William Miller Design

Palm Springs Style: UK Trend Bible

2011-06-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

The Trend Bible for the UK has predicted Palm Springs Style as being a major influence in the UK for the color palette in a range of household products from towels to disposable napkins as well as home furnishings and paint colors! As residents of snazzy Palm Springs, we already knew that we were trendsetters!

Stylish Area Rugs

2011-06-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

We love area rugs, and just changing one out can really make a room come alive:

Slab by Michal Kopaniszyn for Moho Design, Poland is a beautiful rug made from pure wool. Pachamama and Cell DSGN conspired on the Eclipse collection of area rugs that have a single element in common, circles and more circles. Domestic Modern has a huge selection of modern style rugs, and we love this one with a large graphic bird design.

Lilly Pulitzer Lee Jofa

2011-06-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

Totally digging the Lilly Pulitzer Collection by Lee Jofa! Looks fabulous in this urban-ish setting at High Point, but it would be right at home in Southern California! Very cheery, retro, and up-to-the-minute at the same time!

Phillip Jeffries Wallcovering

2011-06-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

Grasscloth has never taken a hiatus in the desert, and for good cause, it's durable, ages well, and really dresses up a room! Some of our favorite new patterns are from a recent collection from Phillip Jefferies- called appropriately enough- "Fashionista."

Bright Summer Whites

2011-04-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

Liven up your summer by adding accessories in porcelain white and bright colors.
These accents can bring the lively, cheerful colors of summer into your favorite room. There are a variety of well-priced accent pieces that can add seasonal zip for summer. We decorate for the holiday season, why not for the summer season? Try a bright white bowl filled with colorful fruit like bright yellow lemons or green granny smiths.

Vases, photo frames, servicing trays are all great ways to bring bright accents into your space. Keep accent items small and in groupings or use one or two large bright pieces to add focal accents. White is a great “non-color” to work with as other colors can be added to it to suit the season and décor of your room.

Alexander Weekend: Part 4

2011-04-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

My favorite stop on the Alexander Weekend home tour (though I may be biased because I live in it) was on Laverne Way. I really had fun with this house using so much orange inside and out. My favorite thing in the living room is the amazing Kyle Bunting laser-cut cowhide area rug. It looks spectacular in this great house! The great thing about this particular Alexander home is that it has such a large master bedroom and so many clerestory windows.

What project have you been putting off?

2011-04-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

Have an unfinished home remodel project? Something that you "let slide" last year? You'll be suprised at how much custom design you can afford: our newest interior design clients in Rancho Mirage are getting a new guest bathroom- for under $7500.00! This includes custom vanity cabinet, color and tile selection, and white-glove project management with the security of a professional design team behind their remodel project. We love remodel projects- seeing a homeowner in love with their house again is a great feeling!

Pool Umbrellas

2011-04-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

In the arid, perpetually sunny Southern California Desert, shade is valued, and since we lack the shade trees of the East, we are dependent on shade structures or sun umbrellas to provide protection from the damaging rays of the sun. Umbrellas are a feature found in the backyards of most homes in Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage, and come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Buying the right umbrella is important- the better the umbrella that you select, the more likely you are to enjoy your time spent outdoors enjoying the shade. Here are some tips from William Miller, Interior Designer, for selecting an sun umbrella that can be enjoyed in any backyard:

Be sure that the size of the umbrella that you select suits the location as well as its use. If you are replacing an umbrella for a dining table, be sure that the umbrella is larger than the table, and that the base will work with your table as well. If you are purchasing an entire patio set, make sure that you have measured the space and that there is enough room for the chairs and the table. You should also make sure that the umbrella will clear any landscaping when open.

Corbett Lighting

2011-04-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

Corbett Lighting has some fabulous light fixtures on their new website. We've recently used some of their fixtures in a fabulous home in Palm Desert as well as some economically-friendly fixtures in model homes in Rancho Mirage. Take a few minutes to browse their site- really great photography on their installations! Corbett is California-based, and has been in business for over 40 years, using materials such as hand-made rice paper and rare metals in their unique fixtures.

Chinoiserie

2011-04-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

I read a great little article about Chinoiserie, which is a French term used to describe decorative objects or furniture pieces which have been influenced by traditional Chinese design styles. The term was first used in the 16th Century throughout Europe. As travel and trade became more commonplace, Chinese imagery and artistic techniques became a fad in furniture, architecture and decorative objects. What once started as a trend hundreds of years ago has now become a classic design style. Today, Chinoiserie has been modernized and is still used in current decor. We see it so often in Palm Springs because it overlaps into so much Hollywood Regency elements. If you want to read more, check out the Designer Speak blog.

Photos: Jonathan Adler, Lonny, House Beautiful, and Katie Rosenfeld via Designer Speak

Alexander Weekend, Part 3

2011-04-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

I love being able to share all the fun houses of Palm Springs with my readers. I feel so lucky to live in a place where so many people appreciate interior design and architecture. This post, if you remember is a snapshot of one of several homes that were on the Alexander Weekend Home Tour by the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation.

My favorite thing about the exterior of this Alexander home was the addition of redwood to the atrium/breezeway area between the carport and the home. I really loved the sculpted tile in the bathrooms- I still want to find out who the vendor is! Isn't that wall sculpture above the bed fantastically space-age?

Alexander Weekend, Part Two

2011-04-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

There were more than ten houses on Palm Springs Preservation Foundation's Alexander Weekend Home Tour, so I am breaking the houses down weekly- it was way too much to take in at one time in person, let alone through snapshots! This Alexander home is in the Twin Palms Area of Palm Springs, and was done by interior designer David Jimenez of Kansas City. I was lucky enough to meet him a couple of times while he was here in Palm Springs. I love the resort feel of his home- you really feel like you're on a fun vacation from the minute you walk in the door. I love his use of chrome and other high-gloss finishes combined with bright sunny colors.

London Subway Cars as Artist Studio

2011-03-30T11:10:00.001-07:00

These re-purposed London Subway cars are now being used as artist studios- Furniture designer Auro Foxcraft purchased for underground cars for about $400 each and mounted them on the roof of a neglected warehouse. The warehouse now serves as a gallery space, and the subway cars rent for about $30 a week. I really enjoy seeing things such as these cars recycled into useful and attractive spaces for living and working.

3form Installations

2011-03-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned 3for m a few times, but they are worth mentioning again. I just received some new application photos, and the results are always visually stimulating. 3form is a great product that can be used for wall cladding, furniture, and lighting design- it's an amazingly simple product with so many ways that it can be used- it's also LEED certified, and comes in so many styles and colors. The photos are fun to look at on their website, and it's definitely inspired some projects for us! My favorites are the lightbox tables- so great for a combination furniture and lighting function. We have spec'd this for many residential clients in the desert- specifically in Palm Desert and Palm Springs- really fabulous looking at night.

Palm Springs Preservation's Alexander Weekend

2011-03-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

For the next few Mondays, I'm going to feature some of the fun snapshots of the great homes that were on Palm Springs Preservation Foundation's popular Alexander Weekend. The Alexanders were a development team who worked with architect William Krisel and Don Wexler that turned out thousands of outstanding modern homes in Palm Springs thoughout the 1950's, 60's, and 70's.

Outdoor Living Areas

2011-03-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

As Spring is about to pounce on us, thoughts turn to outdoor activities and the spaces to enjoy them.

Outdoor living areas are an essential part of today’s lifestyle, and indoor/outdoor living spaces with continuity is essential to a pleasing flow and design. This is especially so in the desert communities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage, where out relatively mild weather allows us to be outside more of the year. From Tuscan style to contemporary, outdoor spaces considered essential to harmonious living, dining, entertaining and relaxing. Expanding the overall livable square footage of a home is easily achieved if these outdoor spaces are considered and designed from the beginning of the design process.

The best interior design creates a smooth transition from indoors to outdoors is choice in materials. An interior designer will often select wall finishes, flooring, paint colors and fixtures that will carry from the interior space to the outdoor living areas. For example, repeating a granite or stone slab material that was chosen for the kitchen counter or interior wet bar, to the exterior fireplace surround creates continuity. Wall treatments such as Italian plaster, natural stone and faux finishes can also be used indoors as well as outdoors to further design continuity.

Today’s outdoor rooms are not your average backyard spaces. They are extensions of your interior living space that can be enhanced significantly by an interior designer. These spaces incorporate televisions, fireplaces, wet bars, and in some cases even outdoor kitchens. This integration of outdoor living rooms, kitchens, televisions and entertainment systems, bars and even outdoor showers; are essential components in creating a lifestyle experience to which most home owners aspire.

Comfortable seating is a must- and of course, a functional and relaxing dining area, which is just as important to plan for as the architecture. Choices in furnishings and colors to coordinate with the interior of the home will further a feeling of continuity, making the outdoor living space seem like an interior extension.

