Tavern LA

Last night, I went to a new restaurant in Brentwood by famed chef Suzanne Goin. The opening of the restaurant has created quite a buzz around Brentwood. Being a frequent-er to the local restaurants in Brentwood, I was eager to check it out. I was in awe of the interiors which were done by top interior designer Jeffrey Alan Marks. While best seen in person (the interiors are really stunning and much differant than in the day time), here's a look:

Can this outfit be turned into a room?

In both fashion and interior trends, there is often a crossover from one to the other. Often times, colors & prints seen on the runway show up in accessories and pillows for the home. As an "ode" to the days of Domino magazine, which used to feature an editorial titled, "Can this outfit be turned into a room?" I present outfit to room:

Project Feature: Project Nursery

Thank you to Melisa of Project Nursery for featuring a playroom project I did in her blog post today titled, "Real Rooms: Family at Play." The Project Nursery blog and website is a great source of inspiration for all things kid related!

Decorating With Books

It's no secret that I love books. I have an overflowing collection for which I do not have shelf space for. My books become part of the decoration of my home: stacked on the two console tables below my front living room windows flanked by a pair of lamps and topped with a candle and a vase, the stack on the tray table next to my sofa stacked within other trays, another stack on a pair of coffee tables, and yet two neatly stacks on the floor creating a vignette. Books make for great accessories to decorating any home. Whether used as props in styling or truly used in the decoration of a home, books undoubtedly have a decorating presence.

Your Own Private Cabana

Hopefully, this Memorial Day Weekend you are enjoying nice weather and the great outdoors!

If you haven't already - you may want to order your own private cabana for the sunnier days ahead!

ZGallerie has a few tents of their own: the SoHo Pavilion comes in two colors (Orange & White or Black & White). They measure 10' x 10' and even come with their own duffle bag!

So for your next invite to lounge poolside - just say: "Would you like me to bring the cabana?"

Don't forget to outfit it with all those great accessories...

Material Girls Blog

Check out our newly relaunched Material Girls Blog and to view my blog posts, click here!

These Walls Are Made for Chalkin'

I recently came across these images on the Project Nursery blog and loved them! Thought I'd share!

And while on the subject of chalked walls, thank you to the Daily Decorator blog for featuring a playroom I did for a project (which also featured a painted wall of chalkboard paint).

DAVID SEIDNER: Exhibition at the International Center of Photography

I am excited to announce a new exhibition at the International Center of Photography in New York, that of the late photogrpaher David Seidner. The exhibition opens on May 15th and is titled "David Seidner: Paris Fashions, 1945." The exhibition features photographs of couture-clad dolls made for the Theatre de la Mode, a creative effort by the French fashion industry to broadcast to the world they were back in business after World War II. In 1990, the dolls were rediscovered and returned to Paris, where they were recoiffed and restyled for an exhibition at the Musee de la Mode. David Seidner was asked to photograph them. In his images, he captured the essense of French postwar style using rough, abandoned sets to reflect postwar Paris.


David Seidner was born in Los Angeles and had worked as a top fashion photographer for twenty five years, best known for his work with Yves Saint Laurent. He had homes in Paris, New York, & Miami and spent much of his time in Paris before his passing in June 1999.

My favorite book by David Seidner is "Portraits" which feature elegant and timeless photographs of well-known people:

Portrait of Marie-Chantal Miller (1995):

Portrait of Princess Alexandra Von Furstenberg (1995):

Portrait of Pia Getty (1995):

Portrait of Honor Fraser (1994):

Portrait of Helena Bonham Carter (1998):

Portrait of Bernadette Jukowski (1995):

The exhibition runs from May 15th - September 15th, 2009. For more info, please visit the ICP website.
To view the David Seidner archive at the International Center of Photography, click here.

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!

LA Event

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

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.

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

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