Newport Beach Residence

As many of you know I have been working on a design project in Newport Beach over the last several months. This was a charming beach house built in the late 1940's rich in family memories and full of potential. I worked hard with the owner to restore the home back to it's original charm. We started by repairing the bones for strength which then led to creating a home. The client desired an atmosphere that reflected a casual and fun beach pad on the peninsula that could also morph into a warm and cozy abode that quieted the hustle and bustle of the war zone. Although this project is not yet complete, a raw phase by phase update is appropriate.

This was the condition the poor place was in at the beginning. Faux walls were built which compartmentalized the space creating a maze-like floorplan.

This was the result after demolition. The walls came down.

Dry walled

 Moving Day

And this was the kitchen before...

And After...

Before...

After...

This was the bathroom...

Looking Better

Notice the cabinet. I shopped and shopped for a unique vanity that didn't cost a fortune and could not find anything so I decided to create my own.

At a local home consignment shop I picked up this antique cabinet for $150 and turned it into a beautiful custom bathroom vanity.

After...So fresh and so clean. Just how a bathroom should be.

I added a piece of granite for the countertop in Verde Butterfly

Since the cabinet wasn't very wide I chose to do a wall mounted Newport Brass faucet, it really came together and created a timeless vintage piece with a modern touch.

Demolition Time!

Catch a glimpse of the action!

These guys don't fool around! (And yes, that is a pink bathtub) 

A Sneak Peek

Man how time flies!! Sure enough it has been a month since my last posting...(thank you Jack for ever so kindly pointing this out). Here is a glimpse of what I've been working on...

The Entry (North)

Living Area

Living

Kitchen

Master Bedroom

Bathroom

I was disturbed by the sight of this residence to! This is a back house of a home located on the Newport Peninsula in Newport Beach, CA. Please stay tuned for the transformation!

Always on the look out...

For unique finds and inspiration. This little boutique in San Juan Capistrano really tooted my horn!

I asked my land lord if I could paint my door pink...he wasn't to fond of the idea. 

I love the soft feminine essence of the pink against the grey and brick walls.

~Studio Pink~

31815 Camino Capistrano Ste. 5

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

(949)388-9500

Using my green thumb

My dear friend Barbara who recently moved to Oklahoma City gave me two of these iron picket fence baskets as she was in the midst of packing up her life and dowsizing her belongings. Barb has great taste in clothes, food, furniture, and pretty much everything else...I think this is one (among many) reasons why we became so close! We both have an appreciation for unique and beautiful things! At first, I wasn't sure what I would do with these, and then a few ideas came to mind: 

1.  I could place them in my bathroom and put my toilet paper or washcloths on dislay

2.  Use it as a candleholder and place pillar candles of different heights inside

3.  Use them as planters!

 

 

Well, I decided on option 3.

 

 

I packed moss along the bottom and sides of the basket to fill the openings

 

 

Filled it with soil and planted an assortment of baby succulents 

 

 

Succulent's are great because they are so low maintenance. As long as they are protected from cold weather and not over-watered they will live forever!

 

 

 

 

 

For more information on Succulent's visit: gosucculent.com

Inspired at a going away party :) and :(

So this weekend I had the privledge of joining a group of wonderful people all with the purpose of sending a friend and her husband off to Germany with well wishes and blessings. This going away gala was held at the Olguin's home in Costa Mesa, CA. The only way I can describe their home is by saying that it is absolutely darling!

Welcome.

The living area. I tried capturing the warmth of the room as it was lit by mostly candle light. Yes, that is a window pane hoisted from the ceiling...love it!

At a loss for words...just love it!

Dining room. I was at this table most of the evening :)

This is where the magic happens!

I am officially in love with pears.

I didn't want to leave...Pretty soon finding the perfect home in the East Side of Costa Mesa is going to become like apartment hunting in NYC...Coveted. You'll have to start checking the weekly obituaries to find one. Simply charming.

Eye Candy

I just discovered Interior Designer Sarah Richardson of Canada. I fell in love immediately with her style! The way she pairs many different patterns and textures together is nothing short of perfection. The rooms she creates are exciting to the eye, but also exude comfort and livability.

The color palette is delicious! Chartreuse, navy, and cream with a touch of gold is rich without feeling stuffy. A ceramic white garden stool off to the side allows for extra functionality; to place a cup of tea or even to sit on. The tea table with bamboo style legs is a great piece for this sitting area, another creative detail is the lonesome glass pear...so cute ;-)

This bedroom is just stunning! Olive pillows complement the neutral palatte making a very calming atmoshere

 to sleep in.

 

My favorite thing about this dining room are the three pears chilling on the mantle.

Unique ball pendents above the island tie in the navy from the sitting area. Just admire all the detail! For more visit: http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/

Colorstrology

I just stumbled on an interesting concept called colorstrology. Philosophy: Color is a reflection of the suns light in all of its glory, you are a shimmering facet in that light, just as being born on a certain day offers insight into your personality, there is also a personal color that corresponds to the real you...let's see what mine is!

Your mind is sharp and your intellect is keen and witty (this is right so far). You can use words with amazing grace and people find your ideas and points of view stimulating and intriguing. (I'd like to think so) Many people born on this day have a gift for prose and other creative arts. (YES!) Trying to find a balance between being in a relationship and remaining independent can be one of your challenges. (Not quite) Your personal color helps you share your world with others without sacrificing your individuality. Wearing, meditating, or surrounding yourself with the color Baked Clay reminds you to integrate your leadership abilities with spontaneity and enthusiasm. (I do like the color!)
Visit: http://www.colorstrology.com/ or http://www.pantone.com/