Designer Natalie Umbert's Colorful Cottage Featured in Coast Magazine

TO Media Co. Is "Terrific"

As we all know, a thank you or a complement really goes a long way.

Natalie Umbert, interior designer and style guru of atelier natalie umbert, just sent our Orange County-based Public Relations firm TO Media Co. a note saying - "You guys are really terrific!"  How nice is that!

Thanks, Natalie!  We think you are terrific too!

Orange Coast Magazine Features The Style of Natalie Umbert of Atelier Natalie Umbert

Thanks Orange Coast magazine for featuring Natalie Umbert!

OC DESIGNER TAG SALE THIS SATURDAY!

Some of our favorite OC Designers and friends from the 2009 ASID Design Tour including Natalie Umbert, Rick Campos, Jolene Ballard, Amanda Malson, Steve Jones and many, many more have teamed up with some of their fab LA counterparts to bring you the FIRST OC Designer Tag Sale.

With NOTHING OVER $200, you will be able to find some fantastic pieces for unbelievable prices. And, the mini-consult you can get from the participating designers is your Gift With Purchase!

Check out the write up from Lisa Boone @ the LA TIMES -- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2009/10/the-deal-designer-tag-sale-saturday-in-costa-mesa-.html

GREAT DEALS FROM GREAT DESIGNERS, who could ask for more!! Shop early and pass the word!!

Sweet Dream ARE Made of These - The Register Reports on Bedroom Trends Seen At The ASID Design Tour

Lauren and I have been on the ASID Design Tour a million times and every time there is something new to see or a design idea pops out at you that you didn't notice before.

The Orange County Register picked up on a bedroom trend that I thought was great -- dreamy bedroom suites with symmetry. Cindy McNatt of the Register's Home Section featured the rooms of Eve Lowey (Chameleon Studio), Amanda Malson and Jolene Ballard (One2BOND), Kimberly Franzen (Franzen Interiors) and Barbara Coulter - Phllips (Bliss Linens)

The Tour ends May 22 so be sure to see it for more design ideas before it closes!

One2BOND's Room at The ASID Design Tour

Who doesn't love a "before" and "after"? I thought this room by One2BOND on the ASID 2009 Design Tour was fun to see with the "before" drawing and the "after" photo. Before

After

The One 2 BOND designers include: Jolene Ballard, Amanda Malson and David A. Romero. http://www.one2bond.com/

Everyone who tours their room is crazy about the wood carved doors, the custom side tables with nail heads and the orange accent wall that was carried up onto the ceiling. My other favorite idea from this room are the framed wall paper panels -- that is an easy way to try the wall paper trend without committing to it fully.

Here are their tips on easy ways to freshen up your home:
1) Reupholster a piece that already exists in your collection at home. Cost effective AND green.
3) Light, neutral flooring with a darker accent rug will keep the room from feeling too heavy.
4) Reframe your existing artwork. It's easy and inexpensive.

The ASID Design Tour is open now and runs through May 17. It is sposored by Orange Coast and benefits Orange County Performing Arts Center. www.asidocc.org

ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria Video

For those of you who want to get sneak peak at the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria and learn about the events and all of the happens on the Tour, here is a video that we thought you might like.

The Tour benefits arts education at the Orange County Performing Arts Center and is sponsored by Orange Coast magazine.

Interior Design Tips from Rick Campos - A Designer Featured at The 2009 ASID Design Tour - Urban Living At Astoria

Rick Campos of Christopher Tracy Interiors proves that you don't need a big space to make a big impression.

He is responsible for three spaces (the foyer, the staircase and the landing at the top) at the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria, all of which welcome you into the home. I love his choice of art for each space. It is bold, colorful and really makes a statement.

After spending some time with Rick on the Tour he was kind enough to give us some design tips to freshen up our own homes.

