Nest Interiors

Steel this look.

2011-07-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

No-that's not a spelling error in the title. I'm talking about galvanized steel- Gorgeous, industrial and versatile galvanized steel. About a week ago, I noticed a huge piece of metal hanging out in the rafters of our garage, and not wanting such a fabulous found piece to go to waste, I dragged it down and inspected it. Turns out it was the perfect size for an outdoor dining table that we badly needed (okay, I badly wanted). There's not much to it, but I'll take you through step-by-step to the final glorious product. And I did it all for under $100!

Step 1: Drag enormous piece of steel down from garage rafters...or find some....or buy some.

Step 2: Clean it up and cover it with industrial strength adhesive.

Step 3: Have a piece of plywood cut to size at a place like Home Depot. I went with 3/4" as this is a sizable table and it needed the support. Drop that ply on top of the steel with the help of a friend or loved one, or in my case struggle through doing it alone.

Step 4: Weigh it down with something heavy, like the multitude of stones I dug up during a recent landscaping project. Let it set for at least 2 hours.

Step 5: Screw in the legs of your choosing. I went with galvanized steel sawhorses that I got for $17 each at Home Depot. They have the added benefit of folding into themselves for ease of transport later on. Remember to consider where you or your guest legs will fall under the table-position the legs accordingly.

Step 6: Flip the table over and carry or drag it to the spot of your choosing. Get someone to help you with this...that or just hoist it onto a couple of flower pot bases with wheels and push it to your destination. No seriously, get someone to help you with this. I just happened to not have my boyfriend around at the time and wanted to get it done. See the result of this act of impatience in the photo below. (I know you're impressed, I was too.)

Step 7: Do a little dance and high five your dog (true story-thanks for your support Morris), or whoever is around, because you just made an awesome table for under $100.

Now I just need the perfect chairs to complete the look...Next post!

chalkboard fun for adults.

2011-07-15T16:05:00.000-07:00

This isn't the most original concept in the world, but I've been wanting a chalkboard wall for a long time now, and I finally did it! My plan is to have guests leave notes when they come over, as well as putting up funny quotes that are said in the house. You'll note that the hook the chalk is hanging on says "Budlong Pickle Co", and it's from Chicago-fun fact. If you're wondering about that smart looking red/white striped string around the chalk, I took it off a paper wrapped sandwich in Brooklyn, but you can actually buy it at Paper Source.

You may have noticed the ugly oak trim-rest assured I am working on painting it white. Our house was built in 1910 and the trim is original, but it's not in great shape, and it just doesn't play nicely with the killer grey wall color. I'll post more photos once we've had a few folks fill up the wall and the trim is painted!

(Almost) Wireless.

2011-06-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

In reference to item #11 on the post below. Here's an option to keep those pesky cords at bay...no matter what the cost. I like the walnut and the clean boxy-ness. You can find this puppy on Design Public by Blu Dot for $99

35 Apartment Tips from a 25-Year Old Man (My Brother)

2011-06-24T05:25:00.000-07:00

This excellent blog post was written by my 25-year old younger brother. Those older than 25 also need to take note...hell, I need to take note. Who knew Bose speaker systems weren't okay anymore?

Time to go shopping!

A LIST OF THINGS EVERY YOUNG MALE APARTMENT RENTER SHOULD CONSIDER

1. Your apartment is a set. Always be prepared for it to be photographed and shared via social networks.

2. The best question ever asked is, “who is this song by?” Never forget the importance of a well cultivated playlist.

3. Anything you set out in your apartment will be judged. Do you really want to be known for having old j. crew catalogs sitting on your coffee table?

4. Cheap magazines equate a lack of taste and hygiene. If you do need to purchase a sports illustrated, make sure it is thrown away before the pages begin to curl.

5. DVDs, more than anything else, date you. Don’t let your high school film dalliances color the way acquaintances view you.

6. It’s obvious when you’ve bought a coffee table book, for that reason have an explanation ready for every book and be sure to have at least 4 on the table at all times

7. 1 coffee table book is an afterthought, 4 means you spent time curating the look

8. Don’t ever allow your television to dominate a room.

9. For that matter, make sure your television is tasteful in its proportions. No one is impressed by a 52” television playing ESPN. No one is impressed by a 52” TV period.

10. By a weekend edition Financial Times. And leave it out. When friends come over on Saturday, you immediately hold the intellectual upper hand.

11. Hide your cords. No matter the cost.

12. Your bathroom is one of the most viewed rooms in your apartment. Remember, your friends spend a minute alone in there with only your toiletries, and shower curtain to look at.

13. A dirty bathroom, means a dirty person.

14. Head and shoulders is a nice way to prove your nonchalant manliness, but please, close the cap.

15. If you must drink Bud Light, do it at the bar. In your refrigerator should only be high quality six packs. Removed from the box. Lined up straight.

16. Dust your apartment regularly. People notice and appreciate spotless windowsills.

17. The Bose iPod Speaker system is ugly. I don’t care how convenient it is.

18. A white wall is better than a white wall with a movie poster on it.

19. If you must put up a poster. Wait, check that. Never put up a poster.

20. Artwork is difficult for a reason. Be prepared to wait until you find the perfect piece. And then buy it at whatever cost.

21. A cheap chef’s knife immediately destroys any culinary credibility.

22. Would you ever fill up that goblet of a wine glass? No. So why do you own it? All wine glasses should be of a size that fits a formal dinner.

23. You’ve graduated college, it’s time to buy a nice flatware set.

24. You’ve graduated college part 2, please throw away all plastic cups. That’s not nostalgia you feel, it’s complacency. And above all, they make every drink taste bad.

25. Make your bed.

26. Change your sheets weekly.

27. Change your towels weekly.

28. Always have fresh hand towels available. Otherwise people will seek out your personal towel to dry their hands. Do you want to dry off in that the next morning?

29. Don’t ever let yourself depend on computer speakers. It proves you aren’t prepared to host.

30. Keep fresh fruit on hand at all times.

31. Plastic bottled water is bad for the environment. If you must, be sure it’s glass bottled water, and be sure it’s sparkling.

32. It was expected that you would graduate from college. Keep your diploma in a safe place. Away from your guests eyes.

33. Your book shelf will start most of your interesting conversations. Don’t let it get uninteresting.

34. Cut the chord. Control your media intake. People will appreciate the seriousness with which you choose programming.

35. Don’t be afraid to grow plants in your house. They add life and people assume you are responsible. Aren’t you responsible?

Clearly cheap.

2010-08-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

For my birthday I decided to give my self the gift of decor. I trotted on over to CB2 and scooped up twenty five little hanging glass votive holders at $1.95 a piece! Big score here. My grand plan was to paint one wall of my entry hall/staircase a deep navy then affix these bad boys to the wall in a random pattern. For special occasions I will put the candles in the holders and light them for a cool clubby effect, but in the meantime I am placing random tiny things in the holders to create a wall of curiosities. Example: my dog Morris' empty pill vial and a plastic nose pencil sharpener, courtesy of my humorous boyfriend. I'll post a photo of the final product when I get home tonight. In the meantime, order a bunch for yourself at CB2, and get creative!

Print making.

