Corners

So many people's idea of decorating a corner is to just put a plant there.

Almost every room has a corner and they are great little spaces to create intimate, interesting spaces in a room.  You can do so many creative things if you just look at the space and envision what could happen in that corner.  A reading chair and a lamp are always great option, as well as a stand with art.  If the corner is large enough you can even build in small corner seating arrangement.

I'm not sure I believe in Feng Shui, but the ancient Chinese claim corners are the storage energy space of your home. They say the far right corners are the love space and the far left corner is the wealth space. So if you are single and broke you may want to look at your corners carefully!

Just don't leave your corners blank and forget about them.  Corners need your attention too.

Rock Crystal SInks

I love rock crystal.  And I love,  LOVE  rock crystal sinks.

Carved out of a monolithic piece of rock crystal, these sinks are custom made to order and can be shaped into any design. They are very unique and give any bathroom lucky enough to have one, a touch of cool. It's not everyday that you walk into a bathroom and see one. Rock crystal or clear quartz, is considered a semi-precious stone and price varies depending on the milkiness or clarity that create the texture.  So the price will vary accordingly. Wouldn't you love one in your powder bath?

Rocks my world!

www.baldi.biz

Young Adult Bedrooms

They are not babies anymore but they are not fully grown. Young adults are a special breed and require special design needs.

I like to think of teens rooms as a fun place where there will be lots of sleepovers, game playing, tv and game watching as well as time out.  It's a space that needs some personality and in which a kid will grow up and have memories.  Let them select their favorite color.  Let them have a small hand in the design.  It is their space afterall.

Some teens do great with bunk beds.  Just make sure and have them custom made with extra long twin mattresses so they can grow into them.  And some teens prefer a bit more personalization either with color or accessories that mean something to them such as school flags or banners.  If you don't like pink or purple its ok.  It is not your space.  So let them be creative and let them have a bit of fun as they explore who they are and will become.  Just like we all made fashion mistakes growing up, we also make style mistakes that help us learn good taste.

Enjoy these great photos of well done young adult bedrooms.

 

White Marble Kitchen Counters

White marble kitchen counters?  

I have this conversation all the time clients.  Most people are under the impression that they can not use marble in a kitchen, much less white marble.  They are sold on the idea that only "oh so 90's granite" will work.   And I say, they are wrong.   

White marble has been used in kitchen forever.  All old French and English kitchens used fabulous white slabs in their cooking areas because it makes the food stand out and it is a sign on cleanliness. But the issue is maintenance.  And yes, there is a bit of maintenance.  All you need to do is apply a coat of "Dry Treat" sealer every 6 or 8 months and let it dry over night.  As simple as that.  It takes 5 minutes to do and voila!     Of course if you are sloppy and your kids spill food and you don't clean it up marble will absorb colors and stain.  But for most people that is not an issue and white marble is a great option for a modern or traditional kitchen.

Don't be afraid of white marble!

http://www.drytreat.com

Smart Home Systems

The hottest thing today in luxury homes is having a full on smart home system.

I have used many brands and worked with several audio system programmers to create automated home systems. Some are complicated and hard to use.  Some are limited in what they can do.  Some are becoming dated.  

My new favorite system to date is the Apple based, easy to use Savant System.  The company was founded on the the belief that home automation should translate into a user-friendly experience. And they succeeded with the fun and easy to use ipad or iphone touch pad program they created. With Savant you can control your entire home with the touch on an ipad or iphone. The systems works from anywhere in the world and controls everything from sound, tv, air conditioning, electric drapery, alarms, surveillance ,lamps, lighting, pool equipment, or water temperature. Basically anything electric can be turned off or on from your ipad.  

An ipad can be placed on the entry wall of any room so you can use it as the control panel.  You can also remove the ipad and perform the same functions from anywhere.  The only down side of having a Savant system, is that just like all of the automated home systems, the set up and installation process  requires a full team of programmers  properly wire and program the entire home.  But once it is done and once they have completed their work it is fantastic!

So get your house updated and get into the fun!

http://www.savantsystems.com

LOFTS

I am a huge fan of large loft spaces. 

Originally more of an industrial space,  lofts were typically old factories or work spaces which have now been converted into residences, art galleries and restaurants. These days, the sky is the limit and lofts can be designed with luxury and comfort in mind.  With their tall ceilings and fantastic light, not to mention many floor to ceiling windows that bring the outdoors in, possibilities for decor are endless. Space planning is very important,  and done right one can create an environment perfect for living and entertaining that feels spacious but still intimate.  

In big cities like New York and Chicago lofts are all the rage and very desirable to live in.  They are the new alternative because of th big open spaces and the coolness factor.

