Modern houses, similar to the one depicted in this photo which were built from 1965 to 1966 are often referred to as ‘Mid-Century’. They are known for vaulted ceilings with large expanses of glass as shown here. The use of straight line contemporary furnishings work extremely well – on particular furnishings from the ‘Mid-Century’ period or many of the well-designed contemporary furniture pieces being offered today by Manufacturers such as A. Rudin, Dongia, Ironies and Gregorius Pineo, with Kravet offering more affordable options.
Contemporary and Modern Houses
Adhering to sleek surfaces such as steel. Brushed brass, unusual marble species in polished or honed finishes, and colored acrylics and also wood tops with a square or live edge are all aspects of a well thought out contemporized interior. Continue reading “Contemporary and Modern Houses”
We love the hospitality industry and have been privileged to work on many high profile hotel projects over the years – from the Five-Star, Five Diamond The Grand Del Mar to La Jolla’s historic Grande Colonial. Fortunately, our newest project allows us to continue our work in an industry we love.
Rendering of Park Lounge Bar at the Fairmont Austin
Featuring classic patterns, dynamic modern designs and a mix of materials, wallpaper -which dates back to Egyptian and Roman wall paintings – is back.
Wall coverings in homes emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages, when the upper classes used intricate and decorative tapestries as décor and to minimize drafts.
The use of wall coverings boomed during the Renaissance with beautifully woven fabrics used as decoration on walls, tables and doorways.
Around this time, paper was introduced as a less expensive, more practical alternative to fabrics and tapestries.
Stenciling is the age-old technique of transferring a single pattern or multiple designs onto the surface of an object, door or wall, with paint or ink. Typically, it is done using a thin sheet of material with a design cut out – through which a different colored paint or ink is carefully applied.
Stenciling is often applied as a decorative border on ceilings and at the top of walls (Courtesy of The Grand Del Mar)
Dating back thousands of years, the Egyptians used stencils to decorate tombs, while the ancient Greeks utilized them to outline mosaic designs. In recent years, the art of stenciling has reemerged as an intriguing way to liven up and add warmth and dimension to a room, and it can be a more cost-effective alternative to wallpaper. Continue reading “The Art of Stenciling: Dimension and Depth for Furniture and Walls”
With glimmers of optimism in the economy, homeowners are more confident and ready to change their homes and experiment with different colors and design styles that reflect the following trends emerging in 2014.
Back to basics. Black and white will be popular for 2014. Both are timeless classics and can be easily juxtaposed with different colors and textures. Charcoal will remain de rigueur.
Pops of color. Vibrant hues such as coral, yellow-green and bright blue and green will dominate infusing vivid accents into neutral palettes. You can never go wrong with a blue and white combo.
Today, anything goes in holiday decorating. Gone are the days of simple red and green décor. While these colors are still important, holiday accents now run the color spectrum from amethyst and deep blue to metallic to bright white and ivory.
Our mantra this holiday season? Keep it simple and ultra-chic with a personal flair. Read on for timeless decorating tips that will add fun and festivity to your holiday home this season:
Always use fresh items in your décor like evergreen and tuberoses because the scents of the season are as important as the visuals.
With this in mind, use scented candles and fragrance diffusers throughout your home – cinnamon sticks also add a wonderful aroma.
Create a vignette of your favorite ornaments, photos or mementos. This works well in an entry hall, sitting area or front porch.
Consider reducing your color palette to one color plus a metallic such as gold or silver. For a modern look, a cool white pairs well with many colors.
We love classic architecture and especially enjoy the thought and detail that goes into preserving history. So it was with great pleasure that we recently took on the refurbishment of the Grande Colonial hotel – La Jolla, California’s oldest original hotel.
The Grande Colonial, which celebrated its centennial this year, opened in 1913 as the Colonial Apartments and Hotel.
The hotel, which celebrated its centennial this year, was opened in 1913 as the Colonial Apartments and Hotel. Originally a white-frame structure, it was designed by famed San Diego architect Richard Requa in a classic colonial-revival style. In 1928, a massive remodel was completed and the Requa structure was moved to the rear of the property. A four-story concrete structure added 28 apartments and 25 single hotel rooms, as well as the first sprinkler system west of the Mississippi. Continue reading “Updating a Century-Old Hotel: Incorporating New Designs Into Historical Architecture”
I love LA. Isn’t there a somewhat satirical song to that effect? I was born in Los Angeles, studied at UCLA and worked in LA, and I do love LA – this city is part of me. I love the rich Hollywood history, the beautiful beaches and the temperate weather. And, of course, I am partial to the shopping and dining in this City of Angels.
