Hollywood Trip

A few weeks ago I headed down to LA/Hollywood to hang out poolside & visit friends. It was 77 degrees in the middle of January, crazy weather even for LA at this time of year. The ladies took full advantage of the vitamin D that was available. (My doctor said I needed it!) I met some really great people down there...all transplants of course and we played as you should when staying in Hollywood.

Myself, Michelle, & Boston Jenny

We stayed at the W Hollywood Residences. Our friend is selling the condo's that attach to the hotel. Part of his compensation package is FREE boarding in one of the condos...that are selling for $1M+

There are a few different celebrities that currently own here...a few that were pretty fun names! There are about 10 model condos that were designed by some top name Interior Designers. Craig thought they were too much, I appreciated the expensive furniture and great style! Check them out HERE or to purchase one feel free to let me know & I know a guy that can help you through your process. 

The real reason why I went down was to go check out our good friends new restaurant, Haven Gastropub. If you are ever in Pasadena or Downtown Orange you have got to go check this place out. It is hands down one of my favorite places. We went & had a nice group dinner with Ace (the owner/friend) and sampled 75% of the menu. I've been waiting to do this since this place opened. He did not disappoint either, everything was SO so So good!

We had a great time, had too much fun most nights, and caught up with great people. I can't wait to go back!

Oh Christmas Tree

On Saturday we headed to the Carnation Tree Farm (part of our "Shop Local Saturday"initiative) to go find our perfect Christmas tree for our new place. It was a wonderful tree farm with over 10 types of Christmas trees to choose from as well as great prices! They also have fresh kettle corn, a espresso stand, and santa that will take pictures with your hound!

My sister Alli found our tree. He was sitting all along and didn't look like much...Alli could see past this though.

We scored big time...this tree was marked as a 7/8 ft tree as was really a 9/10 foot tree. I thought we needed something bigger but come to find out it was just the right size.

The final product. I love it. It reminds me of the Pottery Barn tree, exactly the look I was going for!

The Big Reveal

I know you have all been patiently waiting to see the "Christopher" residence. I was definitely thrown a few curve balls throughout the project. I didn't realize that I would have to work with rock posters, old furniture, and "Cliff the deer"! I will be going through each room later in the week to discuss what I did to create the look and the budget for each room.

FAMILY ROOM

BEFORE

AFTER

DINING ROOM

BEFORE

AFTER

LIVING ROOM

BEFORE

AFTER

Enjoy!

Rustic Masculine Family Room

I have a new client who just bought a new home. He is going for a rustic look (in a suburban area). I am typically not one who does "Rustic" so this was definitely a challenge.
sidenote: he actually said he wanted a cabin/mountain theme...then he bought THIS house! You can't do cabin in the burbs...

Here is what I came up with...

The grey tones down the black and white tile and adds a masculine feel with all the light wood. I tired to add the leather and hides for the "rustic" feel. I have not shown it to the client yet but I am hoping he goes for it.

What do you think? Are you feeling Rustic Suburban?