Thoughtful planning by your interior designer that incorporates architectural overhangs, heating, lighting and comfortable durable materials are the foundation of effective outdoor rooms.

Unique Sinks

2011-03-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

In Palm Desert, California and throughout the Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage area, more homeowners and interior designers are focusing on individualizing their personal spaces with unique and creative ideas and products.

Powder rooms and bathrooms in particular can be a location within one’s home to express the unique individual personality of the owners. Of all the fixtures in these rooms, sinks are becoming more of a sculptural feature than simply a functional fitting. The materials of these objects of fine design can range from the standard stainless steel to precious metals; from vividly coloured hand-blown glass to high-quality hand-thrown ceramic. The limits on what shapes and heights can only be limited by the designer and the homeowner’s creativity.

The pedestals for these stylish basins can be as beautiful as the fixture themselves or be on the minimalist side to highlight the beautiful glass, ceramic, or stone vessel that is used for washing. Lighting in this room can also highlight the basin in addition to providing light to the function of the space itself.

In simply changing a ho-hum bathroom sink to a handcrafted artistic basin, one changes a bland feature in a room designed for utility into a small jewel in a beautiful room that users enjoy viewing.

So when you think of bathroom sinks, think unique !

Kid-Friendly House; Tokyo

2011-03-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

I'll make this a quick one, I've got a fashion show to put together!

This is a total dream house for kids: a built-in three-story slide AND a ball pit! How fun would this be to live in? Adore the parents who decided this was a priority in the budget and for following through with it! Read the full store here. Designed by Level Architects and photographs by Shinichi Tanaka.

Japanese Disaster Relief

2011-03-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

Japanese Designer Tokujin Yoshioka has written a plea and posted a video for help:

Dear friends,

As you may already have known, Japan was hit by the largest earthquake ever recorded on Friday, March 11th.

The huge quake and devastating tsunami has left the overwhelming damage to the country and we are still facing this terrifying conditions.

As I have received the message from all over the world, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation for your warmest concerns.

This is the time for us to think what we can really do. I have thought what I could do now, at this moment.

I believe that there would be more than just watching the situation of this disaster on television to help the lives of people there. I know I am not in place to ask such thing, yet one of the thing that we can do for the people in the afflicted area is to donate for their relief and recovery.

There are babies in need of milk, people who has lost their families, and houses.

Here are links to the donation for the relief and recovery of the Japanese earthquake and Pacific tsunami afflicted region:

Japan Red Cross Society »
American Red Cross »

We truly appreciate your support, even the very small support from your pocket, for the relief and recovery of my country.

Deepest regards,
Tokujin Yoshioka

Fashion and Furniture, March 18

2011-03-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

Love Fashion? Join us this Friday at 6PM for Fashion and Furniture, a vintage fashion show from the collection of Marc Joseph. He will be putting retro fashions from Dior, Galanos, Chanel, Pucci, and more on the runway in our showroom. We're looking forward to bringing the fashion world into an interior design setting for one fabulous evening!

What: Fashion and Furniture, a Vintage Fashion Show
When: March 18, 2011 at 6PM
Where: 70020 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Who: William Miller Design, Marc Joseph, and The Home Collection

Orange!

2011-03-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

As a child of the 70's I grew up in a household with an orange kitchen. Orange wallpaper, orange countertops, orange bullseye glass sliding doors in the cabinets, orange seat cushions on the dinette set, and orange linoleum. You'd think I'd have issues around 0range- not so, one of my favorite colors in a home interior. We recently did a fabulous home in the Las Palmas area of Palm Springs with orange accents, and a little further back, a spectactular home interior in Rancho Mirage with orange and lime green as an accent. Orange looks great in a lot more places than the desert- think about using it as a color in cabinetry, on an accent wall, or if you're not very brave, bring it into a room in the throw pillows and accessories, such as glassware. You'll find that orange not only perks up a room, but energizes you as well.

Milena @ Rose Bowl Flea Market

2011-03-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite exhibitors at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market is Milena Sefferovich from Phoenix, Arizona. She displays some fantastic accessories, pillows that are sewn by her mom, and beautifully chic recovered furniture at outstanding prices. From what I can tell, she's sold out all of her furniture by about 10am, and goes home with very little, meaning that her inventory is changing constantly. The quality of the recovered furniture is amazing, and for far less than you'd expect- the pair of black rattan chairs pictured were tagged at $450 for the pair. It's really refreshing to find an interior design source that has so many great things at such a wonderful price point- wouldn't her things look wonderful in the interior of a chic Regency style home in Palm Springs, or anywhere for that matter?

Fashion and Furniture

2011-03-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

March 18, from 6-8PM, we are hosting Fashion and Furniture, a Vintage Fashion show from the collection of Marc Joseph. If you have an interest in interior design and its connections to the world of fashion, you'll love this show full of high-end vintage fashions from the houses of Chanel, Pucci, Galanos, and more! The event will be held in our showroom at 70020 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, for more information call 760-770-9199. This will be a fantastic lead-in to El Paseo's Fashion Week (one of the most fun things to attend in the desert)!

Movie Sets I'd Like to Live In: Grey Gardens

2011-03-10T09:34:00.001-08:00

When I mention Grey Gardens, invariably images of two women living in squalor in a cat-ridden decaying summer place in the Hamptons immediately pop into your mind, but in the HBO version conjures up a Grey Gardens summer place in its heyday of the 1930's. If the sets are a little fussy and traditional 1930's for your taste, they are at least inspiring in the types of furnishings: adore those bamboo dining chairs, and love love love all the yellow hand-painted wallpaper. You might not have noticed it, but that's a fantastic metal side table in the parlor, and there are some great Scandinavian overtones in the entry foyer. Have fun looking, interior design fans!

Kyle Bunting Cowhide Leather Rugs

2011-03-08T16:20:00.000-08:00

I just fell in love with the cowhide area rugs from Kyle Bunting. We just got this fantastic orange, white and brown in the "Rewind" pattern, and measures 9' x 12' . It's really a breathtaking piece, and the more I look on his website, the more I'm loving the vivid colors and the fun patterns that are available. Stop in our showroom to have at this amazing piece that draws inspiration from the countryside outside the Kyle Bunting studio outside of Austin, Texas. Custom sizes and patterns are available on request.

Alexander Weekend 2011, Palm Springs

2011-03-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation will be having its annual Alexander Weekend March 25-27. On Saturday, March 26, tours of homes by the famed builderi Twin Palms neighborhood will be featured (and our current residence will be included)!

These fabulous homes were originally billed as "designed by architects...built for permanent value" which completely rings true to their current reputation. The Twin Palms neighborhood is generally marked as the origin of mass development in Palm Springs. The neighborhood got its name from two palm trees planted in the front yard of each residence in the neighborhood.

The Twin Palms homes sold pretty quickly and enticed the Alexanders to continue development in the area. Future neighborhoods included Racquet Club Estates and Vista Las Palmas. Design elements from Twin Palms were to be included in the subsequent communities including the now famous selection of roof lines.

As Alexander homes are an integral part of Palm Springs history, the Twin Palms community is just as important since its popularity fueled the development of Palm Springs by The Alexander Construction Company. The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation pays tribute to this ground breaking mid century modern neighborhood by featuring it on the Saturday Modernist Home Tour of Alexander Weekend 2011. Tickets for the Saturday event are $85 or a weekend pass for entrance to all events is $165 available at the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation's website.

Pendant Lamps Over Nightstands

2011-03-07T09:26:00.000-08:00

A practical solution in a bedroom where there simply isn't the horizontal surface space for a bedside lamp is the pendant light fixture. Normally found in an entry foyer in a grouping, as an accent light, or functional as overhead spotlighting above a bar or kitchen island, the pendant light is equally at home and stylish in a bedroom. I'm a fan of the pendant light in any home interior, and we use them often for interior design projects in Palm Springs, but we're seeing more of them in use in the country club communities of Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage.

Desert Design District March Design Walk March 4

2011-03-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

Don't forget this evening's Desert Design District's Walk, featuring the best in the Desert's Interior Design, which runs from Noon-8Pm. Participants are eligible for a $1000 shopping spree with participating vendors. Simply get this form signed or stamped at each retailer, and you'll be entered to win!

Palm Springs Modernism Show

2011-03-04T11:32:00.000-08:00

Interior design fans in Palm Springs probably know about the Modernism Show that takes place in February- it's one of my favorite events the whole year, and it takes place around Valentines's Day every year at the Convention Center in Palm Springs. The show highlights midcentury modern artwork, accessories, and furnishings as well as some great vintage jewelry, clothing and fabric...have fun looking at my snapshots of some great home interior items!

Braniff Airlines Pucci Display in Palm Springs

2011-03-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

During Modernism week a fantastic collection of Pucci and Halston Braniff Airines stewardess uniforms was on display at the Riviera Hotel in Palm Springs. Though not entirely interior design related, Braniff Airlines wanted to create an visually uniform experience for its customers, a revolutionary approach to airlines which is now common practice in business.

