Leather: not just for southwestern design.

Leather in interior design, can you imagine it?  Do you picture cowhides? Yee-haw?  NO! Not anymore.  I love leather: the way it smells, the way it feels, the textures, ahhh.  Well designers have been creating some very chic products for interiors over the years and more recently the public has began to embrace the idea of using leather on their floors, walls, light fixtures, art pieces and furniture other than couches and armchairs.

OK, here it is again, Turnstyle wrapped hardware!

Three words: laser cut heaven.  Genevieve Bennett is an amazing artist that changes the way we think of traditional leather textures.  Leather becomes art.

Because I will have this chair in my home, eventually. Good old Eames.

For a more casual look, this Sevilla Chair and footstool is also beautiful.

This leather desk by Bottega Vaneta is so versatile, it could go in any space as either a showcase piece or as part of an ensemble.  And think of how good your office will smell! That's right, it will smell like success!

LEATHER FLOOR TILES.  Ok people, this needs to get more attention.  Not only is the material durable, it is easy to clean!!!  You can get it in a variety of textures (croc, ostrich, smooth, etc.), colors, look at the floor below that is made of old belts.  Beautiful and so creative.

Forget faux finishing your walls and get the real thing!  Depth of color, texture, and variety is so easily created by applying leather to your walls. It is definitely a clean and chic look but also very masculine.

Leather mixed with metal and ceramic tiles for a 3 dimensional wall treatment. 

Last, but not least, leather cushions and pillows.  Missoni created these beautiful pieces that come in a sophisticated palette and a variety of sizes.

Leather in the home doesn't have to be scary.  If you like any of these looks or have a few ideas of your own, contact Lunada to schedule a consultation.

Lunada's Favorites

Lunada's favorite pick this time around are Terra Cotta Tiles. They are beautifully rustic without being over the top.  Tile manufacturers are also playing with glazes, stains and etchings to update the earthy feeling that is synonymous with terra cotta.  I'm actually working right now to find the perfect terra cotta tiles for a backs splash in a Lunada project.  Here are some inspirational images of these great tiles that are making a big comeback.

Ann Sacks Cotto Antiqua Line

 Here is a Lunada project that utilized terra cotta tiles on the floor and back splash.  The back splash was actually a custom design that took a smaller tile design and blew it up to make a mosaic design comprised of 4 tiles.

Have design questions or interested in starting a project with Lunada?  Visit our website www.lunadaconsulting.com to schedule a consultation or call 310.544.1895

South Bay Interior Design meets the Mid-West.

One of the things that I think is truly unique to Lunada is our enthusiastic approach to BASEMENTS!  Lunada's founder is actually from the mid-west and she has always said how weird it was that no one out here has basements.  Basements are totally functional by offering additional storage easily accessed as opposed to crawling up into the attic. Basements also allows you to actually store your cars in your garage rather than all your junk!

One of the greatest benefits to moving all of your storage downstairs is the simple fact that once you get rid of your attic, you can now have higher ceilings! One of the most dramatic changes anyone can make in their home is the addition of natural light.  By removing that huge roadblock, you can now add skylights, vaulted ceilings, suspended lighting and ceiling fans that don't make you feel like your head is about to be chopped off it is so low.

Basements are great locations for wine cellars, which are always at the top of homeowner's lists when doing a remodels, which benefit from the cooler and more consistent temperatures.  They are also great locations for home offices -- you can have all the space you need and at the end of the day, closing that door allows you to 100% clock out.  Laundry rooms are also great down there to save on space, noise and mess.  Have a big family or shop at Costco?   Basements are great locations to store your 48 count toilet paper, 100 bottles of Coca-Cola, and bulk root vegetables.

Now, you may be thinking, "Can a basement be added to an existing house?  Or do I have to scrape my lot and start from scratch?"  The answer is both and luckily, Lunada has done both!  Now this storage solution can't be applied to just any home.  Of course you lucky beachcombers with the sand 20 ft. from your door can't due to the high water table and sandy soil, but those of you living in Palos Verdes, Rolling, Hills, San Pedro area.....definitely a realistic possibility.  Throw out your misconceptions of basements and realize that they can be totally functional for California living, they can be beautiful, and they can dramatically change your home.


Think all basements are dark and scary?  Think again.

Want to know if you can add a basement to your home?  Schedule a consultation with Lunada by visiting www.lunadaconsulting.com or calling 310.544.1895.

Hmmm....let me zinc.

