Breegan Jane, Author at Breegan Jane

Empowerment: How I Chose to Deal with Adversity

Every person has to learn to deal with adversity on occasion. It’s a part of life, and it’s definitely a possibility of any serious business interactions. As a single mother trying to make a name for herself in the entrepreneurial space, I dealt with opposition on several fronts. Nevertheless, I made a choice to fight through the negativity and find an inner strength to overcome it all. Here are some of the messages I battled, and how I pushed through to personal success.

“You Can’t As A Single Mother”

For so long I dealt with the silent stigma of being “less than” as a single mother. It was as if I would not be able to do as much as a married mother could. Many times it seemed fruitless that I never intended to be a single mother, but more than that I was somehow seen as less able to raise my sons without a partner. I QUICKLY dismissed that notion from my mind. I refused to “survive” as a single mother. Rather, I chose to thrive as a whole person, mother and entrepreneur.

How did I deal with adversity on this level? First, I chose to dismiss the negative voices. Others’ perceptions and opinions about who I am and what I could do didn’t determine anything regarding what kind of provider I could be to my sons. I chose to empower myself and be my own biggest cheerleader. I then found a community of women and professionals who believed in me and supported me as I supported them. The end result? Well, I’d say it’s going well so far, and the story is still being written.

“You Can’t Do It All”

I’ve always been a person of many passions and interests, both personally and professionally. Being a mother was important to me. So was philanthropy, interior design, television and media, and so much more. I wanted to be involved in them all, but I was told so many times that I wouldn’t be successful in more than one of them. In essence, I was told to focus on one thing and work on being good at that.

I didn’t listen to those voices. My passions ranged far and wide, and I chose not to suffocate any of them. Looking at my life, everyone can see the strides I’ve made in all of those areas. Has it been easy? Absolutely not. But I’ve realized when you’re called to do great things, you accept the reality that it takes hard work and sacrifice to make things happen. I continue to do the work, and I’m happy to say I’ve been able to prove the naysayers wrong.

“You Can’t End FGM”

If you’re reading this blog, chances are you know about my collaborative work with World Vision and our collective mission to end female genital mutilation (FGM) for good. Though the trajectory of this venture is going well, my involvement wasn’t always received well by people who knew me. When I told people I had a heart for the girls and women of Kenya, that I felt they had a God-given right to live and be wage-earners and leaders in their communities, some responded with skepticism.

Breegan, how are you going to end a cultural norm that’s existed in that region for decades?? How are you going to change the minds of elders and people in that community? What makes you think you have the power to do all those things?

Had I listened, I wouldn’t have traveled to Kenya multiple times to forge relationships with women and girls there and work on the ground and behind the scenes to transform their lives. And, I wouldn’t have a school for girls in Kenya supporting their academic endeavors bearing my name. Again, I didn’t listen to the naysayers. I donated my own money and time, made the connections and continued to chip away at a cause that continues to be near and dear to my heart. The effort has made a huge difference, and that means the world to me.

You Can’t Give In to the Can’ts!

There will be people who say what you want to do is impossible. Most of the time those will be people who either tried and failed, or didn’t try for fear of failing. They’re not you, and they don’t have the market cornered on what can be achieved. If there’s no blueprint for what you want to do, someone will have to be the first. It may as well be you! And yes, if it’s not been done before, you might stumble on the way to success. That’s completely fine. I dare you to find someone who hiked Mount Everest without a misstep or two. What matters is reaching the top. Getting to the goal. That’s all.

Everything I attempt, I do for my sons. I want them to see what can happen when you persevere until the end. It’s important to me that I show them what a capable and strong woman looks like. But most of all, I do all I do to show the little girl inside of me she was always worthy, industrious and smart. Here’s the best part about that: if I can do it, so can you.

Modern Approaches to Accent Walls

What’s on your walls? It’s an important question, considering our walls are some of the largest surfaces in our homes. As such, they should tell a story. What that story will be is completely up to you! The great thing is there are so many different ways you can tell that story with your accent walls. Here are a few contemporary ways to achieve the look and feel you want in your interior design.

The Perfect Paint

Perhaps the most well-known, tried-and-true approach to accent walls involves painting one wall—the “accent” wall—a vibrant color that’s different from the rest of the room.

If you’re committed to a particular paint color, painting an accent wall may be just what your space needs to give it that decorative flair that may be missing. Regardless, your accent wall will draw attention to an area that may be overlooked. It will also bring attention to the rest of the decor in the space.

Why Not Wallpaper?

If you want to make a statement with your walls but you’re not sure you want to commit to paint, a funky wallpaper can be just the thing to make the difference you’re looking for. What’s neat is that wallpaper can be a culmination of graphics, textures, or even photos.

For example, in a restaurant I designed, I used an oversized print of the chef’s hands as a focal point because I wanted the guests to feel as enveloped by the space as they were captivated by the culinary delights. It was an abstract but powerful presentation that is one of my favorites to this day!

