Before / After

January 23, 2020

Interior design can really be transformative- to your space and to your life. How we live and function in our homes influences our lives more than we are often aware of.

We need our houses, apartments, condos, our tiny homes, our mobile homes, our homes away from home, we these spaces that we engage with so intimately, to work for us, to serve not only our needs but to enhance our psyches, to elevate our interior- and our inner- experience. Even when we travel. I have been known to move furniture in hotel rooms. Because in temporary arrangements, even when you’re just passing through, go for the best flow you can, right? And if you’ve got to move shit around a bit, so be it. Just put things back when you leave. ♡

Setting up shop

November 14, 2019

I am setting up shop, this Dec 14th @headwestmarketplace @hangar1distillery at Alameda Point, 11-5pm.

This will be my first time as a marketplace seller. So to get a feel for the scene, I went to one.

The overall vibe was very engaging and not overwhelming. There was fun music (ukulele girl band!) and all the vendors I spoke to were really genuine. They were selling cool, original stuff, at really good price points, especially considering the hand-made factor. Lots of local items, as well as imported goods with a cause and story.

I noted the tables people used and how they set up their booths. All very useful and really the main purpose of my scouting trip.

Then I came around the corner. A bright red and pink frazada called out to me @culturalthreads booth.

**Frazadas are thick enough to be a blanket or a floor covering. Or a morning wrap if you live in the Andes (where these are made).**

My first thought was, ‘I must have this color in my life!’.

But impulsive purchasing was not on the agenda that day. I was there with a mission and would not be derailed. It also occurred to me, that I was in need of a starting point, and this blanket could be that. No matter where a design concept starts, whether it’s with art, or a color palette, or a tiny heirloom treasure, the initial thread must be compelling. It must move you. It must have a story.

So, I stepped back and had a think.

How could I use this in my display? My brand colors are definitely not red and pink. Who says my booth has to be in only branded colors? Hmmm, yes of course, a winter theme!

In love with my theme, I still had to figure out what table sizes would work in a 6’x 6’ box and leave room for browsing. I’ve never had to plan out such a small space. When in doubt, tape it out. — In love with my theme, I still had to figure out what table sizes would work in a 6’x 6’ box and leave room for browsing. I’ve never had to plan out such a small space. **When in doubt, tape it out.**

In all of 5 minutes, the puzzle pieces gelled and I saw it. Not on a wall, but on the floor. I would use it as a rug, layered under another. Pops of pink and red peeking out of black and white. I’ll call it ‘Ephemeral winter in love’. No, there’s no name, I just made that up. Such a dork. Are you still talking, Libra? :)

Step out in the direction of your dreams and the whole universe conspires with you.

Once upon a time I had romantic notions of having a little shop. And while that’s no longer in my focus, I have always wanted to have a pillow collection.

Which brings me to what I'll be selling.

The Perfect Eye Pillows

These babies made with soft cotton in unique pattern combos, filled with a weighted amount of organic flax and a dash of dried lavender. Removable inserts so you can wash the covers. Each pillow is one-of-a-kind, handmade by me with a love vibration, in a smoke-free space.

Sofa Pillows 12 x 20

In neutral, go-with-anything background, it’s the vintage trims that will bring the funk, for that rocknroll pop of color. Made to be a WOW factor. Filled with the best down-alternative inserts you can find. Feels like heaven, without feathers! Limited quantity.

the tiniest of sneak peeks- sofa pillows

So, mark your calendars for Dec. 14th, 11-5, 2505 Monarch St., Alameda 94501

In the meantime, follow along on the gram for my travel pics. We’ll soon be off to Israel for two weeks. Ciao for now xox L

Go Custom!

September 10, 2019

Did you know that custom furniture can change your life? It’s a design secret that isn’t really a secret.

Say for instance, you’ve always wanted a round dining table, but the right size for your space is not readily available.

Or you need a media cabinet that is this tall x this wide but it just does not exist. No problem.

Maybe you want a serving buffet with removable shelves so you can climb in and hide every now and then? I think i want one, too.

No two homes are the same. finding exactly the right thing in the finish you want, in the size, style, with the detail you need and the right number of drawers or detachable leaves…well, this is what custom furniture is all about and why it makes sense.

Going custom enhances lives.

Here’s some of the custom pieces I’ve designed through the years. Click on each image for details.

Email me

need something custom for your home? let’s talk!

Better lighting in 3 steps

August 8, 2019

Q: How can I fix the lighting in my room?
A: Great question! Here are three steps you can take to dramatically improve your lighting.

Step 1. Install Dimmers!

Super basic plug in style: Lutron Credenza Plug-In Dimmer
Wall mount w/ remote control: Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Dimmer + Remote can be installed on the wall, in place of your existing light switch. It works with incandescent, LED and halogen bulbs, which is awesome. If you add a Caseta hub, you can connect with Google Home, Alexa, etc and make it all voice activated.
2. Philips Hue- see below

Step 2. Layer!

Effective lighting is layered lighting. A well-lit living space will always have a mix of different types of lights, addressing different functions within the room.

Step 3. Update your bulbs to LEDs

A few years ago, when LED’s first came out, they were really yucky- cold, harsh, and rudely unflattering. But times have changed!

Cree makes really good dimmable ones, high quality and no flickering.

My favorite bulbs are Philips Hue, with their high level of control and color options. Hue bulbs can be added into any light fixture, plus Philips also has Hue devices, like LED strips, uplights, and outdoor spots. Where Lutron Caseta can work with or without a Hub, and use any bulbs, Philips Hue works only with Hue LED bulbs and a Hue Hub. Both integrate with your smart home devices.

stuff to know when buying LED bulbs.

Lumens = Brightness, which means light output. Go for max lumens and adjust to your liking with dimmer.
Kelvins = Temperature. 2700 - 3200 is the sweet spot for soft, white light. Once you go over 4000 kelvin, the color moves into chilly horror status.
Wattage = LEDs are low. They will never exceed the incandescent numbers from yore. What if the LED bulb you bought says 100W equivalent and your light fixture is rated for a 60W bulb. No problem! The light output may end up being brighter than before, but you now you have it on a dimmer, so we’re good!