Riviera View

Strata Rug photo - Riviera View Want the look of sisal with the softness of silk and wool? The hand-knotted 'Strata' rug from Quatrine in Manhattan Beach might fit the bill. The rug has the casual look associated with sisals and seagrass without the scratchy 'hand' underfoot. The silk-fringed-threads give Strata a little shine and softness, while the contrasting wool knots keep things natural and even somewhat therapeutic. Imagine feeling a mini foot massage while walking barefoot through your living room and you'll understand part of this rug's allure. photo - Riviera View Not all shopkeepers like to reveal their vendor sources so what I do know is that the rug is made, "...somewhere on the East Coast." The Strata comes in at least two color ways: beige-ivory (shown above) and a darker beige-brown. If you desire durability (who doesn't?), Quatrine's design consultant Kristin Schwab says that over the past few ...

Walking down the street in Beverly Hills today, I ran across this drop-dead, traffic-stopping, red dress at Pol Atteu. And from the back, even better. So beautiful. According to Mr. Atteu, at the upcoming September 18th Emmy Awards, a certain television star may be wearing something very similar to this dress. Keep your eyes on the runway. To see more designs from Pol Atteu, click here .

This American-Made-Monday has a wedding twist. If you need a bedroom accessory update but don't want to spend a bundle how about rifling through your closet for those singularly-worn bridesmaid dresses and turning them into pillows? (Come on, you know you'll never wear them again.) That's exactly what we decided to do with a bridesmaid dress that belonged to my step-daughter, Lauren. The wedding was two years ago this summer and the dress has taken up valuable closet space ever since. "Let's turn that lavender gown into a pillow," I suggested? And she said, "Sure. Why not?" So here are the bridesmaids before the big night and below them, well, that's the dress reincarnated as a pillow. Let's get this party started! Did I sew it myself? I wish I could say yes but actually the folks at Ye Olde Upholstery Shoppe in Santa Monica handled those daunting details. I love how the pleating turned out. I chose a choco...

It's summertime in L.A. and it looks as though our overcast and drizzly skies are finally fading. Fittingly our imaginations turn to swimming pools and movie stars. For your consideration, the July-August issue of Veranda magazine showcases Southern California designer Danielle Eber who turns out a pool-house worthy of reflection. Located in Holmby Hills, the Norman Style home needed an addition that would also serve as a private get-away for its residents. Ms. Eber mixed traditional finishes with mid-century and french furnishings to create and cohesive yet slightly whimsical space. Take a peak and see if this enchanting addition doesn't inspire you to put your suit on...or take it off entirely. photo - Roger Davies photo - Roger Davies Above and below check out the Missoni wave patterned fabric on the vintage Maurice Pre chair from L.A. shop Downtown. Also notice that the black built-ins in the photo above are finished with cabinet doors and sconc...

Well, OK, it's actually Tuesday, not Monday, but you're with me, yes? I'm loving these sofas from Cisco Brothers. Above, the Dinora sofa with its Spanish feel would work well in an old hacienda or California Mission style home. Notice the tufting, the bench cushion and the exposed leg. The Tulane Sofa above, also a little beauty. It can go traditional or modern depending on you accessorize it. Above it looks traditional but toss on these made-in-Kansas pillows from Etsy shop Pillowville ... ...and the look switches to chic modern. All Cisco Brother frames are eight-way-hand-tied, and made-in-America, California no less. To see more Cisco Brothers furniture click here . To see more from Pillowville , like this hand printed, hand embroidered style... or this little number with a ruffled satin ribbon... ...or this leather embossed, mitered cornered pillow click here.