I love learning about this history of what goes into making something, whether it’s art, furniture, or in this instance, pottery. Pottery Avenue is a distributor for the finest Polish Pottery Stoneware. The history of manufacturing pottery goes back to 14th century Boleslawiec when a layer of ceramic clay was uncovered, thus beginning the folk art in the German province of Silesia now known as Boleslawiec, Poland. There, the main avenue is a “pottery avenue”, home to many factory outlet stores. Pottery Avenue imports from the original manufacture of the town, knowing the pottery is of the finest quality and adheres to business practices that lead the industry. Below are some examples of the vast line that Pottery Avenue showcases on their website.

A hand painted vase using non-toxic colors in a botanical pattern.

A 12-cup canister hand painted in Poland following a 750-year tradition of artistry.

This hand stamped pitcher uses a centuries old technique using sponges from the Baltic sea and each motif is skillfully cut into the sponge for a hand stamp application.

This colorful mug is made with a chemical free colored glaze.

A classic 10” quiche-pie dish. Also each piece from can cook up to 500 degrees and is one of the best for baking with the thermal transfere inherent in stoneware and the glaze is naturally nonstick so food releases and it is easy to clean.

Pottery Avenue also carries a line of very popular embossed rolling pins - like the Givinchy above.

One of the very popular patterns is the Butterfly Merry Making as displayed on this 2 quart stoneware pitcher.

Currently in the “exclusive web offer” category, this large bakers bowl is now on sale.

Full piece dinnerware sets are also available. Above is the Unikat pattern, applied using sponges in the century old technique known as hand stamp but also brushes to add depth and additional character. Each piece is signed on the bottom and stamped with Unikat.

To shop, visit www.PotteryAvenue.com and use coupon code “PAF” at checkout!

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Last year I had the opportunity to visit my first Idea House and was excited when Lamps Plus invited me for this year’s 2019 Sunset Magazine Idea House. The stunning contemporary home is located in Santa Monica with rooftop views of the Pacific Ocean. It was once a dated bungalow and the owner spent three years in the design process and another three years in construction.

In the entry foyer, hangs a dramatic chandelier from Lamps Plus.

Custom cabinets by Barber Builders and wood flooring from Boen.

Unique counter stools from Waka Waka.

The upstairs master bedroom and very cool table lamps from Lamps Plus!

The master bedroom with its hillside views and lots of natural light.

The spacious master bedroom closet with closets by The Container Store.

The master bath with finishes from Arizona Tile and bath fittings by Moen.

A fun guest bedroom and bedside Lamps Plus lamps.

A contemporary and stylish guest bathroom just off the upstairs hallway.

I loved the office / study with furnishings by Amsterdam Modern (daybed), Croft House (chair), and Martin + Brockett (coffee table).

Loving that chair!

The office built-in desk and cabinets with attention paid to detail - enough room for The Shade Store draperies to hang.

Oh the views! From the expansive rooftop deck with clear views out to Malibu and the Pacific Ocean.

A functional outdoor kitchen and long dining table makes this rooftop the ideal spot for entertaining!

Big, beautiful outdoor candles by MAJO Candles. Truly the largest scale candles that I have ever seen are created by this UK company. The tall pillar candles stand at an incredible 1 meter high (the tallest) and also available in both 60cm & 80cm. How majestic to have a garden or exterior designed with these outdoor candles!

These exclusive, oversized candles are designed specifically for outdoors and to stay alight in even wind and light rain. They are made from a combination of unique wax composition and an extra thick waterproof wick with a burn time of up to 600 hours.

The soft glow of the candlelight creates an elegant ambience for outdoor entertainment. To check out the flames in action - see the videos on Majo Candles here on Instagram.

The story behind the creation of these large scale candles goes back to a trip to Kerala, India that owner Jodi Curtis had taken in 2016. While there, she attended a garden party in an historic spice harbor. Huge column like candles illuminated the space all around the garden. Inspired by the magic of these candles Jodi knew she had to track down the makers, thus the concept for MAJO Candles was created. In rural Kerala the skilled artisans who have been making these candles for generations now work with MAJO Candles using the same traditional artisan processes.

Sometimes you come across a really great site when browsing for home decor goods, which is what happened to me when I found Mulberry Manor Boutique on Instagram. Not only is Mulberry Manor Boutique a unique online shopping site but also a cute retail boutique located in Wenatchee, Washington. I also love that they carry eco-friendly, organic, and made in the USA products. Products include home and garden decor, kitchenware, specialty food, tea, aromatherapy, bath and body, fashion accessories, jewelry, souvenirs, and gifts.

I’ve scoured the Mulberry Manor Boutique for some of my favorite finds below. {*They are currently offering a promotion of 15% off a purchase of $100 or more using promo code Holiday.}

When decorating, I’m always advising clients an easy seasonal update is to simply change out items like pillows and throws. These cozy plaid throws add the spirit with their colors and texture.