A while back, Lunada spec'd a zinc countertop out for a client.  Being a young designer and at that point, still in school, I had never heard of using zinc for countertops.  My boss (who pretty much knows everything about anything and it is amazing!) told me that it is similar to stainless steel in properties.  It's non-porous but can be scratched, great if you want a different look. Over time it will patina and develop more depth of color.  Well, we ended up going in a different direction for that client and it was never fabricated so that I could see one in person.  But, ever since then, I have been on the lookout for zinc countertops and along the way found all kinds of different furniture pieces that I think are absolutely gorgeous.  I even found a dresser on Restoration Hardware's website.  I don't know if I would trust it not to snag my sweaters or other pieces of clothes, but it looks rad and isn't that what's most important? Just kidding.

Lunada Trend Alert!

My roomate always teases me whenever we pass by objects in the stores that look like raw or untreated wood.  She says that is all I like, and well--I do, but she doesn't know me that well!  Personal stories aside, there is a trend that has seemed to be gathering speed over the past year or so, and that is using plywood, peg boards, etc. as wall coverings.  I think that it is a great application that is unexpected and above all...cheap!  Take a look at some of these images, maybe a few will inspire you.  This is a great idea for apartment dwellers who feel like they can never to anything to their walls without paying the price when they move out. 

Need some design inspiration? Schedule a consultation with Lunada www.lunadaconsulting.com

Off The Wall - Take 2!

So, for some of our new readers, you may not remember the original Off The Wall.  No, not your old Michael Jackson record, Lunada's blog about 3D wall treatments and tiles.  (In case you need a refresher follow this link Off The Wall)  Well, I was just on one of my favorite design blogs, Design*Sponge and saw these fun tiles! Fish scales, stacked stones, shingles, oh my!

Unlike many of the products that I already covered, these are actually concrete tiles!  They are manufactured by a company called Portland Cement Co. and come in a wide variety of colors and shapes. Check out their website to find vendors and have some fun!

To see some on Lunada's uses of 3D wall tiles or to schedule a consultation visit: www.lunadaconsulting.com

Lunada's Favorites

This week, Lunada has chosen BR-111 flooring as our favorite pick.  These solid and engineered floors come in a variety of colors, tones, and patterns that are sure to become one of your favorite things in your home or office.  We are even going to use them in our Lunada Office!!!  And if any of you have picked up the latest Architectural Digest, they were featured in the spread of celebrity Jennifer Aniston's home.  Just gorgeous!

To check out some of Lunada's projects or schedule a consultation visit: www.lunadaconsulting.com

Phasing Your Home Remodel with Lunada

Many of our clients come to us with a simple kitchen remodel, and then soon after talking to them and working to find out what their big picture is, most people want to remodel their entire home AND landscape.  Of course not many clients can't afford such a financial undertaking such as a whole home remodel but want the same results.  The best way to achieve a whole house remodel with a limited budget is phasing the construction.  

Lunada always suggests remodeling your interior before moving onto your exterior.  

With construction comes a lot of mess.  Not only are there numerous crew members involved in demo, construction, and finish carpentry, there are dumpsters, materials being delivered and stored, appliances, furniture, and you are probably still living there too!  Now, backyards are important -- we live in Southern California after all!  You wouldn't want your new pool and grass to be trampled on or take the risk of ruining it with all of the commotion of a construction site. 

A client's best bet is to start with something the entire household uses on a daily basis: the kitchen.  This is where the most dramatic difference and most practical investment can be made through cabinetry, lighting, new appliances, and flooring.  Then, after saving up for a few months, it is a good idea to move into the dining room, living room, and entry and the bedrooms and private bathrooms.  This allows for minimal disruption to the homeowners during the construction process.  After your home is perfect, move outside to add that new pool or outdoor kitchen transforming your backyard into an outdoor retreat!  

The most important part about phasing a construction project is planning.  If you thoroughly plan the phases of your construction and time them with deliveries, payments, and personal calendars, a whole home remodel can be relatively painless.  Remember, Lunada is here for you and we can help you plan your project through a simple consultation.  Check out our website www.lunadaconsulting.com to fill out a contact sheet and we will get back to you as soon as possible.  Now is the time to start planning, summer is just around the corner!

Investing in your home with Lunada

For those who have been able to weather the storm on the housing market, there is no time like the present to invest in your largest asset: your home.  Better Homes and Gardens just published an article talking about the top 20 small remodeling projects that will increase the value of your home and I thought they had some great points. (I won't list all of them, but the top 10)

1. Add a fireplace

       -Everyone loves them, they add warmth and a natural focal point to any space.

2. Install a bay window

       -In case you missed our breakfast nook blog (see below) window seats are great architectural elements that add square footage without effecting your floor plan!

3. Replace windows and doors

       -This will save you tons of money on your energy bills and add curb appeal!

