Relish Small Pleasures

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

All "Hail" The Queen of Fashion

2011-10-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

Autumn Saturday afternoon inspiration pre: girl's night on the town.....

Best of Lonny's Fall Issue (Celebrating 2 years!)

2011-09-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

I'm finally putting the finishing touches on my new place and departing a bit from the modern aesthetic I purvey. Indian, Ace Hotel, Earthy, Awesome. I spent early Sunday morning lurking around the new issue of Lonny where I spied a couple pieces that would fit in perfectly. Such as;

The Altamura Armchair by Casamidy.

Lonny featured it in black on black but I love the orange powder coated frame, brown leather, and olive green cushions shown here. Yum-Yum. 2 please.

I am also going gaga for flatweaves. I have a custom one on its way for my living room but wish I had seen these guys a bit sooner for inspiration (because they ain't cheap!).

Available at Medicine Man Gallery. These ones too.....

aren't they pretty?

Who hasn't been counting down the days until Target launches the Missoni collection (less than 24 hours people!!)??? Im dying over the clothes (and makeup, and scarves, and shoes...) but need the housewares too. Love these trays....

Fashionista.com posted the lookbook here.

I'm really feeling the Oly bust...

I am the proud owner of a monogrammed Fez hat (story to follow someday) that I do display.... just not this prominently. Maybe I should rethink that.

There are more goodies but I have to get back to work. I did buy the most epic set of Moroccan woven drapes yesterday that are going to change my living room and my life. Pretty sure the purchase was inspired by this issue. Or the Pasadena heat after hours wandering Rose Bowl. Fingy's crossed the final product is as pretty as I am imagining. Will share pictures as soon as they're up.

Introducing.... The 5175 Rossmore Headboard

2011-09-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

Hi gang, long time no post. I've been in a bit of transition but all good comes from change... Case in point, meet the Rossmore headboard. I recently moved into a little one bedroom apt and designing my own space made me realize what we weren't offering that a lady such as myself really needs. This bitchin' piece of furniture! Check it here.

A Wedding Shower

2011-06-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

Look at the beautiful invites Dana Cordova made for our good friends bridal shower later this month. She pulled her inspiration from French Colonial Era, "a-la-Indochine".

Read her full post here.

Order your own invites here!

Masterpiece

2011-06-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

How amazing is this painting of Milo?! It captures everything I love about him. He just gets better and sweeter by the day.

Just Beautiful

2011-06-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day

2011-05-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

A Marimeko Moment

2011-05-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

Vivier and Bentley

2011-05-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

Look at this amazing rug, custom painted, for Clare Viviers new boutique.

So inspiring....

Vivier and Bentley opens today..

1404 Micheltorena at Sunset in Silverlake.

2011-04-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

Custom Empiric Dining Chairs

2011-03-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

An East Coast client recently ordered our 2012-01 Nickel Dining Chair COM. I was intrigued when the fabric arrived and love the finished product. It is quite a departure from our usual material choices.

Deciding the orientation of the pattern was challenging but they are pretty perfect. I hope she agrees!

More custom versions of this chair here and here.

Behind The Scenes

2011-03-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

Our upholstery shop.

Where the magic happens.

2011-03-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

A beautiful Save The Date

Modern Curved Bench

Popcorn Paws aka Bubie aka Milo

Avenue Collection candles @ Empiric

A few things that have made my week a little sweeter.

Featured Items of The Month

2011-02-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

Hickory benches in Chiang Mai Dragon Mocha

The showroom has been transforming almost daily. There has been a revolving door of amazing new and vintage pieces. Here are just a few. Click images for info....

Brutalist Mid-Century Ceramic Lamp

Dresser by Hendrik Van Keppel and Taylor Green for Brown Saltman

Tudor Armchair in Betwixt Charcoal

Two Tone Secretary Cabinet

Pfurtscheller Zoological Wall Chart

McKay Spring Chair

Brass Base Burlwood Table

Architectural Modern by Morris of California Sideboard

Billiardette Table

2011-02-17T18:38:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago we bought this small 10 pocket pool table off one of our local pickers. Originally we just thought it was a parlor or pub game but in doing some research I discovered it had some unusual history.

Coin-operated, prohibition era, miniature pool table.

