10 Artist-Inspired Ways to Make Your Home Look Custom
Looking to add character to your builder grade home? Discover 10 artist-inspired ways to make your home look custom, special, and uniquely your own.
The most beautiful homes I've been in are not the most expensive ones.
The interiors that made the biggest impression on me, that whispered rich stories about the people who lived in them and still live on in my memory, where the homes of creatives.
There was the tiny apartment of the married poets whose every (I mean every) surface was stacked with books. There was the curator's home with the disco ball in the shower. There was my Aunt and Uncle's Oakland home, with its golden walls, collections of Mexican pottery, and my uncle's ironwork everywhere—from the banister to the pot hooks.
These homes might have looked out of place on Pinterest, but in person they were welcoming, intriguing, and unforgettable.
Maybe your home is builder grade, a tract home, or a rental, and you want to add character. Maybe you find it difficult to parse the home decor trends for what reflects your personal taste. Maybe you simply long for a space that feels like you. As an artist that grew up around artists, I learned a creative attitude toward making a home that I carry through my work as a designer. And the good news is that, while artists seem instinctually to make a home feel special, they do so in ways anyone can borrow.
Here's ten creative approaches to your home that will make it feel unique, custom and special.
I hope you discover some inspiration in these ideas—there are many easy ways to make your home look unique, feel special, and reflect your personal style that don't involve renovating, remodeling, or investing in expensive millwork or custom built-ins. These projects can help anyone dream beyond the cookie cutter and think like an artist or an interior designer to create a space you're proud of.
And let us know in the comments which homes you've never been able to forget, or which special detail makes your home feel custom. Thanks for sharing!
A 2024 Post-Covid Renovation + Redecorating Guide: What to Know Now
As you probably know, the Covid-19 pandemic changed the home renovation and decor industry forever. So, where are we now? Is it a good time to take on a project? What can clients expect?
if you’ve been asking yourself any of these questions, read on.
(…With some design inspiration to keep things interesting… )
As you probably know, the Covid-19 pandemic changed the home renovation and decor industry forever. People stuck at home had the extra money and motivation to pull the trigger on projects, creating an industry boom that led to product innovation and slew of new talent, but also shortages in materials, professionals, and staff that drove up prices and timelines.
So, where are we now? Is it a good time to take on a project? What can clients expect?
If you’ve been asking yourself any of these questions, read on. I’m here to walk you through the industry landscape at this moment, as well as give a little guidance to planning for your dream project.
So what’s the final word?
Prices are high, but they’re also probably not budging, and the industry is continuing to stabilize, with lots of talent available. A well-considered investment is almost sure to be a smart one.
I would advise those considering a project to sit down with a professional or two and talk though their dreams, their priorities, and their budget. There’s no reason not to start a project right now if you have the means to achieve your desired goals, and a pro can help you determine whether now is the time.
I hope this little guide has been helpful! If you have more questions, please let us know—send an email or leave a comment! We’re here to help and would love to keep the conversation going.
Five Design Elements I’m Excited to See Trending for 2024…and my Philosophy on Trends
It’s time for a look forward—and a 2024 design trends update! But first, a little on my philosophy towards trends . . .
It’s time for a look forward—and a 2024 design trends update! But first, a little on my philosophy towards trends.
All design elements run in and out of the trend cycle. When trends emerge, it usually signals that someone has reinterpreted an element that’s been out of the limelight for a while in a creative way. It feels fresh, exciting, and it inspires others. This is a good thing! Trends only become stale when they are chased by the market which oversaturates the media environment with watered-down facsimiles. So, to create timeless designs, approach trends with these three things in mind:
Novelty is exciting! Make sure you are attracted to a trend in an authentic way by understanding whether it resonates with a deeper memory or value. If a trending item reminds you of your childhood home or something you like to wear, for example, then you probably connect with it authentically.
Interpret instead of copying. Use the trend to evoke the values, memories, or aesthetics you already have. Give it your own twist.
Seek balance. A design plan that is entirely on-trend will eventually look dated. Only integrate trends that speak to you, and layer them with less popular elements.
