Casual Elegance - Master Bedroom

The master bedroom in the "almost fire victim" home is one of my favorite rooms of all time. I always say that after finishing a project, but seriously - this bedroom is really special. What makes it so wonderful to me? Maybe it's the blue on the walls (I stole it for my own master bathroom). Or it's the scrumptious leafy patterned carpet underfoot, that feels like you're walking on a cashmere sweater. No, it must be the over-scaled watercolor art that we splurged on. The custom bed from Jorge in Mexico? The beautifully sewn bedding made by Cathy, exactly to our specifications? Lamps? Accessories? Hmm. I think I just love it all. But, my secret treasure is the cat. I think I must have one on the wall in my bedroom as well!

Master bedroom...

Accessories...

Another angle, look at that carpet!!

Looking down the hall towards closet and bathroom...

Custom antique replica dresser, by Jorge in Mexico.

Uttermost wall decor, Palecek benches, Imax mirror, etc.

I especially adore the "hug" and "kiss" sculptures.

Sweet kitty...

I love the emotion in this custom framed watercolor reproduction.

So like a cat, aloof but love-able.

The master bedroom before...

Casual Elegance - Dining Room

The dining room in the Ramona, CA, "almost fire victim" home is directly opposite the formal living room. The homeowner wanted a formal place to entertain, but expressed a desire for the room to have a casual side. We ordered two painted country armoires filled with monochromatic pottery pieces to soften the feel of the room, and the rich brown wall color adds warmth and coziness.

I selected the contemporary mirror between the armoires for a touch of whimsy - it was a stretch for the client, but she trusted me. After the mirror hung in the home a few days she loved it! I can't let this one go without a quick thank you to Cathy's draperies in San Marcos, CA., for the absolutely gorgeous window panels. What ever would I do without Cathy?!! If you look closely you can see the faux silver leafing we had painted inside the oval. It absolutely glows - day and night.

Dining Room...

Pottery details...

From another angle...

Custom made chairs feature a silk embroidered flower at seat back.

The floral arrangement was made just for this table,

but you can't lift the urn, it's so heavy it takes two people to move!

The dining room before...

Hey those chandeliers are actually coming back in style!

We should-a saved it.

Casual Elegance - Living Room

I call this project the "almost fire victim" since the home narrowly escaped the recent wildfire in Ramona, CA. As it was, we still had to replace the carpet and many of the exterior plants, etc because the fire came right up to the front door, quite literally.

The homeowners were a fun couple to work with. It took a little while to define what they liked, but they definitely knew when they didn't like something. We brainstormed the color scheme together, and it worked out quite well. They also knew what their budget limits were, and it was very important to them to stay within the boundaries. With creative purchasing, we were able to accomplish a beautiful home that met the needs aesthetically and stayed within the budget parameters. See if you can spot where we saved money... I bet you can't tell.

With it's refreshing color palette of blues, greys, beige and browns, the living room is relaxing and casual but at the same time a bit dressy. After all, it is the formal living room...

Pillow details - and my favorite ball vase!

Super cute chair we had made.

You can also see the carpet detail, it's very soft but looks like a seagrass rug.

Accessories at the window - and a wonderful family photo...

One of my favorite Arteriors tables in the forefront, next to the chair/ottoman.

PS: I loved the art so much I bought duplicates for my own living room!

Living room - before...

Sneak Preview

I thought you might enjoy a sneak preview of Mitch and Nancy's home. I haven't had a chance to go thru and take detailed photos but I will very soon. Meanwhile, here is a glimpse of the design. The look is a combination of modern and traditional furnishings which we blended seamlessly. The home has a touch of Tuscany in the family room, inspired by the couple's recent trip to Italy. I sometimes refer to their project as the "Almost Fire Victim" since last year's Ramona fire came right up to their front door. Thank you Ray, who saved the home by doing one last drive-by before evacuating, and putting out the AC units which were fully engulfed!

(living room)

(living room - before)

(dining room)

(dining room - before)

(master bedroom)

(master bedroom - before)

(master bedroom)

(breakfast nook)

(breakfast nook - before)

FIRE REBUILD, check out this tile!!

For the master bathroom, we found this gorgeous hand painted terra cotta tile from Ann Sacks in Laguna. We will use a full pattern repeat as splash around the tub and vanity, as well as a framed inset with rojo alicante one-inch mosaic border and big chunky limestone frame at shower wall. I can't wait to see it installed! We'll be using a lot of limestone in the master bathroom, as well as porcelain tile that looks like wood. It's so much easier to clean!! The shower floor will be tiled in this cute hexagon mosaic, with the red rojo alicante mosaics bordering at all walls. Scrumptious!