“I love perusing all the beautiful options in the many design shops in Los Angeles.”
For drinks and great food, a longtime hot spot is Trader Vic’s Lounge at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. With a decidedly Polynesian theme, Trader Vic’s is “Home of the Original Mai Tai” and a great place to relax and enjoy a drink. Part of the historic chain founded by Victor Bergeron in 1944, it is known for exotic cocktails and lively ambiance.
Another not-to-be-missed eatery is The Ivy Restaurant in West Hollywood. This popular spot is a longtime hub for Hollywood elite with its cozy French country-style interior, sunny patio and regional American classics.
The La Cienega district is, of course, also a favorite haunt of mine, especially since our firm was on Melrose Ave. for years. The district – located on La Cienega between Sunset Blvd. and Melrose – has attracted top interior designers for decades. In more recent years, the area has gained fame as a top destination for great products and design inspiration.
With its outdoorsy, walkable allure, this creatively influenced district is booming with dozens of design stores recently opened – the majority selling high-end furniture and accessories.
Especially appealing in this district is Melrose Place, a charming tree-lined street home to fabulous antiques stores and designer boutiques.
Another lively spot is the Melrose Design District in West Hollywood between Robertson and San Vicente boulevards. One of my preferred places to shop here is Formations, which for years has produced collections of historically inspired items such as lighting, furniture, planters and accessories. All items are beautifully handcrafted in Southern California.
I love David Jones Custom Florist – around the corner from Formations on Robertson Boulevard – recognized for its creative and original floral arrangements. This high-end studio has catered to clients from presidents to Hollywood stars to royalty.
And what’s a visit to LA without stopping by one of its storied hotels? My favorite property is the luxurious Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, a beautiful oasis in the heart of Beverly Hills. With a classic renaissance inspired motif, the hotel has the warmth and appeal of a private residence.
Spending a day shopping in LA’s Melrose Design District takes determination and a good pair of comfortable shoes.
The Beverly Hills Hotel – with its distinctive pink stucco façade – is a vibrant slice of history on Sunset Blvd. Dating back to 1912, this venerable spot is home to the legendary Polo Lounge, a top power-dining venue for decades. A famed retreat for movies stars ranging from Marlene Dietrich to Marilyn Monroe, this iconic property oozes old Hollywood glamour, style and romance – and to me offers the quintessence of LA.
What do you love about LA? Please share your thoughts. I always love to read your comments below.
As the sister venue to Amaya restaurant at the award-winning San Diego-based The Grand Del Mar, Amaya La Jolla boasts many of the same fine design details as the resort.
One of our most recent projects, Amaya La Jolla is housed in a former art gallery encompassing 10,000 square feet. We designed it to complement the distinctive European style of The Grand Del Mar, looking to decorative Italian palazzos for inspiration.
The Veranda, with its open airy feel, evokes the ambiance of a coastal European town.
Palazzo style refers to an architectural style of the 19th and 20th centuries based upon the palazzi (palaces) built by wealthy families of the Italian Renaissance. The architects of these buildings at times, however, drew details from sources other than the Italian Renaissance, such as Italian Romanesque or the French Beaux Arts movement, Empire and Venetian styles. For example, the hand-carved arched lunettes above the outside windows exemplify the Beaux Arts movement, as do the decorative ironwork at the entry doors and the gates into the wine cellar. The hand-troweled plaster throughout replicates finishes found in Venice, as do the mosaic tiled floors in the front veranda.
The restaurant encompasses an airy, light-filled front veranda with an indoor/outdoor feel; an adjacent wine room and wine cellar; a main dining room; a private dining room; and a bar/lounge area featuring nightly entertainment.
In the wine room, doors paneled with oil paintings of St. Mark’s Square in Venice, as well as a hammered tin ceiling, add to the room’s European feel.
