A local favorite gets a new look

If you live in Sonoma County or just a smart foodie you are sure know about ZAZU. It's new home is located at The Barlow in Sebastopol. I was asked to create an interior design that reflected the straight forward personality of the owners and the food they create. It's a great destination!

ZAZU KITCHEN AND FARM

THE NO SHAME BED

As the title of this blog says "A Shameless Design Forum", here is a "bed" that is a bold statement. It says "I don't need to be real to be interesting". Granted there is almost no texture to this decal but it is fun!http://www.etsy.com/listing/104590686/wall-art-vinyl-decal-sticker-decor

A LIVING FENCE

I appreciate texture in all forms. The living wall has blossomed into all sorts of unexpected forms. It's such a whimsical, colorful and joyful celebration of life, beauty, function and art in one. I think it has a very special fit in certain environments that want to make a big statement.

http://www.readymade.com/projects/grow_a_living_wall

PROJECT COMPLETE

FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION IN THE BIKE WORLD

To be honest, I am not an uber fan of bikes in the house but I know two things. One, there are many that are and two, anything that saves floor space and you need to keep your bike inside then this is a killer option!

You cyclomaniacs can order this in two great wood options in walnut or ash and it seconds as a shelf for other inspired items but really, what's more inspiring than the thing that keeps so many of us grounded and happy?

ON THE BOARDS

I was challenged to present a concept bathroom for an existing Victorian estate. The request was to combine elements that are Victorian, modern, whimsical and funky. This is what came through.

THE WATER BABIES IN US ALL

Yes, I know, it's been a while since I've posted yet another unusual light fixture. I love the unusual and this is just so cool! Maybe it's the Pisces in me or I just simply connect with the art and humor of this but it's worth a share.

BUER FEES

In honer of my daughter Aiden's love of butterflies I am posting these magical plates that illustrate all that is so lovely and delicate about "buer fees" as she likes to call them. These are by Ted Muehling. Talk about stunning glass and porcelain objects anyone can live with!

MINIMALIST INTERIOR FASHION

When I get dressed everyday (except on Sundays) I tend to layer in clean lines that follow simplicity. Shouldn't interiors reflect who you are? Sometimes. I love the clean and simple and yet there's an exotic side of all of us that needs to come out in interesting spaces that excite, and warm you inside your soul.

I'm a fan of the Elle Decor column that features designers who speak of the 10 things they can't live without. One day I'm going to subject viewers to my private collection of the beautiful and the bizarre. For now I'll just settle for this beautiful room. Seriously, less really is more.

CRAFTING JUNKERS INTO CUSTOM TREASURES

I am continuously amazed when I see ingenuity combined with skill and passion to create custom work. These folks at The Weld House create unique, colorful, whimsical and architecturally strong pieces. I see them fitting right in with an urban and eclectic environment. They bring out the subtle texture of a past life and skillfully craft it into high art with a nod to its origin. A van is transformed into a conference table. No one piece can be replicated again so you are guaranteed a one of a kind treasure. I know it's only a matter of time before I'm having them build works for a new project.

TEEPEE LOVE

What began as a simple search for finding a sublime teepee for our 15 month old daughter turned into asking myself what would I have wanted as a child in a mini shelter. It would have been large enough to sleep in for myself and a friend, It should be able to go outside and when closed it becomes a private place for imagination to run wild! Here is what I found...

Right after we welcomed this new addition into our home I wasn't done searching for the ultimate mini yet more adult shelter. What was I thinking? Clearly I was on a path into discovering a child turned adult truth, I love small shelters!

FRESH TAKE ON THE ICONIC CUP PULL.

It's all good to use the well loved cup pull on projects that need a vintage touch. However that shaker inset door could use some making over sometimes. This glass and satin nickel cup pull could be that spot of bling and character that make your kitchen, bathroom or office cabinets say "I'm not everyday vintage".

WHAT'S INSPIRING NOW?

As the tag line states "shamless forum" I am in the throws of life change. Life is split between the working world, design speak, holding space for clients who deserve nothing but the best and my baby girl Aiden who requires presence and love. This makes my experience so polarizing in different ways. I'm inspired by creative bursts of being childish, easy and spontaneous which comes from just playing on the ground a lot! It translates to my work life in that I continue to look for whimsical, resourceful and imaginative materials/items.

