COCOCOZY EXCLUSIVE: HOUSE BEAUTIFUL PREVIEW OF DESIGNER TOBI TOBIN'S HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOME!

Am obsessed with sisal, sea grass, grass cloth and more lately.  It could be a phase I am going through.

Imagine my delight when SA who does publicity for House Beautiful sent me these photos of  the Hollywood Hills home belonging to interior designer Tobi Tobin.

These photos are from House Beautiful's May 2013 issue hitting stands on April 23rd.

I love the sisal rugs on floors throughout, grass cloth wallpaper in the foyer, the sea grass runner with black trim on the stairs.   Natural woven fibers...I like this look..especially as we approach summer.

Foyer with glossy black front door. (above)

Sisal runner with black trim on the stairs. (above)

Rustic modern dining room with natural fiber sea grass rug, Parsons chairs, capiz shell chandelier and a reclaimed wood dining table make for a nice place to dine and entertain (above)

A sparkling chandelier, white counters and glossy black kitchen cabinets! (above)

An outdoor living room and fireplace surrounded by trees - the woven furniture and gray pillows blend will with the garden setting. (above)

What do you think of this Hollywood Hills home?  Do you like the use of natural fibers?

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  Fab weekend in San Francisco.  TE took this photo below on one of our long walks with his so nice sister -in-law SE and brother ME.  San Francisco is gorgeous!  Ate at some fantastic restaurants and shopped around town.  A nice weekend getaway.

TE took this beautiful photo as we were walking near the water in San Fran this weekend.(above)

COCOCOZY EXCLUSIVE: A CHIC GALLEY KITCHEN!

All photos in this post by Coco of COCOCOZY

Today I bring you a GORGEOUS kitchen belonging to Carlyn Henry, her husband and two young sons. Carlyn lives in the tony neighborhood of Cheviot Hills here in L.A..  This kitchen remodel came to me via talented Los Angeles architect Tom Newman and incredible contractor Gregory Greenwood.

I'm going to try to make a short story short...although if any of you actually read my ramblings on the blog  on a regular basis you know that I tend to make all short stories very long. When in college, best of friend AM and dear friend AO and I called the syndrome of blurting out too much information, Over Sharing Syndrome (OSS). I have OSS - clearly.

Anyhoooo...a few weeks ago architect Tom emailed me about a kitchen he and contractor Gregory just completed.  At the same time, I think I got an email from my good friend Samantha Nugent (whose living room I just featured last week) saying she had a friend named Carlyn who had a gorgeous home.  I know that Tom, Gregory and Samantha all have impeccable taste and I heard "gorgeous and remodel" in the same sentence and I was all over pursuing this post.

So luck would have it that very nice homeowner Carlyn Henry was gracious enough to invite me into her BEAUTIFUL home this past Saturday for a nice snoop and for some photo taking.   Carlyn's home is indeed stunning.  Carlyn and her family moved out of her home for months of a remodel that included a whole house face lift.

Today I am focusing on the amazing kitchen.  I bring you a bit of Q&A with both home owner Carlyn and architect Tom Newman on this chic galley kitchen remodel.

Here goes...

***

The eat in galley kitchen in Carlyn Henry's home features dark wood floors and cabinets and walls painted in Benjamin  Moore's Simply White. (above)

COCO: The kitchen is stunning...what was your goal for this space?
CARLYN HENRY, HOMEOWNER (CARLYN): I thought that if everything in there was pretty and a bit decadent then the small size of the kitchen (galley vs island) would never be an issue. I wanted it to be a destination room in mood since we could not offer it in space. I also love the white on white to make the space feel bigger. And the heavy repetition of the hardware and cabinetry elongates the room. We purposely did not add upper cabinets on sink side to give the kitchen more headroom and larger appearance. I wanted it to feel clean and elegant.

COCO: What kind of marble did you use on counters and backsplash?
CARLYN: The counters are Calcutta Manhattan and the backsplash was a tile that we picked...I am not sure of the name but the tile length is 2x8.