The collection is available on ebay with an opening bid of $250K.

A little background on Braniff Airlines from Wikipedia:

To overhaul the Braniff image Lawrence hired Jack Tinker Associates, who assigned advertising executive Mary Wells as account leader. First on the agenda was to overhaul Braniff's public image — including the red, white, and blue livery which they perceived as "staid" (although, "The El Dorado Super Jet" Braniff livery from 1959 had won design awards). New Mexico architect Alexander Girard, Italian fashion designer Emilio Pucci, and shoe designer Beth Levine were called in, and with this new creative talent, Braniff began the "End of the Plain Plane" campaign.

At Girard's recommendation, the old livery was dropped in flavor of planes painted in a single color, selected from a wide palette of bright hues. Girard wanted the planes painted from tail to nose in colors like "Chocolate Brown" and "Metallic Purple." He also favored a small "BI" distinctive logo and small titles. Braniff engineering and Braniff's advertising department modified Girard's colors, enlarged the "BI" logo, and added white wings and tails. This, ironically, was based on the 1930s Braniff "Vega" Schemes, which also carried colorful aircraft paint with white wings and tails. The new "jelly bean" fleet consisted of such bold colors as beige, ochre, orange, turquoise, baby blue, medium blue, lemon yellow, and lavender (lavender was dropped after one month, as lavender and black were considered bad luck in Mexico). Girard also outfitted the interiors with 57 different variations of Herman Miller fabrics. 15 colors were used by Braniff for plane exteriors during the 1960s (Harper & George modified Girard's original seven colors in 1968). Many of the color schemes were applied to aircraft interiors, gate lounges, ticket offices, and even the corporate headquarters. Art to complement the color schemes was flown in from Mexico, Latin America, and South America.

Pucci used a series of nautical themes in overhauling the crew's uniforms. For the stewardesses, Pucci used "space age" themes, including plastic bubbles (resembling Captain Video helmets) which the stewardesses could wear between the terminal and the plane to prevent hairstyles from being disturbed. However, the "space bubble" was dropped after about a month because the helmets cracked easily, there was no place to store them on the aircraft, and jetways at many airports made them unnecessary. For the footwear, Beth Levine created plastic boots and designed two-tone calfskin boots and shoes. Stewardesses were called "hostesses" at Braniff and were attired with uniforms and accessories composed of interchangeable parts which could be removed and added as needed. In 1969, Pucci designed "Pucci IV", for the intro of "747 Braniff Place" (1971). The collection was debuted at the Dallas Hilton by Pucci himself, in 1970. Today all of the vintage Pucci attire designed for Braniff is valuable.

In 1968, under the leadership of Mary Wells and Jack Tinker, Braniff expanded the advertising campaign that showed the likenesses of Andy Warhol, Sonny Liston, Salvador Dali, Whitey Ford, the Playboy Bunny, and other celebrities of the time, all flying Braniff. It became one of the most celebrated marketing efforts Madison Avenue had ever produced, blending style and arrogance. One advertising slogan was "if you've got it — flaunt it!" Although management considered the campaign a success, Braniff's core customers were outraged by the grandiose behavior and perceived "bragging", causing many corporate accounts to leave Braniff.

Blue Sky Homes

2011-03-02T09:28:00.000-08:00

At Salon for the Parched, fantastic event coordinated by Kurt Cyr, we met Dave McAdam who is the owner of Blue Sky Homes, which is using a fantastic light steel construction method to build custom prefab homes. These are different from other types of constructions in that they are totally designed to straddle a site/lot and not interfere with landscape, or to be placed on a lot which would be prohibitively expensive or impossible to place a home on.

Rock Reach House is the first home utilizing the Blue Sky Building System. It was built in the Southern California desert community of Yucca Valley. Rock Reach House was completed in eight weeks, and we expect that future homes of this design will be finished in approximately six weeks (once footings are in place). These homes maximize the house’s spectacular location at 4,000 feet above sea level amid massive weathered boulders and ancient piñon and juniper trees.

In terms of pricing, Blue Sky Homes anticipates that a base model of the Yucca Valley prototype will cost about $275,000 (the prototype is 1,000 square feet and has over $75,000 in upgrades). In addition, the price excludes all site-specific items such as land costs, surveying, soil engineering, permitting, utilities, and footings (but Blue Sky will work with prospective buyers to provide price guidance on these items).

Palm Springs Preservation Retro Martini Party 2011

2011-02-28T10:41:00.000-08:00

This year's popular Retro Martini Party (Coordinated by the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation) was at the Jorgensen-Mavis House (1955) located on the 9th fairway of the exclusive Thunderbird Country Club, playground of U.S. presidents, located in my current hometown of Rancho Mirage, California.

Remarkably, this house has only changed hands once, in 1956, and has ALL of its original furnishings, hardware, and even the upholstery and window treatments are original. Can you say "patina?"

Modernism week in Palm Springs typically highlights interior design from approximately 1946 through the early 80's, but this house was a glimmering example of how sophisticated and reserved mid century modern homes could be- there was nothing wild about it- it simply was sleek, modern, comfortable living for its occupants in the 1950's.

Ever wonder what living next door to Lucy and Desi was like? You (as steel magnate Earle M. Jorgensen) are in your modern William "Wild Bill" Cody-designed home and the doorbell rings...those pesky Hollywood folk...whenever they're in town they want to play pinochle...guess you have to make a pitcher of martinis...

Well 1955 is long gone, as are the Arnazs and the Jorgensens...but their hip houses remain, the country club is still exclusive and the views are still magnificent...so let us make you a martini and you and your fellow hipsters can recapture the cool of midcentury Palm Springs.

Even if you weren't able to make this fantastic event, there's always next year- and this event, always held in a significant mid century modern home, is always the highlight of the week's events.

Things I Love About Modernism: Papa Bear Chair

2011-02-25T11:36:00.000-08:00

Among the many choices of lounge chairs for a swank space-age bachelor pad, one in particular is a standout: Has Wegner's Papa bear Chair. Ironically, I don't see too many of these in midcentury homes in Palm Springs, and I am not sure why. It certainly is one of the most comfortable chairs of the period. Designed in 1951 by Hans J. Wegner, the Bear chair was originally sold by AP Stolen. The wooden frame was supplied by PP Mobler and they were reissued recently. Expect to pay upwards of $5000 for a nice original one, and more than that if it has the beautiful matching ottoman.

Things I Love About Modernism: Sputnik Chandelier

2011-02-24T10:45:00.000-08:00

A light fixture that at once brings a smile to my face and immediately sends me into orbit is the Sputnik Chandelier. There are many variations, some are graceful starbursts of light; other imitations are clunkier and less beautiful to look at. My favorite source for them is 20 First, 1117 N. Palm Canyon Drive, (760) 327-5400. We have one of their chandeliers in the living room, and a sconce in each bedroom. Simply Space-Age Jetson Wonderful!

Things I Love About Modernism: Lucite

2011-02-23T15:33:00.000-08:00

Lucite is clearly modern (yuk yuk yuk)! I love the corny jokes. One of the most fun materials in a modern home is lucite, both because it hints at the lines of furnishings while allowing visibility through to other pieces in a room. This material was first brought to market under the trademark of plexiglass in 1928, but the first real modern furnishings weren't produced with it until the 1960s-1970s. Love it in Kartell's Ghost Chair designed by Starck, these awesome tulip chairs, and the mod dressing table!

Things I Love About Modernism: Blenko Art Glass

2011-02-22T10:07:00.001-08:00

My friend Ben introduced me to this years ago in Ohio. He's been collecting for years, but this company has been producing outstanding colorful art glass in West Virginia for years. I love the free form, fluid shapes as well as the bright intense colors. These accessories look great in just about any kind of home interior, but particularly are suited to Mid-Century Modern Homes as well as newer contemporaries. My favorites are the owl bookends- I've got a set of three that was given to me by the owners of Hedge in Cathedral City. Another great local source for vintage Blenko is Bon Vivant in Palm Springs.

Things I Love About Modernism: Room Dividers

2011-02-21T11:08:00.001-08:00

Something is great about a room divider: creating privacy and mystery out of an open space. There is something even more hip and jet-setting about a den or living area with a teak or metal room divider with beautiful cut outs that give glimpses of the space that it hides. So Jetson that I can't stand it!

Things I Love About Modernism: Color!

2011-02-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

This will be a short one: I love the colors and patterns of the 1950s, 60s and 70s! The muted earthy tones of the 70s, the bight upbeat patterns and colors of the 60s, and the bright hopeful colors and pastels of the 50s. What's not to love?

Things I Love About Modernism Week: Clerestory Windows

2011-02-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

I'm going to try to limit myself to just posting a single thing that I like about Mid-Century Modernism during Palm Springs' Modernism Week, which runs through February 27.