2010-08-10T13:40:00.000-07:00

The summer in Chicago has been completely absurd- hot, humid and full of mosquitos. I took off for a quick trip to Brooklyn, NY this past weekend to visit my brother and eight months pregnant sister-in-law hoping for a change of climate. Well, it was pretty hot there also, but my bro and sis-in-laws place brought on a cool summer vibe. Two items in particular gave me fever: Their Roberta Freymann/Roller Rabbit quilt and the Madeline Weinrib cotton rug we purchased together at ABC Carpet and Home.

The Quilt: Perfect weight, fantastic print and the softest cotton you could ever hope to touch...or sleep under. I don't have a photo of their exact print, the website has just a small selection of their offerings, so if you're lucky enough to live in the Hamptons or NYC you'll get the best selection. Click here for the site.

The Rug: Unique, low maintenance and reletively inexpensive. It also happens to look amazing on their painted wood floor. Click here for Madeline Weinrib's site and here for ABC Carpet and Home.

I'm back baby.

2010-08-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

After a long long sabbatical I have decided to return to the Nest Interiors blog. It seems, via google analytics, that folks are still checking out the site. I would guess that content from two years ago is not especially interesting, so I'll give you a little taste of 2010. To fill you in, I have moved from Los Angeles to Chicago and am no longer running my design business full time. I have one project that I am working on after hours and a day job outside the industry. This didn't exactly happen by choice, but it is what it is. Although I am not immersed in design daily as a profession, I still have a crazy passion for it. I hope to pass that onto you to enjoy. As always, I am happy to answer design questions and queries via the comment section.

Hard Labor Day.

2008-09-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

In honor of Labor Day, I am, in fact, laboring insteading of barbequing/going to the beach/drinking. Luckily, I'm enjoying the project I'm working on so it's not really work to me....did you believe that? I didn't. Anyworkaholic, I've been meaning to post this killer Cooper's Draftsman Stool from Wisteria since forever, so now I'm finally doing it. I want to buy these in bulk and put them everywhere I can put seating...and by bulk I mean 4, since my place is tiny. If you have a dining table-use them with that. If you have a corner that needs a cool stool-use them there. If you have an outdoor space-use them in that space. In short, buy these and use them. If you're wondering why I'm so weird about these stools it's because a) I'm a designer and this is the old fashioned draftsman stool...obviously b) I have more than just a passing crush on anything industrial looking and c) it's pretty cheap for something so awesome. Because I love these so much, I am adding them to my faux wedding registry.

Happy Labor Day-throw down a brat and a Bud for me.

A Success?: How to measure a restaurant by its design

2008-08-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

The goals of great design are many and varied and in restaurant design a great many variables go into enhancing the dining experience on any given night, for any occasion, and for every last guest. While one attribute cannot possibly ensure the success of the experience-it is most certainly a team effort- the colors, textures and materials- are critical to the diner’s initial perception up until they receive their check. What is most fascinating about restaurant design as compared to other fields of design, is that you are not designing for a single person, or a family, or a company, but rather, you are designing for an intended audience, one whom you do not know personally and even after exhaustive research, may not successfully reach. So restaurant design is not only design but it is marketing as well. The color, texture and material choices made are the advertisement, so how do you know that you’ve landed the “hook”? The following restaurants-Kress, Tanzore, Blue Velvet, Takami and Cut-have their own ideas on how to “advertise”, but are they successful? Success is defined in many ways, but often, the most important for an investor or owner is filling those seats every night. Success in this critique will be tied strictly to how well the elements-color, texture and material-execute the intended concept.

Kress, in no uncertain terms, has failed. This failure is particularly offensive because this restaurant/bar/club underwent an enormously expensive $25 million historical restoration and for what? To be the hot spot of the minute in Hollywood. The opportunity for success was wide open and ready to be had, but instead, it ends up looking like a rush job with too many opinions at the design meeting. Unfortunately, it seems all these opinions were executed to their fullest extent with nary a thought on how they would, or if they even could, harmonize. For starters, I’m fairly certain that every shade in Benjamin Moore’s “red” group was used. In other obvious words, there were too many shades doing too many things and none of them were the right thing. The deco/Asian/baroque/California contemporary styles were not the “eclectic” mix that was so obviously desired. Honestly, every person off the street claims their style is eclectic, which is basically just a code word for putting everything you like in one room and feeling really smug about how “creative” you are. Faux animal fur pillows in a purple space age capsule? A jarring plunge from the dining room of many reds to an underground lair of lavender? Rustic hardwood flooring paired with gilded tin ceiling tiles? Poorly made gold vinyl tufted booths with a clear view into their unfinished backs? Don’t even get me started on the unpainted cinderblock walls upstairs. And yes, this is all in one establishment. I sincerely hope this venue lands squarely in the 90% of restaurants that don’t make it within the first year.

Clear on the other end of the spectrum of design success is the Indian restaurant, Tanzore. With a budget of approximately $1.5-2 million, this renovation is outstanding from its conceptual delivery to its execution. An intoxicating mix of bright colors-deep turquoise, magenta, oranges and greens-mix beautifully and playfully with rich natural materials like warm wood slated ceilings, artfully mixed custom concrete floors and creamy Ceasarstone counters. Detailed nooks boast custom images and patterns or inviting display shelves and even the banquettes are original in design, with thoughtfully finished veneered wood backs. The bar at the entrance of the restaurant packs in every characteristic of the concept without leaving the patron overwhelmed. The difference in bar areas at the Kress and at Tanzore are a microcosim for the overall design. Tanzore carefully mixes a striking custom print on the back wall of the bar with subtle, yet rich, creamy stone countertops, a sophisticated horizontal wood slated bar façade and alternately a glossy drop ceiling fixture and slated wood ceilings. Kress choose to kill an ant with an elephant gun, which is to say that they used a few too many bright, bold, and frankly, ugly in their own right, patterns along with mirrored surfaces, overly tiled mosaic columns and those awkward rustic wood floors again. Tanzore continued its focused design down to the very smallest details, which include a custom designed menu with a similar custom pattern as the bar and enchanting test tubes of mixed salts and peppers set in a simple natural steel stand. The care that went into each and every design decision definitely inspired me to add this restaurant to my must-try list but my one criticism, something which has nothing to do with the interior design firm who designed it, is the horrid little postcard advertising the restaurant. They somehow managed to make the restaurant look cheap and tacky! Sometimes, a picture does not say a thousand words.

Slightly less original, but pleasing in its design execution and consistent with its concept, is Blue Velvet downtown. This new trendy spot focuses on the current SoCal (and other big cities) trend of eco friendly design. The concept is quite obvious upon entering-a cool zen like spot-but it still comes across as fresh. Blue Velvet is not just another quasi Asian zen den with a Buddha sitting squarely in the middle of the dining room. Their concept of zen is a more nuanced feeling, and they accomplish this by using a variety of textures and a simple palette of blues and whites. Felt walls in the signature colors beg to be touched, while the ceiling treatments-slated wood similar to Tanzore and a hand polished plaster-put you in an earthy state of mind. The dining room is open to the outdoors and that is reflected in the cool blue frosted resin table tops, light fixtures and hostess stand as well as the airy white curtains and punctuated white partitions. River stones walls and a low slab table are a nod to the traditional zen space, but a natural steel bar gives Blue Velvet a more edgy and modern look. Unfortunately, it seemed that the money dried up before any thought could be given to the outdoor patio and pool area, which is a damn design shame seeing as though the interplay between indoors and out is paramount to the concept, but if your back is to the pool, you’ll have to agree that Blue Velvet is a design success.

