ORDINARY TURNED INTO EXTRAORDINARY
How to See Ordinary Objects as Art
Art is often thought of as paintings, sculptures, and carefully crafted installations, but there's an entire world of potential art in our everyday surroundings. When we change the way we look at common objects, we can uncover their aesthetic, emotional, and cultural value. In doing so, we invite creativity and appreciation into our daily lives.
Here are some of the ways to look at ordinary objects as art, for seeing beauty and inspiration in the items we interact with every day.
1. Change Your Perspective
Seeing everyday objects as art requires a shift in perspective. Often, we look at objects only for their utility: a chair is for sitting, a mug for drinking. But by focusing on an object’s form, color, and design, we can appreciate it in a new light. Observe an object from various angles, or imagine it separated from its function. A teapot’s curves, for example, might remind you of a sculpture. Likewise, the woven pattern on a basket may resemble intricate artistry.
2. Consider Historical and Cultural Context
Many everyday objects have stories behind them—design histories that add another layer of appreciation. Think of a vintage rotary phone or an antique vase: both are tied to a specific era and culture. This narrative elevates the object from a simple item to a piece of living history, reminding us of the past and connecting us to broader human experiences.
3. Focus on Texture and Material
The materials used in everyday items can be incredibly diverse and interesting. Wood, metal, glass, clay, and fabric all bring their unique visual and tactile qualities. Looking closely at the texture of an object—its smoothness, roughness, warmth, or coldness—reveals a lot about its purpose and craftsmanship.
4. Think About Composition and Placement
An object’s placement and relationship with other items in its environment can transform it from something ordinary into an element of a larger composition. A row of bottles lined up in a kitchen window can act as a pop of color, while a group of different-sized bowls on a table creates interesting depth and visual rhythm. Try rearranging items you already have in your space, thinking of them as parts of an art installation.
5. Embrace Light and Shadow
Objects can be transformed by light, with shadows adding depth and drama. Sunlight streaming through a window can cast intricate shadows from an open-weave basket, or make a glass bottle glow with color. Light can transform an ordinary object, making it feel alive and ever-changing.
6. Look for Patterns and Repetition
Repetition and pattern are fundamental elements of art that often go unnoticed in our daily lives. Look around and notice patterns in your surroundings—whether it's the repetitive design of a tiled floor, the rhythm of book spines on a shelf, or the symmetry of a row of chairs. Recognizing patterns can add a sense of harmony and balance to your environment.
7. See Beauty in Functionality
Sometimes, the most beautiful objects are those that seamlessly blend form with function. A well-designed chair or an intricately crafted teapot can bring joy because of the thought and care that went into its creation. Seeing beauty in functionality is about appreciating how an object works as well as how it looks.
Art is in everyday, ordinary objects. By paying closer attention to an item’s design, history, texture, and placement, we gain a fresh appreciation for the objects we use every day. In doing so, we cultivate a mindset of gratitude and creativity, making even the most mundane moments feel more vibrant and intentional. Going a step further, you can change how the object is perceived by placing it on a shelf, wall or frame to show the significance of that object as art.
So the next time you reach for a mug or glance at a lamp, take a moment to look a little closer—you may just find that your world is filled with art in the most unexpected places.
MATERIALS: TERRAZZO
The Timeless Appeal of Terrazzo Floors
Terrazzo floors are celebrated for their beauty, versatility, and durability. While terrazzo has been gaining attention, its roots stretch back thousands of years, and its evolution only adds to its appeal.
A Brief History of Terrazzo
The origins of terrazzo can be traced to 15th-century Italy, where Venetian workers developed the technique as a cost-effective way to reuse marble scraps left over from high-end jobs. They mixed these marble chips with clay and then ground the surface to create a smooth finish. The word "terrazzo" comes from the Italian word for "terrace," a nod to its early use in outdoor areas.
However, the technique itself is believed to have even older roots in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where builders used a similar method to create durable, mosaic-like floors. By the time terrazzo reached Venetian palaces, it had evolved into a prestigious material, admired for both its aesthetic qualities and practicality.
In the 20th century, terrazzo became widely popular, especially in post-war America, as the industrial process allowed for mass production. The material became a go-to for schools, airports, and government buildings, chosen for its long-lasting durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic.
Benefits of Terrazzo Floors
1. Durability: Terrazzo is incredibly hard-wearing, which is why it has been used in high-traffic spaces for centuries. Its combination of marble chips, granite, glass, or quartz embedded in a binder creates a surface that can last decades, if not centuries, with minimal wear and tear.
