You know it’s a good week online when you have trouble narrowing down your favorite finds! We poured through the pages of our RSS reader, intent on bringing you only the best. Without further adieu, here’s what we’ve deemed as “can’t miss” inspiration:

We are big fans of Bethany Struble’s blog, Snakes Nest, and are totally obsessed with her latest outfit. Such simple pieces- like a white dress, jean jacket, and ankle boots- came together for what may be our uniform for spring. We love it!

Over at The Glitter Guide, Caitlin shared 3 Ways to Style Your Entryway. It’s amazing how a few simple adjustments can make such a huge difference- and is total motivation to do some redecorating in our own places. We’re crushing on the second option- tell us, which way is your favorite??

Bri, the creative connoisseur behind designlovefest, made a super-cute cocktail video that has us ready for summer entertaining. Not only did we learn a ton about various alcohols, ingredients, and glassware- but we’re itching to try the Fleur de Lis they created. Lemon + violet? Yes please!

On Domaine (AKA one of our favorite new shelter sites!!), they teamed up with two renowned designers to show readers the “proper” way to dress a bed! As you may expect… each designer (John Robshaw & Barbara Barry) had a few different opinions… but our biggest takeaway is layering is key for a luxurious night’s sleep.

Here at Rue… we had a bit of a different How To. Kicking off the week with our Distressed Denim installment of Weekly Wardrobe, we partnered with Amanda to show how to create the look yourself. Turns out, DIYing denim is a total breeze… and is definitely how we’ll be spending our Saturday.

Now, it’s your turn! Leave your favorite links from the week in the comments below. We can’t wait to see!

Yesterday Claire Thomas showed us around her home and her favorite place in LA- the farmer’s market. Today she’s sharing the perfect recipe for summer meals. Eat it with a simple salad for a weeknight dinner or grill next to steaks for the ideal outdoor supper party. Quick, simple, and delicious is exactly how this California girl cooks on her blog, The Kitchy Kitchen, her nationally syndicated show on ABC, Food for Thought with Claire Thomas, and in her cookbook out next year. Time to fire up the grill!

Grilled Asparagus with Chili and Truffle Oil
For 2-3

1 bunch asparagus (thicker stalks work best)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon truffle oil
1/4 cup finely grated parmesan
salt and pepper

Chop the woody tough part of the asparagus off (the bottom inch or two), and dress with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill over high heat until marked up, but not totally blackened (about 4-5 minutes total). Immediately drizzle with truffle oil and sprinkle on the chili flakes and parm. Toss together with your hands and serve.

Shaker furniture is a furniture style developed by the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, called the Shakers due to their enthusiastic style of warship. While the look to many in the United States is very Americana, the style was also widely produced in England where the Shakers originated before setting sail to the Americas in 1774. The furniture was produced for personal use and for sale.

The Shakers believed that making something well was “an act of prayer” but eschewed ornamentation in favor of strictly following the function of the object. For instance, most of their furniture was made out of pine because it was inexpensive. This resulted in Shaker furniture that was typically light colored and lightweight. The Shakers would make varying sizes of chairs and other items in order to fit the intended user comfortably. While Shaker furniture was largely handcrafted, it was done in furniture factories to ensure a standard high quality. The ladderback chair is a common design as was the peg rail, which was able to hold clothes, hats and even the light ladderback chairs when not in use.

The clean lines, along with the focus on functional and human-centered design, greatly inspired later modern furniture. To bring the traditional look into your home, there are two options. Many companies continue to manufacture original Shaker designs, including Vermont Woods Studios and Shaker Workshops. There are also updated renditions such as those by Sawkille, Another Country, and Rich Brilliant Willing (The last, sadly, is no longer on the market but RBW has other modern wood furnishings.)

No matter which way you go, just mix the Shaker pieces in with more contemporary pieces. Add color to warm up the room or keep it neutral for a minimalist look. Either way, you’ll have a comfortable piece that doesn’t scream for attention while bringing a classic Americana look to your home.

SHOP THE STORY: Bench One Back by Another Country // Chair (discontinued) by Rich Brilliant Willing // Penn Table by Sawkille // Peg Rail by Another Country

Claire Thomas started The Kitchy Kitchen out of a passion for California cooking and completely without formal training. An LA girl through and through, she now hosts a show Food for Thought with Claire Thomas, produced by Litton Entertainment and syndicated on ABC stations nationwide. She is also a commercial director and food stylist, and shoots every image on her blog herself. Claire joins us to share how she fits it all in and why summer foods are her absolute favorite- next to new typefaces. You can follow Claire on Twitter @Food4ThoughtTV. Plus, stop by In The Kitchen to see what she creates with that asparagus! 