Just a ways down the road is Takami, an Asian restaurant with a much warmer temperature. At this point, it seems that wood slated ceilings and hand mixed and polished cement is the name of the game and although I’d give more points for a design element that I’ve never encountered before, sometimes an element just works. For Takami, it does, and stays within the confines of their warm color palette and natural, more rustic vibe. While they did a particularly good job of selecting the hard surfacing-even using gorgeous porcelain tile that resemble leather (really, you’ll have to touch it to believe it!)-the choice of fabrics and leathers-well, vinyl to be exact-is somewhat disconcerting. Nevermind that sleek contemporary vinyl chairs are outside on the open air deck-I’m sorry, it’s just an inappropriate choice-but the banquettes and other upholstered surfaces would feel right at home in say a hospital or perhaps an airport. The patterns aren’t exactly modern and the feel and look of the textiles are far from inviting. That being said, at least they stick with a consistent color scheme and break up the waiting room style chairs with lovely warm wood tables.

The design equivalent to a sorbet palette cleanser is the restaurant Cut, located in the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The concept is ‘light’, and the execution shines-pun clearly intended. With a color palette consisting only of white paint, light woods and black mesh, it is refreshing in its simplicity and clearly a backdrop for the food and not the other way around. While it more closely resembles a gallery or museum-Architect Richard Meier designs these almost exclusively-the elegance and simplicity has clearly been a draw for patrons and the design relies less on gimmicks and more on a ruthlessly edited selection of materials and furniture. The stark contrast to the other restaurants’ bold statements makes this restaurant all the more intriguing to sample, and will join Tanzore on my list of restaurants to visit.
As a designer, I seek out well designed spaces, be they a museum, restaurant or bar space, and I revel in the experience they offer, but when all is said and done Los Angeles pales in comparison to New York when it comes to the food on your plate. When great design and great cuisine meet, it’s heaven. When great design meets mediocre food, you’re usually in just another Hollywood hot spot. So my advice is to hit up the well designed spots for a glass of pinot and people watching, and save your stomach, and your money, for the hole-in-the-wall places for gastro-

Cross my heart...hope for design.

2008-08-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't call myself a religious person, necessarily, but if I had the Modern Gothic Cross ($198 for 16x16) pillow by Michele Varian perhaps I'd add a couple of hail Marys into my day or just worship it's elegant edginess atop my couch. Made of silk dupioni and hand-cut metallic leather applique, this pillow can reform the worst design sinners! And if grey doesn't quite suit your decor, it comes in custard (a mustard yellow) and sienna (a warm medium brown).

Amen.

Design Seeds Boosts Design Recession.

2008-07-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

Our country, by all accounts or at least what's shown on the news, is going into a state of panic over the dismal economy. Everyone I speak to seems to be hurting from it in one way or another, whether it be gas prices, food prices (I paid $1 more for my usual $2.49 box of Peanut Butter Puffins last night!!) or just business-not as usual aka super slow. In speaking to my design colleagues, I find that I keep hearing the same thing over and over again- I'm doing small jobs for past clients, but nothing new is on the horizon.

That's the unfortunate thing about a luxury service, it's the first thing to go. Ultimately, everyone suffers-the designer (no new business), the vendors and workman (again, no new business) but the client suffers too. The client suffers because they're left fending for themselves in a sea of endless choices.

Luckily for those folks (and maybe that's you), yours truly (Nest Interiors) is out with a solution to the current design recession as well as a sustainable solution for the future of design. Pretty grandiose words, you might say, but on the contrary, it's a simple solution to a complex problem.

My company has developed a collection of design packages called 'Design Seeds'. The name really says it all, as it is the first step in the design process. Like traditional interior design services, we come to your home for a consultation and measurement of the room or we schedule a phone interview and walk you through the process of measuring. We'll talk about everything from your style preferences to your budget to a solution for how to display your daughter's barbie doll collection. The packages are designed for stages of life and are then broken down by room size.

My First Apartment- for our design enthusiast recent graduates

Bachelor/Bachelorette Pad- for those of us who could use a bit more polish and style or maybe just want to impress our dates when they're over for dinner

Just Married! Merger- for those couples who can't decide whether to live with that ugly black leather lazy-boy/floral comforter/tattered college poster or to just burn it in the night

Family Fusion- for the family that wants to spend quality time together, if only they could sort through the clutter and find each other

Retiree Refuge- for the couple or single person who is finally ready to do it their way...well, their way plus a room for the grandkids

After each consultation, we put together a binder filled with all the information you need to execute the project yourself, thereby cutting out the expense of project management fees and purchasing mark up. You will receive a binder with a furniture plan, all the furniture selections for your project with the names of the company, the fabric to be used with it and a few key design details (ex: dimensions, wood finish) if you decide to choose something other than the proposed piece. You will also receive a preliminary budget to keep on track, as well as an accessories list and a tip sheet customized for your stage of life. All of this in only 3-4 weeks!

The great thing about Design Seeds, is that you don't have to do it all at once and you don't have to worry that we're selling you anything you don't need. In fact, we want to include existing furniture, accessories or collections that are meaningful to you.

So if you've bought a new home, condo or rental, and you want to revamp the space but don't think you can afford a designer, call Nest Interiors and ask about Design Seeds-it's the affordable and approachable interior design solution.

www.nestinteriorsllc.com or 917.573.1774 for more information

This is an LA based company who is also happy to serve clients all over the US.

Value Add.

2008-07-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

As much as I love working in my tiny office, there are times when I have office envy. Case in point: The high energy design by Gensler for the international market research firm, AddedValue. Built in 1963, it is apparent that the style originates from that time. The bright colors and funky "Jetsons" style furnishings must lead to creative brainstorming and maybe just a few after hours parties. This is definitely a place I would rush to in the morning and pack in some extra hours at night. If you're jonesing for those killer sheer orange curtains like I am, consider the "See Sea" collection by Perennials in color conch.

Getting Greener all the time.

2008-07-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

In honor of my recent involvement with Nest Feathers, a non-profit design group that is currently working on a LEED building in downtown LA, and also with the Green committee I head-today's post and many posts in the future will be about green-ing your design environment.

If you're on the right...I promise, no one will even have to know you're being environmentally friendly. (Sorry Dad, it's just a joke!)

Tumbler in evergreen- This gorgeous piece of glassware is actually made from recycled bordeaux bottles! What I really love about this piece, is not just its environmental contribution but it's rad color. I envision a cream tablescape-tablecloth, napkins, dishware....and these little jems adding a pop of color. Obviously, use gold tone flatware and cream rhinoculous flowers to create the perfect summer fete. Serve chicken or that other white meat, so you don't throw off the color scheme!

Green-appetit! Okay, that was lame-I'll add the cheese to my "tablescape".

Review of The Viceroy Palm Springs

2008-07-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my long weekend at The Viceroy, and I'm not happy about it. I was definitely considering sticking around for another couple of days, but alas...work called to me.

