10 things I can't live without - 2016

Last week I revisited the 10 things I said I couldn't live without back in 2012.  In case you didn't read the post or the original post, to clarify, these items are not essentials - I can actually live without these 10 things, but the idea was to use this as a branding exercise.  So here we are in 2016 and here is my new list  - a few repeats and few things that are categorically similar but not quite the same. Here goes (in no particular order):

Hong Kong - I lived in Hong Kong for ten years from 1980 to 1990.  It is my childhood home and was my parents' home again from 2007-2012 (during which time I visited often during work trips to Asia).  Hong Kong will always hold a special place in my heart. The smells, sights, sounds (I heard jack hammers on the street the other day and it took me back to being a kid) and culture played a formative role in who I am as an adult.  I like to think that my open-mindedness, love of travel and appreciation of other cultures all stem from my childhood experiences in Hong Kong

Ramen - This was on the list the first time around and will most likely remain on the list moving forward. Ramen and just about any type of noodle soup is my all time favorite food. I think soupy noodles are the Asian equivalent of pizza or mac and cheese - pure and simple comfort food. I am a total sucker for intense flavor and spice so ramen is a perfect food for me - hydrating, flavorful, spicy, and nutritious (when the right items are included - veggies, eggs etc).  I'm making myself hungry just writing this!

Red lipstick - It took me a while to jump on the red lip bandwagon, but now I'm a convert. I find that when I'm dressing up for date night or a work function, a red lip really just ups the ante. I could be wearing torn jeans, a tee and clogs and the red lipstick can turn what is seemingly mom-wear into something going-out worthy.

Sketchbook - Specifically my small graph paper Moleskine sketchbook. I keep notes in here as well as all of my concept sketches for new hardware lines. I often carry it on the train - it's the perfect size for my purse.  My sketchbook helps keep me organized and consolidates all of my ideating into one place.  I would be a mess without it.

Bryr clogs - I have a love hate relationship with these clogs. I've had a few quality issues with them, but I absolutely adore the fit and the edgy designs. Unlike your regular Danskos or Swedish Hasbeens, Bryr clogs are made by hand to order (the price tag reflects this) and the designs are way more fashion forward. They are comfortable enough to trek around the city or to walk a trade show floor without getting blisters and they really elevate any outfit.

Hermes Un Jardin Sur le Nil Perfume - As I mentioned in last week's post, perfumes, and smell in general have a way of taking me back to a specific time and place. Obviously, this is not unique to me.  Because of this, when I go on a big trip I like to treat myself to a new perfume at the duty free shops. Last year when Scott and I went to Portugal, I fell in love with the fresh scent of Hermes Un Jardin Sur le Nil. It's now my go-to perfume and conjures up such fond memories of summer and wandering around the beaches of the Algarve and the cobblestone streets of Lisbon.

Craigslist - I mean, do people actually still use Craigslist in the land of Chairish, One Kings Lane, and local Facebook groups? The answer is yes. I still find that for the specific item that you are looking to source locally, Craigslist is a great bet. From my entry console ($50) to Lucy's bedroom loveseat ($40) to my King sized brass headboard ($75), I have scored so many amazing items on the super cheap via Craigslist. The key is to know what you are looking for and to keep checking back.

Our house - Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I think about the fact that we live in such an amazing house.  Living in our 1879 Victorian also makes me feel like a real adult (for better or worse).  I mean, it obviously is an adult house when it comes to the amount of money we have to put in for maintenance, but also, when I think about what kind of person would live in our house, the person is a forty or fifty year adult with older kids - not us!  So it's kind of weird to think that we live here.  It's the kind of house that some would call a forever house.  And it will definitely take a lifetime to complete all the projects I have planned, so I certainly don't have to worry about ever being "done".  Stay tuned on the blog as we continue to make changes and renovate one room at a time.

