Palos Verdes

Well, first of all, I am making some design changes to the blog, working on individualizing and improving the layout, the overall look and feel. I'm not a professional, mind you, so it's a work in progress. Anyway, we made a trip to Palos Verdes, CA yesterday to install some silk panels for one of our favorite customers.

Here are some highlights!

Look at the detailing on this material? The texture is amazing and the colors are so rich.

Honestly, these are some of my favorite sheers. The detailed cut-out, pictured here, occurs about 2/3rds of the way down the panel. The stitching is just spectacular and the overall effect is simply stunning.

Here you can see the final scalloping detail, which we've lightly puddled along the hardwood floors. Soft. Elegant.

This is the main room. As you can see, we've done back to back swags with jabots centering each window. What's special about these swags in particular is that they've been rounded at the edges to give the impression of a subtle arching over the window. Typically, swags are attached to a flat board. Also, the panels and sheers puddle lightly against the floor to give a romantic feeling to the entire scene.

This is the material we used in the master bedroom.

You can see the panels here, coupled with gold sheer, and an arched cornice box valance. With the BRIGHT afternoon sunlight streaming in, you can't help but admire how it all seems to glow.

Last week, we made the six and a half hour drive north to Los Altos, CA to make some adjustments and repairs to the drapes in our friend Tanya's house. Tanya is a gorgeous ball of happiness and that aspect of her personality makes itself evident in her love of COLOR, which she uses enthusiastically throughout her house. Here, we've preserved the shape of this arched window in her aquamarine bathroom by installing cabinet knobs (purchased at Home Depot!) along the frame of the arch and hanging the curtains with rings and clips.

Tanya chose contrasting colors that really make this window stand out.

 This material was brought back from India and we lined it with crystal beading. The afternoon light comes in through this window and really makes them sparkle.

 This is a picture of the swags we made for Tanya's master bathroom. I'm particularly fond of the long, thin theater swag on the left. I love that the swags here are lined entirely with silk. The quality is fantastic.

Here's a close up.

And this is a picture of the material we used in Tanya's living room. This sheer, which is two-toned with shimmers of red and green, replaced a more boring single-toned gold. The pattern beneath is from Tanya's couch, which we not only upholstered but designed specifically to fit her needs.

We always enjoy the trip up to see Tanya--she even made a delicious lunch including chicken that had simmered in orange juice (extra flavor!)--and this time was no different.

Vintage Flair

 

 Hi there! It's been a busy time, and we haven't had a chance to update lately. But the ladies of LeMontree Interiors recently made a trip to Vintage Flair, a GORGEOUS local antique store owned by our good friend, Lucy. It's located on Elizabeth St-- make a right into the first alleyway.

The things I love in this picture: clear dangling twinkle lights for indoor lighting; empty white-washed picture frames and matching finials; a plethora of disparate knickknacks (porcelain, seashells, mirrors)!

Check out these beautiful porcelain plates, figurines, and pots!

How amazing is this mannequin? Look at that detailed hand-painting around the eyes: those eyelashes, those rosy cheeks, and sweet curls! ALSO, this multi-strand pearl necklace is magnificent.

Porcelain doll head, complete with pedestal and tiara! Tiny vintage perfume bottles. Crystal pendants. Swirling shells. Lovely lace and rose accessories. Imagine putting together such an imaginative and fantastic display. Our Lucy is a master.

Vintage Flair is full of Paris Chic style! I love the idea of using scrabble tiles as decorations-- tres adorable!

Vintage glass bottles are a fun and inexpensive way to decorate. Place a collection of various sizes and colors in a window sill. Fill up the empty spaces in a bookshelf or on a side table. Use them as vases or fill them with sand and tiny seashells. Buttons! Old pennies. Marbles. Feathers. Use your imagination!

I love antique statues. They've got such character. This cherub is both eerie and fascinating with its empty eyes.

Oh, my. Look at the detailing on this beaded dress. So intricate, so lovely.

Make sure to stop by Vintage Flair on Elizabeth Street in Riverside, CA. Vintage clothes, antiques, jewelry, books, fun stuff.