Author: Breegan Jane

Tiered Vacation: Why You Should Try It!

I look forward to summer for so many reasons. First, there’s no better weather than the hot, sunny climate here in Southern California, in my opinion. I’m someone who loves to be outside, and these are the ideal conditions to enjoy it! But, summer is usually when the kids have much more free time since school is out. That allows us to go away on vacation without the consideration of their busy school schedules. Simply put, summer in the Breegan Jane household means vacation time, and if you know anything about me, you know where I want to go! Ibiza is my favorite place, and recently, my family has been enjoying what I’m calling “tiered vacations.” It involves a lot of time, a lot of people, and even more fun and festivities! I think we could all benefit from these types of trips. Let’s discuss!

What is a Tiered Vacation?

I have written about the need for vacations, both with kids and without, many times before. Life is crazy, and we all need a reprieve from those everyday stressors that can start to wear on us from time to time. I’ve been blessed to visit so many places around the world, but Ibiza, Spain is the one spot that continues to beckon me year after year. I have taken my boys there since they were little, and over the last few years it’s truly become like a beautiful, tropical home away from home. Because I have so many friends who live in various countries, I don’t always get to see them as much as I desire. But, with several of them living in Europe, Spain is much more easily accessible than the U.S. 

We started a tradition of meeting up in Ibiza about once a year to hang out and reconnect. I would secure accommodations for a large group, and invite my friends to come when they could. It was such a joy to be able to spend time with loved ones in paradise. If we stayed in the country for a month, one group of friends would come for a week, and when they left, another would fly into town for a few days. Maybe a few family members would arrive at the end of that same week, and the cycle would continue until we had visited with everyone. In essence, we vacationed with our various friends and family members in tiers. It was an incredibly effective way of maximizing the time, and surrounding ourselves with all our favorite people!

Prioritizing Adult Friendships

Between filming for HGTV Dream Home and other TV projects, virtual interior design consultations with clients, working on the Mekuno Project and all that comes with being a mom, I often find it challenging to carve out time to simply nurture my own friendships. Moms will understand. We tend to spend much of our schedule ensuring our kids make it to every playdate, sports practice and game or other extracurricular activity. That doesn’t leave much room for our own personal needs. It’s hard to maintain friendships with people who live close by, let alone those who abide on different continents! So, arranging a way to get away and connect with those people is necessary. 

During our Ibizan trips, we do a lot of everything and sometimes nothing at all. It’s a month filled with boat trips, swimming, dancing and eating. I cherish the conversations I get to have with my friends. We talk about shared experiences in parenting, personal conundrums and business matters. Of course, we can do this via technology even when we’re not in the same space. But there’s nothing like face-to-face heart to hearts! I always leave those moments with my love tank overflowing. It’s a great reminder that we all need to prioritize ourselves a little more. Moms, making time for yourself allows you to be a better parent to your children. You don’t have to fly to Spain, but you do need to check in with your adult friends and grab a coffee or a meal every now and then. It’s good for the soul.

More Than Just Mom

While I wait with bated breath each year for our trip with friends, I’ve noticed something interesting that occurs that I wasn’t expecting. I’m not the only one who benefits from the time with my friends. My kids actually really enjoy it too! I think many parents believe kids only want to hang out with other kids. That’s likely mostly true. However, don’t minimize all that can be gained in the moments when kids sit and talk to adults. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched my sons attentively take in advice from one of my artist friends on how to improve on their drawing. My boys revel in the ability to hear life from my friends’ perspectives, and they get to practice and grow their social skills by participating in engaging conversations with them. 

When we take a tiered vacation, my sons get to see what healthy adult friendships look like. They get to see their mom in a new and positive light. Do you remember being a kid and seeing your elementary school teacher outside of the classroom for the first time? It felt strange to see “Mrs. Graham” in the grocery store! All of a sudden, you realized that teachers were real people who had lives outside of science class. I think our kids often forget that we are more than just “mommy.” When they’re allowed to see us interact with our friends in appropriate and fun ways, it gives a great context for what multi-dimensional adulthood looks like! My sons benefit from all the conversation and interaction with my friends, and I’m grateful my friends enjoy it too!

When the Kids are Happy…

“Are any of OUR friends gonna be there?” It’s a question I hadn’t really considered before my boys asked as we were planning one of our summer trips. Until then, I thought about all the fun we would have by just getting a way for a few weeks. But, those words echoed in my head over and over again. I realized that while my sons love my friends, our Ibizan paradise hadn’t actually been introduced to their kiddo friends! So, we changed that and extended a few invites.

One of my favorite parts about Ibiza has always been that it is so child-friendly. I think most people hear about the party aspect of the island. And yes, you can definitely live your wildest EDM party dreams there if that’s what you’re after. But you can also dance the day (or night) away at one of the fun beach clubs with your littles! There are plenty of things to do with children, and ours never get bored. So I knew their friends would enjoy the time. We’ve been having a blast spending time with our homeschool hybrid families lately. From dance parties to fun community service projects, these friends have become more like family. Getting to frolic in the Spanish sun rays with them was amazing.

The Kids Are Alright

So, after a few groups of my friends had to return home, the kids and their buddies gave Ibiza a run for their money, and boy was it a time! Seeing all the kids live their best lives in the pool, on the boats, and at dinner each day made my heart soar. I realized that this tier of the vacation gave me a chance to gift my boys their own little reprieve. That was more than enough, but it wasn’t the only thing I noticed. This part of our vacation adventure allowed me to bond with the parents of our kid group in new and refreshing ways. Everyone’s a little more free on holiday, and it’s so nice to let your hair down and just “be” with other moms and dads. Parents will understand me when I say that it’s always great to have other kids around so they can entertain each other. The other parents and I definitely enjoyed that part. But, it was also lovely to have their company and get to know them outside of our regular L.A. happenings! Tiered vacations provide a chance to grow relationships in new and interesting settings.

