Newport Beach Residence

This is a living room we recently designed at a Newport Beach condo. I wanted to create an ecclectic but sophisticated beach cottage look using refurbished vintage pieces. Most all of the furnishings in the room are vintage, including the lamp, mirror, and artwork. The fabulous hanging lantern is designed by my good friend Coleen at Coleen & Co. (available in different sizes, colors, and also as wall sconces).

Speaking of hanging light sources, don't underestimate what chandeliers or pendant lights can do for a space. They add another dimension to the room and help unify the ceiling with the walls and floor.


Photography by the lovely Tanni Tronson of LoveBug Portraits.

A Bridal Shower

Yesterday I threw a breakfast bridal shower for my sister Melissa. I've never done a bridal shower before, but I quite enjoyed myself. My mom is an awesome cook so she took care of the food, and I was in charge of decor (of course) and activities. It was so much fun planning and putting everything together. I even thought that perhaps I would trade in interior design for event planning, or at least add it to my list of services offered.

My dad, handyman extroidenaire, helped me hang the lanterns (purchased from Asian Ideas - best price on paper lanterns I found) and he also decorated the chocolate cookies on the tables. Each cookie is uniquely designed, I guess I know where my creative side comes from. My mom's food was amazing and even though she is always second guessing herself, everyone is always impressed with her cooking.

For the table decorations I purchased the paper and favor boxes from Paper Source and bought the flowers from Orange County Wholesale Flowers to create the arrangments. And for a special occassion such as this, I had to break out grandma's real silverware...perfect for my english garden theme.

Special thanks to Ali, Wendy, and Marci for letting me use their adorable backyard, my parents for all their hard work, and Paul for helping me with the favor boxes.