Monday's Mood Board - It's A Panda Party! -and- Introudcing Our New Junior Collection Now on ETSY - Piccola Casa!!!

Oh My! I can’t believe it’s the middle of October already!!! It has been so busy at our studio these days, I have to remind myself to take time to go for walks and breathe deeply! I finally had the opportunity to put together a new Monday Mood Board and this time I’m keeping it really colorful and really fun! We just joined the ranks of all the other talented artists over at ETSY and this weekend we opened the doors to our new Junior Shop, Piccola Casa. Piccola Casa means Little House in Italian and since I grew up in a large Italian family, the name just seemed fitting.

Let me introduce you to one of our new designs, Panda Party! Over in our new shop you can find my Panda Party pillow and art print as well as lots of coordinating items. I have many more items to add to Piccola Casa so I hope you will check back often.

Now on to our Monday Mood Board!! Check out this amazing Regency Youth Bed I found over at LaylaGrayce. It comes in many colors and I am loving how fresh and new this design is. Of course you know I’m a fan of anything from Bungalow 5 and this perfect, modern Piedmont Side Table is available on their sister site, ZINC Door. Have you had a chance to look at the lighting collection over at Shop Ten 25? She has so many great selections over there it’s hard to pick one. Do you not love, love, love this Pagoda Lamp?!?!

When I’m painting these little watercolors, I let my mind wonder. I don’t really know why I painted circles on the ground but it seemed like a fun idea and kid’s rooms should be fun! Wall Decals are so popular these days, like these from Pottery Barn Teen….walls, ground, where ever!

So let the Panda Party begin!!! Please check out Piccola Casa and send me your ideas or suggestions. I’d love to hear from you!

1 Black & White Striped Pillow from Piccola Casa 2 Panda Party Pillow from Piccola Casa 3 Panda Party 11' x 17" Art Print From Piccola Casa 4 Bungalow 5 Piedmont Side Table from ZINC Door 5 Bubble Dot Decals from PBTeen 6 Regency Youth Bed from LaylaGrayce 7 Orange Pagoda Lamp from ShopTen25

Piccola Casa "Little House" Coming This October!

Introducing all new children's designs (and a few revamped ones too) to a brand new ETSY site, Piccola Casa! I'm so excited to share it all with you! Look for our Grand Opening this month!

Monday's Mood Board - Update!

Remember this?

It was my concept illustration for my daughter's bedroom make-over. A few things have changed but I'm getting very close to finishing it all up...just a few more pillows to sew and items to hang! Instead of the black strped drapes I decided to create my own fabric which will be available in my shop next week. My sweet mother and I sewed the window coverings last week and I just finished these painting for above their bed. I still plan on painting a boarder behind the paintings but you'll see all of that when I reveal the entire room.

Painting Layout....just getting started.

I did one with three roses and the other with two and added crystals to the inside of the roses.

Hanging on the wall but not quite complete...Make sure to come back next week and see the finished product!

My Summer Rainbow!

I have so many projects going right now but I am so easily distracted by the simple joys of summer. The weather here has been amazing and I've been able to go to the beach several times this week. (If you follow me on Instagram @MariRDesign you'll see lots of beach pics right now.)

That said, it just wouldn't be summer without OtterPops! When I was in elementary school on really hot days, the nuns would let us have an OtterPop. It was heavenly...really, and it began my love affair with the colorful packets of frozen sugar! So to finish off the week in Summer Style, may I introduce you to My Sumer Rainbow...prints and cards available in my shop later today! Have a super weekend everyone!

Monday's Mood Board...Spring Redesign For My Girls!

The beautiful Spring weather always puts me in the mood to reinvent my home. Time to clear out the clutter and re-design. This time I’m focusing on my two younger daughters who share a room. When we built this home they were only 2 and 3 years old. They have since grown into lovely 12 and 13 year olds and the baby pink room is about to grow up. I’ve been consulting with them and they are giving me very little lead way in the design process.