I realize that not everyone can take a ton of time off and escape to Ibiza. You don’t have to. But if you have a trip planned, or even if you have a stretch of time when you can plan to have people in town to visit your home, consider inviting people in tiers. It makes the time fly by, and you get to see a little of everyone in your life. We just left the island, but I’m already planning to invite so many more people back for our next trip. So tell me, is this something you think you’d try? Why or why not? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

 

“Baxter”: A Children’s Book About Acceptance

Being a mom has been one of the best experiences of my entire life. I’ve learned so much from my boys, and I hope they’ll say the same about me as they get older. Now, I consider myself a very creative professional, but I also want to facilitate that creativity in my kids’ development. That’s why I became a children’s book author. When my children began asking questions about various aspects of our family and friend relationships, I wanted to respond to and reach them on their level. Thus, my second children’s book, Baxter, was born! It’s so much more than a children’s book, though. Baxter is a tool that can help you foster kindness and confidence in your children as they navigate the world and the people around them.

Who is Baxter? 

Baxter Birdie is a little kid bird who’s very connected to the members of his community. He likes to walk around his village and be friendly with all of his neighbors. One day, just like any kid, he decides to count his neighbors. He realizes some of them live in pairs, and a few even look alike. Others, he noticed, are best friends with each other but look nothing alike. Baxter starts to consider all the things that make his friends different. This is the first time he notices this about his community, and it piques his curiosity.

Throughout the book Baxter ponders what all of this means: why some friends are different and others similar, and how they can be so close within those differences. If you’re a parent, you may notice when your kids get curious, they like to ask questions to seek understanding. That’s exactly what Baxter does. He has conversations with each of his friends, and they each tell him about their relationships and families. It’s an eye-opening journey for Baxter. He learns that the beauty of his neighborhood and friends lies in the reality of them being so different—and that’s okay! It’s completely fine to not be like others. It’s a great coming-of-age scenario that all parents will relate to.

A Message About Acceptance

When I decided to start my family, I did so in a pretty traditional way. My then-husband and I were a two-parent household raising two young babies together. That’s the way I saw things going…but life had other plans. Personal circumstances took a turn, and I decided to go it alone as a single mom to raise my two kids. Becoming a single mom was a challenge. I had many hills to climb, and I wondered how I would be perceived. I wondered how life would change. While it wasn’t an easy decision to make, it turned out to be the most empowering decision I could have gone with. My family and children are thriving, I found my strength, and life got exponentially better.

We’ve been very blessed to live in one of the most diverse regions in the U.S. Los Angeles is a place where you can find a little bit of everyone. Even in our own neighborhood you can drive a few blocks in any direction, from one side to another, and be surrounded by a completely different culture than the one you live in. My family and friends both fall into many types of groups that are diverse: ethnicity, age, gender, hair, skin tone, and even family structure. And we delight in celebrating those differences.

I wrote the children’s book Baxter because, as my kids got older, they started to identify differences in others. Likewise, their friends started to identify differences in my boys. Kids at the park would ask about my boys’ hair being different. I’ve always been the parent who never shied away from questions, even when other parents chastised their kids for noticing and asking. I think it’s okay for kids to be curious about those things because I believe differences make us all beautiful. I wanted my kids to know that noticing differences isn’t a bad thing, and neither is being your own individual. Having different types of families and friends isn’t just okay, it’s wonderful! Our lives are richer when we are able to engage and be in community with people who bring something new to our lives.

Starting the Kid Conversations

I have two talkative, very inquisitive boys who notice EVERYTHING and want to discuss what they see, what they know, and what they don’t understand. Much like what I did with my first children’s book, Carbie, I wanted to provide a way for parents to talk to their kids about what it means to be different, and what it means to notice other people’s differences and not be afraid of them. As a parent, I think it’s important for kids to know they shouldn’t view differences in a negative light, and parents shouldn’t be afraid to have these conversations with children. If we’re comfortable enough to talk to our kids about differences and to explain them well, we raise more accepting human beings who grow to appreciate and celebrate others.

Writing Baxter became a way for me to explain to my kids that, while they have a mom and dad who love them but live in separate homes, they might have a classmate who has two moms, or a peer who may not have a mom or dad at all. They may have classmates being raised by a grandmother or a single dad. I want my sons to understand that some families have multiple kids, and many only have one. Some families live in large houses with extended families, and others have small families. All of these configurations are right and okay. What matters most is finding and being with your people. That could be an adult finding another adult to share life with, or a kid finding a best buddy, close friend, or group of people who enjoy each other.

A Book For Families

I hope Baxter opens many opportunities to talk about diversity in personal and family relationships. Seeing someone different isn’t an anomaly in the world we live in, and it shouldn’t feel strange or novel to children. Baxter birdie comes to the understanding of accepting and seeing the beauty in the variety of relationships we all have. And, he realizes we are all better beings and a better society for embracing diverse people in our lives, neighborhoods and communities. After all, we as a collective are what makes the world the amazing place that it is.

Click here to get your family’s copy of Baxter!

 

The Beauty of Brass in Interior Design

If you had to guess, how much time would you say you spend inside? Well, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends about 90% of their time indoors. I’m willing to bet that a significant part of that is actually inside of our own homes. That’s a LOT. The NIH or National Institutes of Health conducted a study and found that our homes play “a key role in human lives, impacting education, employment, recreation, social opportunities, and most of all health.” I have always known that our surroundings can have a profound effect on the way we feel. It’s why I use interior design to help people not only optimize their spaces for better functionality, I help them fall in love with their homes again. The look of our homes has the power to instantly lift our spirits, and I’m always looking for easy ways to do exactly that with design. One of my best tricks for infusing a space with a little grandeur is to design with brass. You’d be surprised at what this golden metallic can do! I’ll tell you what I mean in this blog.

