interior design

california dreamin’: patrick dempsey’s malibu home

Let’s go back to 2005. Grey’s Anatomy was one of the hottest new shows on TV, and millions tuned in each week for their dose of drama in the OR. And of course, everyone remembers Patrick Dempsey, who played Dr. Derek Shepherd (aka McDreamy). Although many have left their obsession with Dempsey in the past, there is definitely a lot to crush over in his simple yet enchanting Malibu home.

Featured in Architectural Digest, this is one of architect Frank Gehry’s earliest homes. A studio combined with a private residence, this dwelling was originally designed for an artist, long before Gehry was recognized in the architectural world. Its structure boasts the bones of the 1960’s with an updated and renovated interior.

I’m loving all the natural elements. It just feels so comfy and inviting. And the fireplace log storage as a focal point = genius.

This is the essence of the California, laid back style. It just doesn’t really get much better than this.

The lower ceiling height gives this room a cozy, intimate feel.

A lot changes on TV over 9 years. Plot lines come and go, but architecture can surpass decades and generations. Great design and iconic places are timeless. And although I’m over Grey’s, this home makes me want to book a flight back to LA. Right. Now.

(photo credit: Architectural Digest. All photos link back to their source)

color story: coral + gray

Coral is natural, romantic, and playful. It gives off those happy, feel-good vibes. Gray is neutral, reserved, and agreeable. When paired with together, coral shines through, providing a unique look while emitting believability and flexibility. These 2 colors collectively radiate sophistication, whimsy, and flair.

My picks for coral & gray !

(all images link back to their source, if known)

accessorizing an apartment for under $300

Back in the fall, I was approached by La Sierra Apartments here in NB to spruce up a corporate apartment. One unit, in a weeks time? Well okay, no problem. The challenge: use furniture in inventory and spend next to nothing. SAY WHAT?? Every design idea I had instantly imploded.

How was I supposed to do art, drapery, lighting, and fun accessories on a couple hundred bucks? (I know it’s possible, but I’m used to accessories budgets in the thousands.) Sure, it’s easy to come up with endless ideas when you have a nice budget to work with, but this was going to be a little harder. A rug alone could break the bank.

I had to get creative. But really, I needed to relax and go with my instincts. I was made for this. I don’t like paying full price for, well, anything. I’m always looking for a deal, and now it was time to put my bargain hunting to the test. And I had like 4 days to do it.

I started with a vacant apartment. There were a lot of warm, brown tones in the apartment (wall color, fixtures, flooring, etc) and in the existing furniture I was going to use. The armless chair I picked was in this fabric:

So I decided to pull out the grays tones and run with that. The goal was to combine warm and cool to create an inviting & simple, yet contemporary space.

I bought a 36×36 gallery wrapped canvas at Michael’s with a 40% off coupon. I then took a couple of hours one morning, busted out my (literally) 8-year-old paints and created a neutral abstract painting. This was going to be the piece that tied the browns and grays together.

Here’s what the final result ended up like:

The lamp shades, pillows, and drapes were from Target. The drapery was on clearance – jackpot! The drapery hardware (not pictured) is from IKEA, as well as the rug ($19.99), and floor lamp ($14.99).

These IKEA frames were under 10 bucks a pop. I took some pics of local landmarks (Gruene Hall, the Comal River, and the Faust Bridge) and printed off 8x10s of them at Target.

I apologize for the very few crappy iPhone pics, but it turned out pretty good! The only thing I would have liked to do differently is include some vintage bargain finds if I had more time to search for them. Where are your go to places for great accessories on a budget??

love it or hate it: Sherwin Williams new numbering system

So I recently learned that Sherwin Williams entire numbering system is in the process of changing! Many of you familiar with the system know it was a 4 number system, and now they’re going to a 5 number system. And the numbers are not similar at all. For example, Pure White was SW 7005, and now is SW 30008.

Translation: I’m gonna have to relearn all of my most favorite numbers again! EEEKKK. Oh well. I GUESS I’ll adapt.

The silver lining? Word is there is about a 100 new colors in this new system.

Oh and these are what the new swatch cards look like:

They remind me of trading cards. I think I kinda like them.

How do you other designers/home renovator/Sherwin Williams paint lovers feel about this? Love it or hate it??

PS. TGIF! 🙂

setting the table: 18 holiday ideas

As casual as our Holiday get togethers are, we rarely (and by rarely I mean never) set the table formally. But after seeing all kinds of great ideas on Pinterest, it sure does make me want to start! For those of you who intend to take your event decor to the next level, here are 18 awesome Thanksgiving and Christmas table setting ideas that look pretty easy to replicate.

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