Now for a sample of some of the trending design elements that give me that spark of recognition—things I’ve always loved but am now seeing afresh.
The last decade of design has grounded us in classic forms, serene neutrals, and natural materials. Looking over these trends, I see an overall shift toward emotion, expression, and creativity, but I think it can all be balanced and integrated with that classic foundation, enhancing it rather than replacing it. The future looks full of intuitive, imaginative design, and I couldn’t be more excited to take part in it.
My Favorite Kitchen Finish Combination for Warm, Earthy Kitchens
Every time I’ve seen a particular kitchen finish combo lately, I’ve had to stop in my tracks and study it. I’m talking about wood-finish cabinetry paired with rustic tile. This combination is breathing new life into kitchen design, an area beset with trends and formulas.
Every time I’ve seen a particular kitchen finish combo lately, I’ve had to stop in my tracks and study it. I’m talking about wood-finish cabinetry paired with rustic tile. This combination is breathing new life into kitchen design, an area beset with trends and formulas.
The wood cabinetry transcends popular colors, and offers so many opportunities for customization. It can also be hardier and more durable, hiding fingerprints and resisting chipping.
Rustic tile includes zellige, brick, and anything with color or textural variation. I look for tile with iron spots, uneven glazes that reveal the ceramic color beneath, and color shifts. You can also always mix two or three close colors into one batch for something really unique.
Read on for inspiration and a glimpse of the many moods and effects possible within this combination of finishes.
Here’s one more showstopper that has it all; custom wood cabinetry with very special details in contrasting varieties, offset with the glimmer and ethereal color of white zellige tile.
Thanks so much for reading! I hope you’ve gathered some inspiration for your dream kitchen!
5 Inspired Ways to Update a Mid-Century Home
What makes a mid-century home special? If it’s an Eichler or a Stahl the answer may be obvious—rigorous geometry, expansive windows, a sleek roof line, and an open floor plan inviting casual, modern living. Sometimes, without the right touch, homes built during this era can feel simply boxy or lack personality. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to restore the creative spirit of the early modern age to any mid-century home. Using our Mid-Century Organic project in Walnut Creek as a test case, we’re sharing five ways you can help your home’s heritage shine, while refreshing it for the current day.
What makes a mid-century home special? If it’s an Eichler or a Stahl the answer may be obvious—rigorous geometry, expansive windows, a sleek roof line, and an open floor plan inviting casual, modern living. Mid-century architecture was the result of a boom in technology, design and cultural optimism following the end of the last World War—designed to strip away stuffiness, let the outdoors in, and host a new age of ease and prosperity.
Sometimes, without the right touch, homes built during this era can feel simply boxy or lack personality. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to restore the creative spirit of the early modern age to any mid-century home. Using our Mid-Century Organic project in Walnut Creek as a test case, we’re sharing five ways you can help your home’s heritage shine, while refreshing it for the current day.
And there they are—our five favorite ways to bring out the soul of a midcentury home. Want to see the impact of these changes? Check out the before and after images below!
Inspiration | A Trip to Ireland
This summer we attended a family reunion in my parter’s family’s home town of Belmullet, Ireland. There, the aunts smothered us in enormous breakfasts (turns out black pudding is harmless!) and the uncles charmed us with that iconic dark humor. The air in this seaside town smelled always of peat smoke, and it seemed as though everyone owned at least a handful of sheep.
Here’s a glimpse of what captured that balance between the bleak romance of the rocky isle, and the cheer and comfort sheltered within.
This summer we attended a family reunion in my parter’s family’s home town of Belmullet, Ireland. There, the aunts plied us with enormous breakfasts (turns out black pudding is harmless!) and the uncles charmed us with that iconic dark humor. The air in this seaside town smelled always of peat smoke, and it seemed as though everyone owned at least a handful of sheep.
After the festivities, we headed out on our own adventures, which centered on animals to please our little one, but ended up delighting us all. First, we headed to Ashford Castle, which had me swooning around its gardens pretending to be a Great Lady. There, we wandered the wooded grounds with our own personal falconry expert, sending our bird into the trees to follow from limb to limb until we called him back to the glove with a whistle.