The Beauty of Brass

I have long loved using brass in my interior design projects, because it perfectly complements my “modern approachable luxury” design style. With its warm golden hue and various levels of sheen, brass has a versatility that is unmatched! It works well with home goods constructed of wood, stone, lucite and even other metals! 

Brass in Bathrooms

It’s hard to pick a favorite, but how could anyone not appreciate the look of brass in a bathroom? When my clients sit down for a consultation with me, I often get asked about how to redesign their bathroom because they “hate” it. So, we assess the space, the things they are dissatisfied with, and what they believe will make it better. When I come to them with a rendering of suggestions, I’m always amused at how shocked they are. You see, sometimes it only takes simple changes to completely reimagine a room. Want to add a luxurious feel to your bathroom? Opt for bold and gold! Brass faucets and showerheads instantly elevate the look of a shower. If you want them to really stand out, place them on a darker colored background. 

If spa-like serenity is what you’re after, mixing white with brass will certainly give it to you. I knew I would be working with white stone for the primary (and quite grand, might I add!) bathroom in UNICA. This particular room had a breathtaking view of the Bel Air Canyon, and it was so very spacious. I selected a stunning brass tub filler in a satin gold finish. The brilliant piece stands beside the marble tub I designed, and it looks like art! I also adorned the walls with brass sconces, and there are more golden details throughout. While the bathroom would be a beauty no matter what, the brass and white combo takes the allure to an entirely different level!

Dazzling Kitchens

When most people think of a kitchen, words like lavish, posh and upscale aren’t usually the first to come to mind. Why is that? I think it’s because kitchens are where so much of our day-to-day casual living takes place. We’re making messes, helping with homework, putting elbows up on the tables while we dish about work to friends…that sort of thing. But, I believe that you don’t need a special occasion to make life beautiful. I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to live in a home, I want every space inside of it to fill me with joy! I love finding ways to use brass in unique ways in kitchen spaces, and one of my favorites is with range hoods! I wrapped mine in brass to ensure it would be a focal point, and I love the effect it had in that room. 

Another way to bring that radiant hue into the kitchen space is with lighting fixtures! From chandeliers to pendant lights and more, lighting is the crown jewel of design! Why not take advantage of the beautiful glow of your bulbs and place them in a gorgeous fixture that takes your breath away? Many of my designs, from residential to commercial feature brass fixtures, and they never disappoint!

Appliances Matter!

While we’re on the subject of kitchen design, I have another tip for making this space thrill the senses with beautiful brass! So many companies are realizing that we don’t just want our appliances to function well, we want them to complement our design style and preferences, too! When I saw Jennair’s stunning RISE™ collection of ranges featuring mixed metals, I gasped! I eventually decided on the extraordinary Smoke and Brass range for my new dream beach home, and I could not be more excited! If you’re looking to enhance the look and feel of your kitchen, embellish it with brass details! Instantaneous grandeur!

Walls and Decor

I talk all the time about not neglecting the largest surfaces in your home. I think people tend to pay much more attention to things like furniture and smaller items. However, your walls are impossible to miss! So, aside from paint and wallpaper, both favorites of mine, what can we do to make our walls feel stylized and polished? Take advantage of brass mirrors and frames! Of course all bathrooms will typically have a mirror. Why not make it brass?

For an added pop of glitz and glam, try grouping mirrors in brass frames or artwork in brass frames together. The frames don’t need to match, they only need to have that golden color. I find that no matter what the art looks like, displaying it in a lovely brass frame will elevate it. Finally, finding unique brass decor items that sit on your mantel, entryway tables or even more functional items like planters are always great ways to experiment with brass! 

Have fun with design. Our homes are our sanctuaries. They are the places we should be able to go and feel safe, secure and supported. Take pride in your space, and make them feel beautiful. If you want to infuse a bit of luxury, try brass. I can promise you that you won’t regret it. If you want help with how to begin, schedule a consultation with me today right here. I can’t wait to chat with you!

 

Community Service for Kids: Why We #FeedTheHomies

All parents know parenting isn’t the easiest thing to do. What’s interesting about that is parenting challenges often have nothing to do with kids. Raising kids, even sweet, kind kids, can be extremely difficult. We want so badly for our children to be good humans who are well-rounded, intelligent, fun and happy. But there’s no roadmap, instruction manual or equation to tell parents how to do that exactly. So, we take training into our own hands. I’ve worked to develop the spirit of giving in my sons by assisting the less fortunate. As homelessness is a major problem in the Los Angeles area, I’ve participated in the Feed The Homies project with my boys. It’s a family-friendly event that I also see as a type of community service for kids. Not only does it benefit the homeless, but it also instills some great values in my children.

Others-centered Citizens

I’ve always had a motherly instinct, even as a child. I always found myself looking after my siblings, and many of my friends will tell you I gravitate toward being a protector to them. That has translated into other areas of my life, most particularly my philanthropic efforts. It’s my nature to right social ills as much as I can, wherever I can. Why? Well, why not? I believe if you are able, you should help anyone in need. It’s not only a right as a human being; it is a duty. As John Holmes once said, “There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and lifting others up.”