Two of the most notably similar design elements found at both The Grand Del Mar and Amaya La Jolla are the abundant use of hand-carved stone and polished marble. The restaurant’s exterior features stone-carved arched pediments, and the interior entry vestibule features hand-carved stone columns. We worked with the same four-generation family of Italian artisans – used exclusively by Warren Sheets Design, Inc. – that we collaborated with for The Grand Del Mar.
Other design elements common to both entities include elaborate coffered ceilings, hand-painted frescoes, wrought iron doors, stenciled accents, custom iron and crystal chandeliers, mosaic stone flooring, hand-troweled Venetian plaster walls, hand-applied 18 karat gold leaf finishes from Germany, intricate hand-woven carpets and detailed millwork. Additional highlights include doors paneled with oil paintings of St. Mark’s Square in Venice and a hammered tin ceiling with hand applied bronze finishes in the wine room all constructed by personally selected top artisans with years of experience and stellar portfolios, as well as the very finest products and materials.
To further the restaurant’s warm, residential ambiance, we used an array of rich hues, including gold, ochre and aubergine, contrasted against rich cardamom rose and French plum colors – colors seen in vibrant and beautiful sunsets of the Umbria region of southern Italy.
Since Amaya La Jolla is located in a seaside village, we added coastal-inspired elements including oil paintings imported from Western Europe. The artwork has an airy, impressionistic feel and vibrant colors that tie into the restaurant’s beachfront locale.
Oil paintings imported from Western Europe accent the decor at Amaya La Jolla.
If you’re in La Jolla, stop at Amaya La Jolla for a delicious meal or simply pause in front to enjoy its detailed exterior. And then let us know which dining area, piece of artwork or design detail is your favorite.
This month much of the country is returning from summer travels, which makes me realize while I love to travel, staying home can be just as much fun. With this in mind, I’d like to share some of my favorite spots to shop and dine in my home city, San Francisco.
Shopping can be serious business. Fortunately there are plenty of spots to relax and unwind in San Francisco.
Start the perfect San Francisco day with a walk down Hayes Street, beginning at Franklin, then heading west. Don’t miss the wonderful boutiques and shops in the area, including some intriguing home décor shops as well as great restaurants and coffee shops. Highlights include:
PLANTATION– Distinctive home décor, including numerous accessories and tabletop accessories. 336 Hayes (415) 565-0888.
THE PAINTERS PLACE – Finely crafted custom framing – offering both classic and modern designs. 371 Hayes Street (415) 431-9827.
PROPELLER– A fabulous array of modern furnishings and hand built accessories for the home. 555 Hayes Street (415) 701-7767.
After touring the many shops on both sides of the street, unwind with an espresso, a special treat or brunch at:
LA BOULANGE – Famed French-style bakery and café. 500 Hayes Street (415) 863-3376.
STACKS– Fresh, simple and delicious American classics. 501 Hayes Street (415) 241-9011.
MIETTE– Fine cookies and other sweet confections. 449 Octavia Street (415) 626-6221.
Another favorite place of mine to stroll and shop is a small shopping district San Franciscans refer to as “Sacramento Street.” Located at the base of Pacific Heights, this area is a bit more upscale than Hayes Street. Here you’ll find:
SUE FISHER KING – A sumptuous store filled with rich textures and colors as well as the very finest in home furnishings. 3067 Sacramento Street (415) 922-7276.
ANTHEM – One of a kind antiques, as well as eye-catching furniture, lighting solutions and tabletop accessories. 3274 San Francisco Street (415) 440-6500.
POETICA ART & ANTIQUES– Rare antiques, accessories and vintage furniture. 3461 Sacramento Street (415) 637-5837.
THE DESK SET– A full-service fine stationery and custom invitation boutique. 3252 Sacramento Street (415) 921-9575
HENRY BENGUELIN – Handcrafted fine leather. 3091 Sacramento Street (415) 292-7559.
For a late lunch or dinner, I recommend GARIBALDIS – the quintessential neighborhood spot. 347 Presidio Avenue (415) 563-8841.
No matter what part of the city you frequent – from the upscale stores at Union Square or San Francisco Street to the thrift stores in the Mission District – San Francisco is a shopper’s paradise.
San Francisco is a great place to shop for home décor items.
Each neighborhood has its own unique flavor – and treasures – so the next time you are in the city, do some serious exploring. And please stop by our design studio at 155 Connecticut Street and pay us a visit. We’re quite sure it will become one of your San Francisco favorites.
