Maison de Luxe

I relish the opportunity to experience the work of fellow designers whenever the opportunity arises. I mean really, there are simply not enough glossy magazines on the market to publicly showcase the work of the many talented designers on the scene today. Luckily, LUXE magazine and the city of Beverly Hills realized this and brought to us "Maison de Luxe" - a designer show house featuring many of my favorite designers.

Martyn Lawrence Bullard's Morrocan inspired bedroom was a lesson in style and masculinity. Featuring many of his own fabrics, the space was simply stunning.  Barclay Butera delivered his signature all- american contempoary style in the second floor family room with class and sophistication.  Sheldon Harte and John Henry Kaufman remain ahead of the curve bringing drama and a mysterious glamour to the first floor lounge.

My favorite? Nathan Turner turned out the rec. room with timeless style and impeccable global detail.

Barry Dixon's wrap around drapes and clever layering of furnishings - brilliant! It's a TIE.

For more images visit "the peak of chic" blog where I conveniently borrowed mine from.  Apparently they did not get the same reprimand I did when I tried to snap a few photos for my own blog.

Design Gives Back

What a pleasure to feature these amazing and generous interior designers in my Home Trends Guide for Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine this FALL.

Luxury furniture manufacturer Jonathan Franc has collaborated with top interior designers as part of a philanthropic effort to promote design through giving. Brothers John and Frank Bossone, owners of Jonathan Franc, extended a very special invitation to some of the biggest names in interior design to sketch a custom piece of furniture for this unique opportunity, then turned to their amazing design team to realize each designer’s vision into the “Design Gives Back” collection.

Benefitting organizations such as American Cancer Society, amFAR, and Autism Speaks, just to to name a few - this very exciting opportunity to support and give back is at the top of our list of holiday gift giving recommendations. To view the entire collection pick up the FALL ISSUE of Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine at select booksellers.

DRESS CODE Strictly Enforced

I'm obsessed with the new Dress Code furniture collection from Italy, making its US debut at Cantoni. Inlaid horn, coplanar doors, mirrored glass, lacquer and chrome accents, and oversized seating are just a few of the distinguishing marks of this elegant and refined furniture line.

Robi Melerba and his family have worked with Cantoni founder Michael Wikkov for years. They have conceived and crafted this new luxury line to add to the others they produce at their Itlaian factory.

I can not wait to visit my favorite Cantino Showroom in Irvine to experience this sexy and sophisticated line of modern furniture.

Designer CRUSH

I have a confession to make - I have a little crush. You know, the 8th grade kinda' crush that makes you want to give up your lunch money and carry her books to class. Her name is Kelly and she's fantastic! Some days I find myself staring into space and imagining the two of us frolicking through a flea market gathering vintage finds together. Other days I imagine us jetting across the globe from one exotic destination to the next designing beautiful spaces together. There is something about her unapologetic design style that has me smitten along with literally thousands of others. The glamour, the texture, the unexpected, and the TAUPE. I simply love it.

In all seriousness, it was such a pleasure to feature Kelly Hoppen in the designer profile section of the Summer issue of Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine. Her brand is a household name around the globe and is synonymous with luxury, glamour, and sophistication. Hmmm, sounds like a magazine I know. Pick up the latest issue of Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine at select booksellers now to enjoy the full feature story. To tour Kelly's most recent design collaborations with Regal Homes click here.

Dear Windsor, thanks for sharing...

While all of Southern California was buzzing about this weekend's freeway closure and the havoc that it will inevitably bestow upon commuters, my attention was focused with laser beam precision on one thing and one thing only - The House of Windsor (and seeing it before access is squelched to anyone south of the greater L.A. area).

With only one day to spare before the tour concluded (the final day to tour is actualy the 17th but for anyone on four wheels - your chances are slim). I navigated my "carmageddon" equipped Mercedes Benz directlyto the gates of the exquisite ranch style home where the real journey began. Distracted at every turn by shiny baubles and vintage finds I was forced to retreat, collect myself, and refer to the provided floor plan to gain a sense of flow for the sprawling yet cozy compound.

As I strolled from room to room I felt "at home" in my surroundings. I especially aprreciated that for every "oooh ahhh" moment there was a "hmmm, will you look at that" moment around the corner. Windsor and her team of designer pals really talked this one through and the result was a truly cohesive and engaging tour. I could go on and on but I think that the designers themselves explain the experience best in their promo videos on Veranda's Online You Tube Channel starting with an overview from Windsor Smith herself and related video interviews from the participating designers.

In the mean time - here are a few promo pics to hold you over until the 360 tour is available online in September on the Veranda Unveils website. The entire home will be featured in the October issue of Veranda on sale September 20th.

Art & Light

This sexy light sculpture stopped me in my tracks and I could not wait to share it! Designed by Lindsey Adelman, "Burst" combines hand blown glass and brass evoking a cool nautical theme with a chic post modern vibe. The trend of light as art is gaining popularity in residential and commercial design adding a layer of visual interest to the all important aspect of light and space. For more inspiration check out LindseyAdelman.com

Inspiration in The Windy City

An impromptu trip to Chicago this week has turned into a trip filled with design inspiration and a first hand look at the diversity of art, design, and architecture that makes being a designer so exhilarating and fulfilling. My visit to The Merchandise Mart had me zig zagging from one amazing showroom to another but ultimately landing at their version of our California Design Showcase House. Conveniently located on the main floor of the Mart, this long term but temporary installation featured 9 of Chicago's top interior designers and some of the newest and most innovative design styles, techniques, and products.

If you find yourself in the greater Chicago area now through December 9th (yes, the virtual home is on display for 7 months) I highly recommend a visit. You can also tour the dream HOME online where you can read designer profiles and obtain product information from the comfort of your own dream home. Here are a few pics of my FAVORITE spaces...enjoy.

Foyer: By Buckingham Interiors + Design

Bedroom: By Michael Abrams Limited

Kitchen: By SNAIDERO and Shawna Dillon, ASID