See how easy it is to make craft part your living space at our home décor exhibition, “Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft.” With this year’s theme, “4 Elements,” interior designers create room vignettes inspired by select pieces of fine craft that express one of Mother Nature’s awe-inspiring elements – earth, air, fire, and water. Here’s a look at the stylish settings you’ll see on site. Mother Nature would be proud.
 

EARTH

Designer: Michelle Miller
Design firm: Michelle Miller Interiors
Inspirations: David Paul Bacharach, Jeung-Hwa Park, Rick Epstein
Design style: I take a refined yet practical approach, employing a mix of traditional and modern elements to create beautifully dynamic spaces. I try to capture the spirit and sensibilities of the people who live in them.
Vision: We decided to create a room that was whimsical and youthful – a children’s playroom. Using the fine work of artists at the show and placing their pieces in a unique situation make it possible to see the pieces from a different perspective. Having two children of my own has allowed me to view everything in new ways. They truly are my inspiration for the room.

WATER

Designers: Debbie McHale, Allied ASID, of Interior Transformations, and Lauryn Murphy, Allied ASID, NKBA, of Lauryn Murphy Interior Design
Design firm: ASID Maryland Chapter
Inspirations: Tom Stoenner, Randi Solin, Ann Brauer
Design style: The beauty of working with a designer who is a member of ASID is that you are ensured that we are trained in and aware of the latest trends, technology, and all the elements that can be placed in the home. At our core, we are problem solvers, whose task it is to interpret your vision and dream for your home and lifestyle, even when you may not be able to express it in words.
Vision: Water can be a source of healing, relaxation, and peace, or it can be powerful and destructive. In this busy, high-tech world, our water theme beckons you to come, sit a while, relax with friends, and be surrounded by tranquility. Each of these handcrafted pieces draws you in to enjoy the beauty of the world we live in, a peaceful, nature-inspired oasis.

AIR

Designer: Melissa McLay, Allied ASID
Design firm: Melissa McLay Interiors
Inspirations: Jack Charney, Michael Bauermeister
Design style: My goal is to create environments that are beautiful, with an emphasis on comfort and simplicity. By using a mix of current design and traditional elements, I create sophisticated interiors that are timeless and functional but, most importantly, a reflection of the homeowner and setting.
Vision: I was inspired by the serene beauty of Michael Bauermeister’s wall piece. The contrast of the towering clouds with the row of trees at the river’s edge provides a powerful focal point for the space. Jack Charney’s acrobat sculpture adds playful dimension and appears to be air-bound on the acrylic coffee table. The space accentuates each piece and provides a luxurious backdrop with a sophisticated mix of textures and finishes.

FIRE

Designer: Diane Taitt, ASID, Associate AIA
Design firm: De Space Designs
Inspirations: Thomas Kelly, Robert and Jacqueline Rickard
Design style:I embrace the concept of Earth-centered design. My designs are inspired by the genius and beauty of the natural earth, informed by humanity, and seamlessly integrated with cutting-edge technology.
Vision: This room, inspired by Thomas Kelly’s glass sculpture, captures the fluid energy and the colors of flames. Ancient wisdom says everything is made up of combinations of the five great elements – earth, water, fire, air, and space. In my dining room, wood/earth nurtures the element of fire in air. The chandelier represents the wind that allows fire to burn, and the wood wall represents the earth that nurtures fire. The rest of the modern and edgy room celebrates the aspects of fire – hot, spicy, sharp, weightless, rough, and radiating color.