Polished nickel hardware for drawer pulls and cabinet knobs add refinement to the already elegant space. (above)

Simple clear pendant lights hang over the kitchen sink counter area. (above and below)

This galley kitchen features everything a home chef would want...double ovens, a Wolf gas range and a high end refrigerator with panel doors matching the rest of the kitchen cabinetry. (above)

The breakfast nook is absolutely darling with a Saarinen Tulip round table in white surrounded by blue and white French cafe style chairs. (above)

COCO: Describe an element of the design you are most proud of?
TOM NEWMAN, ARCHITECT (TOM): Before the remodel, they had a 30” round folding table in one corner of their kitchen which is where they ate most meals; husband, wife, and two kids. Then throw in a nanny and it just seemed crazy that they lived this way. My biggest push was to add a proper breakfast room where they could all sit comfortably and be next to their back yard patio. Family dining was very big in my house growing up and I try to pass on that important institution to others. It happened and turned out great

Very simple finishing touches make the breakfast nook feel like home. Clockwise from bottom left: a marble pedestal bowl filled with colorful fruit adds a pop of color against the white backdrop, a painting by one of Carlyn's young sons is framed beautifully and looks like a piece of modern art; elegant polished nickel sconces add some gleam and sparkle to the already gorgeous space. (above)

COCO: Now that your family has moved back into the house, how do you feel about the long months of construction and design...was it worth it?
CARLYN: When the last piece went in: the breakfast table and chairs, we fell in love. We moved in 4 months before that came so moving back in was hard and the punch list was long (we pushed to move in by a certain date so a few things had not yet been completed). Now we feel like the house is totally ours and so fresh and new that we forget how long we lived in the rental apartment. It does feel worth it when it’s finally and truly done.

***

Thank you Carlyn Henry for inviting COCOCOZY into your fantastic home. It was such a thrill. So nice meeting you, your husband, adorable kids and cute dog Dallas!

Architect Tom Newman and contractor Gregory Greenwood - amazing work as usual!

Readers, what do you think of this galley or shotgun kitchen? Is there anything here you would just love in your own kitchen? I would just take the whole thing!

Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Saturday's tour of Carlyn's house was especially nice because Samantha Nugent and her cute daughters came by to tour with me. The little girls 3 and 7 I think and they were both dressed in pink. Such cuties.

P.P.S. Did I ever update you on that possible big corporate gift order? A major entertainment company is ordering our signature COCOCOZY Logo throws from the COCOCOZY Textiles collection as their corporate gifts for all of their top people and on-air talent! We are so thrilled.

P.P.P.S. Remember to follow COCOCOZY on Bloglovin'! Also, I put a cute photo on COCOCOZY Instagram and COCOCOZY Twitter last night. Take a look and let me know what you think!

P.P.P.P.S. Just finished up the designs for the COCOCOZY 2013 textiles collection.  Can't wait to share them.  We are getting strike offs in the next few weeks.  2013 is going to be a busy one for us...we have several new partners and lots of different product launches...including the whole bedding line and more.   So much to do...so little time...!

P.P.P.P.P.S.  Remember how a few weeks back I said I liked lighter wood floors.  That has changed.  After seeing Carlyn's home and kitchen, I am now thinking I'm back in love with dark wood floors for my little tiny cottage in the Hollywood Hills.  Hmmm...all of this floor indecision has meant nothing has gotten done at my house!!! Help!!!!!

All photos in this post by Coco of COCOCOZY

COCOCOZY EXCLUSIVE: SIMPLY ELEGANT CALIFORNIA LIVING ROOM!

All photos in this post by Coco of COCOCOZY

Today I bring you a lovely Los Angeles living room owned by Samantha and Barry Nugent. Feel so lucky that they let me barge into their home and take photos.  "Barge" is the operative word here...because it is exactly what I did. (Mom don't read on...you would be appalled by my manners)

Last week, I all of a sudden decided that I wanted to take photos of nice rooms and homes. I like to take my own photos of homes, things, furniture and rooms. I need to do it more but of course like everyone else, life gets in the way and I get too busy.

The proper way to ask someone to do a photo shoot at their home is to call a few weeks (maybe in months) in advance, answer any questions they have, offer something nice in exchange.  On shoot day, it is customary to arrive on time, with some sort of nice offering (flowers, a candle anything) and to arrive with all of the proper equipment.

In this case, none of the above happened.

Last Wednesday, I emailed Samantha Nugent and simply asked..."May I please take pictures of your living room".   She so kindly said yes (immediately...so sweet).  And on Friday, during my lunch hour, I popped over to Samantha's house (I was almost 45 minutes late) with only by Canon Elph in hand (no fancy equipment or hostess gift).  Lucky for me Samantha is a good friend so she knows that I am generally nice and polite and well behaved (I think/hope)...but in any other world, I think my photo shoot session etiquette is clearly not the norm!

Anyhooo...onto this lovely home.

So Samantha (Sam) and Barry live with their three children in the tony area of Cheviot Hills - she is a former art dealer, he is a television executive.  Their house is a 1929 Spanish style house.  They are only the third family to occupy the charming space.  Back in 2010, the Nugents remodeled their home and living room. In early 2012, I was so honored that Sam and Barry decided to include my own COCOCOZY textiles (linen pillows) in their living room decor.

COCO: When designing the living room...what was your goal?
SAMANTHA NUGENT(SAM): We loved the look of our living room, we wanted to keep the same look, only improve upon it. The windows that overlook the front lawn used to be french doors, with the glass to the floor. We changed them out and made them consistent in size with the rest of the windows in the room.

COCO: The arched ceiling...are the exposed beams original to the house?
SAM: The living room ceiling is original to the house. Actually, the painter simply put a shiny stain on the beams.

COCO: What are you most proud of about this house and the living room decor?
SAM: So many things! I love all of the natural light in our home, it feels light and pleasant in the daytime. Our home is very comfortable, I love to be home. On the flip side, it dresses up well for special occasions.

A modern flower print from artist Donald Baechler hangs on the Nugent's living room wall. (above and below)

Navy COCOCOZY linen pillows are mixed an matched on the living rooms neutral dueling sofas. (above)

A leather club chair and brass flower lamp and perfectly placed in a sun soaked corner of the living room. (above)

An original fireplace complete with coveted Batchelder tiles. (above)

Simple glass hurricanes dress up the fireplace mantel. (above)

COCOCOZY patterns add a some visual texture - COCOCOZY Logo and  COCOCOZY Plaid Solid linen pillows! (above)

In the left hand upper corner...notice the yellow box...it is art! A set of Andy Warhol's Interview Magazine, Volume 1: The Best of the First Decade 1969-1979. (above)

The home is filled with original details including this fantastic staircase with Spanish style tiles that leads to the second floor. (above)

I love this living room. Simple, elegant, comfortable...easy on the eye. I love the barrel vaulted ceilings with exposed beams too. Beautifully done Samantha and Barry! Thank you for letting me barge in!  Thank you!!!! xo

It is always so cool for me to see COCOCOZY pillows in any space...so this post is personally exciting to me!

Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco

P.S. On her remodel, Samantha worked with architect Tom Newman and contractor Gregory Greenwood. These guys are the best in town!

P.P.S.  Remember to vote today! I voted!  I went down to my polling place at about 6:40am.  My plan was to roll out of bed, splash some water on my face, put on a big sweater, drive all of a few blocks to the polling place (I am a native Los Angelenos...I drive everywhere), miss the lines, vote in this very important election, get back in my car and go home and get dressed for work.  Well, I didn't read the sample ballot that clearly says the polling place opened at 7am.  So there I stood, for 20 minutes, looking like a clown in pajamas and hair sticking up, waiting with a bunch of people who I don't know but who live in my neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills.  Note, my neighbors were all neatly dressed and knew that the polls didn't open until 7a. Needless to say, I made no small talk and literally ran to my car after I voted.  Tahdah...!  Anyhooo...more important things at stake today than my poor choice in polling place wardrobe!  Make sure to get out and vote please!

P.P.P.S.  Also remember to follow COCOCOZY on Bloglovin' too! If you don't know what Bloglovin' is, check out my post from yesterday!

All photos in this post by Coco of COCOCOZY

COCOCOZY EXCLUSIVE: TRADITIONAL HOME'S NAPA VALLEY SHOWHOUSE REVEALED!

Stone exterior and front door of the Cardinale Estate! (above)

Hello! Another exclusive preview in one week. Whoa...this is exciting! I am so happy to be bringing you readers so many first looks at these wonderful projects!

Today, I bring you an exclusive preview of Traditional Home Magazine's Napa Valley Showhouse!

The house is located at the Cardinale Winery Estate in Oakville, California.  Wish I could sprint up there today to take a look and go to the gala opening.  Well, in lieu of me bouncing up to the wine country and bay area..I bring you photos of this lovely show home.

The theme of the show house is a fresh take on Napa style. Modern rustic style maybe.  Well instead of talking about it...I'll show you. Enough from me...let the pictures do the talking. So here you go!

The living room is designed by Annie Bowman of Sunrise Home.  It features neutral warm tones and a polished rustic decor - signature of Napa Valley style. (above)

Joe Lucas and Parrish Chilcoat of Lucas Studios combined texture and high style into the home's dining room.  Love those wicker chairs and notice the peacock in the corner! (above and below)

Designer Barbara Colvin took on the great room and the adjacent open kitchen.  A comfortable relaxing space for casual family gathering. (above and below)

Great chartreuse provide an pop of electric color against the dark gray cabinetry in the kitchen. (above)

Coral and light blue are the colors of choice in this comfy and warm guest bedroom designed by Melanie Coddington. (above and below)

Which of these showhouse rooms do you like best?  Do you think the house embodies a fresh take on Napa Valley style?  If someone offered you this home, would you take it?