2. Sustainability: Terrazzo is a sustainable option, particularly when made with recycled materials. It often includes chips of marble, glass, and other aggregates that would otherwise go to waste. This quality, combined with its long lifespan, makes terrazzo a green choice for environmentally conscious designers.
3. Design Flexibility: The range of colors and aggregate materials used in terrazzo provides endless design possibilities. Whether you’re looking for something neutral or want to make a bold statement, terrazzo can be customized to suit any aesthetic. It can be used for floors, countertops, backsplashes, and even walls.
4. Easy Maintenance: Once installed and sealed properly, terrazzo floors require little maintenance. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are all it takes to keep terrazzo looking pristine. Unlike hardwood or carpet, it doesn't require frequent refinishing or replacement.
5. Versatility: Terrazzo is adaptable to both traditional and contemporary spaces. It can be used in commercial settings like airports, schools, and shopping malls, or in residential projects where its seamless, polished finish offers a high-end, modern feel.
Why Terrazzo?
In recent years, terrazzo has re-emerged as a favorite in modern design, thanks to its sustainability and aesthetic appeal. With the renewed interest in mid-century modern design, terrazzo’s sleek, polished look has found its way back into homes, offices, and commercial spaces. Whether it’s used for flooring, countertops, or accent walls, terrazzo offers a timeless look that complements both minimalist and maximalist designs.
Terrazzo’s rich history and numerous benefits make it a standout choice for both modern and traditional interiors. Its ability to combine beauty with functionality ensures that it will remain a beloved material for years to come.
What is your Interior Design Style?
When embarking on a design project, one of the first and most important steps is understanding your design style. Knowing what resonates with you helps to guide design decisions, ensuring that the end result reflects your personality and preferences. But with so many options out there, from minimalist to maximalist, traditional to modern, finding your personal style can be daunting. Here’s our guide to help you determine what your design style is and bring clarity to your vision.
1.Look for Inspiration (But not too much!)
You can begin by gathering inspiration. Platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and design magazines are great starting points, though can be overwhelming and this is why we say not too much. So to help with overload when browsing these sources, ask yourself:
Which rooms or designs make you feel comfortable and at home?
What color schemes or textures do you naturally gravitate toward?
Do you prefer more neutral tones or bold, vibrant colors?
The key here is to look beyond fleeting trends and focus on what you can envision living with long-term.
2. Evaluate Your Lifestyle
A design style isn't just about aesthetics—it's about practicality. Consider how you live and what your daily routine looks like:
Do you have a bustling household with kids or pets that might require durable, easy-to-clean materials?
Are you someone who entertains frequently and needs spaces that are conducive to hosting?
Do you work from home and need a calm, organized environment?
By taking stock of your lifestyle, you can narrow down design styles that will work best for you. For example, a minimalist design might appeal to someone seeking simplicity, while a bohemian style might suit someone who thrives on eclectic, lively spaces.
3. Identify Key Elements You Love
Once you've gathered inspiration and thought about your lifestyle, start identifying key design elements that draw you in:
Furniture:Do you like clean lines and functional pieces (modern or Scandinavian) or ornate, detailed traditional furniture and/or antiques?
Textures: Are you more drawn to soft, layered textures (bohemian or eclectic) or sleek, polished finishes (contemporary or minimalist)?
Patterns & Colors: Do you prefer the calmness of neutral palettes or the energy of bright, contrasting colors?
Art: What type of art do you gravitate to? Bold and colorful? Calm landscapes?
If you keep seeing wood tones, for instance, you may lean towards rustic or farmhouse styles, while lots of glass and metals might indicate a preference for modern or industrial.
4. Consider the Architecture of Your Space
The style of your home can influence your design choices. A mid-century modern home might naturally lend itself to that style, while a craftsman house could inspire more traditional or transitional elements. You don't have to be confined by the architecture, but incorporating elements that complement your home’s structure will help the design feel cohesive.
5. Mix and Match
Your design style doesn’t have to fit neatly into one category. In fact, many of the best designs blend multiple styles. You might love the clean lines of modern design but enjoy the warmth of rustic decor. Mixing styles can add depth and interest to your home. A balanced mix of complementary styles can make a space feel more personal and less like a cookie-cutter design.
