Loving The Look: Box Car Coats

 

Most of us are looking forward to shedding that winter coat (even in Cali), but  as warmer days approach, cooler evenings still demand one.  The  ease and elegance of the mid-length coat is perfect for those in-between seasonal periods.  They're light enough for the onset of Spring, yet roomy enough to accommodate Fall's inevitable layers.  Take a look at some of my favorite "it" coat images:

Be sure to check out more of my favorite looks here.  Which coat are you buying?!?

images: 1./2./3./4./5./6./7.

Kitchen Renovation: Part 2

Now that the walls and ceiling of our kitchen have been exposed, new electrical wiring and boxes are being installed.   The valances, so typical of Mid-Century design, have been preserved and in some areas extended.  In case of any late night entertaining, we added a pocket door to separate the dining area from the hallway leading to the bedrooms.  This so that those who tend to go to bed early (mostly me) can fall sleep easily.   On Tuesday, the concrete floor affected by the renovation will be sanded, smoothed and tinted.  Things are moving right along.  Take a look:

Off The Counter: Seasonal Citrus

Before my kitchen was demolished , I experimented with my favorite winter salad ingredients:  blood oranges, avocado and red onion.  Using Instagram to document my culinary exploits, I had  few people ask what type of dressing I used.  So here it comes:

Mind you, I'm not one for measuring ingredients, so depending on the size of the salad and your preference as to just how much dressing is enough, your own judgement should come into play.

Olive Oil, Orange Blossom Champagne Vinegar, Citrus Zest, and Maldon Sea Salt Flakes.  Whisk together and pour.

I'm looking forward to having a kitchen counter again.  I suspect there'll be some serious cooking in the new space.

Thank You!

I'm so grateful and inspired by the overwhelming support Cocoon Home Blog received in Apartment Therapy's The Homies Awards.  Making it all the way to the finals is just amazing.  Thank you so much!

I look forward to more sharing of my design inspirations, special family moments and personal journeys with all of you.

Many congratulations to the other finalists, I feel honored to be among you.

Now, a huge thanks to Babik (my mother-in-law and editor) who has always encouraged and supported my creative endeavors.  Her efforts and devotion to Cocoon Home Design  brought us to the finals.  Thank you!

Big (Basket) Love

On a recent trip to the San Fransciso Flower Mart I was stopped dead in my tracks by the sight of these huge baskets.  I fell in love with their size, color and  potential functionality and immediately bought two for a design client.  Whether one uses them to keep wood next to a fireplace, to store toys in a den or shoes in a mudroom, big baskets can add texture and interest to any room in a home, from foyer to bathroom.

Below are a few images from my Basket Pinboard that show just how versatile these large woven vessels can be:

Are you a fan of the over-sized baskets?  Where and how would you use these big babies in your place?

images: 1./2./3./4./5.