Magnificent Mirrors

I haven’t seen designers use it as often as I want, but mirrors are another great resource to use for creative accent walls. Incorporating mirrors on an accent wall is a great way to brighten up dimly lit areas or darker rooms. The dynamic reflections, especially with multiple mirrors, are a great way to create the appearance of a larger environment and add depth to the space.

Artwork Is Amazing

Collections of artwork work very well for accent walls. The great thing about using art is that each type of art is so varied and different. Hundreds of people could create accent walls with art, and none of them would be the same!

In one episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, we helped a very special refugee family connect to their homeland by creating an accent wall with Congolese masks, each representing a member of their family. It even paid homage to some of their family lost in the war in the Congo. The installation brought new meaning to what “home” would epitomize for the family, and that’s exactly what we wanted to achieve with the art-filled accent wall.

These are just a few ways you can create some modern, avant-garde accent walls throughout your home. Whether you incorporate paint, wallpaper, mirrors or art, use your walls to your advantage to convey a part of your story. Do you need some help bringing your vision to life? I’m just a click away! Let’s get together for a virtual consultation and talk through all of the amazing ideas we come up with together!

Achieving Seamless Kitchen Design

You ever notice how much people focus on kitchens in home design TV shows? Both designers and clients tend to want the big kitchen design, bold (or striking neutral) colors, expansive islands and particular cabinets. Look, I get it! I personally feel the kitchen is the heart of the home, so I understand the attention people give that space. I also get why people tend to focus on what they’ve seen on TV when it comes to their own kitchen design. The problem comes when they take various mismatched elements from several home designs that fail to come together. Here are some of my suggestions to make sure your kitchen design is seamless and cohesive with respect to its interior elements.

Coordinate Colors In Your Kitchen Design

The most prominent aspect of your kitchen design will be the colors you use throughout, so make sure they’re complementary. When it comes to color choices, I say you can never go wrong with a tuxedo kitchen. The combination of light and dark has a timeless appeal, so it will never not be in style. What’s more, black and white are perfectly complementing neutrals that easily provide visual balance in the space. As such, you’ll begin your kitchen design with a foundation of seamless coordination as you add other elements in.

If you prefer more color than black and white, by all means incorporate more color. However, I’d suggest keeping the most expensive design elements neutral. I’m specifically thinking about your countertops (especially if you use stone) and flooring. Those are expensive parts of your kitchen design that won’t get changed out as often, so avoid experimenting with color there. That can get costly and frustrating.

Strategize Accents and Decor

Next, you want to think about all of the accents in your kitchen design and decor. Those will grab people’s attention, also, for better or worse! Details matter in your overall design, so make sure they all align with the overall aesthetic. For instance, you may not have thought about the knobs and pulls on drawers and cabinets, but look at them. Do they match your faucets and lighting? If they’re matte black but your faucets are metallic, is that a cohesive look? Consistency is key, and not having that in your kitchen design is very easy to recognize.

Speaking of lighting, you should make sure your lighting fixtures complement the overall appearance. You wouldn’t want a splendidly ornate chandelier housed in a farmhouse-style kitchen. One is extremely fancy while the other is more pastoral. They don’t match. There’s one caveat to this suggestion: your personal style. If it’s your goal to infuse various design styles in your kitchen decor, what you want is the bottom line. But hopefully your vision unifies all of the elements you use in your space.

Other Kitchen Design Elements

We’ve established that both the prominent and the minute elements in your kitchen design are important to creating a seamless presentation. What else should you consider in the space? I say you should thoughtfully consider your backsplash. Is it tile or stone, and does it match the rest of the design in your space? It should. And, it should be as timeless as the rest of your decor. Avoid picking trendy materials that may clash with things you may change or switch out sooner, such as your handles, pulls, paint colors, or even your range hood. In one of my older homes I wrapped the existing hood in a gold metallic to match my brass accents. That’s how intentional I was with coordination. The final look was amazing!

There are so many other smaller accents that can help create a harmonious look in your kitchen. Designer plates for switches and outlets provide both fashion and function that can take your kitchen design to another level. Florals and greenery are tried-and-true options that easily mesh and connect decor elements, and help bring a full kitchen vision to life. No matter what you choose to do, the ultimate goal is to integrate your creative style into one consummate kitchen. If you’d like some help bringing it all together, I’d love to work with you! Contact me, and let’s create a magnificent kitchen design together!

Interior Design Tips: Make Your Room Appear Larger

Whether they’re on the hunt for a new space or attempting to update their current one, my clients often have one thing in common. They want to know how to make their space appear larger. Our homes are our safe havens. We spend so much time in them, and no one wants to feel cramped. Unless you’re up for serious renovations, you really have to get clever about making the most of your existing square footage. Luckily for you, I’ve spent a great deal of time helping others see the hidden potential in their homes and bringing out the best in them. I’m ready to share with you my interior design tips and tricks to getting a spacious abode!

