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My Kitchen Nook Reveal

October 3, 2012 · Comments { 27 }

Kitchen Nook with Manuel Canovas Wallpaper

Just off our kitchen, sits a nook where kids study, draw and eat snacks. I’ve been drooling over the fresh green and white Trellis wallpaper by Manuel Canovas for some time and it was my starting point.

To stand-up to my kids, I had the bench cushions made in solid Kelly green patent leather – it’s topped with a crisp Bali pillow by Thomas Paul. The light pendant by Arteriors has a sunny yellow interior that pulls from the sunflower oil painting by my Grandmother, which hangs in the space. A grouping of framed art that my kids created is also proudly hung in the space and can easily be swapped out to feature their latest masterpiece.

To add texture, but no compete with the heavy patterned wallpaper, I selected a simple tortoise bamboo roman shade. To maximize the space, I also hung a chalkboard that displays my kid’s art, party invitations and school papers.

The bench and butcher-block table were custom built. I love the pullout drawers because they provide so much storage.

To corral the kids’ art supplies they use frequently, I painted a wooden tray and lined it with the Trellis wallpaper. Here’s how I did it and ideas for updating your own tray.

I love how this tiny space turned out. It’s now my favorite space in our home and one of the most used!

*Photo credit: Jen Jacobson

Read full story By Cristin on October 3, 2012 in breakfast nooks, DIY, Kitchen, kitchens, Organization, simplified bee portfolio, storage, Uncategorized, wallpaper, window treatments

Client Reveal: Kids’ Playroom Design

September 10, 2012 · Comments { 4 }

Last year I had the pleasure of working with a darling family of four in Dallas, Texas. The young family sought out my virtual design services to help decorate their new 4,000 square foot home. From furniture to wallcoverings, rugs to accessories, we worked together over the course of a few months to create a design that was kid-friendly, budget conscious and yet still reflects the family’s personal style.

Recently some of the rooms I designed were photographed and today I wanted to share the kids’ playroom with you. I love this space because it’s super functional, yet stylish too. The playroom features wide orange and white stripes on the ceiling, floor-to-ceiling book display and tons of smart storage for all the toys. The art wire is perfect for showcasing the kids’ masterpieces and can updated in minutes.

*all photos by Savannah Franklin Photography

Read full story By Cristin on September 10, 2012 in baby and children, Interiors, kids' art wall, Organization, Playroom, simplified bee portfolio

Time Management Tips :: Block It

August 27, 2012 · Comments { 1 }

Time. We never seem to find enough of it. Like many my activities and tacks vary from day to day. Writing, administrative work, on-site consulting, as well as exercising, volunteering and taking care of a busy family are just some of the things I fit into a busy week. Juggling too many activities without boundaries can lead to missed appointments, unhappy customers and frustrated family members. Incorporating time management is something I’ve embraced over the years and have learned many valuable lessons. The number one lesson in time management is to “time block.”

Pink and Orange Apple Clock by Jonathan Adler

{image courtesy of Jonathan Adler}

What is time blocking? Blocking time is essentially setting specific time slots for each activity. It sounds simple, but so many don’t block time for every activity and thus get overwhelmed, distracted and wind up not completing tasks.

{image via Erin Condren}

To get started, first you need to pick a unified calendar either online {MS Outlook, Yahoo, Google, etc.} or a traditional {here are my top ten daily planners for 2013}. You can use different colors or buckets for work or life, but one calendar ensures that your obligations don’t get overlooked. If you want your weekends to be time off from work, you should block it into your schedule. Otherwise there is the risk that your work will creep into your personal time. In addition, you should be as specific as you can with your time block schedule.

{image via Amy Rice Art}

A benefit from time blocking is it eliminates toggling between tasks. The less we switch tasks, the more focused and efficient our brains can work. Our productivity also improves. It’s important that when you block out time for tasks you remain focused without interruptions {i.e. avoid taking phone calls, etc.}.

Another benefit to time blocking is it stops you from procrastinating. Many of my clients have projects and clutter that is so overwhelming they can’t bring themselves to even start. Instead of tackling the project all at once, it’s best to break the project into smaller, more manageable tasks. Then assign time slots for each task. Remember to assign times during the day that are best for the task and least likely get distracted {i.e. in the morning when the kids are at school, on the weekend when a friend can help, etc.} It’s important that when you block out time for tasks you remain focused without interruptions such as phone calls.

Is it time for you to try time blocking?

Read full story By Cristin on August 27, 2012 in daily planners, Organization, Organizational tips, time management, Uncategorized

San Francisco Showcase: Her Office by Catherine Kwong

May 29, 2012 · Comments { 3 }

On the second level just off the master suite at the 2012 San Francisco Decorator Showcase, interior designer, Catherine Kwong creates an elegant, contemporary and très chic home office. The room’s design was inspired by San Francisco’s fashion bloggers. “I set out to create a dream office – complete with pinup boards for tear sheets and look books and, of course, a custom closet to display a truly inspirational wardrobe” Kwong adds.

The stunning “Cortes” desk by Julian Chichester is wrapped in hand-dyed black vellum and sits on a gilded steel base. Adding a pop of color, Kwong pairs this desk with an orange 1960s “Bird” Chair designed by Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kastholm. Luxe upholstered wall is Holly Hunt’s “Two Sides: Charcoal” and Benjamin Moore’s Iron Mountain blanket the walls and create a dramatic backdrop. While a large photograph, “Backstage at Pierre Balmain – Paris, 1954 #7” by Mark Shaw and a chandelier by Blackman Cruz demand a second look.

An print of Andy Warhol’s iconic “Chanel No.5” hangs above an uncluttered black glass and brass console from Sarlo and bench covered in “Channels” by Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa.

Mixing a little old with the new, Kwong places a 1920’s French art deco lamp designed by Eileen Gray and a chrome and 1940’s black letter holder on the desk.