Burning Decorating Questions?

I'm excited to be the first resident "expert" over on Caesarstone's blog, The Interior Collective! The new column will feature a new expert every week answering YOUR decorating and design questions. Head on over here and ask away!

Another Tastemaker Tag Sale!

I'll be launching my 3rd Tag Sale with One Kings Lane starting Monday 3/25 at 6:00 pm. I'm selling so many things that I'm really excited about. I have a larger collection of art than ever before, some of which I'm having a hard time parting with! You can check out the teaser and the actual sale here. 

The Interior Collective

About a month ago I got invited by Caesarstone to write for their blog, The Interior Collective, on various topics in the realm of design. It's been a fun opportunity and it's awesome to be part of such a talented group of bloggers and designers, hence the "collective". My article today has been one of my favorites to write so far: knowing when to splurge and when to save on home decor. Head on over here to check it out. I write a new article every week, but there is new and interesting content added daily from the other authors.

West Week

This week I attended spring market at the Laguna Design Center and West Week at the Pacific Design Center. It's one of my favorite weeks of the year to be a designer because I get to meet new friends, run in to old friends, hear awesome speakers (Alexa Hampton was my favorite), and check out new product. Another highlight was chatting with Ross Cassidy (so helpful and charming!) from Jeffrey Alan Marks Inc. at the Witford showroom while they were there promoting their beautiful new line for Palacek - so good.

Speaking of running in to old friends, I do not recommend jumping in the shower last minute, throwing your hair in a wet bun with no make up, and heading over to the PDC to try and catch the last keynote expecting not to run in to anyone you know, because you most certainly will (4 people to be exact), and then you'll feel an overwhelming need to reassure them that, despite your appearance, you are still a designer...not a gym teacher.

Top photo was the panel discussion at the Jasper Showroom with Michael S. Smith, Mary McDonald, Suzanne Tucker, and Dara Caponigro. Bottom photo is at the book signing with Alexa Hamtpon which took place after her talk.

Gold Sparklies

I'm not sure what's gotten into me, but I'm all about sequins and glitter right now. I usually don't gravitate toward a lot of sparkle but I guess times are changing. Here are a few things that have caught my eye recently, and just in time for the holidays!

Ban.do  / Anthropologie  /  pillow / flats / garland / lights

4 Things / Black Friday

A little interior inspiration for a festive black Friday.

1. Courtney Cox's Malibu home / 2. black & white striped bathroom / 3. mid-century chair / 4. Franz Kline

West Elm / Beverly Blvd / Thomas O'Brien

Speaking of Thomas O'Brien...the design world was abuzz this week with the new West Elm location opening on Beverly Blvd. I'm a Thomas O'Brien super fan, and he designed the new space which opened yesterday. I can't wait to visit.

A few of my favorite bloggers are helping West Elm throw an opening party on December 15. I'll be in NYC, so I won't be able to make it, but you can get the deets on Design Love Fest and leave a comment for a chance to win 5 things from West Elm, here.

 images here & here

Malin Elmlid / FVF

This is Malin Elmlid. A pretty classy lady from Sweden who now resides in Berlin.

She reminds me that just because I don't have space for a garden, that doesn't mean I shouldn't start growing and collecting plants. Look how happy they are inside? Even just small potted plants can add so much life to an interior.

Such a pretty and collected vignette (below). Doesn't have a contrived feeling, which is what I strive for when styling and designing interiors. Sometimes I am more successful than others. 

I'm always interested in peoples' kitchens. Because it's such a functional space, I love to see how others organize and display.

I'm all about bookcases. Messy ones, organized ones, color coordinated, you name it. The whole Kindle thing kind of scares me because I don't ever want bookcases to become obsolete. They are just way too beautiful.

More and more of my favorite sources for interior inspiration are becoming stylish, interesting and eclectic peoples' homes who haven't hired a designer. There is so much personality and interest in spaces that are collected throughout their life (long or short). This is something that I wish to give each of my clients, but I have to admit that it's difficult a lot of the time. It requires a lot of effort on the part of the client as well, and not just the designer. They have to be willing to let you in to their world quite a bit and do a lot of homework and looking on their own. The client also has to be willing to let go, and let some of their lives be on display in their home even if that means a little bit of organized chaos.

I remember Thomas O'Brien talking about this a year ago when I went to hear him speak at the LA Mart. He said that jobs where clients send their assistant with a giant budget to work with him to complete the house don't interest him. He said that he requires a lot from his clients and that that is what produces the most successful outcome.  

I found Malin here, through Freunde Von Freunden. I think he's sort of like a German Selby, and frankly, who doesn't love the Selby?