My first thing that I love are clerestory windows. Rooted in religious architecture, and reaching their height (ha ha) of popularity during Romaneaque and Gothic cathedrals, these uppoer-wall windows were artfully applied to residential homes in the 1950's, giving residents a glimpse of sky, but none of their neighbors. During this time of rapid suburban expansion, overcrowding was rife in these developments, and the cape cods and colonials were not able to give this same amount of privacy while allowing in valuable exterior light.

Palm Springs Modernism Week

2011-02-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

In case you're out of the loop, (Mid-Century) Modernism Week starts TOMORROW in Palm Springs with the preview show and sale at the Convention Center. The show at the convention center runs all weekend, but the great home tours, lectures, and cocktail parties are all week long and run through the 27th! I'm most looking forward to the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation's Retro Martini Party at swank Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, where the party will be held in a home that has all of its original hardware and furnishings from 1955. Two other events not to miss are the Airstream Show and the Braniff Airlines at the Riviera Hotel in Palm Springs. One of my favorite neighborhoods, Park Imperial, will be hosting a home tour.

It's a great week to be here if you like Mid Century Modern, or just a fan of architecture or interior design! Hope to see you here!

Given Campbell Wallcovering

2011-02-16T14:05:00.000-08:00

If you're not a fan of colors and patterns then this isn't the post for you. Totally in love with these bright colors and patterns from Given Campbell Wallcoverings. I can't wait to get them here in the showroom and have samples available for clients!

Cantina Way, Palm Springs

2011-02-15T11:53:00.000-08:00

Paul Kaplan invited us to have a peek at one of his new listings, Cantina Way. The house sits in the Cahuilla Hills with a spectactular hilltop view of South Palm Springs. The home was designed by R. Denzil Lee in 1963, and one of my favorite things about it is the circular colonnade around the swimming pool. Like most homes, this one was designed for entertaining and making the most of its views from all rooms in the home. I can't wait until Modernism Week starts in Palm Springs. It's a fantastic week for interior design, fans of Palm Springs Design, or just those who enjoy checking out a lot of great homes in a short amount of time!

Thanks, Paul for showing us a great house!

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

2011-02-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

I've had a few calls lately for "large mirrors." The largest one that we stock is 6' x 5', which is pretty darn large. However, if you have a particular area with a very specific size in mind, the easiest way is to have a custom mirror designed for your home interior. We get so many requests for this, that we have many samples of framing available, but again, we can custom design a finish for the framing as well.

When specifying glass for your mirror, there are many options: smoked, distressed, opaque, colored glass, etc. The look for a piece can also be changed by arranging the mirror in quadrants of 12" x 12" pieces within a frame, which makes for a really great-looking mirror.

Movie Sets I Would Live In: Pillow Talk

2011-02-08T10:21:00.000-08:00

Pillow Talk with Doris Day and Rock Hudson is a perennial favorite at my house. The sets are amazing, and they have to be, as Doris Day plays an Interior Decorator. The movie displays all of the hip trends of the day: long low built in shelves and upholstered furniture in both main character's New York apartments, lots of hanging pendant lamps for accents, oodles of geometrically shaped pillows, dark-strained teak for his apartment, and light finished birch for hers.

It's a lush technicolor dream to watch, at least until the end when the decorator gets her revenge, making a gothic nightmare of Rock Hudson's pushbutton jet set bachelor pad.

Sun Dining Table and Roberti Igloo

2011-02-07T10:35:00.000-08:00

I met with one of my favorite sales reps last week who handles a lot of great lines. Two items that really stood out for me are the Sun's Monarca Dining Table (about $26,000). It's got fantastic lines and is available in custom sizes and finishes. Call us for a quote if you have a specific size in mind.

I also LOVED Roberti's Igloo outdoor lounge seats. They've combined a great lounge seat with an umbrella in a fun shape (about $600 each). I can totally see these at home in Palm Springs, poolside. Both are great additions to a home interior that is contemporary with some hat-tips to mid-century modern design.

Friday Party and Sale!

2011-02-03T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hope that you can make it to our party in conjunction with the Desert Design District's Walk tomorrow (February 4) from 2-8PM. We'll be offering our home accessories at 30% off, and our Voluspa and Rosy Rings candle lines and diffusers will be 50% off!

In addtion, our neighbor, The Home Collection, will be reducing prices on home furnishings up to 60% off!

Stop in, have a drink and a snack, and say hi!

Fireplace Fun

2011-02-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

I figured that since we're in the midst of a HUGE Winter storm, I may as well jump into the drama and tell you how it got down into the high 30's overnight here in Palm Springs, and it's only in the 50s today. We are wearing SWEATERS!

So, this also means that many of us had our furnaces on last night (unusual). I am a huge proponent of the fireplace, which heats a localized area. It's great to look at, too. The house I am currently in is a mid-century modern Alexander that was built in the late 50's and has shattered glass in the inner hearth/firebox and a double lined gas jets.

The most important part of a fireplace is the surrounding mantle and outer hearth. I can't say how much I dislike what many builders in the desert do to finish off a fireplace to get it up to code- surrounding the firebox opening with 12 x 12" floor tiles, or whatever crap they have laying around the job site. It really takes so little to create a fantastic fireplace that is welcoming and can be enjoyed by all.

In most contemporary homes here in the desert, there is usually a large, oversized granite hearth and mantle with a built-in niche for art, which I love. I also love the off-center fireboxes of the 50s and 60s with the open corners, as well as the 'upside-down funnel' Scandanavian looks. WhenI've lived in New England and San Francisco, I LOVED the Victorian Cast Iron Surrounds that hold heat and throw it off for hours as it cools.

I hope you're sitting around a fireplace now, keeping warm and enjoying the flames!

Fyrd Online Magazine

2011-02-01T11:04:00.000-08:00

A great new online magazine is Fyrd + Design. While my Swedish isn't what it should be, I can certainly enjoy the photographs in this beautiful magazine. This joins a growing number of fantastic online magazines, my favorite being Rue. These are fantastic because all you need is the internet!

In and Outs of Wallcoverings

2011-01-31T12:59:00.000-08:00

I get really tired of hearing that something is in or out, aesthetically speaking. If something is of value visually, it generally will always be that way. You may have to live with it for a few years until the trend comes back around to suit your look again, but I think everything in design is so cyclical.

I am forever telling clients who are worried about something in their home that "looks tired." Usually, it's just embarrassment over hanging onto a look from ten years ago. I guarantee that if you can make it to 20 years with a look, it's going to hip and up-to-the minute again. I can't think of an example of a particular style that doesn't look good, especially when it's done well.

I usually have one question for the client that wants to change a room's look, but not sure what they want to change it to: Do you like the room as it is? If the answer is yes, don't spend any money on it at all.

One interior design element that seems to be a great polarizer right now is wallcovering. Some say it's a throwback to the 70's, but there really hasn't been a period in time that wallcovering wasn't used. If you can't find a covering that you like, you aren't looking hard enough, or you're holding on to a prejudicial opinion about wallcovering that can usually be traced back to your mother. Working with an interior designer will usually help alleviate this tension, and think of it this way: it's like therapy that you get to enjoy!

Some of my favorite styles for wallcovering are Wallteriors, produced right here in Palm Springs; Cowan & Tout, a traditional favorite; Tony Duquette, a wild throwback to the 30's and 40's; and Trend.

A Bright Idea

2011-01-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

I'm trying hard to find a replacement light fixture for our showroom (our brancholiere sold). It's not an easy task because I keep getting distracted from my task and am sucked into looking all all sorts of lamps that aren't chandeliers...

Four fun picks:

Recycled demijon jug lamps: Also known as carboys, demijohn jugs were used to brew wine, beer, etc. These jars are made from recycled glass and come in eight fabulous colors with cream or natural burlap oval drum shades. $490

Automotive rotor repurposed as rugged pendant. Perfect for funky island or bar illumination. Designed by Wendy Umanoff $600

A ceramic "Foo Dog" in turquoise sits on a black wooden base below a black pagoda shade. Choose left or right facing, or pair them up $400

The last set, I just liked the look. I have no idea where they came from or how much they were.

1st Dibs Picks

2011-01-27T10:26:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I don't have time to actually window shop, it's fun to browse on Paris Hotel Boutique's website as well as 1st Dibs...This morning, I had a few minutes and saw two things that I'd have to have if I were furnishing my home today:

A really great pair of gilt-framed, raffia-covered chairs circa 1940, Mexico City. These were designed by Arturo Pani for his own residence. They are available at Downtown, La Cienega, Los Angeles- 310-652-7461

The second thing is this carved chestnut breakfront, circa 1970. The color alone is amazing, but the shapes and details are fantastic! This piece is available from Todd Merrill Antiques, New York City- 212-673-0531

Have fun window shopping!

Six Hour Sale February 4

2011-01-26T09:55:00.000-08:00

Albert and George will have a SIX HOUR SALE on Friday February 4 from 2pm-8pm. This event coordinates with the February Desert Design Walk.
All accessories will be 25% off!

