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My Style–Then & Now

eclectic chinoiserie dining room hide rug
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of guest blogging at Emily A. Clark’s where I talked about how my style has evolved over the years. 

BK {before kids}, my living room and dining room had vibrant red accents. You will have to take a look at the brick red accent wall in our old dining room in the article on Emily’s blog! I grew tired of the red and a few years ago changed the accent colors to softer shades of blues and greens. In retrospect, I believe I was drawn to calming colors not only because my style was evolving, but because I needed a more serene color palette with high-energy toddlers running around. 

design philosophy quote



Today my style is more eclectic, cultivated and refined. It took time, education and some trial and error, but I am now more confident in my design choices. Getting older isn’t all bad!

Happy Friday!
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Read full story By on September 2, 2011 in blog, dining rooms, interior design, interview

Invite: Decor8 Book Signing in San Francisco



The very popular design blogger, Holly Becker of Decor8 recently released her first book with lifestyle writer, Joanna Copestick. Appropriately titled, Decorate contains over 1,000 design tips, 500 beautiful color photographs and features some of the world’s top designers including Kelly Wearstler, Amy Butler and Jonathan Adler. For every room and budget, the book delivers a blend of design inspiration with step-by-step instructions for beautiful results. 



This month Holly Decor8 will be zig zagging the US this month on her official Decorate Book Tour.  Anthropologie is hosting various book signing parties, so look for one near you.

decor8 book signing event san francisco
I will be attending the one in San Francisco on August 25th. I hope you will be able to join me!

*images via Decor8 & Amazon.com

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Read full story By on August 15, 2011 in blog, book, DIY, interior design

Styling a Living Room & Photo Shoot

For the last several months I have had the pleasure of working with interior designer, Leslie Lundgren on several of her projects {watch out for more of her work – she is up and coming!}. Last week she asked me to help style one of her client’s homes for a photo shoot. Michaela, my summer intern is a great amateur photographer and she agreed to take the pictures.

spanish style home living room fireplace
The charming Spanish style home, located on the San Francisco peninsula features gorgeous arched windows, doorways and wooden beams. The beautiful décor blends  traditional, Chinoiserie and a relax California styles.  
california bohemian style living roomLeslie’s client gave her free rein to move items and style the space as she wished. Fresh garden roses and orchids were brought in for the photo shoot, but most of the other accessories and smaller furnishings were simply rearranged.

chinoiserie living room bar designer

The vignette above is a great example of how the room evolved while styling; Originally the chest had the green jaguar lamp {now on the entry console seen below}, a bar set on a wooden tray and a small framed wedding invitation hung above. Although the original vignette was sweet, we added larger and more colorful artwork, replaced the wooden tray with a metal one and added height by bringing in a trio of orchids in a blue and white Asian pot.

entry spanish style home aqau door

We had such a fun time working together. As you can image, we all had opinions on what looked good where. In the end however, our ability to work together and keep an open mind helped evolve the look. Not only were we pleased with the result, most importantly the client loved it. Here was her response,


“Leslie has helped me finish off my rooms with great style and a certain edge that says ‘so long to boring beige’!  She and her team brilliantly utilized my existing traditional pieces and adding a freshness through colorful accessories, rugs and simple yet brilliant floor plan changes.  The results are exciting and fun.  She has also helped me hone in on my personal style so that I can move forward on my own (with her input when needed).  She has helped me take chances, and go with my gut on designing.  Fab!”

chinoiserie living room cristin michaela leslie
{me, Leslie and Michaela at the end of the shoot}

Do you have a favorite image? Don’t you think Michaela took some amazing pictures?

*all photo used with permission from Leslie Lundgren Design
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Read full story By on August 8, 2011 in chinoiserie, foyers, interior design, living rooms

Ronda’s Interview with Amanda Nisbet

SFERRA, a leader in luxury linens, expanded their popular “In Bed With…”  series with with new videos that explore the intimate relationship décor has with bedding.  In each video, SFERRA brings one of its favorite designers to get cozy in a SFERRA bed with host and Brand Ambassador, Ronda Carman of All The Best Blog.  The designers share insights into their linen preferences, inspirations and cherished memories.

sferra linens amanda nisbet
The newest video interview is with New York-based interior designer, Amanda Nisbet. It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Amanda’ work and Ronda Carman’s All The Best Blog, so it just made sense that I share it with you today.
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Amanda’s answer to the question, “what’s the number one thing every bedroom should have?” is the best!

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Read full story By on August 5, 2011 in bedrooms, interior design