Airbnb - As an Airbnb host for about six months now I have a new appreciation of this site. It provides us with supplemental income for our household, and the user interface and hosting system is really top notch. But I also love Airbnb as a traveller.  We've booked homes in the Fingerlakes, Portugal, New Hampshire and Maine for a fraction of the cost of a hotel room (or multiple hotel rooms). Booking an entire home or apartment has become so easy and is so key when traveling with small children - I have no idea what I'd do without it.

Vinho verde  - This is my summer staple wine. We discovered it on our honeymoon in Italy (I guess the Italians have a local version) and then again when we were in Portugal. It's slight effervescence and lower alcohol content make it refreshing and easy to drink on a hot evening.  And the price point doesn't hurt either.  Go find some at your local wine shop!

Well, that's it folks. What are your 10 things you can't live without? Stay tuned as we explore our top 10 lists for the rest of the Nest Studio team.

Apartment Therapy Home Tour: Christine & Will

We are reveling in the Apartment Therapy love here at Nest Studio. Today, my clients' Hoboken condo was featured in an AT Home Tour.  Here are a few of my favorite shots (and my F-01-L hardware on their armoires).  Hop on over to check out the full tour.

2014 Press

2014 was a great press year for Nest Studio. Aside from having our house shot for the Apartment Therapy Book and having my client's work featured on several blogs, our hardware was showcased in a bunch of places as well.  From Architectural Digest Online to Domaine Home and AT: Maxwell's Daily Find, we received a good amount of screen time in 2014.  We hope to launch a bigger press effort this year (especially in light of introducing new products) and be on the lookout for more posts about our business goals in 2015.  In the meantime here are some excerpts from where we were featured.

And a list of some of the places our hardware and projects showed up this past year.

• Modern Luxury Interiors Texas
• Boston Magazine
• Architectural Digest 
• Domaine Home
• House of Turqoise
• AT: Maxwell's Daily Find
• ASPIRE
• Maggie Stephens Interiors
• New Home Source Blog
• Start With Four Walls
• Modnest
• Keppel Handmade
• Clever Girl Reviews
• Twinversity
• Green Spot Blue
• Domaine Home
• Material Girls

Have you seen our hardware anywhere that we haven't noticed? Please let us know - we love shout outs!

In The Press: The Chriselle Factor

Hi Everyone. A bit late, I know, but wanted to share with you our hardware featured on super star fashion blogger Chriselle's blog.  LA Closet Design CEO Lisa Adams worked with Chriselle to do a revamp of her closet this past fall. They used our Facet 02 knob in satin brass on her clear drawer fronts.  I'm sure all of you are drooling over this closet as I am.  I think I'm going to have commandeer Bryan's bedroom so I can create my own lady lounge wardrobe oasis of similar magnitude (he should do just fine sleeping in the bathtub right?). Of course, then I will have to up my style ante and buy a bunch of designer clothes (more on that later).  In the meantime, I present you with the below eye candy. Thanks to Chriselle and Lisa for featuring our hardware in such a beautiful space.

Photo credit: LA Closet Design / Chriselle Lim

CURATED NEST: Shades of Grey

In honor of the presenters with the least chemistry at the recent Golden Globe Awards, who will soon star in a much anticipated film based on the popular book... I bring you Shades of Grey, for the home.

1. Floor Lamp via West Elm

2. Candle Holder via Areaware

3. Dinnerware via Habitat

4. Ruffle Pillow via Aura Home

5. Zebra Pillow via Bloomingdale's

6. Barstool via Habitat

7. Wingback Chair via Schoolhouse Electric

8. Daybed via West Elm

Inspiration image from These Things

 

- Cori

Stylin' Mamma: Stumped

Stylin' Mamma has been a little stumped lately on what to write about.  Another post on holiday dressing?  Another post on clothes that do double-duty?  Sigh.  Such is the life of the blogger: we write all the time, and we inevitably go through phases where we get a little one-note.

So here's what's new with me: I've launched a lifestyle website dedicated to the 4th Trimester mama.  It's called postmodyrn and I'm so honored that Jess has agreed to contribute to our home/decorating section.  Definitely scoot over and check out her posts if you have a minute (I particularly like her tips on maximizing your space)...they really transcend the 4th Trimester and are relevant to all kinds of moms (and people in general).

