friday fun day!

project day. please enjoy the flowers! happy weekend! amanda
image by bornay flowers

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I Need Some Girl Time...

Cottage Living

Cottage Living

So if you know me at all or have ever read this blog you know how much I adore my newphews! However every time they are shooting me with pretend guns or asking me to be Princess Lea while we play Star Wars I think "why couldn't my brother give me just one niece so I can do her hair and play dress-up or create a Barbie compound in the playroom!" Several of my friends are having little girls in the next few months and I think that I will just have to rent them out on the weekends for some girl time!

Have a great weekend!

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Spa Day

la modernism show this weekend at barker hanger in santa monica. $15 at the door. this show is always full of stunning examples of modern furniture, home accessories and art from local and are vendors.
for past several months we have been helping one our friends design her new spa in huntington beach. i was there today checking up and dropping off some pillow cushions and snapped these photos to share with you all. enjoy. amanda

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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (literally)...

I just love this concept...what a great way to open up a small space and give yourself a full length mirror to check out your outfit head to toe! And you can see, it's not your 1980's mirrored wall my friends! If you are local and need someone to do this call Justin Walling with Charleston Architectural Glass 843.452.0427, he does a great job. He just installed an antique mirror backsplash in a client's kitchen (pictures to come) and it is beautiful!

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Decorative Accessories and Furnishings Profile: The Light Garden

I cannot tell you how amazing these lights are!

Have you ever seen flowers or willow twigs that light up?

Why do lights have to be only for the holidays? Not anymore! Fill a vase of illumination and place it on an entry table or a dresser in the master bedroom.

Choose your color of flowers: lime green, orange, white, burgundy or red.

Do you prefer plug in or battery operated?

Perhaps a centerpiece for the dining table for an evening of entertaining. Hanging on the door as your dinner guests arrive, what a wonderful first impression. This sets the tone for the rest of the evening.

Maybe your prefer simple willow twigs lit up or soft pussy willows? Mix them with the colored flowers and add taller twigs for height. You choose your lights and be the expert or have us make an arrangement for you. All your friends will rave about how clever you are.

These make wonderful house warming gifts, birthday presents or the best gift of all, for yourself. Prices range from $39-$72.

Can be purchased at:
What's In Store, 125 N. Tejon St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
719-633-4582

Illuminate your world.

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new santa monica client!!

today is new client day! we are very excited and proud to be working on a new beach home project in santa monica. The home was built in 1904 and is the most amazing two story oasis. we are thrilled to start adding some traditional architectural details as well as sprucing up the interiors. i thought i would share some local SM spots near their home with you all that we are going to love to frequent during our site visits. amanda
la grande orange. jolene took me here for the first time the other day after our a client meeting. great eatery and people watching! i recomend the molasses cookie! AaamaaaZing!

urth cafe. a staple. looking forward to spending more time at this location. i recommend the jalapeno and cheese tamales here.
local store store, tower 20. super cute store front windows, great design, and interesting custom furnishings.

love this leather clad table

great stitching and love the contrast between the leather exterior and linen interior. also i love furniture that is nicely tailored.

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Decorganizing Wednesday: Closets and Dressers

Unknown (help?)

In my experience as a closet designer, it seems that most people want to get all of their clothes into the closet verses having a dresser in the bedroom. I LOVE this idea! You can find inexpensive dressers at flea markets, yard sales or your local IKEA to house all of your personals inside your closet. Get creative and label the drawers like this clever minx did. I mean why not???

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292 - Electrical

 Wires all over the place.

 Nick the Electrician wiring the future kitchen.

 New Living area windows and doors.

Waiting for the glass.

It is action station at 292. The electricians and plumbers were onsite today getting all the essentials done before the new insulation goes in tomorrow. These apartments are going to be so snug this winter with new insulation under the floor, in the walls and ceilings. I've lived there when there wasn't any!

Euan the builder has returned to the building site this week with a beaming smile. His son, Deegan was born last week so he happily showed the baby photos today. Proud Dad.

After some hold-up, the new sliding doors and windows for the Living area arrived yesterday and are propped in place. Hopefully the glazier will be through soon once Euan has properly installed them.

Also, my joiners will be coming through on Friday to measure up for the kitchens and bathrooms joinery. Exciting!

Photographs by Charlotte Minty.

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Poppies at Play - Parade of Home

Growing up with parents who were always designing and building - new house, new cottage, etc - I was dragged to many parade of homes. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, it's where one or more houses are designed by various decorators, designers and architects and their work is showcased to the public. I wonder if my parents ever thought I would become an interior designer and my brother an architect?! I guess we were definitely influenced!

Lately I've been enjoying the Pasadena showcase houses but I was just made aware of an online parade of homes...blogger homes! Check out Parade of Homes on Poppies at Play - what a fun way to sneak peaks (legally) into other peoples homes and be inspired!

Every day four bloggers' homes are showcased, so be sure to revisit daily! Oh and they are holding a linky party on Saturday where you can upload a photo of your favorite room in your house. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's photos!

Enjoy!

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It Is Better To Look Good, Than To Feel Good...

House Beautiful

via pink wallpaper

Unknown

Unknown

You might not be the most comfy seats out there but I just adore you! All of you!

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hot tub party

so this week, i'm finally getting rid of the 1970's hot tub that's been sitting on my back patio for the last...umm..i don't know, DECADE!! lol! yep! it's time for a make over. here are a few of my inspiration images we are using to create the backyard oasis i've been dreaming of. amanda

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