The Rad Trad Entry

Traditional design no longer means scrolled legs and fussy valances in maroon and forest green.  New traditional design, or "rad trad" as we affectionately call it, consists of bold colors, clean lines and a mix of more commonly traditional items (such as a colorful antique style rug) with more unexpected elements (like a vintage lacquered credenza).

1// A gilded mirror because the final check before you leave the house is an important one

2// A modern style in a timeless material, this marble lamp creates mood and layered lighting

3// The Darlana lantern is one of our all time favorites: angular elements in a traditional object

4// A place to put on your shoes (or wait for your other-half) in style

5// The piece that brings it all together....a colorful antique inspired rug with a low pile shows virtually no dirt and is a cheerful way to greet or say goodbye to friends and family

6// Sunglasses? Keys? Sunscreen? Dog Leashes?  The functionality of a credenza in the foyer is impressive...and it looks fantastic as well.  (you can even check out craigslist for cheap dresser, buy some new hardware and lacquer it yourself if you are DIY person)

So, go ahead and embrace your more traditional side...the new interpretation of Traditional is fresh, timeless and oh so stylish.  Trad is Rad.

Creamy Neutrals for Yourself and Your Home

We can't get enough of winter whites these days.  From Interiors to outfits, we love layering soft neutrals in creams, whites, grays and taupes with tonal texture.  Below are some of our favorites right now....

1.  This textured piece feels abstract and modern, yet earthy and organic at the same time.  A beautiful addition to any room.

2.  Cream sweater.  White jeans.  Yes please.  Now, later, always.

3.  A taupe leather cross-body with brass hardware packs more punch than basic black while offering even more versatility.

4.  These darling jute pendants come in a variety of shapes and we love a cluster of three dropped at different heights above a dining table for a chic bohemian vibe.

5.   Whether on a sofa, a leather chair or atop your bed, an African mud cloth pillow is just the right amount of neutral while still delivering a graphic punch.

6.  A more polished version of the classic wayfarer: tortoise frame, brass arms.

In your home or on your body, don't be afraid of whites in Winter.  Embrace the depth you can achieve by layering multiple tonalities and textures.  From your fingertips to your walls, there is always a place to incorporate creamy neutrals in your personal and interior style.

N3twork's New Digs

South Park is a small area in San Francisco centered around an oval-shaped park by the same name.  With it's condensed size and neighborhood feel, it is not immediately obvious what South Park is all about until you step off of the bus.  The place is buzzing (literally) with entrepreneurs, engineers and deal-makers.  The birthplace of Twitter and home to Google Ventures and Kleiner Perkins,  South Park now includes N3twork in it's list of impressive companies that lease space in the hood.

Shannon and I had the good fortune to work with N3twork when designing their new space.  After some renovation to expose the amazing brick walls and exposed beams original to the building, we were left with a large, light-filled open concept work-space and a variety of conference rooms on the periphery.

All of the desks were custom made with reclaimed wood tops and steel bases of different heights allowing employees to sit or stand as they work.  N3twork worked with the renowned design team at Office to create brand strategy and meaningful visuals.   We were able to use their skillful designs to further enhance the space.

Every time I visit N3twork, I am inspired by the culture born out of their collaboration with Office.  

The environment is energetic, hip and invigorating as they #fightfordelight.  

And, because no tech company is complete without one, we had to add a fully-stocked bar cart.  A little bourbon has been known to cure "engineering-block."

Cheers to N3twork.  Wishing them continued success... 

More images of our design work with N3twork and other projects will be available in the Portfolio section soon.

Friday Buy Day 8.7.15

Much like our wardrobes often need a little pick me up, this time of year often makes me want some fresh pieces to enliven my home.  This Friday we are bringing you some awesome (and cost-conscious) ideas to give your place the mini-facelift it needs.

1.  We absolutely adore this over-dyed rug from Lulu & Georgia.  The saturated, yet faded turquoise color looks fantastic with gray, beige, pink, navy...and the list goes on.  Use this instead of your boring Pottery Barn sisal to liven up your living space.  It is just as beautiful under a sofa as it is peeking out from under your bed.  Or try a smaller size in your kitchen...making coffee while standing on this beauty is a great way to start your day.

