Inspiration: Hardware 3

Thursday, June 26, 2014

I promise to show you guys some new hardware concepts soon - just trying to get prototyping done and not reveal so much that someone comes an rips me off before I can get things in production.  In the meantime though, inspiration abounds and I can come up with designs faster than I can get anything prototyped.  So here are some things that have caught my eye lately:
A - This Ralph Pucci Sconce is a stunner. The uncut rock crystal against the perforated brass is such a great use of both materials

B - Kelly Wearstler's jewelry is so architectural.  I love the texture of this ring and the use of the raw gemstone.  

C - I love the texture and facets on this box by Laura Kirar for Arteriors. Everything that she does is so sculptural and artistic.
 
D - This hanger from Carl Aubock on 1stdibs is so clean and cool.  I love the simple lines, the organic shape and the mix of wood and brass. 
E - This little bracelet from Madewell is something I'd love to own. As with previous hardware inspiration posts, I'm still digging the idea of cutouts.  Could be so cool on a cabinet pull.F
 
F -This check-in desk by David Collins evokes old school steamer trunks. I love the leather and brass strapping and rivets

CURATED NEST: White on White

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

I don't know why there's any rules about when to wear white; it's perfect. It might just be a California thing, but I tend to ignore those color guidelines.

And to take it one step further, in my opinion, you can never go wrong with white on white. This oversized hat, paired with a that dress is the definition of casual elegance. Don't worry about matching the perfect shades of white, mixing it up is ok too...

1. Backpack / Nordstrom
2. Knot Bracelet / Motilo
3. Blouse / Net-a-Porter
4. Overalls / Topshop
5. Pom Pom Socks / J. Crew
6. Nike Air / & Other Stories
7. Jeans / J. Crew
8. Camera / Samy's
9. Birks / Barneys
Inspiration image via Her New Tribe

Stylin' Mamma: Campfire Song

Friday, June 20, 2014

Last summer I wrote up a little post referencing Parent Trap-style camping glamour.

But let's be real: camping is actually a pretty dirty, dusty, and sweaty enterprise.  It's all well and good to dream about pulling off Betty Draper bermudas and polos with a straw bag to match, but at the end of the day it's like: What do I own that I don't care if it gets destroyed in the mud or eaten by a deer?  

I know this because last weekend we went camping as a family in the soaring heat of Livermore Valley.  Four humans in one tent means packing light:
Shorts: Deconstructed and dust-friendly

Tanks: Sheer and lightweight, with a flash of color for underneath (bring 3-4, in case someone "inadvertently" throws a water balloon at you or squirts you with a mud-filled water cannon when your back is turned, ahem).

Sneakers: Because if you didn't have a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old and it weren't 97 degrees outside, you *might* consider hiking.

Flip-Flops: Because actually you are facing the conditions listed above and you have ZERO plans to be physically active.

Squirt Gun: Self defense.

Comfy Camp Chair (and Wine!): OBVIOUSLY.

Sunnies, Water Bottle and Hat: Always.

Ditch the watch and embrace the fact that you will not have cell phone reception.  And never forget your sense of humor, sense of adventure, sense of flexibility, or sense of s'mores.

Now.  Get out there and enjoy the view!

- Jaime

Design Blueprint: sophisticated relaxation

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

When you're home, you should feel collected and rested. And in order to accomplish this, your surroundings need to be thought out and well curated. Form and function must work together, but it's not as easy as it sounds.
The living room above, found via Caitlin Flemming, is both sophisticated and relaxed, not an easy combination to achieve in any space. When accomplished, this is perfect combination for a rejuvenating environment. 

There is no specific color palette. This space isn't black and white, or monochromatic with browns and beige. But rather, it's a little of both, combined perfectly to look effortless. The living room maintains a modern aesthetic with clean lines and modern patterns.

DESIGN BLUEPRINT:
Floor lamp / Room & Board
Sofa / Ikea
Throw / All Modern
White Pillow / Society 6
Area Rug / Crate & Barrel
White Rocker / Lamps Plus
Striped Pillow / Dot & Bo
Black Pillow / Dot & Bo 
Wood Bench / Crate & Barrel
 

Curated Nest: Pool Party

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

It's pool party season! But pool party doesn't have to mean you throw your design aesthetic out the window.

You can include all your fun pool toys and juice cups, but add a little sophistication too... why not?! Your exterior should look just as good as your interior, even for a 1-day party.
Here's some ideas for your outdoor entertaining this Summer....

1. Drink Dispenser / CB2
2. Juniper Ridge Tea / General Store
3. Lounge Chair / Serena & Lily
4. Bird Feeder / Branch Home
5. Outdoor Rug / William Sonoma
6. Grill / Appliancist

Inspiration Image / Trendenser

Stylin' Mamma: Bachelorette

Thursday, June 5, 2014

This past weekend found me in Healdsburg in the NorCal wine country, loving some sun and girl time at my friend's bachelorette extravaganza.

The rambling party house had a long lovely pool, which became command center of the weekend festivities: tunes on the Jambox, magazines, and of course a whole lotta pink wine.

To kick off every summer I indulge in a little Old Navy mix-n-match.  The price is right and it's a treat to have a few bikinis to play with.  This year, as I officially cross into the latter half of my 30s, I am taking a little extra care of the dermis, tossing the usual caftan AND a sporty new rash guard in the bag.

In all, a weekend like this doesn't require much.  I am jonesing for a new weekender (ahem, the aforementioned birthday is just around the corner!) but truth be told I didn't need much more than a roomy beach tote, sunnies, two swimsuits, a pair of slip-ons and some flowy cover-ups.
 
Now I'm back in the city with the fog hanging low, but I've still got that post-weekend glow going.  Here's to young love, no?

- Jaime

It's official

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

I posted Lucy's stats and a few photos of her with big brother Bryan after her birth, but here is her official birth announcement and hospital photo (announcement design by my sister-in-law Soyoung Oh of Dogear Press)

Design Blueprint: Black and White

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

This living room, found on SF Girl by Bay and photographed by Idha Linkhag made me stop and stare, for quite a while. Unfortunately, Victoria Smith was blogging about Linkhag's amazing interior design photography and not spec'ing this room for us. 

But don't worry, I have spec'd this room for you. Or at least very similar furnishings. You can get this cool, modern and sophisticated look by using this blueprint below.
 
DESIGN BLUEPRINT:
Chandelier / Y Lighting
Table Lamp / DWR
Accent Pillow / Urban Loft
Off White Throw / West Elm
Sofa / Dot & Bo
Accent Chair / 
Throw / Urban Loft
Coffee Table / BluDot
Floor Lamp / Finnish Design Shop
Area Rug / Crate & Barrel
Shelving Unit / DWR
 
- Cori