Gift Giving With A Purpose: Girls On Fire

This Thursday (the 10th at 7:30pm) at Brushstrokes Studios in Berkeley, a number of local artisans and vendors will be selling their wares to help raise money for Girls On Fire.  This organization empowers Kenyan women, many of whom have been victims of gender violence and dire poverty.  Through leadership camps, young women and girls are given the opportunity to travel, learn about nutrition and exercise, work as a team and, most importantly, understand and value their own self worth. I'm looking forward to this event and hope you can attend too.  It's the perfect opportunity to holiday shop with a worthwhile purpose.  

Here are few of the participating vendors:  Erica Tanov, Ginger Craftan, Ash Dry Goods, Good On Paper and Carrie Saxl. 

Wreath Inspiration

For the past three years I've made holiday wreaths to adorn our fireplace.  Each wreath a bit different from the previous one, but not any less beautiful.  This year, I'd like to put together something a little less traditional.  Here are a few that are currently inspiring me.  Take a look and stay tuned to see how mine turns out.

Images:  1./2./3./4.

The Last Minute Table Setting

Tomorrow we're heading to Santa Cruz to spend the holiday with a group of friends.  All of them are culinary masters and it's guaranteed that our Thanksgiving dinner will be quite the feast.  Nevertheless, I felt a little nostalgia missing the scents and sights of the holiday.  So, at the last minute, I decided to roast a turkey and dress the table for our own pre-holiday celebration, one that we can share with family and friends who are not joining us tomorrow.  Here's to a very safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend for all!  

At Home: Guest Room Update

Our guest room has been evolving for some time now, and will most likely continue to do so.  With recently installed carpeting and a painted accent wall, things have started to fall into place stylistically.  It all began with West Elm's Stella bed, which I selected in effort to tie it in with other brass accents throughout our home.  Soon after buying the bed, I came across a mid-century dresser with black trim and gold hardware that fit perfectly under the only window in the space.  Next,  I had the the wall behind the bed painted black to show off the headboard's elegant brass spindles.  The rug, from Diablo Flooring, runs through the adjacent office into the guest room, thus making both spaces feel larger and more cohesive.  Tulip shaped side tables flank the bed as do two large swing arm sconces.  Textiles sourced from the Alameda Flea market decorate the bed and accent the guest room chair (a curbside find).  The space has a definite "feel" to it now.  It's very much a Cocoon Home look comprised of our signature layered neutrals, mixed patterns and the ever-so-present botanicals.  Take a look:  

Due to the fact that our office abuts the guest room, I use the dresser to store fabric and wallpaper samples for my design work. 

Proudly, this corner is decorated with all repurposed items.  The prints above the chair are from a garage sale (that we stopped at on the way to a DC wedding almost 15 years ago).  The chair and the rattan ottoman were found curbside [YAY] and the textiles bought at the Alameda Flea Market.  The plant was previously owned and the pot is from a consignment shop.  I love a room with a mix of old and new elements.  It often tells an interesting story. 

Originally intended as a master bedroom suite with an attached bath, a fireplace and lots of closet space, Alex and I decided to use this space for visiting friends and family instead.  Eventually, we may move into it, but for now I'm happy to see our guests enjoy this space.  

Anyone up for a visit??

PRESS: Cocoon Home Featured In Design New England Magazine

Holy moly, I'm so I excited about this!!  A full magazine feature in Design New England on Cocoon Home's #beaconhillchd project!  Over the summer, I spent time in Boston putting the final touches on the space in preparation for a photo shoot with renowned photographer Eric Roth.  The photos were submitted to the magazine and accepted for a feature in their November/December issue.  I couldn't be any prouder!  I haven't seen the actual magazine yet,  these images were texted to me by a dear friend in Massachusetts.  I'm working on getting some copies of my own, but if any of my Bean Town friends happen upon any, please send them to me.  You can read the full article here. 

Many thanks to MV for sharing the images with me.  That was very thoughtful of you!