Kyle Bunting Cowhide Leather Rugs

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.

Friday Party and Sale!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Michael Berman Fabrics and Furnishings

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

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!

Wildcat Territory Bedding

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.

Bon Vivant Palm Springs

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

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).

Beach House, St. Bart's

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

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

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?

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.

Great Design Books at Albert & George

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.