6. Test the Waters
Once you have a sense of your style, start small. Test your ideas with accessories or small furniture pieces before making larger purchases or committing to permanent changes. This allows you to experiment and refine your style without feeling locked in.
Popular Design Styles and Their Characteristics
Here’s a brief overview of some common design styles:
Modern: Clean lines, neutral colors, minimal ornamentation.
Traditional: Rich colors, classic patterns, ornate furniture.
Mid-century Modern: Sleek lines, organic shapes, a mix of materials like wood and metal.
Bohemian:Eclectic mix of patterns, colors, and textures, layered decor.
Scandinavian:Minimalist, functional, light colors, natural materials.
Industrial: Raw, exposed materials, neutral tones, utilitarian design.
Rustic: Natural elements, warm tones, cozy and lived-in feel.
Determining your design style is a process of self-discovery. Take your time, explore different options, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Remember, your space should reflect your individuality and make you feel comfortable. Ultimately, the best design style is one that feels like “you.”
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to curating a space that is uniquely yours. Of course we are always here to help you figure it out too.
AUTHENTICITY
At MFID we strive to be authentic in our designs as well as our relationships. We believe that interior design becomes authentic when it aligns deeply with the values, lifestyle, and identity of the people or brands it serves. Authentic design draws from the context, such as local culture, history, and natural surroundings, to create spaces that feel true to their purpose and environment. It’s about more than aesthetics; it’s creating meaningful, intentional environments that reflect the unique personality of the occupants or the story behind a brand. In multifamily spaces, for example, authenticity could mean weaving the surrounding community into the design, while for residential projects, it could be about tailoring the home to mirror the homeowner’s individuality.
Authentic interior design honors craftsmanship, values sustainability, and often incorporates bespoke elements to ensure a space feels personal and unique. By focusing on genuine materials, thoughtful layouts, and a narrative that reflects its inhabitants, authentic design creates timeless and resonant interiors.
MATERIALS: EPOXY
Epoxy Floors in Interior Design: A Blend of Durability and Style
Epoxy flooring is a material that is used in interior design for its mix of aesthetics, durability, and versatility. Commonly associated with industrial spaces, epoxy has evolved into a popular choice for homes, commercial buildings, and high-traffic areas due to its sleek finish and long-lasting performance.
We used Epoxy flooring in the Club Room and Leasing office of the Metropolitan Apartments. From a design standpoint we wanted a floor that wouldn’t detract from the other warm and vibrant finishes we had in the room but we wanted a material that had a modern edgy look.
Key Benefits:
Durability: Epoxy is highly resistant to wear and tear and can be a good choice for areas like kitchens, garages, and offices.
Customization: Available in a range of colors, patterns, and finishes, epoxy flooring can be tailored to fit any design vision. Whether you're going for a high-gloss, metallic finish or a subtle matte look, epoxy offers endless possibilities to match your aesthetic goals.
Low Maintenance: Epoxy floors are easy to clean and maintain. With a seamless, non-porous surface, they're resistant to spills, stains, and even chemicals, making them ideal for both residential and commercial use.
All the above is true however a lesson we learned after we installed a white epoxy floor at the Metropolitan Apartments was that black rubber wheels and black rubber shoe soles left scuff marks. So just remember to consider the use of the floor when selecting the color.
Cost-Effective: Though it gives a luxury feel, epoxy is often more affordable compared to other high-end flooring materials, while offering superior longevity. Another important note is to be sure you have a good installer who knows how to work with the material. You want want to have a smooth seamless installation and not all installers have the know how.
How Epoxy Elevates Interiors:
Epoxy flooring adds a modern, polished look to any space. Its reflective surface can create the illusion of a larger room, making it especially effective in smaller areas. For contemporary designs, epoxy pairs well with minimalist and industrial aesthetics. Additionally, its ability to be customized with embedded designs or even 3D visuals offers a creative edge in creating unique spaces.
From living rooms to restaurants, epoxy flooring offers a versatile solution that combines form and function. Its growing popularity proves that durable materials don’t have to compromise on style.
DESIGN PHASES: FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY
Designing a space begins with a concept, a vision of what the environment should evoke and how it will function. At the heart of this process is the collaboration between the designer and client. For example, for the 100 Moffett multifamily project, we focused on capturing the essence of California living. Through discussions, we crafted a concept that balanced relaxed, outdoor-inspired design with modern functionality.