Get Clever with Color

Let’s start with an easy one. Color matters, and not just in the way you might think. When people think of interior design, they usually go straight for the “pretty stuff.” They want to create mood boards filled with trendy chairs, pillows and lighting fixtures. Now, I won’t lie to you. I love all those details just as much as the next person. After all, it is what I do. But, it isn’t all that I do. My job is to ensure the choices we make together in a home will suit you and your family for years to come, and that means maximizing the usefulness of a space.

So, how do we do that with color? Well, for starters we select shades that are going to direct the eye exactly where we want it to go. Think about clothing. When people want to look slimmer, they tend to wear darker colors. Lighter hues, on the other hand, can sometimes make a person or part of a body appear bigger than it typically does. So, if we want to call attention to the expanse a room has, opting for brighter colors across the largest surfaces is the way to go! I love using stone in my designs. While it comes in a myriad of colors and patterns, white has to be my favorite for places like countertops and backsplashes. It makes a space feel airy. I love tuxedo kitchens for this reason as well. White uppers draw the eye up and make the entire room feel more open. Want your kitchen to feel sizable? One of my best interior design tips is to use white on the biggest surfaces. That includes your walls, by the way.

Fruitful Flooring

If you’ve seen my previous Venice Beach home, you probably know I’m a fan of parquet flooring. In fact, I created my own pattern and used it throughout my living area in that house. Parquet flooring is known for the stunning geometric shapes in wood flooring that truly give a room a luxurious feel. Besides the elegance of parquet flooring, I also love that it is nondirectional. Flooring might not be the first interior design element you think of when you want to make your space appear more generous, but I’m going to give you a great reason why it should!

Many of the beach homes in Venice Beach, California are narrow with several levels stacked on top of one another. Though still ample, the rooms can look quite tapered. If you were to use a more traditional hardwood flooring design where each piece is placed in a row, you almost accentuate the slender appearance of each space. That’s the opposite of the goal we’re after when we want our rooms to look airy and extensive. So, consider nondirectional flooring when it’s time for an upgrade!

Don’t Forget About Windows

When it comes to Breegan Jane signature interior design tips, “high and wide” definitely ranks highly! That’s in reference to curtains, and it’s a principle I live by! How many times have you walked into a home and remarked about how much natural light it had? Probably more than you care to count. Well, that’s because windows can make or break a space. But, if windows are the cake, then window treatments are the icing! That’s because curtains cause our eyes to focus on the height of a room, which always has a big impact on how spacious it seems. So, let’s trick the eye! Your home might not have floor-to-ceiling windows, but nothing is stopping you from hanging those curtains at the ceiling anyways. Making the rookie mistake of placing your curtain rod right above shorter windows will dwarf the space. Do yourself a favor and aim for the stars (almost, at least, lol). You’ll feel like the space instantly opened up.

The Magic of Mirrors

Listen, don’t we all wish we could begin a home remodeling project on a whim and somehow have it instantly and effortlessly finished within a few days? I’d love to be able to demolish walls anytime I want a bigger space, but living through renovation is not for the weak! Fortunately, there’s yet another (much easier) way to achieve that cavernous quality in your space. Mirrors have long been a staple for me because of their endless interior design uses! They make for gorgeous accent walls in bathrooms and living rooms.

Their reflective nature comes in handy in other ways, also. They can cause a room to literally appear to be double its size! Don’t believe me? Check out the photo below. People often expect this room to be much bigger because this oversized mirror is working overtime to do exactly that! Here’s another little secret: This is actually a mirror sort of built into the wall with a border around it! No more worries of heavy mirrors falling and hurting anyone.

You don’t have to have a mega mansion to get the spacious home you desire. Sometimes, just a few changes here and there can make all the difference! If you’re looking for help with your home, I’d love to chat with you! My interior design tips and tricks are only a virtual consultation away! Schedule one on The Expert today!

Interior Design Events Every Pro Should Attend

There are so many reasons why I love my job. Making people smile while beautifying their homes is a reward in itself. But I also like being on the cusp of innovation in my industry. I stay abreast of interior design trends in various ways, but I really get a great outlook on upcoming products and incoming styles by visiting interior design events throughout the country. Here are a few I believe every home design professional should attend at least once in their career.

High Point Market

Located in North Carolina, High Point Market, or HPMTK, happens in the town of High Point, the Furniture Capital of the World™! High Point Market happens twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. Each session brings over 160,000 people to the city. And that makes sense because there are 2,000 international exhibitors and showrooms to visit there! I call it the interior designer’s Disneyland!

This is one of the most inspirational home design events. From panels and networking socials to training and educational sessions, this Market has something for every design professional. One of the things that I love about HPMKT is their Style Spotter program. Style Spotters are interior designers chosen for their tastemaking sensibilities. I really appreciate seeing what other designers are looking at in terms of up-and-coming decor, and I’m not just saying that because I’m a former Style Spotter!

High Point Market is a trade-only event, so you know you’ll be shopping and experiencing everything with like-minded professionals. I promise your first visit won’t be your last!