Billiardette tables were made when pool was outlawed during prohibition. These small, portable tables were built to skirt around gaming laws in the 1930's. They were produced by approx. 15 manufacturers from 1930-1939. Ours is made of solid walnut and felt and includes slide-on-wire scoring beads, a petite cue, and a complete set of balls.

An internal central retrieval system stores and releases balls when a nickel is inserted.

Dimensions:
48"W X 14"D X 35"H
122cm W X 35.5cm D X 89cm H
Condition: Very Good, Original
Number of items: 1

Item ID: 19417

Price: SOLD

Sunday Swap Meet

2011-02-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

Peace and Love

Look What I Made!

2011-02-11T17:24:00.000-08:00

Introducing the Lockwood Bookcase! I'm just waiting on some brass pulls for the drawers and she will be complete. I'll share the final product with spec's next week.

I also got this hand knotted rug that we designed for a client. I love the color way they chose....

Happy Friday!

Maid Marian 2

2011-02-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

Client Roland Emmerich stopped by the store this weekend and shared pictures of his gorgeous pleasure craft where a handful of pieces from Empiric now reside.

Check out the post I made to our store blog with more pictures and info (as well as a link to the ships website).

Dining Room Chairs

2011-02-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

A few months ago we dropped off our dining chair set for full restoration and they are finally back! I took forever deciding on a seat and backrest material but absolutely love how they turned out in Rust leather.

Our "new" chairs

They were so beautiful before but it was time for a change. Check them out pre-upholster here.

Before & After - Dresser by Facade for Mt. Airy

2011-02-01T20:57:00.000-08:00

Drabby to Fabby. Refinishing can be out of some peoples price range but its all in the details.

Do what you can when you can. Look how yummy those polished brass pulls are...

Market Recap

2011-01-31T09:42:00.000-08:00

Brace yourself for a long post but there was so much to take in at last weeks show I didn't want to leave anything out - or there! Over the course of the next few weeks many of these pieces will be arriving in the shop. Inspired by the showroom vignettes, I'm already merchandising in my sleep. (2e calls it OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Decorator).

We've carried the above showroom's line for years but much of it is too contemporary for the store. Some of their upholstery and case goods however can mingle nicely with our vintage pieces and everything meets our quality standards. Highlights from their current catalog include a few gorgeous chairs.

Cream Leather Bonnet Chair - $2295

Caned Ebony Accent Chair - $1795

Button Tufted 3 Leg Lounger - $1465

We also liked these nickel plated, oval ring base tables and some decorative smalls.

Small - $560
Large - $785

Below is another line we already carry but exciting to see their new goodies in person. It was packed to the gills with repro treasures. Not as great as the real deal but useful props for our industry clients.

The real reason we attend the shows is to find new vendors, fresh product, and exciting trends. We both fell for the dining table below;

It was so much prettier in person! We also picked up this wood line of Portuguese style tables, lamps, and beds in a dark ebony finish.

Can't go wrong with a pair of comfortable, worn leather club chairs with nail head trim. They are the perfect scale and great lines.

And can't get enough library shelves, especially one with built in book stands to display coffee table favorites or framed art.

The highlight of this showroom for me was the Ladderback dining chairs.

They have beautiful high slate backs that bow out with a somewhat delicate frame. They reminded me a bit of a fish bone. The white cotton seats were a tad plain so I will most likely reupholster them for display at the store. Possibly in a new favorite fabric by Dwell Studio for Robert Allen.

My favorite is the Vintage Plumes/Camel, above, but the whole collection is fabulousity! Once everything starts rolling in expect to be inundated with more favorites from the show.

Las Vegas - World Market

2011-01-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

On day two of the show and placing orders like crazy. Vendors are stepping up their game this year and I am so excited for the shipments to start arriving. Some lighting highlights....

I'm a big fan of the natural materials (travertine, marble, leather, and wood) on these sconces and lamps. They will mingle perfectly with vintage lamps at the shop. The chandelier below has been around for a little while but I couldn't resist it this time. Its a departure from our look but so yummy!

More to come....

Today...

2011-01-24T13:07:00.000-08:00

I downloaded this little guy so I wouldn't forget!

The Lobsta Truck is around the corner from the store!! 2e is picking some up right now.