I consider myself a fortunate mother in that my sons have always had a close sibling bond. In fact, my youngest son’s family nickname was once “Baby” because that’s what his older brother always called him. There was no greater responsibility for my oldest than taking care of his “Baby.” As they’ve grown, I wanted to make sure they carried that over to people outside of our home, including people who had less than we do. As a transracially adopted child, I recognize I was born into privilege. But my parents and grandparents taught me the value of giving back to others who didn’t have, and being deliberate about involving my children in community service for kids is a way I continue to instill those values in the next generation.

Along with our community service activities, I talk about their experiences helping others. There are deliberate conversations about why we feed other people and give out blankets, etc. As young toddlers, they may not have understood homelessness, but they did understand nobody should be cold or be without a house or family. Building empathy on their level has helped them to see others’ needs, and that has driven their hearts to do something meaningful in the lives of others.

Building Character Through Philanthropy

Developing my sons’ innate passion to care for others is my primary focus when investing in any type of community service. Done well, these ventures do so much more for their personal development, also. Serving at the Feed the Homies event helps to increase their sense of responsibility as well as their confidence. Whether it’s handing people drinks or a dinner roll, people are being nurtured by something my kids gave them. There’s a great sense of pride in that for them. As such, they take more personal ownership of their participation. I’ve seen the fruit of our involvement in our family time at home. There’s a renewed sense of what we have, what we can give, and what we consume versus what we waste. I love that as a mom, and I hope they carry these elements of leadership into every aspect of their adult lives.

I think a final by-product of community service is simply the realization that doing good feels really good! Helping others always fills up the emotional tank of those giving, and I’ve definitely seen that in my boys after participating in a service activity. While I’m sure everyone who visits the Feed the Homies events is grateful for us, I am truly grateful for everyone who helps to make that a success for my family. We love participating, and we are much better humans because of our involvement. And really, we all should strive to be that, both in our communities and as global citizens.

Carbie: A Children’s Book About Perseverance

Being a mom comes with many challenges, but it brings with it so many beautiful things as well. One of those is the opportunity to see and experience life through the eyes of a child. That’s something we adults often lose the ability to do as we get older. My two young sons, like most kids, have always been curious and spirited little beings, with questions galore about life. I wanted to create an opportunity to speak to the very real concerns of their hearts, but in a way they could comprehend. Writing children’s books became an excellent vehicle for that purpose. Carbie is my first book, and it illustrates an important message we can all learn from.

The Concept of Carbie

The concept of Carbie is something I imagined several years before the book’s actual conception. I wanted to tell a tale of perseverance, but in a way I hadn’t seen before. Carbie is a piece of coal that was having an otherwise typical, happy-go-lucky day, until he slipped and fell into a crack in the earth. When Carbie finds himself stuck despite all his efforts to wiggle his way out, his emotions come rushing to the surface. He’s scared, he misses his family, and he begins to wonder if he will ever make it out.

As the book continues, Carbie does indeed emerge from that crack, but he is different! No doubt the struggling and pressure he endured and the growth he underwent contributed to his new, sparkling appearance as a diamond. That’s what adversity does when we stand firm and press toward our goals even when the going gets tough. Carbie is a reminder of that.

Kid-Friendly Comprehension

When I told people I wanted to write children’s books, many wondered why I would dare to add one more thing to my already full plate as an interior designer, philanthropist and TV host. The answer was simple. In addition to all those things, I am also a mom. I know what it feels like to have to find answers to tough questions in a way that my kids can actually understand. Every parent remembers the moment their child asked them a question like, “Where do babies come from?” or “Why is my friend’s skin color different from mine?” We know the answers, but how do you and should you communicate them to a child? 

Let’s Talk About It

I wanted to give parents an appropriate way to talk about difficult subject matter with their impressionable kids. Carbie’s story is simple, but his problems feel large. That’s exactly how children feel when they encounter obstacles. My hope is that parents will do less shying away from these topics, and instead aim to spark conversations with their little ones when similar situations occur in their lives. 

Never Give Up

The idea of Carbie was born out of some personal issues I was facing at the time all those years ago, but this children’s book officially came to fruition after a trip to visit my girls in Kenya. I can remember sitting in the school and listening to their stories of hardships and beating impossible odds. I was in complete awe! These young women had fought so hard to gain a chance at things we take for granted in the western world. Their courage and determination was more than inspiring, it was galvanizing! Something inside me stirred, and I knew I wanted to bring those lessons home.

Most kids have a hard time getting through problems they experience. Even small ones can feel like a crisis, sending shockwaves through their little bodies, and *BAM*, before you know it, they’re in the middle of a full blown meltdown. Teaching children about challenging predicaments and letting them know that we all experience problems is a big part of preparing them to deal with things in healthy ways. No one should be afraid of having feelings and expressing their emotions. But, it’s what we do next that can make or break our situations. Carbie made one choice, and it was the thing that ultimately saved him. He never gave up. He got frustrated. He felt sad. But he never stopped trying to meet his goal. 

A Children’s Book About Perseverance

Carbie’s plight is what perseverance looks like. He endures to the end and emerges as a bright sparkly diamond. I want children to know and trust that they can do hard things. They have what they need to meet an obstacle head on, look it in the eye, and say I can do this! Pressure creates diamonds. Teaching these lessons will help our children respond to life’s little (and big) stumbling blocks, both as a kid and as the adult they will grow into. 

Are you ready to start these conversations with your little ones? You can pick up your copy of Carbie today on Book Baby, Amazon and even on Kindle!

Use Your Personal Inspiration in Interior Design

What are the things in your life you wake up thinking about and go to bed dreaming about? What keeps you going when you feel tired, worn and unmotivated? For me, that’s interior design and helping others. It’s hard to stop talking about the things we love so much, so today we’ll be diving headfirst into my favorite subject: making homes! But, that’s not the only reason I’m asking you to consider your passions and loves. When I do virtual and in-person consultations, I frequently talk to people who want a fresh start with their spaces, but have no clue where to begin. For me, the solution is simple. Start with what inspires you! It’s the best and easiest method for a personalized touch you’ll enjoy for years to come.

