Sometimes a little whimsy goes a long way. A lot of our lives are so busy and serious that when I find objects that are a little on the silly side and make me smile, I gravitate to them. Even in some of the most gorgeous, high end homes that I've had the privilege of designing, I always like to throw in an element of something unexpected. What kid doesn't like balloons, this mobile is so cute for a child's room and what about this "Good Dog" doormat...totally hilarious. http://www.atypyk.com Do something unexpected today to make someone smile!
Mirror Mirror On The Wall!
There is something so magical about the end of summer. Lately the hummingbirds have been very busy all around my house. It seems outside every balcony there are pink headed hummingbirds zooming back and forth. I'm mesmerized by them, so much so, that they are showing up everywhere in my new designs!
I have always loved any bird theme so when I came across this German site I was delighted by the unique way they have created these charming bird wall mirrors. Now, come on, that's really original and absolutely Delish Decor. A+++
http://www.taschide.com
More Wallpaper???
I'm pretty sure I was only six years old when my mom told me I could help redecorate my bedroom. I distinctly remember the orange butterfly wallpaper that she let me pick out. I loved that wallpaper! I would lie there in the morning and stare at it while pretending I was flying amongst them....so dreamy. Having a mom who let me make that choice became "the" defining moment in my life when I knew I was a designer. Thanks Mom!
So it came as no surprise to me that when my daughter turned six she somehow "genetically" started questioning me when she could redo her bedroom. Each week the design changes...each week the color changes too so when I came across this fun, paint-by-numbers, wallpaper border (I know, I know, I said I didn't like wallpaper....I'm slowly converting) I felt there may be some hope! I'm not sure if we'll use it but it sure looks like a fun way to have your child really be part of the creative design experience. Available at http://www.2jane.com.
What is I-Bar?
Last year was a very fun year for me design wise. Amongst many juicy design projects, I had the wonderful opportunity to design a restaurant in San Luis Obispo called Palazzo Giuseppe's http://www.giuseppesrestaurant.com. Working with Joe DiFronzo, the owner, and architect, Ernie Kim, was a creative blast. I wish I would have known about I-Bar http://www.i-bar.ch at the time. I'm not sure we would have used it but the concept of an interactive bar top surface is pretty cool stuff. Hmmmmmm....maybe the next restaurant!
Fabulous Flavor Paper!
You can't be obsessed with design magazines and websites like me and not notice this fabulous company. Flavor Paper makes the most beautiful and hottest wallpaper I've seen...ever! Now that's a lot for me to say because I'm not a super big fan of wallpaper but Flavor Paper http://www.flavorleague.com/ is a work of art. Below are pictures of it's use in Wonderland, a salon in New York.
Inspiration To Aspire To!
Flipping through the pages of House & Garden I came across an ad for this stunning barrel chair by Laura Kirar. With a MSR price of $4,200, this is what I call an Inspiration piece! The design is Stunning! When I see design like this I log it in my memory bank and then as I scout about I look for items that emulate that design... This collection is fresh and hip. I can only imagine that it must be very comfortable too. You can view the entire collection at http://www.mcguirefurniture.com/lkchair. Simply delish!
A Splash Of Color & Inspiration!
One of my favorite websites lately is http://www.unicahome.com. They have an excellent collection of designer products. Currently I've been going through a "Silhouette" faze. I love this pendant with all the whimsical animal silhouettes. The designs by Tord Boontje are full of color and have a lovely graphic aesthetic. As most of you know, I love to design children's spaces and this multicolor pendant would be absolutely magical in a child's room. Just think of the fun ways you could carry the silhouette animal theme throughout the room...too much fun! Available here. http://www.unicahome.com
Turkish Delight!
By way of Daily Candy this morning http://www.dailycandy.com (a fabulous daily e-newsletter!) I came across this very lovely boutique in Los Angeles that imports beautiful house wares from Turkey. I have always loved Turkish products especially their eco friendly towels. Truly spa-liscious! Just the thought of yummy floor pillows and hand blown glass, once again, makes me want to re-do yet another room in my house....hmmmmm....maybe the bedroom? mmmmmm.... http://www.distant-la.com
Hob Knobbing in Santa Barbara!
Last week I was in beautiful Santa Barbara where there are a few stores I always pay my respects to. One of my favorites is Anthropologie on State Street. For many years I did Visual Design, I suppose I still do, and I am never disappointed with the ever changing Visual Displays at Anthropologie! Who ever is doing their displays is a genius...I'm sure there must be a team of you. The buyers also get a "hats off" for their unique and creative finds. I love these sea shell and crystal knobs. In a guest bath or on a piece of furniture they would be magical! http://www.anthropologie.com
Dwell In Possibility!
Well, I figured it out...a little trip to LA can't stop me from my blog!
That said, there are a couple predictions I have for Fall Color. I believe we will still be seeing a lot of chocolate and more turquoise, orange, and my favorite...PINK! I also think we will see more silhouettes and the classic black and white combination. This bed set from Dwell is gorgeous! http://www.dwellshop.com It has the graphic element of the black traditional swirl mixed with the contemporary lines of the bedding....simply delicious!
Not Your Typical Wall Flower!
Zinnias, Peonies, and Roses, Oh My! If you're looking for something different to dress up your walls check out these glittering floral wall hangings crafted from plaster and handcoated in up to eight coats of glossy color. There is a loop on the back for hanging. Make a statement with more than one. How divine!
http://www.raredevice.com I'll be on vacation the rest of this week, so unless I can find a Starbucks near by...ha, ha, like that's a challenge....I'll be back on Monday! Do something creative everyday!
