One Week Left

What a big week ahead. Not only will I be wrapping up my TV show this week, but I’ll be adding the finishing touches to a large project my firm completed. Its definitely a time for new beginnings as I wrap up these endeavors, especially for my personal life. We’re still on schedule for the birth of Harper on August 18th. Her nursery is now complete with 24 butterflies hanging from the nursery ceiling along with upholstered walls and sweet purple and grey drapes.

Since I’ll be finished with the show, it will be nice to have my weekends back. I can tell the crew is getting excited too. Thought you’d enjoy a few behind the scenes photos-

Dawn, our Production Coordinator keeps us on our toes and brings humor to the set. As you can see, she has a knack for making costumes out of anything

Doug above and Amos below are responsible for making the rooms look amazing on camera. Shooting in a small space is challenging, but they make it seem easy.

Resident comedian, Justin, is our Production Assistant. Not only does he stand guard of the production truck, but he keeps me laughing with his stories and brings me doughnuts every morning. Today is his last day and we’re all going to miss him.

Where have I been?

That’s a great question.  I miss writing more here, but now that I’m taping my new show 3 days a week and managing my firm the other 4 days - not to mention getting ready for the arrival of my little girl (due date of Aug 18th) time keeps slipping through my hands.

I can tell you that everything is great - never been better.  Thanks again to all of you that drop a note to check in.  Hopefully you’re still enjoying the KBTV episodes that are uploaded on Monday and Thursdays.  My new place is pretty much done and I hope to tape the ‘reveal’ of my place soon.

Also, I thought I would give you a sneak peek into the Hammer Residence that I recently completed.  One of my favorite publications, Western Interiors will be shooting it soon for an upcoming issue.

Mirror Mirror on my Wall

I am in love with Antique Mirror at the moment.  While it is not functional for a bathroom, I am using a lot of it in other areas for my projects.  Often viewed as a very traditional element in home decor (especially with the word Antique) I am using it in more modern applications. 

A mirror can work anywhere - it acts like a window in a room allowing the eye to escape.

This modern version of a starburst mirror would look great over an entry console with a collection of mercury glass. 

I have the single version of this Paul Marra sconce on either side of my library entrance.  At night when the light reflects off of the antique mirror, it creates a dramatic mood.  Check out other pieces from Paul Marra at http://www.paulmarradesign.com

Underwater Style

With record heat all over the country, it’s only appropriate that we’re seeing a big trend in everything water, especially fish motif.  Being a Piesces I have a strong connection to swimming fish.  As a kid I remember going fishing with my older brother and dad on the weekends.  These weekend fishing trips didn’t last long as I insisted that they put the fish back in the water after catching them.

Now I find myself using fish and the underwater design trend in my projects.  Here are a few of my favorites:

This fantastic silk fabric is from one of my favorite vendors, Jim Thompson.  I could see this used as large drapery panels in a home by the beach.  I love the fluid movement of the pattern.  As the drapery folded in and out from the pleat, you would see fish swimming in and out of the pattern

To add a little splash of this trend in your home, consider 3 small fish statues like these from the fantastic Jay Strongwater.  Place them on your coffee table for a touch of summer color and sparkle

This firescreen is designed by a friend a old neighbor of mine, Philip Nimmo.  Check out his other firescreens and amazing iron work at http://www.philipnimmoironworks.com

Bring fish to the table without the fishy smell with these stylish plates perfect for a casual dinner party.  I would accent these plates with blue glassware and small glass stones as centerpieces mixed in with goldfish in small bowls. 

I am in love with the detail at the bottom of this ottoman.  The wave pattern along with the nailheads is a subtle ode to the sea

For those who have a serious love of fish (and don’t mind the commitment) go for it with Waterworks Goldfish Boarder for a powder room or backsplash. 

Fabric Trend

Ikat fabrics are popping up everywhere.  Ikat, which means “to bind” has a tie-dye effect on fabirc.  They are usually hand woven and are great ways to add a causal vibe to a room while punching in some color. 

I am always buying pillows to freshen up my own sofa.  Right now I’m in love with blues so these are on the top of my list

Stick to one color of Ikat per room (in my opinion too many kills the effect)

Madeline Weinrib wins hands down when it comes to Ikat fabrics http://www.madelineweinrib.com.  I love this fabric for a drapery boarder in a sunroom.

I rarely do a patterned chair, but in this room, the purple Ikat works. 

Not my style, but a beautiful fabric on this sofa.

