Concrete Jungle

New York City can be such a fun place to visit. Remember I am born and raised southern California girl. I saw this condo listed in NYC and thought who couldn't enjoy city life while retreating to this tranquil space at the end of each day? Each room has a slightly different quality about it making high rise living interesting! The master bedroom is relaxing and bright, each living space has a slightly different function...one for watching tv and one for conversation. The bathroom is modern, clean and spa-like. See for yourself...

High Beams

I love when a ceiling becomes another feature of a room. This can be done through paint, mouldings, beams, soffits or shapes. Today I was drawn towards wood beams in the ceiling.  The beams add another layer of richness to these spaces...

I love how these beams add so much warmth to this super white kitchen!
Beckwith Interiors

Beckwith Interiors

Rustic Beams with a soft Contemporary Design
Cornerstone Architects

The beams add an architectural element to make this kitchen feel established
Michael S Smith

Artistic Stone Design

Tribute to the 70's

The Bee Gee's have been in the news quite a bit recently (RIP Robin Gibb) and this has brought me back to my childhood memories. So many of the 70's design influenced my decision to be an interior designer. My Grandmother had orange shag carpeting for awhile that I was too young to remember but I have seen the photographic evidence! I am still drawn to some of the more popular designs aesthetics from the seventies. For example, the color palette...orange, brown, and green, mirrors, shag carpet, chrome and brass touches. Here is how I translate 70's design into modern day interiors...

Click to Enlarge

Rooms without Color

There is a color palette out there for everyone. Some people are drawn to vibrant saturated colors whiles others are drawn to subdued earth tones. However, black and white can be a great way to express yourself without committing to any color.

Black and white rooms come across to as modern, glamorous and sexy. Case in point, these rooms...

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Other times black and white can look sophisticated and elegant as seen in these photos...

Thomas Pheasant

Thomas Pheasant

Finally, black and white can look casual and young as is shown in this photo...

Chinese Proverb

"The world is large -
Its beauty indescribable. "-Zhuangzi

Here is a collection of Chinese inspired pieces. I love throwing in an ethic piece in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. It keeps thing fresh and inspiring.

These pieces are available though designers.

Dorothy Draper's Console and Curio

Pagoda Lantern

Pagoda Vitrine

Fretwork Lantern

Fretwork Chair

Greener Grass

So for years I have driven past this house in Laguna Beach.

I used to imagine what the interiors were like. I felt slightly envious of the lucky ones that lived there. Well, its on the market now so I got to see the inside of this magnificent house. Hmmm. Turns out that the grass is not as green on the other side. But I'll let you decide...Laguna House.


Here is a vignette of the direction I would take in this gorgeous estate. Click to Enlarge.

Formal Living Rooms

 This living room has great architectural details yet maintains a soft welcoming feel. The pink throw and flowers add a feminine touch.

 The large scale fireplace sets the tone of this living room. The sharp contrast of the chocolate walls and sofa against the white woodwork and rug are rich and dramatic.

This visually interesting living room  has a monochromatic color palate punched up by the chrome based cocktail table and red throw pillow

White and tan create this elegant and relaxing living room. Just the right amount of texture and wood tones to make this space interesting.

Hearth and Home

Fireplaces are great focal point of a room. Depending on the look you are going for the fireplace design can be dramatic or streamlined. However to day design aesthetic has moved toward clean lines. Here are a few examples of fireplaces that make a statement without overdoing it.

5 Classic Chairs

Here are some examples of the chairs frequently used in any home.

1. The Club Chair. This type of chair is usually found in a family room. Big and comfortable are mandatory traits of this chair.

2. The Occasional Chair. As its name suggests this chair is one to sit in occasionally. These chairs should be decorative and interesting.

3. The Slipper Chair. I use this type of chair in smaller formal living rooms or in large walk-in closets. This chair is meant to look simple yet attractive.

4. The Wing Back Chair. This is the classic library chair although the one shown is a modern version of the chair. Great for the home office space.

5. The Tub Chair. These chairs can be used at the foot of the bed in a large master suite or in a living room or family room. The curved back makes them very comfortable.

Transitional House in CdM

I came across this listing for a new custom home in Corona del Mar. This was built by Spinnaker Development and is for sale for $4,149,000.00. I think they did a great job with the materials and the furniture. I love when a house's exterior matches the interior! The dining room and living room look so elegant but without feeling formal.

The epitome of transitional design.