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Eve Ashcraft has consulted with designers, architects, private clients, and businesses on colors for 18 years regarding everything from interiors, exteriors, and corporate branding to paint lines and knitting yarn. A painter by training with a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, Ashcraft approaches color with an artist’s eye coupled with a keen sense of light and context. Contributing writer Nancy Cost interviews this month’s Guest Curator, Eve Ashcraft.

When did you first discover you had a special knack for color?
At age 5, when I became obsessed with organizing my crayons by color families and then by how each family looked next to the other – blues next to yellows, yellows next to greens, etc.

How did you become a color expert?
I love painting things – walls, objects, paintings. I’ve been painting things for my entire life, so I suppose after a certain number of hours logged I became and “expert”.

If you were a color what would you be?
Gray, with smaller, happy accent colors.

Is there a color that you simply cannot stand?
The wrong color. Any color that’s been forced to make something ugly.

What are the top 5 colors du jour?
White, bright yellow, bright blue, white again, and wood brown.

What are your thoughts about white walls?
I work with white everyday. White works beautifully in many spaces but it’s not as benign as people think. It can be empty and leave a room with a blank look. I feel no allegiance to having to use white behind art. I love color behind art when it works. I always caution people to question white before they cave in.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned that applies to your work?
Keep an open mind that is stoked with curiosity and always look, look, look at everything.

Is there a color that is universally good for displaying artwork?
Universal? No. I don’t think there’s a universally good color for anything that I haven’t seen. It’s always about context and light conditions.

What is the most common angst you hear from clients about color in their homes?
Fear of getting it wrong. It’s as if they are concerned that once a color gets in, it won’t leave, no matter how unwanted it is. People really love color but are often so overwhelmed by the choices and process of selecting that they end up with some dull, off-white color that they actually cannot stand.

Is there a color that is particularly tricky or hard to choose?
Finding the right white can drive some people crazy because there are so many subtle variations. Very pale colors like pale yellow or blue can be difficult because they often look much, much more colorful in a larger scale.

How often do you paint a new color in your home?
Probably about 5 or 6 times a year.

What was the first piece of art you bought?
I bought a photograph from a fellow RISD student in 1983. I still love it.

Have you ever purchased artwork on line?
Yes!

What’s hanging on your walls at home?
Tons of things. Some of my own paintings and drawings, photos, drawings by friends, and artwork purchased on-line.

What’s the last thing you scribbled on a paper napkin?
An idea for a sofa thing that I want to build – and paint – for my apartment.

What would our readers be surprised to know about you?
I’ll have to save that for the next interview!

Bruce Tilley is founder of Decor NYC, New York’s newest consignment gallery. Unlike a used furniture store, Decor NYC  is an extraordinary venue featuring unique, designer merchandise at moderate prices. With over 30 years experience in the design industry specializing in retail development, merchandising men’s fashions, and home furnishings, Bruce’s ardent passion and creative spirit make him an entrepreneur with the finest aesthetics. Learn more about Bruce’s inspirations and love of fine art as contributing writer Nancy Cost interviews this month’s Guest Curator, Bruce Tilley.

How did you come up with the idea for your new store, Decor NYC Consignment Gallery?
I went through a multi-tiered process. While searching for a new startup business, I started thinking about what I love – buying and selling vintage collectibles and antiques. I’ve also always loved fashion consignment stores and  I discovered consignment stores have been booming in the last several years. Then I put two and two together: I’ve built a career in the home furnishing business and I realized there wasn’t a home furnishings consignment store in NYC. And there you have it.

Do your consignors tend to be interior designers or regular Joe’s like me?
More consigners are individuals, but interior designers tend to have more items to consign and they usually have very high end items.

How did Decor NYC develop a soft spot for art and art collectors?
When I started collecting art, I felt visiting galleries and going to art openings was overwhelming. So many galleries with white walls and such a mix of great, good, and bad art! All of that was difficult to me and I realized I was not alone. So, that is why I try to make buying easier for my clients.

“Vintage Ribbon Chair” by Pierre Paulin at DecorNYC

When I’m out in the world buying art, do I have to think of it as forever?
No, that’s the beauty of consignment! When I started purchasing art, I thought I would love every piece forever. But in reality, that has only been true with a few purchases. The truth is, I have some art I love as much as the day I bought it, and other works I soon said, what was I thinking? When this happens to you, consign and buy new art!

What objects or furnishings for the home do you most often see coming through the consignment gallery?
There is much variety, and within that there are many dining tables with chairs, and lots of sidetables and lamps.

Where are your favorite places to go get inspired by art?
Typically where art meets the outdoors: Storm King, Noguchi Museum, MOMA, and I love what the NYC Parks Department is doing with the NYC Art In The Park program.

What’s your number one tip for making an interior sizzle?
Certainly in my home it’s the art!

Art by Peter Hammar,Mies van der Rohe Bruo Chairs, Dining Table by Daniel J Kiser at DecorNYC

What was the first piece of art you bought?
A Michael Kenna photograph from Stephen Wirtz Gallery in San Francisco, 1987.