Then we went for a country ride near the Cliffs of Moher on three beautiful Gypsy Vanners at the Mountain View Horse Riding Centre, and attended a sheepdog demonstration at the Caherconnell Fort, which had us rapt at the smarts of five adorable border collies.
Throughout Ireland, I was struck by the balance of brightness and darkness—the bluebird skies that suddenly turned dark with summer gales, the light-hearted delivery of black humor that reminded me of great Irish literature, and the contrast of elements in the architecture we saw everywhere. Here’s a glimpse of what captured that balance between the bleak romance of the rocky isle, and the cheer and comfort sheltered within.
The Beauty of Stone
Stone is an art in Ireland. I couldn’t get enough of the hand-built stone walls that criss-cross the countryside, so delicately made of such rough material, with creative flourishes here and there. I loved the centuries-old chisel marks, the lacy lichen blooms, and the occasional hank of sheep’s wool caught on their craggy surfaces.
2. Cheery Red Accents
The austerity of stone is enlivened frequently with bright red trim, doors, and flower boxes. What seems like an aesthetic gesture has deeper roots, however—when Queen Victoria decreed that the Irish paint their cottage doors black, they rebelled by painting them red, a color that had long signified the hand of a great warrior.
3. White Wash & Thatch
The stone masonry was also often brightened with whitewash, which produces a lovely glow due to its calcite crystals. Historically, limewash was a resort of impoverished families who could not afford paint, but it bonded well with stone and has antibacterial qualities. Today, of course, limewash is very popular in interior design, providing an elevated rustic finish.
Another classic of Irish cottages, thatched roofs are an heirloom craft (like the masonry walls) that provides durability and beauty. Thatched roofing can last up to 40 years with minimal maintenance.
An Ireland-inspired Mood Board
So here’s what I’m dreaming of now—some imported Irish charm and coziness via rustic wool textiles, industrial fixtures, slate pavers, limewash and bold red accents (plus a bit of emerald!)
Finally, I wouldn’t leave you without some recommendations! Check out the links below for what got me excited and what really made my trip:
My favorite album.
My favorite page-turning non-fiction.
My favorite pub.
My favorite town.
My favorite park.
My favorite shop.
Thank you so much for reading! Sláinte!
Inspiration | Summer Sleepwear So Pretty You Can Wear it All Day
It’s hot and I’m dreaming of diaphanous clothing that I can just drift through the day in. Sets and dresses I don’t have to think about. Things that reflect the dreamy time of year when we value elements that are relaxed, simple, just a bit undone.
Luckily, with many working from home, and a new emphasis on comfort in fashion, I’ve been seeing so many beautiful brands offer clothing that walks the line between loungewear and daywear. I’m inspired to experiment a little along this boundary, and here are a few of the pieces that seem full of possibilities.
It’s hot and I’m dreaming of diaphanous clothing that I can just drift through the day in. Sets and dresses I don’t have to think about. Things that reflect the dreamy time of year when we value elements that are relaxed, simple, just a bit undone.
Luckily, with many working from home, and a new emphasis on comfort in fashion, we’ve seen so many beautiful brands offer clothing that walks the line between loungewear and daywear. If, like me, you’re inspired to experiment a little along this boundary, here are a few pieces that seem full of possibilities.
Thanks for reading! Here’s hoping you get lots of R & R this summer, and time to enjoy the warm summer nights. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more reverie.
Our Top Five Favorite White Paint Colors for 2024, Designer-Tested-and-Approved
There’s no easier transformation for a home than paint, and yet for the uninitiated, there is nearly no harder task than selecting a paint color! Especially when it comes to whites. So here’s a list of some of my absolute favorites . . .
There’s no easier transformation for a home than paint, and yet for the uninitiated, there is almost no harder task than selecting a paint color! Especially when it comes to white paint. White is one of the hardest paint colors to get right because its effects are so subtle. So, if you are looking for the best white paint colors, whether for walls, cabinets, or trim, read on for my go-to whites—a list of some of my absolute favorites—and if you’re still not sure, don’t forget we provide Color Consultations, a quick and easy way to get a professional palette designed for your home.