KBIS

Those who’ve been following me for some time know my favorite home space to design: the kitchen! It’s the heart of the home, the place where everyone gathers to connect over a great meal or refreshing beverage. For all of the home proefssionals looking for the new and next in kitchen and bath design, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, or KBIS, should be on your list of interior design events to attend!

KBIS is the largest kitchen and bath event in North America. Anything you want regarding industry products for these spaces, you can find it here. The event boasts almost 400,000 square feet of exhibits, 80 sessions throughout the event, and over 500 vendors to visit. I’ve been able to network, connect with and represent several brands at KBIS, including Neolith, Kohler, Legrand and JennAir, to name a few. KBIS is the place to hear the voices of the kitchen and bath sectors, so check this event out!

Lightovation

Most, if not all, designers understand how the right light in a space can make or break a room’s aesthetic. One of the premiere interior design events for lighting happens every year in Dallas, Texas. Lightovation brings out the best in lighting and light fixture innovation.

Lightovation is the international lighting show at the Dallas Market Center. With over one million square feet of exhibits, there’s practically no way you couldn’t visit and see something new with each trip! From indoor and outdoor options to smart and connected lights, decorative choices and more, this is the best place to find those one-of-a-kind lighting elements. I’ve been able to pick up a host of selections for home projects. And, you’ll definitely be able to see my own lighting collection line with Savoy at Lightovation soon! Don’t miss it!

These are just a few amazing interior design events I’ve attended and sincerely enjoyed. I want to hear from other interior professionals, though: what showcases would YOU recommend? Have you been to any of these events? What were your thoughts? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Luxe Home Design in the Details

I always have a great time hosting HGTV Dream Home with Brian Patrick Flynn. The homes are impeccably designed, and it’s not hard to see why so many enter to win them each year! If you’re here, I’m assuming you share a love for all things interior design, and you probably also enjoy home shows. It’s fun to see what people look for in homes they’re wanting to buy, remodel or even flip. Though everyone wants different things, I’ve yet to see or meet anyone who doesn’t appreciate a little luxury infused in their home design. If you’re someone who believes achieving that might be outside of your budget and reach, I definitely have the tips you need! They might just surprise you. Keep reading.

Redefining Luxury in Home Design

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone says luxury as it relates to a home? Is it the size of the property? Maybe it’s the amount of money someone paid for it? Is it incredibly expensive decor like marble staircases, rare million dollar artwork and diamond-encrusted fireplace mantels? Okay, that last one is clearly an exaggeration. However, the concept of “luxury” has somehow come to mean “unattainable” over the years. That’s always been disheartening for me, since I believe luxury should be and can be accessible for anyone who desires it. In fact, it has a lot to do with why I describe my interior design style as modern approachable luxury!

The Oxford Dictionary defines luxury as, “the state of great comfort and extravagant living.” I love this definition because it focuses on the core of what I believe luxury truly is. Ultimate comfort that delights the senses is what I’m after when I infuse a space with luxury. So, whether that’s beautiful art, or cushy furniture or even stunning stone, it all falls under the category of luxury. Notice that none of that has to do with how big or small a space is, or how much someone spent on a purchase. Luxury can mean various things to different people, and I want to lean into that for every client I work alongside.

Design With Details In Mind

Perhaps the biggest part of luxurious home design that sticks out to me is the thing about interior design I love most. Customization! Don’t get me wrong. Having a nice home that allows you to feel safe is a wonderful thing. It’s something I believe should be a right for everyone. In fact, my work with Habitat for Humanity is based on that belief. However, when we bring luxury into the conversation, we take home design to the next level. A significant part of making a home feel extra posh has nothing to do with spending absurd amounts of cash. It’s much more subtle than that. The little extra details are what bring a space to life. Finding ways to make your home one-of-a-kind gives it a luxurious feel. So, what does that look like, exactly?

Let’s say you didn’t have the budget for the high-end dresser that you really wanted when you were furnishing your home. That’s totally understandable. Consider swapping out the hardware for something that feels deluxe and fancy. Now what catches that eye is that amazing dresser that feels custom, because it is! I love using wall plates for this reason. If I spend a lot of time perfecting the color of my paint, or selecting the wallpaper, I never want to leave those typical, run-of-the-mill beige wall plates! I go to companies like Legrand, because not only can I choose the color and finish I want, I can even design custom plates that perfectly accent the rest of the room!

Artistic Additions

Have you ever walked into a luxury store, an upscale home interiors store or even a special event venue and instantly noticed how opulent things felt? Often, these spaces have invested in design particulars like crown molding or wainscoting that were intended to give the space an air of sophistication. So, let’s take a nod from these environments and see how they can be applied to home design! I love wainscoting in a space when I want to call attention to a wall and give it dimension.

Wainscoting is a fancy way of describing wood paneling on a wall that feels decorative. It can make a room feel expensive, but it doesn’t have to be pricey to install. I have even seen brave DIYers do it themselves! I played with elaborate paneling in a Beverly Hill jewelry store I designed, echoing the wall detail with the jewelry case design. It was glorious! These design choices work just as effectively in homes. These are the types of elements in a home that make it feel special. The best part is that they don’t have to break the bank!