Would you live in one of these lofts?

The All White Room

Is it possible to have an all white room look great?  Is it possible to have an all white room without it looking like a Shaby Chic showroom? Yes and yes.

So many people are afraid of using white because they feel it is impractical and gets dirty too fast. But with the incredible new indoor/outdoor fabrics available on the market there is no need to be scared of white.  You can clean these fabrics and your kids and pets can jumps all over them.  

White is the perfect color for beach homes and is one of the best colors for contemporary interiors. And just like the perfect T-shirt is white, so is the perfect kitchehn counter marble slab.

Yes, you can have it all; style and practicality. So stop worrying and create a clean white space.

PROJECT UTOPIA

Project Utopia?  Sounds like and looks a bit space age.

But in reality, Project Utopia is an ultra luxurious floating island with four legs that extend and keep it still even in the worst storms.  Although designed to stay in one spot as an "island," the legs each have a motor that can propel it at a slow but steady speed.  

Project Utopia measures about 330 ft. in diameter and has 11 sun decks.  The upper deck is covered with a glass canopy, filling the top floor with light.  The canopy is made of glass so when the weather is nice it can be raised, morphing the upper deck into an outdoor pool terrace.  The interior boasts a movie theater, shopping, restaurants, nightclubs and a casino.  You can reach the Utopia by air or water, as there are four helicopter landing pads and a place to house and jet skis.

I have not personally seen any Projct Utopia islands, but how much fun it would be to design one. Can you image creating  your own dream paradise island and get away from it all?

http://www.yachtislanddesign.com/

 

WHITE KITCHENS

I am completely into white kitchen this year.

Some people feel white is bland, or cold or not appropriate for carpentry.  But I love white cabinets in a kitchen.  I think it's clean color that reflects light and makes any food stand out and look better.  For centuries white marble has been used in European kitchens.  And today it looks just as good.  A classic touch and a great alternative to boring builder "granite".  White cabinets look incredible in cottages, traditional homes and beach homes in combination with wood floors.  You can continue the white theme by also having your doors and baseboards painted white and add color in the surrounding rooms.

No matter is your style is modern or traditional. white is an amazing pop of brightness that will make your kitchen timeless.

 

Creative Sink Vanities

All it takes is some  thought and you can come up with a unique and creative vanity sink.

So many items can be custom made into a vanity and so many types of vessels can be recycled into sinks.   I have recycled old furniture and iron screens into vanities and I have used large clam shells as sinks as well as unique ceramic bowls.   

Some of these photos may also help you visualize items other designers have done to create interesting spaces in powder baths.   

Home Theaters

Home theaters are not just for movie producers anymore. With today's technology and everyone's love of film,  having a full on home theater is a reality for most luxury homes.

I have designed many home theaters and it takes collaboration with a great electronics team to create a proper theater because of the huge amount of systems and electronics that go into these sophisticated rooms.  Kaleidescope systems, professional surround sound systems and 3D screens, T1 universal remotes and many other cool toys are all used to create the magic. But there is also a lot of fantasy and creativity.  Everything from fiber optic stars on ceilings, bars with creature comforts, to electronic drapery and electronic seating makes designing a home theater fun.  

And the best part?  The popcorn machine!

Game Rooms

One of the most luxurious perks of having a large home is having the space available to have a game room.

But what is a game room? It's a room dedicated to all of the fun activities a family may have. Everything from a home bar, a pool table, beer pong tables, photo booths, arcade games. karaoke stages, cigars and humidors, poker or bridge tables.  Basically any activity that entertains.  

I love designing game rooms because you can really get personal and create unique areas with lighting and decor that is not appropriate for the rest of the house.  Some people like sports and a game room is a great place to hang sports memorabilia.  Some people like music and a game room can be a great place for a juke box or old record collections.  But most of all a game room is a place of gathering with family and friends and a place memories will happen.  Making it comfortable and making it fun is the goal.

What's your favorite game room activity?

Pretty Powder Baths

One of the most hospitable things you can do for your your house guests is to have a pretty powder room.

A small guest bathroom that is not used by the family is the perfect place to be dramatic and show your design style.  You can use a different color paint, or a special wallpaper to enhance the space.  You can set out beautiful candles or bath products on the vanity.  You can put an antique wall hung mirror or hand artwork that speaks to you.  Its basically a room you can have fun with knowing its not a utilitarian workhorse space and that it will be a welcoming place for guests.

So have fun, set out fresh flowers, decorate and don't forget about  your guest bathroom.

Living in a Cave

A new trend in Green Architecture?  Living in a cave.

