The big move

Made the big move across the country from Pennsylvania to Southern California!  I love the daily dose of sun and clear evening skies we get in this beautiful section of the Santa Monica mountains .  The lifestyle here is definitely more casual, translating from fashions into the home.  The Eco-friendly movement has now gone mainstream; most evidently represented in “Restoration Hardware’s” new line of furnishings.  Reclaimed woods, natural finishes and a high level of the Belgian design influence bring this line together.  I’m also loving the organic interpretations in the fabric industry…from linens to embroideries and prints with natural influences.  Branches, corals, leaves, vines are represented in textural weaves and layers of soft, neutral colors.   These natural finishes and neutrals still need to be interjected with other elements to balance all the pale.  Metals are hugely important in this mix.  I still adhere to the principal that there be something sparkling within the room; better to show off all the organic elements.