latest posts
35 holiday gifts for the beautiful weirdos in your life
unravel the mystery of “flow”
If you’re renovating/restyling your entire home or even stuck on one room, you really really need to read this. This article might just unjam those logs in your brain about what direction to go with your space(s). If anything, my method to planning flow gives you a roadmap for making choices. And I always say “Don’t strive for perfection. Strive for thought provoking choices.”
Think Like an Artist, Not Just a Designer
Hi again, friends! I can’t tell you how happy it makes me that you’re here, reading this. As anyone who has spoken to me knows, I love talking about design and being creative. It is my way of problem-solving in a world full of unsolvable problems. War in Gaza and Israel that never seems to end and thousands of innocent people that suffer as the result? Figure out what color to paint my client’s ceiling. Trillion dollar debt? Plan the perfect layout to a difficult living room. Balance a healthy lifestyle and be happy with my current body situation while dreading every iPhone picture despite my body positive attitude? Devise a way to DIY a vintage lamp into a wall sconce. It is my way of controlling my own little piece of the collective world we share. It might seem trite and sure I could volunteer but this is my way of making the world beautiful. I am soooo much better at relating through unspoken gestures than pleasant conversations. When someone tells me that I’ve taught them how to listen to their own creative impulses, I feel like I’ve saved another soul. So in other words, thank you for being here.
sixty-six of My favorite peel-n-stick wallpapers
Okay okay. I give in. For those who have even mentioned the words “temporary wallpaper”, you’ll know I’m not a fan. Several have tried to dissuade me from my convictions, and to no avail. I don’t just love wallpaper because it’s there. I love it for its artistry and craftsmanship. Peel-n-stick often feels to me like mass-produced and disposable whereas pasted wallpaper feels like ART. There are several arguments against peel-n-stick:
Despite all of these reasons, I do think that removable wallpaper is useful… I love using them to cover boxy furniture!!!
BUT several of you have asked so I am remiss to give you what you want! And it is not my job to judge. I’m not happy about temporary wallpaper, but I recognize that it is important to YOU guys. I will use my powers to help you pick out the ABSOLUTELY FUCKING BEST peel-n-stick wallpaper in the world!!!!
Before we do that…
keep the halloween spirit alive all year
I keep Halloween in my heart all year round! In fact, incorporating off-kilter decor is kinda my thing! If you haven’t read it yet, you should check this article out: No Fail Steps to Make Your House Cool.
weekly roundup: inexpensive tiles
All the blood had drained my body and I thought, “Dear God. I’m in the wrong business.” I then asked him, “What’s the average budget for people who shop for pool tile?” He very coolly replied “Sixty thousand.”
Who are these millionaires?
I then thought — wow, I bet there are other people out there who have even smaller budgets that are currently looking for tile RIGHT NOW. They might not be looking for their pool, but all tile is deceptively expensive and can run you deep into debt.
I’ve gathered my favorite options below — all for less than $15 per square foot. While this is not exactly CHEAP, it does offer an alternative to all of those $25 and up per square foot options you see all over the magazines.
i come from a place of love
Let’s take a break for a moment from the ads, the endorsements, the products, etc. and let me slow down a second to connect. Believe me — I’m not this sell-y person. Sure I’m selling something but at the end of the day, I do this because I absolutely fucking love it and want to share that love with the world.
But I’m going to be honest with you again… sometimes people just want my products. “Where can I get that rug?” “Where do you buy all of your art?” I laugh a little because I know any answer I give will never capture the magic of seeing something put together with love. A rug is just a rug sometimes. Its how you use it that makes people see it and want it. For a lot of people, that’s all they want from me: an easy transaction without any further involvement. Whenever I get vulnerable, some sociopaths thinks that’s their opportunity to pounce. One guy even got upset about signing up for a newsletter and didn’t want my so-called “life”. Just wanted my finds, no opinions. So for those of you who put up with my marketing and are starving for some connection, I write this for you.
I want to tell you why I am so jazzed about what I do. But first… let me ask you:
When is the first time you looked at a painting that made you cry immediately out of overwhelming joy and wonder?
weekly roundup: sofas that are available now and Don’t suck
Hello intrepid interior design rebels! How’s the house coming along? Or are you here for the eye candy???? I am working on two projects right now — the ongoing project that is my home and another, which inspired this Weekend RoundUp today:
Quick ship sofas that aren’t terrible
There’s an old adage: “You can have it good and cheap, but not fast. You can have it fast and cheap but not good. And you can fast and good, but not cheap.” Wow, if I did not repeat that every single day for the last few weeks when searching for a sofa for my AMAZING client who is redoing her garage. We have a November 14th deadline and she contacted me at the beginning of September. I know that sounds like a long time — but it’s very quick in the sofa game. Plus there’s the other thing — I will not buy or recommend a sofa to a client unless I’ve actually sat in a floor model OR its a cheap vintage find that can be revamped. That’s just a little thing I call integrity which I like to stand by when I have the honor to decorate someone’s home.
my favorite wallpaper + art combos
Hello, intrepid design lover! As you may know, I love helping people even if they can’t afford my design services. I think EVERYONE should have a beautiful home.
It might be a little bit weird, but one of my favorite things to do is fantasize about wallpaper… am I the only one? I especially love pairing different themed wallpapers with unexpected art. Like putting a tropical wallpaper with an uber modern print, etc. It’s the unexpected element that gives your space that chef’s kiss. Below, I’ve put together some possible art options for popular wallpaper. Enjoy!
