Mid-Week Mini Mood Board - What To Do With A Hallway?

Some days are just really fun and today was one of them. I met with some of my favorite clients today as we have started the discussion on the interior details of their new home. The architecture is Mediterranean which brings to mind a treasure trove of details. Warm colors, dark wood doors, floors and cabinets just to name a few. Today we were having the discussion on what to put at the end of the hallway. All, yes all, of my design clients know that I'm not a fan of hallways, but if you have one, best dress it up the best you can. In this case the walk down this hall will have gorgeous floor length windows and french doors to the left, a cozy reading nook (I sense an upcoming blog post) to the right and a deep set window at the end of the hall to draw you in. Dark beams above, dark wood floors below and creamy walls....now that's a hallway I can live with! My client wanted a sketch of what that would possibly looked like so before our meeting today I painted this quick, like super quick, sketch. Happy Mid-Week Moodboard!

1 Marrakesh Pendant from Ballard Design 2 Suzani Pillow from One Kings Lane 3 Reynolds Bench from Ballard Designs

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 Is Getting All Dressed Up!

Every once in a while I get asked to design something really fun and unique. This time it’s a little clothing boutique that just needed a breath of color. My inspiration piece is this gorgeous chair I found during one of my addictive Pinterest afternoons. As you can see I’m continuing with my Rose theme…It’s what is inspiring me right now along with "That Chair" (pitter-pat goes my heart) that was featured on Lisa Mende’s Design blog. I’m in love with the large textile and the stripes on the armrests. It became my muse!

In keeping with the black, pink and gold theme, I found this wallpaper, soooooo pretty! I’m going to use it on the bottom of the wall and add a black piece of trim to cap it off at chair rail height. I’m also going to use it just on the back of each dressing room wall.

Down the hall across from the rooms I’m also going to add some artwork and these round mirrors I found at IKEA for only $14 but to make them more interesting I’d like to paint a gold and black design behind them. I’m also going to paint a frame around the large mirrors they already have in the dressing rooms. This is a much less expensive solution than framing the mirrors with wood.

I still have more things to ad-dress ha ha in this space, such as lighting and artwork so stay tune for more updates on this fun project!

1 Chair Lisa Mende Design 2 Black Baroque Mirror IKEA 3 Floral Wall Hooks Anthropologie 4 Round Mirror IKEA 5 Rose Wall Hook Anthropologie

Sneak Peak Surprise Feature - Thank you!!

Much to my delightful surprise, I received a lovely message from Ana Heleno, blogger extraordinare, over at SneakPeaks that she was featuring my textiles on her blog today! Thanks so much Ana!!! Sneak Peak's is also on FaceBook. Have a super Tuesday everyone!!!

Introducing Vintage Rose!

A little more Black & Yellow cheer on quite a dark and rainy day here in California.  I’ve been waiting to introduce my Vintage Rose designs until the roses in my garden started to bloom and yesterday, much to my joy, I noticed they have. This extra little shot of rain is going to make them even more beautiful.  April showers, right? J

If you didn’t know, my textiles are all printed right here in the USA. They are printed on organic cotton twill and sewn right here in Sunny (well, not so sunny today) California. Now available in my shop!

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

Monday's Mood Board - A Little Dachshund Love!

Monday’s Mood Board was inspired by my good friend, and amazing jewelry designer, Cindy Arnet and her cute little Dachshund, who she calls Fwankie. She sent me a couple pictures of her a week ago, so just for fun, I thought I’d include her in this Monday’s Mood Board.

For a long time I’ve had my eye on this Greek Key Rug at Shop Ten 25. I love that it comes in several colors and when my “16 year old, trend spotting, fashion setting daughter” says she would like to put that in her room, then I know it’s a winner. Besides, it looks great with my Peacock Pillow and coordinating Chaz Pillows! And who wouldn’t just faint over a pair of Dolce & Gabbana Slippers….ahhhh dreaming…

Thanks for stopping by...check back later this week for a special post (& Mood Board of course) on some of my favorite books! Have a Fantastic Week!

1 Fwankie (Priceless & Not For Sale) 2 Greek Key Rug In Pink from Shop Ten 25 3 Dolce & Gabbana Slippers 4 Peacock Pillow from my Shop

Just A Quick Mid-Week Mini MoodBoard!

This week’s Mid Week Mood Board is a quickie because I’m swimming in design projects right now, so I wanted to do something simple and fun. I’m obsessing over these Chloe Chairs from Bungalow 5 (and their case goods too!). You can purchase them at Layla Grayce on-line. I thought about putting a little Bulldog in my illustration when it dawned on me that my Bulldog Pillow would go great with this chair…so Viola! A quick and simple Mini Mood Board for this week’s continued design inspiration.

Monday Mood Board - Pink Love!

This week’s Monday Mood Board is inspired by Valentine’s Day and my favorite color of all time…PINK ! The inspiration started with this fabulous headboard from Posh Tots.  I paired it up with some new goodies from my shop, my Peacock Pillow and my Hot Pink Chaz Pillows. I’ve also been experimenting with Poufs! I posted on my FB Page if anyone thought it was a good idea and judging from the response I had I believe I will pursue creating them!

Of course I get all kinds of inspiration from Pinterest and this is where I found these great Vintage Lamps from ETSY. (Always trying to support those small businesses) The fantastic side table is from Shop Ten25. This watermelon rug is divine from Madeline Weinrib and what I really love is this frame from John Murphy. You must check out his photography in his shop. So fresh!

You can always find my picks for my Mood Board Illustrations and where to get these items (plus a few more that didn’t make it to my final illustration) by following me on Pinterest.