My sales team today.

I finally have the shelves at home under control. So satisfying.

Sunday Swap Meet

2011-01-20T16:51:00.000-08:00

Before & After - Upholstered Chairs

2011-01-15T18:56:00.000-08:00

Although the above probably made a real statement c. 1970 the fringe and flowers weren't doing this frame any favors.

The lines on the other hand were eye popping, tongue wagging, handsome modern goodness.

So fly..... So fly.....

Sugar Sugar how'd you get so fly?
Magic.

Date: Mid-Century

Description: Covered in Linen/Rayon blend with one panel of the reversible seat cushion upholstered in 100% Cotton Gatehouse Tweed Lodge plaid. Wood legs refinished in dark walnut.

Dimensions:
30"W X 30"D X 28"H
76.25cm W X 76.25cm D X 71cm H
Materials: Linen, Cotton, Wood
Condition: Excellent, Restored
Number of items: 2

Item ID: 18789
Price: SOLD

WoW

2011-01-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

Another successful event.

Much thanks!!

Spring Preview

2011-01-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

Glass Game Board Trays

A New Year brings new product! I haven't previewed all the new collections (yet) but these accessories from Two's Company have me excited for whats in store.

Patterned Cotton Notebooks

Sphere Globes on Stand

Numbered Linens

Floral Cake Plates

I'll be wrapping up the month attending the LA and Las Vegas gift show's and hope this year is as big a success as last. Fingy's crossed!

Tag Sale Sneak Peak

2011-01-07T13:07:00.001-08:00

Click here for details.

Michael Towey - Tastemaker!

2011-01-06T10:08:00.000-08:00

This Saturday we're joining forces with One Kings Lane, once again, and offering an amazing selection of textiles, furniture, lighting, and more!! Check back tomorrow for a sneak preview of some of my favorites and dont forget to set your alarms!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T00:30:00.000-08:00

The Holiday Bar - Year Round

2010-12-21T08:48:00.000-08:00

Cheers

Sloane Magazine - Winter Issue

2010-12-15T19:49:00.000-08:00

What can I say, I love gift guides! Here's another as featured in the winter issue of Sloane (page 25). Happy shopping!

Christmas in a Candle

2010-12-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

When you have a store with three Christmas trees, garland for days, a running train set, 6 wreaths, a partridge and a pear tree you tend to lay off the decor at home. This year I was a little bummed not to deck our halls but the scent of this candle turned it all around. I light it every night when I get home and the house instantly transforms into a festive holiday haven.

12 Days Before Christmas

2010-12-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

I'm a little behind this year so I can only presume you are too. Phew.
Click the image above for my Empiric gift picks.
Back all week with more cheer.
xo

Pretty Packaging

2010-12-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

I need a break from the holiday retail madness. My brain hurts from all the wrapping paper, ribbons, tissue, and trim... and it's only December 10th. In times of stress I turn to food. Beautiful food.

My girl Melissa needs a big old jar of these McClure spicy pickles for her Sunday Soupapolooza accoutrement.

As pretty as a set of old books, I want the entire collection of Pasolivo Olive Oils on display in my shelves.

I love the simplicity of the labels on Siggi's products. Whats inside the packaging is just as soothing.

How perfect are these black tins of loose leaf tea Grace Rare Tea's?

Merula fittingly means Black Bird in Spanish, where this oil is made from a combination of the countries olives. It is definitely a small pleasure to relish.

Long Long Days

2010-12-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

Leave me speechless. Hopefully order will be restored soon. Time for wine.

Guide to Gifting - Stocking Stuffers

2010-12-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

This unisex after-bath-splash will put a zing in your step. I stuffed it in 2e's stocking last year and we have been minty fresh ever since!

A welcome departure from antlers, this shiny horned fella puts a huge smile on my face.

I am all over this. Found there. Now available here.
ps - I can print it in custom sizes and colors too! (.30 sq/in)

These boots were made.... well, a couple decades ago. Give the gift of green with a unique vintage treasure. More options here.

These blown glass decanters are like sculptures. Offered with Ring, Cubed, and Sphere stoppers in brass, shown, and nickel. Le Chic.

