"California Gurls"

Yes I did mean to spell "Gurls" that way, it's a shout out to the Katy Perry song "California Gurls."

 Here is my tribute to Trina Turk. I have a huge obsession with Trina Turk clothing! I feel a special connection to this designer in particular. Maybe it's that we are both 'California Girls', both born and raised in the beautiful golden state. Or, that Trina was also raised in Seattle, WA, (where my mom grew up) and where my family and I have a home and spend/and have always spent our summers. How ironic! I just can't get enough! The Trina Turk style features one-of-a kind patterns and bright colors. It's just me portrayed through clothing...haha. This contemporary fashion line is inspired by the multicultural mix, architecture, and landscape of Los Angeles and California. One of my favorite places to go for a weekend getaway, and a place my family and I would vacation to frequently growing up is, Palm Springs, California. For us "Los Angelenos" it's just a 3 hour drive to this (what I like to call) Paradise. Trina has drawn constant inspiration from the cocktail party and poolside lifestyle of the desert, so it was fitting that the first Trina Turk boutique opened in March 2002 in Palm Springs. When I am back home in California and my mom and I visit the Newport Beach Fashion Island Boutique...it's never a good thing. I mean it is and it isn't, as far as, the wallet is concerned.

TT Herself

 What you are probably wondering is how this fits into the theme of my interior, and exterior tips and trends design blog. Well....as if her clothes didn't have me already, in May 2008 Trina Turk residential opened. As if, the bond between Trina and I wasn't close enough, it was even more after this! In Spring 2009 Trina launched a line of indoor/outdoor fabrics with the up-scale home furnishing manufacturer, Schumacher.  Not only was I obsessed with her clothing, but now I had to be infatuated with her fabrics as well, and it's easy to do because they are incredible!

Here is a look at Trina Turk Residential:

Check out some of my favorite Trina Turk pillows pillow collection

Here's a secret, I heard that there are plans of a Trina Turk Bedding collection. That would be amazing! I will be the first in line to snag one of those.

Trina Turk Indoor/Outdoor Fabric Line by Schumacher:

collage created by chelsea murray

Visit Schumacher Trina Turk Collection to see this wonderful fabric line.


One of my favorite design icons is, Kelly Wearstler. Interior Designer, Kelly Wearstler, was the designer behind the LA and Palm Springs Trina Turk boutiques. They are amazing! Kelly Wearstler truly brought out the style and flair of each city, but also captured the Trina Turk panache. Kelly Wearstler has some great books and has designed some of my favorite spaces. She is pretty much my idol and I strive to be like her someday. I will be talking about her in a post to come. So more on Kelly later.

Kelly Wearstler

Palms Springs Trina Turk Boutique designed by Kelly Wearstler:

I love the minimalist look (only) in this particular space. Normally I am not a fan. However, this interior truly brings out the spirit of Palm Springs in the 1960's where our good friend, Frank Sinatra, had a home. Palm Springs in those days was a thriving Mecca for hot celebs to retreat to get away from their busy LA lifestyle. Wearstler uses retro- inspired pieces such as the tables and light fixtures used. I can appreciate these lattice-garden chairs. They remind me of a chair you would find in a 1960's sun room or outdoors. The space is glamorous yet true to the retro charm of the desert in the 1960's.

Los Angeles Trina Turk Boutique designed by Kelly Wearstler:

The LA boutique is so Chic. As most people know, I am a sucker for coral. I love how they applied the coral on stainless steel modern chairs. I love the simple glamour the space provides. It's sleek yet elegant. I love the light fixtures, they are a stunning focal point.  The gold gilded accents and mirrors provides the space with a vanity type feel, it is so girly...I love it.  The soft walls, with a unique display at your feet with an distinctively-shaped ceramic tile and shagged areas rugs gives the space a textural elegance.

I am sooo excited about Trina's Fall collections! Here's a sneak peak on what's falling your way...

Thanks TT for your amazing work as a designer. I give you my praises!

pictures via trinaturk.com

'Succulent' Succulents

Recently, I have been intrigued with these plants, Succulents. They are given their name by gardeners who used the term succulents to describe any plant that evolved to withstand drought by storing water in it's roots, stems, or leaves. They have become popular to use in a variety of applications. They have been incorporated into landscape design, wedding; cakes, boutonnieres, and centerpieces. As well as, interior decoration, and even can be used as party favors. Not only do these plants look great, they are so easy to maintain. In fact they pretty much take care of themselves.