2.   Next up, this awesome leather butterfly chair.  Inspired by the Ralph Lauren Home one we drooled over recently (that was $4000), this one rings in at under $300!!  It comes in chocolate or ebony and would look great in the corner of your living room with a sheepskin and a floor lamp, or try a pair across from your sofa to update your space.

3.  This paper-maiche side table is the perfect way to lighten up a room, especially if you have a dark rug.  With it's sculptural shape and bright white color it would look great with a task lamp next to a corner chair or add one in between two arm chairs as the perfect perch for your cocktail.

4.  Depending on the pieces the home-owner (or renter) already has in her collection, Shannon and I often use art as a compass for the palette of the space.  This ethereal and happy piece by Jen Garrido lends itself to a fresh and collected space.  Try it on your mantel in a living room with blues and grays.  Or add it to your bedroom, with a navy blue campaign style dresser and crisp white bedding.  Throw a vintage Hmong lumbar on top and your bedroom will feel clean, modern and balanced.

5.  We love this white rose topiary (it's alive).  It is an easy, and low maintenance way to add greenery and life to your home.  The flowers bloom most of the year and the plant will last for about 4 months inside.  At $75, this is an economical and beautiful way bring the outdoors in.  Buy a pair to flank your fireplace, and wrap some tiny lights around the base.  You don't need a Holiday to make your home feel festive and special every night of the year.

6.  Lastly, this uber chic ceramic lamp.  Great texture, great size, and great price (under $200).  Add it to an entry console for a perfectly lit foyer, or try it on your bedroom dresser for a pop of color and layer of interest.

Much like a new jacket or pair of shoes for your wardrobe... a new rug, some greenery or a pair of chairs can give your space the little boost in confidence that it craves this time of year.

Pouf Possibilities

Shannon and I love poufs...oh the possibilities.  We love poufs paired at the base of a fireplace for some cozy extra seating, or wedged under a children's play table as safe place for the littles to perch.  We love one at the end of a chair as a foot rest, or a handful of colorful poufs scattered around a low-table in the backyard for a festive fete.  We talk about them, we blog about them, we have them in our homes, and we try to limit our "over-buying" of them the same way we try to limit our "over-buying" of pillows (unsuccessfully).  

Here are our Top Picks (Most under $200):

1.  We would use this striped pouf as kid's seating in a playroom, or peaking out of a rustic coffee table for extra seating.

2.  This pouf is a darling splash of color and texture.  Layer a few of these on Fouta towels in your backyard for the perfect place to lounge and sip on a watermelon margarita. 

3.  This is a great neutral pouf that adds texture to an otherwise colorful, or patterned space.  A pair would look great in front of the fireplace of a home with a casual or beach vibe.

4.  This mongolian fur pouf is luxe and stylish and under $200.  It's a great way to indulge in this cozy trend without breaking the bank.

5.  This batik pouf is gorgeous with it's washed out colors and timeless appeal.

6.  A perfect complement to other patterns in a room...don't be afraid to mix and match.  This one is a great addition to a mountain home, or would also be a stylish foot rest for that wingback chair in your family room.

Take a look around the place you call home and see if there is room for a little texture, color and pattern in the form of a pouf!

Outdoor Furnishings

Furnishing your outside space can be just as meaningful, if not more, than your inside space if you live in a climate where most of your time and entertaining can be spent outdoors.  We are working on a project in Lafayette, where the weather is beautiful almost all year long.  The Springs are warm, the Summers hot and the Winters mild. 

Our client has a stunning (literally stunning) piece of property outfitted with a gorgeous pool, gardens, chicken coops and mountain views.  And while she loves color and we will boldly use it in her home, we actually discouraged her from using too much color in the outdoor furnishings.  

This may seem uninteresting, but we have some reason for our restraint:  We wanted the property to shine, and we wanted the outdoor furnishings and decor to be timeless, not trendy.  It is so fun to visit places like The Parker in Palm Springs or The Viceroy where you are inundated with saturated color everywhere you look, but our suggestion to her was to leave that moment in Palm Springs (or on vacation) where it belongs.

Her home is a mid-century Spanish style rancher.  It is in a rustic setting adjacent to a state park, and there is natural beauty in every direction.  We didn't want to distract from this magical setting so we chose outdoor furnishings finished in iron and dressed in a light stone color, that is almost creamy.  We hung light fixtures that are a slightly more modern rendition of traditional lanterns.  We incorporated a little black, chocolate and print as a nod to the Spanish architecture and keep the rest of the space clean, and uncluttered.