Raquel and Chyna picked the color palette. Dark Coral walls (I know-right?!?!) with accents in White, Black & Gold!!! Across from their beds they said they wanted a Bulletin Board “Wall” like the one seen in Kylie Jenner’s video. I also found this cute one on The Happy Home Blog, it’s not quite big enough for what we want to do but I wanted to share her idea with you. She shows you how you can make this yourself step by step on her blog. Something else I found on Pinterest is this super idea from The Vintage Treehouse. I love how she reinvents these old frames and lace to make jewelry holders.

Behind their beds I was thinking of doing something like this lit canvas as seen on Apartment Therapy. The idea kind of sent me running down a bunny trail but instead I've decided to paint two large canvas’s with all our colors, to tie the room together. Behind the paintings I’m going to paint a black and white border on the wall to frame them.

Rocky told me she really likes the silhouette pillows I made of them a few years ago, so I’m going to make new ones for them, trimmed in gold and backed in coral. I’ll also create a new heart pillow for them as well. Drapes will be a bold in black and white stripe and I’ll be adding a desk under the window with a funky chair of some sort. We already have a manikin. Her name is Lola and she’s super for belts, scarves and purses. Of course we’ll need a full-length mirror too…all of these ideas and more you’ll see unfold on the follow up posts.

So there you have it. From my sketches to my Mood Board, that’s the plan for their room. I will be posting updates to this project as I hope to have it completed in the next couple of months!

Monday's Mood Board...Black & Yellow!

Monday’s Mood Board celebrates the launch of my new Vintage Rose Fabric and Pillows! Yay! I’ve always loved Black & Yellow together so it was really timely when a new client of mine told me her daughter wanted to do a yellow bedroom. Yellow is a tricky color, especially for a bedroom. You want to make sure the yellow is a warm yellow and avoid the bright yellows that have a green undertone to them. That type of yellow is an agitating color and not conducive to rest. Even the yellow in my watercolor is too bright (but fun for a watercolor) which is why I want to mention that to you.

I’ve included some fun finds in the room.  My client has a long window above her bed. Instead of covering it with a traditional window covering I wanted to treat it with something more unique. I saw the work of this ETSY artist and thought it would be terrific if they could create a wood cut-out that I could insert inside the window frame.

Another great find on ETSY were these chevron storage baskets. Tuck them inside a bench at the foot of the bed for extra storage.

By now you know I love the work of Jill Rosenwald and think her lamps are amazing. You can’t go wrong when searching for beautiful furniture and accessories when shopping at LaylaGrayce which is where the beautiful side tables and chandelier are from.

I couldn’t fit everything I wanted into today’s Mood Board so Wednesday I will post a follow up of some more ideas I want to  do in this room. Happy Monday everyone!

1 Vintage Rose Pouf & Pillow 2 Tufted Headboard from Amazon 3 Vintage Rose Fabric By The Yard 4 Newport Teardrop Lamp 5 Maura Daniel Chandelier From LaylaGrace.com 6 Bennett Nightstand From LaylaGrace.com 7 Elwoodworks On ETSY 8 Umbra Frama Mirrored Wall Décor Appliques

Introducing Our First Monday Mood Board!

Well Hello Monday! Welcome to my very first Monday Mood Board!

The idea came to me as I was photographing my products for my shop. I was wishing I had all the money in the world so that I could create beautiful room photographs that would show case my products…since buckets of money didn’t just drop from the heavens, I got a little creative instead and dusted off my watercolors and paint brushes from Waaaaay back In the day when I illustrated children’s books and greeting cards.

Not that I don’t do sketches all the time for my design clients but that’s what they are…for my clients. When I design for them I’m designing what they want and helping them to bring their vision to fruition. Instead, this is an opportunity to just paint and put together a room design how I would want to do it…no budget…no limitation to color palette…just fun, little whimsical rooms.

