Yellow is a risky wall color to use in interior design. If used correctly, it can be uplifting and encourage creativity and confidence….but if used incorrectly, it can create a sense of fragility and anxiety. If you’re going to use yellow on your walls, take great caution in the shade that you choose and observe [Read the Rest]
Collecting accessories from our travels and heritage can be super fun in the process, but quickly becomes complicated when it comes time to display them. For a Santa Monica Beachside client, this was process was easy because I had many wonderful pieces from her personal collection to work into a classic-eclectic design scheme. As a [Read the Rest]
It is believed that sconces originated in Italy. They consisted of a mirror or shiny pieces of metal that were mounted on a wall and reflected the light of a candle. Since then, the tradition of candelabra bulbs and gas lantern-style outdoor sconces lives on. Yet there are many selections to choose from that the [Read the Rest]
Stuck with a sea of concrete? Add pattern, depth, intimacy, and interest by using diagonal stone pavers to create a terrace pattern with dwarf plant material growing through. Make sure to check with your landscape professional to determine the irrigation needed, so you don’t end up with a ground full of bird baths.
Yes, coasters are a necessity to keep your wood furniture from getting those annoying permanent glass rings. But, they are also a great opportunity to bring in a design element to your coffee and end tables. So ditch those round, paper, cardboardy, coasters with German barmaid illustrations that your last boyfriend collected and upgrade to [Read the Rest]
Some people have a love-hate relationship with their friends, I have them with Casablanca Lilies. They are abundant this time of year – you can get and endless and fresh supply at any Whole Foods or local Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles. Their trumpet shape is divine and they add an organic sense of elegance [Read the Rest]
Designing outdoor pool cabanas is one of my favorite aspects of landscape and exterior design. I always begin with a very specific list of what my client wants out of their space. Will they be cooking there? Will they host large parties? Is storage necessary? Plumbing? Will the want an A/V system setup? Wii? Running [Read the Rest]
ALUMINUM patio furniture can be preserved by buffing a paste wax into the aluminum frames at least twice a year. In addition, you should clean the vinyl pieces that are normally associated with aluminum patio furniture. Use some all-purpose oil and lubricate any moving parts in your aluminum patio furniture to prevent rust. WICKER AND RATTAN [Read the Rest]
I fell in love with this Manuel Canovas fabric (made in France- of course) after a client told me she wanted to work with reds and golds. It reminds me of one of those fabulous 80′s vintage military inspired jackets. My client is quite the fashionista and was immediately on board. In fact, she ended [Read the Rest]
In custom home building and major renovations in media/family rooms, it’s a common oversight to build your fireplace mantle without thinking through what your ideal television height will be (assuming this is where it will end up living). For my personal projects, I always create complete furniture layouts at the same time that we create [Read the Rest]