We are still waiting on some additional furniture and the addition of an outdoor fireplace, but we are thrilled with how the space is coming together and jealous of all the chic pool parties this family will host in the months ahead.

What's Your Style?

People often ask Shannon and me what our favorite "style" is.  And at the risk of sounding annoyingly diplomatic, it is hard for us to define one style that is our "favorite".  I think why we feel so passionate about interiors, and exteriors...(and even clothing for that matter) is because we truly love and appreciate so many different aesthetics.  Shannon and I share a very similar style, which encompasses a variety of different genres.   But even as business partners whose styles are very aligned, we definitely have (and celebrate) our differences.   I am a little more excited about a monogrammed pillow than she is,  while she appreciates a funky side table a little more than I do.  

That being said, we've thought long and hard about this "favorite" look question and so we are prepared to give you our answer.  If we could pick only one style to live in ourselves, it would be a combination of modern, rustic and bohemian.  

 The above image is a stunning representation of a room that is modern while still oozing comfort.  The wood ceiling, and the wood beams that frame the door in combination with the natural floor covering offer a rustic vibe while the art and the shape of the chairs and the minimal furniture assemblage are clean and modern.

This bathroom.  Simple, modern, clean and oh so stylish.  We love the bold use of dark iron, complemented by the white subway tiles.   The natural wood shelf adds a rustic element so that the result doesn't feel too cold or harsh.  The design and color palette are modern, the warm wood and iron are rustic, and the brass adds just the right amount of glamour.

This kitchen is another dreamy space.  The herringbone floors are stunning, and are especially noticeable against the rich black cabinetry.  The antique mirror gives an old world feel, while the Platner chair is decidedly modern.  Salvaged floors, exposed beams, industrial lighting, and a mirrored backsplash styled with rustic cutting boards, edgy chairs and shiny appliances make for one beautiful space.

And there you have it...our favorite rooms are rustic, modern and slightly bohemian in style.  Adding the bohemian element is easily done with flooring and  textiles choices.  Add a kilim, a vintage oushak or a Beni Ourain rug to a room to instantly lift any pretension and often times add depth and color.  Add a sheepskin throw or a batik pillow to soften a square edged sofa.

We'll share a few of our top places to buy modern, rustic and bohemian pieces:

Friday Buy Day 5.8.15

Looking forward to another fantastic weekend, and thought we'd bring you some picks for your home this week.  Whether a cool new rug or an awesome new piece of art, both have the ability to make a huge impact in your space while neither are required to make a large impression on your credit card statement.  We're bringing you special pieces at ordinary prices:

Love this sexy piece of art by Oliver Gal.  The gold is a little more modern than a traditional red or pink, and makes it perfect for a living room or a bedroom.  Picture it hung above a mid-century dresser, or greeting you in the entry over a lucite console next to a vintage lamp.  It's bold...yet it's limited color-palette makes it a really versatile piece to add to your collection.  At $189 (from $356) it is a great price for a timeless, yet sassy symbol.

Next up: Moroccan leather poufs.  I'm sure you've seen these in a variety of stores, magazines and online...and for good reason.  They are a really easy way to pack a punch without draining your bank account.  These come in every color of the rainbow (and more) and look great nestled in front a fireplace for extra seating, or tucked under a kid's play table.  They're fun, easy to style and can be moved to the family room if you get sick of them in your bedroom.

Ah Mah Gawd!  How great is this rug?  Such a great rug at such a low price ($199 for 8x10..YES!) In fact, we were tempted to keep this as a personal secret but our dedication to bringing you the best stuff at the best prices prevailed!  Picture this in a home office with a brass desk, vintage chair and couple of those poufs we just mentioned.  Or it would look great in a serene master bedroom with creamy white bedding, a macrame wall hanging and a Mongolian fur bench. Monochromatic bedrooms are so soothing. 

It's mid-century. It's modern.  It's white (also comes in black...both are on-point).  It's brass.  It's perfection in a table/task lamp.  Instantly refreshes a side table or console table.  Would look fantastic flanking your bed, or add it to your desk for a chic work table accessory.  At barely over $150, this is a fantastic addition to virtually any surface!

We hope you enjoyed this week's Friday Buy Day!  Have a great weekend!