While no means an exhaustive list of the best shades of white, this is a perfect place to start looking for the right white for your project. Yet, even starting with these paint choices, the selection process can be confusing if you aren't sure how to test color in your home.
My advice is to skip paint decks and the tiny paint samples you can get at paint stores. Instead, order large, removable stickers from Samplize, or swatch walls in big patches (over white primer in two coats). All colors, including white, may look very different at different times of day, and white on walls can reflect greenery or other colors from outside, so make sure you look at the paint over an extended period before making a choice. I love to paint corners so I can see the light hitting the color in multiple ways at once. It can be an extended process, but do the work and you should be thrilled—there is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to transform a home.
Thanks for reading, and let us know below—what colors are you looking for?
Inspiration | A Gallery Guide
San Francisco
Oakland
Marin
As much as I love design, I don’t think anything makes a home more compelling than art—art that has its own life, its own prerogative, which breaks the house rules.
To become a collector (or just a lover) of art, you have to tolerate the uncomfortable, embrace the mysterious, and allow for the elusive. Look for something that calls to you but never explains why, something that makes the familiar seem strange.
Soon in this space I’ll speak more to building a collection, but for now…get out there and go arting.
Inspiration | A Summer Wardrobe Wishlist
We recently created a custom ottoman from a vintage kilim rug ordered from Turkey. Not only does this piece bring patina and beauty to the space, it provides a place to put up your feet, have a seat, or rest a tray of goodies. Are ottomans the new coffee table? They’re certainly not just for casual spaces anymore. Here’s a few of our favorites.
After some wonderfully wet weather, I am dreaming of warm walks through the Berkeley hills, sunny weekends in Carmel, and lounging on the back deck of our family farmhouse in Sonoma County. In other words, anything that can be done in sandals and light layers.
While I am conscious not to buy or own too many things, every season I assess my wardrobe to see what’s missing or worn out. I actually keep notes in my planner on the pieces that served me well each season and what item to look out for that might give my existing wardrobe even more wear. Here’s a few things I’m considering, plus a few that are just calling my name.
Thanks for reading! What’s catching your eye lately?
Inspiration | A Trip to Rome
Roma!
Such a decadent layer cake (Tiramisu? Lasagna?) of history, culture and art. Read on as I share the discoveries, inspiration, and recommendations I gathered in the eternal city.
Roma!
Such a decadent layer cake (Tiramisu? Lasagna?) of history, culture and art. Read on as I share the inspiration I gathered in the eternal city.
Some of you may know that, first and foremost, I am an artist. Before founding CALAFIA Home Design, I taught art and art history. In creating an itinerary for this trip, I was intent on seeing in real life the wonders I had only lectured about—the colloseum, the pantheon, the Caravaggios. And I was not disappointed! But visiting the city with an eye for architecture and design, I was charmed by its everyday grandeur, its patina and character. And since the Italian influence is everywhere in California culture, it should be no surprise that I found a lot of inspiration that resonated.
A Palette of Sun and Earth
Rome has a strict color scheme; the regal spectrum from red to gold. Its architecture speaks to its history—dug from primitive earth to shine in splendor in the sun. It is both earthy and ostentatious at once, a beautiful contradiction. Personally, I have always loved neutrals—and here were all the earth tones I could ever want—russets, terracottas, ochers, and rusts—all turned up to ten.
Every morning, I walked out the door to a city illuminated by the sun—a city that, even in the dead of winter, glowed.
Now, I grew up in southern California in the 90’s, and saw the unfortunate rise of many a faux-Italian villa painted sherbet tones. But now these warm colors are back in a good way! I’m seeing them in both in small doses and wall-to-wall treatments. Inspiration over imitation is the key.
As always, Farrow & Ball has a range of rich ochre tones I wouldn’t shy from. And clé tile’s selection of terracotta tiles are classically Californian, including authentic antiques and mediterranean-style classics. They also have some with an Italian modern twist that would perfectly suit any midcentury home .
2. Frescos and Floors
The Roman taste for color didn’t begin with the Renaissance. In fact all of the pristine white marble statuary and temple architecture we associate with ancient Rome was once marvelously colored with fresco, encaustic, and mosiac. In other words, the Romans have always been maximalists.
