Renovation Style featured a cover story on me in their Fall 2009 issue. You can view additional photos on in the portfolio section of my design website.
Nina Petronzio's Blog
A Los Angeles Designer's Diary on interior design, furniture, fashion, and lifestyle
Before I opened my Melrose Avenue showroom, I was often challenged in finding fine furniture that could be made to measure for the floor plans I was working with. The pieces were either too large, too small, too this, or too that.
I wanted to create a fine furniture line made in Los Angeles that was completely customizable and could offer reasonable lead times to the TRADE.
Our process is simple: we don't make mistakes (well, we do...but we don't involve you in the drama).
All prototypes begin with a detailed CAD (Computer Assisted Drawing) rendering. All measurements are to scale, and what you see on paper is the final plan that our in house craftsmen will follow. I only like surprises for my birthday....not in my furniture.
This article in September's Elle Decor caught my eye. I recently covered our Gatsby Lounge chairs for my Melrose Avenue showroom in this super cool Amethyst fabric by Osborne and Little. This color was hot in fashion last year and appears to be making a return this Fall/Winter season as well. I love scheming this in my projects with neutrals, as well as with contrast colors (like yellows and greens). Also, mixing in bright whites will keep it light and playful.
We receive several requests for internships. It's difficult to find your way around the interior design business (let alone the world) as a young adult, so I thought it would be helpful to offer these DOS and DONT'S to young, aspiring designers:
DON'T send blind emails out that start with "Dear Hiring Manager".
DO take the time to research the firm, its history, principals, projects, and employees before you draft a cover letter.
That being said, DON'T harass the office with too many follow up calls and emails immediately after you have forwarded your materials.
DO follow up by sending a nice note and a hard copy of your resume in the mail.
DON'T expect to be handed the keys to a project. I am amazed at how many interns we've interviewed who are opposed to doing office work or making coffee and expect to jump right into the driver's seat of a big job.
DO follow up with thank you cards after an interview.
DON'T ask too many questions during work hours. Remember that an internship is not "school" - you are in a workplace.
DO dress appropriately for an interview. Simple, clean, elegant.
DON'T text, facebook, or twitter from work.
DO know as many computer programs as you can. This is probably the best way for a young person to break into the business! If you did not learn it in school, learn it on your own time.
DON'T be the "office clown". Please don't do this.
DO take initiative. If you're done with a project and no one is around to assign you another job, figure it out. Clean, organize, fill in a gap that needs to be filled.
DON'T bring your personal drama to the office. Again, this is not school.
DO listen. Take in everything that goes around you, so that you can better assist without explanation.
DON'T be competitive...with anyone.
This cute lil' guy has been chillin' around our storefront since last week, and now appears to be our official door greeter. It's unusual to see a Preying Mantis on Melrose Avenue, so he's been getting lots of attention from lots of beautiful designers and clients coming to visit.
A Media Room in the Palos Verdes Estates, overlooking a serious view of the Pacific Ocean.
PROJECT NOTES:
For a serene and elegant look that's fitting for the beach, I installed a crisp white, custom sectional feather & down sofa accented with coral pillows.
The combination of different scaled prints are complimentary to each other and add an element of excitement to the whole look.
Brown end tables and ottomans keep the space functional for entertaining.
I am loving this color combination and finding it a refreshing option to the same old blue and brown look we've seen time and time again for the past 10 years.
The lamp and the little deco, mirrored drink stand adds a sparkle to the scheme.
A generously sized, white sectional sofa sounds like a scary concept, but the fabric I used is a fluffy, white, durable, indoor/outdoor textile. The texture is so luxurious and refined in feel but made to be stain resistant and low maintenance. Spots comes off with a wet rag and relative ease. I know it sounds crazy - but my brother has personally tested this with a full glass of red wine. I am blown away by this breakthrough in the textile industry and by the multitude of beautiful options that are available. Nice to see the guys at the mill finally got the memo!
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