Out And About: Ginger At Oak Common.

A few weeks ago, at Justina Blakeney's book signing in Berkeley, I met Lisa Fontaine,  co-founder of Ginger, a line of caftans (loose fitting tunics) made in San Francisco that are soon becoming our Bay Area's go-to-attire.  During our chats, Lisa and I bonded over our love for 70's fashion and our entrepreneurial spirit.  She invited me to her Fall Trunk show at Oak Common in Oakland, where I met her partner, Nanette Mervin, and got to see how her designs are worn.  Regardless of your body type, the caftan is quite flattering.  Worn with leggings or without, heels or boots, any woman can wear one and rock the look.  I picked up my first caftan last night and I'm pretty sure it won't be my last.  Take a look at some of the images from that evening, and check out their website for autumn colors and styles. 

PODART Is Live!

I'm proud to announce that my mother in-law's website PODARTCA.COM is live.  The site features her original wall sculptures, which she creates with seed pods, lichen covered twigs, foraged natural finds and semi-precious stones.  Her unique art can be purchased and/or commissioned online.  

Congratulations, Natalia, your work is beautiful.   

Please visit her website!

Dedicated To Design

About this time last week, I was taking care of last minute details for my Dedicated To Design presentation at the Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery in Lafayette, CA.  Having had little experience in (or liking for) public speaking, I made sure the talk was both interactive and active.  Utilizing items from our home I created 3 very distinct settings:  one for the "urban sophisticate", another for the "family focused" and lastly one for the "eternal bohemian".  I hung art, placed and stylized textiles, botanicals and decorative objects for at least 45 minutes of design frenzy.  My goal was to show the event attendees how to create their own vignettes in order to effectively personalize their spaces.  Below is a list of tips I shared with them.  Take a look:

Botanical Inspiration: Sansevieria trifasciata

For this week's botanical inspiration I'm sharing the hardy snake plant.  This one is for those among you who claim to be "not plant people".  It's virtually indestructible.  Happy even in low light conditions and infrequent watering, Sansevieria is the perfect botanical for any space or person.   Its stiff leaves and beautiful coloration allow it to stand alone or to be grouped with other plants for contrast.  Ours flanks our fireplace in a ceramic pot similar in color to the brick hearth so that its shape and color really stand out.  Take a look:

Adopt one today.

Cocoon Home Wins Gold! 2015 Prism Award

 I'm excited to announce Cocoon Home's #beaconhillchd project won a Prism award for best achievement in building and design!  To see the full story and high resolution images click here. 

Congratulations to my clients AK and BD and to S&H Construction.