Tell me about your kitchen. You still shoot your online cooking videos in your home kitchen?
I moved into my house with my sister Amanda, a jewelry designer with her own line, Luv AJ. We refer to it as ‘The Compound’ because we both live and work out of here. It’s a really cute mid-century style house in Santa Monica. The kitchen is disproportionately large; I took out a lot of walls. We use it for the online videos, the blog, and I shot all the images for my cook book here.

Because I also work as a commercial director, I’ve been directing for almost two years. I location scout kitchens all the time and have a secret Pinterest board just for white kitchens. I knew what was important for me aesthetically. Anything you see on the Food Network has a burner in the kitchen island so you can light it from any angle. No one would think of that, but I knew right away I wanted one. I wanted it be clean, subway tile. I like the look of concrete so we got Cesearstone that is dark concrete colored and you can chop right on it.

I imaging you had to plan a lot of storage space, as well. 
I have a bit of collecting problem so lots of storage- vintage glassware, I love heath ceramics. I love collecting one of pieces. It’s so satisfying to make a dish and know I have the perfect vessel for it. It’s finny because though collecting and accumulating, you learn what you need more off. Once I moved back in, I realized I needed to just go out a buy three dozens wooden spoons and a dozen whisks.

Three dozen wooden spoons?!
When I recipe test, I do block tests for the blog, TV show and cookbook. I’ve created over 450 recipes in the past year. The cookbook will have 200. It’s not coming out until next spring but I tested at least 230 for that. Plus I come up with the themes and recipes for the TV show and the blog. I try to post at least 2 blog dedicated recipes a week so it adds up. I really need to segment my time so I have this goofy schedule where Monday is getting my week going, Tuesday and Wednesday are my two cooking days, Tuesday is usually baking and pasta, and anything with fresh produce is Wednesday because that is the farmers market. Thursday and Friday are for photo editing, writing, all the other things. But very rarely do I get to stick it!

We definitely know how that goes! How has the cooking show changed the way you cook for the blog- or vice versa?
I make food that I love to make and that I love to eat. I’m a home cook. I didn’t go to culinary school. I like making food that is really impressive looking but is really lazy. I hate doing dishes. The thought of using my food processors just makes me go blahhhh. It’s very international now, so it has to cater to a lot of different taste. I was looking at old recipes can tell I was so hard-core overcompensating at the beginning and would do food that was a little too complicated or fussy. The show has helped me calm down and just make food that is simple, good, and sophisticated. That is where I’m headed and I’ve really enjoyed making that part of the blog as well.

Simple food is especially welcome this time of year. What foods do you look forward to every summer?
Definitely peaches. They are just so good. My birthday is in June so summer is a very celebratory time between Memorial Day, my birthday, Fourth of July. My Aunt Tina is a spectacular baker and her pies are just amazing. I developed this recipe for the cookbook that is a pie crust with rosewater and she made a cherry pie with it. I love fruit pies. My dorky obsession when I was a kid was corndogs. To the point to where my parents just threw up their hands and the freezer was full of corndogs. I was very pro-corn dog, very-anti-everything else. The smell of the cornmeal and a frank, hot dogs in general are very summery to me. The best hot dog on the market is Let’s Be Frank. Alice Water’s former food forager started the company, it’s all nitrate free. In LA, the farmers market hot dogs are so treacherous- wrapped in bacon, jalepenos, delicious but you have no idea what is in them. Let’s Be Frank is really clean, really delicious. Anything on a bun and anything in a pie are total summer time to me and make me happy. In LA, so many things that are seasonal everywhere else are year round- ice cream, and popsicles, and salad. So things that take a little more time like pie or outside cooking are what I look forward to here in LA.

Besides food, you also love graphic design and typefaces, correct? You do the photo editing and graphics for your website and videos. Where did that interest come from?
Everyone in my family is a graphic designer. I’m the lone “non-graphic designer” my dad has given me the book the elements of type three times. He’s very forgetful. I’m like, “Thanks Dad. I already have two.” He’s like, “Great now you have one for your car, one for your purse, and one for your home.” Most dads do that with a Swiss army knife or mace but my dad in an emergency thinks you need to know about san serifs.

