How It All Begins: Room Inspirations

Cocoon Home Design (CHD) is busier than ever.  Some projects are small:  their main focus is on stylizing and/or updating spaces while adding paint and few key accents.  Others, however, are really big.  They entail complete renovations that include new furnishings and accessories.  No matter the size of a project, Room Inspirations are always created to present the clients with a "feel" for their soon to be new spaces.  Coupled with coordinating pin boards that link to the rooms' foundation pieces, they provide clients easy access to vendor information, pricing, availability and delivery specifications.  The combination of these two has made envisioning an interiors' vibe easier and more interactive for both my clients and myself.  I really enjoy this part of the process where professional relationships are established with clear expectations.  Take a look at a few Room Inspirations that I recently created for our CHD clients:

If you're looking to update or renovate your space and would like a "Room Inspiration" of your own and need more information, contact CHD at this email address:  debra@cocoonhome.com 

The Winner Of Rug Pad USA's Reader Giveaway is...

Congratulations, Shilpa, you are the winner of Rug Pad USA's Eco Cushion Rug Pad!  In honor of the occasion, I'm sharing a few favorite images of area rugs.  Whether they're brightly colored, multi patterned, monochromatic or even layered, rugs can transform any space.  They provide the finishing touch that adds interest, warm and comfort to a home.  Take a look:

Shilpa, please email me at debra@cocoonhome.com with your address information.  Congratulations!

Images: 1./2./3./4./5./6.

Penny Lane: A VW Van

Late one evening in Big Sur, Penny Lane, a VW van pulled into the campground.  I couldn't resist snapping a few shots of it.  The surrounding lights illuminated the van in way that made it seem magical.   My guess is that it probably is, regardless.  

Here's to a magical summer filled with adventure, peace and love!

Safe travels to all!

Reader Giveaway: A Rug Pad Find

Seriously, all rug pads are NOT created equal.  I realized this hard fact when a reputable local rug distributor cut pads for our kitchen area rugs.  When I got home and un-rolled them, I discovered they were really thin and held together with duct tape (???).  So you can image my delight when Rug Pad USA contacted me to review their product. As I looked through their user-friendly website, I was amazed to find pads for all types of floors:  tile, wood, even laminate.  There are pads with extra padding, strong non-slip versions, and customized sizes for all types of rugs.    The one that interested me most was Rug PAD USA'S Eco Cushion Non Slip Pad.  With its dense cushion, breathable design and bio-based construction I knew it would be a perfect fit for our kitchen runner.  It hasn't disappointed me yet.  The rug stays on the pad and it's easy on our [big and small] feet, for however long we dabble in the kitchen.  Take a look at it and find instructions below on how to win your very own rug pad from Rug Pad USA.  Good luck!

Enter to win a 3 X 5 Rug Pad USA Eco Cushion Non Slip Pad by checking out Rug Pad USA's Facebook Page here  and leaving a comment below:

Contest End's Friday, June 26th at 12am PCT. 

*This post was sponsored  by Rug Pad USA.   The Eco Cushion was chosen by me and donated by Rug Pad USA.  All opinions and images are my own. 

The Find: A Perfect Hat

Finding a hat that fits (I have a small head), looks good on me and truly protects my face from the sun is not always easy, but I found one very recently.  Its wide brim, chic style and UV protective material not only fits perfectly, but I think it also looks good on.  Since I suffer from Discoid Lupus, proper protection from the sun's rays is very important.  I confess I've gone hatless for too long because of the usually wrong fit and/or style.

About 24 years ago I was diagnosed with Discoid Lupus, and auto-immune disorder that affects the skin.  Proper protection via sunscreen and hat wear is extremely important.   Although I religiously apply  sunscreen lotions to my face, especially my nose (where I tend to get lesions), I often go without a hat because I've never found the perfect one.  A baseball cap is too sporty to wear to client meetings and it really doesn't provide enough all around shading.  So, you can just imagine my delight when I came across this hat by Eric Javits.  It fits perfectly, it's stylishly sophisticated and I believe it was designed just for ME.  I'm now trying my best to carry it everywhere and wear it as often as I would a pair of sunglasses for all the same reasons.  

What do you think?  Do you like it?