The 5th Wall

The ceiling is often a missed opportunity to make a design statement. Wood paneling, moldings, or paint colors are all great options to wrap a room from floor to ceiling. When budget is a constraint paint is the most cost effective choice to accent the ceiling. I usually apply a color 50% lighter than the wall color on the ceiling. When going all out on designing a room moldings and woodwork give ceilings the most impact and style. Here are a few examples that I love!!

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Dana Wolter

dSpace Studio

Thomas Pheasant

Sunburst Mirrors

Sunburst mirrors function more as an art piece than a mirror. They add instant happiness to any room. As if the sun is always shining in the room. There are versions made for contemporary spaces and of course a selection of antiques for traditional interiors. The sunburst mirror works well in so many places...above a bed, over a console in the dining room, in the entry, over the sofa in the living room...I could go on and on. Here is a selection of vintage and antique versions that are to die for...

1920's French Giltwood Triple Ray Sunburst Mirror

Acanthus Leaf Form Sunburst Mirror

French Mid Century Giltwood Sunburst

Gilded Brass Sunburst

Giltwood Sunburst Mirror

Giltwood Sunburst Mirror

Old World Modern Charm

Here is a new listing in Corona del Mar that was designed with very rustic, old world elements mixed with the modern materials and clean lines favored today. I think it looks fun and livable. I love the kitchen backsplash and the barstools! For more information on this house go here.

Here is are some shots of the exterior which really summarizes the feel of the house!

Here is the rest of the house...



Urban Necessities

A fantastic resource for building or remodeling a home or retail space is Urban Archaeology. Their hardware and lighting can add an instant dose of history and character. The collection has successfully melded the old with the new giving customers the craftsmanship of the olden days and the function of a new piece. They even have a selection of salvaged pieces that are to die for.
Visit the full collection here. 
Here a few examples...I love this Train Station Clock!!

Luxury Landmark

The Beverly Hills Hotel is probably one of the most iconic symbols of Beverly Hills. There are so many recognizable design elements that almost everyone can name...the banana leaf wall paper, the pink, green, and white color scheme, the font of the hotel sign. I have had the privilege of staying at this wonderful hotel and it definitely lives up to its reputation! I love their pool with the darling cabanas! If you ever get the chance The Polo Lounge is great for lunch!

The Grand Entrance

The Lobby

Elegant Guest Rooms

Bold Area Rugs

Area rugs can be a great staring point to design a room around. Color, pattern, texture can lead the way for the overall design aesthetic. Sometimes the rug can be the focal point when the pattern and color combination are bold enough. Here are a few examples of rooms where the bold are rug gives the room a punch of excitement.

Eric Cohler

Gerald Pomeroy

Martha O'Hara

Chris Lewis

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Jan Showers Furniture

Jan Showers has a furniture line that has always taken my breathe away. Each piece is exquisitely made with amazing attention to detail. I have had a crush on this textured side table since the day a laid eyes on it many years ago...

 Her lamps are simply divine...

The Villa Sofa with three square pillows stands apart from your average sofa...

The lucite leg on this bench adds a touch of the unexpected...

Her side chairs are to die for with their fun yet sophisticated lines...