Have you ever purchased artwork on line?
Yes, mostly from auction houses. I am comfortable buying art on line.

What’s hanging on your walls at home?
I have a bit of everything: very large abstract oils, a wonderful large charcoal drawing, sculptures, smaller drawings, and several photographs.

What would our readers be surprised to know about you?
My Shiba Inu, Diego (yes, a Latin name for a Japanese dog) controls my life!

Maria Gabriela Brito is an interior designer and authority on why, where, and how to display contemporary art in any environment. Frequent contributer to Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP lifestyle newsletter, Maria knows the art world inside and out and is able to create the perfect environment to showcase a well curated art collection. An art collector herself, Maria’s mission is to help her clients live beautifully and get dialed in to the art scene worldwide. She is also an avid believer in encouraging kids to grow up around great works of art. Contributing writer Nancy Cost interviews this month’s Guest Curator, Maria Gabriela Brito.

When did you become familiar with the world of fine art?
Since I had memories! My parents were art collectors and my grandfather was an M.D. who, in his spare time, painted gorgeous oil-on-canvas landscapes.

Do you see any differences between the way Americans and South Americans incorporate art into their lives or interiors?
Not really. Perhaps some Americans are more exposed and can push the envelope a bit more.

What is your advice on how to start an art collection?
Do preliminary research and buy the absolute best that you can within your price range. Go to art fairs and galleries and buy what you love, BUT, always do preliminary research about the artist.

Lifestyling by Maria Gabriela Brito

Does good art have to cost lots and lots of money?
Not really. I’m always after the thrill of discovering emerging artists whose pieces are way more affordable than mid-career or established artists.

What was your most recent art purchase?
An Assume Vivid Astro Focus Print and a Sculpture that they made out of one of the original Dade County voting booths from the debacle of the 2000 Presidential elections.

What is the biggest misconception you find people making regarding art in their homes?
That they can’t have contemporary art because it’s either too edgy, too expensive, or too hard to understand.

Where are your favorite places to go get inspired by art?
Anywhere! From chic hotels to galleries to collectors’ homes.

What’s your number one tip for making an interior sizzle?
COLOR!

What was the first piece of art you bought?
A Rothko print at The MoMA 13 years ago.

Lifestyling by Maria Gabriela Brito

Have you ever purchased artwork on line?
Yes, from different sites around the world.

What’s hanging on your walls at home?
Vik Muniz, Mickalene Thomas, Assume Vivid Astro Focus, Flavia Da Rin, Faile, Mark Bradford.

What would our readers be surprised to know about you?
I love pop music from the 80s!

Jon Call, Interior Designer and founder of Mr Call Designs, a full service Design firm located in New York City is someone you want to know about, if you don’t already. Jon started his firm in 2010 to answer clients needs of resourcing homes at a variety of price points. Since then, Mr Call Designs has established themselves as “the ones to watch” in the world of interior design – creating finely detailed interiors that are accessible, beautiful and modern. Jon has garnered an extensive audience through his blog, Mr Call Blogs, and most recently through his work as Creative Director on The High Low Project, a new show which premiered September 3, 2011 on HGTV.  Mr Call will be speaking about his refreshing concept of luxury and why he’s excited about online art at the Affordable Art Fair in New York, September 21-25. Contributing writer Nancy Cost interviews this month’s Guest Curator, Mr Jon Call.

How did you get started in design?
My first job in the industry was working in the architectural department of Diamond Baratta Design.

What is your concept of luxury?
To me, the concept of luxury is having the freedom to make personal choices regardless of finances, trends, or the fear of what others will think.

Interior by Mr Call Designs

What role does artwork play in your interiors?
I use artwork to give a room a shot of adrenaline. Art brings a room to life and adds personality and character to a home.

How much effort should one put into selecting artwork for the home?
It should take no longer than getting dressed in the morning. It’s an initial, instinctive response.

Can style be affordable?
Making beautiful decisions is affordable. Extravagance is not.

What are a few ways to have fun with an interior without it looking like amateur hour?
Edit, edit, edit! You’ve got to clean your space and do it ruthlessly.

What are two of the most common design ‘mistakes’ people make when dressing their interiors?
Letting nerves get the best of them. Your initial instinct is best. Don’t second guess and don’t settle on a boring decision.

Elle Decor June 2011

What’s trending now?
We’re seeing neutral interiors with strong uses of primary colors. I just got back from fashion week and I was really inspired from the collections.

What’s your favorite thing to buy?
Lampshades!

What’s your number one tip for making an interior sizzle?
Making confident decisions from unexpected resources. I want every guest who walks into that home to say, “Where did they find that?”

What intrigues you about buying artwork online?
Buying art online breaks down an imaginary wall and makes art more accessible. Not only for my clients, but for myself included.

What’s hanging on your walls at home?
I have a 20 ft long wall that I use as a collage wall. It’s very informal. There’s an old poster by Félix Gonzalez-Torres from SFMOMA, and a collection of different art pieces and images.

