ARCHITECT-TOUR: BEFORE AND AFTER OF A DECO KITCHEN!

All photos in this post courtesy of Kevin Oreck Architect, Inc.

A completely remodeled Deco kitchen in a Los Angeles home features butter yellow color tiled counter tops and period accents. (above)

Another late night and another new franchise for COCOCOZY! So here goes...

Welcome to the first ARCHITECT-TOUR...a segment in which I will highlight the works of fab architects.

Today's (or should I say "tonight's" as I sit here at 1am typing this post while most normal people are sound asleep getting a normal 8 hours of rest...) featured architect is Los Angeles based Kevin Oreck.

You'll be seeing a lot of Kevin in this segment as he is the inspiration behind it. After Kevin sent me some fantastic photos of kitchens and homes he has designed, I decided I should do an architect's segment (and then did my usual silly game of naming things ... hmmmmmm... where to start...architactile?...nope sounds like a reptile segment of some sorts or something to do with massage therapy...architectype?...no sounds like something to do with psychiatry...architectcool?...no, very dumb...architactful?...no, although might be a great etiquette segment...architectool?...not even...architect segment?...no, way too boring...and then in the vein of keeping things simple...ARCHITECT-TOUR...yes!) and then this segment was born!

So here is a quick Q&A with Kevin on this cool kitchen.

COCO: What style house is this kitchen in and what style is this kitchen?
KEVIN ORECK: Deco-influenced Spanish. There are a number of these in LA, especially in the Carthay Circle neighborhood. I think it’s really unique and interesting.

COCO: This is a cool kitchen. Is this a total remodel?
KEVIN: The kitchen was totally remodeled and expanded by taking over a hallway at the other end. Everything is new, including the tile.

COCO: Please describe the tile...is it original.
KEVIN: The decorative tile is custom, by Revival. The field tile is by Pratt & Larson. We used tile on the countertops for authenticity.

COCO: You went with tile on the countertops...why?
KEVIN: The house is Spanish, but with a Deco influence (built in the 30’s). We really wanted to play that up with the decorative tiles and the color scheme, esp. the black borders.


Before, kitchen was run down and dingy. (above)


After, the kitchen is bright and clean with new tile countertops and custom cabinetry that pay homage to the home's Deco roots. (above)

COCO: Love the tile window casings and the colors...please talk about inspiration for this.
KEVIN: We bordered the windows with tile to really make that end of the kitchen, which is the focal point, dramatic.

COCO: Is cabinetry custom? Please describe.
KEVIN: The cabinetry is all custom. I designed it in the style of typical cabinetry from that period, but the upper cabinets, with the chamfered corners on the panels is more unusual. I did that to make them feel more Deco.


Architect Keven Oreck (above)
Thanks Kevin! This kitchen is fab.

Readers stay tuned for a Hollywood Regency kitchen makeover and home remodel from Kevin...coming soon!

Other architects...please send in your photos...would love to feature!

A VERY LARGE LUXE SQUARE TUFTED OTTOMAN FOR AM!

Brocade Home - Velvet Tufted Ottoman - $1499 (Coco brown velvet square tufted pouffe. 50" w x 50" d x 18" h. Comes in white cotton, grey velvet and flax linen.) (above)

For months, friend AM has been chanting a chant, dreaming a dream, wishing a wish about a totally tufted ottoman...no base, no legs...all fabric and all tufted...for her very large NYC loft living room. I think she has been chanting in hopes that one day an ottoman as she described would magically appear. Well the chant can stop because here it is! Tah dah! I found it! Yippeee! I won! Yay. (Meanwhile, I think...why I am celebrating?...I haven't won anything...there is no cash prize for shopping and finding what somebody else wants...hmmmmm...oy...if I think too much, my brain will hurt and I will realize the absurdity of half of my thoughts and emotions..solution...don't think...there...solved...anyhooooooo...back to the mindless thoughts at hand...)