Rick Campos' landing on the ASID Design Tour

Tips from RICK CAMPOS – Christopher Tracy Interiors www.christophertracyinteriors.com
1) Add reflective elements like a mirror or mercury glass
2) Art books, the bigger and chunkier the better, one or three, meticulously placed.
3) Rotate art to give new life to a space.

ASID 2009 Design Tour - Now Open

ASID Design Tour Featured Artist - Steve Jensen

STEVE JENSEN COLLECTION - MURANO GLASS

Steve Jensen has been wonderful in lending his Murano glass pieces for the 2009 ASID/OC Design Tourtour. An absolutely wonderful art deco chandelier is hanging in the dining room along with 2 large glass urns made just for the tour that are on the fireplace mantle in David Rance's space in 1301. He also has loaned lamps and candlesticks that are just stunning.

Check out more of Steve's original works at www.stevejensencollection.com.

ASID 2009 Design Tour - Tickets Now On Sale

ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria

Tickets Now on Sale

www.asidocc.org

EXAMINER.COM Shares Design Tips from the ASID/OCC Designers of Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Space!

Home and Living examiner Andrea Campbell of Examiner.com was so excited about all the fantastic tips offered up by the team of designers from the 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour, she had to run them ALL!! Thanks so much Andrea for your support of the 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour and in turn, the OCPAC educational programs. For anyone looking to bring a fresh feel a tired space - these tips will be your inspiration!!

http://www.examiner.com/x-702-Home-and-Living-Examiner~y2009m4d3-2009-ASIDOCC-Urban-Living-Astoria-design-tour

To get more ideas, inspiration and expert advice visit the 2009 ASID Design Tour - April 21-May 17 at Astoria in Irvine, CA - www.asidocc.org/news_events/design_tour

Deirdre Eagles Interior Design Brings Glamour to Space 25 At The ASID 2009 Design Tour

We got a chance to check in with Deirdre Eagles of Deirdre Eagles Interior Design about her space at the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria.

Here is what she had to say about Space 25 - Bathroom:

WHAT ARE THE HOT DESIGN TRENDS IN THIS SPACE?
Hollywood Regency meets Classic Contemporary in an elegant bathroom that’s both modern and glamorous. Beautiful Blue Chelsea Art Glass tile on the shower walls imitate the fluid qualities of water. A deep blue hand- blown glass sink sits atop a sleek wood vanity with a frosted glass front, mounted on a wall of translucent white glass. Glittery crystal sconces and a mirrored table complete this elegant space.

WHAT WILL MAKE PEOPLE SAY "OOH" WHEN THEY WALK IN YOUR SPACE? Contrasting colors of vibrant blue with bright white glass tiles open up a small space, while mica infused organic plaster forming a glittery circle motif on the walls and sparkling crystal sconces up the ante on glam.

More about Deidre Eagles Interior Design

Deirdre Eagles Interior Design is a full-service Interior Design firm specializing in Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels and Custom Homes throughout Southern California. Deirdre Eagles has a degree in Interior Design from Interior Designers Institute as well as an MBA from Loyola Marymount. Her work has been published in the Orange County Register, Orange County Home Magazine, Kitchen & Bath Business, and Kitchen & Bath Design News.
(714) 803-4784

Think Design! Combines Sustainable with Eclectic At The ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria

Audrey Duncan and Tony Baldocchi of Think Design! say the secret to people saying "ooh" when they see their design is that they, "are not afraid to try something different. We put the attitude in our design not in the designer."

Some of the Hot Design Trends that you will be seeing in their space at this year's ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria are:
Eclectic styling: Mixing of different periods and styles: Contemporary and Art Deco
Sustainable: Use of Eco friendly products. e.g. Flooring, fabrics, pillows
Decorative pillows. Pops of color and unique high fashion detailing to add drama.
Art: Love your art! Pick things that set the mood you are looking to create.
Style Shock – Take something typical and create your own style: e.g. Take picture frames and make a door. Then insert music albums into the frames. Tadah... You have changed something typical into something unique.

