Blog Tour LA: Coming this Fall!

It's finally happening! Blog Tour, presented by Modenus, is coming to Los Angeles this Fall - for the first time ever!  Blog Tour LA will be taking place October 1st-6th. While the details for Blog Tour LA are still being ironed out, I was able to catch up with Veronika of Modenus this past week for a little preview of what's in the works (including privy to one lucky blogger who is going to be invited to attend - whom I cannot wait to see in my city!). Have to keep mum until the announcements are made in the coming weeks (although could easily be swayed by monetary bribes!). As an alumni of Blog Tour London last Fall, greatly looking forwarding to tagging along while hosting all the fabulous bloggers in "my city"!

One of the big events in conjunction with Blog Tour LA is the West Edge Design Fair, to be held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, October 3rd-6th. Blog Tour attendees will be at the design fair with special events to be taking place - looking forward to being a part of this too!

A highlight of bringing bloggers from around the globe, is to provide them with a "my city" tour of some of the hidden spots and great charms. We had the opportunity to experience this too while on Blog Tour London. I am looking forward, along with other LA bloggers, to hosting a walking tour that is slated to be held around the Avenues of Art & Design, the La Cienega Design Quarter, and the neighboring streets around the Pacific Design Center.

Stay tuned for more! Be sure to follow @Modenus with hastag #BlogTourLA for all the latest deets!

Shivhon Rugs

For the longest time I have been wanting to share the amazing rug designs from Shivhon Rugs, and the motivation to do so has finally come - especially now that Shirley (the proprietor / designer behind Shivhon Rugs) and I have become good friends! I've always been a fan of her colorful, graphic rugs. Most recently, Shirley has shared some of her inspiration and direction for her forthcoming Fall collection and I look forward to seeing those come to fruition! In the interim, check out some graphic faves I have pulled from her site as well as some she sent me.

I love this colorful, zig zag rug called "summer" - fun!

The "pearl" is so cute, would be great for a children's room or playroom.

Graphically sophisticated, I quite like the "holly" area rug.

A custom rug in the making, this is the Bella Rug.

An image of the finished product, the Bella Rug.

Like an abstract canvas, love the colors of the "shift" rug.

A rug goes that goes "vroom" - I bet my nephew would love this one!

Beautiful butterflies - "flutter" is earthy and organic.

"Salem" is so artistic, love the movement.

New for Spring, the "aqua" rug will take you right through summer!

For more info, visit Shivhon or contact Shirley directly, right here.

"Let's go surfing now"

As I am sort of (pseudo) helping my brother and sister-in-law with their home in Manhattan Beach, CA - I came across the idea to incorporate a bit of surf theme into their modern-era beach adjacent home. What better to decorate the walls with then a surfboard? (And why there are half a dozen surfboards stacked in the garage I do not know!) Instant art and decor! In searching for concepts I found some fun ideas, everything from a modern home to a beach cottage...

Fun colors, a little cottage-y, a little glam...and a longboard hanging on the wall of this living room!

A surfboard shaped headboard for a children's room. Precious.

In a tall stairwell, a vertical hanging surfboard fills out the space well.

A completely surf themed bedroom!

A beach cottage truly needs a surfboard somewhere in the decor!

Colorful art and a colorful surfboard pair well together.

A sophisticated black and white striped bedroom contrasts well with a plain white surfboard.

This ultra chic living room uses a vintage surfboard as part of it's decor.

And if your office happens to be near the beach, keeping a surfboard on display  is convenient for catching those good waves!

All images via Pinterest.

In Search Of: The Wire Chair

Ever coveted the classic Bertoia chair? We have some great finds (both orginal and reproduced) to share!





A pair of Athens Wire Chairs from Overstock.com



Bertoia Side Chair from Design Within Reach.



An Eames version of a wire chair, also from Design Within Reach.



A nicely discounted Bertoia from Inmod.



Something slightly more eclectic from CB2.



Super great versions for outdoor use!



Last but not least, some sleek ones with black cushions.

It's all in the details: Stairs and Railings

In design, there is something to be said for the details. Thinking about and applying attention to the little things. A well designed home may have the added details to look for. Here, we are taking a look at staircases and railings.



Intricate cut geometric railings add juxtaposition to the multiple flight of stairs.



A sculptural effect, of linear poles, and high contrast black and white.



Glam brass railing detail looks sophisticated yet roughed up with the concrete flooring element.



Glass looks modern and sleek paired with a natural stone wall.



Gold continues to reign for the ultimate glam look but the geometric cut detail of the stair railing makes a statement.



The closeness of these vertical spindles creates a visual architectural element for these stacking staircases.

All images via Pinterest.

Get the Look: A Casual California Entry + Living Room

Thought I would share some finds from a recent concept board I put together for an entry + living room in a California coastal home. Light furniture, warm woods, a play on patterns...perfect for a small sitting room.

The Orb Chandelier from Ballard Designs.

Slipcovered loveseat from Restoration Hardware (*different but similar version shown above).

Concrete round coffee table.

Club chair from Ballard Designs, shown in a different fabric than above - with many more options to choose from.

Coral Needlepoint Bench, shown in red (additional colors available).

Cowhide Patchwork Rug

Rustic Wood Mirror.

Floor Lamp from here.

A floral arrangement (as seen on coffee table).

For more room looks & concept boards, view here.