But back to style.  This is San Francisco, home of tech startups.  So now that I'm overseeing my own little tech startup I gotta think about looking the part.  But what is the part?  Hipster mama?  Not sure I can pull that off.  Norm-core mama?  Comfortable and inexpensive but...nope.  

The startup world is notoriously casual, but there is actually a lot of pressure to look "creatively professional."  So if I'm having one of those What On Earth Should I Wear? days I try to keep a few key pieces at my fingertips.

1. Slightly distressed jeans.  Emphasis on the slightly: the idea is to look a little bit subversive but still polished.  The price point on these Old Navy mid-rises is a no-brainer and they are universally flattering as advertised.  I like mine rolled up a bit at the ankle, the better to show off my...

2. ...Ankle boots!  I have been searching for a fun, pointy ankle boot with a heel I can actually trot in, and just the other day I found it!  I love the delicate cut of these, which can easily swing elegant with opaque black tights and a skirt.  But I will admit that the edgier wannabe in me was tempted by these as well.

3. Jeans and boots take care of the "casual" so now it's time to add the "professional".  This J. Crew shirt is perfection - worn under a cropped sweater (or boxy leather tee) it's the perfect layering piece, and I love the way the long cuffs peek out from the sleeves of my...

4. ...Favorite blazer.  'Nuff said.

5.  Still searching for the perfect bag to cart my laptop around in, but for the moment I'm settling for a cross-body bucket tote for essentials and a fabulous, clutch-looking case for my tech.  And anyone who reads these posts knows that I'm a sucker for a killer pair of...

6. ...Shades, and an outfit-making...

7. ...Statement necklace.  

Dressed!

Postmod: Maximizing your small space Part II

Last month I gave you all some pointers on how to maximize your small space, from using mirrors to dividing a space up by function to finding pieces that do double-duty.  Well, here are a few more tips that will help make that 600-square-foot-studio or 2 bedroom with 2 kids feel a little more open and zen.

Use light colors:  Just like mirrors, light colors bounce light around.  I am a huge fan of a black room, and in many cases dark colors actually recede so they can make a space feel bigger.  That said, a light wall makes a room feel airy and bright, which goes a long way toward making it feel bigger.  Light colors also usually blend in more with the ceiling and trim which means your eye doesn't stop as often and the space feels more expansive.

Keep out the clutter:  Just as with color, the more times your eye stops on an object while moving around the room, the less you experience the space as a whole.  If you reduce clutter you reduce visual noise and again the space feels bigger - not to mention that clutter literally takes up square footage, so you are in fact enlarging your space when you purge.  Clutter also takes up mental space, so having a simplified clutter-free space will make your home feel more serene and give it a sense of zen and airiness.

Ceilings:  Go darker, not white.  I'm not suggesting that you paint your ceiling maroon, but step your ceilings down a few notches from white on the paint deck and you'll find that they feel higher.  A light grey is so soothing and much more interesting on a ceiling than white-white-white.

Grey ceilings, grey walls and clean lines keep the eye moving and make this kitchen appear more expansive. Source

Consider your window coverings: A trick that almost all designers use is to hang drapery as high as possible. Your windows may stop 3 feet below the ceiling line, but hang that drapery rod a few inches below the crown molding!  Your windows will feel much higher and the whole room will appear taller.  Also, don't skimp and buy the shorter drapes; buy the longer ones and get them tailored to fit. If you're renting, consider doing a basting stitch so you can let out the hem in a future residence.  If you already bought the shorter drapes, think about adding an accent band on the bottom to make them longer. And finally, if you aren't using draperies at all or would rather something more clean-lined, a fabric roman shade that has a sheer factor so that light comes in but that maintains your privacy is a great way to go.  And again, if the drapery is closer to the wall and trim color, your eye won't stop and the room will feel larger.