This one just makes me laugh and I know you who have kids know what I'm talking about. I do a full body pat down before I leave the house! It is a simple 2 x 3 rug from good ol Urban Outfitters.

xo

Lauren

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/category.jsp?id=A_DECORATE&pushId=APARTMENT&navAction=poppushpush&prevVisit=true&itemCount=80&startValue=81

RUSTIC BEAUTY REFINED AND RECLAIMED

Croft House in L.A. is a furniture source that is founded by Riley Rea. I am a family friend and when his mom Leslie sent this over to me (proud mama that she is) I went to investigate his goods. They are fabulous! The cost is approachable and they ship goods.

Read the story in the L.A. times here:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2011/02/croft-house.html

ECO COUNTERTOPS

We are now seeing an increasing amount of "green" surfaces. I'm posting this site because not only do I like the look of this material but by comparison to other eco friendly counters which will set you back about $60-$80 Eco Top costs about $35 a square foot. This blend of bamboo, recycled paper, and wood fiber was originally used for skateboard ramps.
http://www.kliptech.com/ecotophome.html

TIPS FOR A BABY'S NURSERY!

Once I knew I was pregnant I embarked on creating the "perfect" nursery. Well, I learned a lot about myself. I learned that while I have my own tastes and style I was designing for a baby girl and she became my beloved client. I realized that while I like subtle colors that a babies eyes develops on sharp contrast and colorful objects. So here is what I came up with....

I chose art from Etsy that was smaller scale and placed each in a black simple frame. I hung each with space between so that my baby could make out each shape.



Our crib was donated by a good friend. When we went to see it it was a light maple wood. I knew I wanted off white furniture so it was my springboard for all other items. It was painted to match the Pottery Barn shelf above and whala, a fresh start! I love the symetry of this wall. I planned on shelving to flank each side but for now I like it simple with a lot of negative space. I think it's important for the eye to rest in order to appreciate simplicity.




No childs room is complete without hanging ceiling decor! I chose these butterflies from Land of Nod to soften the room and bring the high pitched ceilings down to baby.

http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=1133&f=3165



I love antiques! I was never going to find a "changing table" that I liked. Nothing beats the charm of tall spindle legs and a built in gorgeous mirror. I can't tell you how many hours I've spent with my daughter looking into the mirror while she learned to recognize herself. It's a must for every nursery. Also she will be able to enjoy this dresser for many years to come.

Finally, the most important item in our nursery which made it complete was the ultimate rocker/glider! Like many a new mom I spent HOURS, scouring the market for a beautiful chair. I decided to spend a little more and get a chair that I was going to keep in our family for years and not want to sell on Craigslist the moment she grew out of nursing. This has a slipcover for easy cleaning (a must)!

A FEW WORDS ON SHOPPING THE INTERNET

At the start of each new project I am excited to bring fresh ideas that bring together a mix of interesting elements. I like to shop locally whenever possible. When I've gone through my local resources I turn to the worlds of ETSY, Craigslist, EBAY and 1st DIBS. These are a few of my favorites where I know I will find the unusual, non corporate items that will bring the personality and charm I look for without breaking the budget.

This vintage Suzani textile would make a perfect duvet or throw over a solid color sofa. You simply cannot find these items on Pottery Barn or West Elm. It pays to dig deeper!

BUY LOCAL AND BE CUTTING EDGE

It's a rare opportunity to specify recessed lighting that is made locally and is cutting edge design. No. 8 Lighting offers some of the most integrated and clean recessed trims I have seen to date. It is located in Sebastopol which doesn't get more local than that. The company offers square and round inset and seamless trims.

They work within a variety of installation materials such as wood and stone to name a couple and the finishes are spot on current. Check them out for yourself!

Williams Seylem Winery Project Tour

Wine enthusiasts get a landmark building! This projects interior which was completed by Lauren Brandwein Design in 2010 is now open for it's lucky members to enjoy world class Pinot. Click on the link to see a beautiful tour of the grounds, architecture and interior space. Cheers!
http://www.ktvu.com/video/25299444/index.html

Origami Party Lights

About a year ago I was on a project where the owner needed something special under a pergola. Everything I found was either too expensive at $45 per string or just not that interesting. Here is the perfect option for good weather parties. You may more or less customize your lengths and the colors are great! I'm buying a string or two for my daughters room.