Behind the logo: Pineapple

March 25, 2019 Melissa Mathe

Behind The Logo: Pineapple

“Be a pineapple: stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside”

In the interior design world pineapples have well been known for representing the universal symbol of welcoming, friendship and hospitality. Incorporating this symbol in the Mathe Design branding story came naturally as it’s a traditional motif element resembling a part of the design style adopted in many projects - classic contemporary.

pineapples in mathe design decor

After a client project is in completion and in Mathe Design fashion… a pineapple decor element is added to leave behind a little part of an imprint of working together to create their new space. Whether a pair of bookends or a golden pineapple decor showpiece is added it’s fun to find that something special to gift them as a remembrance.
There’s a lot more to this welcoming symbol shown throughout history, often times we get questions about what the meaning of pineapples is in design. We’re sharing a bit of a history lesson to shed light on the subject.
[RSOL Designer House 2018; photograph by Ansel Olson]

pineapples in history

Originated in parts of South America the pineapple, by way of migration and commerce, made it’s way to the Caribbean Islands. As history has it, Christopher Columbus encountered this sweet fruit for the first time on a voyage to the island of Guadalupe in 1493. After bringing the fruit back to Europe, it quickly became a delicacy - rare to obtain and challenging to harvest in cooler climates. Thus turning into a symbol of opulence and luxury.
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries the pineapple was in such high demand that it was even on the rental market to those of less fortune for use at gatherings. This prized fruit was often given as a noble present offering, they were used in ornate table centerpieces as a symbol of having great wealth.

The motif widely spread into design being integrated into architectural details at Churches and Inns as a symbol to welcome visitors. As the pineapple was brought to the American Colonies it became a part of the culture as well. Sailors and seamen would display a pineapple on their fence or gate to let others know when they had returned home safely, ready to celebrate.

Historical Pineapple Fountain found in Charleston, South Carolina Waterfront Park

Over the centuries into modern day pineapples have been used as a design element in interiors, fashion accessories even in food and beverage serving ware. Fun and fruity this motif can be used in a sophisticated or casual way to sweeten up your spaces. We’ve sourced a variety of pineapple decor for you as we dream of warmer days coming soon.

pineapple abstract painting / white and gold lamp / throw pillow / bookends / pink pineapple sheets /
gold mirror sconce / woven basket / stone bistro table / hammered glass lanterns

This Schumacher Cap Ferrat fabric is an example of a subtle way to infuse fruit and botanical prints into decor.

If you like to make a statement this Rifle Paper Company wallpaper evokes a modern yet vintage print style reminiscent of chinoiserie wallpaper… making quite a splash [photo: @moepark] .

We hope you have enjoyed learning more about this Mathe Design logo element and are encouraged to use it in your design style.

Cheers!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for all your Interior Design needs.

Go Green!

March 15, 2019 Melissa Mathe

Go Green!

The earth is what we all have in common ~ Wendell Berry

As an Interior Designer I have an opportunity to play a part in helping the environment by creating healthy, non-toxic spaces for clients that desire it. More and more people are becoming aware of these practices and demanding materials in their home or office that are environmentally friendly and good for the health of the people using the space. Not everyone may know what “Eco-friendly” or “Green” design is and how it can be achieved. Green or eco-friendly interior design focuses on the improvement of indoor air quality as well as reducing the impact that finishes and furnishings have on the environment. Here are some basics of what Mathe Design can offer in sourcing safe finishes, materials and furniture as well as tips to show benefits for greener living.

As a LEED Accredited designer, eco-friendly design practices are important and part of the Mathe Design philosophy. While working on a great number of green projects in Hospitality design, I’ve had the opportunity to have hands on experience in the high standards of sustainable design practices. While bringing these ideas into residential design is excitingly increasing it is a pleasure to share with my clients alternatives for healthy environmentally sound options.