I hope you like some of these ideas. Happy Valentine’s Day!1 Hot Pink Chaz Pillow in my Shop 2 Peacock Pillow in my Shop 3 Vintage Hollywood Regency Lamps from ETSY 4 Hot Pink Frame from John Murphy 5 Peacock Pouf Coming Soon to my Shop 6 Watermelon Rug from Madeline Weinrib 7 White Lacquer Oriental Chest from Shop Ten25 and 8 Hot Pink Headboard from Posh Tots

Mid Week Mini Mood Board!

It’s Wednesday, so how about a Mid-Week, Mini Mood Board? (That’s just fun to say!) Continuing on with this week’s theme colors, blue and yellow, it makes me think of beautiful blue and white vases. I found this one at Amazon of all places. I also have on my “someday wish list” Red Macau Chairs. Although I didn’t quite find a red one yet, Ballard Designs has these in black and white. I would cover the seat cushion with a blue and white Ikat fabric to keep with my color palette and then finish the vignette with a sweet, little side table from Shop Ten25…a wonderful place to find designer goodies! Hope this little pop of color brightens your week. Check back every week for more of my Mood Board Inspirations, Resources, and Paintings!

1 Macau Chair From Ballard Designs 2 Blue & White Vase at Amazon 3 Side Table from Shop Ten25 4 Ikat Fabric 

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

Meet Marly!

I’ve only had one dog in my life and she was incredible. When I brought home Marly, a scruffy, tiny, rescue dog from the pound, my husband thought I lost my mind. I hadn’t a clue what to do with her but thankfully Bill did. She was our first baby and one of the sweetest souls to grace this earth. When she passed away, it was years before I could even talk about her without crying….even now…it’s really hard. Seems silly to most I suppose but we really loved that little four legged lab.

So meet Marly….the inspiration behind my Lab Lovin’ Collection! (Oh...and that cute little Bulldog...that's Tank!)

One of the things I miss the most about my little boutique was working with other independent artists, having trunk shows for them, and watching them Shine! So when I met Brett over at I AM THE LAB and realized he too had a similar vision to help other artists, it was a no brainer that I wanted to work with him. As it always seems to go, when you do something with the intention of helping others, one always seems to benefit. When Brett asked if I wanted to be “part of” what he was doing, I felt very honored. Now I was on the receiving end of being supported. Thank you Brett!

And as a little bonus for you, if you check out Brett’s shop, not only will you see many lovely goodies but I’ve added a special discount on my new collection of Lab Lovin’!

From all of us independent artists out there we appreciate your support as you are the ones that help us raise our families, buy new soccer cleats, put food on our table…you get the picture…we Really appreciate you!

Pantone Happiness!

I am soooo happy to see color coming back into the design world...and to make me even more happy, Pantone has added 175 New Colors! Can that even be possible? And the color of the Year...Tangerine Tango....oh so happy! I love Tangerine!! Check out Pantone for their 2012 Fashion Color Report.

On another note: Yesterday I announced the Winners of my Calendar Give Away over on my FB Page. If you haven't "Liked" us yet, now is a great time because I have  a lot of new products to share and more Give Aways too!!!

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!

Stencil Love!

One of my favorite little tricks in making a room have some unique character is using stencils. I'm not talking about grapes and ivy here, stencils have come a very long way. I love this simple Moroccan stencil from Royal Design Studio.  (Looks great with my Mod Moroccan Collection!) This is a fantastic and inexpensive way to update your space...and besides, when you get tired of it, it's just paint!

Oh Happy Wednesday!

Oh happy Wednesday! I'm finishing details on new paintings, new fabric designs have shipped, & soon all new and exciting "green" table top designs!!! I've been having so much fun designing some printables to coordinate with my collections, that I think I have the formula down. I've also been obsessing over cupcakes lately and have been playing with all kinds of new recipes. Yesterday I was asked to be a last minute sub for my neighbors Bunco group (a lovely group of ladies!) so I whipped up these cupcakes and toppers to try them out. Since they were all gobbled up, I'd suppose I could say they were a success?!?! 

Welcome Spring! I think?

Staircase to my studio...

Spring in California is a little unusual this year…with lots of rain, then days of sunshine, I think the flowers and the animals are a bit confused! Personally, I’ve been really enjoying the rain. I’ve been spending lots of time in my studio creating new designs for my table top collections. Sooooo excited to share this all soon!!!!Fresh carrots from our garden...made the most delicious soup!A birthday pedi for Chyna...flip flop time or rain boots...Crazy California Spring!And a baby deer in my front yard looking for roses that haven't bloomed yet...

Apartment Therapy!!!!!!

Wow! I have been a huge fan of Apartment Therapy for years and I just found out my Mod Moroccan Tablecloth was featured on their website Re-Nest!!! Wow! I'm so honored....Thank You Apartment Therapy!

LA Here I Come!

It's been a while since I last posted but all with good reason...there are many things going on behind the scenes! Over the next few weeks I'll be posting quite a bit about it all. Currently,  I've been preparing for the LA Textile Show next week. I'm showing my line with lots of new designs I've been working on...fingers crossed...I'll let you know how it all goes next week. I'll also be posting a full review of the show on HomeWorkshop.com. Wish me Luck!

Check it out!

A little while ago I mentioned that I was asked to be a contributor for HomeWorkShop.com. What a fantastic site for you design junkies out there! My first article just went live. I share how to create your own fabric for a room make-over. Check it out and let me know what you think! A very special thanks to my friend Jenny Malott who always takes the best pictures...and also to my talented friend, Nina Taylor, for her sewing magic!!!