Scale and Expanse

If you know me, you likely know how much I love a good staycation. I’ll welcome any chance for a beautiful getaway, but I especially love it when we choose a luxury hotel for our temporary stay. I always feel so inspired when I’m checking out the design of these spaces. If you’re wanting to fill your home with splendid features, you can definitely find inspiration, too!

One of the first things I always tell my clients is to take note of the scale and layout of a space. When you walk into a hotel, you are usually greeted by an entryway table and huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Breegan, what if I don’t have two story windows in my home? That’s okay! Simply hang your curtains at the ceiling instead of right at the window. This will make your ceilings appear taller and the room larger. It’s an old trick I’ve been using for years. The next thing is, select furniture that fits the space. Luxe rooms do this masterfully. You might love that chesterfield sofa, but if you’ve put it in a room too small for its dimensions, you not only dwarf the space, you cheapen the look.

Impactful Decor Never Clutters

This next one can be tough to do for home decor enthusiasts. I know we all want to find amazing pieces to put in our homes that tell the story of who we are and what we love. I applaud that. In fact, I love the idea of personalizing your decor. But, too much of the wrong kind or wrong size can end up having the opposite effect. Aim to keep your spaces open and free of excessive knick knacks and tchotchkes. Instead, find a few larger items that will catch the eye and lend visual value to your home. Of course, this is subjective. Not everyone will agree with that sentiment, and that’s okay. However, capitalizing on the spacious quality of your rooms is always worthwhile.

These are just a few of the things you can do to produce a luxurious look and feel in your home. They’re easy changes that bring great results! If you’re interested in trying any of these or other ideas out in your space, feel free to contact me on The Expert for a virtual consultation! We can talk it out and get you started with a plan and shopping list today!

The Perfect Job: Work vs Passion

They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. I’m not really sure who “they” are; Google says it’s either Confucius or Mark Twain. But “they” also say you should never make your passion your profession. Doing so could make something you love ultimately turn into a chore or burden. So, which saying leans more toward the perfect job? I think they’re both partly true. However, I honestly think there’s a middle ground between them both that can lead you to the best career for you. At least, it did for me.

What The Perfect Job Is NOT

The first thing anyone searching for that utopian career or professional position needs to realize is this: no job is without its flaws. Even if the most amazing career opportunity paying an obnoxious amount of money fell into your lap, there would undoubtedly be challenges that come with it. I would be willing to bet that is the case in any industry, no matter where you work or what you do.

I make those statements from experience. But let me be clear: I absolutely LOVE what I do. Being an interior designer encompasses so many things I’m passionate about. Nevertheless, that passion can definitely feel like “work”, and also come with some headaches. For example, in the past several years I, like many other interior and home design professionals have dealt with significant supply chain issues that were completely out of my control. And, because home design is such a collaborative field, I tend to frequently deal with communication issues regarding vendor expectations and contracts. Even clients can be challenging in a not-so-positive way. I’ve had some who didn’t trust the creative process and became verbally abrasive. Other clients similarly wanted instant gratification when it came to the work being done in their homes. Those were difficult times for me.

I’ve even been my own worst challenge at times while doing what I love. Home design sometimes requires late nights and early mornings. During those times I often deal with mom guilt because my job doesn’t utilize traditional working hours that work best for my family. Over time, I realized I could be a great mom and responsible professional at the same time. And, I could love my job even with all of its random complications. These realizations keep me humble as I navigate personal desires and professional ambitions.

Redefining “Perfect”

With all the aforementioned things that can make interior design burdensome, why do I still consider it the perfect job? Well, even with all its challenges, it has been and continues to be extremely rewarding for me. Being a designer has empowered me in so many ways, and it has positively impacted how I see myself as a professional. I say that because I was diagnosed with ADHD as a young child. For the longest time, traditional learning styles didn’t offer me the best opportunities to express myself authentically. And quite honestly, I struggled. What I knew, though, is that my mind could envision things, and I could problem-solve in ways many of my peers struggled to do. Being in the creative sector has allowed me to thrive and not feel ostracized because I learn and work differently. Interior design is the perfect job for me because it allows me to use my natural gifts and entrepreneurial skills to positively impact other’s lives.

Also, remember the mom guilt I mentioned? There’s another side to that “unconventional hours” coin. I found that not having a traditional work schedule affords me the opportunity to give my sons the life I’ve always dreamed of. I get to spend time with them and give them experiences that wouldn’t necessarily be available with other careers. How, you might ask? I utilize homeschool hybrid learning modules with them that allow my family to be one that travels the world. We’ve been to Spain, France, Italy, and many of the continental United States, and they’ve had some of the richest life and learning experiences. Those moments are priceless, and I have my career to thank primarily for them.

