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).

Kravet Blogger Event in May

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!

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!

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

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.