Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Color Coding Your Bookshelves is Neat!
Good morning people. I have to admit to you all that I’m about to hit the road for a little mini-vacay in Laguna Beach. Don’t be a hater! To gear you up for the week, I’d like to share a post from Maria Killam’s blog, Colour Me Happy. In fact, this post was actually written by guest blogger Sara, from Sara Says Awesome. Either way take the time to visit those blogsites. Maria offers wonderful, not mention, expert color advice and Sara will make you laugh your arse off. I’m kind of bonkers for this color coding we’re seeing on bookshelves everywhere and am now looking at books for the color of their jackets rather than their content! Don’t be shocked if I have some interesting reading material happening in my living room soon. Anyhow, enjoy the eye candy and consider this a fun new way to dress up those boring shelves!
Desert Living Done Right
I ran across some beautiful images on Architectural Digest and thought I’d share with all of you who may be desert rats like me. These are all homes designed specifically for a desert climate….for truly enjoying, not just tolerating. Imagine that!
Producer Jerry Weintraub’s vacation in home in… Palm Springs (I think!)
Architect Antoine Predock designed this home in Santa Fe
Donna Livingston designed this home for indoor/outdoor living in Indian Wells, CA
Marmol Radziner was commissioned to design this prefab home for a couple’s vacation home in Colorado
Sam A. Cardella with Interactive Design Corp. designed this home in Rancho Mirage, CA
Architect Steven Ehrlich designed this fabulous home in Dubai. And you think it’s hot in Vegas!?
Edward. M Jones designed this custom home in Scottsdale. It’s a bit much for me but the desert landscaping is beautiful. Who says cactus is ugly!
The Coolest Typography EVER!
I came across this ad campaign for the Houston based furnishings store High Fashion Home and had to share it with you all. The concept is by Ad Agency, The Butler Bros. and the photography is by Adam Voorhes. A furniture alphabet? It’s perfection!
Zebra Print is Always in My Friends
Why is zebra print so freakin cool? Well, for starters it’s one of the most graphic patterns in nature and every once in a while we need to be reminded that God is the best designer of all. There is something about the black and white that is so timeless, sexy and natural all at once. Go figure but it is. It’s grounding. And the best part is you can get away with that being the only print you use in your entire house and it works. Zebra print is modern and traditional. It goes with every color scheme. I have a few clients who I have and am currently hoping will “go for it.” So, in an effort to find some inspiring images for them, I managed to find that Elle Decor shares my passion for this African animal print. They have it everywhere and so should you.
all images featured in Elle Decor via flickr
The Gorman Residence in The Ridges is to Die for!
Today I am happy to share the home of some friends of ours, Geoff and Shelley Gorman. Shelley is a designer who realized her dream of designing her family’s home in the Ridges. I am thrilled she is giving us a sneak peak into their beautiful diggs. We’ve had the luck of attending two great parties in their home which prompted me to get down on my hands and knees to beg Shelley for photos to share with you! Enjoy!
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Front elevation
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Front elevation
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Backyard
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View into backyard
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Master Bedroom
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Family/Game Room
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Grotto
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View of waterfall in grotto
Dining Room
Living Room
Daughter’s Bedroom
Daughter’s Bath
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Son’s Bedroom
Movie Room
Interview with Shelley
Varnish- You went to U of A in Tucson, which also happens to be my hubby’s Alma mater. You also share a degree in Architecture. Where did that passion for design come from?
SG- I have always been a detailed observer of colors and the built environment. At age 16, I was given the opportunity to redesign my shoebox of a room in a suburban Chicago row house. I chose a white palette combined with punches of color filled Merrimekko fabrics. Growing up my parents took us on trips to explore our heritage in Norway and Finland. My exposure to downtown Chicago and Europe at a young age had a huge impact on my love for the built environment.
Varnish- What was it like designing a home for you and your family and will you ever do it again?
SG- Designing a place tailor made for our family and the way we live was a dream come true. I had designed commercial spaces in the past for clients but there is something amazing about getting to move in to your creation and experience it on a regular basis. I would do it again in a heartbeat as long as Elegant Homes was our contractor again. It was so great to be working hand in hand with such a professional and honest team.
Varnish- What was the most enjoyable part of that process?