I spent a day wandering through the ancient city of Herculaneum, another site buried in the infamous eruption of Vesuvius, just agape at the overwhelming effect of the intricate mosaics and elaborate frescos that covered every interior surface.
I imagined dark interiors lit only by torches and blazing braziers. Walls decorated with paintings of fantastical architecture that expanded and confused the interior space. I walked over floors of inlaid stone that must have looked bejeweled when polished.
The Romans were not ones for subtlety then anymore than now.
While I’ll never be a maximalist, I am ever drawn to natural materials like stone, and found myself dreaming of more serene version of this beautiful material, perhaps in clé’s new lapidary collection. And returned home to review my favorite moody interior hues, and muralistic wall treatments.
3. Idiosyncrasy, charm, and mystery
Layers of history have left Rome all built up upon itself in sometimes illogical ways. It is idiosyncratic and inconvenient. Its gardens are hidden behind gates and in the sky, and its lives lived in the streets and plazas. It is both ruined and rebuilt.
All of my favorite design projects have the same kind of charisma. Elements that are collected rather than curated. Beauty sometimes yielding practicality, sometimes superceding it, becoming its own kind of reason. Among many things, Rome reminded me to stay attuned to the intuitive. To tolerate a little tension. To leave a little mystery.
A Rome-inspired Vision Board
So here’s what I’m dreaming of now….some imported Italian drama curated in a an elemental, undone style perfect for California.
Finally, I wouldn’t leave you without some recommendations! Check out the links below for what got me excited and what really made my trip:
My favorite playlist
My favorite fiction and non-fiction reads
My favorite film
My favorite restaurant
My favorite park
My favorite bakery
My favorite shop
Thank you so much for reading! Ciao!
Coastal Eclectic in Sausalito
It wasn’t hard to find inspiration for this Sausalito project. Perched on a hill, this historic home featured 180° views of the harbor below. The owner has fantastic taste and a collection of antique items sourced from her travels—she wanted a new furnishings plan (and a fireplace upgrade) that integrated her finds with some modern updates for an eclectic, contemporary look.
Read on to learn how we created a design plan to fulfill the brief!
It wasn’t hard to find inspiration for this Sausalito project. Perched on a hill, this historic home featured 180° views of the harbor below. The owner is a retired chef and world traveller. She has fantastic taste and a collection of antique items sourced often in her travels—she just wanted a new furnishings plan (and a fireplace upgrade) that integrated her finds with some modern updates for an eclectic, contemporary look.
Read on to learn how we created a design plan to fulfill the brief!
Fireplace Upgrade
At some point in the home’s history, a mid-century style painted-brick facade was added to the fireplace. It failed to match the home’s more traditional bones, was asymmetrical, lacked a mantel, and was wood-burning. Not only did the owner want a more eco-friendly insert, but she desired a design that was traditional but special, with a mantel to style. We took her inspiration photo, and added a contemporary twist—instead of more painted brick, we added a surround of Moroccan zellige tile in an unorthodox glaze: charcoal with aubergine undertones. This twist lended a bit of drama, redefined the room’s focal point, and is true to the owner’s globe-trotting nature.
The surround lent the mantel some height, giving the fireplace a deservedly more generous proportion within the room. To highlight it further, we added brass sconces that bounce light off the newly painted walls in a soft halo. The hearth is a rich leathered granite.
2. Inviting Seating
Coming out of the COVID-19 era, our client was looking forward to entertaining again. She asked for a casual but elegant seating plan with room for everyone. We sourced some California casual armchairs and the perfect low-backed sofa to bring in the view.
In addition, we upholstered twin ottomans in remnants from a vintage Turkish rug—just the spot for a beloved grandchild. For overflow seating, we reupholstered the client’s existing vintage pew bench in the dining room with a beautiful Susan Connor fabric in indigo.
3. Perfecting the Mix
The key to making a vintage collection fresh is to mix it up with some modern. Elements should both harmonize and surprise. We feel that a house should feel ‘gathered’ and ‘collected’ rather than professionally designed, and love integrating clients’ beloved pieces into our plans. Often, these old pieces are the inspiration for everything new.