Drapes hung high and in the same tone as the walls make the room feel more expansive.  Source

Go with one statement piece:  Just because your room is small doesn't mean that you can't make a statement, but make your choices wisely.  Choose one statement piece such as a boldly colored headboard or a large piece of art above the sofa and let everything else play a supporting role.  A giant coffee table piled high with books might make a great statement but might not make the most sense in a small space where circulation is important.  On the other hand, vertical pieces like a headboard or art can be bigger because they don't take up square footage but give a lot of bang for your buck.

A statement piece of art and clear chairs make this dining room feel larger. Source

With all of that said, there is one more thing to consider. Some spaces are teeny-tiny and dark and often just hopeless when it comes to making them feel bigger.  Sometimes it's better to embrace what you have. 

Source

In a powder room that has a tiny window to an icky New York City lightwell, maybe it's better not to attempt the light and airy look; embracing dark and cozy is a better alternative.  Go bold with color and pattern and see where that leads you.  Perhaps you'll find that you love your small space even more.

Postmod: Maximizing your small space

Last week I shared a post I did for Jaime's new website Postmodyrn about how to design with kids in mind. This week, I'm sharing another recent Postmod post I wrote about maximizing your small space:

The unfortunate part of living in a cool city like New York or San Francisco -- or even living in the surrounding suburbs -- is that you pay a high price for space.  Often, we are stuck living in a space that works but isn't our "dream home", so to speak.  So we make do with what we have.  A question that I often get from friends and clients in high-rent areas is, "How do I make my space feel bigger?"  Today I'm giving you a couple of tips I've learned along the way, and next month I'll reveal a little more on how to make your small space feel larger.

Use appropriately scaled furniture:  So much of the furniture out there these days is huge and overscaled.  A giant sectional with huge roll arms might be great for the double-height suburban great room, but in a San Francisco high-rise condo or a 1927 cottage outside of New York, one has to be a little more concious of scale.  The good news is that many brands such as Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware are carrying "apartment-sized" furniture these days.  Aside from seeking out items that are specifically labeled as apartment-sized, there are a few key things to look for, scale-wise.  As mentioned above, large roll arms take up a huge amount of real estate but don't increase the seating area on a sofa. Look for sofas that have tailored square arms, tight backs and are not quite as deep to maximize your floor space.  Same goes for appropriately scaled coffee tables, dining furniture, etc.  There is something trendy going on with bar-height tables, but they don't work well for families (have you ever seen a high chair that works with a bar-height table?) and they take up a lot more visual space than a normal table.  A large china cabinet might work in your parent's formal dining room but consider a lower slung buffet that is open above so you can display some artwork and stage the top like a bar.

Tailored appropriately scaled furniture keeps this space from looking cramped. Source

Think of how you experience a space: Divide your space into zones even if you don't have dedicated rooms.  In my house you enter directly into my living room (my dream home one day has an entry foyer and a mud room).  I especially hate this part of my house in the winter time when we have coats, boots and snow that gets tracked in.  I was able to carve out a space in the living room that feels like an entry.  How so?  I delineated the space with a rug, and made sure there was a coat closet, a place to sit and a console for dropping sunglasses and keys.  Similarly, in a small condo without a separate dining area, carve out a dining space behind a sofa or in a corner.  Often times a bench or banquette tucked up against a wall works better than using chairs around all sides of a table because it allows the table to sit closer to the wall (because you don't need the space to pull a chair out). 

 In my own home, we've created an entry space in the living room.

Use furniture that does double duty: In a small space, double duty is a key word (or words).  Use an ottoman with a tray on top of it instead of a coffee table.  This works as a footrest, storage (if you have a storage ottoman), and is much more child-friendly than a table with sharp corners.  In carving out spaces within a room as per the above recommendation, consider a bench or day bed between two spaces. It doesn't block the view, adds seating, and can even function as a guest bed in a pinch.  Places like West Elm have a slew of small cocktail tables that can double as stools for seating and tuck nicely under consoles and next to sofas. 