I loved the vibe, the relaxing days in the sun, the poolside drink service, and the attractive company....I did not; however, love the one thing I came to the Viceroy for....the decor. I posted a "DIY" version of the Viceroy before I left, and believe me when I tell you that the DIY version would probably match the original pretty well. The old Hollywood glamour concept is fun, there's no doubt about that, but the execution left a lot to be desired. For instance, in the guest rooms there are black rectangular "frames" painted on the walls and ceilings. This is a great idea...if you're broke and can't do any better...KWID (who did the interior design), could have done better and didn't. My two other interior design friends and I agreed that it would have looked so much more polished and chic if those faux frames were actual frames. Our other complaints included a rather ghetto pool area, although we really did enjoy our time there (maybe it was the pineapple/peach mojitos starting at 10:30am) and also the oversight of not replacing existing window and door frames...it just made it look a little sloppy. We all agreed, though, that the bright orange doors were pretty sweet and the white washed terra cotta tiles were a solid solution and one we hadn't thought of employing previously in our own work.

Overall, I give the Viceroy Palm Springs an A+ for concept and a great experience and a B- for decor.

Happy Fourth of July America!

2008-07-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

In honor of the independence of our nation, I thought I would feature some of my favorite red, white and blue things.

The pigeon light ($105) by Thorsten van Elten. Okay, this light is awesome. I would buy twenty of these and do a wall installation..ala the Alfred Hitchcock movie 'The Birds' except less scary and painful. I would also consider painting said wall a concrete or black color and then splatter painting with white, yellow, blue and whatever other colors pigeons like to "decorate" with. It would be a sort of ode to NYC. Check out http://www.smlpond.com/ for stores.

The 'Dory' pillow ($175). This little gem by Dermond Peterson Design is great for its scale, but really, fish are just funny looking up close and who doesn't want to walk into their living room in the morning and giggle at a weird fabric fish? In the vein of Independence day and the theme colors it offers, I would pair this fish pillow with a red cashmere throw or if it isn't the 4th of July, then I'd paint the walls lemon yellow.

The lobster tote($28-$32). This handsome sack is from LL Bean, the authority totes. The LL Bean tote is practically a part of my genetics, as this was the only tote to bring to the beach, the pool, or for sleepovers. The lobster print gives this guy a nice east coast flavor, so I suggest getting a Golden Retriever or Labrador puppy (adopted from http://www.petfinder.com/ of course!), putting on some J.Crew and heading to your cottage in Nantucket.

The Star(Maffee) knob($4.99 for 2). You get a twofer here! A star shape and it's red! From the children's section in IKEA, this fun little knob should probably stay in your child's room. Then again, it would work in the aforementioned Nantucket cottage guest room.

The Sparrow Jar($85). Alright, this one is kind of ugly, but kind of amazing at the same time. It sort of looks like something you might pick up at the flea market, but I think it would look super fly on a black lacquered front hall chest or console along with some bright pink lilies. Or, you could just stick it up on the aforementioned wall with the pigeon lights.

Happy Fourth everyone! Look for Palm Springs postings all this weekend.

Weekend Getaway: The Viceroy Palm Springs

2008-07-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

This year, for my birthday, I've decided to forgo the usual large fete and take a few girlfriends to Palm Springs instead. It was a no brainer when it came to deciding where to stay as two of my friends are interior designers and the other is a jewelry designer-the Viceroy of course! Designed by KWID (Kelly Wearstler Interior Design), this hotel is a mix of old Hollywood glamour and some really funky accents. So in honor of this impending trip, I'm going to give you a list of great ideas/furniture/accessories to re-create your very own Palm Springs Viceroy!

Color Scheme: This one is easy-lemon yellow, black and creamy white. Stick with these and you are golden.

Busts: Stop giggling....you've gotta go with Greek or Roman styles here. Put these bad boys on a deep mantle or on a front hall table. For a more personalized look, try adding a Santa hat at Christmas time or a beer helmet for parties...filled with a premium imported lager of course, you don't want to appear uncouth to your guests.

Materials: marble, marble, marble, marble tile, and heavy fabrics in lemon yellow, black and creamy white. Check out Bisazza tile to re-create the look below.

Lighting: You know this is my favorite, and here are a few options. The funky little wall sconce in the above picture throws light around in a sexy way. Try the 'Paris Sconce' from Zia Priven in your own space. Although not pictured, to throw a little Viceroy glamour into any space, try the Eliza Black Chandelier...it looks sturdy enough to swing from-if you're having those kinds of parties (see beer helmet reference above)

Furniture: For the fabulous yellow regency chair above look no further than this link or for more like it check out 1st Dibs.

The greyhounds: Those greyhounds you see guarding the pool area...look no further than Inside Avenue.

I'll be taking many many inspiration photos to post when I return, so while you're waiting start decorating.

In the name of science.

2008-07-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

Night clubs don't do it for me. There's something about the repetitive music, underage girls getting molested by old dudes and too many body parts hanging out that I just don't get. Okay, I'm totally bitter that I didn't get into Rain last weekend in Vegas, but there is something that I love-test tube shots! It isn't so much the shot itself, as the way in which said shot arrives at my lips.

For the perfect way to enjoy summer; order in, invite the pimps and hos and hand out test tube shots with lavender-honey vodka... Drop it (into your gullet) like its hot...if you feel so inclined.

Faster than a speeding bullet.

2008-07-01T09:43:00.001-07:00

I have been coveting these retro "Bullet" planters ever since I saw them in my friend's home years ago. They've always been in the back of my mind, and today I decided to search them out. Of course, you need to have a grouping of these fantastic planters-there's a tall, medium and short stand-and they would be equally amazing inside or outside.

Terra cotta is out the bullet is in. And in honor of the Los Angeles drought currently plaguing us, stick some drought tolerant plants or some sexy succulents in there.

LEED Platinum certification for NYC's Queens Botanical Gardens Visitor Center

2008-06-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

LEED platinum rating is extremely tough to achieve, but it's absolutely doable. Check out this post from NYC based blog Sustainyc.

Summer Sale at Stansbury Collection in Venice!

2008-06-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite vendors in Los Angeles is Stansbury Collection. I consider owner Armand Stansbury to be not only a great vendor but also a great designer and friend as well. Along with the fabulous and bubbly Vanessa Niakian, they take care of both designers and regular folks equally. While you can peruse some of the great pieces ready made (hence, the sale!), you can also have anything custom designed with the help of Armand or Vanessa or your own designer. The best part of the whole operation is the quick lead times. All of their products are produced in Los Angeles, so you can expect a custom sofa in a matter of two weeks!

So come visit Armand and Vanessa at 1344 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291

Nailed it!

2008-06-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

There's something about nailhead that really gets me psyched. Personally, my style is fairly informal, but I love the tailored formality of naihead...it just gives a little more style to an otherwise boring piece. I also love that although it's formal and tailored, it's really just nails...and I love that bit of industrial flavor. You'll see nailhead trim everywhere and on everything, but I'm dedicating this post to my friend Melissa who has been looking specifically for an upholstered headboard. This classically styled one from Ballard Designs is perfect, comes in a variety of fabrics and you can even send your own fabric in! If you're more of a DIYer, then just purchase an upholstered piece or use an existing piece and add your own nailhead. Check out this site for all kinds of decorative nailhead options!