But not just any cave, a luxury home built into a cave.  Its a natural way to insulate a residence and it is energy efficient.  Underground spaces are also very quiet and provide tranquility from road noise. These underground homes utilize the beauty of nature and leave the natural surrounding virtually undisturbed.  Its the blending of architecture and environmental harmony.

But this idea of living in a cave is not new.  Greece, Turkey & Israel all have luxury hotels built into caves.  People have been hollowing out caves since the beginning of time to create shelter. Many old civilizations constructed entire cities built into mountains.  The best example is the ancient city of Petra in Jordan with its beautifully carved columns and detailed facade.

Could you live in a cave?

My Own Private Island...

The definition of luxury is changing and living in a huge 22 thousand square foot home is not nesesarily the most desireble asset anymore.  But owning and living on a private island is truly a luxury!

A private island gives you the ability to have full privacy, a casual, natural, beach environment that is peaceful and relaxing.  It's probably why so many celebrities and executives opt for owning private island getaways. Marlon Brando's South Pacific island was one of the first and has since been followed by Richard Branson's Necker Island, Leonardo De Caprio's Belize island, Mel Gibson's Mango island,  and the huge amounts of private islands in the Bahamas owned by stars such as Nicholas Cage, David Copperfield, Faith Hill, Eddie Murphy and Johnny Depp.

I'm dreaming of private islands today.  

http://www.privateislandsmag.com

 

 

One of my Kitchens in CH+D

I love California Home + Design Magazine. And I love them even more when they publish my work!  

I am very excited to show off one of our beautiful, ethic inspired, fun and colorful kitchens.The cabinets were custom made, the tile is custom from Ann Sacks, and the incredible faux finishing paint and plaster was from Sherwin Williams.

I added a photo of the dining room adjacent to this kitchen so you could see that space too.Enjoy!

http://www.californiahomedesign.com/inspiration/kitchen?key=1653

THE HEARST CASTLE

Unlike Europe, here in America we don't have a plethora of old castles.  But between Los Angeles and San Francisco in San Simeon, California we do have the Hearst Castle.  

William Hearst, creator of  Hearst Publishing, built himself a  mega-home, the site of many tales, extravagant parties and hosted incredible guests such as Clark Gable, Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow and Howard Hughes.  Decked with a full on zoo, an airport, 127 acres of expansive rambling gardens, two grandiose swimming pools, movie theater, tennis courts, 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, and incredible views of the Pacific ocean, it is a truly decadent residence worth seeing.  Its Spanish Revival architecture and detailed finishes are unrivaled in America and it gives us a glimpse into the grandiose lives of the great American magnates of the 19th century.  

Once William Hearst passed away, the property fell into the same fate as most castles and had to be donated to the  state of California and declared a national park because of the cost of upkeep. Today you can tour this beautiful estate’s interior and grounds.  It is  open for occasional summer barbeques and has holiday events.   

If only Hearst Castle’s walls could talk!

http://lxtv.com/openhousenational/video/10412

http://www.hearstcastle.org/

 

Over 3,500 square feet

I submitted photos several months ago for an A.S.I.D. design contest.  I had forgotten all about it.

I got a call yesterday afternoon from the A.S.I.D. office informing me that I won the first prize for "Design Excellence Awards in Best Residential project over 3,500 s.f."   I am so excited and over the moon.  Everyone in my office is jumping up and down.  I think today we will knock off early and have margaritas!

And of course a big thanks to Miss Suzanne for selecting my team and giving us the opportunity to work on her home. It was an honor!

don't forget the hallways

Don't Forget the hallways!

A hallway needs to be decorated and accessorized just like a room.  Leaving it blank and empty is not only a wasted opportunity but also boring.  Hang artwork, find great runner rugs, find a chandelier. Make it a space and don't let it just be an empty walkway.

Here are a few great photos of well thought out hallways that continue the feel of the home and carry and transition you from room to room.

Antilia - the most expensive home in the world

Mukesh and Nita Ambani ( India’s Richest man and world’s 5^th richest person) hired famed Hirsch Bedner and Associates to build and design his 4 million square foot home in South Mumbai called “Antilia”.  The 27 floor structure is considered the most expensive residence in the world at an estimated cost of one billion dollars. 

 About a staff of 600 have been hired to maintain the home. 6 floors are for parking for staff, visitors and the 160 family cars. Some of the home’s key amenities include a health spa, multiple swimming pools, a 50 seat theatre, dancing studio and ballroom and 2 floors of guest apartments. There are several floors dedicated to staff activities such as kitchens, laundry facilities and other services. The decor is described as a mix of Asian contemporary and traditional, similar to the Mandarin Oriental hotel in New York, the couples favorite hotel.  The building also has three helipads and its own air traffic control. It boast the tallest living garden wall in the world.  It’s a seamless vertical garden that encompasses all walls of the building.