All candles (Voluspa and Rosy Rings) will be 50% off!

During this event, if you purchase one of William Miller Design's ala carte designer packages (four hours of design consultation, $450), we will offer a $75 discount, making it a fantastic value at $375. For more details about this popular interior designer option, contact us at 760-770-9199.

(Additionally, many furnishings at the Home Collection will be marked down 40% for this amazing event.

We'll be giving items away each hour, and refreshments will be served...stop in and say hi!

Mimi London Furniture

2011-01-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

Mimi London creates furniture from logs and tree trunks and the result is amazing. These unique pieces look elegant in contemporary or mid century modern homes in Palm Springs, as well as anywhere in the world. I love the natural feel of the pieces contrasted with the dovetail work holding the raw timbers together. Each piece is hand-made to order in Los Angeles, and they encourage custom requests. Please call William Miller Design for your request.

Michael Berman Fabrics and Furnishings

2011-01-24T12:57:00.001-08:00

Michael Berman has had a collection with Kravet for a couple of years now, but I still love using his fabrics in projects that call for dramatic draperies. His designs have fantastic historic references in them without being too over-the-top. If you ever get a chance to hear him present in person, he's also a delightful speaker. I loved how he tied in so much art history along with the functional arts as well as automotive design.

I also love his furniture line, especially his case goods and upholstered benches. Have some fun looking at his household eye candy on his website.

Paul Schick: Fine Art Twig and Stick Sculpture

2011-01-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

Paul Schick's twig constructions began in 1987, after five mind-expanding years at Otis College of Art and Design. Inspired by such artists as Charles Arnoldi, Deborah Butterfield and Andy Goldsworthy, Schick has evolved and advanced his style through natural media. His creations have been featured in some of the finest hotels, spas and designer homes across North America. Paul will take pride in fashioning the perfect piece to meet your specific design needs. Paul has works in the homes of Cuba Gooding Jr and the late Farrah Fawcett, as well as installed at the Four Seasons, Scottsdale; The Pacific Athletic Club in San Diego; and Chadwick Restaurant in Beverly Hills.

We have one of Paul's pieces hanging in Albert and George, which has sold. We're looking forward to his next piece to hang in our store!

Designer Birthday

2011-01-20T11:09:00.000-08:00

NOTE: I sincerely meant to post this yesterday, which was my birthday, but I totally forgot to push the publish button on the 19th!

Today is my birthday. Everyone wants to know what to get me. A designer. An Interior Designer in Palm Springs. I know, I'm hard to shop for because I go out and get what I want before you have a chance to buy it.

Here's a quick list of things that I want.

1. An Airstream Bambi Trailer. An icon of American Design. This little 19-foot baby is just what I want to tow with my vintage woody station wagon for weekends in Malibu or at Lake Arrowhead. As my cousin says: "You really just want a big silver suitcase to drag your outfits around in."

2. Speaking of suitcases, I still am waiting for a full set of Goyard Luggage. In orange, please.

3. A luxury African Safari. Again. I just want to wear fancy outfits in inappropriate places. Arent' those tents fabulous, though?

4. McDonald's Gift Cards. Yes, I do love a Big Mac or a Quarter Pounder. Once a week. You knew there'd be something in here that you could get me, right?

1980s Interior Design

2011-01-18T11:54:00.000-08:00

We had a call over the weekend to come and look at a client's home that they were considering purchasing (in Palm Springs). The interesting thing about this project is that they want to remodel the interior in an 80's style, carefully replicating the black-laminate-and-brass built-ins with curved edges, just like those that were the rage in the early 80's. It is going to be a fun project- the owners are very much into the vibe of the period, and really want to do it right- not a campy, tired rehashing of the set of Remington Steele.

The home that we toured was completely done by Palm Springs interior designer Steve Chase- and it still looked like a fun place. Lots of grey walls, but no mauve (not a fan a mauve here, even in the 80's). So many things come to mind when I think of the 1980's- the white and chromed apartment of Alexis Morell-Carrington-Colby-Dexter-Colby; the fabulous conservative subtle butter yellow rooms of Mario Buatta, smoked gold mirrored surfaces; the Nancy Reagan White House; and Nagel Prints.

Is there anything from the 1980's that you hope never comes to haunt the interior of your home?

Wildcat Territory Bedding

2011-01-17T11:58:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite sources for bedding is Wildcat Territory Bedding. They have one of the most sophisticated lines available- and they look great in all sorts of homes. I'd call these semi-custom because they are made to order, and with their new "Cake" program, interior designers can reverse patterns within a specific type as well as order yardage for draperies or additional custom pillows. The lead time on these is generally a few short weeks, and the ultimate product retails for around $1200 for a complete Cal King set (but has the look of a $5000 set)! They are a fantastic value.

Rue Magazine New Issue

2011-01-14T10:31:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard of it or checked it out...have a look at Rue, an online magazine that debuted in September. It has a fantastic look, and amazing photo editorial spreads, and so many cool looks! The new one will be out any day now- the coolest thing is that as long as you've got internet access, you can browse through the new issue as well as the past ones.

They've got a great blog going as well. Be sure to check both out!

Bon Vivant Palm Springs

2011-01-13T14:23:00.000-08:00

Ever love a place to death that's in your backyard, but you somehow forget to stop back? I can't believe it's been about three years since I was in Bon Vivant, in the Galleria in Palm Springs. This fantastic shop, owned by partners Patrick and James, has really wonderful art glass and ceramic. Even if you aren't in the mood to buy anything, it's certainly a wonderful place to pop into and enjoy the colorful lush eye candy glass accessories.

While most of these items will find a new residence in a Mid-Century Modern home in Palm Springs, most would be comfortable in the interior of a desert contemporary home as well. I
am guilty of buying here and placing in the country club communities of Bighorn and The Reserve. Every room needs a little history!

Today I picked up a little ceramic owl figurine- for under $20. The pricing in here is amazing- but you can also find some wonderful higher-priced ceramic or art glass pieces. Bon Vivant is a great treasure for interior designers in the Palm Springs area.

Their address is 457 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.
Open Thursday- Monday 11-5PM

Green Vases

2011-01-11T12:36:00.001-08:00

Green is my favorite color. Or maybe green is tied with orange for my favorite color. Either way, it leaves a lot to choose from in home accessories- right now both colors are hot for home interiors, and look great at home here in the desert.

Some of my favorite green pieces are this pair of green ceramic artichoke vases (about $200 each), the set of six fun-shaped ceramic crackle glazed vases (about $550 for the set of six). and these lush green glass cylinders with a square etched cutout ($ 350 for the set of three).

Kravet Blogger Event in May

2011-01-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Mondays are typically a drag, but I really perked up when I read that Kravet/Lee Jofa would be hosting a blogger-oriented whirlwind tour of NYC in May. I spoke to Kravet this morning, and definitely going to attend. Can't wait to see what fun events they have planned and I promise to write about it all and post it for you to read!

Did I mention how excited I am?!!

The Brick House- Thrifty!

2011-01-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite blogs is The Brick House. She always has the greatest photos and love her purchases. She's just over the mountain from us in Hemet. I really enjoy reading her posts, and this morning is no exception. Love that she bought these great ottomans at Spaces in Cathedral City, right next to three of my other favorite haunts: Hedge, Colin Fisher, and HoM. These are centrally located so no matter if you are shopping for interior accessories or furnishings and coming from Palm Springs or Down Valley (Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, or La Quinta) it's fairly easy to get to.

Just this morning, I was recommending to a client who is worried about keeping her interior design budget down to check out these stores as well as The Estate Sale in Palm Springs. Aside from being a lot of fun to see what's available, the owners are fun to chat with and a lot of great interior design ideas are out there. The best part of it is that you get a great new interior design look for a lot less money.

Desert Design Walk this Friday!

2011-01-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

The newly formed Desert Design District will hold its first Design Walk on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.

Its organizer, Steven Love Reed of interior design firm Egg & Dart Ltd., said the event is conceived as “a very grassroots, simplistic movement” to make contractors, interior designers and the homeowners they work for aware of the vendors here.

Many prospective customers go to more established design centers in Los Angeles or Orange County, unaware of the choices they have in the Coachella Valley.

Nearly all of the Design Walk participants are in Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indio.

William Miller Design and Albert & George will be participating as well, offering a 25% discount to designers for the evening's event.

For homeowners, William Miller Design will be offering a special price on 4-hour consultations. Normally priced at $450, they will be offered at this Friday's event for $380.

Stop by and visit us this Friday from 4-8 PM!

Beach House, St. Bart's

2011-01-04T09:46:00.000-08:00

Occasionally I see a beach house which totally makes me miss living near a large body of water. This amazing hilltop villa overlooks the Caribbean. Love its contemporary take on the beach house, and the use of wood on accent walls. How soon can I move in?