Mariposa.

2008-06-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Mariposa means butterfly en espanol....didn't think you'd be learning about design and language today, did you? This snazzy 'Delight' pendant ($85) pleases me, although 'Mariposa' would have been a much cooler name. This fixture is definitely on the girlier side of things, but I can see it flying happily in a baby's room or cocooning in a small space, like an entry hall or vanity area. So fly to or click here to purchase.

You + Me=Forever

2008-06-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

Wedding season is upon us, and I, like many of you have at least seven to go to. The wedding gift thing is easy, just point, click and order, but what about all those other wedding events in between? Showers, bachelorette parties, more showers because so many people love you. Rare Device has come up with a great little idea that I think would be perfect for any of the above occasions. The rust design custom birch tree mugs ($45 for 4) allow you to "carve" the couples initials into the mug. I might normally be gagging at the thought of something like this, but the mug is so well designed, I can't help but feel the love.

I guess you know what you're getting in August, Cristina!

Doggie Style.

2008-06-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Okay. That title was borderline inappropriate, but I had to grab your attention. The Animal Rescue League in Washington, D.C. is my new hero. I've posted previously about my involvement with animal rescue, and it's really wonderful to know that animals are being considered when it comes to design. I'm not talking about cute little beds or fancy bowls, my dog has both of course, I'm talking about how shelters house their temporary occupants.

Some of the amenities included at WARL include: tempered glass dutch doors on kennels instead of metal bars, glass block walls instead of cinderblock to let in more light, elevated beds-this is extremely important as dogs tend to knock over their water bowls or relieve themselves to close to their bedding, and radiant heat floors!

So check out their site and show your support. I dedicate this post to my foster Avery, whom I've been fostering for six months. She's a survivor that deserved a second chance (her name means courageous) and so do all animals in shelters the world over.

Please consider adopting and start your search at PetFinder.com

Walk this way.

2008-06-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

Check this out. Rockin' website Cool Hunting (thank you Tyler Fonda for the heads up) posted an article today about the new Tretorn flagship in NYC (the second after D.C.). I remember being obsessed with those shoes in grade school. It didn't get much cooler for me than Tretorns, acid wash and slap bracelets. Incidentally, I love the interior design. It's somehow gritty and preppy at the same time. Loving IT!

Flower Power.

2008-06-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

Although I've had a lot of trouble with PB Teen in the past with furniture, I would be willing to try out this new line of organic cotton sheets and duvet covers. I must commend this mass market company for taking an environmental stance and making it look oh so stylish. There may be Teen in the name, but I think these sheets are sassy enough for a single city dweller.

Hard angles.

2008-06-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

If you've got one of those oddly angled shower stalls and all you want to do is hide it-this angled shower rod is the perfect solution. While I'm sure there are many angled showers out there that a person would love to show off, if yours is anything like mine-weird textured plastic and rusting tin frame-you just want to throw a shower curtain over it and call it a day. Check out this hardcore shower curtain from Design Public.

Cool post from Apartment Therapy LA

2008-06-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

Check out this post from Apartment Therapy LA. They presented it in its original purpose, but I think it could be really fabulous as a centerpiece using some floral foam and some tightly packed flowers.

How would you use it ($65 plus shipping)?

Rock wall.

2008-06-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

My younger brother, we'll call him G, just graduated college in May, so he and his friends are starting to move out of the house and into their first apartments. They are totally candidates for my Design Seeds service, but I'll give them this bit of advice free of charge.

Ladies and gents- take down that ratty unframed band poster and step it up with the selection from The Heads of State ($20 each). I particularly love this one with Aberdeen City and Electric Six, two of my fave bands, seeing as the lead singer of Aberdeen City, Brad Parker attended my high school!

And don't forget to frame this one-I highly suggest a funky vintage frame from your local flea market, or, if you're so inclined...go on ebay and fight to the death for one.

I've been working on the railroad.

2008-06-26T07:57:00.001-07:00

This table and chair set ($2,098 to shipping and tax) has been on my mind for a long time now. Brought to you by Viva Terra -a designy eco friendly company-it combines reclaimed railroad ties (the ultimate way to be eco-friendly!), teak and pine to create this weathered yet sleek dining set. I can see putting this in one of my client's lofts downtown or it would be easily at home in a casual beach house. Definitely keep the tablescape simple and clutter free to let the weathered wood grain shine through, but if you must have flowers you must use the floral designs of Eve Suter. Okay, so she lives in Japan most of the time, but use

Don't blame me, I'm just the client.

2008-06-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

I saw this print on the 2Modern blog, and I totally love it! FYI-the conversion to euros is around $45. Buy it here.

Going to the chapel and I'm...going to get registered.

2008-06-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

The tradition I love most about weddings is the registry. On a sentimental note, it’s a way of family and friends starting you off on your life together…a support group made up of flatware, champagne flutes and dish towels. On a more realistic note, it’s an awesome excuse to get all the goodies you’ve ever needed or wanted. I’m nowhere near getting hitched, but in honor of the most popular month to get married and my single glory, here is my registry of personal favorites. While Sarah Jessica Parker's character 'Carrie' on "Sex and the City" put one pair of Manolo's on her "registry", I am all about home stuff, of course!
Hand towels- paper towels just aren’t cutting it for me anymore, so I’m turning to the sexy and exotic ‘Sultan’ towel ($12 each on sale!) from Schweitzer Linen Inc. I love the wide bands of neutral flax and white with the understated yet playful fringe. Perfect for my beachy bathroom. No monogram necessary, thank you.

Stemware- my stemware collection is currently a one size fits all giant goblet. Since I’ve moved past the days of a third of a bottle equals one serving, I can move on to a smaller and more refined selection. Tart comes to the rescue again, offering just the style I crave. 'High Society' ($564 for a set of six) is sexy and slim and is part of a collection, which includes water glasses, highballs, etc. You're welcome to get me the whole collection, but I'll settle for the wine glasses. Gorgeous hand blown stemware in a minimalist design. I can’t think of anything more chic to serve me, myself and I.

Napkin rings- I don't need a husband to have a dinner party, but I do need napkin rings. No, not the gaudy ones with all the beading-I'm talking about Joerg Gaetjens designed 'chalkboard' rings found at the Moma Store ($65 for four). These cool little dudes also double as a placecard. Bon appetit!

Mugs- Over the years I've collected quite a collection of mugs, my favorite being my "Woof!" mug, which I'm currently drinking French press out of. Yeah, I know it's lame, but not as lame as the "My grandchild is a dog" mug I gave to the 'rents for Christmas. So it's obviously time to get a little more hip. I've been a devotee of Tart on Melrose ever since they first opened shop, and their Nina aqua coffee mug ($72 for six) would be the perfect addition/replacement to my mug collection.

Dinnerware- Okay, maybe my faux registry should just be everything at Tart, since they have the best selection of ridiculously great things....ever. The 'Black Forest' dishes ($286 for a five-piece setting) I covet are designed by Bodo Sperlein, who I absolutely have a design crush on, and they're so perfectly minimal and intriguing at the same time. They'd match up quite nicely with my 'chalkboard' napkin rings or a perfectly portioned meal of short ribs.

