TREASURES

For this home in Laguna Beach we hung the clients treasured wood mask over a simple limestone mantel. In the foreground a found treasure, the client was deep sea diving and found this encrusted mortar shell. It makes the perfect vase for fresh cut papyrus.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

Abstract painting, raku vase, eighteenth century console.... LOVE IT!

EAST MEETS WEST

I like to use unexpected objects to give an interior character. In this home theater I found these unusual bronze rain drums from Thailand they make the perfect scale tables. I have seen some pretty good reproductions even some in composite material. If you can, go for the real thing as it will be cherished by future generations.

REUSE + REPURPOSE + RETHINK

This interior was a little to serious, I went for a walk in the garden and found this fantastic cast iron balustrade complete with peeling paint! Sometimes you don't have to go far to find that hidden treasure.

SOMETHING NEW SOMETHING OLD

In this table top vignette I love the raku pottery placed with a stone relic and modern Ron Rezek light.

JUXTAPOSITION

"The art of placing contrasting objects together"

In this dining alcove I placed a stack of books next to a beautiful eighteenth century chair. Some of the most elegant rooms benefit from a whimsical touch.

THE WHITE ROOM REVISITED

This was my second room I designed for the Pasadena Showcase house in 1991, I call it the white room. The home was a fabulous mid-century modern design and this living room at

just over 1200 square feet with floor to ceiling windows on three sides was quite an inspiration! I designed the room with one of my favorite mentors in mind, the late Michael Taylor who was one of the most talented designers ever. I was very fortunate to be sponsored in part by Michael Taylor designs who loaned most of the furnishings for the show. For another view of the room scroll down to the bottom of the page.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

BEFORE
AFTER

Everything was wrong with this fireplace wall before we gave it a face lift. The focal point now is this sleek modern firebox and floating slate hearth. We were able to hide the storage behind the vertical cabinet covered in beautiful tamo ash wood veneer. The fireplace wall now creates a beautiful zen like focal point.

FIREPLACE MAKEOVER

BEFORE
AFTER
FLOATING BOX SHELVES

This home in Bend was in desperate need for a fireplace makeover, the original design was not living up to it's potential. I removed the slate tile and used natural cut stone, and carried it around both sides. With a larger scale firebox and new floating shelves to replace the short windows and cabinetry it is indeed the focal point!

UPHOLSTERED WALLS

Click on photos to enlarge

For this home in San Marino I designed the guest bedroom with upholstered walls. We used an inexpensive artist canvas and upholstered in 30" squares, the bed hangings are also in the same fabric. Along with sisal floor covering it creates the perfect backdrop for the collection of antique furniture. although this room was designed in 1990 I think it still has a timeless look, I recently recreated a similar design in my home in Bend. To see the Bend house visit my website here.