Author: Breegan Jane

Coastal Interior Design Styling!

Inspiration comes from so many different sources. One of the greatest inspirations for me is where I live. Southern California has such a vibrant, sunny atmosphere that brings out so much in my interior design. Growing up and living near the shores of Hermosa and Venice Beach helped me hone elements of my overall design aesthetic. What’s more, it sparked my affinity for coastal interior design. Here’s what I love about it, and how I blend beach styling with sophistication in my interior work.

The Coastal Vibe

I’ve decided no matter where I live on this planet, it will be near a body of water. To know Breegan is to know I’m a beach girl, born and raised. The ocean will always be a part of my home. For me, safety and comfort lie near the sand and sea. Tranquility is plentiful, and freedom abounds there—along with most of my fondest memories. These are the things that I’m reminded of when I incorporate coastal elements in my work.

Coastal interior design encompasses this kind of emotional appeal of life by the sea. It embodies the peace of watching a sunset on the horizon. The collective visuals reflect a feeling of enjoying lazy breezes on your skin with your toes in the sand on a Sunday morning or afternoon. It also intertwines us with both the protection and vulnerability of the ocean’s vastness, something I feel very connected to as a person and designer. Coastal design uniquely incorporates and interprets all of these experiences.

Coastal Colors

There are a few colors that are integral to coastal interior design styling. The basics include a mesh of the colors you might see in a beach setting. You’ll definitely want to use neutrals such as white or grey in your coastal design palette. These work well to balance any colors you might use throughout your space. Pops of color in the red and yellow families also work well in beach-influenced spaces.

I personally feel, though, that no coastal design is complete without various shades of green or blue. I’m a little biased, as teal is my favorite color. These colors all play into the tones of the ocean’s waters and provide a visually calming and relaxing appeal. When possible, I work to incorporate tinges of gold and silver in my coastal interior design. Hints of these colors epitomize the shimmering of the sun’s rays meeting the ocean, and I adore that visual presentation. It’s why I appreciate a bit of sparkle in all that I do.

Infuse Coastal Comfort

Coastal living is just that: a lifestyle. As such, it’s important to incorporate “livability” into your coastal design. Living in the Venice Beach area, it’s a given that the sand and drippings from the sea will inevitably exist inside the home. After all, flip-flops are the preferred footwear of choice in beach towns. And we’re all generally okay with that! So that the outside elements are not considered “the enemy” (which would defeat the calm, relaxed atmosphere you’re aiming to create), opt for beach-friendly materials like rattan, weathered woods or other natural materials like stone or bamboo. This furniture has a light driftwood finish and is a perfect way to have great-looking, elevated pieces in your beach-inspired abode.

While it’s okay to embellish your coastal interior space with things like mini surfboards, seashells and sand dollars, use them sparingly. Overutilizing them can read as inauthentic and kitschy. Such is the same with trendy coastal prints and patterns. The iconic banana leaf wallpaper may be great for The Beverly Hills Hotel, but it might be a bit much for your coastal home. Mute any prints or wallpapers you may use; less is more when you want the space to present as casual, organic and serene.

Good coastal interior design is stylish and sophisticated. However, it also has to be functional and extremely approachable. As a designer, I work to create coastal design epitomizing elegance with a welcoming, open-door appeal. The coast is where I live and what I love. It is also an extension of who I am. If I infuse coastal design in a space, I leave a bit of my heart in it.

 

Creating a Timeless Tuxedo Kitchen

Home interior design can convey so much within the selected materials, colors and various choices. Often, you can tell a lot about a person or family by viewing where they spend the most time, and for many of us, that gathering place is the kitchen. In kitchen design, options are endless, with an infinite amount of statements to make with each. As a designer who appreciates elevated looks in home spaces, the tuxedo kitchen is a must-have. They have such a timeless appeal. And contrary to popular opinion, they are not that hard to achieve!

What is a Tuxedo Kitchen

So what, exactly, is a tuxedo kitchen? Simply put, it’s a dual-tone kitchen space with white cabinetry around the top or higher spaces and dark elements in lower areas. The upper area could be interpreted as the white “shirt,” and the lower area could function as the dark “trousers.” The black-and-white combination, just like the outfit, is a classy design that exudes elegance.

Tuxedo kitchens are always en vogue because of the lasting appeal of two-tone styling in home design. And while there’s no set rule on which elements are dark and which are light, tuxedo kitchens generally follow the “lighter upper, darker lower” template. Aesthetically speaking, using brighter colors and elements above allows additional light reflection in kitchen areas. This will make your kitchen appear more open and spacious. The darker elements in lower areas will help to visually ground the space. Collectively, the combination provides a satisfying balance.

