Quote of the Day



"I beg you, to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer."

Rainer Maria Rilke, 1903

Highly Sensitive People

I read about "Highly Sensitive People" today and concluded that this "epidemic" must be prevalent among the design community. It means you are aware of subtleties in your surroundings, a great advantage in many situations. For example, perfecting the look and feel of an interior, ha. It also means you are more easily overwhelmed when you have been out in a highly stimulating environment for too long, bombarded by sights and sounds until you are exhausted. Ask yourself the following questions, maybe you'll reconsider your profession, ha:

  • Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?
  • Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
  • Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?
  • Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?
  • Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?

planning out the new pad

So . . . I'm making a big move across town, from a spacious 3-bedroom Edwardian flat in the heart of the city to a teensy little studio near the Presidio. I'm ready as ever, anxious and anticipating lot's of "me time" in this new environment.

For this very personal design project I'm totally utilizing my outlets & resources. I looked into the color trends our forecasting friends have chosen for the design industry in 2011. Out of Global Color Research's four different color palettes for 2011, I chose color story 3, based on my love for neutrals and the fun factor of red accents.

"Genteel: Genteel takes us on a journey through a traditional domestic setting where comfort is derived through familiar settings. With a largely neutral palette, drama is evoked through key highlights: carmine, scarlet and gold. A classic mood prevails."


I need to decide on a fun wallpaper for an accent wall that goes well with the color palette, drapery and flooring. Working in the design industry is such a disadvantage sometimes; you're surrounded by endless options but can only choose one! UGH! So I asked friends for help but that ended up making the decision even more difficult. Most chose B & C but my inner design aesthetic chooses either A or D (way more fun). It's an accent wall people! Ha!



The plan-of-attack is to make my studio look spacious- so less decor, clutter confined to storage areas, a clean color palette and most importantly minimal furniture usage.




Favorite spot? My little 1950's kitchen. Its adorable and gets lots of light. I love it so much I also made it my office :)




A "studio-warming" gift from my big sissy, to keep me busy. Thanks Tenaya!




Having no house mates is a little scary but I think I'll be just fine. It's just me and my clutter, gizmos & quirky decorative accents in my new little happy home. Let the Martha Stewart projects begin!