Another passion of mine is supporting independent artists so when I can, I will be including their wonderful work as well. All of these links are from companies in the US. My product is sewn right here on the Central Coast by incredibly talented seamstresses who had their facility shut down when production moved over seas. That said, yes, it costs a little more to make it here but I believe it’s worth it. I think if we can all do a little bit, then it will collectively make a big difference.

Last of all we have to include some DIY projects in here and today I’ve included two projects from the very talented blogger, Miss Jackie over at her blog, Teal & Lime. The lampshade in the center of the room is made with stencils she created (I know, now that’s talent) and the shelf in the room is made from Stair Treads! How clever is that? The full tutorials are over at her blog along with lost of other inspiration. Thank you Jackie!!!

And one more thing…yes, that adorable dog was up for adoption…since I started this last week, she has found a lovely home!!! Yay! But there are many more waiting, and if you're local, you can find a little furry friend for yourself at Woods Humane Society.

So that’s it! You can follow my Mood Boards on Pinterest they contain all the links and a few other options that may have not made it into my Mood Board Illustration. (For instance there are some inexpensive options for some of the items shown here) Like this upholstered headboard from Ballard Designs vs a $40 decal headboard from What Is Blik.

I’d love to know what you think and of course I would love it if you “Liked” my FB page. If you have a favorite piece of furniture or home décor product you would like me to design a room around, shoot me an email!

1 Suzani Throw at end of the bed from ETSY artist, Hollie Milne . 2 Jonathan Adler Book ends. 3 Mirror from Rosenberry Rooms. 4 Fabric for window treatment from Contemporary Cloth. 5 Trunk from Rhino Trunk and Case. 6 Lamps from Mottega 7 DIY Shelves from Teal and Lime. 8 Chair from Wanelo. 9 Bulldog Chevron Print from Mari Robeson. 10 DIY Lampshade from Teal and Lime. 11 Striped Rug from Zinc Door. 12 Lab Lovin' and Chevron Pillow from Mari Robeson 13 Adorable Rescue Doggy from Woods Humane Society

Featured On Pizzazzerie!!! Thank you!!!

I'm leaving in a little bit to be a judge for the California Mid State Fair Pageant today and I'm really excited to meet all the talented ladies as well as hang out with two of my dear friends who are also judges. As if today wasn't going to be fun enough, I just found out I've been featured on one of my absolute most favorite entertaining sites, Pizzazzerie! This is a sneak peak of a little of what I've been up to with a big launch coming this fall and some even bigger projects along theses lines, in the works...so I'm feeling really excited and blessed right now. Please hop over to Courtney's blog and check it but, plan on being there a while because she has so much inspiration and entertaining tips to share with you!! Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Look for an all new Table Top Collection in my shop this Fall!

Peeps For My Peeps!

For the past 9 years I have had the pleasure to choreograph the Finali at my daughter's elementary school. I usually have around 40 kids from Kindergarten to Sixth Grade. They are so sweet and do a great job every year. I love teaching children because, in their minds, they can do anything... I always expect the best and that's just what I get. So to thank them I give them a little sweet treat for working so hard. Since we are close to Easter this year, this is what I came up with! I LOVE Peeps! I'm having fun with my new tag - die cutter too...actually part of some new designs I'll be putting in my shop this April. Have a great show tonight!

Introducing My ELovePhants! It's A Sneak Peek!

Sooooo there's a whole lot going on these days...and some big changes coming that I'm very excited about...over the next month my websites will be getting an entirely new look. Not only will there be new home decor products and textiles in my Shop, I'm expanding my line through licensing and wholesale opportunities! It's amazing how everything happens all at once. Here's a sneak peek of my ELovephants. These designs were inspired by my youngest daughter and her incredible Elephant collection...all with the "trunks up" I might add, a symbol of "good luck". They will be available for purchase soon!!! Happy Friday!Little, tiny elephants in front of a picture she has when she was 3 walking with her dad through the pumpkin patch....so sweet!

A Very Happy Elephant Birthday Tea Party?

