeccable taste, David Hicks has inspired everyone from Jonathan Adler to Kelly Wearstler. His rooms are full of layers, bold graphic designs and rich color.

Vogue Living: Houses,Gardens, People: Gorgeous photographs of chic people in their inspirational surroundings. It will leave you feeling like you want to put everything on the curb and start over!

ANDREW RITCHIE:

Bunny Williams' Point of View by Bunny Williams: Part memoir and part how-to manual, the book showcases many of the drop-dead chic but always cozily comfortable residences whose interiors Williams has designed during her astounding career: “Knowing what you value is essential.” Her conviction is that every person’s home should manifest their personality. Stunning photographs of incredible rooms with informative text.

Apartment Therapy: A book of rooms, clever design ideas and eclectic spaces based on the popular website of the same name. The beautiful thing about this book is that it showcases the spaces of everyday, creative people and their design solutions for small or temporary spaces, written and photographed by the owners/renters themselves. It comes with an extensive list of design sources.

Monochrome: Edited by Paula Rice Jackson of Interiors magazine, the book is an astonishing look at the effectiveness of monochromatic spaces, from the ultra-modern to the classically traditional. From muted neutrals to bold greens and blues, the rooms here are inspirational for anyone who adores color harmony. I highly recommend this book.

Interiors with a Soul by Walda Pairon: Belgian designer Walda Pairon plays with styles and periods, allowing centuries old objects and works of art to tell new and meaningful stories. Her interiors have one thing in common: Walda offers people the ideal environment in which they can feel at ease at home. Deep, rich tones, rustic wood and delicate glass – it’s an experience of casual European elegance.

Timeless Interiors by Axel Vervoordt: Dutch designer Axel Vervoort has over 30 years experience as an interior designer. His lesson is that less is more and that the ‘decorated room’ should never look decorated at all. The book features simple and classic designs in places all over Europe and America.

Other books you may want to consider:

Greenwich Style by Cindy Rinfret, So Chic by Elle Decor Editors, Interior Design by John F. Pile. (Pile’s book in particular comes highly recommended, now in its third edition.)

Color, Space, Style (All the details interior designers need to know but can never find) by Mimi Love and Chris Grimley, Designers Guide to Furniture Styles by Judith Miller and David Linley, Interior Design Course by Tomris Tangaz (which is the most basic of all.)
And, of course, these companion books on decorating by the editors of Martha Stewart Living magazine, which showcase the best decorating ideas from the magazine prior to 1998. I love both books very much. The books include many “how-to” DIY decorating projects and provide numerous photographs of comfortable but elegant rooms – including many of Martha’s own homes in Connecticut and Long Island. The text draws the eye to the various details and provides sources and guides.

Last week I received a very kind email from a reader named David Jimenez telling me how much he enjoyed reading my blog and learning more about Martha’s ventures, her homes and her magazines. I always respond to personal emails regarding Martha Moments and I was happy to do the same for David. I thanked him for his compliments and soon discovered the subtle link to his website in his original message to me.

Well, when I followed the link I was blown away by the visual feast that awaited me and realized that I had to feature him on the blog!

I quickly discovered that David is an incredible designer, renowned across the United States for his classic visual underpinnings and clean, collected style. Born in New York, he has lived in San Francisco and now currently resides in a restored 1906 manor house in Kansas City. He is Vice President of Visual Merchandising for Hallmark and has enjoyed similar positions for companies like Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn. In this capacity, David is responsible for designing the look and layout of the stores, keeping in mind the design philosophies and themes of the retailer while never forgetting his own personal tastes and attractions, which guide his aesthetic.

David kindly agreed to a Martha Moments interview, which you can read below. He also graciously sent these incredibly beautiful photographs of his homes: a stunning manor in Kansas City with an adjacent carriage house, and a dreamy vacation home in Palm Springs. Thank you David!

How did you come to find your extraordinary home in Kansas City?

It was love at first sight. I was exploring neighborhoods as possible options for my move to Kansas City from San Francisco in January, 2005. This is one of the first houses I saw. I loved everything about it, from the copper dormer windows to the buff color brick and molding details. It’s what I envisioned as the quintessential Kansas City home.

You’ve said your approach to decorating is organic and that it doesn’t follow a particular pattern of rules. What inspires you in design and how might you describe your style?

I would describe my style as casual, collected, personal and inviting.

