Styling #redwoodlanechd: Before And After

This was an exciting project for me, not only because I'm a huge fan of the client, co-founder of AMP (Art Moves Project), but because I've admired her house for some time now.  It is a John Lum Architects' design with modern lines, Asian accents, extensive wood detailing and lots of natural light.  In order to honor its construction and the aesthetic goals of the client the interiors needed to be styled.  Here's what CHD did:

LIVING ROOM //

Finding the right color palette to complement the existing wood details throughout the house was first thing I tackled.  Corals, blues and tans became the go-to color combination.  The amber leather sofa was definitely staying, so the colors I chose needed to work with this focal piece and they do.  Some furnishings were removed and others re-positioned.  Thereafter, rugs, pillows and occasional furnishings were sourced and placed.  Using items the client had stored away I accessorized the built-ins and the fireplace mantle.  A Blu Dot tray and some of my estate sales' scores found their way into the space as well.  A dramatic triptych by LA artist Kristi Head was hung in the 3 built-in nooks, and lastly, botanicals were added to soften and liven the space.

BEFORE //

AFTER //

DINING AREA //

The seating in the dining and island areas was updated and simplified.  Colorfully patterned plywood chairs were selected for the island area and reclaimed wood benches framed the rectangular dining table.  This eliminated the "too many" chairs effect and allowed for many children to easily saddle up for meals.

FAMILY ROOM //

A butterfly-motif wallpaper was hung in the family room to both add interest and to soften the impact of the large leather sofa.  The same chairs that were added to the kitchen island are used here as well, surrounding the pedestal craft/snack table.  This kept the flow between the areas cohesive and balanced.  The piano was moved against the wallpaper wall, where it is now visible from the main living area.  A cozy Moroccan rug was placed under the sofa and a round, brass-accented coffee table lends a surface area for remotes and tiny feet.

Thank you, YF and PM, for allowing Cocoon Home Design the opportunity to work with you both.  I hope you enjoy the newly decorated spaces in your beautiful home.

The Way We Live: Art In An Updated Ranch

Earlier this summer, I had the pleasure of touring the home of Christy Mack, art lover, collector and consultant.  Her house is a mix of vintage and new mid-century furnishings, objects of interest and art, LOTS of it. She has a knack for finding and placing canvases.   Whether in a client's home or in her own, Christy combines colors, textures and curiosities in a effortless way.    

Growing up with parents that antiqued and thrift store shopped, she learned "the thrill of the find" and later, through her mother in-law's extensive art collection, she became familiar with the who's who in the art world.   As you walk through her beautiful home, you'll experience photographs taken by her and her husband and her son's art alongside noteworthy oils hanging or layered on walls and surfaces creating many visual treats.

When Christy is not out immersing herself in the art by working with artists, galleries, museums and art collectors she is serving the community.  Christy recently served as  President at the Lafayette Juniors League and is a founding member of 100 Plus Women Who Care Contra Contra County.  Both of these organizations raise funds for other local non-profits that benefit women, children and seniors in need.  

Thank you, Christy, for your efforts on behalf of many in our community and beyond for sharing your house with us! 

 For the readers who would like to know more about the non profit organizations that Christy is part of please click here and here.

You find Christy on Instagram @cmackorart

At Home: Books, Textiles And Botanicals

Yesterday I decided to take some photos of the house after being away for the long weekend. Settling back in felt so good, that it prompted me to capture the "home sweet home" feeling through my lens.  This made me realize how this house gradually evolved into a home since we moved into it over three years ago.  As our essential furniture pieces remained the same, the smaller items, those that give our spaces their personality, have continually changed.  Pillows and art have been added and also moved around the house.  There's never a shortage of new plants, fresh botanicals, repurposed accessories and an array of current books and magazines.  It's uniquely our space and we are very grateful for it.  

Take a look: 

The Kilim pillows are from Yayla Rugs in Cambridge, Ma., while the textile that drapes over our sectional is from the Alameda Antique Market in the East Bay.

Our once yellow womb chair from Reside (Cambridge, Ma) was reupholstered in a vintage Knoll fabric in a tone very similar to our mid-century brick color.

Stacks of magazines, some old, some new, next to favorite design books offer inspiration as well as pleasurable reading. 

The bell garland is from Anthropologie (from years back) and the brass candlesticks are from Rare Heir, an antique shop in Oakland, Ca.

Foraged Acacia branches are displayed in a vessel found in a thrift store alongside a Heath Ceramics bud vase, a gnarled root and a wooden candlestick also found in a vintage store. 

This area of the kitchen was designed to display interesting/meaningful items and botanicals.  Since it's where we spend most of our time, I really wanted a designated spot for pretty and inspiring things.  The black and gold box is from West Elm, the Kwan Yin statuettes from Sugi in Lafayette, Ca., the wooden salt bowl is from Terrain and the vintage glass is from a recent visit to the Alameda Antique Market.

The large stripped pillow is from Garza Marfa while the smaller is one from One Kings Lane.  The metal table bases were found during a trip to Maine.  We added glass tops and spray painted them cobalt blue to be used as night tables in our previous home. In our current "project room" they happen to work perfectly with the rug from Yayla Tribal Rugs and the Peruvian blanket from the Marisa Mason studio in Oakland, Ca.  

What things do you love about your space and where did you find them?  Do share!

Loving Lately: Oversized Art

Lately, I've been loving the look of oversized art.  Dramatic and grounding, big art plays a huge role in any room.  Take a look at a few of my favorite spaces featuring art on a grand scale.

Given the space, would you go big or go gallery?

Images:  1./2./3./4./5./6./7.

Fogo Island And The Lost Bird Project

A friend recently visited Fogo Island, Newfoundland, to reconnect with a old friend and to pay tribute to 1 of 5 Northern American birds that have been driven to extinction.  Artist Todd McGrain has created bronze sculptures of each of the birds as memorials and placed them at the sights they were last seen. Fogo Island is one of the places.  Not only is the remote island home to a bird sculpture memorial but also to the Fogo Island Arts Corporation.  Upon seeing photos of her trip, I was immediately taken by the story of The Lost Birds, and even more so by the island's beauty both in landscape and architecture.  Take a look:

Thank you, JG,  for sharing your amazing trip with me.  To learn more about The Lost Bird Project and the Fogo Island artists' residency program click here and here.