On Pinterest I kept gathering all this inspiration and typefaces. I always go for the visuals and what is visually appealing and needed to convey the information through graphics. It started very simple but then I got a little obsessed with it. I had so much fun doing that for the videos and it started getting a lot of attention so I started doing it for the photos as well. I spend way more time doing the graphic design for photo than the color correction. It’s like, what typeface screams vintage ice box cake? Because my family is so good at it, it’s driven me to be very simple. I do very type-driven graphic design. You aren’t going to see me doing illustrations.

My guilty pleasures- in the summer, produce, and then typefaces. I have so many fonts I want to buy in my online shopping cart!

We adore Victoria Smith of the gorgeous design blog, sfgirlbybay, and often find ourselves gravitating towards her when in need of a major inspiration boost. Full of fresh ideas and a wealth of knowledge- she has become a total icon in the design world. Not only does Victoria know the best spots for design on the web, but she’s carved out a seriously awesome understanding of the best spots in San Francisco. Basically, nothing would make us happier than if Victoria was our permanent personal shopper. Needless to say, when we found out she’d converted her shopping secrets into iPhone form, we were thrilled! With her new app, you can get Victoria’s insider view into the City by the Bay- from unique flower shops to amazing home decor. Whether you’re just visiting or a longtime resident, you’ll be introduced to places you may not have found otherwise. Plus, each shop has a personalized review from Victoria herself- making it seem like she’s shopping right alongside you. We were so excited about this, we just had to get the insider scoop on Sfgirlbybay’s Guide to Bohemian Modern San Francisco from Victoria herself:

When did you get the idea to turn your extensive SF knowledge into app form?
I get asked a lot about what to do and where to shop from visitors to San Francisco from all over the world, so an App seemed like the logical next step. I kind of had it in the back of my mind as a new project to embark on, when I was approached by the very nice folks at Escape Apps to do that very thing. So it kind of just fell into place for me at that point.

We love all of the places you included! We’re curious- what standards did they have to meet to make the cut?
I tried to include places that would really resonate with the blog readers, since they were the ones reaching out to me for advice on where to shop in San Francisco. Most places I’ve selected to include have an eclectic, vintage or very design-heavy vibe. Anything I might write about (or have written about) on the blog were included. So, mostly affordable, fun and unique shops. No major brand names. All small businesses for the majority.

We love that! What was your favorite part about creating the app?
I am always the person people seem to ask for advice on where to go in San Francisco, even just friends, and I love sharing new, unique places to go. So I really liked being able to create something for under $2 that would give everyone the tips I love sharing — it was basically like handing people my blog in a brief synopsis for your phone.

And the biggest struggle?
I think the struggle for me was not including food! I love food and San Francisco has some of the best little unknown spots around. But I wanted to keep the focus on design and shopping, so I had to let something go. And Tablehopper, another great San Francisco blog has an App with Escape Apps, so it really is already covered.

What’s next for sfgirlbybay’s guide?
I have a bunch of updates for the guide to add – especially some East Bay locations I’ve recently heard about it. I will constantly be updating it with new shops and pop-ups – whatever I hear about that I think readers would like the inside scoop on, will be added to the App. It’s also a handy shopping guide for anyone interested in San Francisco shopping, since most places have online shopping available and all their website links are included in the App listing.

Now everyone has access to a little slice of SF. Thanks so much, Victoria! Be sure to click here to download the app… and enjoy!

When Adrienne and Jamie first started talking about opening a store, they carefully selected a storefront in the Rockridge neighborhood in Oakland. They felt the eclectic vibe would suit their store, which sells a mix of home goods, fashion, and accessories. Even more importantly, it was walking distance from both of their homes. Six year later, Oakland has been named Most Exciting City and Atomic Garden serves as an oasis on busy College Ave (and online!) Adrienne and Jamie share with Rue Daily how they weather a rocky start by staying true to themselves.

You two meet “by accident,” you say. How did that happen?
Adrienne: “Our kids were playing soccer at the same field and we didn’t know each other. I saw Jamie, she had this sweater on that was super cool and I thought she may have knit it. Which she hadn’t but we developed a friendship at the soccer field, even though our kids weren’t on the same team.
Jamie: “She has boys and I have girls but we were the only parents that were there watching practice. We found ourselves sitting on the same bench every week.”

