Out And About: the piece. store

the piece. store, a beautifully curated clothing and accessories store in Lafayette, Ca., has become a favorite  shop of mine.   Owner and buyer, Renee Sitzman opened the store in 2015 and has since been scouting and purchasing unique pieces that not only coordinate with each other, but update any East Bay wardrobe in need of revamping.  I first meet Renee when I introduced The Cass Clutch to her.  I'm thrilled to announce that she and the piece. store is now carry it.  Take a look at some of images of the space and Renee's very special collection of carefully selected fashion pieces. 

If you love fashion, but your schedule doesn't allow you to shop in San Francisco and beyond, you can now stay current and chic on a local basis.  the piece. store can and will meet ALL of your wardrobe needs.  Located at 3569 Mt Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, Ca.

Cocoon Home Style Directions for 2018

Here are a few images that have caught my eye lately that I suspect will define Cocoon Home's 2018 style both for living and dressing in the coming months.   Fewer but bolder home accessories, statement chairs either paired or not,  windows with full on botanical views, curved sofas, feminine pleats, confident blazers and high top sneakers.   Take a look:

An Updated Mid-Century: Before And After

When I was asked to update and decorate this mid-century home, I will admit to have been quite excited.  Living in a mid-century house myself, I'm well aware of the characteristics and materials used during that era and have grown to appreciate and love them.   Themselves fans of the architecture and design of the time, my clients wanted to honor them as well, without completely appointing their space purely with iconic period pieces.  

We first focused on the living room, dining area and entry way.  A furniture layout was created to give the space better flow and plenty of seating for family and friends.  With the use of textiles and color, we brought those areas together for a fluid, cohesive feel.  Heath Ceramic wallpaper was hung in the entry to brighten it up.  Clean-lined contemporary furniture, carefully curated accessories (mostly their own) were added to the living areas and focal lighting was installed.  Presently, the home represents the clients' aesthetics while preserving their home's mid-century appeal.

Heath Ceramic tiles and sheet rock replaced the brick fireplace as a dramatic update, creating a true focal point for the space.

Moroccan poufs flank the oversized coffee table for extra seating, while a black and white ceramic stool doubles up as an additional surface.

Two matching occasional chairs found at a consignment shop await reupholpstering. 

Botanicals placed by the glass walls bring the outdoors in and lend an organic atmosphere. 

Vintage prints my clients brought back from a trip to Japan, were hung 'gallery' fashion in the dining room, creating depth and interest in the room. 

Thank you BP and JP for allowing me the opportunity to work with you on your beautiful home.  

The Way We Live: A Writer's Coastal Home

While photographing Kristen Philipkoski of Stylenik modeling her Cass Clutch, I couldn't resist taking a few photographs of her home.  I suspected that it would be a cool space and was hoping to capture it on camera, which thankfully,  she allowed.  Tucked on a hillside in Pacifica, ocean views, crisp air and sea scents surround her cozy abode from every angle.  Layered with textiles, colors and patterns, her home is styled much as she is:  with a sophisticated, yet whimsical retro flair.  

She recently featured The Cass Clutch on her blog, which was a definite honor for me as its designer.  Kristen writes about luxury fashion, design and lifestyle.  She's a regular contributor to Forbes, has written for Refinery 29, Racked and 7x7, and also reported on science and technology for Wired and Gizmodo.  She has a flawless way with words, with California fashion and, quite obviously, with interior decorating.  

Take a look at her home:

Many thanks, Kristen, for sharing your home with Cocoon Home readers and me.

Before And After: A Re-Decorated Tahoe Retreat

This summer we bought a 1970's Gambrel in Lake Tahoe.  Gambrels are modified A-Frame houses with flatter rooftops that allow for more useable interior space.  The house is not without its period quirks:  manmade paneling, formica counters and wall to wall carpeting.  Having said that,  the layout of the floor plan is very efficient; it provides plenty of space for both private and communal areas.

In time we will renovate key areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms, but we're determined to preserve the home's cabin like feel.  In the interim, it has been decorated on a budget.  I shopped flea markets, consignment shops and even our 'primary residence' to create spaces that are cozy and comfortable Cocoon Home style.

So far, it's been great fun.  We've enjoyed time alone and also with friends and family.  The home is located very close to Tahoe City in a community that offers an Olympic size pool, tennis courts and access to a private beach.  Our children hop on their bikes and they're off to enjoy lots of different activities.  

We're looking forward to sharing it and, eventually, to have it listed on Airbnb.  If you're interested in renting it before then, DM me.  

Take a look at the before and afters:

A pair of vintage Ligne Roset leather sofas from the 80's  framing the stone fireplace create the perfect place to chill.  The wicker Fox Chair is a find from the Alameda Flea Market, the coffee table (that came with the house) was repainted to match the sofas, and the large area rug was scored at a Berkeley consignment shop. 

Replacing the original dining area light fixture with the one from Ikea, gave that space a more current look and feel.  Although, I must admit that I can't wait to eventually replace the table and chairs.

The fireplace was stripped of its tacky ivy vines (why are people still doing that?!), the golf course image and the nondescript figurines and left in a 'minimalist' mode.  The plan is to collect ceramic pottery to line the mantel.

African textiles and colorful area rugs (from different flea markets) and brand new bedding from Target gave the bedrooms a fresh and inviting feel. 

I found this wicker sofa on Craigslist on July 4th and cajoled my MIL (who also loves a good find) to drive down with me to San Jose in her minivan to pick it up that same day!  I have no idea how we got to fit this beautiful piece of craftsmanship into her van, but we did.  At some point it will be reupholstered but for now I'm digging the floral motif.  The Natuzzi leather chair was originally in our twin boys' nursery back East, and has since moved with us a couple of times.  I'm so glad we kept it, because it fits perfectly in the upstairs loft area. 

We replaced the white plastic outdoor furniture with slicker pieces from Target which blended seamlessly into the deck space, which BTW, has filtered views of the lake and the snowcapped sierras. 

With each visit, it becomes harder to leave this little slice of alpine heaven...