Balance and Boundaries

Here’s the reality about careers: there will always be pros and cons that come with every job. You and you alone must make peace with what speaks to your heart professionally. My advice is to lean into what sets your heart on fire. Accept the fact that any and all work opportunities can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. And really, that’s what makes the best opportunity. The perfect job is never so easy that you coast by with no motivation to be excellent or better. At the same time, it’s never so difficult that you dread going to the office every day. That’s the balance we should all strive to create.

I never take for granted how lucky I am to be an interior designer and to love every single minute of what I do as a homemaker. I count it such a privilege to have a job where my primary role is making clients’ personal spaces beautiful. More than that, when I think about how I enhance people’s lives by making their homes more functional, I can only smile and be grateful. And to think, even when my “job” is done, the resulting work is lived in, enjoyed and appreciated by so many for years to come. Honestly, there’s nothing more perfect than that.

Experiences Over Things

I document everything. Like, everything. I think you’ll find that this is a pretty typical occurrence amongst mothers and parents in general. We don’t want to miss a thing! So I’m always taking photos and videos of the things my boys and I do. I like to share bits and pieces of our lives online with my followers and friends who don’t live nearby. So, you’ll see on my social media all of the fun things my family enjoys doing together. I love being able to look through instagram and reminiscence on our adventures. When I think about it, what I love the most has nothing to do with the tangible gifts I’ve bought the boys. It’s always the experiences we’ve had. That’s why I’m a huge advocate of gifting your children experiences over things. Let’s dive into that in today’s blog.

Memories Make the Best Souvenirs

I think it’s natural to want to give your kids the world. That’s why Christmas morning is such an event. Parents always want to see their kids’ faces light up with joy as they tear into all the new toys and gadgets. And, don’t get me wrong, I understand. I like finding cool gift ideas that my sons will love. However, I have come to realize that when I look back on the moments that make me smile and bring me joy, they’ve all been so much more about the experiences we shared than some item I purchased. In fact, my kids hardly even remember some of those expensive gifts they received from last year.

Parents, think about the times you hosted an extravagant party for your kid’s birthday. Maybe you went all out on personalized decorations, balloons and goodie bags for all the guests. You bought the kid a cute outfit, arranged catering from a delicious restaurant and even designed animated invitations to entice all their little friends to attend! But, in the end, all the kids only talked about how much fun they had in the bouncy house. Nobody ate much of the fancy food. Nobody remarked about the invitations. And not a single person seemed to notice how your kid’s new shoes perfectly coordinated with his shirt and socks. But everyone is STILL talking about how much fun the petting zoo was, to this very day. That’s because people might forget the gift you gave, but they always remember how you made them feel. That, my friend, is the power of an experience.

Mom and Me

When I was about 11 years old, my mom and I visited San Francisco for a weekend and we spent time in the neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury. I have written before about how amazing of an experience that was. It was one of the first times I felt like diversity wasn’t the exception, it was the rule. I had such a great time picking out a fancy dress and frolicking around town with my mom. I wouldn’t recognize until much later how impactful that moment in time was and how it would shape me. That trip was one of several experiences I had with my parents that I cherish, and it inspires me to go out of my way to create those types of adventures with my boys.

I like to involve my kids in various parts of my work that interest them. They’ve gone on many work trips with me where we can schedule fun tours and activities. Just this year we traveled to North Carolina and New York City for work projects, and the boys had a blast. We saw a Broadway play, the Statue of Liberty and they even took a carriage ride through the city with their grandma! Recently, I got great tickets to see Beyonce with my boys. Yes. You read that right. I took my sons to see Queen Bey, and we danced and sang until we were exhausted! HIGHLY recommend. The concert and showmanship were superb, but what really mattered was how electric everything felt. My sons are still reliving all the fun we had. I just know they’ll always remember the exciting evening we enjoyed together.

I want my kids to look back at various stages of their lives with fun stories to tell and warm fuzzy feelings. My hope is that I’ve invested my time and money in experiences that made them feel seen, valued and celebrated. Experiences last so much more than any gift I can give. The time we spend together is precious, and that makes it worth it for me.

Experiences Broaden Horizons

We talk quite a bit about travel here on my little piece of the internet. My wanderlust began when I was a kid, and I think it’s safe to say I’ve passed that onto my boys! We regularly take trips to various parts of our country and beyond. Now, while I love a good staycation when I need to unwind nearby, my heart and soul crave international trips! One of my favorite experiences to have with Kingsley and Kensi are trips to different countries. You already likely know Ibiza is my favorite place on earth. I don’t think there’s a prettier island. But, I love Spain for more than just the teal waters. I love that my boys get to see how other cultures live life. We recently spent a week in Croatia on a yacht, and while most of the time was occupied by fun watersports, we also enjoyed getting out to explore the area and learn more about the country. Our travels are full of educational opportunities.