So you started talking first about working on wholesale band merchandise that you were involved with through your husband’s work, Adrienne, and at first Jamie was just helping you as a friend?
J: I had a lot of experience with manufacturing so I said I’d go check things out for you. And time and time again, it just wasn’t a good fit but we started finding really cool companies that were doing interesting things…
A: and trying to do things differently, trying to do things with more of a soul and more of a transparency in their productions. We were just talking, wouldn’t it be cool if there was a store where you could find really beautiful things that were made with a conscience.
J: So by started finding all these resources, we realized we should just start a store.

Was sustainability a selling point for the store?
J: It was really important that we just did things as we are, that we didn’t label ourselves green or eco-friendly. For us it’s not just one thing or another. It’s not about being all organic or all local. Some things we have are local, some things are recycled, some things are organic. It’s all about how things are made, who the people are making them. It’s the mix of how it all goes together. We want you to feel transported, somehow, just a little. That you step in off the street and feel lets it’s a different little world.

Launching when you did was good timing as far as the ‘green’ trend but it was soon being outweighed by economic concerns.
J: I think we signed the lease and then Obama detailed the true state of the economy. Stock market plummeted and here we had just signed this five year lease. So we started at the bottom. In a way, that was good because we really had to work for every customer. In terms of not really having the stars aligned (laughs) but despite ourselves we’re growing and evolving. It’s been good but it was definitely not the brightest platform to start.”
A As we were opening, stores were closing and closing and closing.
J: We were really clear that we were going to start slowly. We didn’t start with that much [merchandise] and we let it grow on its own accord.
A: The community has been super receptive to it. Especially in this area, there is value in the story of craft. We have a really great customer base that is really just awesome. They’ll come in just to check out what’s new or just to smell the store.

You two are very hands on, down to the crafting the window displays yourself. How has the store evolved as you work to get that ‘transported’ feeling?
J: It was the mirror that you found from this guy (Billy Kroft) who was taking reclaimed wood from his grandparents’ dilapidated chicken ranch. I went to meet him at his studio, this live/work situation in Oakland, and I remember calling you, like “This guy can do anything, he has to do out store.”
A: he ended up building our table, our counter, our shelves. It was just such a great story, using his grandparents’ wood. That mirror just led us to him.
J: He’s been an integral part of our atomic garden family.
A: From there, we took an old couch and had it recovered with our logo. It’s funny because that piece of furniture people will walk by and stop to ask if it’s for sale. I don’t think we had a clear vision. We just started taking elements that we liked. Our aesthetics are very similar so we just wanted to bring between us what we liked. We brought our own aesthetics into the store and they just kind of merged.

SHOP THE STORY: 1. Scent of Atomic Garden set / 2. Socks (in store only) / 3. Cutting Board / 4. Parveen Scissors / 5. Cotton String Tidy / 6. Dishtowel and scrub brush

As we mentioned yesterday, distressed denim is a huge trend this season. However, while it is totally tempting to splurge on a new pair- it’s hard to justify. Perhaps it was the lecture we received at a young age about spending money on pants that were already ripped? While we want to be thrifty, we still want to rock the trend- so we partnered up with the adorable Amanda (of Advice from a Twenty Something) who just so happens to be a DIY guru. Turns out- destroying denim (and making it look cute) is something anyone can easily do!

Amanda has a lot of experience with this project- she’s attempted to make distressed denim many times in the past using cheese graters, sand paper… you name it! She found a simple solution: a sand paper block. It’s sturdier than sand paper alone and tougher than a cheese grater. You can literally create perfectly distressed rips and tears in under an hour!

As for jeans, Amanda suggests Old Navy- not only because they’re super affordable, but the material is very thin and perfect for distressing. SheI also chose a pair with a worn-in look so the rips and tears would look even more natural. Follow along with Amanda’s easy steps to create your perfect pair. Let’s get started!

SUPPLIES:
1 pair of jeans
sand paper block
fabric scissor
washer/dryer

DISTRESSED JEANS:

Step 1: Start with the largest hole on your knee. It’s helpful to try the jeans on first and mark where your knee lays just to be safe. Then make a small snip with your scissors and cut a thin hole across the knee.

Step 2: Use the sand paper block to fray the hole and add more tears around it. Rub the block in different directions. I’ve found the best way to create the perfect fray is by rubbing the block horizontally first, and then vertically. Don’t be embarrassed if your arms get tired – mine totally did!

