Dedicated To Design

About this time last week, I was taking care of last minute details for my Dedicated To Design presentation at the Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery in Lafayette, CA.  Having had little experience in (or liking for) public speaking, I made sure the talk was both interactive and active.  Utilizing items from our home I created 3 very distinct settings:  one for the "urban sophisticate", another for the "family focused" and lastly one for the "eternal bohemian".  I hung art, placed and stylized textiles, botanicals and decorative objects for at least 45 minutes of design frenzy.  My goal was to show the event attendees how to create their own vignettes in order to effectively personalize their spaces.  Below is a list of tips I shared with them.  Take a look:

Botanical Inspiration: Sansevieria trifasciata

For this week's botanical inspiration I'm sharing the hardy snake plant.  This one is for those among you who claim to be "not plant people".  It's virtually indestructible.  Happy even in low light conditions and infrequent watering, Sansevieria is the perfect botanical for any space or person.   Its stiff leaves and beautiful coloration allow it to stand alone or to be grouped with other plants for contrast.  Ours flanks our fireplace in a ceramic pot similar in color to the brick hearth so that its shape and color really stand out.  Take a look:

Adopt one today.

Cocoon Home Wins Gold! 2015 Prism Award

 I'm excited to announce Cocoon Home's #beaconhillchd project won a Prism award for best achievement in building and design!  To see the full story and high resolution images click here. 

Congratulations to my clients AK and BD and to S&H Construction. 

Five Friday Favorites

This week's favorites are a bit showy and are meant to be placed or worn on their own for utmost effect. 

1.  Bronze bowls to beautify any surface.

2.  A fancy legged coffee table.

3.  A statement jacket (if only California would cool off so I could get to wear one).

4.  Every home needs a interesting plant hanger.

5.  Fringed booties (so they see you coming and going). 

Good Vibes At "The New Bohemians" Book Signing

A little over a year ago I attended a Social Media seminar** led by Justina Blakeney and Dabito.  Ever since, I've been more enthusiastic and confident about what I do, both personally and professionally.  Due to their advice and creative guidance, I rebranded Cocoon Home, redefined its clientele and embarked on a product line.  Along this journey, my children have been very present in my career and quite aware of its influences and motivators.  So, when when I heard that Justina Blakenely was going to be in Berkeley at Erica Tanov boutique for a signing of her new book "The New Bohemians", Max, Ben and Zoe happily agreed to come along to meet her.  Upon our arrival she greeted us with open arms and her beautiful signature smile.  At the event, the magazine editor of SFC&G, Alisa Carroll, interviewed Justina revealing more about what inspires her, her ongoing compulsion to redecorate her home and her many exciting future projects. The questions and answers were asked and replied to in a very natural way, staying true to Justina's authenticity and honesty.  She is so deserving of all the successes that come her way.  It's through her infectious kindness, her sense of humor and relentless drive that I, like so many others, find continued inspiration.   

**On a side note related to this very experience, I want to add that it's very important for everyone [especially mothers] to take time for themselves for growth and personal development.  Whether it be for professional or personal reasons, either through a seminar or a retreat, investing in oneself is truly a gift not just for you but also for your children.  When they partake in your new experiences or get to witness their effect on you, they become inspired as well.  It becomes a creative legacy that benefits absolutely everyone.