History Is the Best Teacher

Rudyard Kipling once said, “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” When we reflect on some of the author’s greatest and most well-known works of art, one can certainly say he had a point! Stories like The Jungle Book have made an indelible impression on our culture, and that just might be the best demonstration of that quote. When we can easily grab for images in our minds, they tend to stick with us. It’s why historical references often make such amazing muses for artists. How fitting is it that their work has also become my muse at times? When I am designing spaces and I’m unsure of what artwork to use, history is a great stimulus. 

Inspiration in Unexpected Places

I often find some of my greatest art in a place you might least expect: the library! I have hung gorgeous prints on the walls of my home, clients and even in commercial spaces that were secured from a library. Some of my favorites feature artwork that isn’t just beautiful to look at, it’s actually geographically relevant! Take this photo below for instance. I originally selected this piece for a restaurant I designed in Santa Monica, CA. It features an image of a woman in a restaurant feeding her pet lion, and even as outrageous as that sounds, it’s not the coolest part. 

The actual photo was taken in a restaurant in Santa Monica so many years ago! This art perfectly tied the history to the space. The restaurant was female chef and female support team driven, so I loved having a piece of decor that embodied a story of female strength and empowerment. I later hung it in my home for similar reasons. If you are looking for ways to personalize your interior design, consider historical references that have a special meaning to you. Do you love a certain decade for special reasons? Maybe your family history can be linked to a particular place or person that you can use as inspiration. These types of ideas make for unique art and decor that not only lend personality to a space, they are also conversation starters. 

Authenticity in Your Artwork

When I’m contemplating how to bring a space to life for a client who feels “stuck” creatively, I begin from a place of curiosity. I ask questions like, “where in the world do you feel most comfortable?” “Are there certain emotions you hope your space will evoke?” As I learn more about a client I acquire enough crucial information to create a design that feels both customized and authentic.

That’s precisely the core of this next tip. Authenticity will shine through the design if you are careful to include components that feel personal. Add decor details that connect to who you are, what you do, or even what you believe in. A skilled interior designer will be able to help you incorporate these in refined but imaginative ways. I’ll give you an example. In my home you will find several prints from the artist Arthur L. Reese. One of my absolute favorites is actually hung right above my bed. It’s an image I have affectionately nicknamed “My Ladies.” I love this print dearly for so many reasons. Mr. Reese was an extraordinary man who came to Venice Beach, California from Louisiana and was hired by Abbot Kinney to “decorate the city.” 

Keep It Connected

This very photo was shot in my neighborhood! I not only love the geographical significance, I feel especially connected to Mr. Reese’s drive to leave his mark on the world. Not only was he an amazing inventor, designer and businessman, he was also one of the first black landowners in the area. As someone with a career in real estate development and interior design, that has always resonated on a deeper level. I relish any chance to educate guests about “The Wizard of Venice”. This piece hangs above my bed and motivates me on a daily basis. I wake and glance up at My Ladies all posed with balls on their backs ready to run the race, and I remind myself that I can take on the day! That’s what interior design should do for our homes, in my opinion.

Travel-Influenced Design

If you have been a reader for any length of time, you absolutely know that my favorite place on earth is Ibiza, Spain. I detail my family’s many vacations to the island on Instagram regularly, because we spend a lot of time there. My adoration for this wildly beautiful island permeates so many areas of my life. I often incorporate it into my design choices. Ibiza boasts 100 miles of stunning coastline, and even from a distance you can recognize the dominant hues of the area: teal and white. 

I have long correlated my feelings of serenity and tranquility with the relaxation I feel when I’m in this area. I have allowed that powerful influence to guide what I do with certain design selections. You can see that in my love of white bed linens, white stone elements, white furniture and pops of teal. If you visit a spa or a luxury resort you’ll likely notice the prominent colors will be shades of blue and white. It only made sense to incorporate similar features in spaces I want to feel delightfully relaxing. 

Lean Into Cultural Influences

I talk about timeless design often, because it not only feels elegant and elevated, it saves my clients money! Following trends is fun, but having to switch out decor furniture and fixtures with every turn of the design tide can get expensive! If you love to travel, don’t hesitate to add pieces from your favorite destinations in your home. These additions will always feel classic. Think about the cobblestone streets of Rome. They are one of the iconic features of the region that immediately conjure up stunning images in our minds upon mention of the name. I like acquiring items that feel traveled. You don’t need a passport stamp to India to hang a beautiful tapestry on your wall. Textured neutrals made from organic materials are especially interesting to the eye. Culturally rich artifacts can enhance the design of a space in an unparalleled way.

I’ve always believed that interior design has far more power than we give it credit for. It can set a mood, tell a story, disarm a stranger or simply be a place of safety and comfort. To genuinely make it yours, don’t shy away from including bits of YOU in the curation of the spaces you call your own. After all, the things that inspire you will always be the best foundation for tailored design. Contact me on The Expert for tips on where to start. I’d love to help!

Friendships: A Natural Evolution

How many times have you heard millennials (and you too, Gen Z!) complain of the difficulties of making friends? It’s something I see on any of my social media platforms practically everyday. Now, to be fair, there are some contributing factors that deserve mentioning. Byrdie says adult responsibilities, today’s “hustle-culture era”, and fewer age-specific curated activities are to blame for a decline in the number of new friendships. I definitely agree that the ever-changing life stages and phases play a huge role when it comes to making friends. But in my case, making friends hasn’t been a problem. I have, however, earned a new respect for the evolution of my existing and new friendships. I think some of my readers may be able to relate. Let’s dig in and discuss in today’s blog.