Although this house reads traditional, the eclectic mix keeps it current. Mid-century ceramics, contemporary upholstery, and modern brass orbital sconces play with Paris flea-market finds including ceramic mushrooms from an Hermés shop window and santos statuary (the owner’s). The mix is one-of-a kind, just like this home’s fabulous owner.
The Edit | Spanish Refresh
We recently updated a guest room to emphasize the rest of the home’s Spanish influences. Read on to find out how we grounded the design in California’s roots while keeping things fresh and modern, and share more beautiful finds inspired by this project.
We recently updated a guest room to emphasize the rest of the home’s Spanish influences. Below, we’ll tell you how we grounded the design in California’s roots while keeping things fresh and modern, and share more beautiful finds inspired by this project.
Working in a palette of olive, adobe, and iron inspired by the Mediterranean style home and its southern California location, we integrated rustic, hand-crafted texture with clean modern lines.
Our starting point was the linen-upholstered bed frame that references the Spanish archways and custom ironwork throughout the home. We carried the black accent throughout the side table, pillows and throw, providing definition and drama. Rugged, hand-stitched pillows provided an earthy feel which we brightened up with white bed linens. The seagrass rug provides an organic but modern foundation. We accessorized with a hammered silver lamp, mid-century ceramics, and antique native basketwork to celebrate California’s rich craft heritage.
Inspired? Below are a few special pieces to help you recreate the look!
Costera Moderna in Newport Beach
Costera Moderna— Coastal Modern, but with a Spanish accent: that’s what these clients requested for the media room in their gracious Santa Barbara style home.
This couple first came to us concerned about layout: each felt they were not being placed directly in front of their media area. Their original sofa was too large, pushing the existing armchair, preferred by the husband, out of the ideal viewing zone. The wife didn’t want to lose sofa seating, and the chance to snuggle with grandkids when they visited for a movie night. The husband, at 6’3,” enjoyed the support of a lounge chair when watching his Formula One races. They’d pushed things around and run out of ideas—that’s where we came in.
We started by defining the space with an 8’ x 10’ rug centered on the television. This gorgeous Loloi rug from the Legacy Collection not only set the palette, but determined the size of seating we needed. We ordered a petite 5’ sofa with a low back and arms to keep it looking proportional. Then we found a vintage mid-century leather lounge chair and footstool that provided some contrast as well as total comfort.
Previously, the couple had used a beautiful oak chest as a coffee table. We moved this downstairs and custom designed an ottoman perfect for putting your feet up, and making the sofa feel like an extra-large armchair (note—we loved this piece so much, there’s a whole post about ottomans coming up in the Design Log.)
Now everyone has a good view in total comfort.
They just don’t make chairs like this anymore. This mid-century lounger designed in Brazil has it all: wood, leather, a recliner, a headrest, and upholstered armrests. Note to furniture designers—every male client of a certain age that I’ve ever designed for wants all these features. And this beauty achieves the brief in a gorgeous bentwood design, an organic detail you won’t find in the ever popular Eames version.
As this chair was designed some time in the 1960’s we had it refurbished by a specialist. I’ve never found another one, but if you’re looking for something similarly special, try vintage sites like Chairish and 1stDibs.
To make so many pieces work together in such a small space, we relied on a cohesive palette as well as just enough contrast to keep things balanced. The seating elements all had distinct textures: leather and wooden curves for the lounger, soft laundered linen on the sofa, and nubby distressed wool from a vintage kilim for the ottoman.
To harmonize everything, we stuck to a palette inspired by early California and the Santa Barbara style of the home; all the silvers, teals, and blues of the ocean, earthy terracotta and brown, and black accents that recall Spanish ironwork (also found throughout the home.) Rustic linens and handwoven fabrics for the cushions (try Shoppe Amber Interiors) contributed patina, while modern ceramics from Heath, Leif, and Esquelito mirrored the design era of the lounger. To bring in the Spanish influence, we included a cast iron side table, the slope arm of the sofa, real terracotta accents, and the Moorish-inspired lattice that opens up the space above the stairway but protects little ones from tumbling over.