Storage ottomans along with mirrored frames add space to stash stuff and bounce light around.  Source

Use Mirrors:  I'm not saying that you should turn your home into a Vegas lounge -- no mirrored ceilings please!  But it's true that mirrors expand the view and double the feeling of space.  Consider mirroring your kitchen backsplash (mirror is a low maintenance surface, easy to clean as a backsplash and allows you to see the party when you're facing the wall chopping crudites).  Adding a piece of mirrored furniture gives a touch of sparkle and doesn't feel as heavy as its wood alternative (although please don't buy the entire mirrored bedroom suite).  And strategically placing a mirror so that it reflects a view of the outdoors is a great way to make a space feel airy and open. 

A mirrored back splash expands this tiny kitchen. Source

Stay tuned for more space expanding tips in next week's Postmod post.

Postmod: Designing with Kids in Mind

Most of you who have followed along know my friend Jaime Tollas who contributes my Stylin' Mamma blog posts.  Jaime recently took the plunge into self employment and has started up a great web destination for new and experienced moms.  Postmodyrn explores all sorts of topics including fashion, exercise, food, and of course interior design. I'm contributing interior design posts for Postmod and I thought I would share some of them here with you as well.  My first post revolves around how to design you home when you have kids waiting on the sidelines to undo everything you've done.  Here it is:

As a designer and mom I often have the conversation with other moms on playdates and at the park about how one’s child slowly takes over one’s home. Snippets of the conversation often go something like this:

“Yeah, Johnny spit up on the sofa so I decided to cover our sofa permanently with a towel.”

or

“We had a glass coffee table but then we opted for this ugly wood chest that my husband had in college because it was safer for little Leah.”

or

“The house leaves me wondering if they run a day care center, and if they ever have adult friends over."

These conversations and experiences leave me sad and frustrated. Sure, I’ve had to make design concessions now that I have kids. We have baby gates on our stairs and I no longer display my antique snuff bottle collection on the coffee table. On the other hand, I firmly believe that you can live in an adult house with kids and have it be safe and beautiful at the same time.
Here are few tips on how to make that happen:

Consider your upholstery choices. You don’t have to always use dark colors to cover stains. It’s all about what fabric you use. Microfiber is very cleanable as are many wool based fabrics such as mohair (wool doesn’t absorb liquid). If you go with a cotton or lighter colored fabric, consider a slipcover. Usually it’s best to select a sofa that is already slipcovered, or have one custom made so that it looks tailored and doesn’t get messy. Slipcovers can be thrown in the wash or even bleached if they are light or made of outdoor solution dyed acrylic. One tip is to take them out of the dryer when they are still damp to avoid shrinkage and to let them mold to your sofa as they dry.  
 
Display your valuables, but keep them high. Wall shelves on brackets and built-in or free-standing book shelves and etageres (open-sided book shelves) are a great way to show off your valuables but keep them safe. Use lower-down shelves for baskets to corral toys and higher ones for precious items. Remember: if your shelves are freestanding, use a child-safety wall bracket to prevent tipping.

My valuable snuff bottle collection stays up high and out of reach.
 
Keep yourself organized. This is probably the single most important rule. In this day and age, when kids get showered with gifts and there are so many toy options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The key is to purge the items that are not used and to do it often.

Hand stuff down to friends, store stuff away for future siblings, but keep the toys at bay! Consider the aesthetics and durability of the toys your kids do have. A set of classic wooden blocks or a cute wooden car or hand-made rag doll is more visually appealing than some of the uglier plastic toys out there. It might be more expensive, but it will stand the test of time, and can be used down the road by siblings, and you won’t feel bad leaving it out in the open. 

Sure Bryan still has ugly plastic toys but we keep those in baskets and let the pretty wood ones sit out.

Corral, corral, corral! Shelves with cubbies for baskets and large open baskets for balls and sports gear are great. Consider adding hooks on the inside of a coat closet door for hats, mitts, and scarves and set up a mud room “station” if you don’t have an entire space devoted to this.

We don't have an entry foyer but this console is a place to drop keys and sunglasses and the basket underneath stores balls and toys.

