Change out...Change up...

Here is a space which I tranformed, this is a tricky room, it is at the entry of a home, however it is a small and tight formal living room as well...so upon entering this is the first room one sees.

Front Living Room Before

Front Living Room After

The trick was to scale down on the furnishings (slipper chairs) and choosing rich but subtle fabrics was key in keeping it on a more formal but relaxed look and feel. The original artwork above the couch, I switched out to be placed in the family/den and it was showcased much better in that room.

Before Family Room/Den

After Family Room/Den

This client was interested in purchasing all new pieces and so we worked with her existing accessories and the new furnishings were found at a high end furniture warehouse which offered custom features at great prices.

Now, aren't you ready for a space lift?

Bienvenue Still Lily

I have been going back and forth about creating the right name for my designs & shop, and so I would like to introduce to you Still Lily. This is my Etsy store name as well.

I will mix and blend postings from here and Still Lily blog. Enjoy!

Have a great day!

Colors of Summer

Californian Summers...days are longer...the sun sits high & strong over these hills that surround...I am reminded again and brought full circle to the often uncertain California June weather...

but still I am amazed with it's familiar comfort, the ocean's crisp cleansing washes away the heaviness and the breeze lifts me to a place of childhood carlessness and light.


Have you ever thought of creating a beachscape in your own backyard?
Upon a recent trip to my favorite nursery, I thought of all the variations of beautiful,
low maintenance arrangments that could be created...
I know you might not always relate succulents to the beach,
but actually they are found throughout beach areas and of course in (my favorite) the always amazing desert,
which reflects California lifestyle beyond description..nowhere like it in the world.

Any of these succulents can be placed in a colorful pot, try red, orange, as I was so taken with on this trip, or a turquoise blue (my fav) and partially fill the bottom of a low, wide pot with potting soil, set 3-4 plants (still in their nursery pots) to arrange the way you see fit, when happy, gently knock plants out of their pot while gently teasing roots that are coiled together and fill with extra soil just up to an inch or two of pot rim, tap top to firmly place and water.

Now, carefully pour a mulch of washed sand (I like the kind that is white and sparkles a bit) atop the soil.

And finally finish with a piece of driftwood or other beachlike treasure you have found (or use as an excuse to go find!)
Set the pot on a sunny patio (light afternoon shade in hot inland areas).

Water once a week or so.

I will put one together and post it soon.

Now sit back and enjoy!

Moments of wonder...

Captured this shot while FZ was shaving and our little man of interest stood by...
the garage with all it's countless tools and machinery & now Barber Shop is a popular place amongst these 2 men of the house.

Love these guys for all their guyness.

Father and son moments like this are so sweet.

What a difference a day makes...

Here are some pictures from yesterday's ReDesign...this homeowner wanted her living room to flow better, feel warmer and welcoming while working with what she had. In comes moi, and here is what came to be a whole new space...

This is the exact reason I love what I do, when someone becomes connected with their home and feels peaceful and happy in their special spaces..it.is truly a rewarding feeling. It is so important for us all to have homes that reflect our personality & lifestyle and for which we are comfortable in , proud of and overall just love!

How does your home feel to you? I'd like to hear from you.

Have a great day!

KZ

Succulents so sweet

I am fusing my woods and natural materials to sit side by side with succulents...why not? They are drought tolerant and thus require little water, easy on the environment, they come in such wonderful, different shapes and colors. These beauties are amazing (well, I think so at least) and I have been cultivating and expanding my succulent collection.

Take a gander...

And you will just have to check back to see these precious little ones in a finished art form!

Does anyone else just adore succulents?

New pieces...

Been busy in the studio and here are a few pics of one new design...as always I am a little nervous when introducing new creations to the world, but these colors and textures are so real and so different, I could not keep them from coming out.

Enjoy...

Happy long weekend!