The concept phase is about more than aesthetics; it’s about setting the tone for the entire project. This stage involves understanding the client’s goals, the lifestyle of future occupants, and the architectural nuances of the space. For this project, the California spirit was essential, influencing the choice of light, natural materials, and open layouts that invite the outdoors in.
Once the concept is established, we move into translating that idea into tangible design decisions. From customized layouts to selecting the perfect materials and finishes, each choice brings the concept to life. In this project, sea inspired art, natural textiles, and large windows helped create a seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces. The result? A timeless, inviting environment that reflects the building’s unique brand identity while also resonating with its target demographic.
By continuously aligning with the concept throughout each design phase, the final product feels cohesive and intentional, transforming a vision into reality. Whether you're working on a boutique hotel, a co-working space, or a residential building, staying true to the concept ensures the design tells a meaningful story.
BEFORE AND AFTER: Park Place
Park Place is a remodel that highlights our ability to transform unique architectural features into compelling interior spaces. The octagonal rooms in this building presented a design challenge, but we saw this as an opportunity to create something truly distinctive. By embracing these unique shapes, we developed interiors that are not only functional but also timeless, each with its own unique character.
Another element that made the Park Place project particularly enjoyable was the personal connection our client had with the site; it was the former Mountain View High School, where they once attended. We embraced this unique history by incorporating school-themed visual elements into the interior design. From scholastic-inspired artwork to classic penny tiles, we wove these nostalgic details throughout the space, creating a design that is both timeless and rich with character
DESIGN: Building Code
Building codes are not the glamorous part of design BUT they are essential to functionality and safety of your spaces. As interior designers, we apply codes from the American with Disabilities Act and, since the majority of our projects are in California, we also adhere to the California Building Code. Additionally, we must consider city codes and the International Building Code. There are numerous codes to consult and ensuring your project is in compliance is critical to the overall design and success of our projects.
Our strategy is to always integrate building codes into the design process from the outset. This thoughtful approach ensures that our designs are both compliant and cohesive. For example, we always plan for our floor transitions to be flush, which can be challenging, especially in remodels. We do this because ADA codes state that transitions cannot exceed 1/4" in height, a code that also applies to area rugs. To achieve this, we document all floor material thicknesses for the contractor, allowing us to address any differences in the subfloor. This is particularly crucial when working with a concrete slab, where advance planning is necessary to depress the slab to accommodate the floor finish thicknesses. The result is not only code-compliant but also a clean and beautiful transition between materials.
Another area where we consult the building code during design and construction is stair design. Stairs must have a uniform rise and run, with a run not exceeding a ratio of 7” to 11”. Guardrails and handrails must also be at the correct heights, among other considerations. Despite careful planning during the design phase, changes often occur in the field during construction. However, because the initial design already incorporated the relevant codes, we can thoughtfully resolve construction issues while preserving the original design intent.
BEFORE AND AFTER: Madrone
The transformation of an old clubhouse into one that merges the indoor and outdoors spaces into one.
The clubhouse at the Madrone Apartments was in much need of some TLC. At the initial concept stage we knew we wanted to emphasize the architectural assets such as the vaulted ceiling and large windows that looked out to the lush landscaping, not to mention the great pool.
The concept that we landed on with our client was “Camp”. We wanted to evoke a feeling of comfort by using a lot of texture with moments of the great outdoors. Given our concept the backdrop was light warm wood, bright white walls paired with raw and textured materials punctuated with green accents such as the Heath tile at the fireplace. To make sure it didn’t end up looking and feeling flat, we added small accents of orange and vintage rugs and pillows for added pattern and texture.
We hope you enjoy looking at the before and after as much as we do.
We love transforming spaces!
COLOR: Blocking and Drenching
Color blocking and color drenching in interior design. Interior Design by Marie Fisher Interior Design.
We embrace color, especially in our multi-family amenity spaces. These spaces are particularly conducive to this technique since they function as hospitality spaces. Though, these vibrant designs could also inspire residential and commercial spaces.
We applied this technique throughout our Dean project, making restrooms, elevator lobbies, and mailrooms monochromatic by matching most finishes to a single paint color. For our furniture, we created groupings in shades of blue, yellow, coral, and green. This approach creates a dramatic visual statement in any space.
In a residential setting, this technique can add contrast to a neutral space. Consider adding a splash of color to an entryway, laundry room, or powder room to create a fun visual break from an otherwise muted palette.
What color will you be using?!