At Home: Bathroom Inspiration

At home, we're gearing up for not one, but two bathroom renovations.  Built in 1953, our mid-century home reflects that period well, but it also requires modern day updates.  Two of our back to back bathrooms are a good example.  My initial inclination was to take these adjoining rooms and turn them into one luxurious bath area.  However, after living in the house for a few years, I realized how convenient and practical it was to have two separate ones.  Based on the images on this pinboard, I created a room inspiration that pays homage to the original design while incorporating modern amenities and details that tie into the rest of our house.  Since the bathrooms are adjacent to one another (and because I'm completely OCD),  I'm going to have them mirror one another.  Here are some of the details I have in mind thus far:  

1.  Wall mounted vanities similar to what's currently in place (minus the laminate counter and yellow sink.  Ugh).

2.  Brass fixtures and Silestone counters to tie into our recent kitchen renovation.

3.  For the accent wall:  a patterned tile from Fireclay Tile in Old Cairo.

4.  Remaining tile:   Fireclay tile in Peabody (which matches our existing concrete flooring perfectly).

5.  And of course, leave enough room for an oversized potted plant in each bathroom.    

 Follow along to see how these rooms materialize.

Botanical Inspiration: False Aralia

For this week's Botanical Inspiration I'm introducing the elegant False Aralia plant.  Its jagged edge foliage sprouts in a coppery color, then turns to a  deep, dark green as it matures.  Although the leaves resemble those of a marijuana plant I assure you, the two are not related.  Placed in a brightly lit spot without direct sun light (since this would burn the delicate leaf edges) and with regular watering, the False Aralia will flourish and grow into a large houseplant with several woody stems.  What I like best about this plant is its delicate leaf formation.  Especially when clustered with broad leaf plants, such as the snake plant, it will lend contrast and softness to a botanical grouping.  Take a look:

Remember, plants add life to any space.  I will be happy to suggest the right ones for your home.  

Update On An "Out And About" of January 9, 2014

Two years ago, while shopping for clients at the SF Flower Mart, I stumbled upon Farmgirl Flowers.  The booth immediately caught my eye since it was abuzz with creative floral energy.   Botanical arrangements were being arranged with locally grown materials to be delivered throughout San Francisco via bicycle.  With my trusty camera in hand, I began capturing the moment and interviewing the owner of this unique operation, and, of course, I had to blog about it.  

Just this past Sunday, Farmgirl Flowers was featured in the New York Times Business section.  What an amazing accomplishment!  The founder and owner, Christine Stembel had a vision of supporting local farmers by selling seasonally inspired bouquets while keeping prices affordable.  Is is so rewarding to witness a fellow entrepreneur get the recognition and attention she so richly deserves.  Here's to ingenuity and perseverance!!!  

Cocoon Home Style Directions for 2016

Here are a few things that I've had my eye on lately which I suspect will define Cocoon Home's 2016 style both for living and dressing in the coming months.   Free spirited botanical arrangements, bold patterns in uncluttered spaces,  statement sofas, supple leather for everyday wear and hanging plants in all the right places. Take a look:

What's your new year aesthetic looking like? 

Cocoon Home 2015: A Year In Review

About this time last year I decided to rebrand Cocoon Home.  With uber talented Dabito's help, Cocoon's modern and sophisticated look came to life for its website and collateral.  I couldn't be any happier with the results!  The newness seemed to set the tone for the rest of the year, which by the way, has been our most successful thus far.  Here's a review of some of the most memorable events of 2015.  I cannot wait to see what 2016 brings us.  Thank you so much for coming along with me on this incredible journey! 

Our newly renovated kitchen got lots of attention after being included in the Lafayette Juniors Kitchen tour last summer and being featured on Houzz.com multiple times last year.  Not only was our renovation on Houzz's kitchen of the week, but it made the top 8 most popular kitchens of 2015 [!!]  Thanks, Houzz!

Cocoon Home wrapped up its Beacon Hill project with a Prism Award and a beautiful spread in Design New England magazine.  Sweet!!

Cocoon reconnected with its very first client while taking on many new ones.  Each project very different from the next, but equally rewarding and impactful.  

Lastly, after a year of researching materials, manufacturers and designs, the Cass Clutch, a vintage inspired handbag, is ready to debut in 2016!   Stay tuned for more information on how to reserve your very own!

Looking forward to the future, feeling grateful for the past while living fully in the present.  Doesn't get better than that, folks...  
Happy 2016, everyone!!