4. Refinish wood floors

       -A messy job that can be done on your own, but we suggest using professionals to get a big impact that will make you fall in love all over with your wood floors.

5. Add a bathroom

       -Buyers often feel that older homes don't have enough bathrooms and can be a deal breaker!

6.Replace old plumbing fixtures with new ones (and they don't have to be the most expensive)

       -Faucets, showerheads, tub fillers, etc can be a weekend project and make all the difference.  Go with a finish like a Brushed Nickel, it always looks great and will prevent dating your home. 

7. Create a master bath suite

      -By adding a second sink, closing off that toilet to create a water closet, converting your shower so that it can be a steam shower, are all easy solutions to create a master suite in a snap.

8. Replace countertops

      -Nothing looks dingier than an old crusty countertop.  The kitchen is the heart of the house and the Rep. your local stone yard can be your most valuable asset. They will do all the work for you!

9. Upgrade appliances

      -2 words: stainless steel. OK 4 words: stainless steel, Energy Star. Done.

10. Create a backyard oaisis

      -We are lucky enough to live in Southern California and the weather has started to get nicer.  Grab some new patio furniture, a fire pit (those can be found for as little as $50), replace those old light fixtures (or string up those white X-Mas lights that are sitting in the attic anyways) and clean up the old BBQ to create a beautiful space to spend time with family and friends.

In the end, all of these small projects will create drama and put money in your pocket.  Most of these you can do yourself, but if you start to feel overwhelmed, just know Lunada is here for you!

To read the entire article go to Better Homes and Gardens

To get a little inspiration, be sure to visit Lunada's Website.

Lunada and ASID Los Angeles

The American Society of Interior Designers is a professional organization that helps organize and bring the design community together through education and community service with the goal of uplifting the practices of interior design.  Jane Biggeln, Lunada Consulting and Design's owner and Principal, has been a dedicated member of ASID (Los Angeles Chapter) for a number of years.  Jane has also always been an active member of her community participating and organizing numerous events, fundraisers, and community outreach programs.  Last year, the ASID Los Angeles Chapter, with the help of Jane, participated in a program called Aging in Place that helps improve the homes of the elderly increasing their mobility and level of comfort.  It is programs like this that help people understand that interior design is more than pillows and paint, it effects the way people live. Below is the article that was posted on the ASID website:

When a House Is Not a Home
ASID Los Angeles Chapter and Kiwanis Partner Gives Senior Owner a Barrier-Free Future
Thirty years ago, Hugh Finlay suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak more than a few words at a time.  In all but one respect, he was able to move about the condominium he had purchased in the New Horizons retirement community in Torrance, Calif.:  He could not take a shower because the tub was too high for him to step over safely.  So for many years Hugh grabbed his cane and walked to the local YMCA to use the showers or visited the clubhouse pool showers once or twice a week on the days his friend, Jack Rennie, would pick him up and drive him there.
Today, Hugh no longer has to leave his home just to take a shower.  He has a newly universally designed bathroom, thanks to a cooperative effort of the ASID Los Angeles Chapter and the Torrance Kiwanis Foundation. Evelyn Grodan, CAPS, of Design That Works, a consultancy specializing in building modifications for seniors and people with special needs, served as project manager and accessibility consultant for the project. Their combined efforts, along with generous donations from local vendors and contractors, allowed them to remodel not just Hugh’s bathroom but the entire condo.  The project employed universal design, sustainable and accessibility principles to create a space that is healthy, safe and barrier-free.
The project expanded beyond the bathroom, as more vendors and people heard about it and wanted to get involved.  The kitchen cabinets were refaced and new appliances, countertops and lighting were added in the kitchen.  The doors and windows were replaced with easier-to-open, lighter weight vinyl models.  Donations included new furniture, built-in closets and window treatments.
Other improvements were made to create a healthier environment and enhance ease of use.  All the door knobs throughout the condo were replaced with lever-style handles, and all closet hardware was changed to large pulls.  The carpet was removed and replaced with a wood-look vinyl flooring that is easier to keep clean and makes for a smoother transition from room to room.  The walls were given a fresh coat of low-VOC paint.  New thermostats with auto control and larger number pads were installed, as were two HEPA air purifiers.  All the light bulbs were changed to energy-efficient, longer-life fluorescent bulbs. To top things off, the address numbers on the outside of the building were replaced with larger ones and properly lighted. 
“It’s amazing, the support we’ve gotten,” says Ellen Cantor, ASID, CID, the chairperson for the chapter’s Aging in Place program.  “The positive reaction from the neighborhood has been very encouraging.  We are eager to get started on our next project.”

--The original article can be found at http://www.asidla.org/news_events/public_service