J/C Studio

My LA Lifestyle

JENNIFER IS A REGULAR CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR AT MY L.A. LIFESTYLE, ONE OF LOS ANGELES' TOP LIFESTYLE BLOGS

October 4

/ The Art of Accessorizing

Never underestimate the role accessories play in a home.  They create warmth, personalization and breathe life into the design scheme.  Accessories tell the story of a home, who you are and what you value.  Living in a city like Los Angeles there are so many opportunities to buy locally from incredibly talented artisans.  Here are a few of my favorite accessories that will not only bring you immense joy, but also are handmade in Los Angeles

Local ceramicist Natan Moss creates stunning pieces from handmade lamps to soy candles.  His beautiful glazes make every piece unique.

photo: hollywoodathome.com
photo: hollywoodathome.com

 

De Jong & Co is a Los Angeles woodworking company that specializes in custom handcrafted one of a kind pieces.  From cutting boards to benches, each piece is a work of art.

photo: dejongandco.com

Magnolia Ceramics is a Southern California company known for its pureness of form and clean lines.

photo: lawsonfenning.com

 

Nickey Kehoe, a local neighborhood showroom, has a line of handmade products that will take your breath away…. and let your pup sleep tight.

photo:nickeykehoe.com
photo: nickeykehoe.com

When you choose to shop for accessories in the community you are getting the most bang for your buck.  Supporting local artists and finding those special objects that last a lifetime.  It is a win-win!

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August 22

/ California State of Mind

On the heels of an amazing northern California beach vacation I am reminded how lucky we are to live in the Golden State.  We are able to incorporate the natural beauty that surrounds us, from the mountains to the ocean, into our everyday life.  We can blur the lines between inside and out, and create spaces that have no boundaries.  As the rest of the country begins to pack up for fall, we are just gearing up for another year of indoor-outdoor living.

Here are some reminders as to why you live in California, in case you forgot…

The garden view from this modern Venice Beach Bungalow cannot be beat

photo: Coral Von Zumwalt

And if you need to cool off after a meal, just step down into your pool

photo: Kate Holstein

And check out this Midcentury beauty in San Diego

photo: Darren Bradley

Looking for something more rustic?  Escape into the woods with these chic structures

photo: Big Sur Campground and Cabins
photo: Stefan Ruiz

Now aren’t we the lucky ones!

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June 21

/ Keeping it Cool in LA

Summer is officially upon us, and as all you Angelenos know that can mean sweltering heat.   The good news is that here is Southern California pools are an art form.  From sipping cocktails poolside at your favorite hotel to a casual backyard pool party, there are plenty of option to choose from, and no shortage on style…

Nothing is more iconic than the Beverly Hills Hotel pool.  Book a lunch at the Cabana Café, and then enjoy the rest of your day splashing about.

photo: Reonie Hanne

For a more urban experience enjoy the rooftop pool at The Standard downtown.

Photo: Manuel Zublena

Looking for something smaller and quainter?  Try Casa Laguna Hotel and Spa for a cozy dip in the pool while overlooking the Pacific.

Photo: Casa Laguna

Hotel not in the cards for you?  It’s time to call in those favors to friends and neighbors who have pools.  And trust me there is no shortage in LA.  Here are a couple beauties…

Mid century dip anyone?

Photo: Bilden Corp

I might never leave this heavenly farmhouse:

Photo: Marion Brenner

And if none of the above work and you happen to be shopping in West Hollywood, maybe they will let you stick your toes into the pool at The Row…who knows??

Photo: Dominique Vorillon

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April 17

/ The Case for Encaustic

Encaustic or cement tiles have been the rage for a few years now.  After installing these tiles in various applications from kitchens to powder rooms I have witnessed the dynamic nature of this material.  They are bold, graphic and fabulous.  But they are tricky too… it is important to get it right and make sure these beauties can stand the test of time.

Here are some helpful tips if you are debating using encaustic:

  1. Color: Sticking with simple colors like black and white keeps your palette flexible and classic.  You can change other elements in the room and your tiles will still work.
studiomcgee.com

 

minted.com
  1. Pattern: Pick a pattern that works with the style of your home.  If you have a traditional brownstone don’t go too modern or graphic.  Live in a midcentury space, then traditional Spanish tiles may not be right.
Rue Magazine
mariakillam.com
  1. Location: If you feel the need to go crazy, sometimes those colors are hard to resist! Do it in a small area like a powder room where you have some freedom.   Taking chances is always fun, but it’s good to limit any collateral damage.
cletile.com
desiretoinspire.net

Don’t be afraid to use encaustic or cement tiles, they are stunning and add a fresh perspective to any space.  But with all design decisions don’t go overboard, sometimes less is more.

