fantasy vs. reality

You guys, I was dreaming of being able to get a really large gift for MYSELF this year. Like this dream light fixture:

Or this amazeballs holographic painting by James Minden. He shows at Guthrie Contemporary in New Orleans and I am obsessed! His work is etched in resin and changes depending on the light and where you are standing when you are looking at it:

Sadly enough, reality smacks me in the face. I need to get my brakes fixed and I also just found out I have to have my wisdom teeth out! Ugh. I hope you are all having a fantastic winter - I am heading home for the holidays next week and can't wait!
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exciting news

You guys, I have some exciting news! I got a dreamy job in a furniture showroom here in San Diego. It is called Sofa Designers on Miramar Road. I will be creating custom upholstery for people and also going to homes as an Interior Designer to help clients create their perfect pieces. I am so thrilled to be back in my comfort zone with design, since this is exactly what I was doing in New Orleans for the past seven years. I also cannot be more excited about the wonderful people I will be working with - they are the best! I thought it might take up to six months to get a design job in SD, and it took four - the perfect Christmas present for me!

In other design news, I had this amazing stump and zinc table custom made for a New Orleans client, and it is on its way to her as we speak:

This table is really large so I cannot wait to see it in person when I am in New Orleans in a couple of weeks. I will also be shopping for a funky bohemian mirror for my San Diego client. When we started she already had the sofa, chair and pillows, and didn't like any of it.

We have added a stone and wood coffee table, white cowhide, fig tree, white side table and green glass lamp, and beautiful abstract painting.

It is already a million times warmer, but we need a huge mirror, colorful pillows, a floor pouf and throw blanket for more impact. They spent good money on the sectional and chair and unfortunately it is all just the same color as the walls, so we have to create some texture and interest.

I hope you are all having an amazing holiday season. I am looking forward to lots more design work and blog posts in the New Year as I begin working here in San Diego. Have a great week!
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got to get now

When looking at interiors, it is often the photographer who makes all the difference. The exact same space may not inspire you in person, but when seen through the photographer's lens suddenly it is moody, airy, solemn or joyful. Undoubtedly the most famous interiors photographer in the world is Francois Halard. I am obsessed with every space he photographs, and it is probably because of his eye. This book would make a great gift this Christmas for anyone who appreciates art, interiors, photography, or just plain old pretty books. Happy shopping!
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Pop Art for nurseries

It is getting harder and harder to find cute art for nurseries. How great are these posters from Sweden's Modern Museum of Art? I love the lion and tiger together, or the King and Queen together. Adorable, and about $50 each!
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dress for success

I love to wear dresses to work. I live in leather pants in the fall, and jeans in the summer, but I dream of having a job where I can wear edgy, creative dresses every day. Here are the two I am craving right now. Don't they say - "Dress for the job you WANT, not the job you have"?
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DVF wool boucle with leather trim - in my fave color!

Tibi jersey and leather dress

coat obsessed

Do you ever find yourself drawn to completely irrational things over and over again? In interior design for me it is tabletop items. I have never hosted a dinner party in my life, and I have several sets of plates, napkins, and utensils. I just love imagining the beautiful table all set with interesting pieces - though they are rarely used.

In fashion I am obsessed with coats. I have lived in Mexico steps from the beach, in the swamp heat of Louisiana, and now I am in sunny San Diego, and I cannot stop obsessing over coats. I have always loved them and I have several gorgeous ones. What I do not have is a puffer coat. I like the longer length and intense black hue of this Zara one.

What do you obsess over?
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art to try

You guys know I like to create the art in my design projects. Here are some of the works I have done:

yellow inkblots - just paper and india ink

Geometric painting - easy with painter's tape!

I did these Natasha Law inspired paintings on paper - hers are on aluminum

I did this by scraping the paint on with a plastic spoon

Next I need to do something for my bedroom. Here are a few paintings that are inspiring me - this one in the J Crew offices is so simple. I think instead of "Mirror" mine would say "Wake Up" since it would be the first thing I would see in the morning!

Or how about this colorful one from Kelly Wearstler's office? I think something similar could be created with crepe paper strips and decoupage glue.

I have always loved these black paintings with white dripped over. Seems like it would be pretty simple (and fun!) to recreate...

JoAnn's Crafts is having a 50% off sale on canvases right now - so get inspired and go create some art!
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