When it comes to a dining table and chairs, I love to mix and match. I find it's often more chic--and certainly more interesting--than doing a perfect set. That being said, not every chair will look good with every table, and not every grouping will work in every home. There are a few guidelines to work with here. Let me walk you through them.
Read MorePretty powder rooms
Known as "half baths" in real estate speak, powder rooms usually contain only a toilet and sink, and they're often quite minimal in square footage. That's no drawback, though. Precisely because they're tiny, you can go all out when designing one. So let's take a look at some beautiful examples, and then I'll break one down for you, so you can see why it works so well.
Read MoreLeafy love
It's a lot less green out there, even here in sunny California. And so I find myself drawn to things that remind me of spring, like these amazing tropical leaf prints. They're wild and fecund and altogether fun. This boldness makes them a bit tricky to work with, though. But fear not: I've got tips for you on how to use them. Read on for some leafy inspiration and education.
Read MoreBeautiful white kitchens
Call me a purist, but I love an all white kitchen. Maybe it's because it feels so clean. Maybe it's because it takes 40 to 50% less energy to light than it does a dark one. Or maybe it's because food just looks better with a white background. Whatever the reason, you can be sure that when I redo my own kitchen, I'll be doing all white countertops and cabinets. Until then, I'll be stockpiling images for inspiration. Following are some of my favorites, along with some tips on how to make them both personal and warm.
Read MoreA delicious new year
Homemade hot sauce: my gift of choice for 2013. It doesn’t work for long distance friends, as it needs to remain refrigerated. But for your locals, it’s genius. And it makes a great present in any season.
Read MoreFavorite map art
With Christmas nearly upon us, it's time to think last minute gifts. One of my go-to options is map art, because it makes such a thoughtful present. Here are my top picks.
Read MorePalettes at the Japanese Tea Garden
I'm a huge fan of Pinterest. I spend time on it everyday, checking out photos of interiors for inspiration. But when it comes to designing rooms, other rooms aren't the only muse. Nature is a great place to look for palettes. And the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco has some astonishing ones to choose from.
Read MoreDressing up stairs
Sure, they're functional. But staircases can also be hip. Like powder rooms and walk in closets, staircases are small spaces, which makes them ideal candidates for bold decor So be brave! And, to be inspired, read on.
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