Lastly, no space is complete without art, and as these clients are collectors of early California watercolors, hunting down the perfect piece was a great way to celebrate the project. We found inspiration in the work of Carolyn Lord, known for her color work and classic California subjects. The work we chose featured a favorite location—Point Lobos in Carmel—and condensed our palette into a vibrant, saturated focal point. Here’s our selection, plus a couple other pieces we loved:
We’re so pleased with how the Costera Moderna project came together—working with dream clients to create beauty, function and comfort all in one space. We hope you’ve found some inspiration. Thanks for following along with the Design Log!
The Edit | Ottomans
We recently created a custom ottoman from a vintage kilim rug ordered from Turkey. Not only does this piece bring patina and beauty to the space, it provides a place to put up your feet, have a seat, or rest a tray of goodies. Are ottomans the new coffee table? They’re certainly not just for casual spaces anymore. Here’s a few of our favorites.
For our recent project, Costera Moderna, we created a custom ottoman from a vintage kilim rug ordered from Turkey. Not only does this piece bring patina and beauty to the space, it provides a place to put up your feet, have a seat, or rest a tray of goodies. Is the ottoman the new coffee table? They’re certainly not just for casual spaces anymore. Here’s a few of our favorites:
Style your ottoman with a tray to keep decor items stable, or drape a throw blanket on for another accent. And don’t forget to leave room to put up your feet! Ottomans should be of level or slightly greater height (1”) for comfort. If you need help with a custom design, we’re always here to help.
Welcome to the Design Log
Welcome to the Design Log!
I’ve created the Design Log to share what inspires me and encourage you to design your life beautifully. I’m excited to share sources, advice, and guidance on how to bring your vision to life, with or without a designer.
Welcome to the Design Log!
I’ve created the Design Log to share what inspires me and encourage you to design your life beautifully. I’m excited to share sources, advice, and guidance on how to bring your vision to life, with or without a designer.
This will be the space where I’ll indulge my passion for California’s design heritage, highlighting its influences, movements and most iconic homes. I’ll discuss my design ethos and talk about how I bring a room together, providing practical advice and links to my favorite sources. I’ll outline what it’s like to work with a designer, and how to get the most out of your collaboration. I’ll share what new products and brands move me, as well as how to avoid trends, and hone a design style that’s timelessly you.
Here’s to the design journey—thanks for following along!
Yours in the pursuit of beauty,
Elizabeth
The Edit | Kid’s Room Magic
Six ideas for bedrooms that capture the magic of childhood.
A child’s room should be a pocket of magic at harmony with the family home; a space worthy of the precious memories created there. We all have those memories—who hasn’t rummaged through an old box of keepsakes and turned up a small worn object that brought back all the innocence, wonder and immediacy of those days? I remember the antique embroidered chair that my grandmother bought me, which I used to sit at my art table, and the fringed lamp that cast shadows around my small room while I drew by its light. These items were a bit impractical, but they inspired me to dream. Below is my guide to creating a nest for your little dreamers: magic in six steps.
1.
Stick with Your Style… Plus a Pinch of Fairy Dust
While its true that the short-lived decor of a kids’ room makes it the one place where you can get away with trends, I’m more inclined to make them classic. Fully themed rooms can feel discordant within a home, whereas kids rooms that continue the palette and style of the rest of the house feel connected—which is what little ones need most. The key is adding those little details that spark the imagination. So stick with your style, and then collaborate with your child on a few special elements, such as art or wall treatments (more on that later) that will set the space apart and make it their very own.
2.
Whimsical Walls
Wallpaper or murals offer bold impact with low commitment, and can be selected to work with your decor. Above, the dark palette of this woodland wallpaper keeps it from being too busy, and complements the cozy antique furnishings and traditional feel of the home. In a modern home, a geo-centric mural could warm things up while maintaining a purity and freshness of design. Try Hygge & West, Cole & Son, or John Derian for creative but sophisticated designs, or commission a wall piece from an art student at your local college.
3.
