Just over a year ago I moved into a new place in the Melrose District of Los Angeles. A charming tree lined residential street with modest homes built mainly in the 1930’s and 1940’s. A range of Streamline Moderne, Spanish, Storybook, and a few 50’s era for the mix. I decided to go in the direction of an eclectic mid-century modern mix for the interior design of my own home since it tied in more with the aesthetics of a 1939 built structure.

I was looking to furnish quickly and on a budget. With a designer’s eye and resources, I knew I could shop inexpensive finds and pull it together. In the entry / living area, which also doubles as my workspace, I purchased the large scale abstract from Overstock.com and the console from Living Spaces. The bench is from Target.

The accessories, artwork, and table lamp are all from Target. The two drawer desk is from Overstock.com and the lucite chair on casters (a favorite of mine!) was one of those one off rare finds on a whim from TJ Maxx!

In the living area, additional artwork from Target (along with the bench), a sectional sofa from Living Spaces, and as they say “something borrowed” - well, thank you to my good friend Morgan for the coffee table loan. Her (replica) Noguchi is the perfect fit for the space!

For the dining area, I’d long coveted a Saarinen dining table. However, I had to do some internet scouring to find a knock off that was both the right scale (smaller and round vs oval) and a high gloss black. I can’t recall the source of where I purchased this from but it was a great find and now one of my other favorite finds. The mid-century modern chairs paired with it came as a set of four from Overstock.com.

Lastly, the bedroom. Art, bedding, and bedside table are all from Target. The high table lamp is from Overstock.com, once again. A platform bed with a gray tufted headboard and mattress shipped from Wayfair.com in just two days. Had to get a bed fast!

If you’re on a budget and looking for design assistance, I’d be happy to help! I’m based in the Los Angeles area offering design services and consultations along with online design help for anyone, anywhere. A complete flat rate room design package is available for $500 per room. More details here!

Just the week before last I took a week vacation, along with friends, to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The great thing about getting to Cabo is it’s only a short two hour flight from Los Angeles. Then you’re in paradise. Or at least, staying at the fantastic all-inclusive Pueblo Bonita Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort is. My friends own a timeshare and vacation there annually.

The sprawling resort sits north of the tourist town of Cabo, on the Pacific Ocean side, carved through a mountainous area. Just below the resort is an enclave a mansions and beachfront properties of the wealthy, apparently Bill Gates owns a home in the area. The property is secure and gated, making it also very private for guests.

Our corner unit included a jacuzzi on the balcony and ocean front views. We spent time here daily hanging out after the pool or in the early evening. Fantastic sunset views too.

Every evening from our balcony we took in this view and the sound of the ocean waves crashing.

The resort is built into the side of a mountain area with steep inclines. Golf carts are available to transport guests along these pathways. Throughout are various gardens and sanctuaries with birds, flamingos, and lots of lush landscaping.

On one occasion we did leave the resort to spend a day walking around the small tourist town of Cabo. Shops, bars, and a mall line the Marina area. Off the beaten path is a local restaurant called Maro’s Shrimp House. Known for their shrimp and lobster and some crazy way of delivering a certain specific drink table side - you’ll have to go to experience it yourself!

Maro’s has had some famous patrons too - autographed photos line the walls where you can take a black marker to them yourself. We signed our names too!

Back at the resort, which features several of its own restaurants too, is a Culinary Hall, basically a more upscale food court with various themed options including Asian, Diner, Mexican, Italian, Deli, salads, gelato, coffee, and a bar.

The great thing is it was part of our all-inclusive package. I had a really good beet salad one day from the salad themed section.

There’s also one restaurant that has a nightly themed buffet. We went one night for the Argentine buffet and dined outside on the patio with this view.

And lastly, most days were spent poolside under an umbrella for seven warm sun filled days. This is the Sky Pool with its infinity edge and a view of the Pacific.

Thanks to my friends for a fun escape to Cabo! Lots of jokes, banter, drinks, food, memories...

For more resort and vacation pics, visit my Instagram here.

Las Vegas Market is coming! It’s been more than a few years since my last trip to Las Vegas for the furnishings market but for this year’s summer market I’ve the privilege of being included in Soft Design Lab’s VIP “Red Carpet Tour”. Along with friends and fellow designers we’ve a host of events, parties, and showroom visits lined up for us at the World Market Center in Vegas.

Aside from an exclusive summer soirée party on behalf of Las Vegas Market and Luxe Interiors + Design magazine, I’m looking forward to our meet-and-greet event with the Novogratz our first day at market along with showroom open house events with Angela Harris, Christopher Guy, Orient Express, and Currey & Co. (Schedule of these events referenced above.)

If you’re planning to attend Market there is an app you can use - I’ve yet to try it or test it out but plan to soon!

And a throwback from a past market where I had a fantastic opportunity to take over the Las Vegas Market’s Instagram account! This market you can follow my posts and pictures on Twitter @JSInteriorDes and Instagram @JSInteriorDesign - looking forward to sharing design finds and more! #LVMKT

Excited to announce my new collaboration with Laura Ashley USA! I will be showcasing mini-makeovers for kitchen and bathroom from the Laura Ashley USA Home Furnishings collection. The before and after are coming soon - as a preview I’ve put together concept boards of selections I’ve picked to feature. (In a future post, I’ll feature links to all the selections.)

​Stay tuned for more soon!