While this is the perfect plush pouffe, AM is never quite satisfied...there will be one problem...it does not come in her favorite color...pink!

6 REASONS I AM LIKING THE WORK OF U.K. ARTIST CHARLOTTE MANN!

All photos in this post courtesy of Charlotte Mann


1. Love the bold multi layered wall murals London based artist Charlotte Mann draws with black markers on white walls.



2. I like that Charlotte Mann personalizes and adapts each of her large scale works to her client's surroundings/needs - the art perfectly compliments the interior design and decor.



3. I also like that Charlotte Mann's work can capture the mundane of life in such a brilliant way...making a normal vignette from every day life seem like a scene from a fantasy world.




4. Love the historical references Charlotte Mann makes in her work by alluding to iconic art from all eras - from classic Greek to surrealist sculpture ((for example, in this work, she makes direct reference to French artist and surrealist Marcel Duchamp's famous works including Fountain (1917) and his Bicycle Wheel (1913) in a mural for a client) (above and below))



5. Am intrigued by Charlotte Mann's eye for detail and pattern. Also, love the whimsical yet very modern edged drawings of figures and faces.



6. Love that each time you look at a Charlotte Mann mural you can notice something new and surprising in the detailed drawings.

Hope you enjoy as much as I do!

THE DESK I WISH I HAD!

Sunday is a work day for me! Does anyone feel sorry for me?

Anyhoooo....if I could be working at this city loft home office ... or should I say desk ... I think I would get a lot done. Clean, simple Danish modern teak desk with a wood open back chair. Nice.

I know some of you will say the chair looks uncomfortable, the desk is too small...etc...etc..etc. Maybe so. To me, though, this simple desk vignette is about clear and focused thinking in a simple space.

Oh, did I mention how much I love the windows and the city view?

My life is nothing like this at all!!! Instead of being seated in one place, I am moving from room to room with my laptop in tow...trying to make the best of my non-existent office at home. Help!

Maybe, I'll go work outside...on the deck...where there is a view. That could help.

Photo courtesy of James Merrell

VINTAGE FURNITURE FINDS!

NK Shop - Vintage Blue Enamel Floor Lamp - $575 (above)

Some vintage furniture finds for those of you who love things that are a bit old but still feel new in form!

My favorites are the enamel lamp and the mirrored end tables. What are yours?


Pieces - Pair of Vintage Mirrored End Tables - $1600 (Polished chrome base. Unique arch detail on each corner. Mirrored glass inset top. Art deco style. Base show some age)(above)


Jayson Home & Garden - Vintage Blue Lamp - $495 (Cobalt blue ceramic lamp. Rewired. New burlap shade)(above)


Steven Sclaroff - Dark Mahogany Caned Benches Upholstered in Green Linen - $2950 (American. 1940's. 2 available. Sold separately)(above)

SEE THIS HOUSE: SETTING THE STAGE FOR A MODERN HOUSE WITH A VIEW!

All photos in this post courtesy of Meridith Baer & Associates

Exterior of a magnificent modern home in Beverly Hills shows off the home's gorgeous pool, a bright green manicured lawn, the interesting architectual curves and all of the magnificent windows. (above)

Love this Beverly Hills home! As it is shown here, it was staged by premier Los Angeles stager Meridith Baer and her team from Meridith Baer & Associates. Meridith has been staging homes for sale for over 10 years. She makes these spaces look unique, personal and totally appropriate for the home's style.

In this case, Meridith played up this Beverly Hills home's modern lines, serene yard and lovely view when deciding on a clean, elegant and simple interior design. Perfect.


