A couple of recent projects

http://lxtv.com/openhouse-national/video/10110

Sneak Peek

My fall collection for QVC is rolling in and I thought I’d give a sneak peek at some fun pieces. The concept for this line was about getting in touch with the Kenneth Brown look. You’ll see this in the color palette, varying textures and reflective surfaces. Using one or all of these pieces will give you’re room the ‘wow’ effect we set out to achieve when we tackle a design project.

Inspired by the starburst mirrors from the 40’s, I wanted the rays to be mirrored and set against rich gold tones. The size is perfect at 24” in overall diameter and can grouped together or hung alone. I recently used them in groups of 3 in a celebrity client’s dining room. If you want to update a small bathroom hang it and wait for the rave reviews from friends and neighbors.

We all need a piece that adds a worldly flair to our design. That is the thinking behind my pouf with a large flower design in matching welt. It’s great as a foot stool or as an extra place to sit when you have people over. Inspired by my travels to Egypt, this piece adds the unexpected element to any style.

For years, I’ve napped on my sofa with an over-sized faux fur throw. It is the best feeling in the world. The biggest problem was that all throws I found in retail stores were not big enough to really wrap up in. That’s why my 2 new throws are over 100” in length - big enough to use as bedspread too! The faux fur in snow leopard and zebra are already in high demand.

Designers always use pillows to give a room the finishing touch. I am tired of seeing 2 matching pillows on sofas and beds and want you to feel safe decorating with pillows that are all different in style. Part of my new collection is a set of 3 decorative pillows (called dec pillows in the industry) The set offers my favorite elements, unusual texture that is soft to the hand (small pillow), understated details with a tonal beaded pattern (the mostly solid colored pillow), something that catches the eye such as the rhinestone button in the middle of the larger pillow. Add all this together with my signature color palette and we have ourselves a beautiful affordable set of pillows!

chocolate

Moss

Plum

Tune in Sept 24th for the launch of this collection live on QVC.  Exact time coming shortly!

Julius Shulman 1910-2009

One reason I find myself living in Los Angeles is because of Julius Shulman’s photography. Daydreaming as a kid in the backyard of my Southern Louisiana country home, I would pretend that my parent’s house was made of glass like the ones I saw in magazines. One image has always stood out

The famous Kaufmann home in Palm Springs was photographed by Julius in 1947. His ability to capture the mood of mid century modern architecture was stellar. But it was his ability to convey a lifestyle that co-existed with the architecture that made a deep impression on me as a child.

Another image that captures the look of Los Angeles during the turn of the century has been published around the world. Little did I know that many years later I would be blessed to work with him on one of my projects.

For those who are not familiar with his work, his books are a must have.

http://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/photography/all/04404/facts.julius_shulman_modernism_rediscovered_3_vols.htm

A few weeks before he passed Julius worked with me on photographing a client’s beautiful mid century modern home I recently completed. After the shoot, he invited us up to visit at his home/studio. Not only was he a true artist but the inspiration that helped carve my path from small town Louisiana to my current design firm in Los Angeles.

Julius with Min from my office, Zac and me.

Funky Planters - cool party idea

Perusing through the UK’s edition of Elle Decor I came across an interesting spread. I’m all for re-using pieces for a new purpose - but this takes it to a new level.

I think the umbrella concept could work really well - especially for a party held outside. I’d use umbrella’s in different colors and work in a cocktail menu that had little umbrella’s too. You could theme the party around a spring showers concept and for once, pray it rains for your party!....handing out umbrellas and telling everyone to take off their shoes and enjoy bare feet on wet grass.

Photos by Damian Russell and Styled by Suzanne Stankus

Busy Week

I promised I would put more effort into blogging as many of you want to know what’s going on behind the scenes. First, I hope you enjoy the messages and questions on video that load every Monday. Second, I hope you’ll tune in on Wednesday around 1pm EST on QVC. I’ll be back on selling more of my signature sheets - my favorite sheets to sleep on (not to mention a few of my celebrity clients!)