Now don’t get me wrong. You don’t have to board a plane and fly across the world to have amazing experiences. There is so much to learn by even visiting different states! I’m a California girl through and through. I love living in my state and city because of all the diversity. I can still tell you that going to other states can be eye opening. A few years ago I needed to travel to Austin, Texas to film a TV show, and we were slated to be there for just over a month. Well, that gave my boys time to get signed up for horseback riding lessons and golf lessons. They had such a great time, but they learned more than any of us anticipated. I remember being shocked at the way the instructors used positive but stern reinforcement and discipline. We would soon realize that cultural elements were at play. The South was certainly different, and rich in its own social norms and traditions. Those weeks gave my boys an opportunity to experience the differences in various regions in the U.S.

Finding Fun in France

Right before Mother’s Day my boys and I boarded a plane to Paris, France. We were en route to Spain, and it only made sense to spend a bit of time in one of the most popular tourist locales in the world. We were fortunate enough to get reservations at Madame Brasserie, a restaurant located inside the Eiffel Tower. It was particularly special because it was Mothers Day in the U.S. The boys loved walking around snapping photos and reading about the history of the Parisian landmark. We enjoyed a delicious and decadent meal over stunning views of the city, and I couldn’t help being overwhelmed with gratitude that I get to give my boys these kinds of experiences. They were genuinely fascinated by all the facts they learned about the city, and they also got to put their gentlemanly habits and manners to use!

Listen, we sometimes tend to focus on the really big moments in life. We want to give generously and make people’s day with beautiful gifts. I get it, because I love that too. But, the most important parts of life are about the ways we spend our time and the people we spend it with. Whether we’re learning, traveling, celebrating a momentous occasion or simply hanging out over coffee, the experience is what matters. We’re all looking to feel something. I believe it’s more than worthwhile to put our energy and time into those facets of our lives. I’m becoming more and more intentional with the experiences I want to have with my family and friends and even a few I enjoy solo. We can’t always take things with us into every stage of life, but we will always have the memories.

More Manners, More Freedom: Raising Well-Mannered Kids

I think I can speak for all parents when I say we want our kids to become amazing citizens and community members. Wanting that and instilling that in our kids the right way can be two different experiences, though. As a mother of two boys, I never want to hear of them being disrespectful towards any other child or adult. So, I’ve worked to raise well-mannered kids by attaching respectful behavior to their budding desire for independence. Here’s how I incorporate my “more manners, more freedom” mantra into my child-rearing.

The Quest for (Kid) Freedom

Traveling with my children has always been something I never shied away from. This year we were fortunate to be able to spend a month in Ibiza, Spain, as a family. We had an AMAZING time! Along with having a great vacation, I wanted to use our time away to continue instilling life lessons in them. After all, they don’t stop growing just because it’s vacation! Last summer I worked on building confidence in them because I noticed some issues with my oldest being afraid of swimming off of boats. He would cry while the boat was moving and hold on to me for dear life. By the end of that summer, he was jumping off the boat with a foam pool noodle with ease. Measurable objective accomplished!

This year has been all about independence. Both of my boys want to do more on their own, even at ages 7 and 9. But being in Los Angeles, it is pretty difficult to give them physical freedom amid the crowded streets. I never let them out of my sight. It was much easier to give them more space in a place like Ibiza. With an uncrowded area, keeping them in my line of view was a cinch. I could see them halfway up the road, so walking a bit ahead of me to play in the tree was more feasible—and comforting to me as a mom. So I took the opportunity overseas to focus on giving them a little more freedom.

But I always knew it would come at a price…for them.

Politeness Pays

That price, in my opinion, is simple: be nice. That’s it. The nicer you act, the more willing I will be to let you do things on your own. I think that’s pretty simple…and more than fair. Say “please” and “thank you”, and then ask to play Roblox. Ask others if you can assist them, and then you can go play ball. Otherwise, if you choose to misbehave, I’ll let you be bored beside me and watch a documentary. Being nice, well-mannered kids pretty much always wins out.

For me, “more manners, more freedom” is about giving my sons a positive incentive to be respectful, sweet humans. And, they get to decide on the reward for their responses, positive or negative. There have been times when my youngest chose to act inappropriately. The result? He sat beside me instead of playing. Both of my kids have learned rather quickly if they don’t behave well, I’ll keep a tighter reign on them. If they’re thoughtful toward each other and everyone around them, the boys can have the freedom to look at lizards or do whatever it is their hearts desire.

The Parental Payoff

Has this “more manners, more freedom” mantra paid off? Absolutely! My boys have become “suck-ups” in the most perfect way! LOL! When I first started implementing this, they sought out opportunities to be especially gracious to me, their Aunt Sandy, their grandparents, you name it. Of course, I knew it was a “give to get” mentality. But over time, it became habitual and innate for them. What’s been interesting is to see other adults respond to young boys being well-mannered kids. You should see the smiles on the receptionists’ faces when the boys walk to the front desk and ask for fresh towels. Adults are more willing to oblige kids if they act like little ladies and gentlemen. Having my kids witness that allowed me to show them manners often opens up doors and positive attitudes.

Now that we are back home from our vacation, I’ve noticed that the lesson has continued to stick with my children. They offer to get my bags, pour beverages, help with setting things at the dinner table, and so much more. They even compete with each other to do things around the house. They say if you do something for 30 days it becomes a habit. I’ve found that to be true in this instance.

A Life Lesson For All

While this positive reinforcement lesson was intentionally set to make my sons well-mannered kids and gain control of my kids’ actions without being negative, I wholeheartedly believe it’s a life principle for everyone. We all have to earn the freedoms we desire. Taking advantage of the little responsibility we have with integrity will ultimately allow us to reap the reward of more freedom to do what we want. If we all made a point to consider that sincerely, perhaps there would be more well-mannered kids and amicable adults in our communities.

Luxurious Home Bar Design!

Our homes. They’re the ultimate place of rest, reprieve and relaxation. At least, they should be. And, the definition of “relaxing” shouldn’t be limited to beds and couches. For many, letting loose includes anything that provides pleasure, enjoyment or entertainment. What better way to invite those elements into a home than a luxury home bar? I’ve had the pleasure of creating home bars in several residential projects. Here’s what I love about them, and why I feel any great home should have (at least) one.

Sooo…Why A Home Bar?

It’s probably an overused sentiment at this point, but it still rings true: COVID-19 turned the entire world on its head. So many people started investing more in their homes because that’s where they spent–and still spend–much of their time. At the same time, the desire to enjoy life and its pleasures didn’t stay behind the closed doors we all found ourselves behind. The only natural pivot was to create or bring those out-of-home pleasures into our homes. Thus, “hometertainment” was born and continues to flourish in our personal and private spaces.

Yes, we’re all outside and enjoying many of life’s pre-pandemic frivolities. But the fascination of appreciating our homes in new ways and getting more personal and professional use out of them hasn’t slowed, ironically. As a society we intrinsically still want to delight in others’ company and gather with loved ones. The pandemic taught us through necessity that we now have options to go out or engage in some of those same activities at home. Home bars help to facilitate the socializing aspect of gathering we all love, but with unique touches that create a more tailored experience. Whether it’s catching up with friends, celebrating milestones or simply relishing in spare time, having a bar in your home can set the stage for making memories that will last a lifetime. I always say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but a home bar is a very close second space!

Elements of the Perfect Luxury Home Bar

If you want to create the perfect luxury home bar, know that it isn’t a one-size-fits-all project. There are SO many options from which you can choose. However, there are some basics you’ll need to secure your home bar meets every need you and your guests have.

First, consider your home and its capacity to house a bar space. A home bar will require ample square footage, especially if it will be a place for entertaining. It will be imperative for the space to comfortably accommodate the beverage station, a host or bartender, and several guests. Once you’ve secured the space, decide where it will be in your home. That may be determined by its purpose. Will your home bar be a greeting area for guests, or will it be tucked away for “special” occasions only? Will it exist in a larger living area such as the dining or family rooms, or will you put it in the man cave or the patio for outside entertaining? The first rule of real estate, as many would say, is “location, location, location.” Such is the same for your home bar!

Next, think about what statement you want to make with the visual presentation of your bar. That will determine what materials to use for the most prominent part of your bar: the countertop. The most popular materials to use are stone and wood, and each of those brings a very different aesthetic to the bar presentation. The great thing is that there are so many choices between those two material types. From quartz, granite and marble to walnut, maple and mahogany, you’ll have a limitless amount of visual styles to bring to your bar entertainment area. Other considerations like seating options, layout and bartending tools are also important, but I think these two are priority decisions.

Putting the Breegan Touch on Luxury Home Bars

I have been able to use my creativity and custom interior design prowess for quite a few clients, but I definitely have my favorites. Two of them are included in one multimillion-dollar Spanish villa in Bel Air, UNICA. The first bar was located at the entrance of the home. This was intentional, as I wanted the home bar to greet visitors and give them a landing space while waiting for the primary homeowner to receive them. The entrance bar boasts custom Silver Wave marble stone counters constructed in a ‘U’ shape, which follows the natural curves in the stone’s design. I accented the home bar with lush and comfortable custom bar stools that I knew guests would adore. Under the bar, there are four insets of dark charcoal shagreen (leather made from stingray skin) with slight bronze undertones. This entrance home bar is such a refined way to welcome newcomers into the sprawling megamansion.

In this same home, I created a wellness bar that is simply stunning! This home bar can be seen from multiple levels in the home. Its design is an intentional blend of darker and lighter elements of the home, tying in characteristics of upper and lower level features and complementing the brown in the limestone flooring. It’s such a gorgeous presentation! The bar itself was designed by Alex Turco, who infused elements of smoke and water in the design, perfectly symbolizing the views of the fireplace and waterfall you see from the bar area. It presents such cohesion, and I hope the future owners and their guests appreciate it as much as I did while creating it.

Luxurious home bars are an acquired amenity for a certain type of homeowner, but they can do wonders to enhance the look of an entertainment area of your home. If you ever wondered how you could incorporate a home bar, I can be of service! Let’s connect via The Expert and discuss options with your house and desires in mind!