I love these Recycled Coyote fur pillows! Audrey says, "Our fur is 100% reclaimed from clean vintage coats. All our fur has been professionally cleaned and inserts are new. The methods for reinforcing the fur have been done by using an environmentally safe, water-based hide glue and muslin. This pioneered construction is what will insure the longevity of this project."

More about Think Design!

Audrey Duncan and Tony Baldocchi are the design duo behind Think Design! Specializing in fine home and commercial design with styles ranging from modern to traditional to eclectic, they are a full-service interior design firm, offering space planning, construction documents in CAD, and the selection of high quality architectural details, finishes, furniture, and accessories. At Think Design! they believe in providing clients with the tools needed to implement their concept. Our intent is to take our clients vision to a higher level and surpass their expectations. http://www.interiorsbythinkdesign.com/

Interior Creations by Lana Featured at The 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living At Astoria

With the outdoor lifestyle so important here in California, I am thrilled that the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria will be featuring several outdoor spaces where designers like Lana Hamden of Interior Creations by Lana will be able to showcase their talents on creating an outdoor space that you could really live in and be inspired by. We can't wait to see it in person!

More about Interior Creations by Lana

Lana Hamdan, of Interior Creations by Lana is an ASID Allied Member. This is the third consecutive year that Lana brings her aesthetic to the Design Tour, but her first opportunity to bring the calm and comfort of indoor spaces to the outdoors. Lana has traveled extensively, and draws on her travel experiences and a myriad of other design philosophies in accomplishing her clients’ design objectives. Lana speaks fluent Arabic and was born in Amman, Jordan, she currently lives in and works out of San Juan Capistrano. http://www.interiorcreationsbylana.com/

Megan Crane of Megan Crane Designs Showcases Sophistication At The 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria

"As one enters this penthouse they are immediately drawn in by drama and sophistication. Simple design in exquisite finishes," says Megan Crane of Megan Crane Designs of her space at the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria. She continues, "This contemporary home focuses on a color palette of high contrasting warm and cool toned neutrals to create a harmonious balance. Bursts of varying shades of bold tangerine and an overall heavy metallic dusting all culminate in a sense of luxury."

More About Megan Crane Designs Inc.

Megan Crane Designs Inc. is a multi-award winning interior design firm led by Principal Designer Megan Crane offering unique and innovative designs to residential and hospitality clientele. Megan’s career began with The Walt Disney Company where she spent over 15 years in a creative capacity for the worldwide Theme Parks and Cruise Lines. Her experience and extensive international travels have allowed her to integrate many different cultural and architectural details into her work, lending a distinct perspective to her designs. Megan received her Associate of Arts degree from the Interior Designers Institute, a private FIDER accredited design school in Newport Beach, California. Megan’s designs have been featured in Coast Magazine, Orange County Home Magazine, Orange Coast Magazine, Home and Outdoor Magazine and the Orange County Register. http://www.megancranedesign.com/

Beverly Stadler of Design Focus Brings Hollywood Glamour To The 2009 Design Tour-Urban Living at Astoria

Beverly Stadler of Design Focus says her space, the Penthouse Suite, in the 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria, "is the epitome of contemporary luxury urban lifestyle, with a nod to Hollywood Glamour."


She continues, "The glitz of crystal chandeliers and pendants against warm woods and reflective mirrors provides a fabulous backdrop for the city view by day and the sparkling night lights. Almost every piece of furniture in the space has been custom designed specifically for the design tour by the designers, creating a totally unique and one of a kind space. Dark rich woods and wood veneers, gilded accents, stone and mirror all combine with rich textural upholstery to create unique pieces that will be found here alone. Adding to the richness of the space are specialty wall treatments by local artisans, an anniversary edition platinum Richard MacDonald sculpture and beautiful Baccarat and Lalique crystal accessory pieces."

