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.

Black & White Stripes

I don't know what it is, but there is just something about black and white stripes...fabric, wallpaper, clothing...obsessed might be an appropriate word choice. Schumacher's "Tilda Stripe" immediately caught my eye a while back. The proportions, texture, and creaminess of the white (creamy keeps it from looking too mod), makes this stripe practically perfect in every way. When I called to check price and stock I found out that it was discontinued. Sad day. Luckily, they had about 6 yards left in stock, I promptly ordered 3 of those yards to reupholster my shabby little antique side chair. I honestly couldn't have been happier with how it turned out. Soon to be for sale on The Furbish Theory home boutique site.

F. Schumacher's Tilda Stripe

Recovered in Tilda Stripe.

I love love love this outfit. Image borrowed from Sea of Shoes, one of my favorite fashion bloggers.

Room by one of my favorite designers, Miles Redd. Love it.

A Furbish Theory Wedding (of sorts)

I've tried, unsuccessfully, for many years to convince someone to let me plan their wedding. Finally my time has come. My sister Melissa is getting married at the end of June and as the maid of honor, I have taken it upon myself to be maid of honor/wedding planner. After all, designing a house is just like designing a wedding (at least that's what I'm telling myself and everyone else around me).

Melissa was trying to decide between green or yellow. I pushed her to yellow, without really realizing that the wedding is going to match the new look of The Furbish Theory. Subsequently, I decided that's a good enough reason to post wedding updates on The Furbish Theory blog.

Here are some things in the works so far. I'll be updating our progress as we go along.

Letterpressed invitations from Bella Figura

Bridesmaid dress from Anthropologie

L.A.M.B. bridesmaid heels. Amazing.