Step 3: Choose other areas around the jeans to distress. I chose to snip another tiny hole near the pocket and then used the sand paper block on top of it. I also created a longer tear on the opposite thigh, without using the scissors.

Step 4: Once you’re done distressing the denim, toss them in the washer and dryer. This will really bring out the frayed areas and make them more noticeable.

SHORTS:

TIP: In order to create the perfect shorts out of denim pants, it’s best to choose a pair of pants that are looser in the thigh. I chose a pair of boyfriend jeans from Old Navy, again because they’re affordable and if you mess up your DIY, it won’t be a total waste.

Step 1: There are 2 ways to find the perfect length for your shorts. One is to use a pair of shorts you already own. If you have a pair that already is the perfect length, you can measure them against the jeans. If you don’t, try on a pair of shorts you have and use measuring tape to measure your preferred length. It’s best to make them longer than you think, just to be safe.

Step 2: Once you find your perfect length, measure against the jeans in three places: the inner seem, the outer seem, and in the middle. Use these three spots to mark where you’ll cut the jeans. Do this on both legs.

Step 3: It’s time to chop! Follow the marks you created with the scissors. The line should not be straight across, but rather at an angle: longer on the inner seem and shorter towards the outer seem. It’s best to try them on after this to make sure they’re the length you want. I made mine a length I can either leave as is or roll.

Step 4: This is optional since the washer/dryer will do this for you, but if you want to distress them a bit more, use your sand paper block on the cut edges.

Step 5: Toss them in the washer/dryer to get that perfectly frayed look.

The final step? Head over to our latest Weekly Wardrobe to see how to style your new denim! Which look will you be trying first??

In our latest issue, we gave you a look into Kirsten Grove’s bedroom- and introduced you to her adorable family! And today- we welcome you to her office. Kirsten has impeccable taste- as showcased daily on her blog Simply Grove. Whether she is working on a new design project or chasing around her super cute kids- we had to know just how she does it. We sat down with Kirsten to find out what makes her tick- and where she got that incredible desk!

What does a typical workday look like in the Simply Grove HQ?
It starts at 7:30am with mommy duties until around 9am, when they go to school. 2 days a week my assistant comes at 9 and we start the day with coffee and loud music. These 2 days, I try and tackle the blog side of SG. The other 3 days are strictly design and guest writing. Now that summer is coming, I’m going to need to restructure my days because of having the kids at home. No 2 days are the same, and I love that!

We love that too! When it comes to design- what three words would you use to describe your aesthetic?
Modern, Organic, Colorful.

That totally encompasses this space! We adore how bright, airy, and organized it is. Tell us- what are your tips and tricks for staying organized?
I never leave the office messy. If I’m closing up shop for the day, I’ll spend 5-10 minutes cleaning and organizing so that the next day, I have a clean space to work from. I also file EVERYTHING.

When creating your office, what were the most important factors in the design?
Creating a bright and cheery space was a must for me. I work better when surrounded by great light. My office has a lot of windows. Even on gloomy days, it doesn’t feel depressing.

How perfect! Are there any fun or interesting stories behind any of the pieces in your office?
My husband made my desk, which is my absolute favorite piece in the space. My father-in-law is an incredible wood worker and my husband inherited some of those trates. YAY! Also, I inherited the rugs in my office from my uncle who passed away a few years ago. He had impeccable taste and so I was lucky enough to receive some of his prized pieces, including these wool rugs.

That is so special- we are big fans of personal touches. On the business side, what are your office essentials?
Computer (of course), pens and a notepad to write down quick thoughts, a filing cabinet and a printer/scanner.

Do you listen to music while you work? If so- what’s on your playlist these days?
YES! Right now I’m listening to both Justin Timberlake and One Republic’s new albums. I also have All Son’s and Daughter’s playing.

We’re firm believers in the quote “taking time to live your life will only inspire your work.” Where do you get your inspiration when not in the office?
Traveling always inspires me. Especially when visiting great homes and spaces outside of my own city. And nature is a constant inspiration to me as well.

We can certainly see those elements reflected in your work! Thank you so much for sharing your space, Kirsten. Now… we’re off to clean up our own offices! 

Distressed denim is a go-to look at Rue. It’s an easy way to pull of an easy-going vibe, yet depending on how you style it- can still look 100% polished. We love teaming our ripped jeans with feminine pieces and plenty of sparkle. When we reach for our distressed cut-offs, we like to pair them with structured items to keep the overall outfit feeling modern. When it comes to distressed denim, balance is key! By adding well thought out items- you can look laid-back while avoiding feeling sloppy.

