This month’s “Stylish Solutions” Column in Lamorinda Weekly.
Reaching 65,000+ in Bucolic Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda. Click HERE. Like, comment, and share.
My team and I absolutely love local and are passionate about supporting local businesses, communities and friends.Lamorinda Weekly reaches 65,000 people.
This month’s column is titled: “What’s New in the World of Design from New York Design Week”
My thoughts about design week tend towards making au courant design relevant to today’s homeowner in bucolic communities around the country. Our towns are relatively small and unhurried even though they are within commuting distance of San Francisco and tech-centric South Bay (Palo Alto, San Jose).
I believe it’s one of the reasons Orinda was voted the second most friendly town in America by Forbes in 2012. The geography helps, as you can see. Winding roads, oak dotted hills.
We still have hometown parades, an original deco movie theater and small downtown businesses: ice cream & yogurt shops, coffee shops, tack shops, antique & consignment stores. I’ve often dreamed of having a quaint office across from the Country Club and keep my eye on those historic spaces. I have a heart for that old Phair’s Building and row of small buildings. Yes, I love the old, small and quaint nature of our downtown. Can you see our beautiful office someday in one of those? I can. Buzzed in, monthly salon talks, trunk shows for custom fabrics, music playing, original building in tact but re-done? Tea in the front room. Lovely. I digress…one can always dream.
Lamorinda is a special place and I am deeply grateful to live here and work from here.
Copper in Christopher Peacock Cabinetry. I love custom beauty.
We also do not compromise on design. The question is, how do you translate what is trending on the runway so-to-speak into daily life in the suburbs? I love modern, but it is not always appropriate to the setting.
My top three thoughts centered around:
1) making tradition current
2) keeping it real in scale & displays on tables, consoles and counters
3) using natural or artisan made products whenever possible
I shared on these three in my article.
Later this week, we chat Dacor.
Blessings,
Ann McD.
Here are two short quick videos highlighting two beautifully different components of #BlogTourNYC.
THIS is why I love Design. From the elite workings behind the scenes of Kips Bay Decorator Show House which for 43 years has raised funds to support real children with hands on help:
to the curated support of brands like WilsonArt who make it possible for student designers from around the country (this year they partnered with Appalachia State) to attend trade shows and gain valuable experience and exposure:
Enjoy. Get inspired. Share. More of these bite sized nuggets to come.
Make sure to note the details:
Mark Sikes use of wicker in the Dining Room, red gingham, and playful trim with simple potted plants on consoles, layered blue and white dishes…
Alessandra Branca’s use of modern and traditional art, upholstered walls, casual linens mixed with incredible florals…
Have a blessed day. Enjoy your coffee or tea. Drink from a beautiful cup. Call a friend.
xo Ann McD
This week my team and I were back at it for our Local Paper, The Lamorinda Weekly. Many thanks to Jennifer Wake and her team for always making us sound better than our original edits.
You can find our article link HERE. Make sure to let them know how much you like our features!
We love designing spaces that equip you, the homeowner, to find proverbial center in the midst of all the chaos.
Blessings,
Ann McDonald
I absolutely love writing for our local paper. I was born in a small town in Western Kansas and hold anything “local” no matter where, in high regard. When Jennifer Wake called a few weeks ago and asked if I’d be interested in writing a regular column every other issue in Our Homes Section for the Lamorinda Weekly (covers three tight knit bucolic Northern California Towns/Cities: Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda), I could not say YES fast enough.
It was better than getting a call from the biggies in the Design Business (though, Elle Decor, you know my answer is always yes for you as well)
Ann Featured in Elle Decor on Luxury Now
I have long enjoyed reading this section and perusing the fabulous garden tips and local musings. Heaven.
This week, my contribution is on Drought Wise Decorating. As we ride the current California Drought, how DO you design Read More