Styling Your Kitchen

Honestly, this blog post is less about "styling" your kitchen as it is about "de-cluttering" your kitchen.  We are all guilty of it...the blender on the counter, along with the coffee maker and the knives...oh, and what about the paper towel roll, and the toaster oven.  Where are we supposed to put those?

Away, is the simple answer.  But we'll give you a few suggestions that might make this task easier.

The Blender:  How often do you use the blender?  Even if it everyday (which it is in our family), the blender is only used in the morning, so it does not need to sit on the counter and take up precious space all the while serving as clutter.  Clean the blender after use, dismantle the few parts and put it away (a deep drawer or pantry will work).  It will take less than 2 minutes and removing the clunky object from view will make a big difference.  

The same goes for the toaster.  Most people only use it in the morning.  It has one plug and can easily be moved underneath where it is typically plugged into a deep pull-out drawer, or a lower cabinet where pots are concealed.  We use our pots and pans as much as our toaster (usually once a day), so why does the toaster get to hang out on top of the counter, while the pots are banished below?  Doesn't seem fair, and doesn't look good either(:

The Knives:  How about a drawer?  I know it seems really convenient to have your knives in a butcher block on your counter but if you have limited space (as we do...these pics are all from our Sonoma Project and unfortunately not from my kitchen), every square inch that is cleared, is space more visually appealing.  My mother-in-law is the first person I had seen who used the drawer approach for knives, and it is fantastic.  She uses a shallow top level drawer and puts only her sharp knives in this drawer (no other utensils, no whisks, no spoons, etc).  Knives, just knives.  It is safe because all of the handles are on the same side and it is as convenient as a butcher block without the visual clutter.

As for styling the kitchen, don't do much.  Less...as in everything less...is so much more.  For your fruit, choose a beautiful bowl...an art piece if you will.  Spend the money to buy a beautiful piece as it will sit on your counter for all to see.  We absolutely love Hudson Grace for a chic vessel and they have stores in San Francisco, Marin Country Mart and Montecito.  Whether wood and rustic or white and ceramic, choose something neutral without a whole lot of color because filling the bowl with fruit, particularly citrus, will provide the desired punch of color.  As for other styling tips, if you are going to host items on your counter, have them be like-minded...meaning: gather all of your wooden utensils and place them in a jar, instead of placing a hodge podge of stainless, ceramic and wood.  The result is a clean, modern and artistic.  

The take-away is that less is always more...unless you are styling your counter with spoons and cutting boards from Hudson Grace.  And in that case, more is more (:

Try these small and easy tricks to see how much brighter, larger and cleaner your most used space will feel.  And the best part....it's free.

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Finding Perfection in the Imperfect

What's the difference between Barbie and a Supermodel?  A crooked tooth, a distinctive mole, a super-short haircut.  Barbie is beautiful...and perfect, but for one reason or another the Supermodel seems more interesting.  I'd rather go to a movie with her (hopefully a pre-screening of a Cannes favorite), I'd rather eat with her (assuming she eats) and I'd rather go to one of her friend's parties (hopefully in some edgy loft in Chelsea...haha).  

But, all stereotypes aside, Shannon and I are drawn to rooms (and love designing rooms) that are beautiful, but not always perfect as it is traditionally defined.  While we love matching nightstands with a beautiful lamp on each one flanking a luxuriously dressed bed...we also love a less tailored, more unexpected approach to this set-up.

In the Sonoma project, the vibe is eclectic, vintage and relaxed.  Having perfectly symmetrical bedroom configurations would not feel authentic, nor interesting.  We purposely hung the vintage artwork we found from sites like Chairish, and stores such as Stuff and Past Perfect in an off-kilter way.  Two or three pictures on one side of the bed, while only one on the other.  The same imperfection was applied to night-stands.  Maybe one is a desk with a lamp and books, while the other is a side table with a different lamp and leaning artwork.  

The result is look that is less contrived, more lived-in. Less meticulous, more comfortable.  Less perfect, yet possibly more memorable.  

A similar approach was used in the sitting area above.  Traditionally, you might see two of the same chairs opposite one another, but it felt more cozy to mix up the textures and woods by adding another element. The same goes for the black floor lamp amongst the sea of brown wood legs.  There are times when things that "don't go", really go quite well.

