Client Reveal :: Black, White & Gray Living Room

living room before

This was the living room of a darling client with young children. It’s where they spend the majority of their time (dancing to Wii, reading books and watching TV). It’s also the first room you see when you enter the home, so they wanted a more sophisticated, pulled together look. The black leather, kid-friendly sofas were the only items in the room that the family wanted to keep (although, the sofa table and round end table ended up working with the design).  Custom sofa pillows in Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s Darya Ikat cotton/linen fabric in stone for Schumacher was the inspiration for the room’s black, white and gray color palette. Everything from there just flowed naturally. They love the result and so do I…

black, white and gray living room by simplified beegray shagreen lamp - simplified beeblack white chair detail - simplified beegrey shagreen lamp and coral artwork - simplified beecoffee table with X legs - simplified beehoneycomb pattern coffee table - simplified beegrape root decor - simplified beeblack and grey living room by simplified beegray coral botanical art - simplified bee

My client’s husband grew up on the beaches of Southern California, so I wanted to include elements of the sea in the space. A series of coral prints by Kerri Shipp of Driftwood Interiors was selected, framed and hung above one of the sofas. It’s a simple, yet sophisticated look. Just want the family wanted!

– Cristin

*photo credit: PlumLily Photography

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Read full story By on November 29, 2012 in etsy, interior design, Interiors, Living Room, simplified bee portfolio, textiles

‘Tis the Season…

gorgeous diy holiday wreath

Ahh, it’s here. The holiday season has begun and I looove it. To get you in the spirit too, Rue Magazine released their inspirational holiday issue and I wanted to share some of my favorite images. The gorgeous wreath above was created by a San Francisco interior designer and friend, Scot Meacham Wood. It’s a beauty. He shows us how he made it step-by-step in Rue.

Rue Holiday Issue 2012love quotediy holiday cider cup

I also thought this holiday cider cup (above) was so clever and would make a fun gift. Who doesn’t enjoy a hot cup of cider on a long winter’s day? Again, drop by Rue to see how to do this yourself!

Serena & Lily holiday gift guide - Simplified Bee

I’m also thrilled to be included in Serena & Lily’s Holiday Picks from the Pros! They had me pick some of my faves from their holiday collection which was super fun, but frankly hard to narrow down! They also had my reminiscing about my best gift ever… my powder blue ten-speed bike when I was ten. It was a complete surprise and brought me so much joy. I also remember counting down the days until spring when the snow melted away and  I could ride it!

xo

Cristin

 

 

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Read full story By on November 27, 2012 in Christmas, Entertaining, event planning, gift guide, Holiday, Uncategorized

Designer Mark Sikes Hollywood Hills Home

The latest Lonny Magazine tours the beautiful 1920s home of interior designer Mark D. Sikes located in Southern California’s iconic Hollywood Hills. The interior is chic, multi-layered and sensible. Sikes makes it look effortless and I’m swooning with every page turn.

Designer Mark Sikes Hollywood Hills Home

“It doesn’t feel like a ‘decorated’ house. It’s very organic and open. In fact, that’s the first change I made to the house after we bought it. I had all the doors rehung to open out.'” – Mark Sikes via Lonny

mark sikes rattan club chairmark sikes magazine librarymark sikes living room vignettedesigner mark sikes kitchenmark sikes chinoiserie dining roomblue white designer bedroommark sikes chinoiserie bedroommark sikes blue white bathroommark sikes x table vignettemark sikes black white bedroom canopymark sikes black white bathroom

I know you’re loving it too 🙂

To see more images of this gorgeous home and more, head to Lonny!

Cristin

*Photo Credit: Patrick Cline

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Read full story By on November 26, 2012 in bathrooms, Bedroom, bedrooms, beds, bookshelves, chinoiserie, curated look, dining rooms, Interiors, Kitchen, Living Room, office/study

Happy Thanksgiving!

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust

Thanksgiving Flower Arrangement

Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving!

Many thanks for reading Simplified Bee… you make it all worth it!

xo

Cristin

photo credit: Josh McCullock

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Read full story By on November 22, 2012 in quote, Thanksgiving