If I had a billion dollars to spend on a new home ... I'm not quite sure I would build in Mumbai...

Candyscape

 Nick and Christian Candy - the owners of Candy & Candy interiors in London – have purchased a seventy million Euro yacht they are calling “Candyscape”. It will be a floating PR extravaganza boasting the teams incredible work and hosting parties to celebrities and executives all over the world. Much like a floating showroom. To them, it’s a work expense!

 And the interiors will not disappoint.  It’s pure Candy & Candy and filled with over the top detailing and toys.  The dining table can be extended to seat up to 20, with service from two chefs and five stewardesses, and can be covered with an electric awning - or lowered to become another sunbed. The media room has the biggest TV ever installed on a yacht, a 103in Panasonic plasma connected to a digital film and entertainment library. When not in use, it displays a video-art installation. Set into the ceiling is a segmented orrery, charting the positions of the planets in the solar system, with metal-resin orbs and panels and a constantly changing backlight. The rosewood-panelled study is fitted with a 3D projector that displays the position of the yacht, plus real-time weather patterns via satellite uplink. The main saloon is fitted with a carpet made of a blend of silk and wool. Sofas are covered in special saltwater-resistant fabrics. The far end of the saloon is the formal dining area, and the end wall is an artwork inspired by weather systems and ocean currents. And if that’s not enough, the  jacuzzi also has a plasma screen.

 Nick & Chrsitian, if you are reading this, I need to be invited on board! Fantastic work!

 

 

Most Expensive Penthouse in the World

The most expensive penthouse apartment in the world?  $350 million USD! 

The Monaco property is called La Belle Epoque, and has quite a history.  It was formerly the home of billionaire banker Edmund Safra, who was found dead following a mysterious fire that gutted the apartment in 1999

The three-bedroom, 17,500-sq-.ft. duplex penthouse  has everything conceivable in it, including a library, infinity pool, secure panic room with surveillance cameras, media screening room with executive chairs that recline into beds, a dining room with platinum silver leaf paint, a game room with a pool table and arcade games, fabulous view of the Mediterranean from the vast roof terraces complete with mature 15-foot trees and an infinity pool.

It was recently purchased by a Middle Eastern sheik who hired the fabulous Candy & Candy design group out of London to do the $40 million dollar renovation (since I was unavailable that week ). 

What do you think of it?

Dressing Rooms

Every girl dreams of having a perfectly designed, beautiful,  personal dressing space.  Not just a walk in closet, but an area where you can sit down and put on your makeup, get dressed, and hang out. Throughout history women have had dressing tables.  But a proper dressing room seems so old Hollywood and so decadent and it separates the girls from the women!

I have designed several dressing rooms for clients and they are always fun to work on. Custom cabinetry with lots of drawers and shelving, mirrored doors, great light, and space all blend together as elements of the perfect dressing room.   

photo courtesy: Craig Wright 

Medieval Castle for Sale in Northern Italy

I'm dreaming a bit right now....but wouldn't it be nice to be a princess or have a man that adored you so much that he bought you a castle as proof of his love. A girl can dream, right?

The interior could use a few updates, but who would be complaining if this was their residence. The castle is 39, 826 square feet with 30 bedrooms and 47 bathrooms. The property grounds feature a Romanic chapel from 850 A.C., walls built between the 9th and 14th century, a Noble Courtyard, and impressive gardens.

As I am sitting here daydreaming, I am wondering who last lived in the castle -  prince,  mobster, wealthy businessman? According to Sotheby's description of the property, some of its noble residents include the houses of King Arduino, of the bishop Ivrea, the Holy Roman Emperor Otto I and the Savoia.

For more photos of the property and for a virtual tour, see the Sotheby's listing.

 

Images: Sotheby's International Realty

Beach Bedroom

I recently completed a bedroom with an ocean view and I used a cream base palette and just threw in a touch of light blue with the throw pillows to brighten it up.   I used cream linen on the upholstered bed, the duvet cover and the chaise lounge.  I dressed the bed in Matouk linens and added in 20" x 20" throw pillows and a long tootsy roll.  A very easy and fresh look.

Would you enjoy sleeping in this beach bedroom?

  

On the cover of Architectural Digest Latin America

I was so proud to have one of my interior design projects featured on the cover of Architectural Digest Latin America in July of 2010.

It's a truly beautiful home belonging to a truly beautiful woman. Her eclectic, relaxed taste is reflected in the design.     Working with her was a pleasure and being on the cover of A.D. was an honor.  Enjoy the photos of this beautiful home!