Bowls- my Ikea white everyday bowls go with everything, but let’s face it, there’s not much style there. Enter the ‘Blue Mist’ bowl by Nancy Bauch sold at White Forest Pottery and made especially for Domino magazine. The subtle kiss of blue on these handcrafted ceramic bowls will take my morning cereal to the next level.

That should just about cover my faux newlywed needs....who needs a husband when you have great design!

Birds of a feather...

2008-06-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

It's no secret if you've read this blog that I'm obsessed with lighting. But I'm even more obsessed with attainable aka inexpensive lighting. Tord Boontje's work is ridiculously cool, and his 'Icarus' fixture is no exception (only $84!). You've got to have pretty high ceilings for this fixture to have full impact. Unfortunately for me, I would probably spend my days getting caught in it with my low ceilings....okay, I would totally just stand under it, cooing "what a nice little bird" all day, but anyway.....

Definitely put this creature in a space for maximum appreciation, and if you don't attend church regularly, paint the walls pale blue...it'll feel just like heaven.

Light my fire.

2008-06-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more sexy than candlelight, except perhaps candlelight outdoors…with wine, chocolate, well, you get the picture. To get you started on a romantic night, I highly recommend the ‘Candle Sphere’. It’s a modern take on a traditional lantern and the molded stainless steel wires will throw a sexy abstract light pattern over your patio or balcony. From $95-$350 depending on size.

Just add chocolate and wine.

A cool cocktail for a hot day.

2008-06-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

It hit 110 degrees in my car today on my ride back from the Valley (LA)...this reminded me why I don't live in the Valley, but it also got me thinking about sexy little cocktails. Perfect for an evening like this. Brenda Langton is the owner of badass Mineapolis restaurant, Spoonriver. Besides her use of seasonal farmer's market ingredients, which I totally dig, she also created a ridiculously cool and delicious cocktail-the Honey-Lavender Spritz. This recipe was so inspiring to me, in fact, that I went right out and purchased my very own lavender plant, so I will always have this liquid gold available to me!

Here's the recipe.

1.5 oz honey-lavender-infused vodka (see below)

3 oz soda water

dash of honey

1/4 t Ames bee pollen, *plus extra for the rim of the glass

Honey-lavender vodka

1 bottle vodka, the very best of course (You're worth it)

1 T dried lavender flowers

2 T honey

1. To make the honey-lavender vodka, combine vodka, dried lavender flowers and honey, and let steep for 4 days.

2. Pour vodka in a glass with soda, honey and bee pollen; stir. Rim the edge of the glass with extra pollen.

3. Drink and repeat.

4. Repeat step 3.

5. Once more if your marriage is stale or you're recently unemployed.

Ames bee pollen is available at http://www.amesfarms.com/

This cocktail belongs in a sexy vintage tall glass...scour your local flea market and pick up an eclectic mix to serve at your next party.

More Horchow...the fun continues!

2008-06-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of silver leafing...always have been. I made this fantastic art piece out of the stuff and a huge plywood sheet while in school at Parsons in NYC. When it couldn't fit in the rented van for my cross country trek to Los Angeles, I was devastated! Which brings me to this fabulous 'Entertainment Cabinet' in Horchow, which is about a million times cooler than anything I could ever create. It's not just the silver leafing, but the well proportioned "feet", the square draw pulls and the overall mega glamour of the piece. This piece can totally stand alone in all it's glam glory or it can play the supporting role beneath a sexy Robert Motherwell abstract. And stick a little succulent on there in a cobalt blue planter while you're at it!

I heart Horchow...this month at least.

2008-06-20T17:41:00.001-07:00

I must say, I've never been particularly drawn to Horchow's line of home furnishings, but one of my clients is a big fan. This month I was really stoked to find that I actually liked quite a few pieces! One fantastic item is the 'Caramel Giraffe Rug'. The color combo is fabulous. It's a reasonable price. The pattern is graphic yet organic (that's a complete oxymoron, but it makes sense to me!). And, the edge finish is fantastic-none of that crappy surged garbage. I would absolutely pair this rug with some really hot 'Tequila Lime' (Benjamin Moore paint color) accents or even rockin' a whole couch in the shade. You could even throw a small 2'x3' in your bathroom for a little summer safari look.

Design Seeds on the Tyra Show Website!

2008-06-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

Design Seeds is covered today on the Tyra Show website...check out "Designing a la carte" for the full scoop!

Run, Recycle, Repeat

2008-06-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

When fashion and interior design collide-it's fantastic. When fashion, interior design, community involvement and eco-friendliness collide-it's perfection! You've gotta hand it to Nike-they've been coming out with fabulous shoes, apparel and everything else for years and now they've introduced Nike Grind. Their solution to the question, "what do you do with your old shoes?" It just so happens that in conjunction with the Reuse-a-shoe initiative those stinky old sneaks can metamorphosize into rubber mats and flooring-for Nike stores and sports facilities across the globe. We're all winners in this race!

Micro-phony

2008-06-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

You've used your hairbrush, a beer bottle, and maybe even a spatula to aide your amateur vocal stylings. You sound great, you really do...at least that's what your dog thinks. So now you're ready for the real deal. Enter the "Solo" pendant, a rock worthy new light fixture from Re-Surface. You'll be stage ready and the spotlight is all on you!

Awesome Centerpiece

2007-10-16T09:02:00.001-07:00

I saw this gorgeous centerpiece on the now defunct blog Faye and Greer-no need to link that one sadly :( I've got the rocks and the hurricane-vase thing, now I just need to get to The Outdoor Room (17311 W Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades - (310) 454-5509) to pick up a nice little succulent, an orchid and some grass. Voila! My own little Eco sphere.

The Glamorous Life of a Neophyte Business Owner

2007-09-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

I picked up two piles of poop in my "office" this morning. I'm standing over my worktable, starting intently at the 100+ fabric samples in front of me attempting to pick a group of five or so to present to my client when my nose catches the offensive wiff. My friend's four month old puppy, that I enthusiastically agreed to watch this weekend, has unloaded about thirty minutes after I took her out. I grab the paper towels and the carpet cleaner and go to work. A minute later I'm back to my real work, where, after a few minutes of inner dialogue about whether or not this red is too intense for outdoor cushions, I look to my left and see another pile. This time my foster puppy Delilah has made her mark, probably trying to one up the guest.

To say that I am motivated to get more clients, to make more money, to get an office away from all this is the understatement of the year. Then again, nothing beats drafting in your pajamas.

Portland, OR- The designer's guide to...

2007-09-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

I had the great fortune of being hired to work on a project in Portland, OR by a client who's house I completed in Hermosa Beach about 6 months ago. My client moved up there for work about a year, so I helped him set up his temporary digs at that time. He has moved again, so I had the chance to set up his new, and much improved, space. Located in the Pearl District, his loft like condo is fast becoming the hot new design template for the rest of the new construction. Luckily, the Pearl is also home to an abundance of amazing design shops, so I didn't have to go very far to score some excellent pieces. There also isn't any sales tax in Oregon, so my budget expanded quite a bit! So here's a list of some of my favorite spots in Portland. I highly suggest taking a trip there for everything from the food to the architecture and all the great design in between.