Friday Finds, statement Bedding
If there’s one pet peeve I have as a stylist, it’s finding bedding that matches my style. Sure there’s bedding for every other style out there — japandi, tranditional, farmhouse, contemporary, industrial, global, etc. — but where’s the bedding for people who like giant dragon sculptures and boomboxes as art? Where is the statement bedding? Slim pickings, I’m telling you. But because I’m such an amazing Pinterest-er, I’ve come across some finds that could pique my interest.
Friday finds, Orange edition
Hi there, fellow design rebel! In honor of fall, just writing a quick blog about my latest finds IN ORANGE in case you’re looking for something cool/weird/awesome for your home decor project. I think orange is one of the most underrated colors and I don’t often get to see it celebrated for the beauty and joy it brings. Enjoy!
large art for (somewhat) little money
One of the toughest assignments I give myself as an interior stylist is finding large art that doesn’t suck. If you google “oversized art”, you’ll know my plight. It’s a lot of hotel art and badly pixelized digital prints. And what do you consider large art? I would say anything over 55” on the longer side. Anything huge is simply a matter of luck and a 4AM trip to the flea market. And even then, the likelihood of finding something in pristine condition is low, so be prepared for dings and scrapes.
The other design dilemma is the affordability. If I have over $6K to spend, I’m in business. But often, my budgets are a total of $15K for one room, which includes sofas, chairs, rugs, paint, wallpaper, etc. I can’t spend half the budget on a singular piece of art and leave the rest of the room blank!
So what is a budding interior stylist to do? Well, I get my search engines ready and my filters primed. I’m always on the hunt and here’s what I’ve found lately… my suggestion for you is that if you need large art now, purchase these right away because I have no idea how long they will last.
my top online vintage shops
If you’re reading this blog and are a fan of my work/home, then you know one thing to be true: I love vintage.
About 85% of everything in my home was either thrifted, bought at a consignment store or found lying on the sidewalk (I used to live in a very interesting neighborhood where they just threw a $400 chair out just because it was “old”). I attend the Rosebowl, Long Beach, PCC and other flea markets practically every weekend and ALWAYS find something (I don’t always buy). I’m of the belief that one can find great vintage and flea markets anywhere, but flea market finds do not always fit your exact needs. How many times have you gone out looking for a decorative tray and came back with giant wooden dragon? I’m raising my hand over here and pointing directly at myself.
rainbow-colored faucets that are actually affordable + garage/office/etc plans
Happy Saturday! A little behind the scenes from the MTD camp: I am moving forward with my pool project and getting estimates. I didn’t want to announce the winning tile just yet because I might change my mind depending on much the repairs will cost. Of course, I have my heart set on the MOST expensive tile but maybe I’ll come across a Home Depot tile I like half as much but for half the cost. We’ll see.
More on the garage later… but first! I wanted to do a special post on something that always seems so elusive — both because of price and availability.
wallpapers I’m digging that aren’t floral, future projects and other fun stuff
Hi from my comfy recliner on a Saturday morning! I just had my coffee and ready to spill some thoughts on my recent wallpaper faves and let you in some exciting projects. Are you excited? After my second cafe latte, I am!
In my world, finding new wallpaper is a little like finding a new show to binge. I’m all about it and can’t wait to share with everyone around the proverbial water cooler. Small snag though - my friends aren’t into wallpaper and I work from home. So that means you get to read all my super gushy fan girl thoughts about some pictures on pastable paper.
Read This Before You Start Decorating your new Home
You just got the keys to your brand new home — neigh, your brand new life. Even if this isn’t exactly your dream home RIGHT NOW, it represents a new chapter, a new evolution, a new you. This might even be a sad transition… albeit you’ve survived to this point, but you’re going to make the best of this part and rise like a phoenix.
But there is one problem: the blank walls are doing nothing for your je ne sais quoi, to say nothing of the sad entryway and the living room is feeling a little more like a dying room. Sorry. I’m trying to be cute.
Week 8: The Final Reveal
Her name? Carlotta. She is a vintage Harrod’s poster by Gerald Razzia. I love her because she looks like a total bitch. She can decimate you with her icy stare.
And until Carlotta came across my path, this room was a total mystery to me.
ORC WEek 6: Mood board perfection vs. real life
I’m not going to lie. This bedroom is the hardest room I’ve ever had to design. The challenge is real: it’s a northern facing room, extremely tall and has odd angles. All of these factors mean several UNCHANGEABLE things:
1) The room must painted a darker shade
2) Symmetry is my friend
3) I must use larger prints/images to fill the space vs. smaller objects. Sure I can have smaller objects, but only for smaller moments and vignettes.
orc week 5: now we’re getting somewhere
It’s Week 5 and I’m exhausted. I’m exhausted from my emotions, I’m exhausted from sanding the shite out of a perfectly nice dresser. I’m exhausted from my brain re-thinking EVERY decision I make.
But I’m complaining. Really, I should be incredibly grateful because this roller coaster of indecision and doubt ended with me joyously crying over a skylight:
Week 2 of orc: skylights & Final design reveal
First off, I’m still aghast that I am fulfilling my dream of participating in the #oneroomchallenge. If I could have seen myself today back when I first started out, I don’t think I could believe it. Too often I forget how far I’ve come on this journey and don’t give myself the room to pat myself on the back and say “Good job!” And would have been astounded that I am still just as much in love with this art. I always have this fear that if I love something, I will lose my love for it. But every day, my love grows and deepens. I will try to enjoy every second of it as much as my ego will allow.