A combination of berries, mandarin, honeysuckle and jasmine this roll on parfum doesn't overwhelm and is small enough to never be without. A sweet treat for the bestie, cousin, niece, or coworker on your list.

Cozy

2010-11-29T19:19:00.000-08:00

Empiric is getting Christmatized. More images on the store blog here (which you should be checking anyway!). Windows to come...

2010-11-27T13:02:00.000-08:00

Ready or not, the holiday's are here!

Milo and the Empiric team are busy this weekend trimming trees and hanging holiday displays. 2E went all out for our windows! I can't wait to share....

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

Sunday Swap Meet

2010-11-22T18:03:00.000-08:00

Sundays cold, wet weather didn't deter my favorite tradition. With half the vendors absent, and a fraction of the usual shoppers in attendance, there was a rare chance to really step back and see each and every little thing.

Cowboys and Indians.... and Superman

I bought so many treasures which I'll share later in the week in my first (of probably many) gift guides. I am in the full blown holiday spirit. Now, time to Nog......

2010-11-21T08:49:00.000-08:00

A rare cozy morning in LA

New Feature::: Designer Client Spaces

2010-11-18T16:21:00.000-08:00

I work with the most talented and creative minds in LA and I don't feature their work here nearly enough! Running the full gamut from up and coming, lesser known stylists straight on through to those rare household names there is no shortage of awe inspiring work in this pool.

Client Suzan Fellman is no stranger to press but I love her work and was especially drawn to this Gentleman's Loft.

She has an amazing eye for unusual pieces, objects, textures, and finishes. I'm sure if I went through each photo with a magnifying glass I could pick out her Empiric finds but regardless of where they were sourced they are classic and paired together perfectly.

My first love, a well stocked and on display bar.

A very Empiric antique safe nightstand and re-purposed oar mingle with a textile favorite and lighting from our collection.

You can view her complete portfolio of work here.

Sunday Swap Meet

2010-11-17T08:03:00.000-08:00

Its almost Gift Guide time!! This past Sunday I pounded some pavement at the local Swap Meet, scoring amazing stocking stuffers and vintage treasures alike. This is my regular weekend routine that I dont share with all nearly enough.

What to keep....
What to sell....

Articulated Wood and Leather Elephant Toy

Handmade Pencil Box with Horse Figurine

Green Glass Decanter

Hand Carved Wood Duck

I heart the holidays.

Crushing on Collage Walls

2010-11-16T07:49:00.000-08:00

Lonny

Empiric Today

My Home

Erin Gates

Nadia Geller

Interior Decline

Punahoa Penthouse

Apt Therapy via Gaita Interiors

Flor Tile Raises The Bar

2010-11-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

Featured Items of the Week

2010-11-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

I'm behind in my store updates. Its been a month of massive turnover. I'm excited about so many new things but the 9 Drawer Modern Dresser is beyond...

It is the perfect shade of charcoal gray and the antiqued finish does just the contrary.

Creator: Kroehler
Date: 1950's

Description: Gorgeous vintage chest of drawers. Refinished in antiqued charcoal lacquer with polished brass accents.

Dimensions:
61"W X 19"D X 31"H
155cm W X 48.25cm D X 78.75cm H
Materials: Wood
Condition: Excellent, Restored
Number of items: 1

Item ID: 18533
Dealer Item ID: V325-44
Price: $1,925

Dumais ID

2010-11-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

I am loving the spaces designed by Kevin Dumais and not just because we share an affinity for collage walls and nautical flair.

View his complete portfolio here.

Woof

2010-11-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Milo has been wanting a big boy bed for months now. So, after scouring fabric books and, um, forgetting to pull the trigger on numerous occasions I finally did remember - I'm not in the dog bed business! Well, that and I love to support other young, cool business owners. Enter Jamie....

The dog beds at Furbish Studio are so pretty it seemed mean to make me pick just one but the fact that this guy was exactly the same colors as the bedroom softened the blow.

Happy Puppy

In other bedroom news, Otis the jackalope has been shacking up with us too.

It's rare for this chair not to be covered in my clothes. A shame because its real good lookin'

Punahoa Penthouse

2010-11-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

Last weeks trip to Maui was business with a side of pleasure. The pleasure for me being phase 1 of a remodel for our property there.

Love him!

The big project was in the bedroom closet but unfortunately it wasn't complete before we left the island.