Love the look but not ready to splurge? Be sure to tune in tomorrow! We’ll be sharing a fun DIY teaching you how to make cutoffs or distressed denim at home!

SHOP RUE: OUTFIT 1: 1. Top // 2. Earrings // 3. Necklace // 4. Sunglasses // 5. Pumps // 6. Pants // 7. Clutch OUTFIT 2: 1. Bag // 2. Top // 3. Blazer // 4. Sandals // 5. Mascara // 6. Shorts

Jennifer Beek and Georgie Hambright of J+G Design saw an opportunity to cater to the changes happening in interior design and took the risk to start their own firm. Having gained experience with established and talented designers, they felt confident to start their own venture. Although traditionalists at heart, their approach is anything but that. The idea behind J+G Design is that design should be accessible, no matter what the project is (cocktail party, home office, or first home), or the timeline (within reason). Jen and Georgie have a number of different services, including e-design that can help their clients achieve a stylish home without even having to be in the same city, that allow for flexibility and accessibility.

It’s not just this duo’s innovative thinking that makes them a success, it’s their great traditional-meets-modern taste, and their ability to translate it to a younger audience. At Rue, we love game changers, and we think that J+G Design is definitely one them.

It is truly inspiring to see you both start this great new venture on your own! What was the idea behind J+G Design?

As young designers we always have friends asking us for help. We find that most times they have furniture passed down from their parents or grandparents that they want to get rid of. It is our mission to change perspectives of “old” pieces and make them “cool” again.  Our appreciation for antiques and classic design stems from our traditional training and educational backgrounds. Through our old-meets-new design aesthetic, we aim to lead a new generation to value antiques.

Yes, we couldn’t agree more- there’s nothing like a great antique to give a room context. Was there a specific moment or source of inspiration that made you decide to start your own company?

We both worked for really great designer mentors who took the time to teach us the ins and outs of running a design business. After our first side project was a success, we gained the confidence to take the leap.

What is one lesson that you wish someone told you about before you started?

It’s important to work on your business and not in it. It is really easy to get caught up in the daily grind of running the business. You must stop to celebrate success, even the small ones, or else you loose sight of the big picture.

So true! It’s up to you to give yourself recognition for what you have achieved. It’s definitely a shift of gears when you work for your own company. How would you describe your style as a team as well as individually?

J+G Design’s style can best be described as traditional design through a modern lens.

Georgie’s style is more eclectic and Jen’s style is more classic – together we compliment one another to create spaces that are both fresh and timeless.

What advice would you give our readers when trying to decorate their homes on a tight schedule?

Be realistic and patient! In this world of online flash sales and mainstream retailers it’s easy to get swept up in the thrill of instant gratification.  Be strategic and make sure you have a plan in place before you’re tempted to make impulse purchases. A home should grow and evolve with you – if you buy everything at one store it will show.

Yes, decorating can be really different than shopping for clothes. It’s all about creating a space that will speak to you over the years and on a daily basis. But having that kind of patience can be hard. What is your favorite resource for finding great home décor online?

1^st Dibs, especially the Saturday Sales where you can score some great finds that won’t break the bank. It’s our go-to for statement pieces that can instantly elevate the space.

What is one trend in design that you would be happy to see retire?

Don’t follow the trends! If you decorate your house in one specific style you’ll be sick of it in no time. Mix it up, your home should reflect your personality!

Ok, so tell us about this project that you have completed. Who are your clients and what is the concept behind it?

This stylish young married couple approached us to create their first “grown-up” home. All the finishes and fabrics are very rich but not stuffy. Every young, social couple wants to entertain in a glam yet relaxed setting. Giving them quality pieces that could grow with them is the best foundation.  They really admired our aesthetic and gave us the reigns. Those clients are a true joy!

How did you integrate the owners’ own taste, while also introducing them to new styles and pieces?

The client was reluctant to use their parents’ hand-me-down pieces and art, but we thought “jackpot”! They both grew-up in homes with traditional style, but they wanted the apartment to feel like their own. We were able to achieve the look they wanted while incorporating the family heirlooms – the end result is young yet sophisticated.

Lastly, what is one word or phrase that you would each use to describe the most important aspect in designing space?

J: Scale and proportion

G: Functionality