PAINT

Choosing products with low to no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) or chemicals that give off sometimes harmful gas into the air, is the basis to start from in improving indoor air quality. Select zero-VOC or low-VOC paints like Benjamin Moore’s Natura line which comes in many colors. This zero-VOC, zero-Emmisions low odor interior paint is an acrylic blended latex coating designed for application to a wide variety of surfaces with a durable, washable film. When this is being installed you won’t experience that “fresh paint” smell. This is a great product to use in children’s bedrooms and spaces - their systems can be more sensitive to harmful chemicals.

UPHOLSTERY & FABRICS

Mathe Design offers clients access to fabrics and custom upholstery made with organic materials, made in the USA. Using products that have recycled materials from a regional plant all play a role in making an environmental impact. Supporting local businesses by using local workrooms for custom drapery and upholstery will also continue to reduce our carbon footprint.

Mathe Design

Lee Industries

FURNITURE & WOOD

Companies like Lee Industries and Bernhardt Furniture are dedicated to using natural materials to upholster their products with. Standard upholstery goods are made with petroleum-based man made materials. Containing highly flammable ingredients and often treated with flame-retardant chemicals that have been linked to a wide range of health problems. By offering access to furniture companies that are dedicated to using natural materials like organic wool and natural latex clients can be set at ease that they are making a quality purchase and decision. Many environmental fabric and furniture companies include recycled materials from pre-consumer and post-consumer wastes in their eco-friendly practices.

Look for solid wood materials made with basic wood joinery that ensure a stronger bond and uses less adhesives. Avoiding furniture made with particle board or MDF held together with resins, glues and binders that often times contain formaldehyde which can cause allergic reactions and is known to cause cancer in animals. Investing in quality constructed furniture will in most cases create a longer lasting use life cycle, reducing the need to get rid of furniture more often. Choose woods for cabinetry, floors and furniture that are reclaimed, locally milled and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, meaning that they support responsible forestry practices to help protect forest ecosystems by harvesting sustainable wood.

“We want to go beyond simply complying with environmental legislation and regulations; we want to become leading supporters in our community and industry ~ Alex Bernhardt, Sr., Chairman and CEO, Bernhardt Furniture Company”

RUGS

Select alternative choices such as natural fibers in wool, cotton, or jute over synthetics. Wool is naturally fire retardant and absorbs moisture as well as captures dust or pollen, reducing humidity and allergens in the air.

While synthetic rugs are quite often made from nylon, acetate, or polyester materials. Highly flammable man-made fibers are often treated with synthetic chemicals to reduce flammability, increasing the potency of toxic gasses releasing into the air of your home which may cause headaches, dizziness, or nausea.

Pottery Barn

Safavieh

SIMPLE INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS TO GO GREEN

1) Conserve water use by being observant of your daily water usage, opting for dual flush toilets and low-flow high efficiency aerator faucets. Like this Kraus CarboFlex™ Pull Down Kitchen Faucet which provides great design with California Green compliency.

2) Plants can improve air quality. In the 1980’s the NASA Clean Air Test showed that certain plants help filter harmful toxins and pollutants in space stations. We’ve shown three plant options from their list below; the boston fern, variegated snake plant and the peace lily. Plants are also a great way to add natural elements indoors to any design space.

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3) Enhance your air handling efficiency by investing in a HVAC system that can sense when no one is home to conserve on heating and cooling costs. Using eco-friendly furnace filters that are made from environmentally responsible materials and have a MERN high rating level along with maximum airflow rating can help to minimize energy consumption while maintaining a high dust holding capacity.

4) As an added bonus, you may qualify for tax credits for your efforts to design with the environment in mind.

Mathe Design is dedicated to providing safe environments to clients. If you have any questions about how you can “Go Green” in your Interior Design spaces feel free to reach out through the mathedesign.com contact page.

Cheers,

Melissa Mathe

How To Warm Up Your Space With Layering Texture

February 4, 2019 Melissa Mathe

How To Warm Up Your Space with Layering Texture

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” ~ Albert Camus

While winter has settled in quite nicely and the frigid temperatures are chilling to the bone. The comforts of home call for a much needed cozy retreat. As the days are getting darker faster and after the holidays have ended…interior spaces can seem a bit barren and cold to the senses. The perfect time to warm up your spaces using layering and textures to fill in those empty spots and gather around the warm fire. In adding elements of woven texture, wood, leather, velvet and furry finds you can transform your interiors to settle in to with ambiance and comfort.