The other work will take place over the course of the next year so I placated myself in the meantime with some surface upgrades.

Shoji doors original to the unit

New linens and lamps....

I love this collage wall. Do you recognize the print in the top right corner? We scanned and enlarged a fabric favorite.....

More photos here.

Maui

2010-10-28T13:53:00.001-07:00

One Sleep Left

Design Crush

2010-10-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have been this excited about an OKL Tag Sale but tomorrow morning I will be up early and eager to peruse the wares from designer Hillary Thomas.

My point of view definitely comes across in many of the pieces carried at Empiric but I think customers would be surprised at my overall personal aesthetic, which my husband affectionately calls "Hamptons Chic". Hillary's eclectic style perfectly captures what that encompasses and creates interiors I would deem as my perfect home.

Comfortable, colorful, layered, and livable. Beach meets hills....

I have a crush and am excited at the prospect of a "Chic Shop" of Hillarys own designs on the horizon as well as a blog so stay tuned!

Light Boxes

2010-10-19T15:38:00.000-07:00

We took some of our most popular print images and made them into custom light boxes.

rad!

right?

Lovely Shower

2010-10-11T21:08:00.000-07:00

For a lovely lady! I just returned from a wonderful, fun-filled, celebratory weekend in Denver showering Ms May and the much anticipated baby Camille.

My new favorite party trick!!...

There was so much thought put into this grand gift. My favorite is the personalized bib featuring their other child, Lola.....

Many thanks to the Wilson's. I'll be counting down the days until we meet what is sure to be a little piece of perfection.

xoxo

Sloane Magazine - Fall Issue

2010-10-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

With the shift in seasons come's the need for more light. This curated collection of table lamps, comprised of humble materials, would compliment any decor. Laced together by clean lines, texture, and a neutral palette the effect they have is soothing in a sometimes chaotic world.

Read the full issue here.

At Home and At The Store

2010-10-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

Featured Items of the Week

2010-09-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

Images of primates have been irresistible to me of recent and I especially adore this little guy.

Description: Oil on Canvas of monkey in the wild in refinished gray lacquer frame.

Signature/Other Markings: P Carsen
Dimensions:
30.5"W X 34.5"H
77.5cm W X 87.75cm H
Medium: Painting
Condition: Very Good
Number of items: 1

Item ID: 18154
Dealer Item ID: V323-35
Price: Sold

For all things monkey at the store right now click here and here.

Empiric on Remodelista

2010-09-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

Listed as a resource for cabinets in their Steal This Look: SJP's Bath post, here.

Empiric in TOH Magazine

2010-09-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

One of our vintage Replogle desk globe's was featured in the latest issue of This Old House magazine. The article, about creating a workspace with salvaged materials and vintage finds, can be seen here or on Apartment Therapy here.

Featured Items of The Week

2010-09-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

The brass lamps above are new, from Visual Comfort, but the shades the arrived in were a little.... sad.

The proportion was all wrong for the scale of the base and the simple white taper was classing them down a bit.

I paired them with a classic drum shade in white linen with a 1/2 " black top trim and a 1" black bottom trim and wah - lah.....

A star is born!

What A Week........

2010-09-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

Shopping with the best picker in the biz. He sniffs out all the good deals..

......Organizing and merchandising the showroom for fall......

.....before heading off to Boston and the Cape.

A picture perfect view from The Chatham Bars Inn....

....and its back home to reality.

Whirlwind.

One Girl, One Pot, And A Lot Of Issues

2010-09-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

Goldsmith, tastemaker, jewelery designer and friend, Melissa McClure, is wearing a few new hats these days. The blogger behind soupapolooza.com, has been hosting regular Sunday suppers; cooking local farmers market fare for her 'urban family' and becoming quite the little hostess in the process.

What started out as a simple mission to learn how to cook is now a highly anticipated weekend ritual peaking the interests of hungry friends, foodies, and most recently, Bon Appetit. In the latest issue she walks us through a typical meal and divulges some recipes and lessons learned along the way.

Post Script: Last fall I posted some pix of Melissa's very unique live/work loft chock full of Empiric goodies...

See it in it's entirety here.

Boston Bound

2010-09-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

and The Cape

Excited for fall in T minus 3 days.