I know it’s easy to preach all of this stuff and living with a toddler and a baby every day makes me realize how challenging it really is in practice. But it is doable! And don't be deterred if you feel like you don't have much space to work with -- in some ways that is the best challenge. Hopefully I’ve inspired a few of you to do a little spring cleaning and freshening up!

Stay tuned for more design posts on Postmodyrn.

CURATED NEST: Sweet Yellow

In an attempt to hold on to the very last bit of Summer, I took a cue from one of Summertime's favorite desserts and curated a collection of yellow decor and fashion items. Yellow is such a fun bright color, for closet and casa!

Oh, and you can find this yummy recipe over at The Kate Tin. She puts a little twist on your typical lemon meringue pie and turned it into a cheesecake!

1. Hang All / Schoolhouse Electric

2. Cord Pendant / West Elm

3. Shelving / Room & Board

4. Watch / Bluefly

5. Dress / Mod Cloth

6. Serving Bowl / Ikea

7. Stool / Urban Loft

8. Sandal / Shopbop

 

- Cori

How to Transform a Kitchen with Paint

I'm sure a lot of you have noticed that I've been seeking out various other projects now that our house is basically done on the interior.  I've been gardening like a maniac and much to my husband's chagrin I have been trolling Zillow like a maniac as well, hoping to find the next great house ripe for a revamp.  Of course, it's next to impossible to find something for the right price that is reno-worthy that also has our amazing proximity to town, trains, park etc.  But I have to keep looking so that opportunity doesn't pass me by!  In the meantime Zillow also has this amazing function Zillow Digs which is a great place to get and save design ideas for when that project does strike.  So when Jennifer from Zillow approached me about a guest post, the timing seemed perfect. Of course, kitchens are the best place to put money into a home from a value standpoint, and there is no better and cheaper way to transform a kitchen than with paint. Jennifer, take it away:

Kitchen remodels are expensive, often costing homeowners tens of thousands of dollars for complete overhauls. Some kitchens struggle cosmetically, but still have good structural integrity and layouts that don’t need rearranging. In these instances, dated cabinets, countertops, appliances and décor can be upgraded with one simple material: paint. 

Consider repainting the following four surfaces to freshen lackluster kitchens. 

Paint the Walls

Source: Greg Fischer

Select neutral shades, like off-white or light grey, to welcome natural light in the kitchen. Going too dark might make the space feel confined, and potentially deter real estate buyers in the future. Patch any wall divots or damages before priming. Using a high-quality applicator, apply smooth, even strokes of paint. Make sure to regularly dip rollers, otherwise the paint might dry out in bristles and cause fading.

Refinish Existing Cabinets

Source: Zillow.com

Rather than replace, reface cabinet doors and drawer fronts with paint. First, remove doors and wipe down the insides and fronts of cupboards. Cleaning is a crucial step in the process, since years of fingerprints and food splatters might compromise a smooth paint job. After thorough cleaning, prime the wood so the paint adheres correctly. For a high-gloss finish, use a sandable primer. Research paint types before selecting brand-specific colors. For instance, oil-based paints are best for long-term durability, but can be messy to handle. Latex paints specific for cabinetry emit fewer fumes, but don’t set as evenly as oil paints. Regardless of paint type, opt for a sprayer to ensure a smooth finish.

As long as they are in solid condition, keep cabinet boxes and frames. If doors and drawers have dated embellishments that can’t be sanded out, consider replacing them. Paint boxes and frames using the steps above to match or complement new, design-friendly doors.

Revamp Old Appliances

Source: Lexie Longstreet

Paint dirty or chipped appliances using specialty epoxy paint, one 6-inch foam roller, a foam brush and painter’s tape. First, wash appliances down with warm soap and water or an ammonia-based solution. Scrub nonmetal surfaces with steel wool to remove deep stains. Use the roller to apply paint and the brush to smooth out any air bubbles. Wait at least a few hours, preferably overnight, between two coats. This process can be applied to any dingy or dated fixtures, including refrigerators, range hoods, stoves, dishwashers and toasters. Match appliances for a polished, put-together look.