Bedford Brown- This garden/accessories shop is a spot that I could comb through all day and drop a lot of dough without feeling too bad about it :) They have an excellent selection of lamps, vases, and various decorative pieces that have a gorgeous handcrafted feel that works in a modern setting (my client) or a home full of antiques. I even took a bunch of photos of pieces I liked just in case they worked in a future project! Here's a shot of the lamp I purchased in the office of my client.

Cargo (380 NW 13th Ave Portland, OR 97209Phone: (503) 243-7804 )- This huge warehouse is filled with everything Asian. It's a treasure chest of antiqued painted furniture, funky Asian framed prints, endless accessories and a fun section of modern Chinese toys and party favors. If you're looking for a valuable antique, this isn't the place, but you can definitely find some fun pieces to bring a little life to your space. Below is a photo of a gorgeous blue dresser that, unfortunately, couldn't find its way into my client's space.

Hunt and Gather- I love love love this place! I'm a mirror freak (wow that sounds narcissistic), but only because they are usually less pricey than a piece of artwork and make for a very finished room (and it doesn't hurt to be able to check your teeth every once in awhile). This place is chock full of great mirrors, custom furniture, great accessories and art, and a totally relaxed vibe. I'm not sure why I didn't take any photos here, but below is a shot of a typical building in the Pearl.

This portion of The Designer's Guide to...is getting lengthy, and I work for a living, so I will leave you with this last important bit of advice. Go to Everett Street Bistro. Don't question it, why would you question it? Just order the clam chowder and the braised short ribs and call it a night, and if you must, add the flourless chocolate cake, and if you're trying to really enjoy yourself, order a glass of the A to Z Wineworks Chardonnay (local Oregon wine) or perhaps the entire bottle. Of course, I wouldn't suggest the Chardonnay in the fall or winter, but in the last days of summer, it just felt right...

Salivating over these lanterns!

2007-09-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

I just saw this incredible paper lantern on Apartment Therapy Los Angeles' Blog, and you know how I love my light fixtures. I've got a bit of a love/hate thing with Japanese design, sometimes it's just too sparse for my taste, but I've always been really into beautiful handmade rice paper which this company uses and can even customize. You can check out this lantern and others on the Miyako-Andon website.

It's Magic

2007-09-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

I've always been a big fan of floating candles. I love putting them in my bathtub during parties even though it turns the facilities into a sauna! So this year for my birthday, I thought I would take it to the next level and put a bunch of candles in the pool. Great idea in theory except that it was windy, so....you know. Anyway, I came across these Magic Globes online...presto-problem solved!

Mini Job Flood

2007-09-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

I say "mini" flood because it's not as if I'm taking on huge jobs right now, but I have picked up a handful of little guys and it's keeping me busy. Just had a meeting yesterday with a woman in Beverly Hills who had previously worked with my mentor Merlene Bryant, which is how I was referred, and it went well. Simple enough-get a set of dining room chairs reproduced and reupholstered, so she could sit the whole family around the table at Thanksgiving. I haven't actually had antique furniture reproduced before, so I'm going on a hunt today. My first stop is Steven Thomas Antiques in Santa Ana. I was tipped off to this guy about six months ago during a little resource exchange in my Business Strategies class. It's always a great idea to write down any resource that people are recommending because you never know when you'll use it!

My second little project is a trip to Portland this Thursday and Friday to set up the apartment of a client who's house I recently completed in Hermosa Beach. This is interesting because I haven't seen any photos of the apartment, so I'm basically winging it when I get up there. I am preparing for the trip by looking up local resources, so I can do a whirlwind shopping trip Monday and set everything up on Friday. This is exciting because I don't normally design in this way...I'll imagine that I'm on Design Star and Kelly Wearstler, etc will rip me apart if I don't get it right!

My third small project, the details of which are still being hammered out, is a referral from my next door neighbor who connected me to a friend of his that lives right up the street from me-gotta love the convenience factor there. The potential client rents, which I don't normally love to get involved with because you're so limited in what you can do to the place, but it needs a facelift nonetheless. The space is your typical bachelor pad, which is to say there hasn't been an extensive amount of thought put into the design, and it doesn't exactly scream "home aka Nest". I like the idea of doing this because I know that with minimal furniture and accessory purchases along with rearranging the furniture layout, this place can be 1000% better. The client also has his own clients and colleagues over to the space, which makes it even more imperative to clean up his act.

My "diary project" the SoCal Nest is still moving forward. An issue came up that I've dealt with before, which is how much input can you or should you give to a client who asks your opinion on another designer's designs. Let me lay the story out for you more specifically... SoCal Nest is doing an outdoor covered patio which includes a BBQ area. I don't have all the details, but the design of the BBQ area came from another designer who was already on the job when I was hired. I don't mean to say that there is another interior designer on the job-there's just me-but this person probably works specifically for a BBQ/Outdoor area company and designed the space through that company. When my client sent me the plan for this and some of the inspiration photos, I didn't want to step on any toes, but I put in my two cents.

The design is pretty simple-curved counter, sink, BBQ, etc.-but I didn't think the curved counted worked with the lines of the house, and I told her so. I feel a bit weird about it now because I've had people undermine my design opinion in the past, granted it was a client's girlfriend who didn't have a design degree or taste but....it is really irritating. Too many cooks in the kitchen really. I may be over thinking this as I tend to do, but I wonder if anyone has experienced this type of situation before?

Five Business Strategies to Live By

2007-09-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

Anita Roddick ,the founder of The Body Shop, passed away on September 10th as I found out through my brother's blog at Plans For Us. This is significant because she based her business model on the following five points. This is significant to this blog because as a new business owner/developer these points can and should apply to what I do and what others should consider doing as well. It is also interesting that my brother posted this because our businesses could not be more night and day on the surface. He is starting and developing a web based business for teachers to collaborate on their lesson plans, and I am starting and developing an Interior Design firm. Just goes to show that we've all got more in common than we think. Again-network, network, network....with anybody!

1. Take your business personally: Business has, traditionally, addressed the world with profits in mind, which is to say: impersonally. We can no longer afford this. More than any other generation – [today’s] business people are in a position to lead in making the world a better place. We must take more responsibility, which is to say, take it personally.
2. Be daring. Be first. Be different: Or no one will notice.
3. Be good.: Because you can.
4. Business is not beyond morality. Business is no longer a cold-hearted, objective, pseudo-scientific project to manipulate customers…it can’t be that anymore. The future of the world depends on us doing business with heart. Without ‘heart’ the creativitiy of the human spirit dwindles, too.
5. Business is like activism: It is a way of saying what kind of world you want to live in. Protest is not enough. You need a vision.

This table is delicious, don't you agree?

2007-09-13T13:27:00.001-07:00

I love Hudson Furniture, of course, I've never had the pleasure of using it in a client's house because it's on the expensive side, but someday I'll have a client who appreciates running their hands over exquisite solid wood...yes, pun intended :) On a more mature note, this company is really amazing, and this Falo coffee table is an organically sculptural piece that I wouldn't be embarrassed to have the parents meet. At around $2,500, pieces can be customized, it's a lot to throw at a magazine/cup platform, but think of it as functional art or come up with some other creative uses...dance floor for one perhaps?

Meetings and Networking....aka Getting Action.