Four concrete slabs make up the main patio of this contemporary home...where three modern outdoor white chaise lounge beds provide comfortable seating and compliment the style of the home. (above)


The modern interior design is simple and clean and allows visitors to appreciate the main living area's serene view of the yard and blue sky! (above)





The wall behind the main living room sofa is paneled with white wavy texture that acts as a form of modernist art in this high style space. (above)


Every angle of this room features beautiful views of the outdoors and stunning views of the home's minimalist interior. Notice the city skyscrapers peeking out from behind the garden hedges in the backyard. (above)


White tile floors, white walls, white upholstered furniture with some natural wood and glass accents are the perfect design and interior decor choices and colors for this grand modern living space. (above)


No matter the angle there is always a view! The formal dining room is light and airy with a bubble glass chandelier, a textured glass oval table, white upholstered dining chairs and silver (or mercury glass) urns on the table. (above)


A curved wall with floor to ceiling windows sheds light into a super chic modern kitchen and den area. (above)


The kitchen features exotic wood paneled cabinetry, a huge kitchen island, high-end stainless steel appliances and comfy barstools to make eating in a true delight. (above)




It is all about the soft curves in the den. A white curved upholstered sofa, a round chocolate brown tufted ottoman, an oval dark wood breakfast table sits on top of a round grey shag rug...all complimenting the room's walls and curvilinear architecture. (above and below)



The view out of the window wall is all the art this master bedroom needs. Pale green walls, a white upholstered bed with a super high tufted headboard, simple zebra print metal x-benches all compliment and work in visual concert with he view of the lush green yard. (above)


A fireplace flanked by two Oly Sophie Louis style armchairs and a flat screen television...provides a great view inside the master bedroom suite. (above)


Rich walnut stained floors and modern spa tub are a wonderful sight inside this modern master bathroom. (above)


More good design with a curved window wall providing the view, the perfect pale blue paint color, another white upholstered bed and white table lamps all come together to create a great modern kid's room. (above)


What is a kid's room without two Philippe Starck Louis Ghost chairs, a royal blue chaise lounger and seven floor to ceiling windows! (above)

Thank you Meridith and team for allowing me to use these photos on COCOCOZY. This house is stunning!

For readers...lots more from Meridith to come!

All photos in this post courtesy of Meridith Baer & Associates

SLOWLY FALLING FOR AN ULTRA MODERN KNIT LOUNGE CHAIR!

Hive - Slow Chair - $3155 (Design Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, 2007. Metal frame, aluminum legs, knit fabric.Made in Germany by Vitra) (above)

Love this chair. Made out of a metal frame with a high tech knit mesh fabric stretched over it like a nylon stocking. Love the clean lines...airy light feel due to the translucent knit fabric...and surprisingly for me, in this case, I even like the soft blush pink color. It comes in other colors too.

Made for Vitra by two brothers...here's how Vitra's website describes this well designed armchair:

"Thanks to the knit sling cover, the Slow Chair combines soft comfort with ergonomic support, which is further enhanced by thin seat and back cushions. The translucent sling cover replaces the thick cushions of traditional armchairs, resulting in a design that is lightweight, yet generously proportioned. The restrained appearance of the Slow Chair is equally appealing in the living room or winter garden, while offering unrestrained seating comfort."

This is one of those items I can see playing a leading role in any home...could be paired in a classic living room with more traditional pieces of furniture or in a sleek all white modern minimalist home. The more I look...the more I like it!





What do you think of this chair?

DESIGN ON SALE DAILY: A LINEN UPHOLSTERED SOFA!

Jayson Home & Garden - Lafayette Sofa - on sale $1756; regular $2195 (Sofa with antique brass nailhead trim detail on arms. High tight back upholstered in dove flax natural linen. Dark walnut stained legs) (above)

This seems like a good solid sofa at a good solid price. Can imagine this in a modern home and in a very traditional home too...versatile. Good deal perhaps!

AN ELEGANT FARM KITCHEN AND HOUSE ARE A STEP ABOVE THE REST!

Photo courtesy of Peter Pennoyer Architects

This well designed gourmet kitchen in a grand Virginia farm home features a wood ladder that allows access to the floor to ceiling custom glass cabinets. (above)

So...I LOVE this kitchen. The kitchen is in the heart of an elegant Virginia farm designed by prestigious New York architect Peter Pennoyer and his architectural firm. The kitchen features a gourmet stainless steel stove, white custom cabinets, marble countertops and a large island. The key here is the very tall ceilings and the impressive cabinetry. Wouldn't mind cooking a meal in this space!

