At Home: Guest Room Update

Our guest room has been evolving for some time now, and will most likely continue to do so.  With recently installed carpeting and a painted accent wall, things have started to fall into place stylistically.  It all began with West Elm's Stella bed, which I selected in effort to tie it in with other brass accents throughout our home.  Soon after buying the bed, I came across a mid-century dresser with black trim and gold hardware that fit perfectly under the only window in the space.  Next,  I had the the wall behind the bed painted black to show off the headboard's elegant brass spindles.  The rug, from Diablo Flooring, runs through the adjacent office into the guest room, thus making both spaces feel larger and more cohesive.  Tulip shaped side tables flank the bed as do two large swing arm sconces.  Textiles sourced from the Alameda Flea market decorate the bed and accent the guest room chair (a curbside find).  The space has a definite "feel" to it now.  It's very much a Cocoon Home look comprised of our signature layered neutrals, mixed patterns and the ever-so-present botanicals.  Take a look:  

Due to the fact that our office abuts the guest room, I use the dresser to store fabric and wallpaper samples for my design work. 

Proudly, this corner is decorated with all repurposed items.  The prints above the chair are from a garage sale (that we stopped at on the way to a DC wedding almost 15 years ago).  The chair and the rattan ottoman were found curbside [YAY] and the textiles bought at the Alameda Flea Market.  The plant was previously owned and the pot is from a consignment shop.  I love a room with a mix of old and new elements.  It often tells an interesting story. 

Originally intended as a master bedroom suite with an attached bath, a fireplace and lots of closet space, Alex and I decided to use this space for visiting friends and family instead.  Eventually, we may move into it, but for now I'm happy to see our guests enjoy this space.  

Anyone up for a visit??

Five Friday Favorites

1.  Room inspiration for our upcoming bathroom renovation.

2. This sexy number for my Fall wardrobe.

3.  A woven top handmade stoneware pencil pot for the home office. 

4.  Anthropologie's Susila Rattan Chair, a current obsession. 

5.   And, just because, a leather and brass magazine rack! 

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: