This blog is to update my current career focus.
In the late 1990's I returned to our local community college to take an Interior Design course as that was the field I wanted to explore at that time. Although, I loved the previous culinary field I wanted to learn more in the design arena. I was drawn to furniture + interior design in the Bauhaus era immediately!
The Bauhaus is a German artistic movement which lasted from 1919-1933. Its goal was to merge all artistic mediums into one unified approach, that of combining an individual's artistry with mass production and function. Bauhaus design is often abstract, angular, and geometric, with little ornamentation. - Sep 4, 2022, Google
My favorite Bauhaus designer was Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe. He was the creator of the structural designed Barcelona International Pavilion Chairs. I always wished it was possible to have that chair in our home, but the cost of this iconic chair made it prohibitive. We can all dream.....
My favorite class was a humanities course of Art History and equally in the Theory Class 101. Those classes brought design to life inspirationally by example. Although, I must say the drafting class was a bit difficult and especially in CAD.
I would take excellerated classes in the summer to get to that degree or certificate quicker. I kept floundering whether I go 4 years to obtain my college degree or to get a certificate. Well at the end of year 2000 I withdrew from full time classes; and would take a class occasionally. I ended with approximately 40 credit hours and had earned a GPA of 3.86 and made the Dean's List! I was happy with that accomplishment but life sometimes changes your direction.
I felt I had enough hours and talents to proceed as an Interior Decorator / Stylist as their now referred to. I would contact different design houses and became familiar with the products and services they offered. We would set up in home meetings to show me their offerings of that particular line. Again, because of that lack of degree, I questioned myself and this new field. After encouragement from a well known and respected designer house rep, his words resonated "I know you can do this"!
Well, the only way to proceed was to do a project, and that project was our home! We did a complete renovation to our main living area, which was the kitchen, great room, flooring, mantel surround and then our primary ensuite bath. The kitchen was a collaboration of style and functionality requests to Kim Martin, owner and designer. I must say we both were happy with the results. That kitchen was the best kitchen I have ever had......everyone's work was spot on from Martin's Custom Kitchens in Mendon, NY!
Other improvements, were in the flooring. We added finish-in-place 3.25" x .75" thick select Brazilian walnut flooring in the herringbone pattern in the primary bedroom, dining room and living room areas. With straight patterned Brazilian walnut flooring in kitchen, great room and hallway to the bedrooms.(see photo)
During these years I had multiple past bakery clients requesting "please return" because they missed my baking. So in 2008 we reopened as stated in the last blog Reflections of A Past Career. Which brings me forward to now with Miller Design + Gifts!
I always dabbled in design work for primarily family, and friends but covid-19 hit us all. That made me realize I didn't want to do full design projects. In 2021 I started a new website @millerdesignroc.com. Offering curated gifts, and accessories for the home or office environment. I found a wonderful niche for myself and my creative abilities.
Our product aesthetic is primarily modern and in some cases they can be considered transitional. We offer a wide range of gifts and home accessories @millerdesignroc.com. Hopefully, you'll find a little something for everyone.
If you need assistance with curated accessories, I can help at no fee as long as the merchandise is purchased from Miller Design + Gifts. All of this can be accomplished through email at service.millerdesignroc@gmail.com.
We also, have the ability to special order if the item is not stocked and they're a listed vendor with us.
Please take a look below at some images of what's been mentioned here and merchandise we offer. We hope you've enjoyed learning about our experiences and will visit our website as noted above.
Thank you! xo