Bathroom Lusciousness!
I'm working with a brilliant couple who have a lovely modern aesthetic. We are completely remodeling their kitchen, living, dining and family rooms. It's such a treat to work with clients who have great taste. Yesterday we were doing our final selections of faucets for the kitchen. At the showroom, Pacific Kitchen and Bath, I fell in love with the sleek designs of KWC faucets. I have to say this is one sexy line of faucets! How frickin' fabulous would this be for a master bath! This is what I'm talking about when I say Delicious Decor....I absolutely love when I find such beauty!
HANSAMURANO Piccolo available at http://www.kwcamerica.com. Or if you live on the Central Coast of California, Pacific Kitchen and Bath is located in San Luis Obispo. http://pacificcoastkitchenbath.com
Retail Therapy in our small town!
You know you're on the map when your little town gets an Urban Outfitters! San Luis Obispo, CA, recently opened a new U.O. and ironically it's in a building where I worked for eight years right out of college. Last week I meandered in and walked through all the latest fashion finds when a young, ultra trendy fashionista asked if I had seen the house ware department upstairs....apparently she could tell I was hunting for something. I made my way up the unfinished stairs to a space full of funky furnishings, rugs and art prints. U.O. has inexpensive, yet stylish and, dare I say, urban, home accessories. It didn't appear to be quality made merchandise but for a first place or college digs I would have to recommend it. It's fun...the website's pretty fun too! http://www.urbanoutfitters.com
What Is Blik?
No really...What is blik? Blik is an I.D. Magazine award-winning* line of surface graphics created by and for people who like to change their mind. These self-adhesive wall decals (think stickers for grown-ups) allow you to easily transform the look of a living or office space in minutes. I haven't personally tried these yet but I am planning to. It appears that all you need to do is affix blik to any smooth, flat surface such as a wall, window, mirror, ceiling, tabletop or floor. Choose your space, plan the design you'd like to make, and literally, just peel and stick. What's great about that is it's an inexpensive way to make over a room...great for a growing child or a Gemini like myself who is constantly changing my interiors. The decals are easily removable...not like the two layers of wallpaper my girls and I removed at my friends Vera's house last week! We did it though, huh Vera?
Soooooooo....I digress.....What is blik? Blik is Color and Inspiration for a do-it-yourself make over!
http://www.whatisblik.com
She's A Swirly Girl!
Back when my first daughter was born I was illustrating for greeting card companies and someone mentioned that they had seen one of my cards in a store downtown. I had know that I wasn't in that store, so the next time I went down there I saw what they were talking about. There was a deliciously colorful line illustrated by Christine Miller, AKA Swirly Girl, and we definitely had our similarities. I did the unspeakable and wrote her a letter. She was in Santa Barbara of all places. She did the unspeakable, and wrote right back. I say this because there are few artist who are so secure with themselves that they are willing to share ideas and resources...Christine was nothing like that. She was an Amazing help to me in growing my business and she turned out to be an Amazing life long friend. Just as my art has evolved and transformed into many manifestations, so has hers. Christine now makes these Divine Collages of her world travels. They are so thoughtful and beautiful, just like her. The best art for your home is original art that speaks to your soul...and a little birdie has told me that we just may be seeing a show of Christine's work early next spring in our little town. Now that is some serious Color and Inspiration! You can view Christine's Magical collections at http://www.swirlygirl.com.
Luscious Fabric!
I saw this fabric by Amy Butler a year ago and fell in love with the graphic design. http://www.reprodepot.com. Her fabrics are fabulous and make me want to re-upholster all kinds of things. This is a great site with a modern edge. Enjoy!
Ships Ahoy!
I recently just put together the most stunning crib set with a nautical theme. It's very classic in red, white and blue minky and ticking stripe. We accented it with a simple navy, nautical ribbon....very classy! Once it's made I will have to share it with you so you can see how fabulous it is! So after putting the set together I was inspired to create a child's banner to go with it. I started surfing around to find some inspiration. I enjoy the Better Homes & Garden http://www.bhg.com website where you can get all kinds of ideas. There I came across this room by designer Jodi Mensing.
The wall treatment is something anyone could do but I think the beds steal the show. If it's not in your budget for custom made beds you can still get a nautical feel by using the following details.
You might try fishnet, rope, treasure maps, life preservers, and flags! I've also found unfinished wood paddles and anchors that you could paint yourself at Michaels http://www.Michaels.com (another one of my most favorite stores). I also suggest using red or blue ticking fabric for window treatments. You could thread rope through large grommets to hang.
So if your looking for a fun little boy theme, you may just want to go Nautical! 
Every Egg Needs A Home Of It's Own!
I have this addiction of painting everything I can get my hands on. One of my most favorite items to paint are terra cotta pots. They are inexpensive and readily available. Here's a project anyone can do! First, prime the pot with white primer. After your primer has dried you can free-form paint or you can do this little trick. At any office supply store you can buy transfer carbon paper. I printed out the "R" in the size I wanted and then just traced and transferred it onto my pot. The rest is just like paint-by-numbers! There are so many fabulous ways to decorate terra cotta pots. Today I saw on http://www.MarthaStewart.com a great idea of attaching sea shells around the rim of the pot. What a delicious, summery way to display plants or candles, or, in my case, my lavender broyee' soap eggs! A Divine way to add a little Inspiration & Color to your decor!