This "imperfect" strategy doesn't work in all spaces, and it doesn't work for all people.  Symmetry is visually soothing, and perfectly matching night-stands may bring serenity to the client each night as they crawl into bed.  But, there are many instances when creating an imperfect space is the pinnacle of style, comfort and chic.  Barbie is perfect, but sometimes we find even more beauty in something a little less perfect.

Friday Buy Day on Monday

We feel terrible that we didn't get to post this on Friday, and we'll try to never let it happen again...can't stand the disappointed texts and emails (:  Although not keen on making excuses, last week was filled to the brim with exciting and productive preparation, meetings and presentations. Couple that with some out of town visitors for us, and some out of the country visitors for Shannon...and the one thing that didn't get completed to our satisfaction was Friday Buy Day. Hoping that by posting this on Monday, it may offer some inspiration at the start of a new week.  

We've been focusing a lot on fashion for the last Friday Buy Days and and we thought it would be fun this week to focus on some fun (small or budget friendly) ways to update your space, or just make it feel a little more fresh for Spring:

First up are these barstools from CB2.  We have purchased similar ones in the past for over $700 each and while these are not exact replicas, they are pretty darn close. We love the cognac leather seat, the whipstitch detailing and the rustic iron base. At $269, these are less than half the price of their similar counterpart and deliver the same rustic chic style.  Add a couple around a center island or replace your current barstools with these stylish seating alternatives to turn your kitchen nook into a fine dining experience.

Another great way to freshen up your space for Spring is foliage. We love flowers in a space, and more economical than replacing flowers each week is investing in a large plant. A fiddle fig leaf plant is always a great choice, with beautiful leaves and a rich green sheen.  They are sturdy plants, and adapt well to most climates making them a great choice for a lasting and low-maintenance alternative to purchasing fresh flowers regularly.  These can be found at your local nursery or at many Lowe's and Home Depot locations.  Typically you can find a nice size one for approximately $180 and they add beautiful dimension and texture and color to a space. 

Another stylish way to freshen a room for Spring is by switching out your pillows. We love a good mix, but be careful not to overdo it. Many of us (we are guilty too) have a tendency to "over pillow" sofas and beds, when a restrained...yet artful mix is always best. We've included some images above of pillows we love...all found on Etsy, and all very reasonable (starting at $70).  

Lastly, a fun and free way to update your space for Spring is to move your furniture around! In the above picture from the Sonoma project, we rearranged all of the furniture to create more space, and a fresh new feeling in the room.  The leather chairs were originally in front of the TV and we moved them by the fireplace, the cowhide pillows originally lived on the sofas and we created a cozy nook by adding them to the rustic fireplace, and the built in daybed was originally covered in pillows....we took most away and added a few larger ones and one lumbar on each side. 

So, go ahead and put your sofa on the other wall.  Take the bench that's in your children's room and add it to the living room as a fun seating option in front of your fireplace. Or, move your daughter's dresser in front of the window where the roman shade and the streaming light act as the only art above.

Choosing one, or a combination of the above suggestions will add a fresh dose of style to your space...just in time for Spring. 

Styling in Sonoma

Shannon and I spent that last few days in beautiful Sonoma preparing for a photo shoot of a recent project. It was an extremely busy and productive 48 hours filled with flower cutting, furniture moving, pillow stuffing and picture hanging.  We were in our sweats and sweating..so when we were finished we decided to get properly dressed and head out for a celebratory lunch!

I am wearing Citizens of Humanity high-waisted flare jeans, a cropped boxy gingham top from Zara (oh, how I wish I could rock it without layering a top underneath...pilates here I come), and Jimmy Choo platform wedges.(similar in link)

Shannon is wearing Rag & Bone distressed denim, a Marissa Webb linen jacket and Rag & Bone booties.

We chose to go to The Girl & The Fig for lunch, one of our favorite spots. We ordered "the works" for a starter which consisted of an amazing cheese and charcuterie selection, homemade fig jam, a baguette and in-house spiced nuts.

I selected the soup du jour (potato and onion purée..sounds boring...was anything but) and followed it with a salmon and avocado crostini main course.  Shannon opted for the omelette of the day..... And Adrianna chose (of course) the girl and the fig salad.  We washed it all down with their proprietary label of dry rose of course. There wasn't an ounce of room for dessert, so we headed to a winery instead :)