In January of 2008 we formed Decorum along with three other interior design firms, Ashfield Hansen Design, Brian Dittmar Design and Sagrera Brazil Design. Being part of our design consortium has been simple “peer pleasure”, as described by Barbara Ashfield and David Hansen on their blog Design Squared. We all met while working on the committee for DIFFA’s Dining by Design and found a common bond in giving back to our community. In our monthly meetings we also discuss how to collectively support various charities. For the holidays we wanted to do a small creative project together and decided to collaborate for Jingle & Mingle, a benefit for Children of Shelters where wreaths from some of the Bay Area’s most noted designers and artists get auctioned off to raise money in support of the organization’s various programs for local homeless children. A very deserving organization and a stimulating concept, so we were in.
Since we are four firms we let the four seasons be our inspiration, each of us choosing one to represent a quarter of the final wreath. We agreed on square lacquered boxes for the base of each component, and chose a color to represent each season. From there each firm selected what their respective period embodied to them as a catalyst for the adornments of each box. We had no idea what the final results would be until we put the wreath together. Sagrera Brazil chose Winter and red as their base, which they covered in rock crystals. We got Spring and chartreuse (of course), which we embellished with pussy willow and reindeer moss. Brian Dittmar had Summer and turquoise, which was covered in candy. Ashfield Hansen ended up with Autumn and pumpkin, which they trimmed with star cinnamon.
It was a really fun collaboration, and we were very happy with the result. But apparently it was not enough for three of the firms who also created individual wreaths, which varied in style as greatly as our general design aesthetics.
We are delighted that all of our creations raised some money and now grace the homes of some generous bidders. Can’t wait for next year! Look out for my article about Jingle & Mingle on SFLuxe, coming soon.
All photos by Michael Bello for Adeeni Design Group.
Cheers,
