Fabulous Fur

As we transition into winter chill, it is great to cuddle up to fur. With technology improving in textiles, there are great faux furs for interiors and of course there is always real fur options. Here are some interiors we recently used furs in.

This comfy sofa makes a luxurious living room glam. We used both faux fur by Nobilis and real fur pillows to accent.

This entry makes a statement with a custom made shearling bench. You can find similar sheepskin at Celtic & Co. It sets a modern tone in this mountain retreat. 

In this historically accurate hacienda bedroom, our client purchased great Mongolian fur throws and cowhide throws to make for a natural surrounding, similar hides can be found at Cowhide International.

Using warm neutrals to complement the outside mountain surrounding these custom made chairs use Kyle Bunting cowhide to make a subtle statement of luxury. 

In this modern bedroom we used faux fur to warm up the interiors. The fur back pillows are from Restoration Hardware and the throw is custom made using Overland skins.

More great interior items for purchase that are well designed are
Mitchell Gold’s great Tibetan fur chair. A nice scale and comfortable

We also love Ralph Lauren’s Post and Lintel Chair and Ottoman in white shearling. Really beautifully simple.

Lastly, these sheepskins from Costco are a great buy and make any chair or cushion look swanky.

Bundle up!!!

Summers End

We took a blog holiday this Summer, but are back in full force. 
It is a time for traveling to avoid the extreme heat in Arizona and we covered allot of ground. Here is a quick update on summer activities. 

We were featured twice in Luxe Magazine Spaces Column- highlighting outdoor spaces at a beautiful home in the Oakland Hills overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. This was designed by Craig Steely and the landscape architect was Bernard Trainer.  Furniture by Sutherland.
 

In the Luxe Southwest edition- a home deigned with architect Jim Blochberger – featured a casita we furnished along with the homeowner that has a spectacular view toward Camelback Mountain. Furniture by On The Veranda.
 

Also here are some very special places we visited this Summer to put on your bucket list...

Delaire Graff Estate Stellenbosch- South Africa

Crazy great lodge in South Africa's wine country. We sat in this booth done by the late David Collins- the interior designer from UK. Such an incredible place to stay.

The Waldorff- Amsterdam 

This is the room we stayed in. It is right on the canal and has a fabulous canal ride. 

The Resort at Paw’s Up- Glam Camping in beautiful Montana 

Kalowna, Canada- This is a very special place to visit. It has amazing wineries and a large gorgeous lake. 

We have been working with clients on a lakefront home and was lucky enough to stay for a few nights. Here is a peek at the kitchen, we designed with the lovely homeowners and Builder Rick Jaheny.
 
Lastly, I was honored to be included in the group of 11 awesome women influencing design in the valley featured in Phoenix Home & Garden. 

50 Shades of Grey

Recently featured in the inaugural issue in Phoenix- Sophisticated Living,  this new house we had the pleasure of working on is a subtle story of muted grey’s. From the hand finished front door and shutter accents on the house to many other details throughout. 

It is a study in restrained elegance for a lovely couple and their children. 

The muted grey’s in the Carrera marble along with grey linen shades create a soothing retreat.

The grey linen theme is carried into the bedroom using various tones of grey throughout. 

The homeowner chose the beautiful grey wallpaper from her favorite home store Found in mesa for the dining room. The custom pewter mirror is from On the veranda.

The kitchen features Carrera marble with highlights of grey and the subtle sage cabinets have a grey wash over them. The lighting is custom made from Hinkley’s. 

The laundry room carries the theme from the kitchen and features a farmhouse sink.

The powder room is painted a pale grey and features an antique Carrera basin from Relics.

The architect and is the talented Jim Blochberger and the builder Brett Brimley is known for his fine craftsmanship.

While many of these finishes are old world in inspiration, the interior exudes sophistication, simplicity and timelessness.

Get the latest copy of Sophisticated Living to view the full spread.

Kitchen Ingredients

As we begin 2015 we are very excited to be included in Luxe Magazine's 2015 Gold List for the second straight year. Beginning the new year is a time to reflect on all of our past work and some of the highlights. Being an enthusiastic cook, I have enjoyed the art of kitchen design over the last decade. Here are some of our favorite things to include in kitchens and some features from kitchens we have designed with our clients.

Special ingredient: Custom stainless hood with a high capacity plate and food warmer. 

Special ingredient:  For a truly European kitchen the La Cornu CournuFe Range combines the gas vaulted oven with the appeal of a five burner cooktop. 

Special ingredient:  New from Le Creuset matte white French ironware, perfect for braising or searing meats.  The white is a fresh clean look. 

Special ingredient:  Keep your kitchen feng shui and your knives sharp with a pull out knife holder from William Sonoma or custom made by a cabinet maker. 

Special ingredient:  Rohl's pot fillers are so convenient over your stove top for larger pots

Special ingredient: William Sonoma's Thomas Keller's collection of All-Clad is great for it's universal lid and healthy cooking.  The lid is adjustable for the entire series,        saving storage. 

Special ingredient:  Custom floating shelving for wine bar storage creates a clean look and allows your guests to serve themselves.  

Hope these ideas enhance your culinary adventures!