The Built-In Desk

{image via Houzz}

I am currently working on a project where the client has decided to demo the linen cabinets of an upstairs hallway and create a built-in desk in it's place.  The space is on the children's wing of the house and opens up to a loft playroom. I think this is going to be a great use of space! Of course, I had to go searching for inspiration...

{image via Pinterest}

A compact work area (the inspiration picture my client likes).

{via Pinterest}

A small space maximizes a home office.

{image via Houzz}

A built-in nook blends seamlessly between this kitchen and dining space.

{via Simple Blueprint}

A converted attic space.

{via Pinterest}

A rustic chic wood work surface wall to wall.

{via Meet Butterflies}

A great use of space to accommodate a work area and window seat.

{via Elle Decor}

Dual work spaces and lots of room to display inspiration!

Sneak Peek: West Elm Spring 2012

We have a little sneak peek as to what's in store from west elm for Spring 2012!
A light, fresh organic feel seems to be the direction west elm is taking for next season...

These organic searsucker duvets come in soft, pretty colors...and great for layering!

Instant change! From cozy winter bedding to brightly colored Spring bedding - a quick way to freshen up a bedroom!

Spring cleaning - nothing like a colorful shower curtain to sparkle that bathroom!

...and bath accessories too!

Spring = Stripes!

Graphic, light weight area rugs!

And there's more to come with new furnishings!

It may still be the holidays...but looking forward to seeing what's new for interiors in 2012!

Happy Holidays!

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays!

I spent the past weekend on Balboa Island in Newport Beach for a holiday getaway. On Christmas Eve, I got a special treat - I met fellow Material Girls blogger Emily who's visiting Southern California from Dallas! Emily along with her husband Ben came to Balboa Island for a brief visit. It was fun to meet up and show them around a bit!

A Christmas Eve sunset from Balboa Island.

On Christmas Day I had brunch at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort (which I blogged about last year).

It was a really beautiful day having brunch overlooking Newport Harbor.

Despite the "summer like" day, the private beach at the Balboa Bay Club was empty!

{image via Pinterest}

Here's to 2012...Happy New Year!

(Photos by Jill Seidner)

West Elm Store Opening Event

This past Thursday evening, west elm hosted a store opening celebation event at the newest location in West Hollywood on Beverly Boulevard. The event was hosted by a number of well known design bloggers and attended by guest celebs, actress Amy Smart & HGTV's Carter Oosterhouse.

The interiors of the two story, 14,000 square feet of retail space were designed by Thomas O'Brien of Aero Studios.

The "living wall" is a focal point featuring the west elm signage - and adds a bit of an organic feel to the rustic retail space.



Guests Amy Smart & Carter Oosterhouse mingling with guests at the west elm party.





Bri Emery of Design Love Fest & Rue Magazine was a guest host for the store opening event.



Guests enjoyed checking out the store goods at west elm, where a portion of the night's shopping event proceeds benefits The Art of Elysium.

Store Opening Event at West Elm

This past Thursday evening, I attended the store opening event of west elm's newest location on Beverly Boulevard in West Hollywood. The new 14,000 square foot space was designed by Thomas O'Brien of Aero Studios. The event was packed with celebs and design bloggers alike, including Bri Emery, Emily Henderson, Amy Smart & Carter Oosterhouse - among others. A portion of the night's proceeds was to benefit The Art of Elysium.

The very cool double height "living wall" features west elm signage.

One of the front window display vignettes, featuring this Chester Tufted Leather Sofa.

A festively decorated table setting.

Actress Amy Smart arriving at the west elm event.

And well, if you want a good look at Amy's outfit - but I actually had my eye on Carter Oosterhouse!

View from the mezzanine of the retail space.

Host Bri Emery chatting with a guest.

The party ambiance & store view from the mezzanine.

Had a great time with my friends Morgan and Christian of Maison21!

{All photos by Jill Seidner}

Bathroom Basics

{image via Pinterest}

It seems as if bathroom remodels are on-going projects for me, having just completed a few with a few more in the works. In sourcing for inspiration, I often have to find bathrooms that are both functional and practical. Here are some that are fit the description!

{image via House of Turquoise}

Glass subway tile, offset and installed vertically for clean, wipe-able walls.

{image via Pinterest}

A simple, refined classic bathroom will always remain timeless.

{image via Houzz}

Clients often request plenty of storage, having a vanity with deep drawers & cabinets is practical.

{image via Houzz}

Roomy shower stalls with rainhead shower heads are a luxury...

{image via Pinterest}

If room allows, open shelving facing the tub offers great storage for accessories & towels.

{via Pinterest}

A well lit bathroom is a must, this one offers flexible lighting in the way of a pendant, recessed, & sconces.

{image via Houzz}

An interesting solution to maximize space and accommodate a tub & (double) shower combination!

Tori Burch Flagship Stores

I'm a fan of fashion designer Tory Burch - and equally a fan of her chic flagship stores! The photo above is from her new Madison Avenue store in NYC - so glam! Check out some of her other locations across the nation - and globe!

The facade of her Atlanta location.

The interiors of her Dallas store.

A Philadelphia location.

A glam location in Dubai!

For the high rollers in Vegas!

Interiors of the Nashville, TN store.

East coast chic in the Hamptons.

Nothing conservative in this Washington, DC flagship.

Fits right in with Scottsdale, Arizona.

Last but not least - and local to me - the beachy vibe Malibu, CA location.

Be sure to check out Tory's blog too!

{All images via the Tory Burch website}