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February 20

/ Desert Living

With Palm Springs Modernism Week in full swing and Spring upon us, I start daydreaming of the desert.  The vast, desolate and open landscape is intriguing, and one of the reasons living in Los Angeles is so special.  The desert is right next door.

Desert Living not only permeates the landscapes of Southern California but also its interiors.  The earthy colors and textures of the desert can be found throughout the Southland in interiors that are rich with layers and warmth.  This modern twist of Southwest style can be found from tiles to succulents.  Here are some ways to breathe the desert into your space…

Warm materials such as wood and woven pieces connect us to our landscape.

Earthy colors, such as burnt orange, and vintage rugs create an interesting warmth.

And of course you cannot go wrong with succulents.

And don’t forget materials.  This New West tile is a must.

Happy Desert adventures!

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(Photo credits: Pic 1- newdarlings.comPic 6- the secretsouk.com Pic 7-cletile.com Pic 5- jacquelynclark.com)

The post Desert Living appeared first on My L.A. Lifestyle.

June 11

/ Outdoor Entertaining

Los Angeles in the summer is synonymous with outdoor entertaining. Everyone wants to be outside enjoying friends and family, and there is no better city to do it in! And you don’t need to have a huge backyard to host a summer party, in fact some of the best spaces are intimate and charming. It’s not the size that matters but the details.

Here are a few tips to create an enchanting summer soiree….

1. Eclectic Tablescape

Whether you have a make shift card table set up or an elegant farm table, have fun with the tabletop. Mix and match colors, textures and decorate with fruits, vegetables or even herbs. Remember to keep it interesting and unexpected.

www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com

2. Potted Plants

Even though you may be outdoors, keep the green alive everywhere! Potted plants on a patio or where you are serving drinks look chic and charming. They remind us that we are lucky enough to be enjoying the weather!

www.housebeautiful.com
www.housebeautiful.com
www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com

3. Bohemian Vibe

There is something about the great outdoors that takes us back to our roots. Try to create a space that works with nature and is casual and comfortable. A space where your guests want to kick off their shoes and stay awhile.
Pillows, colorful blankets and layers of texture are great ways to create an interesting and relaxing atmosphere

www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com

Design Tip:
Don’t be discouraged to entertain just because you don’t have a vast outdoor space.  A small table on a balcony with a sensational tablecloth will do just fine . The summers in Los Angeles are about you, your friends and the outdoors…. enjoy it!

The post Outdoor Entertaining appeared first on My L.A. Lifestyle.

May 11

/ Get Your Green On!

At my last client meeting we both found ourselves naturally gravitating towards the color green. Maybe because summer is around the corner and green feels so fresh and invigorating, or maybe because it’s not a color that readily jumps to mind? But green is such a versatile color and it brings the outdoors in, which is so essential to California living. So in your next decorating endeavor, consider adding a refreshing splash of green… you won’t be disappointed.

Here are a few ways to capture green in all its glory….

1. Upholstery

Upholstering a piece of furniture or a set of chairs in a bold green adds an unexpected modern punch to any room.

www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com

 

www.housebeautiful.com
www.housebeautiful.com

2. Accessories and Artwork

If you feel cautious in your use of green try adding it in small doses. Artwork and accessories are great places to experiment with green without fully committing.

www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com

3. Outdoors

For obvious reasons green feels perfectly at home in outdoor spaces. Even a plant is a great way to start playing with green.

www.housebeautiful.com
www.housebeautiful.com

This standard Hermes throw looks amazingly refreshed in green….

www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com

Design Tip:
If you are looking for a crisp new look this summer try playing with different shades of green, from chartreuse to aqua….you will be amazed how easy it is to go green!

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April 11

/ Malibu Madness

As winter begins to fade and summer is upon us, my mind turns toward the coast. Being a native east coaster I still can’t quite wrap my brain around the beach life. This casual yet chic coastal living you see in California still blows me away (and desperately makes me want a beach house)!
So when I saw Patrick Dempsey’s spread in Architectural Digest my heart skipped a beat. It is simply stunning. It represents everything about the west coast that I love, from the chicken coup to the airstream this is California living at its best…
Here are a couple concepts to create this easy breezy way of life.

