Before And After // Tahoe Guest Bathroom

This was an exciting project me. Not only did I love the house, its lakefront Tahoe setting and architecture, but I also happened to be a huge fan of the client. She is the founder of Ommmhome, a home and office organizing service in the San Francisco’s East Bay Area, which I highly recommend. Personally, I’m still benefiting from working with Ommmhome in my own work space.

In renovating this bathroom, I needed to update its functionality while stylistically blending it with the rest of the already beautifully appointed house. It being a guest bath, my client and I decide to go a bid bold. We chose a repetitive black and white patterned tile, fashion forward faucets and lighting, sleek cabinetry and chic leather pulls which were designed by me and hand crafted from genuine Cass Clutch napa leather.

The overall effect is of a note worthy room that my client loves and one that her guest will not only enjoy but remember.

Contractor: North Tahoe Builders. Architect/Renderings: Shilpa Thomas. Cabinet Builder: Ken Goodman. Interior Design: Cocoon Home. Photos: Debra Cass Szidon.

Room elevations and renderings show different iterations of the vanity design, tile placement and mirror shape and style.

Before And After: A Re-Decorated Tahoe Retreat

This summer we bought a 1970's Gambrel in Lake Tahoe.  Gambrels are modified A-Frame houses with flatter rooftops that allow for more useable interior space.  The house is not without its period quirks:  manmade paneling, formica counters and wall to wall carpeting.  Having said that,  the layout of the floor plan is very efficient; it provides plenty of space for both private and communal areas.

In time we will renovate key areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms, but we're determined to preserve the home's cabin like feel.  In the interim, it has been decorated on a budget.  I shopped flea markets, consignment shops and even our 'primary residence' to create spaces that are cozy and comfortable Cocoon Home style.

So far, it's been great fun.  We've enjoyed time alone and also with friends and family.  The home is located very close to Tahoe City in a community that offers an Olympic size pool, tennis courts and access to a private beach.  Our children hop on their bikes and they're off to enjoy lots of different activities.  

We're looking forward to sharing it and, eventually, to have it listed on Airbnb.  If you're interested in renting it before then, DM me.  

Take a look at the before and afters:

A pair of vintage Ligne Roset leather sofas from the 80's  framing the stone fireplace create the perfect place to chill.  The wicker Fox Chair is a find from the Alameda Flea Market, the coffee table (that came with the house) was repainted to match the sofas, and the large area rug was scored at a Berkeley consignment shop. 

Replacing the original dining area light fixture with the one from Ikea, gave that space a more current look and feel.  Although, I must admit that I can't wait to eventually replace the table and chairs.

The fireplace was stripped of its tacky ivy vines (why are people still doing that?!), the golf course image and the nondescript figurines and left in a 'minimalist' mode.  The plan is to collect ceramic pottery to line the mantel.

African textiles and colorful area rugs (from different flea markets) and brand new bedding from Target gave the bedrooms a fresh and inviting feel. 

I found this wicker sofa on Craigslist on July 4th and cajoled my MIL (who also loves a good find) to drive down with me to San Jose in her minivan to pick it up that same day!  I have no idea how we got to fit this beautiful piece of craftsmanship into her van, but we did.  At some point it will be reupholstered but for now I'm digging the floral motif.  The Natuzzi leather chair was originally in our twin boys' nursery back East, and has since moved with us a couple of times.  I'm so glad we kept it, because it fits perfectly in the upstairs loft area. 

We replaced the white plastic outdoor furniture with slicker pieces from Target which blended seamlessly into the deck space, which BTW, has filtered views of the lake and the snowcapped sierras. 

With each visit, it becomes harder to leave this little slice of alpine heaven...

I Heart Lake Tahoe

This time last year we brought our children to Lake Tahoe for the first time and they loved everything about it.  We ventured there again this past weekend, and apparently, their feelings hadn't changed one bit.  I've come to realize that I'm a mountain lover and so are our kids.  Oceanside, as awesome as it can be, is not where we as a family, dream to spend our leisure time by.  ONE day [hopefully soon] we'll own a chic A-frame cabin with a retro wood burning stove, lots of sheep skin rugs thrown about and plenty of space for visiting guests. Until then, take a look at a few of my favorite images from this weekend (one of them of my new favorite store).

Many thanks to HK and KK for giving us the opportunity to share the beauty of Lake Tahoe with our children one more time.  The only thing that would have made this week-end sweeter was to have them enjoying it with us!   XO

Moving Mode: Exploring Lake Tahoe

 Last weekend we took the kids to Lake Tahoe.  Having enjoyed its snow-covered landscape years ago, experiencing it in the Fall was a real treat.  The lake glistened in the autumn sun and the trees glowed in the glorious mountain air.   Take a look at some of the images we captured during our visit:

Many thanks to KK and HK for giving Alex and me the opportunity to share one of our favorite California spots with our children.  The whole family loves Lake Tahoe now!