Create a Chalkboard Wall

Source: Martinkovic Milford Architects

Make to-do lists handy and messages visible with chalkboard walls. Choose locations close to the fridge or pantry door, so when items run out they can be easily noted. Leave important reminders about appointments and commitments for family and friends. Lightly sand shiny metal surfaces, like stainless steel, before applying chalkboard paint. Use painter’s tape to mark off the desired location, and allow curing for three days before use. Consider adding molding around chalkboard walls to conceal borders. “Season” the board by rubbing the entire surface with white chalk. Erase with a wet cloth or disposable towel.

According to the 2014 Cost vs Value report by Remodeling Magazine, major kitchen remodels cost an average of $109,935, with a resale value of $69,973 – meaning homeowners only get 63.6 percent of their investments recouped. Paint is extremely low-cost and especially beneficial for staging homes. Although basic, fresh paint modernizes culinary spaces temporarily to benefit existing residents and potential buyers alike.

Looking ahead: Organization

Now that we are about 2/3 of the way through summer, I'm thinking ahead to the school year and fall projects. While I'm still itching to do more planting, the heat and my schedule haven't been very conducive to digging in the dirt, even though I am very excited to share some of my fruit and veggie harvests with you once I start reaping them.  Despite the fact that our house is essentially done - or perhaps because it is done - clutter has been gradually making its way onto bookshelves, into closets and pantries other collecting places.  I call this crap creep.  Granted, some of this existed before, since my focus prior to now was mainly on getting things looking good and not on the contents behind door or drawer fronts.  And I've done several cleanouts but with a new baby and all her accompanying accoutrement and other folks around who don't put things back where they came from (ehem...), it's hard to keep things organized. 

SO.... late summer and fall are going to be focused on organizing around Chez Davis.  Here is the state of affairs and my thoughts:

There is so much stuff shoved in here. And we have an excess of dried fruit and nut snacks (although not nearly as many boxes of pasta as my friend Leda over at Hipster Hausfrau).  I'm thinking just some simple organization, backstocking elsewhere, and labeling will do the trick. Really any chance to use my label maker is most welcome and I think this will solve the problem of people putting things back in the wrong places.

This area was not intended to be storage but the ledge on the left side was the perfect spot so it just sort of happened naturally.  But the paper bags hanging over into the stair can be super annoying. I'm thinking some narrow DIY shelving, cubbies and baskets for extra foodstuff would really clean up this area and make it more useful.

We have two of these closets - one on either side of our living room built-ins. This is the left side and it houses a lot of off season stuff.  This photo was taken before I jammed a giant pack of toilet paper and paper towels in the top.  I think adding a temporary shelf to the top area would help a lot and maybe going through the coats and getting them to an attic wardrobe would help as well.

I've blogged about updating our linen closet before but still haven't gotten around to it. It's not horrible but updating the organization a little bit, adding a little paint, new drawer bottoms and some new hardware will take this pretty far (and how about some hooks or a little bulletin board on the inside of the door?)

Finally, the master closet. Again, not horrible. Scott needs to go through his clothes and do a Goodwill run.  And I need to figure out how to get lighting into this cave. That would do wonders.

Updates coming as I tackle each space - be patient with me though. I'm always over ambitious. 

What projects do you have planned for the rest of the year?

DESIGN BLUEPRINT: Rowhouse inspired

I usually enjoy talking about interior spaces and how to achieve a similar look. But something I have loved doing since I was a kid is checking out the exterior of homes, different architectural designs, and then imagining how I would style the interior.

I love this adorably blue town home found on My Design Chic and can only dream of how I would design the inside. 

Here's how I would start....

DESIGN BLUEPRINT

Framed Artwork / ZGallerie

Wall Sconce / Schoolhouse Electric

Dinnerware / Bloomingdales

Arm Chair / Schoolhouse Electric

Side Table / 1st Dibs

Pendant Light / Schoolhouse Electric

Area Rug / Loom

Basket / Crate & Barell

Bedding / Schoolhouse Electric

Table Lamp / Lawson Fenning

Candles / Haus Interior

 

- Cori

DESIGN BLUEPRINT: Balanced Elegance

Believe it or not, there's a way to design a high-end style space without creating a space that no one really wants to live in. The key is, like always, balance.