Here’s what’s been up

What a great way to spend an afternoon - The LA Mart hosted a Panel to discuss how to build your brand as a Designer. Moderated by Dwell Editor and KCRW host Francis Anderton I was honored to be part of the panel which included Sean Adams and Adele Cygleman. The best part was getting to meet members of my fan club afterward. Some of them drove in from San Diego (and fought the downtown traffic which was jammed due to the LA Laker parade)

A gift from the LA Mart - a great use of recycled glass - the large chunks of clear rock is actually old recylcled glass - fantastic!

Later in the week I finished a make-over for Karina Smirnoff from Dancing with the Stars. The make-over will be featured on E! as well as InTouch weekly in the next week or so. The challenge for the make-over was to furnish and decorate her place with pieces from QVC. It turned out great - and for under $4,000 - pretty amazing - here’s a sneak peek -

To Rinse or Not to Rinse - that is the question

I came across the most interesting article about rinsing your dishes prior to putting them in the dishwasher.  You’ll be surprised to read the facts -

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/21/garden/21fix.html?ref=garden

Enjoy - and whew - I just found extra time in my day!

Stylish Trailers?

Living in a trailer has an entirely new meaning. It’s great to see companies embrace good design for every budget.

Now that is a good looking trailer

Clayton Homes has come out with stylish modular homes that break the mold (and reputation) of living in a trailor - Bravo!
http://www.claytonhomes.com

Gifts for Mom

Mother’s day is around the corner and I love giving a gift that will find a place in the home I grew up in.  Here are a few faves

who wouldn’t want to receive a cashmere throw, especially in these brilliant colors?  http://www.wshome.com

my mom was a teacher and always carried a bag full of homework to grade plus all the paperwork teachers have to lug around these days.  a simple monogram will always add style to anything, even napkins seen below.  both from http://www.grandinroad.com

you can never have enough linen napkins around the house.  this set of 12 monogrammed linen cocktail napkins will last a lifetime

love this clever idea for showing off your children and grandkids.  i’m not sure if there are enough frames for my mom, but what a great design concept.
http://www.redenvelope.com

who says wreaths only work on front doors?  i love a wreath used as art on blank walls and on the fireplace year-round!  these peony’s will brighten any interior.  http://www.wshome.com

Living Outside

Yesterday was freezing in LA (not really, but it was cold) and I realize what it must be like for the rest of the country to experience the need for warm weather. I take for granted the ability to live outside most of the year with a mild climate. Here are a few of my fave outdoor pieces right now

I could sleep in this for hours. The traditional materials in a mod shape would look great hanging from a tree or under a porch
Potterybarn’s Eggchair

I would hang these on outdoor post, tree trunks and fences for an outdoor party.
West Elm’s Medina Mirror Sconce

Simple and timeless. I’d use these to define an outdoor space. Love the planter - and boxwoods never go out of style
Pottery Barn item # 73-7604978

Moroccan influences are everywhere these days. These outdoor rugs are nice enough to use indoors!
http://www.grandinroad.com

Fantastic Side Tables

We’re all looking for easy ways to add a new look to our room’s design without going overboard.  I often talk about changing the pillows on your sofa or bed, re-arranging your accessories, or adding a new plant.  But recently I noticed how many great little tables are on the market.  These would add instant update to any room, even a bathroom (sure, why not - put one next to the toilet with a vase of flowers or candle)  Put it next to a chair or in front of the sofa - let it float around the house adding interesting texture and shape to your room’s design.  Here are a few of my faves (from reasonably priced to crazy priced)

faceted side table from West Elm - some mirror glam
http://www.westelm.com

love this classic shape in light washed wood finish from Jayson Home
http://www.jaysonhomeandgarden.com

fabulous piece from Downtown in Los Angeles.  Love the white sculpted base with wood top!
http://www.downtown20.net

An organic shape made of metal - just yummy and by one of my favorite designers Gary Hutton http://www.garyhuttondesign.com

called the Charm Table - and boy is it charming!  gorgeous for $4800. 
http://www.segusoviro.com