I love the crisp clean lines of an all white office. Does it just seem easier locate the important paperwork, when the backdrop is clean and all in white? Below is a collage that I created featuring several elements that I am considering using for an upcoming project.

• Linen wrapped corkboards
• Round white table
• Round white rug
• Sturdy white chairs with backrests
• White organizers, files, and bins
• Soft brightly painted walls

This reading room in this months Lonny Magazine grabbed my attention with the shiny white table surrounded by bright cushy stools, which would be practical for short studies, but not so much long work sessions…Another great detail is in the artwork propped up atop the bookshelves.

As for IKEA’s 2011 catalogue full of organizational splendor, I am loving the white magazine files, drawers, and storage tubs.

Meanwhile, I am desperate to reorganize my own office! Please share, what are your favorite ways to organize your workspace? We could all use a few simple tricks! In fact, maybe we can even get a little bit more work done:)

These rooms have been 4 months in the making. Just look at how everything has turned out! I love this laid back beachy interior accented by the glow of the coconut shell lamp.

The markerboard tree just grew and grew! First, I taped off the area on the wall, literally taping the curves and lines of the trees branches. Then, I rolled out the dry erase paint, which took a few coats. Another thing to note, is that it sets up very fast, so when working with the mixture be prepared to paint one layer, then allow it to dry 15 minutes between coats. Using a smooth foam roller provides a flat finish on the wall. I did a simple outline in light brown with sunshine yellow and sky blue accents. The leaves are wrapped in shades of green linen and made from cork, so they double as a place to hang up art as well.

I am also happy with the outcome of the custom made bench! We designed the seat cushion to be sewn from an Amy Butler fabric called Knots.

The drawer pulls are glass from Restoration Hardware. I love these!

One more detail that finishes the room are the capiz shells that line the curtains.

If you missed the before pics from this series, click on the Metamorphosis button to the right. Mia’s room is glowing with shades of lilac and silver and I really like how the two-tones or purple allow the architectural details such as the chair rail to pop out.

The lofted ceilings are so beautiful on their own, but the new Maskros light made of wire and paper from IKEA sure does hold it’s own in the space. At night, the light casts tiny little circular reflections on the walls.

We are really happy with the way the rooms have turned out. The Fatboy beanbag and silver cubes are the perfect accessories for a teen ready to chill out with her friends. I’d even love to have  the black dress form to dress up the night before, when planning tomorrow’s outfit!

Did I mention that there’s also a disco ball?!

Oh and coming soon, I can show you Mia’s bed, which is amazing. It will be assembled, when I return from my vacation. Of course, there will also be professional pics of both rooms. We are currently seeking an interior photographer looking to build their portfolio of work.

It would be hard for me to choose which room I like the best because the styles are so different! Which elements of the design do you prefer and why?

Whether you are,

Gazing out the window.

Reading a magazine.

Enjoying a book.

Staring out over at the ocean.

Waking up to the sunrise.

Daydreaming…

Looking for the hummingbirds

nestled in the palm fronds.

Watching the sunset,

A sheer pair of curtains goes a long way. I love the view from our bedroom in Los Angeles because we have lush green banana trees that give me the feeling we might very well be living in Hawaii.

Light weight curtains paired with blinds even the ugly ones that came with our apartment do just the trick.

I’m also digging these Hippie Chick, tie-dye curtains by CottageHomeCouture.

I just read the best article on dip-dying fabric in Living magazine and I’m itching to give this technique a try. Here you see the two tone turquoise color panels. I also think bright white dipped in indigo looks really fresh!

My favorite curtain inspiration is below. I love anything monochromatic or playing with hue. This photo from Domino magazine was taken from a Prada inspired palette.

Sweet!

For those of you that are following these rooms as they evolve, we have added the curtains! I love the details of both of these sets.

The white sheers are from West Elm and have gorgeous capiz shells along the trim. Above the bed is a custom linen curtain, we had sewn from vintage table linens.

These sunny pillows and coconut shell lamp are sure to cheer a girl up, even on school days!

We will be layering in another pillow later this week. Inside Mia’s room, the Circles curtains add the element of pattern and ties in the mirrored table with other silver and white objects in the space.

All the little details, including the curtain rod and rings are something to think about.

Later, today while I am on site, I’ll try to capture more of these nuances! Hope you are enjoying watching it all come together.

This weekend for me was all about striking a balance between work and repose. At home, I am enjoying snoozing away in my new cotton paisley block print bedding that I found at West Elm’s Dash for Design sale! If you haven’t gone yet, you should! They have deals on all kinds of furnishings from their signature mini desks to lacquer trays.

This July, in the spirit of transformation, I plan to repaint our existing wood bed frame. Replace that functional, yet tacky bedside lamp and finish the bedroom by painting the walls and or hanging new colorful curtains. What color would you like to see this bedframe? The dresser in the room is a dark walnut but other than that could become anything really.

Over at our client’s house, the girls’ rooms Metamorphosis continues with installation of a photo wall, coconut lamp, modern nightstand, and beginning layers of the bedding.

In Mia’s room we have assembled her Parson’s Desk, added simple shelving, a lacquer tray for organizing papers, and a punchy Thalya chair by Kartell.

