Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Scorching Porches!


In anticipation of longer days ahead, warm weather, and an eagerness to enjoy the outdoors - I thought I would feature pictures of outdoor porches and decks. I recently completed a virtual design project for a client who lives in Ohio but has a vacation home on Martha's Vineyard. The client specifically asked for help with exterior lighting, exterior paint color, and any creative ideas on how to furnish the backyard porch. I sourced some decorative outdoor light fixtures in addition to recessed lighting (which he asked for). I also provided ideas & resources for outdoor furnishings and accessories. Having focused solely on a single porch design, I became interested in searching for pictures of all kinds of porches - from East Coast to Southern to Tropical to Modern.

If you haven't already gotten started on sprucing up the backyard patio, deck, balcony, front porch - take a look at the potential!









Tuesday, April 28, 2009

LA Event


An alternative building event taking place May 8-9 in Santa Monica. {Please click on image to enlarge to view details.}

Monday, April 27, 2009

Living In Color


I just received an email from Benjamin Moore announcing a new blog dedicated to the world of color and design. I think it's worth a read! Check it out: Living in Color with Sonu.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Legends of La Cienega Design Walk


For those of you who know Los Angeles, La Cienega Blvd in the heart of West Hollywood is filled with many design showrooms and art galleries. In conjunction with Elle Decor magazine, the Legends of La Cienega Design Walk will be held May 7th - 9th.

Over the course of the three day event, there will be open houses in participating showrooms, special events, and lectures.

For more info and calendar of events, please visit: www.elledecor.com/legends

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Field Trip: Ferguson Showroom

I recently took a trip over to my local Ferguson Showroom. I hadn't been to this particular location since the showroom moved from it's previous location in North Hollywood. I had been repeatedly sending my clients out to meet with my sales person (Michele) and had only been in contact with her via phone/email for way too long...finally, I took a little field trip! The showroom is amazing and it houses everything one would need for bath, kitchen, lighting etc. The inventory of lighting is impressive, they carry every major appliance you can think of, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, a full range of kitchen cabinets. I didn't photograph everything they showcase, but I captured a few unique items I came across that interested me.

Here's a small glimpse:
Exotic Wood Tub:

Vanity:

A unique vanity:

Amazing slab of stone:

Fun sconces:

La Cornue Hood & Range:

Carrera Marble Pedestal Sink & Tub:



Ranges from Italy that come in a spectrum of colors:

Lighting from Eurofase:

Modern vanity with a dynamic mirror (that Lauren featured a post on awhile back!):

Beautiful pair of sconces:

If you are looking for any bath fixtures, kitchen appliances, lighting, etc feel free to contact my salesperson at the Ferguson Showroom in Woodland Hills, CA: Michele Conn 818 593 7225 Michele.Conn@Ferguson.com

The Un-Office Office Space


The Los Angeles Times recently featured an article on (home) offices titled "The Un-Office Office." Isn't it true that many of our work spaces are part of our homes and hence, they become an extension of a living room, a dining room, a bedroom, maybe even a closet. Here are some work spaces that I think demonstrate the "un-office" office:









Sunday, April 19, 2009

Pasadena Showcase House


Today marks the opening of the annual Pasadena Showcase House. This year's chosen home is a 10,000 square foot home built in 1917 by renowned Pasadena architect, G. Lawrence Stimson. The Italian Renaissance Revival Estate features a grand marble staircase, acanthus scroll columns, and paneled ceilings. A traditional tea house with a koi pond is part of the estate's garden areas.

For additional info regarding the showcase house and ticket info, visit the Pasadena Showcase website. Tours run from April 19th - May 17th.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Garages Are Rooms Too


I've seen many a garage in my lifetime. As a kid, I remember my cousin and I hid for hours from my brother in my aunt and uncle's detached garage that was actually not used as a garage but used as a sort of indoor/outdoor rec room where many kid birthday parties were celebrated. That was the 70's. Do people still do that now? Seems these days, I see homes with 3-4-5-6 car garages (I live in LA!), others with the garaged packed like a storage unit, and still others who's garages are meticulous: the complete organized built in storage, the second fridge, space for five cars, etc. My guess is the kids aren't playing hide and seek in the garage and the parent's aren't throwing kid birthday parties in the garage! That aside, the garage is still another room extension of one's home. I think it has a lot more potential then most people make of it.

Maserati along with Architectural Digest is currently on the search for the best in architectural garages. I would think you don't quite have to have the car collection as these garages do. But here are three of the top votes in so far:



To enter Maserati's search for the finest of architectural garages, submit your entry here.

So what have you done with your garage?

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

A REAL Housewife's REAL Remodel


Jill Zarin of Bravo TV's "The Real Housewives of New York City" recently renovated her Upper East Side NYC Apartment and it's currently featured on the Traditional Home website. The before and after pictures are remarkable, the after pictures look great, and thanks to her husband's family business: Zarin Fabrics she had access to some very glamorous textiles.







Log onto Traditional Home to view the complete story with before and after pictures.