How to Choose Cabinet Colors

So you’ve decided to create a tuxedo kitchen for your home. There are a few things to consider, starting with the colors you choose. Though the style suggests a black-and-white color scheme, I would advise against using true black and white in your tuxedo kitchen design. True black can be visually harsh, and that might impact the overall look you’re aiming for. Instead, consider a dark grey or smoky black with navy undertones. These options are much warmer than true black.

That’s important to know because you want to opt for cooler-toned whites to balance the opposite end of the spectrum of your tuxedo kitchen. All tones of white are not created equal, so be sure to test the shade you want to use. I would advise against going too beige or yellow with your light/white choices. If you’re creating a tuxedo kitchen on a budget, the right paint colors will be the key to the perfect transformation. Choose wisely, and remember if you need help selecting the perfect shade, we can jump on a video call and I will help you.

Apply the Right Accents

Color sets the framework for a tuxedo kitchen, but other accents can help take your space from eye-catching to head-turning! Incorporating mixed metals will bring just the right amount of contrast needed to add interest in the room. Personally (and professionally), I think pops of brushed or polished brass are so elegant in black-and-white kitchens. Touches of metal in the fixtures, faucets or drawer pulls act as flashes of jewelry for your “tuxedo” look. They provide extra opulence in small doses, making your kitchen that much more magnificent.

Finally, don’t forget to think about the right furniture for your kitchen’s new look! Many designers would most likely accent your black and white elements with furniture of either color. I, however, prefer to incorporate natural elements in the furniture for tuxedo kitchens. While splendor is the name of the game for tuxedo visuals, using natural elements helps the overall space feel more approachable. Consider using wood shelving, dining tables or chairs to finish the look of your kitchen. The two design elements complement the kitchen’s formal aesthetic.

Tuxedo kitchens have been on-trend for several years. Done correctly, they can be timeless focal points of the home that rarely need to be updated. The combination presents class and panache in a way that side-steps “period piece” colors used in kitchens. Together, black and white have a universal appeal that caters to any design taste. And, like a tuxedo, it has a distinguished appeal that will elevate any home.

Would you consider a tuxedo kitchen for your home? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

 

Raising Kids to Be Kind

When I think about the people whom I consider heroes, there are three that immediately come to mind: Mother Theresa, Princess Diana and Oprah. What do they have in common? Well, they’re definitely all global change agents. The bigger similarity for me is much simpler: they’re all kind. Kindness is such a virtue and essential part of having values to me. As a mom, I want to instill that in my boys. I hope that other parents are raising kids to be kind in their homes, also. Here’s why it is so important to me.

Why Kindness Matters

There are tons of scientific reasons why being kind matters. For me, they are far less complicated. Being kind just makes the world a better place. It promotes positivity in social interactions and relationships. That’s more important than anything my boys can learn inside a classroom. Kindness resonates beyond what can be attained in a book, in my personal parenting perspective. The women I mentioned above are change agents because of what they’ve done for society. More than that, these ladies all possess the power to impact people’s lives because of how they treat others. 

That kind of influence creates positive paths of opportunity, and I want my children to be surrounded and filled by positivity throughout their lives. Plus, people are so much kinder to themselves when they are kinder to others. As my kids learn more about the world around them, I hope they learn just as much about themselves and how to interact well with people similar and dissimilar to themselves. Ultimately, I hope they learn and show through their actions that they have the power to make themselves and others feel good—and safe.

Everyday Kindness

My family is a testament to the fact that raising kids to be kind isn’t as difficult as society’s actions make it seem to be. I have conversations with my boys regularly about treating each other and strangers nicely. We also discuss scenarios that focus on times when people don’t treat them well. I’ve had my fair share of instances with not-so-nice people, so my conversations with my children flow interdependently. 

Along with regular talks with my sons, I set rules in our home that focus on kindness and generosity. When they go to the playground, I regularly suggest to them to look and see if anyone is being left out of playing. If they notice someone, I suggest one of them go and offer to play with them. If the kid says no, that’s okay. I want my boys to at least make the offer. I also require them to say “please” and “thank you,” both to me and each other. Those words show baseline respect in my opinion, and I want my kids to have that ingrained in their “mental manners” handbook.

To reinforce positivity, I also commit to not rewarding any bad behavior from my children. Having attitudes or tantrums and making general decisions not to be nice to anyone are punishable offenses in the Breegan Jane home. Right is right, and wrong is wrong. That’s one of my primary parenting tenets.

Kindness From Their Perspective

It’s one thing for me to work with my boys on being nice, but I also want them to work out those values between themselves. And they do—most times. One way this happens is through sharing. For instance, they now know they can only take toys and play with them in public if they offer to share them with other kids. Public spaces aren’t our home. However, they know the morals we have at home apply everywhere. I can tell they’ve caught on. I’ve seen them offer pool floats to other kids while they shared one between themselves. It made my heart leap inside. 

Exposing my boys to animals has also helped them become more kind. They recently learned how to ride horses, and that’s helped them learn how to treat living beings well as a whole. It’s been a great way to show them how to value all lives. Now, Kingsley catches spiders around the house, but he doesn’t squash them. Instead, he takes them outside and sets them free. I see that translate to people when we ride through our city. My boys always want to get clothing or blankets for the people around town without homes. We don’t call them “homeless” in our family. They are people who do not have houses. This language doesn’t devalue people because of their circumstances. We help when and how we can, but I love the care and concern they now have for others. These are the roots of kindness I want to grow in my kids’ hearts.

Parental Advice

In an ideal world, raising kids to be kind would be at the top of every parent’s agenda. Unfortunately, it’s not. For those parents who do value this belief, know that it’s not difficult to do. The first step is talking with your children about how they show kindness, or what they can do more to show it to others. Watch how your children react to others when kindness is being shown and not shown. Processing actions, even with other kids, can go a long way in teaching your kids what to do to be respectful of others. It can also alleviate negative interactions in the moment for everyone involved. 

It’s also important to navigate with your children what to do when other people aren’t kind to them. My boys now know how to return kindness for meanness. However, they also know not to play victim to negative interactions, and to make people speak for themselves if others try to hurt them. They appreciate learning how to empower themselves. 

Kindness makes our hearts feel good. It helps us regulate our emotions, and it fosters better interactions in our relationships. We should all want these positives in our lives. I know from experience that our children will be better kids—and adults, as they age—when they prioritize kindness. Raising our kids to be kind will only create a better society for their futures. I see absolutely no downsides to that—and that should make our hearts feel good, too.

My Smart Home with Amazon Devices!

Are you a homebody? I never thought I was, but the last 12 months changed that in a major way. My house became headquarters for every single part of my life! Now that spring has sprung, I’m incredibly eager to breathe new life into my space. With my busy (and sometimes chaotic) schedule, I’m starting by getting organized. #sponsored I need all the help I can get these days, and first on my list was updating my smart home with some of my absolute favorite Amazon and Ring devices! I cannot tell you how much easier they have made my life. Who am I kidding? Of course I can! I’m enjoying my freshly reinvigorated space in ways I never have before, and I cannot wait to share with you how you can do the same!

The Efficient Essentials

I’m a mom of two young boys, and I don’t have to tell any parents what that means in terms of their energy! To say they keep me on my toes would be an understatement. I’m also a television personality who travels a lot for work. If that isn’t enough, I’m an interior designer! Life feels pretty nonstop around here on a daily basis; keeping up with everything on my to-do list is challenging. I now depend on my new Echo Show 10 to do almost everything – including making virtual to-do lists and making everyday tasks easier with connected devices! It has a built-in smart home hub, and with a three-level home, this has been so beneficial. I regularly use it to do video calls to my design team. It’s so great that I can easily talk to them about the changes I need to make on a client’s project or make an order, hands-free.

With devices in multiple rooms, I’m able to use the intercom feature to be able to give simple reminders to my kids when they need to brush their teeth and get dressed. I can ask it to show me my meetings for the day, what the weather will be for our family bike ride that afternoon, or even to cue up my favorite song to get my day started. The Echo Show 10 can do it all, and this mama needs and appreciates that!

Worry-free While I’m Away

Designing allows me to express my creativity and infuse my world with beauty. It also requires me to sometimes spend extended periods of time away from my family and home. Safety is on the top of my list, and the new Ring Video Doorbell Wired definitely gives me peace of mind when I can’t be there to make sure things are secure. I use the Ring app to see every person that comes to my door. I can even speak to them from the convenience of my couch and with Fire TV can simply ask “Alexa, show me the front door” to see! This definitely comes in handy. I’m a bit of an Amazon shopping fanatic (I mean they have everything!), and I receive a ton of packages each week. I no longer wonder if something got delivered because I get a notification for its arrival. A bonus? I can even watch it being placed at my door thanks to Ring.

For ultimate peace of mind when I’m away, I enabled  Alexa Guard Plus so now I have hands-free access to an emergency hotline. I can even deter intruders away with different light and noise settings. With Alexa Guard Plus, Alexa can detect sounds like breaking glass, smoke and Co2 alarms, and even footsteps when I’m away, and then send me a notification. If you’re interested in this, all you have to do is open the Alexa app, subscribe to Alexa Guard Plus, and be a bit more relaxed when you leave the house. 

Connectivity Champion

With spring comes the warmer temperatures that I crave! The start of the new season always signals a chance to review and renew the energy-saving devices in my house. Well, my smart home just got another upgrade with the ecobee SmartThermostat. With Alexa Routines, my ecobee thermostat will adjust the temperature when I’m home, away, and on my way home. It’s also extremely sleek, which is important to me as a designer who spends a great deal of time styling my home. The hot weather means more beach time for the kids and me. Now I adjust my thermostat from the app so the house isn’t too cold when we get back in from our surfing lessons in wetsuits. It’s multitasking heaven!

Speaking of surfing, nothing is more frustrating than surfing the web, only to lose your connection a million times. I’m blessed to have a spacious home that allows several activities to occur at once. Between virtual learning, team meetings, live recordings and streaming, we’re an internet-active bunch! I am really enjoying having the eero 6 Dual-Band mesh Wi-Fi Router. 

Timely Tips and Tricks

Be honest: when was the last time you refreshed your space and customized it for your life and daily tasks? Amazon’s smart home devices increased my productivity and helped me reduce extra steps in my day that consume valuable time. If you’re like me, you likely have reminders scribbled about on notepads or scattered in your phone. Declutter your home and your mind, and let the Echo Show 10 keep track of all your lists and tasks – and streamline simple household tasks. I ask Alexa everything from what’s on my shopping list to helping me remember a friend’s birthday. Voila! No more scraps of paper littering my countertops!

But I’m not stopping at the way my space looks. It needs to feel nice also. Does the thought of entering your home office fill you with dread? Change that by intentionally setting the tone and mood! If you know me, you know music plays a huge role in my life. I set up my own Monday work vibe routine for my office – where every Monday, Alexa automatically starts to play my Monday Motivation playlist and adjusts my smart lights to a bright white for best productivity to kick off each week. Consider rejuvenating your space with new art on the walls, Routines, and music that inspires you.

Endless Options

My kids spend a significant amount of time in their workspaces for virtual learning. It can be tough to make “home” feel special when we’re in it almost 24 hours a day. One of my tips is to create a special space that you can decorate together with your family, and designate it as your movie night area. We made our living room extra cozy with beautiful pillows and throws. When it’s time to check out a movie with our Fire TV Stick, I simply say, “Alexa it’s movie night!” With the routine I created, Alexa sets the mood and tells my boys to come to our movie night area for much-needed family time. I love that with 500,000+ movies and TV episodes there is something for everyone no matter who gets to choose what we watch that evening. That’s a big plus with two kids with different interests.

We’re all balancing multiple aspects of life all at once these days. Spring is the perfect time to reorganize and revitalize! Amazon has everything we need to help us increase our productivity, enrich our entertainment and protect the ones we love most. Now, our smart homes can do the work so we can spend more time living, and less time stressing! To learn more on how to refresh your home with all of the cool Ring and Amazon Devices today, click here!

 

You Need Custom Artwork and CoCo Gallery Has It!

How many times have you set out on a search for artwork that would complement your space, only to grow more and more frustrated by the lack of available options? I often hear from clients that, while they love the space they have, the struggle to find decorative pieces to adorn their walls is more than a little off-putting. The process of finding art, let alone custom artwork, can be intimidating for so many people. I’m excited to share with you a service that I discovered that will put an end to all your artwork woes! 

Choosing Carefully

Interior design at its core is about giving a space shape in a way that allows its owner and those who will dwell there to thrive. The elements that contribute to that success are numerous. Think about it. The right materials for your countertops grant you the freedom to enjoy food and drink worry-free. The right furniture and placement mean you can relax, work and entertain with ease. Every single thing you do to your space impacts the way you engage with it. This is why you should always carefully consider the artwork you select.

Art has the power to awaken feelings within a person. It can summon memories or inspire creativity. It can bring serenity or become an energizing agent. Artwork speaks to the senses in ways almost nothing else can, and it partners with the other components of design in a sort of symbiotic relationship that cannot be overstated. With a role that significant, haphazardly choosing low-quality, mass-produced art pieces is simply a fate we cannot allow our spaces to suffer. CoCo Gallery agrees, and they’re doing something about it!

Who is CoCo Gallery?

Vani Krishnamurthy is the founder and CEO of CoCo Gallery. She saw the distance between the consumer and artist and decided to become the bridge that would effectively link the two. CoCo Gallery believes they have identified a few main reasons people don’t buy original art. Exorbitant price tags along with a lack of personalized art that is tailored to the spaces consumers are seeking to fill are among them. CoCo Gallery is holding the only online space where a service connects individuals to fine artists all over the globe!

With CoCo, a consultant will talk to you to uncover exactly what you’re after for your space. You can give details like where the art will live, how big the space is, and what your vision for the commission looks like. Your consultant will suggest colors, art styles and dimensions all within your budget within 48 hours. They will provide a portfolio of artists for your consideration or even recommend one that would be best. No stone is left unturned!

Smooth Operation

The next steps are probably my favorites because they are where you begin to see the magic happen! The artist will present sketches, and you will provide feedback until you are content and pleased with your commissioned piece. The last step involves shipment, framing and installation! You can choose to have your artwork rolled, stretched, framed or presented via white glove delivery. CoCo Gallery really has thought of everything!

A CoCo artist, Stephen B., completed a stunning acrylic on canvas portrait of my sons. I saw the progress of the piece along the way, but my jaw dropped when I saw the final product. I couldn’t have imagined how incredible it would turn out! Every mom deserves to have a piece like this to mark a precious moment in time. CoCo Gallery has made custom pieces like this possible, and the process is approachable and budget-friendly.

My job as a designer relies heavily on collaboration. It takes a team of people and vendors to bring a project from inception to conclusion. Perhaps that’s why Vani Krisnamurthy’s idea to close the gap between artists and consumers spoke to me so. CoCo understands that each piece of this artistic puzzle–consumer, designer and artist–working in concert with one another can mean a sustainable career for the artist, a valuable resource for designers, and inspired, gorgeous and exclusive artwork for the consumer. I smile each time I look at my portrait. That’s the kind of feeling every space deserves to have. 

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Maximize Seating in Any Home!

What comes to mind when someone says, “think outside the box?” For me, it means to challenge unconventional ways of thinking as they relate to anything and everything! Because we’ve all been forced to live our lives in ways we have never experienced before (largely consisting of staying inside our homes for months on end), it isn’t hard to understand why many people are beginning to feel a bit cramped in their own homes. I’m hearing funny but honest tales of moms, once delighted to snuggle nonstop with their kiddos, now feeling like everyone in the house is on top of one another. While not everyone is able to make massive structural modifications to their homes right now, there are a few simple things that can maximize seating in your home and make life a bit more comfortable. Whether you’re in a three-level sprawling house or a one-bedroom apartment, I have a few tips and tricks to consider!

Take Advantage of the Square Footage

So, you bought the house of your dreams, or perhaps you moved into an apartment. Maybe you’ve been in your home for several years. Either way, we all have to tackle furniture placement and utilization at some point. People often shop for the pieces that catch their eye instead of ones that best suit the dimensions of the space. That beautiful, tufted couch in the ideal shade you’re obsessed with? It won’t be nearly as stunning in your home if it crowds the room in an unappealing way. Attempting to fit a couch, loveseat and accent chair in a smaller space won’t give you more room, it will dwarf it.

Instead, take advantage of every square foot of your space. But, do it in an effective manner. Opt for a sectional that can seat many people or can be configured in several ways. This will give you additional options to tailor the seating.

Toss the Typical 

We’re not going to be in a pandemic forever. Real life will blossom again. For now, those who have multigenerational families may find a need for more seating than the average household.

Rethink and redefine your furniture uses. You don’t actually have to have dedicated desks for the kids if your space doesn’t allow for it. Kids can sit at the bar with notebooks and supplies to complete homework, and they can easily enjoy a snack while they’re at it! A chair-and-a-half might seat one adult, but siblings can snuggle up in it together perfectly for movie night. When it comes to seating, comfort is KING! Don’t forsake the use of fluffy, oversized floor cushions or ottomans when you need to maximize your seating. The choices are endless.

Clever Ways to Maximize Your Seating

I find that there are usually more seating solutions than one would expect in almost any space. If your family’s home needs to conveniently seat several, consider options like a kitchen banquette instead of standard chairs, or a mixture of chairs on one side of your dining room table and a bench on the other. We’ve been hunkered down inside for so long that we’re all looking for ways to make our homes the refuge we need. Cozy nooks hidden away under staircases and bay window reading nooks definitely add a dash of comfort in unexpected ways. Sometimes I bring some of my outside chairs inside while entertaining (pre-COVID, of course). This is particularly advantageous when they feature performance fabric like Sunbrella that can be easily wiped off and cleaned.

If your family is in need of more space to spread out during this extended home stay, you’re not alone. As a designer, I’m no stranger to construction. However, if knocking down walls and restructuring your home isn’t on the immediate to-do list, I want to remind you that you have other options. Try some of these suggestions out to maximize your space for a happier home!

Ibiza: Travel-Inspired Interior Design

Like many, last year’s unexpected and tragic circumstances (do I really need to name it?) left me feeling quite introspective. Having some of your favorite leisure activities taken from you can have that kind of effect, you know? I spent a significant amount of time thinking about the things we all often take for granted. One of the great loves of my life is traveling. I’ve been blessed to have seen so many different parts of the world. While I’m not currently traveling recreationally, I think back on my beloved locales frequently. It’s easy to reflect on these beautiful places because I see travel-inspired design all around me. I guess art mimics life in more ways than we realize! I’ll share with you a few ways one particular place has left an indelible mark on my heart (and my décor) in today’s blog.

My Favorite Place on Earth

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. If I ever leave the state of California that I love so much, it will be to go to my favorite place on the planet: Ibiza. The Spanish island is known for its stunning beaches, of which there are over 50! It’s also known for the impressive nightlife. When I think of Ibiza, the first thing that comes to mind is the 100-plus miles of coastline and all the ways the color white seems to dominate the area. From the hotel décor to the architecture, the pristine neutral reigns supreme.

As I look at the modern, approachable luxury that permeates my signature design style, I see so many influences of this coastal paradise. I’ve always been a fan of the serenity that a crisp white palette can bring to a space. White bed linens, white shag rugs and white stone are just a few of my choices for design that feel elegant and refined. Ibiza has certainly mastered the art of “relaxed but upscale.” I guess you could say I’ve taken notes!

Tales of Teal

Teal. Let’s talk about it. If you haven’t heard already, I do indeed have a love affair with this oceanic hue, and I am not ashamed! I’m certain this adoration originated from growing up on the beach. But if California started it, Ibiza only deepened my love. You see, on the shores of California, the sea water is a deep blue. It’s almost a navy blue that you feel like you could get lost in, like a ship out at sea. There is a definite feeling of how expansive the sea is when you look out at that dark color, and it can evoke a sense of isolation for me. 

Ibiza’s ocean varies greatly from ours, though. I liken the color to that of a mermaid’s tail! It’s magical. In Ibiza, the ocean is a vibrant teal that, at its deepest, has a piercing quality. There’s nothing quite like seeing the sun rays bounce off the water with your own two eyes. I have always drawn inspiration from the ocean because of these experiences and my emotional connection to them.

Ibiza: Travel-Inspired Interior Design

Color plays a crucial role in the way a person will interact with a space. Often, the effect is blatant. A bright yellow might feel decidedly cheerful, for instance. It isn’t a coincidence that we use the color red to signal danger or temperature level. Color has the power to activate responses in our bodies, and because of that, it remains a powerful tool in interior design. 

I talk to my clients about being conscious of the way colors make them feel. If you’re choosing a paint color, think about the impact it has on you. Does a dark navy make you feel disconnected or as if you’re lost at sea? If so, I’d advise selecting a different shade. For me, teal reminds me of the Ibiza ocean and culture. It feels warm and inviting. Teal makes me feel like frolicking in the sunshine. My positive association with the color makes it ideal for enhancing décor in a space.

I love traveling for several reasons. One of the best is the way it encourages me to see the world through a new lens. No matter where I go, I always seem to bring a bit of that place back with me through my travel-inspired design. It’s the ultimate parting gift of each trip!

 

Building Confidence: Being My Own Biggest Cheerleader

I’ve been asked on several occasions what I consider to be my biggest personal strengths. I could name several things. However, one trait that sits at the top of my list is confidence. I haven’t always possessed it, but through life circumstances and other influences throughout the years, I’ve learned how to become my own biggest cheerleader. You can (and should), too!

Confidence Through Creativity

Being creative has definitely helped boost my personal and professional confidence. That started at a very early age for me, and it honestly began with my mother. She is truly one of my biggest influences. I’m so grateful to have had a mom who always sparked artistry in our home. Not only did she encourage it in me, but she oftentimes REQUIRED it of me!

I remember once asking my mom if I could wear high heels to school. It didn’t matter to me that I was in sixth grade, but I guess it mattered to her. She responded with a curt, flat and defiant “absolutely not!” But being the precocious child that I was, I asked if I could make my own.

“If you can make them and walk on them, you can wear them,” she replied. That was all I needed.

Did I know how to make high-heels? Not at all. However, I did want to prove that I could (and WOULD) make my heels and don them for all of my classmates to see. I searched my home until I gathered all I needed to create my shoes. Next, I found some wood blocks and dowels that I figured could function as the actual “heels” to attach to a pair of my existing shoes. I used a hammer to assemble everything, and I secured my design with duct tape for stability. The pièce de résistance for my fabulous footwear? I covered the final presentation in leopard print fabric, because style! My first signature shoes were created – all because Mom challenged me to do something creative.

I don’t remember how sturdy my heels actually were. I do remember feeling really good about myself when I finished creating, and thinking I could accomplish anything I set my mind to do. That’s a sentiment I have believed ever since.

Confidence Through Individuality

Mom’s push wasn’t the only thing that helped me boost self-confidence. Being “different” pushed my parents to help me build confidence in myself. I say “different” for many reasons. First, I was a biracial child who was transracially adopted. I grew up a brown girl with white parents. I had wiry, curly hair and a novel name with Irish roots. Yes, I stood out. Now, my parents faithfully embraced my individuality and uniqueness growing up with endless love and affection. They couldn’t, however, force others to do the same.

Nevertheless, my mom and dad encouraged me daily, it seems, to celebrate being unique instead of vying to fit in with my peers. Without fail they let me know I was a beautiful flower, and that I was worthy of respect from everyone. Even when I struggled in school because of dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder, my parents never demonized my challenges. They helped me embrace the fact that I was intelligent, even though I learned differently from others. With the right support systems, I thrived and began to believe in myself more. These experiences taught me not to villainize internal or external parts of me that were different. Rather, I learned to make them stepping stones to my various successes throughout my teenage and adult years.

