Be your own lighting designer!

Lamps Plus is now offering you the opportunity to customize your own lighting designs! The new service is called "Design Your Own" . The tool allows you to customize your own fixture from many of their assorted pendants, floor lamps, table lamps, and shades. You start by selecting a pattern, then select a color scheme, then a trim color - and it shows you the process along the way. Save your selections for later or check out other matching combinations that can go with your own design. Really great for finding just the right combo color/pattern you are looking for...and not to mention kind of fun! (The best part, most are all under $200.) I can't wait to use it for a client!

Here's how it works: (I started by selecting the above fixture)

I then chose the same pattern but opted for the black and white pattern (there are many other colors to choose from).

Then I selected a white trim color.

But also looked at a few other trim colors, such as this tan trim.

And in the end it will show you some matching items, such as pendants, table lamps, floor lamps. etc.

{Lamps Plus is also having a contest to win $500 of your own creations, enter here.}

Spring is in the Air!

It's starting to feel a lot like spring here in LA - not bad for timing considering it is officially Spring now! We've been fortunate enough to have sunny, warm weather the past few weeks. Now comes time for a little spring cleaning and a time to change out that wintry decor to fresh, bright spring/summer accessories. I think the home collection by Trina Turk certainly says "spring is in the air."

Palm Springs Block Pillow

Later Gator Hook Rug

Palmetto Beach Towel

Trina Turk Citrus Candle

Palm Springs Block Table Napkins

Tapestry Pillows

Look Book Series on The Decorating Diva

If you haven't visited The Decorating Diva site - it's well worth checking out! Full of great inspiration, features on fabulous designers, and a series called "Style Maker Look Book" which are contributions by designers and bloggers alike of themed room creations. They are so fun to see and very inspiring! Today, a modern nursery project that I did was included in the popular series. Be sure to have a look and check out all the many other "Look Books" featured!

Modern Nursery Look Book

Purpose-ful Restoration

I recently came across an LA-based furniture restoration company that goes beyond the typical process of restoring a piece of furniture: they actually reinvent it to the level of an artistic creation. Whether it's an old dated dresser, an old school metal desk, an old folding screen...whatever it may be, they will transform it into a custom work of art. The company is Purpose Restoration, a team of two guys, Jason Fox and Guy Ellis who will provide full services from conceptual renderings to refinishing and restoration to shipping worldwide.

Check out some of these amazing transformations:

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

To see more of Purpose Restoration's creations, visit their website!

TableArt Event with Kelly Wearstler

This past Thursday evening, I met up with friend and fellow blogger Christian May of Maison21 for an event at TableArt on Melrose Avenue featuring Kelly Wearstler and her line of dinnerware for Pickard. It was an intimate event and Kelly was on hand to sign copies of her latest book, Hue, among chatting with many of the guests.

The highlight of my evening (aside from M21's ability to silence a room) was seeing Kelly inspired by the fashion of other guests. With M21 & I standing beside Kelly, she picked up her iPhone to snap a picture of a girl in a slim fitting camel colored coat with over size, unique textural buttons (I think it was the buttons that intrigued her). I overhead someone say something to the effect would it be inspiring the next project. Like many of us designers, being able to capture a photo of something (whether it's architecture, a textile, nature, or in this instance, fashion); these are the things that lead us to be inspired and create. I can't help but wonder what is on Kelly's iPhone camera and would love to see the images she captures and how that translates to what she designs. So Kelly - if you are ever so inclined to share with us what you photograph on a daily basis, I am sure many would love to see what captivates and inspires you!

On the subject of inspiration, here is the line of china for Pickard designed by Kelly:

Table setting and guests at the TableArt event.

{For more on the event and to see a picture I took of Kelly & Christian, read M21's post here.}

Spring Forward!

It's that time of year again - this weekend we set the clocks one hour ahead meaning longer daylight hours. I much prefer this time of the year as I am so not an early morning riser and having a longer day feels more productive for me.

So in case you don't already have a zillion clocks to change this weekend (and if you are anything like me, I like them all set exactly to the same time, a tedious task) then consider adding some fun clocks as accessories like these:

Crystal Block Clock

Around Clock

Lotus Wall Clock

Ghost Clock

galaxy wall clock

Bristol Cuckoo Clock

half day clock

teacher's pet clock

Bling Wall Clock

pace wall clock

Petal Links Modern Wall Clock

retro clock

Sales Events in SF & LA

There are two great sale events going on over the next few days for those of you who are in the San Francisco or Los Angeles areas:

The Stark Sale starts tomorrow and will be featuring discounts of up to 75% off of area rugs, fabrics, and wallcoverings. (Also coming to NYC the week after.)

For those in LA, the much anticipated Rose Tarlow Melrose House sale is taking place this Friday and Saturday in the valley.

For more info: 323 651 2202 or info@rosetarlow.com

On the Farm

The ubiquitous farm table can be found in contemporary and traditional interiors alike. It's almost like a pair of jeans - it can go with anything and be dressed up or down. Take a look at some of these interiors that feature a farm like table in different styles and settings.

Some variations on the farm table, as featured in Country Living:

Crate and Barrel

Sundance Catalog

Ikea

Ethan Allen