We’ve Got Something in Common

I can remember almost a decade ago around the time I was pregnant and even shortly after I gave birth. Entering that juncture felt so new and foreign, and I longed for connection with others who were also sharing that same experience. I found comfort in friendships with other first time moms. Upon realizing that so many other women were seeking that same sort of “safe shared place,” I even started a podcast with a fellow mom to discuss all the things we had in common in hopes of creating community and helping others. That’s often the basis of a lot of friendships. We find people who have things in common, and we build on those mutual experiences and feelings. These are beautiful friendships that can last, but they, too, go through their own kind of progression, and that’s normal.

I like to think of it this way. For me, parenthood was like freshman year of college. It’s a new experience everyone is having all together at the same time. In those moments, you believe it’s going to be this way forever. But five years later, some friends are going off to grad school across the country, some are moving back home, others are backpacking through Europe. The friend group is splitting up, and life all of a sudden looks incredibly different from what it did when you first met. This doesn’t have to mean those friendships die out forever. They just take another form. That group becomes more like the class reunion crowd rather than the everyday dorm-mates. I think it’s important to embrace that evolution. 

Pinpointing Priorities in Friendships

Late last year I was interviewed by a magazine, and the reporter asked me about one of the biggest personal changes I’ve noticed in mindset as I get (slightly, lol) older. I remember saying something to the tune of, “I don’t need to be the coolest girl in the room anymore.” I thought about that sentiment as I considered the ebb and flow of friendships throughout our lives. That statement spoke to my changing priorities. Simply put, as I grow, so does my thinking. And honestly, yours probably does too. Growth inevitably leads to a shift, and when it comes to relationships, that can often mean that our friend groups get rearranged.

The Journey From Questioning to Confidence

When you’re younger and less experienced, it’s easy to make assumptions based on a snapshot. It can feel like certain people have it all together. Come on, you know that feeling. You see those women who seem to always be so polished, with perfect hair and perfect clothing. It might even be aspirational! Getting swept up in being a part of the cool crowd is easy when you feel like the whole world revolves around impressions and perceptions. 

As my children have gotten older, my priorities have become crystal clear. I want to provide a beautiful life for my children, ensure my family is healthy, and take care of my own mental health. I care less and less about how I am perceived—especially when it’s based on superficial qualities. I’m way too busy building my empire and loving my family to care about someone else’s version of faux perfection. Does that make me selfish? Perhaps. In my world it makes me focused. When I began identifying the things that were important to me I found that I started attracting the right people. We’ll get into that more later. 

Diversity and Discovery

I was born and raised in Southern California. That, along with my very unique childhood, set the stage for a true appreciation for diversity. I can find people from more cultural backgrounds than I can count just walking around my neighborhood, and I love that. As someone who spent a good deal of my younger years as a child model, on missions trips with my parents, and in one of the most diverse regions of the U.S., it has always been important to surround my children with a mixed bag of people and relationships. Our friend groups today aren’t just ethnically heterogeneous, they are varied in almost every way!

I love that my boys are witnessing their mom have friendships with other moms, with single guys that regularly accompany us on vacations, with business partners, with nannies who become more like family and more. You just meet people along the way at weird points in life who become your tribe. That’s invaluable.

Vulnerability as a Vehicle to Companionship

I mentioned earlier that I worked to build a motherhood community when my kids were very little. Well, once they got older and I became a single working mother with tons of entrepreneurial pursuits, I had less and less time to make friends. I felt secluded. Our life was…different. We traveled the world, even with the kids. I had a different kind of career. We just didn’t play by anyone’s rules! The ways other moms were making friends didn’t work for me. I couldn’t grab a coffee and croissant after carpool, and often, that sort of thing was required in order to maintain social status in those groups. It didn’t take long to realize I simply had no interest in that. So I ditched the shame I felt for not “fitting in”, ignored any judgment and set out to find my own group of “strange” people.

I’ll never forget the night after I hosted one of the first gatherings of Kingsley’s friends at our home. The kids had a blast, and the adults were warm, funny and kind. Interacting with them felt natural and refreshing. I cleaned up, put the boys to bed and settled down with a glass of wine. Deep in introspection, I sent a text to the group of parents. I thanked them for not only making the night a fun time, but also accepting me even though at times I felt like a bad mom who was disconnected from all the happenings while everyone else seemed so plugged in. My vulnerability was met with empathy and understanding. They got it. They got me. They got us. 

Genuine Connections

Our homeschool hybrid bunch is filled with individuals who have become our trusted tribe. They love the kids, and they have home environments I want my kids to be in. We don’t talk or see each other every single day, but we rely on and confide in one another. I also treasure my legacy friendships with the highschool friends, mom friends and others I’ve met and linked with throughout my journey. We share genuine connections. That’s what I desire from my friendships at this stage in my life. So when friendships start to change, when those who were once so integral become a bit distant, don’t hold on so tightly that you miss what’s on the horizon. It might be exactly what you need. It was for me.

 

The Best Smart Devices for Your Interior Design

Our needs as humans are constantly changing. And, as our needs evolve, so should the places where we spend the most time: our homes. We can practically create and live in any size house we want nowadays. But here’s a question, though: are we maximizing available options INSIDE our homes? In the 21st century, smart devices are making that easier by the day. I love showing clients all of the technology available for their homes that will make life easier, more efficient, and more sustainable. Here are some of my top considerations.

Smart Lighting

Interior design encompasses so much when it comes to a home. Many people still believe that hiring an interior designer is laborious and expensive. Nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, when it comes to incorporating smart devices into your home design, many options will cost you very little in time and money! One of those options includes utilizing smart bulbs.

