The "Industrial" Takeover

I love incorporating some of these unique pieces in design. Even if you have a very clean design, just one of these cool lamps or a few stools, can make a great conversation piece and set your design apart from all others!

Loft Life

Pendant Lighting

I LOVE these pendants!!! It used to be that you could only find these at antique stores...and even then it took some searching! So, I was excited to find these available online...now you can have that "industrial chic" look at the click of a mouse!

http://www.napastyle.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=4262

Monochrome vs. Color!

Although I love monochrome interiors, I have a "hidden" love for the dark and bold paint colors! I say "hidden" because most people would gasp at the thought of painting their room Battleship Gray. It takes the right client, the right room, and the right light to pull this off...but when done well, its fantastic! Below are some exquisitely-executed "dark" rooms that I just love!

The trick is molding, the more you have the better. Thick door and window casings, as well as crown molding, help set off the dark paint color and make it pop.

Carol Prisant

Try dark molding for a richer look...

Head Over Heals

Elle Decor

Tara Donovan

So this is not exactly "interior design", but I love this artist so much, I thought that I would share this with you. If you have the chance to see her work, its sensational! She uses ready-made objects like straws, plastic cups, and scotch tape to make beautiful organic sculptures and installations.

If you are in the San Diego area she has an exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art (Downtown)

http://www.mcasd.org/

Great Drum Chandeliers

I love the simplicity of these lights! They allow you to have a classic, clean, look or give you the freedom to use bolder patterns like this tile in the picture below. Try these lights with a fun drapery fabric in your dining room or over your kitchen island!

Here are some great lights from Restoration Hardware to help you create this look...

http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1154268&navAction=jump&link=ct_parson_chandeliers_and_sconces&cm_re=CT-_-CategoryText-_-PearsonChandeliersAndSconces

The little things in life....

Chair by Bernhardt

Some great new pieces from Wisteria...

You don't have to go crazy with these "industrial", metal pieces...just one piece will make a great addition to a living space and bring some added texture. I liked this side table from Wisteria.

I also thought that these head boards were something different from the norm. Try hanging old doors or iron fences on the wall as a headboard!

http://www.wisteria.com

Branches Wallpaper

I love this wallpaper inspired by nature...I am using this in a small powder room. It has a bit of a shimmer to it...its fun and sophisticated.

http://www.wallquest.com/sandpiper/bookView.htm?book=50148

Cool Fireplaces

I often help clients reface or reconstruct outdated fireplaces. Depending on your architecture and design there are some really great new products out there to choose from. Stacked stone, cast concrete, tiling, suspended fireplaces....here are some ideas that I love!!

Paint Colors I Like

So, if you have ever painted your home or tried to pick out a paint color...you know it can be a daunting task. Truth is that paint is the LAST thing you pick when doing design. There are too many factors that can change paint selections, such as upholstery, window treatments and hard-scape materials. You should have these materials selected before you begin your paint search. Of corse lighting pays a huge factor so be sure to paint a large sample on you wall to view at different times of the day before you commit to a color.

Here are a few Frazee paints that I love together...

Museum CL2681W this is a great neutral color

Hailstrome CL3012W is a great gray color

Im sure you know...wallpaper is back in full force! Although you may think of your grandmother's kitchen...the trend is back and its only getting better!

This website has some fun papers with transitional twists and some great color palettes!

http://www.wallpaperfromthe70s.com