Oh, Palm Springs, why weren't you a little further West? We could have amazing homes, mountain views, and a beach view. Still, I think this color palette would work well in the desert, especially in a house designed for daytime entertaining.

To read more about this home, click here.

Organic Shapes for Home Interiors

2011-01-03T15:32:00.000-08:00

Organic shapes have so much visual interest, it's great to see them incorporated into unconventional objects for home decor.

Two of my favorites are the 'brancholiere' which has six bulbs in it and measures approx 36" H x 36" W. It's definitely a dramatic departure from the typical chandelier and can be decorated for holidays as well ($1850)

We also have a great circular wall hanging made by the artist Paul Schick. He's a fantastic artist that works with natural objects ($2700).

Both of these pieces would look fantastic in a home interior with a contemporary or traditional look. They are available at Albert & George home accessories, 70020 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage.

Sony Creative Center Installation, Milan

2010-12-29T10:29:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you see a photo of a room that is interesting, but can't imagine living with it. This article in this morning's New York Times about the Sony Creative Center's new installation in Milan has some really beautiful and geometrically fascinating shapes applied to household sound systems. "Contemplating Monolithic Design" was designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, fully integrates home electronics into furnishings.

We see a lot of edgy interior design in the Palm Springs area, and I have a client in mind who would absolutely love this for their home. I'd love to see some applications of this in Bighorn Country Club or at The Reserve. If you are looking for abstract applications of residential electronics, check out the photos. You'll have fun trying to figure out the function of each object in the installation. It will be interesting to see how this kind of edgy design trickles down into more mainstream applications.

Rearrange Your Furniture?

2010-12-27T11:29:00.000-08:00

As I was about to leave my Aunt Kathy's house in Tucson to return home to Palm Springs the day after Christmas, she mentioned that she was bringing a vintage Arts & Crafts buffet that I had given her years ago to her new home. She only really had to mention moving some furniture around, and suddenly I flew into action, quickly replacing and respositioning end tables, pillows, a curio cabinet, hanging an area rug on a wall, and changing where artwork had hung. We were all done in about an hour, and the house had a new take that I hope Aunt Kathy liked!

Many households need to rearrange furnishings to accomodate the Christmas Tree. Before you decide to put things back exactly how they were, think about if you are ready to change it all up.

Simply rearranging your home furnishings can give you a fresh look. Add to that an accent color on a wall, and your home could have a very fresh new look just in time for the New Year.

If you're not sure what to do, or where to start, contact an interior designer. William Miller Design does offer a home 'editing' package, and you don't need to invest a lot of time and effort. We can have your home looking fresh and new within as little as a day. We provide interior design services that are affordable for most households in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Los Angeles, and San Diego, but if we aren't close to your home, we are happy to try to recommend a professional in your area.

Fabulous Sale at Albert & George This Week!

2010-12-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

Stop in Albert & George this week and save 50% off all Holiday Decor!

Albert & George is located at 70020 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, California 92270. Hours are 10-5 M-F Saturday 10-4.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

Don't sit in front of the computer until we are back on the 27th! Go and have a great holiday!

Best wishes for Joyous Holiday and a Happy New Year!

Matt and Bill at William Miller Design.

Origins of the Holiday Wreath

2010-12-22T14:03:00.000-08:00

By hanging a Christmas Wreath on your door you are carrying on a tradition from the days of ancient Rome, when decorative wreaths were used a sign of victory (though these tended to be made of laurel). After each battle won the citizens of Rome would make a wreath and hang it on their door to thank their Gods.

But the origins of the Advent wreath go far back in time, to the pre-Christian Germanic tribes who during the cold and darkness of the long days of December gathered evergreens which they made into wreaths and lit fires as a sign of hope in the coming of the spring and renewed light.

Christians went on to keep these traditions alive and by the 16th century both Roman Catholics and Protestants in Germany used these symbols to celebrate Advent and their belief in Christ.

The use of the Advent wreath then spread to other parts of the Christian world. Traditionally the wreath has four candles nestling in a circle of evergreens and a fifth in the center. Three of these were violet and the fourth a rose pink but nowadays four white or violet are acceptable. Each week in December one candle would be lit, possibly with a short prayer and before the evening meal until the lighting of the center one on Christmas Eve to represent Jesus Christ being born again (We did this in my household growing up, and we even made the wreath ourselves from pine cuttings from the woods surrounding our home).

Perhaps as you hang your festive wreath on your door to welcome friends and family to your home this year, you will give a little thought to the people who for many hundreds of years have kept this tradition alive and all the wonderful things in history it represents.

By far and away the best wreath that I've seen this year is from Beach Bungalow 8's designer, Megan Arquette. It's constructed of vintage ornaments, and I can't wait to try and make one of these for myself next year!

Christmas Tree Roots

2010-12-21T10:54:00.000-08:00

While there are no hard facts about the origins of the Christmas tree, there is little question the Germans originated and popularized it. The earliest written record of a decorated evergreen tree for Christmas appears in 1521 in the German region of Alsace. In 1561, the same region had a forest ordinance saying that no one "shall have for Christmas more than one bush of more than eight shoes' length." The German families would set up Christmas trees in a prominent location in their home and decorate them. As these people moved or immigrated to other countries, they brought this tradition with them. By the 1700s, the Christbaum, or "Christ tree," was a German tradition. It quickly spread to other parts of Europe and finally to America.

America adapted slowly to some of the Christmas traditions, because of the Puritan influence. Many puritans felt that Christmas was too sacred of a holiday and should not be marred with Christmas trees and Christmas carols. When the Christmas tree later regained popularity, symbolism was common. The Christmas tree is a symbol of a living Christmas spirit. Because balsam fir twigs, more than any other evergreen twigs, resemble crosses may have had much to do with the early popularity of balsam fir used as Christmas trees.

In 1851, the Christmas tree market began when farmer Mark Carr hauled two ox sleds of evergreens into New York City and sold them all. In 1856, Massachusetts was the last existing state to declare Christmas a legal holiday. Since then, it has exploded into a tradition-rich, festive season. By 1900, one in five American families had a Christmas tree. By 1920, the custom was nearly universal in the United States.

Today, the Christmas tree is common in all Christian countries except Spain, Italy, and some of Latin America. Instead, these countries share the custom of erecting a miniature reproduction of the stable and manger where Christ was born. Even the Japanese have adopted the Christmas tree, but with this twist: they decorate their tree with tangerines and delicate rice wafers-which enclose fortune-telling slips!

Towards the end of the 1800s, another variation of the traditional Christmas tree appeared: the artificial Christmas tree. It is believed that like so many other Christmas traditions, artificial Christmas trees also originated in Germany. The first artificial Christmas trees were metal wire trees covered with feathers. The most popular feathers came were goose, turkey, ostrich or swan feathers. The feathers were often dyed green to look like pine needles. In the 1930's, the Addis Brush Company created the first artificial-brush trees, using the same machinery that made their toilet brushes! The Addis 'Silver Pine' tree was patented in 1950. This innovative Christmas tree had a revolving light source under it. Colored gels allowed the light to shine in different shades as it revolved under the tree. This silver aluminum artificial Christmas trees became so popular that it was exported throughout the world!

The story of The National Christmas Tree begins with Franklin Pierce- the first President of the United States to introduce the Christmas Tree to the White House in 1856. However, this was not the start of the tradition now known as the "National Christmas Tree". In November 1923, First Lady Grace Coolidge gave permission for the District of Columbia Public Schools to erect a Christmas tree on the Ellipse south of the White House. The organizers named the tree the "National Christmas Tree." That Christmas Eve, at 5 p.m., President Calvin Coolidge walked from the White House to the Ellipse and "pushed the button" to light the cut 48-foot Balsam fir, as 3,000 enthusiastic spectators looked on. The tree, donated by Middlebury College, was from the President's native state of Vermont. From 1924 to 1953 live trees, in various locations around and on the White House grounds, were lit on Christmas Eve. In 1954 the ceremony returned to the Ellipse and expanded its focus. Local civic and business groups created the "Christmas Pageant of Peace." Smaller live trees representing the 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia, formed a "Pathway of Peace." On December 17, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower lit the cut tree donated by the people of Michigan. The White House used cut trees until 1973.

Central to the season's celebration is the living National Christmas Tree, a Colorado blue spruce from York, Pennsylvania, planted on the Ellipse October 20, 1978. The tree stands as a daily reminder of the holiday spirit and of the tradition each succeeding President has shared in since 1923.

Great Design Books at Albert & George

2010-12-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

If you're still hunting for a gift for the design aficionado in your life, look no further than our store, Albert & George. We just recieved some great books on interior design and table settings (have your centerpiece for Christmas and New Year's yet?). Some favorite titles are Palm Springs Living (with photographs by David Glomb); Vincente Wolfe's new title: Lifting the Curtain on Design; Set with Style; and Modern Luxury.