Creating those zones to curl-up in is essential to our desire in hibernating when the chilling temperatures are too hard to bear. The perfect time of year for hot cocoa and a great book covered up in a chunky textured throw blanket…ahhh! We’ve sourced some pillows and throw blankets with different patterns and feel. It’s hard to say no to a super soft faux fur blanket in the middle of winter.

Screenshot_2019-01-31 Longwool Tibetan Sheepskin Ivory Decorative Pillow Pine Cone Hill.png

Mara Knit Ivory Throw Pine Cone Hill.png

Black Knit Faux Fur Throw 60 x 72 Faux Fur Blankets - Donna Salyers Fabulous-Furs.png

Screenshot_2019-01-31 Grey Knit Throw with Faux Fur Pom Poms Faux Fur Blankets - Donna Salyers Fabulous Furs.png

Yarn Bomb Knit Grey Throw Pine Cone Hill(1).png

Mathe Design

Pine Cone Hill

Layering rugs is a sophisticated way of adding texture and softness on floors to ground defined spaces. This look is achieved with combining hand woven, hand knotted, sheep skin and cowhide rugs on top of each other. Which is just what the toes need to stay warm when walking on floors that seem icy cold.

On those days and nights when everyone is gathered around for a movie or game night… having soft surroundings to sit on makes the company want to stay a while.

Filling in corners with lanterns and ginger jars adds those special design touches to make a room not feel too empty. The fireplace takes center stage during cold months… having stylish functional accessories to hold firewood and blankets is key. The glow of candles especially helps to create an ambient glow at night to warm the soul. This can simply be done by hanging candle sconces, adding candleholders and hurricanes around the house to fill with luminous candlelight.

Leather Catch All Vintage Brown Basket Set Of 2 Furniture.png

Screenshot_2019-01-30 Bronze Spoon Pillar Candle Holder Wall Sconce.png

In the dining room covering chairs with slipcovers and adding in elements of nature can give the room warmth… like adding an extra sweater or coat to your room. Play with different patterns to find your style “simple and elegant” or more “cozy cabin”. Using woven and wool fabrics can make a clean and smart looking winter style statement.

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We haven’t forgotten the much needed layers in the bedroom either. Velvet quilts and furry throw pillows speak for themselves saying “get under the covers”… and can be great seasonal decor items to swap in during the winter for staying warm in bed. This hand knotted rug adds comfort under the feet while another tip is to add simple clean white ceramics… in the form of stools and vases to give a room a boost of freshness.

Screenshot_2019-01-31 Vienna Velvet Shale Quilt Pine Cone Hill.png

Numa Charcoal Hand Knotted Rug Dash amp; Albert.png

Longwool Tibetan Sheepskin Decorative Pillow Pine Cone Hill.png

We hope you enjoy using these tips on layering different textures in your own home to stay warm this winter season. Soon enough it will be spring… but for now we’ll light a candle, read a good book and enjoy the cozy evenings while they last.

Cheers!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for all your Interior Design needs.

Design Crush: Capiz Shell

December 14, 2017 Melissa Mathe

design crush: capiz shell

"If life is like a box of chocolates, then heaven is an oyster" ~ LJW

The shimmery luminous glow of Capiz Shell has gotten us locked-in to it's luxurious quality. How fitting it is in this winter holiday season for us to share about our infatuation considering it's history in the Filipino culture, where it derives from on the province of Capiz. These beautiful shells have long been used in star ornamental lanterns called Parols — an iconic symbol of the holiday, adorning homes and buildings throughout the Christmas Season.

The soft translucent textured shells are made available in a wide variety of furniture and home decor items. For example with inlaid patterns on furniture, cascading down on chandeliers, overlaid on lamp bases, mirror frames, table tops, trays and decorative boxes... you name it. We have recently sourced Capiz Shell furniture and decor for our clients and the result is a "showstopper" experience for all who encounter it's beauty — completely mesmerizing.