Before & After - Barrell Back Chairs

2010-09-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

On a recent buy I spied these gems buried in a sea of mid-century pieces. The scale of them was perfect, not quite as small as most vintage chairs, and their silhouette was absolutely stunning. After refinishing the wood came the decision for upholstery....

The fabric they were found in, above, wasn't doing them any justice but underneath the "new" covering the original textile, below, was actually quite pretty.

It was a bit reminiscent of a modern favorite, Chiang Mai Dragon, which I have yet to use in a project but was unfortunately on back order for months....

Very Pretty.

The fabric above (which I would have done in another color) mimicked the pattern in the wood but I wasn't sold. Another favorite, Basseterre Earth, complemented the wood finish beautifully but was too busy.

And so it came to be....

Click for additional images and info

What can I say, sometimes less is more! I will merchandise them in the showroom with a colorful lumbar pillow, or pair them with a patterned sofa or on a bold area rug, but when it was all said and done the simple contrast of the cream against the lacquered brown frame showcased the true design of these special pieces.

Get inspired!

for more before and after's click here and here

Featured Items of The Week

2010-09-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Can't wait to get these goodies set up in the showroom today. The barrell back chairs are absolutely stunning in person! I have a few pictures of the decision process when restoring them that I'll post later today.

As always, click pictures for additional info on all our featured items.

For The Tot's

2010-09-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

SPI- Design has launched its newest collection, SPI Baby.

The sophisticated line can transition from baby to toddler to teen or right into Mom and Dad's room.....

Wow

2010-09-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you for such a success!

Happy Long Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Catalina via Jeana Sohn

Tag Sale Day!

2010-09-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

Welcoming Fall and It's Fashion

2010-09-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

via Sea of Shoes

This Saturday Sept 4th - 7th

2010-09-02T08:50:00.001-07:00

Click image for info on the sale as well as a few of my designer tips.

Mark Your Calendar

2010-09-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

Featured Items of The Week

2010-08-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

The Lane coffee table underwent an amazing transformation.

Creator: Lane
Period/Style: Modern
Date: Mid-Century

Description: Round coffee table with refinished two tone top to accent checker board, inlayed burl top. Base lacquered in contrasting cream white lacquer.

Dimensions:
38"Dia X 15"H
96.5cm Dia X 38cm H
Materials: Mixed Wood
Condition: Refinished
Number of items: 1

Item ID: 17806
Dealer Item ID: V323-96
Price: $1,325

Get Inspired!

2010-08-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

2e got a new iPhone app that gives a sentimental old school look to his photos. Like this one of me walking around with a bilge pump on my foot....

Or the above cuteness captured in our grandmothers amazing garden c 1980.

The Finishing Touch

2010-08-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

The emerald green is so rich I want to use it on everything!

Empiric on Apartment Therapy Today!

2010-08-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

The folks at AT were nice enough to feature us (again!). We appreciate the press! Full article, with lots more images, here.

Happy Friday

2010-08-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Before & After - Candice Olson on Today

2010-08-12T09:30:00.001-07:00

Interior and product designer (as well as reality TV host and Design Star judge) Candice Olson shared a few room make overs on this mornings Today Show. The bedroom blew me away...

Good bye 1986 green carpet. Hello Casa del Mar dream retreat!

I am a big fan of layering and creating multiple seating vignettes within a large space. No doubt the budget for this makeover was beyond but as we all know, money doesn't buy taste (or class Countess Luann ;) This is a classy room!

New Crush

2010-08-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Studio Bon, designed by Bonnee Sharp, is simply stunning. Her passion for graphic pattern and bright bold colors is evident in the details she has brought to her cotton and linen collection.

It was so refreshing to stumble upon amidst the panels of fabric in the F Schumacher showroom.

"inspired by the simple beauty of the familiar: an iron handrail, interlocking threads, a heartbeat and birds balancing in the breeze...."

I have already ordered my first roll and am waiting for just the right piece to recover it with. Coming soon.....

Cheese wedding cakes

2010-08-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Be still my heart!

via Cup of Jo

August/September Issue...

2010-08-10T06:01:00.000-07:00

A special treat with our cappuccinos this morning....

Tight detail shots and artful vignettes......

