Styling #redwoodlanechd: Before And After

This was an exciting project for me, not only because I'm a huge fan of the client, co-founder of AMP (Art Moves Project), but because I've admired her house for some time now.  It is a John Lum Architects' design with modern lines, Asian accents, extensive wood detailing and lots of natural light.  In order to honor its construction and the aesthetic goals of the client the interiors needed to be styled.  Here's what CHD did:

LIVING ROOM //

Finding the right color palette to complement the existing wood details throughout the house was first thing I tackled.  Corals, blues and tans became the go-to color combination.  The amber leather sofa was definitely staying, so the colors I chose needed to work with this focal piece and they do.  Some furnishings were removed and others re-positioned.  Thereafter, rugs, pillows and occasional furnishings were sourced and placed.  Using items the client had stored away I accessorized the built-ins and the fireplace mantle.  A Blu Dot tray and some of my estate sales' scores found their way into the space as well.  A dramatic triptych by LA artist Kristi Head was hung in the 3 built-in nooks, and lastly, botanicals were added to soften and liven the space.

BEFORE //

AFTER //

DINING AREA //

The seating in the dining and island areas was updated and simplified.  Colorfully patterned plywood chairs were selected for the island area and reclaimed wood benches framed the rectangular dining table.  This eliminated the "too many" chairs effect and allowed for many children to easily saddle up for meals.

FAMILY ROOM //

A butterfly-motif wallpaper was hung in the family room to both add interest and to soften the impact of the large leather sofa.  The same chairs that were added to the kitchen island are used here as well, surrounding the pedestal craft/snack table.  This kept the flow between the areas cohesive and balanced.  The piano was moved against the wallpaper wall, where it is now visible from the main living area.  A cozy Moroccan rug was placed under the sofa and a round, brass-accented coffee table lends a surface area for remotes and tiny feet.

Thank you, YF and PM, for allowing Cocoon Home Design the opportunity to work with you both.  I hope you enjoy the newly decorated spaces in your beautiful home.

Before And After: A San Francisco Event Space

Cocoon Home Design began the new year decorating a space slated for San Francisco events. Generously appointed with a conference room, a lounge area, a game room AND a roof deck with grand views of the city, the venue personifies the perfect location for professional and social events alike.  

Working with existing tufted leather chairs and sofas, we helped balance the warm and masculine effect with cool colors, polished metals, and modern accents.  We accessorized the space with nature-inspired curiosities, botanicals and carefully curated objects lending it a sophisticated, yet earthy look.  

At onset, "Room Inspirations" were created for the entire space, incorporating some of the existing items and blending with new pieces to help show how the space could look and feel.  We then proceeded to rearrange the furniture in order to create a better flow and to see what other items in the space needed to be added or deleted. 

In the lounge area, we removed the existing rug and placed two identical ones to make the space feel larger and more cohesive.  The addition of leather and lucite stools added a more timely effect, while the brass coffee table brought in polish and sophistication to the space.  

A saddle bag found at The Alameda Antique Fair drapes one the sofa arm to hold magazines.  A cluster of plants and a floor lamp add interest and mood lighting the corner. 

Utilizing the color of the existing conference chairs as an inspiration, we painted the walls green and added green bound books and brass shadow boxes to the built-in shelves.  The mounted butterfly collection now hangs in the entry hallway and the globe chandeliers have been replaced with blown glass and brass fixtures that bring a more updated look to the space. 

In the game room, an antique card table was painted to match the leather chairs.  Casters were added to make the table mobile and practical.  An oversized Timothy Oulton card art helps emphasize the room's intended purpose.  

The venue now looks and feels ready to host a myriad of different private companies and organizations. 

For inquires on renting this space please contact Marcy  at (415) 692-7177.

Client Update: #beaconhillchd

I'm pleased to announce that Cocoon Home Design's Beacon Hill project is almost finished.  Earlier this month, I spent a few days in Boston stylizing and adding the final touches.  After a year of total renovation, as in taking down walls to the studs, raising ceilings and replacing floors, my clients and I have been in full on decorating mode.  With just the dinning room remaining to be furnished, the rest of the home has taken on an elegantly modern look with classic details that pay homage to its New England history.  Take a look:

Needing Some Inspiration: 10 Inspiring Rooms

After a long weekend, I awoke on Tuesday needing some inspiration.  As I've done numerous times in the past, i turned to Pinterest for just that.  Scrolling through the images, some pinned years ago and others just days ago, I found myself gravitating toward what I'm most comfortable with:  layered neutrals, mixed patterns and contrasting textures.  A little pop of color for interest on either a larger piece or in accessories is ok, but the spaces that most reflect my sensibilities and inspire me are earthy, elegant and just a bit funky.  Take a look and let me know what type of spaces inspire YOU.   

Images: 1./2./3./4./5./6./7./8./9/10.

Client Update: Pacific Heights

With a three week deadline and [an almost] empty space this project ended up to be one of my favorites.  A recent move from Chicago to San Francisco with few items in tow, made my Pacific Heights client realize his new space needed to feel like home and...quickly. The first thing Cocoon Home set out to do was to strategically place big plants to thrive in the amazing light, frame the awesome views and give the space a natural feel. Such a short deadline dictated that basic items needed to be sourced on the spot (no room for lead times). It was a touch of sheer luck that the start of the project coincided with the renowned Alameda Flea Market, where most of the accessories that set the tone for the apartment were acquired.  Larger pieces, i.e. furniture, were found at the Chestnut St. Pottery Barn in S.F., The Wooden Duck in Berkeley and at West Elm in Emeryville.  Our finds in each of these stores helped create the look and mood we were hoping to achieve.   Taking into consideration our client's love for Paris and french style in general, we coupled masculine metal pieces with softer white fabrics and indigo textiles to create a California home with a Parisian feel. As you enter the space, antique french documents next to a vintage typewriter atop Pottery Barn's Burke Console table help set the tone for the rest of the space.  Patterned rugs and clean lines flow and welcome one from room to room, all seemingly coordinated yet not overly intentional. In time, our client will add his own personal touches and together we'll find beautiful art and a few more rugs to add the finishing touches to this sophisticated bachelor pad.  In the interim, take at look at what was accomplished thus far in a VERY short span of time: