Mimi London Furniture

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

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!

Designer Birthday

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

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

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

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!