In their most basic definition, smart bulbs do more than regular light bulbs in that they can sense and interact automatically with their environments, other users, or technology. And, they can be controlled via voice commands or accessed remotely via a phone or other device. The “smart” technology within lighting has advanced tremendously over the past few years, and it has improved people’s quality of life in a myriad of ways. I appreciate smart bulbs because they’re easy to install—just like regular bulbs. Many of them have the capability of changing colors instantly! This is a great way to complement your decor and even change the aesthetic without altering anything else in your space. With a neutral layout, you could practically have a different color tone every day of the week—or moment in the day!

Some bulbs can even positively impact your health and wellness! I’ve installed circadian lighting in a few projects, and clients have loved them. Circadian lights are designed to control the temperature of lighting to ensure the brain functions its best when the environment is brighter and rests when the environment is dimmer. Unlike the dimming and tuning options of LED lights, circadian lights hit specific light spectrums that regulate functions in the body. This could help you get better sleep, be more productive, or even improve your mood. These lights are smart devices worth looking into if you’re looking for home resources to help regulate your body.

Smart Appliances

Beyond lighting options, your appliances can also be smart devices worthy of incorporating into your home design. While they may possibly be more of an investment, their benefits can greatly increase your home’s look and functionality.

I’m a designer that believes you can never put a price on comfort, especially as it relates to how hot or cold you and your family are in the home. Trane, a leader in heating and air conditioning systems, has some great smart thermostats that enhance temperature regulation in the home. There are so many great benefits of installing a smart thermostat, the first being the ability to control your home temperatures while you’re away from the house. This will allow you to maximize energy when you’re planning to be home and not waste it when you’re away. Some of Trane’s smart devices allow you to program up to four separate temperature schedules to provide comfort all day. Others give you the freedom to create various zones in your home with options to control heat or A/C in each one. Talk about flexibility!

When it comes to smart devices in my home design, I’m most excited about how I will be using smart technology in my kitchen design. My new JennAir range and refrigerator will be the ultimate in smart home innovation. Both the functionality and the visual design of each appliance are fully customizable, so I can practically cater each to my family’s lifestyle. I’ll be able to connect them to my Alexa and Google assistants for voice activation. I can also use temperature probes to detect when food is done without opening the oven. I will also be able to control the temperature, humidity and ventilation of the refrigerator with the touch of a button! How’s THAT for smart technology?

More Eco-friendly Smart Options

I’ve used other smart devices in home projects (and even my own home) that have not only made home and interior design much more enjoyable, but they’ve also helped conserve energy.

I have really enjoyed using Legrand’s switches and outlets in my home for a number of reasons. First, they’re visually stunning! They offer so many options with a modern contemporary feel, a perfect addition in my home decor. But they also offer a host of energy-saving choices that have worked well for me as a designer and mom. Motion and wave lighting sensors ensure all unattended lights are off. I know they will automatically switch off after sensing no one in the room after a certain amount of time. Legrand’s Night Light devices sense changing light and turn on in dark settings. As night turns into day, they turn themselves off. I feel much better about energy efficiency with these additions to my home design.

Water conservation is extremely vital when you live in a place like Los Angeles, so I’ve been keen on using smart devices to help achieve that, also. Thankfully, Kohler has been a leader in innovative plumbing options, and I love so many of their offerings. Can you imagine having a voice-activated faucet that dispenses the EXACT amount of water you need? Hello, Jetsons! But this isn’t the future—this is available for your home design today! Other options include touchless and motion-activated faucets and toilets that use UV light to automatically clean surfaces. It may sound crazy, but it’s all here for you and the home of your dreams!

Not sure where to start? I can help! Let’s chat about what you want and/or need most, and how we can collectively make your home smarter! The future of home design is now, and I’m ready to assist you in bringing your home innovation ideas to life!

Create the Perfect Outdoor Living Space

“Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” While it’s not quite summer yet, spring has made its presence known in a major way! I love it when the warmer temperatures begin to roll in, because for my family and friends it signals the start of all the fun outdoor activities and entertaining we get to do. Of course, one of the keys to enjoying this time of year has to be curating the right environment for the action! If you’re feeling lost on where to start, I’ll outline a few design details that will undoubtedly create the perfect outdoor living space for you and your family.

From Interior to Exterior Design

I get asked a lot about where the trends are headed when it comes to outdoor spaces. I always start by addressing the largest change I’ve seen, and that has everything to do with the frequency and fashion of usage. That’s a cool way to say that we are all designing our exterior spaces around the way we live in new and interesting ways these days. For quite some time, patios, rooftops and decks were relegated to occasional use, mostly for recreational needs. People put basic items there like chairs and maybe a table. But, clients rarely focused much of their budget in these areas. In recent years the outdoor living space has boldly moved from being an afterthought to being a home highlight. As a lover of the outdoors, I can certainly understand why.

Your patio, deck or rooftop isn’t just a random part of your house that you put on the backburner. It’s a feature that can bring great value to your property and enhance your quality of life! I suggest to my clients that they treat these spaces as an extension of their indoor living rooms. Consider the level of care you dedicate to ensuring your living room feels comfortable, inviting and accessible. That’s what we’re seeing more and more in outdoor living spaces, hence the name! Maintaining a continuity in your design style will help with that, so don’t be afraid to let your decor inside influence what you carry over into the outdoor living space.