Ann Sacks Michael S. Smith Mosaic Tile

2010-12-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

After spending a week in Jordan this past Winter, I was able to see how much work actually goes into finely crafted hand-cut stone mosaic tiles. It isn't until you see the tiny piecework being done by hand that you actually start to wonder why the prices aren't actually higher than they are for mosaic work!

Michael S. Smith has designed a fantastic collection for Ann Sacks using ten graphic patterns and complimentary borders, using Greek, Moroccan, and Parisian themes with antiqued finishes. The result are some very lovely textures and colors for the home.

Albert and George Opens in Rancho Mirage

2010-12-15T15:17:00.001-08:00

Great photos that our fan (and cousin-in-law) Oliver took before our grand opening party- I sort of lost count at about 300 people, but let's say we had a HUGE turnout! Thanks so much for coming! We'll look forward to seeing you at our next event in January! If you aren't on our mailing list for events, contact matt@williammillerdesign.com

Chinese Ceramic Accessories

2010-12-14T09:21:00.000-08:00

Chinese ceramics look great anywhere. I like them to come in pairs. They look fantastic on a beautiful hearth, in an art niche, or flanking a prominent entrance or a home. They also are suitable for outdoor use (year round in mild cimates, but bring indoors if you live in a region prone to precipitation and freezing tempratures), particularly if you are setting an outdoor living area.

My favorites at Albert & George (our new home accessory and furnishing store in Rancho Mirage) right now are this pair of Chinese Foo Dogs. They are not the traditional "lion-headed" with their fierce paws on a sphere. These are poised and watchful, and I completely love the variations in the dipped glaze. The other pair that is perfectly charming are this pair of Chinese babies. Their torsos are glazed with blue and white, and have a glossy finish, but their faces are rendered with care and have been left with the ceramic matte finish, looking like fine white porcelain skin.

Root Ball and Teak Table Bases

2010-12-13T11:40:00.000-08:00

Since we installed a teak root-ball coffee table base and a console table at our most recent project at The Reserve in Indian Wells, we've been seeing more organic forms creeping into the most interesting room settings. The roots have such motion and warmth to them, and look great in contemporary and mid century homes. We've placed them with custom etched glass tops from San Soucie glass, but they also look fantastic with a plain beveled glass top. One of my favorites today is from The Brick House blog. They have paired a root base with a glass top for a hip-looking nightstand. Also pitcured is a raw teak coffee table; a multi-tiered end table; a trunk segment for an outdoor living area; and our coffee table with an etched glass top at The Reserve.

http://www.the-brick-house.com/2010/12/bedroom-updating.html

Grand Opening Party Tonight!

2010-12-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

We hope to see you all at our Grand Opening Party tonight from 6-9PM. Our new store, Albert & George will be serving Hors d'œuvres and drinks from Bangkok Five. We have a great selection of holiday decor, books, and home accessories, as well as home furnishings and artwork. Tonight we will be offering 10% off all holiday decor!

Branch Lamps and Coral Fans

2010-12-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

Albert & George received these yesterday and couldn't wait to share them with you. The pair of gold-leafed 'branch' bedside table lamps are unique, not only because of the shape, but because of their low (15") height . They would be perfect for a sleek platform bed, and the organic form is a nice counterpoint to a contemporary setting ($1235.00 each). I also love the framed coral fans hanging above the lamp. Bringing natural forms and elements into a modern or contemporary home is a perfect way to balance out your home ($340.00 each).

Two's Company Accessory Favorites

2010-12-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

Accessories can make or break a room...some that would make a room and not break the bank at the same time from Two's Company (one of our favorite places)!

Fun bolster pillows, porcelain cacti, teak driftwood framed mirror, and a bark-framed mirror.

Contemporary Teak Buffet

2010-12-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite pieces of furniture is a sideboard or buffet. To me, a dining room is where the treasures of a household are kept- the silver cutlery, the china, and all the trappings of a beautiful table setting. I think this is why the buffet is my favorite- it is like the safe deposit-box where all the family treasures are hidden away until they are called upon for a special occasion.

This Asian-inspired buffet recalls a hip mid-century modern Japanese mizuya dansuthat I bought at the Tokyodome flea market some years back...but this is on a much larger scale, and more suited towards a home with an eclectic collection of furniture or as a organic balance to a sleek contemporary home ($3500).

LaCor Sea Urchin Lamps

2010-12-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

We fell in love with these "Sea Urchin" lighting fixtures from LaCor, and so did a client of ours. We're installing a cluster of these for a celebrity client in the Vintage Club. I can't wait to see them installed. The fixtures are made of a cast resin with "chopsticks" set into them and takes a low-wattage bulb.

They're so dramatic and organic!

Three Favorite Trees at Albert and George

2010-12-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun choosing Christmas Trees for our new store, Albert & George!

I love the holidays, and putting up the tree- my sister and I used to drag our Christmas Tree out of the cubby hole at least twice a year and put it up in her room while we were unsupervised. There really is something amazing about those lights being in a tree that is still wonderful to look at.

I picked three trees from our store that I am absolutely crazy about...

The first is a red-flocked 3' tree- We had one up on our buffet for Thanksgiving at our house, and it really needed NO decorating. It looked absolutely fantastic with the thick, velvety red flocking ($140).

The second tree is a 3' silver glittered tree, sort of a minimalist/mid century modern/Jetson tree. It doesn't need any lights- it just sparkles constantly. Would be amazing as a centerpiece on a Christmas or New Year's Eve table...this one also comes in gold ($65).

The last one is a trio of trees that are somewhat untraditional- they are a wooden-framed tree silhouette in white glitter with red glass bulbs mounted in the central negative space. These are so much fun, and would be great on a mantle given their low profile ($75, set of three).

All of these are on sale now at Albert & George, located at 70020 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, next to Bangkok Five. Albert & George is William Miller Design's new store that features home interior accessories, books, gifts, cards, and candles.

Royal Hawaiian Estates Palm Springs

2010-11-29T10:10:00.001-08:00

The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation had another great open house at a property that was recently deemed historical by the city. The Royal Hawaiian Estates were commissioned by 1960 and designed by Wexler & Harrison in a Polynesian or "Tiki" theme. It's a fun complex of 40 units. Among the notable exterior features are the spider-legged spans (Flying Sevens) and the outrigger beams that resemble the outriggers in Polynesian Longboats. The tour featured four units in the complex, each with a different take on Palm Springs Interior Design...

The next open house will be December 11 at the Stephens House designed by Clark/Frey. For more information, check the PSPF website.

Have fun looking at the photos, and don't forget about William Miller Design's Grand Opening Party for their new store December 10, 6-9 PM. RSVP to 760-770-9199. Our store will feature Holiday Decor, Home Interior Accessories, Gifts, and Books. In addition, the Interior Design Services of William Miller Design will be available at our new location: 70020 Highway 11, Rancho Mirage.

Voluspa and Fringe Studio @ Albert & George

2010-11-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

Two really great lines that we will be carrying at our store, Albert & George. Voluspa candles, manufactured by Troy Arntsen in Southern California, has one of the most beautifully packaged line of candles available. We're going to have a full line of Voluspa gift boxes for the holidays, including Maison Rouge.

We also will have soaps and trays by Fringe Studios ( I love their printed glass trays with owls). Their gift sets feature a vivid print on a handblown glass tray.

Hope to see you all at our Grand Opening December 10 6-9 PM! RSVP to 760-770-9199.

Our store's address is 70020 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, California 92270. We feature home accessories, home decor, gifts, books, cards, and candles, in addition to the Interior Design Services of William Miller Design.

Rosy Rings Reed Diffusers

2010-11-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

I've got fall on my mind (though you can't tell November from May here in the desert). The holiday and all of its seasonal trappings, and my Northeastern upbringing make me nostalgic for the sights and smells I am deprived of in the Southern California Desert.

We've just gotten our Rosy Rings candles and reed diffusers, they smell outrageously delicious! My favorite two are Autumn Quince with hints of apples, quince, figs, allspice and nutmeg; and Birch Woods with Fir, Balsam, and Patchouli...

Look for them at the opening of our new store, Albert & George, next week at 70020 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, California. Our grand opening is December 10. Please RSVP to 760-836-9199 to attend.

Albert & George will feature Books, Candles, Gifts, Home Accessories, and Furnishings.

Thanksgiving Menu

2010-11-18T07:25:00.000-08:00

I've been so hard at work on the store that I have kind of put Thanksgiving off to the side. I still need to order a turkey, since I am going to have 18 people for dinner and 9 house guests for the weekend. I managed to write out my menu:

Appetizers:

Vegetarian Pate (Not a vegetarian, I just like how this tastes)
Local Dates wrapped in bacon and stuffed with goat cheese
Wasabi Deviled Eggs

Main Courses:

Ham (Bill insists on a ham)
30# Turkey (I am going to use a lemon-infused brine)

Sides:

Kale-Apple Salad
Chestnut Stuffing
Corn and Haricort Vert Casserole
Red Miso Glazed Carrots
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce
Mashed Potatoes

Desserts:

Maple Cake
Cherry Pie
Pumpkin Pie

Some of these selections are a little untraditional, but it is nice to mix it up every few years. I LOVE this stuffing recipe. I've been making it for about 15 years. It doesn't have the traditional thyme in it, instead it calls for Allspice and Cinnamon and boiled chestnuts. I make an extra pan because it goes so fast!