The new issue of Lonny has arrived!

2010-08-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

Images of a container ship tipping it's load off Mumbai are simultaneously horrifying and stunning.

To think of the contents of all those containers floating to the bottom of the sea........

"Style in Sun-Drenched Climates"

2010-08-07T14:15:00.001-07:00

Images from Resort Fashion

via 1st dibs

Fornasetti Ex Libris Lamp Shades

2010-08-05T11:52:00.001-07:00

I had a few pieces of this beautiful wallpaper left over from a project and I knew it was too special to toss. It took a little while but a couple of weeks ago I finally got an idea.

I decided to make a pair of square shades for the Vaso Quadro Crystal Lamp from Empiric's exclusive line of lighting. You can expect to see more shades made with precious wallpaper coming soon. I'm inspired!

Hollywood Tree House

2010-08-04T09:55:00.001-07:00

You can read my full post about this client's space here .

New Vintage Smalls

2010-08-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

Poketo for Target

2010-07-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

My friend Jeana modeling the latest Target collection (out August 10th).

Looking forward to seeing more.....

Mornings with Milo

2010-07-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

The dog days of summer.....

Something Old and Something New

2010-07-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

Lots of gorgeous new pieces in the store this week....

This 1960's abalone inlay top table is stunning. Originally light, we refinished the wood in ebony lacquer and had the bench ottomans upholstered in a bright seafoam blue. A small flaw in the reupholstering wouldn't allow the benches to tuck under the table as intended but after a brief brainstorm we remedied the situation with delicate brass casters.

Long overdue, our twist on the classic Chesterfield. Upholstered in unexpected charcoal gray fabric this sofa would work well in a range of interiors whether your space be modern, traditional, or contemporary. .

click images for info

TGIS

2010-07-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Eco Friendly Irongate

2010-07-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

The Irongate rug (one of two I designed for Empiric) is now available in a combination of un-dyed cactus and soy. The natural colors of these materials are so rich and soft to the touch they have all the luxury of silk for a fraction of the price. I am tickled about how it turned out! In addition to the eco friendly alternative, we also made a tweak to the design.

It is now offered, in the standard wool or cactus/soy combination, as a single sphere.

I love the idea of the two patterns being used in adjoining spaces to tie the design together. Alternatively it would be fun to do a custom runner which I've been obsessing about since seeing the entry in friend and fellow designer Max Gough's Rossmore project.

OKL Event - Event 3

2010-07-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who made Empiric's 3rd One Kings Lane event last week another big success.

OKL's beautiful new image on their home page had me feeling deja vu

Massachusetts - Part II

2010-07-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

Boston was charming but the heat and humidity dictated a location change a few miles north.

We headed to Marblehead on Thursday and took up residence at the BYC. Rocking in chairs on the deck and taking in a picture perfect view.

It took some time but Ive grown to love my little hometown and all its charm.

All in all an incredible week, balanced with work and play and capped off with fireworks courtesy of the Lynch wedding

Massachusetts - Part I

2010-07-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

We split our time last week between the city and the burbs, spending the first 3 nights downtown at the newly renovated Copley Square Hotel.

Strolling the streets of the South End, magically meeting fellow bloggers and indulging in some scrumptious summer fare.

An evening in the backyard of an old friend lasted into the wee hours of the morn.....

image via (sloane contributor) michelle mckenna

And a visit to the public gardens proving some things in this beautiful city never have to change.

click images 1, 2, and 4 for source.

Back From Brimfield

2010-07-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

The trucks won't roll into LA with our goods for a couple of weeks but it was definitely worth the trip. Eye candy everywhere.....

I cant wait to share more pictures and stories from our time on the east coast. It was a truly wonderful week!

At Brimfield, Back Next Week......

2010-07-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Extra Extra Read All About It!!!

2010-07-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

Experience our deepest discounts ever offered on all sofas, headboards, chairs, and beds.

Details here.

Inspirational Interiors

2010-07-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

I'm in a Hamptons state of mind.......

Heading back east in a few days to enjoy some of summer as well as attend Brimfield. It will be a first for us. Would love to hear people's recent experiences. Let the treasure hunting begin!

images Bilhuber & Assoc

Happy Anniversary

2010-07-05T10:10:00.000-07:00