October →

October is the first month the leaves start to fade for winter. The autumn air becomes crisp and everyone searches for their coats to bundle up. It marks the beginning of the holiday season where candy is gifted to witches and ghosts alike. Pumpkins become a family tradition where contests are created to see who can carve the best jack-o-lantern for all hallows eve. The colors of this season are unforgettable through the strong oranges of the fields covered with pumpkins to the mountains landscaped by hues of yellow and reds that mark the coming of snow.

Nob Hill, San Francisco

Whenever the office life and paper work is getting a little too crazy take a break escape the office. I had an opportunity last week to run some errands with my boss and we ended up at the top of nob hill. The views were amazing as was the architecture.  

Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas

The best part about Vegas is choosing which hotel to stay at on the strip. Each location has their own theme, style and decor that sets each other apart. Previously, we've stayed at The Venetian and it was lovely big rooms and killer views of the strip and mountain range. 

This visit we decided since it was summertime it was only appropriate  that we should stay in a tropical paradise. Upon first arrival it felt as if I had walked into a larger version of the tiki room at Disneyland with the colors and bamboo accents. The hotel had a beautiful conservatory full of indoor plants thriving under the glass domed roof. 

Valet - Front Entrance

Lobby bar next to the gardens

Bromeliads next to the slot machines

Fall transitions

Garden Nursery 

Just when you thought summer was the only time of year to pay attention to your outdoors and gardens think again.  Fall is a great time to prepare the grounds for a colder time of year. If you know anything about living in California we aren't blessed with beautiful red, yellow and orange trees during the fall. I prefer to buy these beautiful fall foliage pieces for that extra added color. 

Coleus - "Versa Rose to Lime" evergreen tender perennial. Sun to shade. Foliage transitions from burgundy to variegated green & white in fall. 

Heuchera Carnival Peach Parfait, frilly foliage in shades of peach with dark orange veins & a fancy silver overlay perfect for container growing.   

Geometric Tiles

Bouchon Bakery - Las Vegas, Nevada.  

The Pantry - Las Vegas, Nevada.  

Prior to my trip to Las Vegas I had researched some of the top most popular restaurants to visit. Many of the recommendations were from friends and most couldn't stop raving about Bouchon Bakery as I had to make a visit to see what it was all about. In a later post I will go into more detail on Bouchon Bakery, but upon first arrival I was awe struck by the beautiful geometric medallione prints floating seamlessly through the room. The colors were unexpected and matched perfectly with the blue velvet banquettes running alongside. 

The Pantry was located inside The Mirage, it was a very popular brunch spot because it had a line out the door every morning. The colors throughout the space were mixes of neutrals and warm tones, which blended perfectly with the starburst diamond tile madness happening below our feet. 

Variegated Textures

Wonderful meeting with my client today making decisions on her new San Francisco home. Her style is very contemporary with neutral accents and layering in bold prints to blend everything together. I am in love with the marled grey low pile rug we have chosen for the space by pulling together the artwork and pillows for a striking statement any guest would be wowed. 

Gated Garden

The glimpse into this beautiful porched in garden is breath taking. The ferns and fan leaves are thriving in the cool dark environment. The fact that the area was gated off made it even more desirable. To have the time and space to imagine a garden as so is a dream to me. This proves that even in the darkest corners and areas of no sunshine beauty can grow and surprise you. 

Shell Pendant

Seashells are nothing more than a reminder of the summer time and days spent at the beach. This gorgeous shell pendant would look great in any beach side bungalow. The three tiers give the fixture dimension and cascading qualities that remind you of waterfalls in a near by tropical getaway. 

Backyard Envy

Summertime is a time for flowers to bloom and the weather to be hot. The plants come to life and the nights become longer. Succulents and cacti seem to be all the craze at the moment. They are green and beautiful all year long and don't require much water, hint to being ancestors of the desert. If you haven't stopped by your local nursery this summer I definitely suggest doing so. Enjoy the summer it will be over before we know it!  

Lace & Frills

Ever since I can remember my grandmothers home has made a strong impact on me. Ask any designer they will have a specific place or destination that surprised them around every corner. This is a photograph of her dining room a long rectangular table on top of a sea foam moss plush pile rug. The crocheted lace table cloth finishes the space so beautifully giving it a feel of elegance and romance a room used most often during big dinner parties and holidays.