Build an (Inclusive)
Library
What’s more magical than a library? Books are portals to other worlds, and opportunities for children to travel anywhere and learn anything. Studies show that childhood literacy and access to printed materials is one of the highest indicators of future educational success. So, no matter the size, your child’s library of books deserves a celebrated place in their room. Consider a beautiful paint color for built-in or stand alone shelving, and style them with art or treasured objects. Add some plush seating and a reading light to encourage kids to settle in, or give you both a place to snuggle up together. Make library visits and book-gifting an anticipated tradition, and build your child’s library out ahead of their development, adding books for them to grow into.
Vintage series such as the Lord of the Rings, Little House on the Prairie, and Little Women can be an elegant addition, as can classic sets including titles like Black Beauty, the Wind in the Willows, and Robin Hood. Look for collections of stories and fairy tales illustrated by celebrated illustrators such as John Bauer, Kay Neilson, and Arthur Rackham. Shop at local, independent bookstores or look for self-published gems like Finding Aloha. Or shop online at Bookshop.org, which donates to local bookstores (you can even choose your favorite local shop!) and highlights collections of award winning, new, and inclusive children’s literature.
(To support childhood literacy in the US and around the world, visit Room to Read, Ferst Readers, and the Childrens’ Literacy Initiative!)
4.
Make Bedtime Special
We’ve all been inspired by the trend of creative kids’ beds—beds built into alcoves, bunk beds with built-in staircases—but if it’s not in your budget or you’re hesitant to make such major additions to your home’s architecture, there are still plenty of ways to add magic to your child’s bed. One way to do it is to change the view; add a fabric canopy, tent, or wallpaper the ceiling (a twist on step two). Lighting can also add a special touch—consider sconces ( like this one in a floral linen), a pendant (like this colorful woven one), as well as dreamy nightlights (like this papier maché moon) for when it’s lights out. Upholstered fabric headboards are another easy way to add charm and warmth to a child’s bed (you can even DIY it!)—just select your fabric (I recommend St. Frank and Susan Connor), and work with a local upholsterer on a custom design.
5.
Start an Art Collection
If there’s one thing I hope to impress upon every client, it’s the impact that artwork has in making a house a home. Whether you’re buying prints on Etsy, collecting from artisans of your heritage culture, or investing in local emerging artists, art brings craft, culture, and personality to your home. There are no rules for art (though there are some good guidelines for installing it); art is a living thing with its own prerogatives. It doesn’t need to match the couch, or anything else for that matter. It just needs to make you want to look, and keep looking (the best art contains a bit of mystery). Purchasing real art for your child’s room is one of the best ways to add magic, and modeling art appreciation for your little one is priceless. To start your child’s art collection with a celebration of nature, I recommend Julia Lucey’s abundant etchings, Carolyn Lord’s luminous florals, and Michelle Morin’s intricate wildlife watercolors. For something more abstract, look at Claire Collette’s celestial geometry, Kelly Ording’s delicate graphics, and Lena Wolf’s quilt-like constructions. For dynamic figurative works, check out Michelle Blade’s mystical utopias, Joanne Ho’s tiny happy people, and Ana Leovy’s vibrant women. For other great ways to discover artists, look up gallery walks and open studios in your city, contact a local art advisor, or attend the spring MFA graduate shows of nearby art colleges.
6.
Make Room for Creativity
One of my first memories is sitting at a child’s sized table drawing a yellow flower with a stem that grew to the size of a tree trunk, and realizing I could create anything I wanted through art. All it takes is a table, a desk; anything in your child’s size that provides a place to build, shape, and make. Whether it’s a table and bench set from Ikea, a modernist S-shaped desk from Kinder Modern, or a play table and rabbit ear chairs from Ouef, that workspace is precious. Consider a gallery wall or bulletin board to exhibit your child’s creations nearby, and creative storage solutions to keep all their favorite materials handy.
So that’s it! Six steps to making a child’s room magic while celebrating its place within the family home—I hope you have fun dreaming, playing and creating together.
WORK WITH US
Principal Designer | Elizabeth Sims
e: Elizabeth@calafiahomedesign.com
Serving the Bay Area and beyond.