2007-09-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

After a long stretch of minimal new project action this summer, the fall seems to be looking up-minus the "flaky client" mentioned in a previous post. Yesterday was a windfall day, with two meetings set up (one of which was taken this morning), a trip to Portland, OR scheduled for the following week to set up the new apartment of a former client, and most importantly, an invitation to collaborate with a fellow student.

I say this is most important because involves several factors, which I think are key to developing a business and which are sometimes undervalued.
1. Selling Yourself- I try to sell myself whenever possible-it's that simple. During class one day I got the opportunity to explain what I do and how I got into it. It was incredible to hear the reactions of my fellow students who had previously not thought of starting their own business as a real possibility.
2. Networking- This is pretty much the same thing as selling yourself, but I went beyond explaining what I do and actually spoke to individuals about the realities of the business-what they could expect if they got into it and also learning about their background. I had a woman email me saying that she would love to get involved with a project of mine, which I will put into my notes if I find myself in a situation where I need an assistant or collaborator.
3. Collaborating- My fellow student explained that he was approached to do a project by some acquaintances of his and asked my advice on certain things-how much to charge? where do you get your vendors? etc. and then he asked if I would consider collaborating with him. When it comes to business, I don't have a huge ego. I absolutely believe in the power of two (or three or four...) minds coming together. The benefit of collaborating for me is that I will pick up a new project, make a little money, make new contacts, expand my creative repertoire, and mentor a fellow designer, which is a total trip. The benefit to my fellow student is a having a mentor that can guide him in the basic business aspects of the project and give him a boost of confidence in executing his, what are sure to be fabulous based on his work in class, designs.

Speaking of the three tenets above, I had a lunch meeting with my electrician David Bernstein yesterday, and we had a really great meeting where both he and I explained why we were in business, why we liked what we do, how we got in business, etc. Because of that exchange we are now both looking out for the interest of the other. At this point, quite frankly, he could do a lot more for me, but as I grow and establish a larger client base with larger budgets, he stands to benefit as well. It illustrates what I always say to anybody asking about what I do- your vendors and your tradesmen are your best friends. If you've got a good team behind you, you can be a better designer, plus, if you're a decent human being and they like you, they may even promote your work. This has happened several times for me where a vendor has hooked me up with a client.

So if you're just starting-network shamelessly and if you've been in business for awhile and have hit a slump-network shamelessly. So get out there, take two business cards and call me in the morning.

From the Beginning....And a New Puppy

2007-09-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

I thought I would take my readers through a typical job-giving updates and anecdotes on one project from start to finish. All the highs, lows, and the craziness and satisfaction in between. Not that I intend to say anything in bad taste about my clients, but for the purposes of this project "diary" I will refer to them as the SoCal Nest. I met with SoCal Nest this weekend off a referral from my Interior Design mentor, Merlene Bryant of Chestnut Street Interiors in Costa Mesa. This client is redoing their back patio and want to turn it into an outdoor living space. They're already working with a contractor, so I have been hired to specify moldings and other architectural finishes as well as do the lighting design and the furniture layout and design. The style is traditional with a Cape Cod feel, so I'm planning something simple, light and inviting. I'm already thinking about doing Holly Hunt's new Great Outdoors line of outdoor fabrics. With her crisp lines and gorgeous colors, I'm sure I'll find what I'm looking for. I will start looking into materials this week and touch base with the contractor on the architectural details, so he can get the construction started. I'm psyched about this project, and the client also wants work done on the interior after this is finished, so it will hopefully turn out to be a great relationship.

As for something completely unrelated to design, I took on a foster puppy this weekend through the dog resuce I volunteer for, Ace of Hearts Rescue, and am now looking for a home for her. If you're interested send me a comment with your info.

Bathroom Mini Facelift

2007-09-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

Before

After

Not that I will claim this as the most

"wow" before and after of all time, but I wanted

to illustrate the effect that something as minimal as changing the tile can make quite a difference. The dark linoleum had been there for over twenty years and after the installation of a new lighter colored toilet, my client wanted to tweak a few things to make it all flow together. Although it's hard to tell in these photographs, in addition to changing out the floor, we also repainted the door to brighten up the room as well. My client was not up for the effort of a total bathroom makeover, but both she and I were happy with the mini "face lift". My fabulous tile guy, Andre Richie (626.926.1769), got in and out in two days-almost instant gratification!

Freakin Great Mirrors!

2007-09-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

I've been singing the praises of this warehouse downtown, Olde Good Things, ever since I discovered their treasure trove of antiques, particularly their mirrors created from vintage tin ceiling tiles. Not only are they fabulous and unique, but they bring me back to my years in NYC when the very best apartments (in my opinion), however dilapidated, had uneven hardwood floors, exposed brick and tin ceiling tiles! I've used these mirrors in several projects, and my clients freak out over them. In the photo above of my client's nest in Hermosa Beach, I used two different styles in the same white finish to mix it up a bit. If you're wondering where to get that fantastic sink console...it was designed by yours truly. ;)

Lunchtime Adventure to RPM Clothing Store

2007-09-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

So I took a walk today, with my dog Morris, into town to visit my good friend Chelsea at her store in Brentwood. She owns this fantastic little men's clothing shop RPM Clothing , which I always shop for the men in my life. Besides the fact that it has amazing clothing and accessories, the lighting is the best I've seen almost anywhere. All of the fixtures are antiques provided by her Mother and Father's shop in Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Lights. I particularly love this one fixture in the rear of the store where the children's clothing is displayed. I feel that lighting is highly undervalued when people go to design their space, and they always leave it for last, when inevitably they've gone over budget. Such a shame because unique lighting can really set a space apart from the rest! If you're looking for a great electrician in the Los Angeles area, and I know it's hard to find a good one you can trust, give a shout to David Bernstein at Bernstein Electric 310.386.4581.

Logo Ideas

2007-09-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a few ideas for logos...I know, I know, why don't I have a company logo after a year and a half in business...but I just didn't focus on getting one decided on, so I'm asking for opinions...let me know!

2007-09-03T14:32:00.001-07:00

The Inaugural Post

2007-09-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

After much prodding by my older brother Tyler to join the ranks of online bloggers, including himself (http://www.plansforusblog.com/, I have finally given in and admitted that it might not be such a terrible thing...might even be great. A little background and an introduction to get you all hooked (and me, a starting point)...Basically, I've been a designer one way or the other since as far back as I can remember. Back in the day it wasn't very sophisticated...doing my own "inspiration boards" with Laura Ashley catalogues was hardly cutting edge, but I was on my way. Flash forward to now...I've been enrolled in the UCLA Extension Interior Design program for the last year and a half, and very shortly after beginning the program I decided to start my own residential interior design company, Nest Interiors. I go to school full time and have been getting consistent part-time work through my company, so I've been pretty busy for awhile now. I thought about working for another company, but scratched the idea because 1) I'd prefer to run the show (I'm probably too stubborn on that point for my young age, 25, but there it is... 2) It's so much more flexible 3) Finishing a project and making my client happy is the biggest high there is and 4) I get to spend a lot more time with my crazy dog Morris. I'm looking forward to posting my ideas, my thoughts on starting and running a business as a mid-twenties woman, and a lot of links and photos to great products and some ongoing and finished work of my own. This first set of photos will be my visual intro- a photo of my dog, a photo of my first finished project, and a photo of me, just so you know what Nest Interiors looks like.