In a day or two this brilliant lamp will be hung from the center of the lofted ceilings. In it’s current state, I think it resembles an art installation, but it’s going to be so fantastic!

This was the last quiet moment I had in Echo Park captured by Ashish.

yup, that’s me…feeling a real sense of peace.

July is the month for the big transformation of the girl’s rooms, which we have all been working on since April! Over the next 30 days, with all of the shopping complete, you will see these spaces evolve through paint, furnishings, art, and accessories.

I must admit that we are very lucky to be working within a space that has such architecturally stunning bones as lofty ceilings, baseboards, and chair rails add to elegance of each room.

We decided on  Dunn Edwards Plum Point hue fade into the Lavender Mist paint for the top portion of the wall. It made sense to go from dark to light as a gradient sweeping up the wall.

Isn’t plum a fun color?! Across the way, we have been painting a tree mural. The tree itself is a dry erase marker board.

Cork  board leaves wrapped in shades of green  linen are coming soon!

Here is a branch up close, I outlined it with brown paint, then highlighted it with Pratt and Lambert Summer Sun and Winter Sky paint for the effect of the sun and sky shining through the branches.

The paint changes in photo are subtle as well as in person. I can’t wait to show you the beds, nightstands, and custom furniture as we install them.

I spent last weekend sorting through a multitude of artworks ranging from poster art to pieces that were in my client’s family for years. After careful consideration, we decided to showcase original artworks and folk art from the bulk of his art collection.

As you walk into the residence, color washed walls and gallery style lights set the mood.

Carved wood shutters brought back from his days in the Peace Corps in Afghanistan.

You could say a person’s art collection speaks a 1,000 words…masks brought back from a trip to Myanmar.

Through the hallway, we set up many tiny vignettes, this one by artist Lionel Barrymore.

contrasted by the Bold Indian Art that hangs over the living room sofa.

The colors of ink in this Malaysian artwork complemented the maroon walls completely.

All in a day’s work…okay, it took two!

Hey everybody~ It’s been a fun weekend starting with a trip to Real Food Daily, a delicious vegan restaurant just up the street from us on La Cienega. The food was so tasty and fulfilling, Friday night really set the tone for the  whole weekend, if you know what I mean! Do try it and let me know what ya think!

I wanted to start every week this month with a punch, so I’ve picked out some of my favorite graphic pillows that have caught my eye. Starting with I LOVE VERA, a 1960′s design icon that has been revived for the public!

This green bolster is on SALE at Anthropologie  (if you can believe it!) I actually bought the shorter version in pink because it worked with our living room and I’m luvin’ it. They’ve even made her amazing watercolors into rug designs and upholstery.

Wouldn’t this rug inspire a swim?

Can you believe that Vera Neumann, whose namesake the VeraCompany celebrates, began it all as a scarf designer?

Lately, green is my favorite color and this Kaleidoscope pillow by Jonathan Adler does not disappoint.

Last-but-not-least this teensy little white Geisha Kukiko by myMimi wishes you a cheerful Monday!

There is a world full of curiosities in store for you this week.

The challenge: To come up with a logo and concept for a boutique hotel.

My solution: RETREAT, a relaxing getaway in the middle of a bustling metropolis.

Upon entering the hotel, venture down a dim corridor and are greeted by the sound of gently flowing water. You are asked to remove your shoes and slide on our comfy slippers courtesy of RETREAT.

At RETREAT, we love relaxing and getting back to basics. Visit our fire circle for a camp style chat with new friends.

Our see-through bar, earthy brass stools, and refreshing mixed drinks should lift the weight of urban dwelling right off your shoulders. 

At mealtime, feast on delicious whole foods, while dining amid the company of strangers just like you.

Long tables designed to create an atmosphere of community and laid back conversation. I’d even love to carve totems into these wood timbers to add to the tribal theme.

So, there you have it, the newest addition to my portfolio

I think we all need a place to retreat from the pace of the city.

Remember to play my mini giveaway, make sure that you leave a comment, even after you Heart Me or become a subscriber, so that I can add you to the pool of contestants…I’ll post a list of entrants to follow mid-week.

Giveaway winners will be announced, Monday June 21st.

What do you think?

While working on the girl’s bedrooms, I collected my favorite designer rugs for you to see.

I have come a cross so many rug companies that I wanted to share. I tend to shop the usual suspects, Rug Company, Anthropologie, and West Elm. I knew that there was so much more out there, but had no idea where to begin.

This flower petal design looked so amazingly soft. Who wouldn’t like to stand on roses?

I like the texture and scale of this design.

For some color, head over to Dash and Albert. We have one of their organic cotton rugs  in our living room and love it!

We found Second Studio rugs to be affordable rugs but still in league with all off the Designer rugs out there…

Plus, their designs use gray alongside pops of color which can be a brilliant fit in many interiors. When purchasing a rug, it is all about quality and comfort. I flipped for British rug company Henzel.

These rugs are something truly original. Like large scale artworks for you floor. I will some day own one if these rugs. I came across the queen of felt, Mary Ann Williams over at Illu stration.

This orange lotus design gives me a thrill!

It’s hard to believe that PinkPianos has been around for one year my first post in June! Next week, I’ll be hosting a giveaway to celebrate.

If you missed any one of our featured artist series you can read about them here. I hope you are all finding inspiration!