Chudney Ross is many things – a gifted writer, nurturing teacher, energetic TV host, and a progressive-minded entrepreneur. But her passion is her advocacy of children and charitable causes. Chudney’s latest venture, Books and Cookies in Santa Monica, CA provides an innovative space for children to learn and have fun. After graduating from Georgetown University with a double major in English and Fine Arts, Chudney became a teacher in inner city Washington D.C. and Los Angeles public school systems. There she saw first hand the profound effect of books on children’s development, creativity and imagination. As an advocate for all children’s charitable causes, Chudney lends much of her time to mentoring underprivileged children in art, reading and writing. As Diana Ross’ youngest daughter, a former model and TV host, Chudney Ross is not content to rest on her laurels but instead chooses to use her talents and skills to give back. Contributing writer Nancy Cost interviews this month’s Guest Curator, Chudney Ross.

What’s the story behind your new children’s chapter book series Bean’s Books?

Bean is the incarnation of a younger, more precocious version of me as a kid. She is a funny, charismatic character that I think kids of all ages will relate to and enjoy. As a kid, I always loved to read and get lost in the pages of a book. I was shy and quiet, but had a keen eye for my surroundings and a playful take on the world.

What will the illustrations be like?

I was an art major in college, so I fancy myself a bit of an artist. My focus in college; however was nude drawings… probably not appropriate for children! HA! My hope is for the illustrations to be hip, fun with more of a comic book feel and nothing too babyish. Sadly, the publishers do not allow me to choose the artist for the illustrations.

You are opening a new reading, activity and bakery space for children in Santa Monica, CA. How did that idea evolve for you?

Just like the character in my books, I have spent many years exploring my options and trying to find my place in the world. I have many talents and passions. I’ve been a teacher, writer, model, producer and TV host, but I actually never thought of myself as a businesswoman. My friend Mary Giuliani and I were talking one day about how we could work together (she owns a catering and events company in NYC) and we came up with Books and Cookies to mesh my love and knowledge of books and writing and her love of food and experience in business. It has been a long exciting process building this business together and it is super exciting to see it finally coming together in Santa Monica.

You’ve worked with children for a long time and you know them well – what role would you like to see art play in a child’s life?

Art is so important for children of all ages. It’s something everyone can succeed at and do well. There is no right or wrong. It is a way to express feeling and emotions that are hard to sometimes put into words. It is a beautiful way for children to find their voice and tell a story.

Tell us about your experience mentoring underprivileged children in art?

I have had the opportunity to work with many wonderful charitable organizations. I am a huge advocate for all children’s causes. Most recently, I worked with Children Mending Hearts writing letters to the president with homeless children from LA to NYC to Las Vegas. Many of the kids struggled with reading and writing, but they were all excited to share their stories and view of the world through art and words. These children’s strength told through stories, pictures and notes to the president were moving, emotional and raw. I feel forever changed by my experience with these kids.

You studied fine art, what’s your medium?

My focus was drawing though I have dabbled in some painting and mixed medium collage. The project I am most proud of was a series of drawings in pencil of hugs and embraces, in which I used poetry (my own and also famous poetry) to frame each piece. These days, I never seem to have time to draw, but I would like to get back to it one day soon.

What was the first piece of art you bought?

The first piece of art I ever bought was a painting by a street artist in New York City. As a passed, I was moved by the flow of the paint strokes and the colors. It evoked a sense of calm in me – even on the busy streets of NYC.

Have you ever purchased artwork online?

Not yet, but after checking out Zatista, I’m going to get shopping!

What’s hanging on your walls at home?

Mostly photographs of family and friends or paintings by my boyfriend and me. One of my favorites a three-piece canvas with birds on wire that I have in front of a window in my bedroom. I love that there are always birds on the wires when I look outside.

What are some of your favorite children’s books?

I love, love, love picture books! But, my all time favorites are by Shel Silverstein. His poems are funny and thought provoking (Where The Sidewalk Ends, A Light In The Attic) and his stories moving and meaningful (The Giving Tree, The Missing Piece).

Favorite children’s books illustrations?

Eric Carle’s books have beautiful art and great stories. I always use The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Busy Spider for story times. The pictures draw in the kids.

Favorite grown up book at the moment?

I rarely have time to read these days but I enjoy Chelsea Handler’s books (Are you there God it’s Me Chelsea, Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang). As a business owner, I think everyone should read The Tipping Point. It was inspirational and motivational.

What tips can you give our readers for creating an inspiring environment for kids at home?

I think the most important thing is to create a safe environment, where kids are encouraged to express themselves openly. Parents can nurture kids’ creativity, by making it fun, praising the creative process and never criticizing or pushing their opinion on it. Coloring books are to be colored outside of the lines. If we criticize the scribble and push them to stay in the lines, how can their creativity blossom?

What would our readers be surprised to know about you?

I think when people meet me they are surprised that I am a normal, low-key, hard working girl. As Diana Ross’s daughter people expect a snotty, self-absorbed diva. I am proud of the humble, kind, caring woman I have grown into.