This home, specifically the dining room, found on Sukio, is no doubt somewhere I want to live!

Be sure to include the high-end pieces like the English-style chaise longue, black tulip table paired with mid-century chrome director chairs and of course the Alexander Calder inspired mantel art. 

 

Once you select these pieces to ground the style in class, then you can include a fun accent pillow, baskets and lots of greenery. These small details help the space feel more liveable and personable. You never want  your home to feel like a showroom, even if you have the budget to do so.

Here's how to get this well-balanced look:

DESIGN BLUEPRINT

Stand-up Mobile Art / Design Within Reach

Framed Art / ZGallerie

Black Candle Holders / Crate & Barrel

Glass Sphere / ZGallerie

London Chaise / Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Steel Candle Holders / Crate & Barrel

Abstract Pillow / West Elm

Black Tulip Table / Dot & Bo

Black Dining Chair / Room & Board

Square Basket / Target

Indoor Tree / Shop Your Local Nursery

 

- Cori

Stylin' Mamma: June Gloom

This is a tough time of year for San Franciscans.  Summer weather in SF is so abysmal that Mark Twain famously derided it, and modern-day meteorologists have coined the term "June Gloom". 

It's hard to get dressed when the calendar (and shop window) screams "shift and sandals", but the thermometer compels you to wear a pea coat and boots.  This might be the one city in the world where girls throw leather jackets over their Lily Pulitzer and wear tights with their peep-toes.  Fashion Capital of the World, we are not.

So here I am, your intrepid Stylin' Mamma, trying to find the happy medium.

I didn't invest in this pedicure for nothin' and dammit, I'm showing it off.  I was DEEPLY unsure about the Birkenstock trend but I found myself gravitating to these slightly more refined ones from Nine West (c'mon, they were on sale!), and I am digging them with drapey cropped trousers and a racer back tank.  Of course, the backless thing won't do for work -- or for 55-degree commutes -- so I'm rotating a few different jackets: a blush blazer for work or a classic denim for play.

I literally never leave the house without sunglasses, rain or shine, and this look calls for something  maybe a teeny-tiny bit surfer-hipster.  You can buy killer cheapies at Target or Old Navy if you don't want to invest in the real deal. A cross-body bag and geometric necklace polish off the outfit.

So now we've nailed the look.  Time to head to La Mar for a pisco sour and some pretend...it's summer somewhere, after all.

- Jaime

DESIGN BLUEPRINT: The eclectic sophisticate

One of the most challenging, yet most fun type of spaces to design is one with an eclectic aesthetic. It requires pulling from many different sources and styles.

This bedroom, designed by Holly Becker and Joanna Copestick, brilliantly coordinates a broad color palette, modern furniture and fun wall art. The room is both whimsical and sophisticated, not an easy combination to achieve.

Design such as this would require a lot of custom work, such as that duvet cover.... most likely high-end fabric purchased and made into bedding. The framed artwork has a very specific border color, most likely done by a professional framer. The rug is both the perfect color palette to tie everything together, as well as an abnormally large size.

Don't be discouraged!... There's always a way to apply any design style into your own home, no matter your design resources or budget. Check out my design blueprint below....

DESIGN BLUEPRINT

Chandelier / Lamps Plus

Gold Framed Wall Art / Accents & Art

Abstract Art / Crate & Barrel

Landscape Art / Crate & Barrel

Leopard Pillow / Target

Green Geometric Pillow / Z Gallerie

Green Bolster / Improvements

Faux Fur Pillow / Dwell Studio

Antique Wood Stool / Chairish

Bed / Room & Board

Bedding / Urban Outfitters

Nightstand / CB2

Table Lamp / Crate & Barrel

Area Rug / The Rug Company

 

- Cori

CURATED NEST: White on White

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

- Cori

Stylin' Mamma: Bachelorette

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