Seating for Socializing 

I see it all the time. People tend to focus much more on the aesthetic of their spaces than the utility of them. Trust me, I get it. Who doesn’t want a “wow factor” when guests come over? I’ll touch on that later. But for now, let’s tackle one of the most important parts of an outdoor living space: seating. The best way to secure satisfaction for all attendees is to provide adequate seating. But, pay special attention to the layout of the space. You want people to engage with one another and be able to talk without yelling across the patio. Group seating together with that in mind. 

Maximize Convenience For Guests

Another underrated feature of a well-designed outdoor living space has to be the addition of occasional tables. I use these in and outside of my home, because they just make sense! People are usually enjoying food and beverages when they gather outside on a deck, patio or rooftop. Give them a dedicated spot to place their cups and plates. These tables are small, and they come in several different colors and materials to complement any design preference. Remember, comfort and convenience are king when you’re curating these spaces.

Do you have an outdoor kitchen? Many people are designing their homes around them, and for good reason! They not only look luxe, they help outdoor entertaining go that much more smoothly. Here’s a tip many often fail to consider: don’t forget about the cook! I have designed more kitchens than I can count. I always recommend configurations that allow the person in the kitchen to be a part of the action. A good rule of thumb is to arrange furniture in such a way that the various zones can “talk” to one another. For an outdoor living space with a kitchen, consider a bar-top or seating area that you can position close to the cook’s domain. This way that person is able to whip up delicious food while still interacting with the rest of the party.

An Aesthetically Pleasing Outdoor Living Space

How do you feel when you walk outside and stand in your outdoor living space? If it doesn’t make you want to sit and spend an abundance of time there, it might be time for a refresh! Make these spaces your own. Infuse them with your personality, and take pride in the way they appear. One of the easiest ways to do this is to incorporate accent decor items that make the area beautiful. I love brass, and outdoor spaces are perfect for large brass planters. I get mine from T.J. Maxx or Marshalls. Decorate these areas the way you would your indoor living room. Colorful cushions, patterned rugs and pretty lanterns all add attractive touches to the space that give it a cozy vibe.

But the fun shouldn’t stop there. Have you dressed your table? If not, this is one of the easiest ways to make a great impression with your outdoor living space! A textured table runner can cover a significant amount of surface and still leave room for other decorative elements. Tableware is where you can really add vibrance and intensity. Turn up the dynamism with brightly colored chargers, plates and napkins. Don’t forget the power of greenery! Small accents like these are sure to catch the eye of your guests and make for a memorable experience. 

Spring and summer give us bountiful opportunities to relish in the sunshine and savor the great outdoors. Don’t miss it! Create an outdoor living space that fills you with delight and then take advantage of the amazing space you’ve designed! You’ll be glad you did.

 

Child Development: Dance Parties and Building Community

Do you actively invest in your children’s social wellbeing? I think most parents would like to believe they do. It’s hard to do that which you cannot define. The University of Nebraska Omaha says social wellness “involves building healthy, nurturing, and supportive relationships as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around you.” Quite simply, child development is much more than just what happens in the classroom. Our relationships with others can often play a huge role in determining our happiness and contentment. Today, we will look at what that means for children and how building community benefits everyone.

Lessons in Diversity

For many families diversity is a concept that must be taught. For mine, diversity was the only thing we knew! You may or may not be aware that I am a biracial woman who was transracially adopted at birth. My parents are white, and besides my brother and sister, so are most of my other family members. So while we had conversations about the topic, diversity was something that felt perfectly normal to me. When I bought our current house in Venice Beach, California, I looked forward to living close to the water, but the intermingling of people from all walks of life and ethnicities was a huge plus. 

I’ve always wanted my boys to grow up around both people who looked like them as well as those who don’t. Surrounding yourself with so many different types of people allows children an opportunity to learn about various cultures and to gain a respect for them. So many global problems begin with xenophobia at the root. I want my sons to know that different is not synonymous with “bad.” Everyone from everywhere has something to contribute. We celebrate differences in my household.

The Role of Social Skills in Child Development

My sons are in a hybrid learning program that involves a mix of traditional in-classroom learning as well as a series of other types of classes and learning modules with a small group of kids their ages. I am intentional about creating an environment outside of the classroom and school hours where my boys and their friends can gather for fun activities and playtime. If you follow me on Instagram, you will undoubtedly catch glimpses of my infamous dance parties that usually feature guest DJs, catered kid-friendly foods, and LOTS of little ones dancing (or hopping around, lol) to the beat of their own drums. We have a blast! 

Of course I want the kiddos to have fun. But, that’s not the only purpose of these gatherings. Providing a safe space for my boys and their buddies to hang out creates opportunities for their friendships to form and grow. An underrated part of child development involves acquiring “soft skills.” Soft skills include things like cooperation, collaboration, patience and more. I know that my boys will learn literacy, math and science in school. It’s just as important to me that they learn to be kind, to have empathy for others, and be overall good humans. These fun days at our home with their friends aid in those lessons.

The Case for Community

It has always been paramount to me that my sons have a good sibling relationship. I want them to be able to count on each other throughout their lives. But no man is an island. We are all stronger when we’re together. Gathering with friends lets my children see examples of healthy, well-adjusted relationships. I want them to understand that they belong to a community of people who care for and about them. When children develop healthy attachments, they grow up to be emotionally mature adults. Under my supervision, my boys regularly get to interact with trustworthy adults who model positive behaviors and habits. I love that Kingsley and Kensi know that they are supported not just by family members, but by members of the community who also appreciate the qualities and talents my boys bring to our little group.

Child development is well studied and documented, but I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all approach. We are tackling it from all angles, and yes, sometimes that means hosting elaborate dance parties with cotton candy, lego projects and disco lighting. If you have the ability to, create spaces for these moments—big or small, between friends to exist. In building community we build stronger, healthier individuals as well. And that, to me, is an essential part of child development.