It has been a while since my last entry and wanted to write a quick post.  Many exciting things are happening.  First, I’m taping my new TV show which is slated to air on TLC in early August.  I am enjoying the challenge to work on a fast track show that deals with a different design point of view (I promise more to come on this)  Second, my product line is in its finally phase of development and I should be able to announce where you can get it soon.  Mark your calenders for early September. 
And last, I have a baby bedding line coming out at Babies - R - Us in late September.  Whew, lots going on.

Thanks again to all of you that continue to visit my site and check in.  I appreciate all of your support.

Too Much Stuff in Your House?

At a recent party I attended the homeowner was obviously a huge fan of globes. I could not imagine how many she had- it must have been thousands. Her home had beautiful bones and great architecture and had been built by a famous architect in the late 20’s. When she asked me what I thought of her home, I could not lie. I said that the her home was such a beautiful place, but all of the globes took away from the details that played second fiddle to her huge collection.  She stared at me in amazement.  At first I thought she was going to ask me to leave.  Instead she said, I never thought of that, but you know, it has become an obsession.

I don’t know how it happens, but many people attach themselves to an item and then obsess over it and before you know it, you’re known as the globe-woman.  While I completely understand and appreciate having a collection to be proud of, there must be a balance in how you display things. When there is too much stuff in your house, there is no room for you.

My advice? Consider taking 75% of your stuff and boxing it up for storage. Every 3 months, rotate your collection so that you can appreciate the individual pieces more and allow them to breathe (and giving you the chance to mix it up a bit)

When you group a collection together, vary the size. This collection of globes is a beautiful addition to a room. Any more, and you loose the balance

Owls are becoming a big hit in the home decor department. Because of their nature, you can imagine what the atmosphere in a room would feel like if the homeowner had a huge collection of them in one room- spooky. 

New Orleans Style

We all store images in our head of certain places or things that hold a sense of beauty that we draw from.  For me, it is the beautiful homes in New Orleans.  As a young kid I remember visiting my Grandmother in the Garden District area of New Orleans.  Back then, it wasn’t about how much money things cost, but about the history of the house and it’s ability to make anyone feel welcome.  Most homes are framed by beautiful old oak trees and enclosed in old iron fences.  The patina of the weathered wood siding and the moss that grew on the old brick pathways is something I’ve grown to appreciate as a designer.  As a kid I spent countless hours on the front porch playing with my matchbox cars.  The memories always make me feel happy and lucky that I was able to experience such historically beautiful architecture as a young child.  Luckily I was able to visit New Orleans this weekend for my Mom’s retirement party.  It’s a breath of fresh air to find some of the same homes I remember still standing. 

A typical home in the Garden District

The former home of author Anne Rice

When the storms would come, you would close the shutters to protect the windows.  I remember the first time I saw fake shutters in Los Angeles and could not understand why they had shutters that did not work.  The one good thing about them is that they allow you to add another punch of color to your exterior.

Windows were big enough to walk through them.  Most homes had the same window placement on the front and back of the house.  This allowed you to open all windows and get a wonderfully cooling cross breeze.

Red in Every Room

One of my design philosophies is adding something red to every room.  For a recent project I completed for Dennis Hammer, we worked with a lot of texture by adding a different grasscloth in every room.  Working with his beautiful black and white collection of photography brought in a sense of refinement that added an elegance to the home.  I have always been a huge fan of using neutral colors in varying textures, however, there is a fine line between neutral and boring.  Popping in a shade of red is the cure for boring and works every time.

Working in a small area off of the kitchen, I used a red fabric on the bench seat as well as refinishing the vintage chandelier in a red patina.

In the library/media room, the deep red silk pillows along with the red topped ottoman punch up the space without drawing attention away from the photographs

For the bedroom, it was the surprise dose of red on the interior of the secretary/desk.

Overall, our design goal was to create a Carribean resort-style home that combined a neutral palette of textures while highlighting Dennis’ love of books and photography.  Check back as I plan to share more photos in upcoming entries along with ideas and tips

Help 1 Up

Many people ask me what to do with their current furniture when their new pieces arrive.  The last thing you should do is throw it away.  Many people would be thrilled with any furniture at all. 

If you find yourself in the position to donate your furniture, please check out http://www.help1up.org  At a recent event I met Jeff Hay, the executive director of the National Furniture Bank Association.  Their organization provides furniture for families who have lost their homes to natural disasters, children and woman who have been displaced due to domestic violence as well as families living below the poverty line who need a hand up, not a hand out.  Their belief is that no child in America should have to sleep on the floor.  If you have anything to offer, please go to their website where you can donate today.