Five Friday Favorites

This week's favorites are a bit showy and are meant to be placed or worn on their own for utmost effect. 

1.  Bronze bowls to beautify any surface.

2.  A fancy legged coffee table.

3.  A statement jacket (if only California would cool off so I could get to wear one).

4.  Every home needs a interesting plant hanger.

5.  Fringed booties (so they see you coming and going). 

Good Vibes At "The New Bohemians" Book Signing

A little over a year ago I attended a Social Media seminar** led by Justina Blakeney and Dabito.  Ever since, I've been more enthusiastic and confident about what I do, both personally and professionally.  Due to their advice and creative guidance, I rebranded Cocoon Home, redefined its clientele and embarked on a product line.  Along this journey, my children have been very present in my career and quite aware of its influences and motivators.  So, when when I heard that Justina Blakenely was going to be in Berkeley at Erica Tanov boutique for a signing of her new book "The New Bohemians", Max, Ben and Zoe happily agreed to come along to meet her.  Upon our arrival she greeted us with open arms and her beautiful signature smile.  At the event, the magazine editor of SFC&G, Alisa Carroll, interviewed Justina revealing more about what inspires her, her ongoing compulsion to redecorate her home and her many exciting future projects. The questions and answers were asked and replied to in a very natural way, staying true to Justina's authenticity and honesty.  She is so deserving of all the successes that come her way.  It's through her infectious kindness, her sense of humor and relentless drive that I, like so many others, find continued inspiration.   

**On a side note related to this very experience, I want to add that it's very important for everyone [especially mothers] to take time for themselves for growth and personal development.  Whether it be for professional or personal reasons, either through a seminar or a retreat, investing in oneself is truly a gift not just for you but also for your children.  When they partake in your new experiences or get to witness their effect on you, they become inspired as well.  It becomes a creative legacy that benefits absolutely everyone.

Botanical Inspiration: Dahlias And Dates

When creating a botanical arrangement I'm often inclined to work with a lot of different foliage, not necessarily with an array of flowers.  However, while visiting the SF Flower Market last week, I was attracted to the amazing selection of late summer dahlias.  To be honest, what first got my attention were the clusters of date branches.  Their rich and earthy orange color inspired the tones of the dahlias I decided to work with.  Together they seemed to bridge the seasonal change that's happening now in California.  

I had fun photographing my latest composition against our newly painted guest room's black wall.  Take a look at how it all turned out:

Late Summer meets Autumn and they live happily for a brief moment in time...

Upcoming Event: Dedicated To Design

I'm please to announce that Cocoon Home Design will be a presenter at the Dedicated To Design event taking place at the Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery in Lafayette, CA. on October 21st through the 23rd.  During this two day event, experts will show you how to choose paint colors, build terrariums, place art and textiles in your home, and how to accessorize spaces to make them your own.  I will be doing a live [before and after] styling demonstration with art, botanicals and decorative items to demonstrate the importance of personalized touches in a home.

Tickets are on sale now.  For more information about the event click here.  Hope to see you there!! 

Round Rugs: We've Got You Covered

Lately, I've been loving the look of round rugs.  Whether big or small, patterned or solid color, their unconventional shape can offset the angles of a room and add focal interest to it.  Although they may not be right for all spaces, they can make smaller ones look larger and balance even the most refined ones.  Take a look at their softening effect on the rooms below: 

Images:

1./2./3./4./5./6./7/8.