Holiday decorating - every door needs a wreath!

Always on the hunt for filler accessories for projects and these animal print wood balls are so different, love the idea of adding them in for an eclectic mix.

How fun and yet classic in black and white are these striped and polka dot throw pillows.

For the gift giving, a pretty candle.

Pretty earthy vases, check out the fluted speckle vase.

Another unique find are these rope planters, love the natural and beachy vibe.

These 15” round woven placements are currently on sale, set of 4, for just $28!

For the holiday season decorator, these white metal trees are so pretty!

Faux fur throws like this one add to your winter decorating.

Paired with a faux fur Arctic fox throw pillow too!

Love these golden hex bowls with red enamel, fun for the holidays and decorative year round.

Mulberry Manor Boutique is fully stocked for online shopping but if you are ever in Wenatchee, Washington check out the downtown location at 6 South Wenatchee Avenue.

On behalf of Infinity Drain I had the opportunity to attend a press event for the unveiling of a newly constructed home in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Bridge House LA is owned and designed by architect Dan Brunn. His vision for the construction incorporated designing a home that serves as a demonstration of innovative systems and forward thinking process.

Upon entering is the living room with a feature “living” wall.

The contemporary living room with large scale abstract artwork.

The kitchen with a dividing cabinetry that separates the dining area beyond.

I love the indoor / outdoor concept and retractable doors that opens up the dining room with views overlooking the lap pool.

The sky becomes the ceiling!

Full height windows and wall panels create interesting architecture.

A sitting room / family room off the hallway corridor which leads to the private areas (bedrooms and bathrooms).

The art lined hallway corridor leading to the private spaces.

Off the hallway corridor are the private areas, which includes three bedrooms and bathrooms. One of the guest bathrooms features a walk in shower and views to the exterior and pool. Here is a glimpse at the linear drain by Infinity Drain.

I love the sleek contemporary look of a linear drain.

Another angle featuring the Infinity Drain.

Another bathroom adjacent to a bedroom. A wall mounted toilet and flush system from Geberit.

At the very end of the hallway is the master bedroom.

The stunning master bathroom.

The sleek minimalist Infinity Drain in the master bathroom shower.

A lap pool and outdoor cooking area on the lower level of the home.

The lower level also features a complete kitchen and living space.

Just off the outdoor kitchen area this living room space is great for indoor and outdoor living.

From the living area is a corridor leading to a full bath and room.

The bathroom has full height glass sliding doors and a seamless with the floor level Infinity Drain.

A fun music and entertaining room. I love the clerestory windows.

This past week I was invited to attend an event at the Getty House hosted by our Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti. The Getty Foundation in conjunction with Engage LA encourages and educates women on opportunities to get involved with city contracting projects.

I had the opportunity to meet Eric Garcetti, mayor of Los Angeles.

The Getty House is also the official residence of the Mayor. It is located in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles. The home was constructed in 1921 of Tudor Revival architecture.

The grounds of the home are beautiful. Our event was set up outside at the back of the property.

An outdoor seating area that overlooks the water feature.

A view from the backyard with a bit of city beyond - looking towards Wilshire Boulevard.

The historic home offers some great outdoor seating and entertaining areas.

Fun outdoor planters.

Beautifully landscaped and shady outdoor seating areas.

More of the grounds and rear of the home.

A quintessential definition of Los Angeles!

Thank you to the Getty Foundation and Eric Garcetti for hosting us!

WestEdge Design Fair is taking place this coming week at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica! The annual design event kicks off Thursday, October 24th with an opening night party and is open through the weekend, until October 27th. During the event exhibitor booths will be on display and panel discussions, workshops, culinary events & tastings, and more are all part of the three day show. I’m looking forward to attending opening night on Thursday along with a media preview and additional networking events. Here’s a preview of some of the exhibitor highlights!

West | Wood Architectural Surfaces will showcase new colors in its line.

Studio Ford will feature it’s line of textiles including table linens, quilts, and scarves.

Nero Fire Design showcases its high end fireplaces with water vapor technology.

Fantini is an exquisite high end line of bathroom and kitchen fittings - can’t wait to see what they have on display!

The super cool company Buster + Punch has a line of hardware, lighting, furniture, accessories, and more! I’m loving everything on their website and can’t wait to check out at the show!

Forbes & Lomax carries the coolest 1930’s era switch plates, sockets, and dimmers.

Art Hide and Amigos de Hoy will showcase a line of hide rugs and natural fiber area rugs.

Graff Designs will be featuring three new collections from their plumbing line.

And a highlight, Kitchen Signature Suite will have a culinary pavilion where you can learn about the latest luxury appliance innovations and enjoy daily demonstrations and samplings from leading chefs including a “True Italian Taste” by the Italy America Chamber of Commerce. I’m definitely wanting to check that out!