 Finding Your Confidence

These are just a couple of paths that I traveled on my journey to building confidence. The key tenets I hope you gain from my experiences are simple. First, know that your differences are your assets. Cherish them, nurture them, and believe in them. From there, know that you can take any situation or circumstance and create your own narrative.

We all have a purpose in this life. If someone else was meant to live your story, you’d be relegated to another character. Be you. Be the truest version of you. Someone a little further behind you is hoping to walk a little taller because of the trail you’ve blazed. Go confidently toward all life has for you. The world needs that little something special you and I both have to offer. Ready? Of course you are. See you on the way up!

Supporting Our Friends Unconditionally

Here’s how the Cambridge Dictionary defines “support”: to agree with and give encouragement to someone or something because you want him, her, or it to succeed. Have you ever considered how YOU define the word?  We all would like to think of ourselves as supportive people, especially where our friends are concerned. But are we truly supporting our friends without qualification?

Whether it be our family structures, level of education or socio-economic status, our needs will contrast from one household to the next. Sometimes, support looks like extending a loving ear, shoulder or hand, even when our friends choose to handle situations dissimilarly from the way we would. That’s often easier said than done.

Strength, Solace and Security

Do we even need to talk about the wild ride that was 2020? I think not. But if you’re like me, you didn’t need a worldwide pandemic to have a full and active life. I’m a single mom of two young children, a TV personality and full time interior designer and entrepreneur. That doesn’t even begin to include my personal life or philanthropic efforts. Needless to say, I’m BUSY. At the helm of a successful business, I quickly learned the power of (and need for) delegation. I simply cannot do it all, all of the time. This is why support from my family, friends and professional team is so key.

I put people in place whom I trust to be capable and competent in their respective fields of expertise to aid in areas where I need it most. It allows me to be a better mom, a better boss and a better friend. When we give our support to our friends, we’re essentially saying to them, “I see you, I love you, and I am here for you.” If our friends are choosing to handle a circumstance in a manner we aren’t accustomed to (albeit responsibly), our job is not to judge. It’s to simply support. Those three “I” statements above? They mean the world to all of us when we need them most.

A Particular Perspective

Because of my particular career trajectory, my lifestyle may not always look like other moms, women or people that some might compare me to. However, that’s not the only reason why my life and choices might stand out as unique. I’m a biracial woman who was transracially adopted and lives in one of the most diverse states in the United States. I spend a great deal of my work life doing media appearances, and I’ve been working since I was a toddler.

All of these factors contribute to the perspective with which I approach life. Your set of factors will vary from mine, and the next person’s from yours. Supporting our friends means remembering that the way we live our lives is largely impacted by our innate and environmental circumstances.

Different Doesn’t mean Detrimental

Fun fact: I don’t cook. It just isn’t my thing. I do, however, enjoy a delicious meal. that said, I have great respect for all the people who are masterful in the kitchen, as well as the love that can be shared through the art of cooking. Designing residential kitchens and commercial ones is one thing; I just don’t cook in them! My family’s diet and health are important to me, so I use meal prep and meal delivery services often. To someone who loves cooking, that may seem odd, but it works for my family, and that’s what matters to me.

I choose to supplement my sons’ traditional learning with alternative methods in order to accommodate their needs and my unorthodox schedule. I have friends who have chosen to adhere to a strict “computer-at-a-desk” learning style. Both are equally fine, and effective. I have had countless conversations with friends and colleagues about traveling with my kids. It’s always funny to watch their mouths drop open when I share with them that I’ve successfully traveled as far as Spain with my (at the time) very young children. So many people say that they wouldn’t dare take a child that far or to a location most associate with relaxation and fun. Ibiza is one of my favorite locales in the world, and I love that my boys have an opportunity to have those experiences alongside their mother.

Again, my choices might differ from yours, but different doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Supporting our friends means leaving the judgment and often the unsolicited advice at the door. We’re all making decisions that will make our lives better, and isn’t that the goal after all?

Understanding is an Understatement

Now that we’ve acknowledged that we often unintentionally pass judgment on those who live and choose differently than we do, how do we change that in order to be a true support? First, we need to examine our own biases. So much of what we find and believe to be “acceptable” is based on how we grew up. I was taught about money from a young age. My parents instilled in me the value of it, the requirement to work hard for it, and the responsibility of handling it wisely. As a result, I work hard, and sometimes I treat myself and my family to simple luxuries that may feel grand to someone who isn’t familiar with my backstory.

If you have a connection to your faith that governs what roles look like in a marriage, someone more liberal might have values that completely clash with yours. Our friends are still friends even if they don’t react to situations the same as we do. Our choices don’t make us better or worse, they make us…authentic. That shouldn’t be shunned. It should be celebrated.