It hasn't been this busy for seriously a long time...long hours day and night...I'm certainly not complaining, just some things, aka this little blog of mine, have taken a back seat for a little bit. On top of multiple projects my baby....waaaa....just hit double digits! She's 10! How does that happen? I wish I could freeze time...This Sat was her birthday party. It was kind of a mixed theme. Chyna loves Elephants so I made her invite and little gift bags to reflect that. With 6 little girls in tow we went to see the new Alice In Wonderland... Just Fantastic!!!!! So it was kind of an elephant tea party, but with hot chocolate not tea...weird...I know, but it was really fun. We painted tea cups and had delicious cake after the movie. On their own initiative the butcher paper got painted too. Happy Birthday Sweet Chyna Doll! We Love You!

As Promised...

Wow! Has it been busy or what? Holy Cow! Last weekend my Rocky made it to the top 16 in State Cup Soccer, then we lost 1 - 0...grrr...Up-side? I have my weekends back! Boy you don't realize how much falls behind when you're gone every weekend...sure fun though. A couple weeks ago I mentioned a nursery I designed for a friend in my Cherry Fabric. Here's pics as promised. It's still missing a few appointments but I'm so pleased. Lots of credit to the new Mom to be, Miss Tina. Tina was involved every step of the way. I love the blue in a little girls nursery...so refreshing.
I couldn't resist taking a picture of her closet with all her tiny, sweet clothes! Can't wait to meet you Baby Ariana! 

Cheery Cherries

I've been really fortunate to work with a friend on her new nursery for her baby girl on the way. We're using my Cherry fabric and doing all kinds of fun things with it from the crib set to the valences. I'll post pics when we're done which should be in a week or two. This is a painting I did for her as a gift for her shower. Once we know the name I'll paint it on there as well. Cheery Cherries!With roses from my garden that have been so inspirational lately....hmmmmm.....

New Crib Sets From Cottage Dreams & A Little Something New From Me Too!

Few...what a whirlwind! These past few weeks have been crazy, busy...but I'm not complaining... last weekend I went to the SF Gift Show...the family and I also squeezed in lots of sight seeing and had a great time visiting my sister too...but you know when you get back in town, even if you're only gone for a day or two, it's major catch-up!!! I'm hoping to have some time to put the finishing touches on my website and have that up and running soon!!! But until then, here's a fun little sneak peek...again! My amazingly talented friend, Trish Poupard, Owner and Designer of the Best Baby Bedding Line out there, Cottage Dreams, sent this picture to me this morning. I've worked with Trish for over five years now and have enjoyed every minute of it! She is witty, charming, and gorgeous and her bedding is equally stunning and impeccably made. This is a preview of one of her new crib sets she'll be launching at the ABC Show in Vegas this Sept and I was so flattered that she asked to have one of my new personalized banners along side her new set! I love the mix of vintage, colorful fabric and minky leopard...WoW! Purrrrrrr!!!! Thank you Trish!!!

Maura Daniel Magic!

OK...are you ready? Because the Holidays are upon us! I can tell because I haven't had time to post for over a week. :-) Luckily, I'm working on some really great projects right now so the added holiday events are actually something I'm looking forward to! One of those projects is a gorgeous Spanish home I've been working on for a while...this place is TO-DIE-FOR! Not only that, but the owners are an adorable young family who are not afraid to take risks and to be on the cutting edge of design. It's just heaven for a designer! Right now I'm working on the kids rooms, a little boy 2 1/2 years old and a little 8 year old girl. These are the light fixtures I've selected for them from Maura Daniel. Both rooms are full of color. I will definitely post pictures of this project when completed. Actually 2009 will have lots of pictures and updates!

Cottage Dreamy!

