I've been struggling with how to put paint to a wall Duff would own, and how to furnish a house I really believe would be something close to bare. It is really hard. I can't find a kitchen set that works. I can't find bookshelves that work. He should leave one clear fingerprint here and it's that painting. I'm scrambling with all of it and wish I could get some advice...
ETA: Adding the shot I used as inspiration:
ETA: Trying again...
ETA AGAIN: Not crazy about the change I made to the window, and I need to dump the couch. I found the chain, though! I've been looking for that chain forever and I finally found it!
ETA Friday Sept 16: Duff getting traditional. I had to start on the exterior. I'm not sure about all those columns by the pool: it looks overdone. The columns probably need to go under that overhanging balcony which looks like it's hanging out in the air.
Me again!
ReplyDeleteThe white is a little too light for Duff! I'm thinking more dark, soft tones. Is the wallpaper you used for his 'special' wall too dark when you do the whole interior?
Once again I envy your skills. I am not sure about the arch type thing (I can't recall what that is called) and agree that wall behind the painting is too dramatically different from the lighter walls. However, if this is supposed to be a stark contrast from his childhood home, then I think it works.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine his focus for decor would be in the bedroom and any other place he would seduce a woman...so yeah I guess that would be the entire house...
The arch type thing doesn't work, sadly, because I really wanted it to work but it looks like it fell off a nearby building and landed in his living room.
ReplyDeleteI can go a little darker but not much. If I go a lot darker, I have no idea what I'm doing with it.
I don't know what I'm doing with the bedroom either. Somebody who understands this guy needs to decorate for him!!! Wonder if I can put up the lot for download...
I don't know, I may be wrong, but...
ReplyDeleteThe room from the fantasy with Rayne. where he had her face the wall.
Those colors really fit him. (I think, do I remember the room at all...?) Gotta go look for it again!
Found it!
ReplyDeleteNo that's just a bit too dark!
I'm so caught in the middle!
@ ETA again
ReplyDeleteThe color looks a bit better, but...
I don't know... Now the couch looks misplaced.
Oy Vey, that Duff really is difficult to color.
I would love to help until late, but I have to go to the land of no internet ---- mu aunt's house! *pout*
I'll check again tomorrow...
I wonder if the Georgian doors and windows would get that effect in your inspiration picture?
ReplyDeleteI changed the color again.
ReplyDeleteThe couch is a pain in the butt. I've tried to work with those modular couches but I can never make them line up right.
Thank you, Jean-Marie. And you have my sympathy about your aunt's house...
Gayl, they might. If I change the windows and doors to Georgian doors and windows, it changes everything, and it might work.
ReplyDeleteYou might be able to stick with the original concept of white walls if you use the Georgian set. And add color with furnishings/art. I would still keep it minimal and elegant.
ReplyDeleteI'll try. I really suck at this.
ReplyDeleteYou're crazy. Everyone loves your work and designs.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any Georgian windows. What is a Georgian window? I have the pediment windows that came with one of the EP's. I don't think they'll work.
ReplyDeleteGayl, when I look at what real designers do, I really do suck but thank you!
and honestly, that's what I did not want to have to do. To decorate a Georgian house. I can't do that. I gave up on the first Duff old formal house.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he should just live in a hotel.
I think if you used some architecture that was Georgian, maybe arches and you can place the painting and put an arch around it and that will look like a frame...just keep the rest simple like the model shot you were using. The furnishings don't need to be Georgian or Victorian or anything other than modern.
ReplyDeleteLike I know what I am talking about. You are the master decorator.
I wish I were a master decorator.
ReplyDeleteI think this is the wrong house for him. I need to start over with something Victorian or Georgian. He can't live anywhere near South Beach with that style. I did try looking at what I could work with in the DT and didn't find anything but I'll try again.
Well if you are going to start over can you send this lot to me? I love it. Waterfall and everything it is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteOf course I can. Let me take out the custom stuff except for the waterfall and I'll pack it up.
ReplyDeleteyou know what? don't worry about sending it. I don't have anything or anyone to use it for.
ReplyDeleteI envy your skills too! Your homes are always so beautifully and artistically decorated. :)
ReplyDeleteWe don't have half as much good stuff in TS3 as you do in TS2, so sometimes that can makes things hard for us too. Your not the only one that feels like this! ;)
Jennifer, I don't seem to be able to post a comment on your blog (??), but I'm so glad you shared that tour of the Seymour home. I love the colors and I love the mix of casual and formal furnishings and wallcovers. What a gorgeous place!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could blame my inability to design something for Duff on the lack of appropriate CC. It's the style I need to use for him that's the problem. I can't visualize that formal, semi traditional style so I keep wandering away from it.
Thank you for your very kind compliment. I'll keep trying!
I'm hesitant to comment, but I will anyway! From what you've shared of Duff...I think white would suit him better. Maybe it was the white flowing "curtains"? I recall from when he imagined himself with Cooper's daughter (I'm so bad with names...). Somehow, the white contrasts to his more passionate nature -- a clashing of innocence with his actions, which would be anything but. That's not to say he is "evil," or even "dark" per say -- but white throws the contrast out there yet somehow suits him at the same time. Maybe it's his idealism? His dreams? His longings?
ReplyDeleteWhen you changed the colors to the beige (or whatever darker color), I got the sense that it was just any other guy's house. Duff is not the usual guy.
I see him as a man of stark contrasts - the house would be minimalist in lines and color, but the heart of his house would be in what he collects - the fine artwork, exquisite framed mirrors, flowing curtains,etc.
Am I anywhere close to who Duff really is? Honestly, this is just my impression of him, and I am intrigued to see what you end up doing for him. Whatever you do, I'm sure it will be perfect!
Malakaaz
Well I just wrote a lengthy response to your thoughts Malakaaz and blogger ate it. In a nutshell, since I don't think I can recreate it, Duff would do well in white or light surroundings with splashes of color. He hides his darkness and sexual tendencies. When he was conceived as a character, his original surroundings reflected his family home, elegant, formal, and opulent. In trying to create a home that would suit South Beach as well as him, that is more tricky.
ReplyDeleteI said it better the first time but I hope you see what I am saying. I agree that light colors work for him.
Malakaaz, I really want to stick with the white. I can change the windows to something more traditional, but I'm reluctant to give up on my vision of Duff with elegant and minimal surroundings that are almost entirely white.
ReplyDeleteMy first 'draft' of his house was a mess, but I kept the bedroom white. The bed itself wasn't white but everything else was. The curtains, the flooring, the walls (which were ornate), the fireplace. It's different but I'm going to try to make it work.
Thank you so much! Please never hesitate to give us your opinion. I flounder around and I can really use the feedback.
You both did very well in presenting Duff -- from the influence of his family home to where he is at now. I most certainly see him as you describe him, and I will say again, I am looking forward to what you create!
ReplyDeleteMalakaaz
Thank you, Malakaaz. I hope we don't disappoint. I'm really swearing at the lot. We're going to be focusing on Duff if I can ever get this damned lot built and designed.
ReplyDelete