By the way, just to put this "not-so-country" and very chic farm kitchen in perspective...it is not in just any country farmhouse...it is in this one...


A marvelous dome ceiling is lit with clerestory windows and greets guests as they enter the farm home's main foyer. (above)


A winding staircase and a large lantern in the foyer establish the tone for this lavish Virginia farm. (above)

The A-frame side view exterior of a the farm's pool house features Victorian detailing along the trim and has a stone chimney peeking out from the roof. (above)


An impressive green lawn leads up to the front of the main house on this large southern farm home. (above)

I am off to work now...

Hope you enjoy this one!

OUTDOOR LIGHTING WITH PIERCED METAL LANTERNS!

Photo by Coco of Cococozy
Z Gallerie - Malta Lanterns - $29.95 each (Pierced nickel plated lanterns. Can be hung or placed on table. 6.5"D x 20"H )(above)
Am buying 4 of these lanterns to strategically hang above my deck! Can imagine how great the candlelight will look coming out of these intricately worked pieces. Although named after the country Malta...these candleholders seem Moroccan to me. Maybe though the pierced metal is made to look like the filigree jewelry that comes from Malta. Who knows? All I know is I love these lanterns!

Oh...did I mention they are quite inexpensive too?!?

COLOR WATCH: TRADITIONAL WITH A TWIST IN THREE BOLDLY BLUE BEDROOMS!

All photos in this post courtesy of Kelley Interior Design
Bedroom 1: Bright white window coverings with colored trim pop out against rich blue walls in a classic bedroom design. (above)
Bethesda, MD based interior design maven Kelley Proxmire has her way with the color blue! Kelley was kind enough to send me photos of three fab rooms she designed for different designer showcase houses - rooms with one thing in common...a royal treatment of all things blue!

These rooms are the ultimate in traditional...not stodgy or sleepy traditional...but refreshing traditional with a wonderful air of wit and whimsy.

The big decor play in all of these rooms is the consistent and unabashed use of the color blue - makes these rooms boldly classic and daringly traditional - rooms that really work!


Bedroom 1: A two sided canopy with a blue and white Chinoisserie toile pattern on the inside hangs from a valance covered crown that is attached to the ceiling...all elegantly enveloping a comfy white iron daybed. (above)


Bedroom 1: A bright white ceramic garden stool sits in a corner next to a slipper chair that is covered in the same blue and white toile to match the rest of the upholstery and the wall color of the room. (above)


Bedroom #2: Symmetry and style are the design solutions in this blue bedroom with two twin beds balancing out either side of the room. (above)


Bedroom 2: A white dresser with a laurel wreath motif on the front provides visual interest as it contrasts against the blue walls. (above)


Bedroom 2: The twin bedding oozes tradition with a white scalloped bed cover, striped blue and white bed skirt and dusty blue and white damask blanket and pillow covers.(above)


Bedroom 3: There is no design fear here of mixing bold patterns...a blue and white gingham checkered skirt surrounds a dressing table that sits against a wall with a bold light blue damask patterned wallpaper. Oh...yes...love the little lucite chair with a light blue upholstered seat cushion!(above)


Bedroom 3: More mixing of patterns comes into play with the bedding on the two twins in the room. (above)


Bedroom 3: A periwinkle blue porcelain table lamp is perfectly placed against the blue and white wallpaper and gold framed mirror on the dresser in this showcase bedroom. (above)


Bedroom 3: A view of the whole bedroom where the mix of patterns plays key in the room's design. (above)
Thank you Kelley and Anne-Marie for sending along these photos! Look forward to more!

P.S. Just in case you wondered...my favorite is Bedroom #1...which is yours? (comment below)

All photos in this post courtesy of Kelley Interior Design