I am passionate about flea markets and thrift stores because I love the character and warmth that vintage pieces lend to a room. I often allow the items I purchase influence the color palette or point of view for a particular room.

A good example of this is the Chesterfield sofa that’s in my sunroom. It’s an old Ralph Lauren sofa I purchased at a thrift store. It was in terrible shape.

I had it reupholstered in brown velvet and added the dining table, vintage lamps, wing chairs and rug to the room.

So what was once a tattered-looking sofa became the anchor to one of my favorite rooms in the house. You'll notice the Ralph Lauren Chesterfield in the sunroom, seen in this photo.

The Carriage House behind the main house is such a beautiful and luxurious space. Describe the carriage house and your approach to designing it.

I lived in the carriage house for a year and a half while I upgraded the main house.

At the time I set it up with my furniture from San Francisco, which had a more contemporary vibe and created a nice contrast against the classic architecture of the main and carriage houses, both built in 1906.

After moving to the main house, I took most of the furniture in the carriage house to the attic and made the space warmer by changing some of the furnishings.

The living room in the carriage house.The office in the carriage house.

As VP of Visual Merchandising for Hallmark, and previously for Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn, you obviously have a breadth of experience working in design. How does your professional design intersect with your personal design?

I think it happens in reverse. What I do at home influences what I do at work. Ever since I was young enough to move the furniture around in my parents living room, I have enjoyed trying new ideas and mixing things up.

The spaces I created at Pottery Barn and Restoration reflected the same sensibility I loved in my surroundings at home.

The living room in the main house.
The sitting room in the main house.

In your Palm Springs house, you use yellow so effectively, like little bursts of sunlight around the rooms. I’ve always found it a difficult colour to work with. What are your secrets to using vibrant tones in interior design?
I wanted the house in Palm Springs to give a nod to the classic “rat pack” era of the 1950’s.

I chose an edited color palette and used the citron yellow color as an accent on a few walls throughout the house. For me, the key with working with such a bright color was to use it sparingly for drama. I also coated the floors in white epoxy to unify all the rooms and create a floating sense of lightness in the house. This also creates a breezy transition between indoors and outdoors.

The living room in Palm Springs.The dining room in Palm Springs.

You’ve said that flea markets, tag sales and second-hand shops have yielded numerous treasures for your own design. Considering these economically challenging times, many people might now consider interior design to be an elusive luxury. How can timeless interior design be achieved, even on a low budget?

Nothing gives a room more character than a unique, one-of a kind find that resonates emotionally. I look for interesting pieces that have unique lines, and often re-paint or reupholster the items to fit my décor. And not only is it less expensive than buying from a traditional furniture store— shopping thrift stores, estate sales and flea markets is also the quintessential way to “go green.”
A serving buffet in the dining room.
A reupholstered chair in the bedroom.

You obviously admire Martha Stewart otherwise you wouldn’t be a reader of this blog. What makes you a Martha fan?

Martha is an icon and has had a huge impact on American design. I’ll always remember how much I enjoyed reading the first issue of the magazine. I immediately became hooked by her message. It’s been wonderful to see how she has evolved her brand over the years. I continue to be a huge fan of hers.

Martha has said recently that a standalone Martha Stewart store is not out of the realm of possibility. How might David Jimenez approach visual merchandising for The Martha Stewart Store? What would I see if I walked through the doors after you had designed the space?

A space the reflects the personal viewpoint and clarity of her brand: Inspirational, clean, edited, well-organized... and with a lot of soul.

What are some things at home you can’t live without?

Fifteen-watt light bulbs, they cast the warmest glow. Baies Candles by Diptyque, my all-time favorite scent. My CD collection with favorites from Aretha to Amy Winehouse. A cocktail shaker, always at the ready. And good friends which leave me feeling loved...and with an occasional hangover.

Low, atmospheric lighting is a Jimenez feature, such as here in the study of his Kansas City home.

What are some things we would never, ever see in a David Jimenez interior?

Great question! Truth is, similar to fashion, what’s old starts looking new again if enough time has passed.

The one thing you’ll probably never see in one of my interiors is plastic-covered furniture.
I have plenty of painful memories of being a kid at my grandmother’s and having my skin stick to the sofa while wearing shorts and a hang-ten tank top on hot summer days.

Visit David's website for more inspiration: http://www.djimenez.com/