Most of my family is coming for the weekend, and our gatherings usually end up being centered on movies, some hikes, eating lots of leftovers, and playing games (our favorite is a homespun game called 'celebrity' which you only need pencils and paper for. It's a hoot!

Not sure about our centerpiece...but I'm thinking about it!

Posh Denver

2010-11-17T06:51:00.001-08:00

Had a chance to take in some retail therapy in Denver this past weekend as well. My favorite by far was Posh, 1439 Larimer Street (their website was not up at the time that I wrote this, but the store clerk said it would be soon).

There were some very unexpected things in the store, which I think puts them in the category of "edgy." The 'wallpaper' artwork- very long and hung in short sheets by Deborah Bowness- fantastic for a space with very high ceilings. I also LOVED the regency armchairs behind the cash wrap that were executed in packing tape by creative director Luc Hughart.

Lots of eye candy that had me reaching for my wallet. I restrained myself since I had only carry-on luggage for my flight back to Palm Springs, and bought only some greeting cards (amazing stuff, folks)!

Root Down Denver

2010-11-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

I've not had a chance to post since Thursday, and I've missed it! I was in Denver visiting family, and have LOTS of great new things to share with you this week. The first thing is that I am blogging from William Miller Design's new store location at 70020 Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage, next to Bangkok 5. We aren't open yet, but will be ready to sell home accessories, home furnishings, candles, books, and holiday decor next week (we're planning a soft opening next Monday). We will continue to offer our interior design services to the Desert communuties of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and La Quinta, as well as Orange County and Los Angeles.

One of the fabulous places that I was able to eat in Denver was Root Down. Their aim, according to their website is to connect to a neighborhood in the same way that ingredients are connected to food. The food (all organic and as locally sourced as possible), was fantastic. The decor is eclectic, the owners having repurposed a gas station into a dining station. They kept many of the contents of the station intact, which was just as fun and a great break from a stuffy dining room. I loved the air compressor that was turned into a hostesses podium! I also loved my Crab Benedict!

Movie Sets I Would Live In: Mildred Pierce

2010-11-10T07:39:00.000-08:00

Mildred Pierce is a classic film noir made in 1945 starring Joan Crawford. You've probably seen the movie, but it has been remade by HBO into a miniseries set to release in 2011, which is more closely modeled after the book (you didn't know it was a book, did you?). It's a great read, pick up a copy if you can find one!

Anyhow, back to the set: I love Monte Beragon's beach house. It was actually a real home (in the external shots at least) which was owned by Anatole Litvak and was in Malibu on the PCH (CA HWY 1). It was a beautiful 2-story Queen Anne-ish cottage style with a steeply pitched roof, and big porches with views of the Pacific, and little narrow windows. The house fell down in a storm in 1983, but it's actual address was 26652 Latigo Shore Drive, Malibu.

The interiors were all designed for a good time. Lots of curved surfaces, a winding staircase, a bamboo bar...all the great ingredients of a fun home in the 1940's The set designer was George James Hopkins, who worked with silent great Theda Bara, and movie credits include: Hello, Dolly!, Who's Afraid of Virigina Wolfe, Palm Springs Weekend, and Dial M for MMurder.

Grand Opening of William Miller Design Store in Rancho Mirage December 10

2010-11-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

William Miller Design is pleased to announce the opening of its new store Thanksgiving Weekend at 70020 Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage. In addition to our extensive Home Interior Design Services, we will also be offering a sophisticated and eclectic collection of Home Accessories, Books, Candles, Gifts, and Holiday Décor.

Please join us for a celebration of our new venture December 10 from 6-9PM. Please RSVP to 760-836-9199 by December 8.

Cody Foster at William Miller Design

2010-11-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

Cody Foster was born and raised in the rural northern sandhills region of Nebraska. He began his artistic pursuits at a very young age under the guidance of his grandmother, an avid quilter. Cody began experimenting making cloth figures as an adolescent and soon realized that other people enjoyed and valued his work. These early successes eventually led to a regional, and soon, national popularity. Cody's designs are now widely recognized and have been featured in the American Folk Art Museum. We are excited to have his line of Holiday Ornaments and accessories that are reminiscent of the 1950's and we love their nostalgic look!

Stay tuned for our upcoming grand opening of our store in Rancho Mirage in December!

Installation Day at La Quinta: Six Weeks to a New Home!

2010-11-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

We're wrapping it up today...things have all-in-all gone very smoothly. The movers come today with all of the items from the warehouse, and artwork will be hung. Yesterday, the frosted glass was installed in bathroom windows. We also had our window shades hung in the guest bedrooms by Alf, our guy for blinds.

There have been a few snags: a pair of lamps that were mismatched finishes from Arteriors (not sure how they made dupicate lamps with extreme variations in the color), but it will take a couple of weeks to solve this. So far, they haven't been very helpful in solving this problem.

A sofa back table is tied up in Mexico. It will likely arrive on Monday or Tuesday. We may substitute a table for the big reveal tomorrow if I can find one at the Home Collection's showroom in Rancho Mirage.

Some paintwork and drywall patching will have to be done

We're very excited to have it all set and ready for the client's arrival tomorrow, so we'll have a very busy day today!

Table Tonic Pouffle and Suzani

2010-11-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite things from Table Tonic's Store...she has some great items available for purchase...the Pouffes are beautiful, especially love the metallic leather ones, but there are other colors available...

A beautiful hand stitched Metallic Silver Moroccan Pouffe with an intricate embroidered design. The finest quality leather is used for our pouffes which are dyed by hand in a wonderful selection of jewel like colours. A zip on the underside allows for easy filling.

$185AUD

A traditional, hand embroidered Vintage Suzani from the Samarkand Valley in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This large piece dates back to the 1950's or 60's and fits beautifully over a Queen size bed, as shown or a King. This one has quite a clean, crisp white base, which is rare. A truly stunning piece - bright, graphic and eye catching.

$499AUD

Worlds Away Furnishings and Accessories

2010-11-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

Just got my hands on the Worlds Away catalogue, and love so many of the items in it, I don't know where to start. They have a great selection of iron side and console tables that are finished in gold leaf or polished nickle...the gold is absolutely beautiful. I was also impressed with their selection of lighting fixtures and casegoods- check them out!

William Miller Design Goes Retail

2010-11-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

William Miller Design will be opening a retail location in Rancho Mirage, California. Look for our opening around Thanksgiving! We're really excited about this new venture, and VERY excited about the items we're going to be offering for you home!

600 Square Feet: New York Apartment

2010-11-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

I love small places. I lived in Tokyo for years and besides learning to make the most of what you've got, you learn to live efficiently, quickly editing what is necessary for living. I loved this New York apartment by the firm D'Aquino Monaco. The 600 square feet of this dwelling were wonderful to look at in today's New York Times. I particularly liked this Otto Canopy Bed from Gervasoni ($5350).

La Quinta Tight Timeframe: The Final Stretch

2010-10-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

We're in the final days before the furniture install: all the wiring/lighting is completed, all the flooring is in place, the kitchen cabinets are refinished and have new hardware that will be installed. The fireplace has its new surround, and carpeting is installed. The window coverings will be installed next week as well. Saturday, the sofas will be installed, and the remainding furnishings will be transferred from the owner's home, and the new furnishings and artwork in our warehouse will be installed early next week in anticipation of the owner's arrival on November 5. Total time for this 4,000 sq foot home remodel: 6 weeks.

It's Not Too Early To Be Thinking About the Holidays...

2010-10-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

We are, and our warehouse is starting to fill up with all kinds of great holiday Decor. This year, we are helping create a festive atmosphere in your own home with Holiday Decor & Christmas Tree Packages from $450. Leave the decorating to designers this year!

Contact William Miller Design at 760-413-9005 to schedule your Holiday Decor appointment!

Trina Turk Residential: Palm Springs

2010-10-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

My favorite supplier of men's pants, Trina Turk, has some new pillow designs out this Fall. If you aren't close to her store in Palm Springs, they are also available through Neiman-Marcus, which retail for $125. If you are an interior designer, I've also seen her pillows and accessories in LA's Pacific Design Center, though I can't remember which showroom I was in. She's recently done a line of fabric for Schumacher, so now you can get your patterns by the yard. While in Palm Springs checking out lounge chairs at 20 First Vintage & Modern I saw this great dining room set that had been reupholstered in a TT pattern. Love the residential application of something that I own in a dinner jacket!