More about Beverly Stadler of Design Focus

Design Focus is an award-winning, Orange County- based custom residential and commercial design firm comprised of an intimate team of design professionals, with Beverly Stadler, ASID, CID, at the helm. Beverly holds an AA in Interior Design from the California Institute of Applied Design, and has been working in the Southern California design community for 26 years. She has been honored by national design organizations and affiliations and is consistently recognized by her regional design community with numerous awards and publications, most recently this past fall when she won two platinum awards of excellence in living room and dining room design in the Orange County/ ASID Annual Design Awards. Known for her ability to create timeless designs of any type, Beverly prides herself in her unique talent to create individual and distinctive designs for each client, both residential and commercial. Her goal is to create designs that reflect and enhance her client’s lifestyles and passions no matter what the current trends may be. http://www.designfocus.net/

We always love to see the "before" photos of the spaces. Here are some "before" photos of Beverly's space:

Urban Living at Astoria - ASID 2009 Design Tour Highlighted By One2BOND

I am so excited to learn about One2BOND and their amazing talents. Jolene Ballard, Amanda Malson and David A. Romero are about to celebrate their one year anniversary of when they pooled their talents and formed the company. Thank God they did. Check out these amazing inspiration boards for their space at the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria.

More about One2BOND – One 2 BOND, founded in Spring of 2008, is known for creating interiors that have a sophisticated use of scale, proportion and color as well as mixing both antique flea market finds and contemporary furnishings, accessories and art. All of this allows them to achieve a fresh eclectic point of view within their interiors. With the clients individuality always in mind, One 2 BOND translates their own personal style into rooms that inspire and invigorate. The One 2 BOND designers include: Jolene Ballard, Amanda Malson and David A. Romero. http://www.one2bond.com/

Today's Featured Designer from the 2009 Design Tour at Astoria- Tamara Shermer

After speaking with Tamara Shermer of OC Interiors, one of the designers on the ASID 2009 Design Tour, you can tell that her heart and soul are in every project. She says, " “I Want to inspire a second glance, and draw the spectator into a world they’d want to linger in.’

Enjoy a sneak peak at her space!

More About Tamara Shermer

Tamara Shermer, allied member ASID, is based in San Juan Capistrano, CA, and owner of Orange County Interiors. Her OC Interiors motto is; “Designing Lifestyles”. Her design experience ranges from high-end luxury properties, commercial offices, to designing for a multi-family and senior living affordable housing builder. Tamara’s projects can be seen throughout California and soon to include Hawaii. Her work has been published in a national housing journal. Through her education, which began in 1983, she is dedicated to cutting edge design with focuses like “Aging in Place”, and “Green Design”. Tamara is a U.S. Green Building council member. Tamara Shermer received her BA in Film Studies from the University of California at Irvine, and holds Associate degrees in Fashion Merchandising and Interior Design. She is also fluent in Spanish.

To reach Tamara at OC Interiors call 949.510.0533.

Kimberly Franzen of Franzen Interiors Shares Her Vision For ASID's 2009 Design Tour

Talk about gorgeous! Check out Kimberly Franzen's story boards for her space at the ASID 2009 Design Tour. We call Kimberly, owner of Franzen Interiors, the "Dancing Designer" because her background includes dance and with these story boards you can see the movement already.

Just so you can see how fabulous this space is going to be - here are some "before' shots. We are dieing to see the "after" now that we have seen Kimberly's inspirations.

More about Franzen Interiors - Interior designer Kimberly Franzen is a current member of ASID, IIDA, IDCC, National Trust for Historic Preservation and NDCA (National Dance Council of America). She also holds a B.A. in Interior Design, a certificate in Zen Design and has a working knowledge of Feng Shui As an Orange County design-industry professional, Kimberly provides full residential interior design services that include everything from space planning and color consulting to home staging for resale, Zen design, outdoor spaces, and custom design pieces. http://www.franzeninteriors.com/