SG- I would have to say watching it rise out of the earth day by day and enjoying the many phases and layers of the building process. It has also been quite a high to watch my husband and kids enjoy the house – they each have their favorite hangouts – the movie room is my retreat! It has also been amazing to completely furnish and finish off all the rooms in the house so soon after moving in. I really enjoy being a decorator and having my own home “done” and off my to do list has allowed be to focus completely on my clients needs. Having a dedicated home office with space for all my tools of the trade is a huge blessing and allows me to be ultra productive.
Varnish- What was the least enjoyable?
SG- I would have to say the time it took away from my young family, but my husband is so supportive and such a great dad that it worked out just fine.
Varnish- Lastly, are there any pearls of wisdom you could share with someone considering designing their own home?
SG- If you are not in the hands of a good builder I think this process could be quite painful. Decision making for me was easy as I had done it before in my profession, but I think it has got to be tough for someone without a design background. My husband had given me a list of 9 things he wanted out of the house and I knew as long as those goals were being met I was golden. He also had the confidence that I was going to be able to stay on budget and keep things moving along by making decisions in a timely manner. I would strongly advise couples to seek professional guidance and not try to go it alone when building a home. Architects and decorators are problem solvers that look at all parts of the equation keeping the budget and timeline in mind. They will save you money and keep your blood pressure down – it is a long process and there is a huge learning curve. They are also a mediator that can keep things running smoothly between all parties involved.
*Also, if you are interested, the Gorman Residence is on the market. It is 6000 sf and is listed at 2,825,000 and is the third lowest priced home on the market in The Ridges. For additional information you can contact Ken Lowman at Luxury Homes of Las Vegas.
Famous red, white and blue decor
It’s almost time to celebrate Independence day and with that thought in mind (along with burgers, swimming, relaxing and burning my fingers lighting sparklers) here are some famous shots you’ll be sure to recognize!
Happy 4th of July to you all!
The Blue Room, redecorated by Jackie Kennedy
President Obama reading in the Red Room
or…if you prefer to see a Reagan in the Red Room instead….we’re bi-partisan here folks!
The most famous white house of all…
and for those of you who don’t already know this, First Lady Michelle Obama commissioned designer Michael Smith of Southern California to design the East Wing for the Obama family. You can read a great article about her pick for the sweetest design gig of all in the LA Times here.
via the chicagoist
Custom Hardware
In Saturday’s issue of the RJ, there was an article featuring custom hardware and tile by a company called Metaltec. They have used innovative new technology that is essentially 3-d printing onto metal, enabling an endless way to design and customize hardware. I especially love the oceanic motifs.
all images via metaltec
My Rug Company Crush
Okay, I am so obsessed with The Rug Company right now! I am working with a client who suggested we take a look for an entry rug and now I. AM. IN. LOVE! I am about to throw a ridiculous amount of beautiful images at you but I feel strongly that Tuesday mornings need as much enthusiasm we can muster.
This Peacock design by Matthew Williamson is my all time favorite!
image via vogue.com
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Las Vegas Hotel Furniture Liquidator Mystery
You know how sometimes you’re just curious about random stuff? Like, what would one of those sexy one piece bathing suits look like on me or what is it like to drive a smart car or how about what would happen if I actually stuck to my diet? Well, I have a long list of things I just want to get around to investigating and one of them I have officially checked off my list. I FINALLY went to one of those huge local warehouses filled with liquidated hotel furniture. My heart fluttered a little bit at the idea of finding a really great deal. It was like the world’s biggest garage sale only minus grandma’s old kitchen towels and busted up old TVs. Oh no wait, those were there….I digress. Anyhow, I was harassed a little bit by a sales woman who was very straight forward about the fact that she worked on commission and it was quite dark in the back of the warehouse, however, it was a gold mine of old funky furniture begging to be painted some bright cheery color and put in a kids play room. At first blush the prices were very high but after one conversation with the manager he lowered the price on one beautiful mirrored bar by about 75% without me even asking! So if you’re feeling adventurous go with a truck and your best Tijuana bargaining skills. If you are lazy, check out the website because it’s actually great! It ain’t much to look at but they have every item photographed and categorized nicely. Just please, please stay away from the bedspread section. I’d need to Lysol my computer just browsing it. Have fun!
