My first feature in California Home + Design Magazine is here! Check out the April issue now!
Tag Archives: Design
I Missed The Party And I Can Cry If I Want Too…
It’s seems like my luck has been down these past two weeks when it comes to attending design and fashion parties. Last week, on my way to 7×7‘s Fashion Issue launch party at Barney‘s, I was hit by a car crossing the street!!!! I was in shock!! Luckily minimal injuries were sustained, however, I will never cross the street without fear again (okay, maybe a little dramatic, but that’s how I really feel). Although my arm, (yes, I thought I could stop the car by putting out my arm – a moment of sheer panic), still hurts at times, I am thankful that is all that happened and here to tell the story. Then, tonight, I come home to get ready for Ruby LivingDesign‘s grand opening party (of their Union Street location) – featuring Mitchell Gold himself – with a plan on swinging by Rue Magazine‘s STYLD.BY party afterwards, I see that my dog has left evidence of a serious bathroom issue including blood all over the kitchen floor. After confirming with my husband that the doggy needed to go to the animal ER, we returned home almost two and a half hours later with antibiotics, and temporary dog food for the next three days. Needless-to-say, I am drained. Hopefully next week I can have some designer fun!
Stay tuned for my post on Villa Belvedere – a $45 million dollar home not to be missed if you are in the San Francisco Bay Area.
LA Mart, not KMart
Several weeks ago, I went up to the LA Mart for the first time. I was told that it was nothing compared to the PDC . When we pulled up to an unassuming high-rise in the not-so-chic part of LA., the only sign that we were near the Mart was a massive wood chair large enough for the Jolly Green Giant to sit on in the parking lot. Not to be discouraged by the location (I’ve been to the Gift Center in SF – located under the 101 Freeway, along with the bums), I was excited by the possibilities.
First stop, Haptor Barrett. This was all I needed to see. From the fabulous unpolished, black and white marble floors in the entry way, to the perfectly merchandised store, I was sold. I can’t wait to go back. The work space was a real work space, but comfortably arranged – large tables with plenty of pencils. And, don’t forget the massive jar of M&M’s on the counter. The designers and manufacturers represented range from Vladimir Kagan to Thomas O’Brien. Any designer would find something here whether is traditional, transitional or even modern – just a quick walk down the hall.
After perusing several floors, I could really see the sign of the times. Floors and floors of empty showrooms, and even though sad, the optimist in me can’t wait for the next great industry partner to move in.
Last stop, Architectural Lighting and Design. For stunning and unique lighting, this is it. I was in awe of the beautiful crystal chandeliers. The little girl in me was giddy with all the sparkle. How could one not feel good inside here?
I am looking forward to returning, most likely next week. As part of the California Gift Show®, the LAMart will be hosting different speakers. Personally I am looking forward to the design lecture presented by Traditional Home. If all goes well, maybe I’ll see you there.
Rookies
Ten days ago, my team of IDI and ASID Student members participated in our first ever Designer Runway. Our concept was Vampires/True Blood. Thinking we were unique and different, we had our fingers crossed for the best. Little did my team and I know what we were in for. As team 17, the last group to walk the runway, all 16 teams ahead of us were not only experienced Interior Designers, but veterans of Designer Runway. The concepts were fabulous and the five props allowed were incredibly built and designed. My team and I had no idea when they meant props, that this became Project Runway with Tim Gunn.
Let me back up for a minute. Each team is given fabrics from a designer showroom at the Laguna Design Center. From there, the teams have to create their design/costume in 90 minutes with no patterns or sewing machines. This is not an exaggeration when I say we were the only team that had thick upholstery to work with. Every team had light silks and taffetas that made creating a dress and costume that much easier. I was tasked with making the bustle on the skirt, and thank God, the judges actually complemented that part, since I had no idea what I was doing. In the end, we were excited we participated and didn’t get the lowest score. We left knowing what to expect next time. I am not going to lie and say I wasn’t a little embarrassed of what we had to show compared to the rest, but it was all about the experience and seeing the other teams beautiful creations. Maybe they will let me join them next year… 
The Blue Whale
Monday was a fabulous day at the Pacific Design Center. So many showrooms, so little time. If only it were closer to home. I barely touched the Green Building.
The Blue Whale was six levels of heaven, but who would have guessed that my first stop of the day would have been my most inspiring stop, David Sutherland. I am not sure if it was the cheery dog trotting through the store that put a smile on my face, or all the wonderful linen textiles with a subtle sheen of silver metallic, but Spring was definitely in the air. The outdoor furniture with Perennials fabrics made me want to plop down, put up my feet and order an umbrella drink. Unfortunately, there was no bar in site. I am definitely a fan of the Perennials. The quality is so fabulous that you could use it indoors, truly.
The show stopper for me was this subtle yet sheik fur area rug. And if you’re thinking of the overused cow hide, your wrong. I didn’t have a change to ask what fur it was, but this was no cow I’d ever met and it was almost as soft as rabbit. The small stitched tiles definitely indicated longevity and little shedding with such a supple fur. I could spend hours on this rug. My birthday is coming up and if anyone is wondering what to surprise me with, here’s a hint (my husband will be surprised too and not in the same way):