People say that children don’t come into the world with an instruction manual. Well, life doesn’t give us one for adult affairs either. We need our friends. We need their support and love now more than ever before. When the going gets tough, I might choose to hunker down, and you might choose to flee. However, we both want the same thing: comfort, safety, compassion and understanding. Unconditional love means supporting our friends whether we can empathize with exactly what they’re enduring or not. I’m hoping we can all do that from a place of tenderness and grace as we tackle life’s ups and downs.

Join me, won’t you?

Essential Learning Beyond the Classroom

I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say the events of 2020 shifted roles and responsibilities for most everyone. Many businesses pivoted to accommodate new social needs and trends, and many parents had to do the same! Almost instantaneously moms and dads everywhere had to take much more direct roles in their kids’ academic experiences. I was one of those parents. As a single mom, though, I had to make some necessary choices when it came to what my kids learned. The unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic forced me to incorporate more of what I consider essential learning beyond of the classroom. I wholeheartedly believe my boys are much better for it.

LAUSD and Me

Dealing with life mid-COVID was chaotic, to say the least. And, I can honestly say I’m not the only parent who felt so. In September of 2020, several parents sued the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The class-action lawsuit claimed that the school district offered less instructional time than other California districts. This was detrimental for so many kids because it meant less face time with teachers (as teacher hours were cut, also).

These circumstances meant students in the LAUSD were not getting an adequate amount of learning and experience each day and week. This included my boys. Ultimately, it would mean a delay in their academic trajectory, and that was not an option for me. I say that for two reasons. One, I didn’t want my kids to get behind in their studies. Secondly, less instruction time for them meant more time during my workday that would take away from my business. As the only income earner, if I don’t work, my family is directly impacted. While I was not one of the parents involved in the LAUSD lawsuit, I did empathize with their thoughts and circumstances. So I decided to do something to positively impact my boys’ learning.

My Personal Education Strategy

I never considered (and would never consider) taking my kids out of traditional education completely. However, I did decide to supplement their education my own way. I simply needed to incorporate a system of learning that better facilitated my work schedule and time the boys could be engaged with their studies. When “virtual school” had technical issues and I had meetings to take, I had to make executive decisions regarding the best essential learning for my kids. I had no nanny and no one to help. What did I do? Well, I did what I always do when there’s no way: I made one.

I took my kids’ education into my own hands. I hired a private teacher to facilitate lessons with my kids. She was knowledgeable about their individual courses of study, and she gave them appropriate homework activities to give them independent practice on lessons. Hiring a private tutor gave me peace of mind that they were keeping pace with their grade-level peers. I also invested in Little Passports subscriptions for the boys, which they loved (and so did I)! We enjoyed as a family puzzles and activities that taught them so much about different world cultures, geography, the arts and a ton of other subjects. My boys and I look forward to  Little Passports family time together to this day!

I also did my own research online to find STEM-related activities that would further engage my kids. I learned SO MUCH about my boys with these activities, especially when we created our own crystals. They LOVED that! It made it easy to talk about geodes and rock formations. From magnets and robots to building with K’Nex toys, I felt good about these mini projects and how they enriched my boys’ learning experience. The best part? We could do them whenever it was convenient for us! This is so important to me as a single parent taking care of my family.

Physical and Mental Learning

Because I want to raise boys who are holistically balanced, the mom in me made a decision not to only focus on academics. It was important to me to find ways to use (and expend) the crazy amount of energy they had every day. They’re my little wiggly bears, after all. Teaching them to surf was a great way for our LA family to mesh fun with physical activity. Through surfing, I incorporated learning about the ocean, waves and an appreciation of nature. The boys also learned about how to control their muscles to master their bodies on the boards and in the water. Surfing helps build patience and confidence, traits that are essential learning skills in and beyond the traditional classroom.

Another strategy I used was introducing my boys to board games that would enhance their awareness of world cultures. They really enjoyed learning Mahjong, a game derived from Chinese culture. I showed them books and watched videos before we began, and they caught on quickly. The boys loved learning the characters and figuring out various ways to win. They also enjoyed learning chess, though that took a little longer to fully grasp. Incorporating board games helped me teach my boys good sportsmanship. Because I’m not a parent who believes in participation trophies, I want them to learn to be humble winners and gracious losers. This type of character development is as important to me as anything that comes out of a textbook.

The Lesson for Parents

I learned a great deal last year regarding myself and how I feel about my kids’ education. For us, traditional, in-classroom learning will likely always be a part of my kids’ education in some way. However, the amount may vary depending on the world around us and our specific lifestyle. One thing is for sure; I will always supplement essential learning with beyond-the-classroom activities.

And you should consider doing the same, parents. There’s no one “right” way to facilitate and oversee what and how your kids learn. Make decisions based on your child’s needs, and allow other parents to do the same. No, we won’t all do the same thing, but we all need to have and show compassion and empathy for each other’s decisions regarding our kids’ needs. We’re all responsible for preparing our kids for the brightest futures they can have. As long as that remains the priority, we will continue to ensure all that we teach our children is essential learning.