My good friend, Trish, is an amazing talent! She creates the most beautiful custom crib sets and she is an incredible person to work with...one of those people that "make you look really good". Not only that, she is a beautiful human being, mom, entrepreneur, and friend. I was so flattered when she asked me to send her a piece of my art for her latest photo shoot. Is this the cutest crib set ever? All of her sets have a hidden zipper on the bumper, extra long ties (so you can actually make a bow), 18" skirts and delicious, washable fabrics! This is her latest creation, prrrrr.... You can view her designs on her website, Cottage Dreams and feel all her beautiful fabrics in person at my boutique!

Blik My Crib!

Spring is in the air! The hills are a magnificent shade of green (my new favorite design color) and it seems like everyone I know has begun their spring cleaning and spring planting! Bill and I are still building our garden fence (because I'd actually like to enjoy the flowers and fruit instead of letting the deer have such a feast)...but it seems like my little project will have to wait just a little longer. That's OK though, because we have finally finished my parents house!!! Yay! OK - not completely done but we are hoping to be signed off by this weekend....so that means a little more time to actually plant some flowers! I'm so excited about it. Speaking of spring flowers, I've been helping a lovely client with her daughter's nursery. She wanted me to paint a silhoutte tree on the wall like the one I did in my boutique but then I found this! I've written about Blik before but since then they have really expanded their design selection. It's a fantastic solution, that's inexpensive and has a big design Wow! (I just put the chandelier in here because I think it's rad!) Off to pick up the girls...happy day everyone!

Black & White Trend In Decor!

So this is kind of a happy coincidence... Just as I had posted these pictures of one of my black and white paintings an article in Kid's Today just came out about the black & white trend in decor. The happy part of that was they included my art in the article! It's informative content that points to several manufacturer's that have followed suite on this design trend and worth reading if you are considering that palette for an up and coming design project. One of my favorite manufacturers at the ABC Expo last fall, that was also highlighted in the article, is Whistle and Wink bedding. The designer, who used to work for Pottery Barn, rencently launched Whistle and Wink as her new collection. I think it's clever and beautiful. You can read the Kid's Today article here. Hope to see you at the Parade!

Blue & Green & Yummy All Over!

I am so blessed to live and work in a beautiful place with amazing people. I recently worked with the very talented, Miss Kimberly on her third son's nursery. I have to give her most of the credit because she really worked closely with me on every detail. We started with a beautiful hand painted dresser she had and used it to pull our color palette and inspiration. I painted her a banner above it and her light fixture. The pails are from The Gifted Pail using our same fabric from the bedding and the crib set and diaper stacker we designed was made by my friend Trish, at Cottage Dreams. The valance we designed was made by my very talented seamstress, Lovely LaPrece. We also did a beautiful cradle set made of all MINKY and satin trim....prrrrrrrrr.....yummy! The cradle she bought at my boutique is by Bratt Decor. Thank you Kimberly for letting me come over and take pictures of the rooms and for sharing your beautiful baby with me. It was such a pleasure to be part of such a Magical time!

 
 

All In A Week's Time!

This may be a bit challenging to write...homework, spelling words, Shaunah on the phone, Serena on her phone, Chyna talking to me...a typical night at the Robeson house. So many conversations, so many cute stories of the day... We're back from Vegas and catching up on loads of laundry and right back into the swing of things. The ABC (All Baby & Kid's) Expo was fantastic! Here are a few pictures of my booth as I was setting up. I shared with "I Lite 4 U" chandeliers and a few pieces from "Villa Bella Furniture". We met so many great people and I'm so happy to say my art will be in some of the most divine boutiques in the country! Yae! Thanks to my very wonderful friend and rep., Crystal Schachter!!!!
OK on a silly note, while we were there, the MTV Video Music Awards were going on and Vegas was full of celebrities. It seemed like everywhere we went we ran into someone fun...the back-up dancers for Justin Timberlake in the elevator, Stedman (hope I spelt that right - Oprah's boyfriend!) at the Mandalay Bay, and Josh Stone sang for a sound check by our pool...just to name a few...it was surreal...
On the home front, we left for a week and came back to Walls! and a smashed entry gate...all the joys of construction!