For almost every design project I work on, I am sourcing area rugs for interiors; from the entry to the living room to a bedroom. I include rug selections on many of the design concept boards I do and am always looking for rug sources to meet the aesthetic and sometimes custom needs of a specific interior design project. ORC Rugs, based in Tulsa, OK with an online shopping presence, offers over 100,000 hand-knotted and hand-loomed rugs. They are a family owned business established in 1984 that supplies to fine furniture stores and interior designers.

Here are some of my favorite finds from the ORC Rugs collection!

As I favor colorful, edgy, and artsy - I was instantly drawn to this artistc rug.

Love the simplicity of this graphic rug, which is also currently on sale for a great price!

If you’re looking for a solid colored rug, ORC Rugs also carries a variety of solid colored versions like this purple option.

Another project need are carpet runners, specific to hallways and other narrow passageways, this pink patterned imported from India is really cool.

Love the colorful vibrancy of this wool and sari silk made in India.

A very chic and contemporary multi-colored rug.

For a neutral option, this white wash vintage that is Persian imported is very elegant.

ORC Rugs also carries a line of vintage and over-dyed rugs, such as this earthy Persia rug.

For a more transitional area rug, loving this pretty denim and navy blue.

And, lastly, for the classics, a selection of fine Oriental area rugs are available.

I recently came across Home Infatuation, a to the trade luxury outdoor furnishings online site, offering cool contemporary outdoor furniture with an added mix of cool eclectic finds (more below) - that I’m currently coveting!

I love the uniqueness of this dining table and coordinating chairs. They are wicker with aluminum frames and a laminated tabletop. They are both contemporary and transitional, yet timeless. I think these are really pretty!

Another wicker table and chairs option with a more modern leg in teak - really liking this one as well!

The Dalmatia collection is more eclectic retro vibe and the chairs come in an array of powder finish coated colors that are fun!

Lately I’ve been specifying more and more hanging swings for client projects and they love them - even for indoors too!

Another chair I think that is really cool, different, and eclectic - are these Folio Dining Chairs, also powder coated and available in a few color options.

Often I’m in search of a pedestal base dining table (ideal for banquette seating too) and sometimes are hard to find (bases that are too generic, traditional) - I favor a more contemporary bulkier (= sturdier) base like this Lou Lou Dining Table. It’s available in both matte and high gloss, of commercial grade quality.

This bench style seating and table are so unique, different, and fun!

Love these lounge poufs and low table. The table comes with a recessed area for decor, storage, ice, etc.

This outdoor bar is a conversation piece and ideal for home entertaining.

I’ve been seeing the trend for more and more curved sofas in interiors and like the idea of carrying the theme to the exteriors too.

Home Infatuation also carries a range of outdoor pods, daybeds, and hanging chairs.

In addition to furniture, Home Infatuation also carries lighting, planters, firepits, decor, and more.

You can shop everything at www.HomeInfatuation.com and check out their Instagram and Houzz for more inspiration.

Home Infatuation is a to the trade and family owned business. As a designer I would be happy to facilitate if you are looking to purchase. Thank you to Home Infatuation for the opportunity to work together. They truly have some amazing finds!

Looking forward to attending the LA Westside Food & Wine Festival on Sunday, October 13th from 2-6pm. The all inclusive event includes live music, a photo booth, DJ, food, wine, spirits and more located at the Courtyard by Marriott LA Westside.

A preview, above, of tastings from The Tuck Room Tavern (ahi tuna poke, burgers, cocktails).

Additional participating restaurants include:

Rush Street, Panini Kabob Grill, Gus's Fried Chicken, Fresh Brothers Pizza, Jimmy John’s, LaRocco’s Pizzeria, New School of Cooking, L.O.V.E Premier Catering, Ent. Friends & Sacred Occasions Catering Melody Bar & Grill, Allergy Schatzgluten/dairy catering, Continental Gourmet Empanadas, Oil & Vinegar Co., Farm Fresh To You, Kind Bars, Haigs Dips, Nothing Bundt Cakes, chocoMe, My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream, Moruga Chocolates- and more!

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A variety of wines, craft beers, and spirit samplings are an all inclusive part of the event.

Participating vendors include:

​PRP Wine International, Riboli Wines, Besa mi Vino, One Hope Wines, Vista Del Rey Vineyards, Wake Up Wine, Rush Street Cocktails, Harajuku Taproom Beer & Sake, Morandell Imports Spirits - Bettie Page, 1010, Nuda Tequila, Rekorderlig Hard Cider, Dulce Vida Tequila, Singleton Scotch, Mcleod Ale Beer, Venice Duck Brewery, Jiant Kombucha, Suro Cha Tea, Topo Chico, Vita Coco Coconut Water, Vital Proteins Collagen Water, Morning Recovery, Kevita Kombucha, My Sweet Basil, Essential Water, & more to come!

For ticket and info, click here.

Follow on Instagram and for more event details, here.

Looking forward to checking out all the great food, drinks, ambience - and hope to see you there too!