1. Outdoors, Outdoors, Outdoors

You may not have this kind of space, but southern California is all about outdoor living. So focus on your outdoor space, however small, and create a comfortable spot to enjoy the weather.

www.architecturaldigest.com
www.architecturaldigest.com
www.architecturaldigest.com
www.architecturaldigest.com

An herb garden is very easy to cultivate, plus you have fresh herbs for cooking!

www.architecturaldigest.com
www.architecturaldigest.com

You may not have an airstream on hand, but creating a hideaway in your home is an essential part of relaxing

2. Mix and Match

Notice how the interiors are composed of many different textures and unique pieces. Lots of natural materials are used and there is a casual but sophisticated feel. A house is meant to be lived in, so pick unique pieces that interest you, and don’t focus on creating a “perfect” space.

www.architecturaldigest.com
www.architecturaldigest.com
www.architecturaldigest.com
www.architecturaldigest.com

These living spaces are chalk full of interesting pieces… yet they are natural and flow with the house

www.architecturaldigest.com
www.architecturaldigest.com

Even the dog is peaceful!

Design Tip:
Anyone can create this coastal chic vibe in any space. Try to focus on the outdoors (bring the green inside too), and use plenty of texture and intriguing objects. And then relax and enjoy yourself!

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March 11

/ Mantel Mania

If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace you know that it makes an excellent focal point in a room. But people often forget about the mantel. A mantel creates the perfect opportunity for display. From books to photos and mirrors, the sky is the limit when it comes to mantel decoration.
No mantel? Don’t worry… you can create a mantel easily with a slab of wood, stone or tile. What this simple shelf can add is incredible, and gives you the occasion to add charming details to your home.
Here are three simple steps to spice up your mantel….

1. Layer Pieces

Having an eclectic mix of objects that are layered is an eye grabber. Incorporating books, small statues, pottery, plants and artwork are great ways to create that element of intrigue

www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com

2. Mirror, mirror on the wall

If you can avoid putting that flat screen over your mantel, a mirror is a wonderful way to reflect the room. Use an unusually shaped one for even more impact.

www.elledecor.com
www.elledecor.com
www.elledecor.com
www.elledecor.com

 

3. One dramatic piece

The mantel is an excellent place to display that one piece you love. Going simple with one piece is just as meaningful as layering.

www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com
www.housebeautiful.com
www.housebeautiful.com

 

Design Tip:
Don’t leave those mantels bare!   Instead use your mantel space, or create one, to make a design statement.

 

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February 11

/ Cozy Up

After FINALLY getting around to putting all the holiday decorations away, I find myself longing to hang onto that cozy feeling surrounding that time of year. Is it possible to nest all year long? Absolutely! Having a cozy environment does not mean sacrificing style. In fact the rooms we feel most comfortable in, are usually the ones that have a relaxed, intimate feel.
Here are six easy tips to keeping some cozy in your life year round…

1. Wood, Wood, Wood!

www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com

What could be more natural and warm than wood? But wood does not have to mean a rustic camping lodge. Instead contrast your wood with a bright color to freshen it up.

 

 2. Texture

www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com

Try  not to have too many sleek surfaces in a room without adding some texture. The textural window shades in this kitchen prevent it from being too white and cold.

 

3. Stacked Books

www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com

There is nothing more interesting and informal than having stacks of books in your home. And people will be intrigued to see what you are reading!

 

4. Velvet

www.housebeautiful.com
www.housebeautiful.com

Velvet is one of those amazing fabrics you have to be careful with. When used incorrectly it can seem stuffy and old fashioned. But paired with fresh and modern colors it creates a comfortable, chic space.

 

5. Animal Print

www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com

I use this tip with caution because I think animal print is often overdone. But paired with the right furniture and limited prints there is an exotic hunting lodge feel that cannot be denied.

 

6. The Homemade

www.lonny.com
www.lonny.com

Always find a way to have a homemade touch in the room. These vases filled with peonies add a personal touch to what could be otherwise a cold room.

 

 

Design Tip:

Always find a way to keep a little cozy in your rooms year round. It nurtures the spirit and makes a happy house.

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