Congrats to all of the designers who worked on this project!  I like it a lot.

Thank you to Kari over at Traditional Home for sending me these fab photos.  You are very sweet! :-)

The showhouse is open to the public from October 5-November 11th.  Here is a link to the showhouse website with all of the information!

Happy Thursday!

xo
Coco

P.S. If anyone else wants to send exclusive previews my way...please do! :-)

P.P.S.  Going to a fun event tonight at my Pom Pom here in Los Angeles. Very excited!  I think good friends BN and SN are meeting me there.

P.P.P.S.  If you can believe it, I am in a mad dash to get so much done this week in preparation for the COCOCOZY Collection new products and announcements for 2013.  I am behind.  I have scheduled a photo shoot for December 15th and do not have an ounce of new product ready...and it takes weeks to get everything done. I do have lots of cool new designs that I've been drawing up and working on.  Am excited for those.  So to break it down...as of right now, we'll have at least two new product lines/partnerships coming out in 2013 and many more original designs for the flagship collection.  I am so thrilled to be working with my new partners on these projects.  Can't talk about what's coming up just yet...but you know me...I'll be gabbing as soon as I can!  I'm also working on another exciting digital project for next year.  Need another me to help me with all I have to do.  Help.

P.P.P.P.S. Hope you have a wonderful day!

Photos: John Merkl

COCOCOZY EXCLUSIVE: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS AT A CELEBRITY CHEF'S LOS ANGELES HOME!

Pierre Frey Toile de Nantes ikat wallpaper in shades of blue cover the walls of a small powder room in a Los Angeles  home. (above)

Was so thrilled when House Beautiful magazine approached me about doing an exclusive preview of one of their stories for the November 2012 issue.

The story is a feature on the Los Angeles hillside home of celebrity chef Alex Hitz.  Now truth be told, I had never heard of Alex Hitz before House Beautiful sent me these photos but did a little research to find out that Alex is a big t.v. chef with a product line on one of those huge home shopping networks.

Apparently Alex decorated his home himself and he jokingly calls his style "Continental Mongrel".  In the article he gives tips on entertaining and hosting parties.  Apparently, Alex hosts dinner parties for over 900 guests at his home every year!  Wow.

I liked the private quarters of the home. Behind the scenes...behind closed doors...probably most of Alex's 900 guests do not get to see these rooms. The bedrooms and powder room in particular are of intrigue to me.  So much texture, pattern and visual interest I think.

A twin guest room features beds upholstered headboards in Hinson's Northampton stripe and with  classic Leontine linens and a peaceful light blue Donald Kaufman paint color on the walls. (above)

Vintage Lee Behrens Katamandu silk fabric covers the walls, windows and bed skirt in the very traditional master bedroom. (above)

A modern Indian watercolor painting hangs over a traditional Empire commode. (above)

November 2012 cover of House Beautiful. (above)

My favorite is the ikat on the walls in the powder room.  I like a dressed up tiny powder room.  Anything in any of these rooms catch your eye? If so, what? Do tell?

To see the rest of the home, please pick up the November 2012 issue of House Beautiful - it hits newsstands around October 15th.  Thanks to Sonia for sending me the article and photos!

Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Got some good news yesterday! I am now a proud member of the Soho House here in West Hollywood. If you don't know it, the Soho House is a very chic members only club with locations in London, New York and Los Angeles to name a few of the cities. All of my friends are members but I never made the effort to apply. Finally, last May I decided to put my name in for membership. Exactly four months later, I got the email that I had been accepted. Over the last four months, I waited on pins and needles for an answer. It felt like I was trying to get into a sorority or something. I waited...I emailed nice notes...I called friends who were members and asked questions...and I waited. Finally. Eureka. I was at work (at my regular job) when I got the acceptance email. I literally jumped out of my office, started dancing out at the assistants' desks, ran into my boss's office and gave him a hug and danced some more...all the while my coworkers were looking at me like I had gone crazy (I think I did though...temporarily). Anyhoooo...you'll be able to find me at the Soho House all of the time now!

P.P.S. Worked on fun project last night and this morning...a design challenge that I'm doing in conjunction with a big furniture retailer. I think you'll be able to see my project in a few months. Very excited to see the end result.

P.P.P.S. Does anyone else who lives in L.A. think this weather is weird?

P.P.P.P.S.  Check out COCOCOZY Pinterest too...I've pinned just a few more photos of this exclusive look at Alex Hitz's home there as well.

P.P.P.P.S.  Speaking of social pages...for daily COCOCOZY updates, remember to join the almost 54,000 followers on COCOCOZY Facebook too!