• Tableaux

    There are only two things in this world of which I will never tire.  One, cute animals.  And two, vignettes.  It’s true, nothing snaps me out of a bad mood faster than a cleverly styled tabletop or an otter eating lettuce on Youtube.  Vignettes I love because they can be pulled together in minutes.  I love them because everyday things – a branch from the yard, a child’s toy, a vintage teacup – always make them more interesting.  I love them because they have personality.  I love them because they’re artistic and inspirational.  I love them because they make me happy … even sans otter.      A favorite vignette from…

  • THE BEST OF LA // DESIGN

    I was in LA recently.  It’s the perfect getaway and has everything my heart desires — a warm climate, a cool vibe, a lush and luxurious urban landscape and all the shopping a girl could want.  It’s not called the “city of angels” for nothin’ people.  For designers, the LA scene offers gorgeous settings, lovely laidback staff and some of the best furnishings in the US.  Key streets are Highland, Beverly Blvd, La Cienega, Melrose Ave and Melrose Place.  Head to Blackman Cruz, JF Chen, The Window, Harbinger, Hollyhock, Nicky Kehoe, Kelly Wearstler, Galerie Half, Garde, Lief … to name just a few.  The east coast is unseasonably cold and Legends of…

  • PARADOX = DESIGN HARMONY

    Paradox is my passion — contrasting modern with traditional, sexy with conventional and subtle with provocative. Introducing incongruity and tension give a room interest and energy. As we designers say, it’s what makes a room “sing”. In the simplest of terms, I like a little rock-n-roll with my ladylike. It’s integral to my designs, my fashion sense and my attitude.              bubble chandelier + oushak  | classical-themed wallpaper + midcentury architecure  |  columnar lamp atop leather-wrapped dresser + modern high-rise apartment      graphic polka dot tank + pink animal-motif shorts + snakeskin heels  |  distressed jeans + damask pattern jacket + large belt buckle      camelback sofa + vintage lamps + saarinen table…

  • L.A. = Love Affair

    I made a pit stop in LA for a couple of days on my way to Arizona for Thanksgiving.  Sunshine, shopping and some of the best design sources in the US – it was heaven! Below are some highlights from my fabulous 48 hours in the city of angels.   I stayed at the Chamberlain in West Hollywood. A Kelly Wearstler-designed boutique hotel tucked away in a lush, leafy neighborhood. First stop – Jean de Merry.        Huntley & Co. is doing the modern wing chair and chandelier below in an apartment overlooking Lake Geneva in Switzerland.  So cool!       The Collection Los Angeles is a…

  • The Gold Standard

    I'm a gold girl.  Bronze, silver, not even platinum gives me the rush that gold does.  It’s warm and sexy and adds a little magic to any material.  I love gold fabric, furniture, lighting  and especially jewelry and hardware.  I would plate everything in gold if I could.  Now for you nay-sayers who think gold is a finish that belongs in the 80s, take a look at the images below and get ready to swoon.     A few of my current favorite gold fabrics.       A glamorous gold face in Vogue Nippon.       At the Washington Design Center's spring 2007 design house I painted the…