For use in landscaping outdoors:

 In warm climates they can be planted in the ground or outdoors in pots year round.  Try arranging the potted succulents in a triangle with the tall plants in back and little ones in front (picture on the left). This shows off each plants unique form and texture. This arrangement is dynamic when seen from a distance. I love the southwestern pot used in the landscaping amongst the succulents its visually catching (picture on the lower right)

I particularly love this form of exterior landscaping. The succulents are uniquely arranged in this large concrete pot. I love the plants that they used flowing over the sides with the other succulents. This application is very well balanced with its use of different colored succulents; such as the dark purple mixed with the green. They also used a variety of  succulent species which adds interest as well (pictured on the left). Vignettes as shown in the picture can be scattered throughout a garden, adding interest at every turn (pictured on top right). Try planting succulents in a hanging basket (pictured on lower right). There is nothing more welcoming than having a hanging basket by a front door. It's just inviting. Incorporate plants that overflow off the pot as shown. It's simply a captivating look.

Incorporating them in your outdoor living space:

Two large potted succulent plants are shown here. This arrangement is symmetrical and well balanced portraying a neat, clean, modern look.

Try potting succulents in a long rectangular container and use as a outdoor table arrangement. It will last and look great all year long.

Use for interior decoration:

This application was shown in this month's Pottery Barn magazine. I just loved the look so much that I dog tailed the page and wanted to re-create it myself. Most of us have seen or have these fabulous hurricane vases. They are the epitome of multipurpose because they can be filled or used for a variety of purposes. They can be filled with seasonal objects for decoration, arrange it with other hurricane vases of varying shapes and sizes, or used as a candle holder. The sky is truly the limit with these. So, if you don't already have a hurricane vase, don't wait visit potterybarn.com now!

This is a picture of a table arrangement I had taken at, Terranea Resort back in my hometown, using succulents. They had it placed in the entry and I just thought it was so unique. I love how they used sand and driftwood pieces. It's interesting how they planted the succulents in the sand. I just love the look. Give it a try, I know I want to.

TIP: If you decide to use them indoors, the best place for them would be by a sunny window or greenhouse, potted in a fast-draining potting mix.
TIP: Watering and fertilizing should be kept to a minimum. Let the soil dry between waterings.
TIP: Keep them clean. They tend to collect debris. Just clean them with a paintbrush or vacuum with a crevice attachment.
TIP: Most succulents are pest and disease-free, but if they get bugs wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Use Succulents as the inspiration and theme of a wedding:

 

This wedding was featured in an issue of Everyday With Rachel Ray. This wedding happened to take place in the backyard of the bride's parents home; in my hometown of Palos Verdes, California (what a small world!). The bride had used home-grown succulents in all elements of the wedding. Not only was this look unique but it was cost efficient.

 

The cake was adorned with small succulent plants, tying the whole outdoor wedding theme together. The boutonnieres even incorporated the succulents (pictured on the right).

The bride and groom placed home-grown succulents in shallow, wide clear bowls filled with soil for their table arrangements. Recreate this yourself, you may already have a similiar bowl that you could use.

Use Succulents as the theme and centerpiece at your next event:

 As we approach fall, a succulent theme for your next event is very appropriate. I love how the succulents were the focal and inspiration for this table setting. The green and brown theme is very unique. I love the green water goblets and brown glass tumbler combination. The entire setting is pulled together with the entwining vine tablecloth which sets off the theme very nicely. The square plates used along with the succulent centerpiece definitely creates a new modern approach to a table setting.

Use Succulents as party favors:

These plants make great party favors. This DIY project is quick and simple. There is no green thumb required since these plants require minimal maintenance. First, buy small individual pots. You can find these at any nursery or arts and crafts store. Find the kind of pot that you like and simply plant the individual succulents with soil in each pot and adorn with a ribbon, or a tag with a message. These make great favors for: showers, luncheons, house warming gifts etc...

In fact, this evening I will be taking over one of these "Succulent, Succulents" over to some friends who just moved into a new house as a little house warming gift.

 Now, don't you want to run to your local nursery and pick up some of these amazing succulents? I think so!

Shades of Blue: The Perfect Summer Colors

Nothing screams summer more than the color blue. When we think of this dominant hue, we tend to associate it with a beautiful clear sky, tropical waters, and anything pure. The color blue also can affect the human psyche; by soothing illness and treating pain and we could all use a little of that...right? All in all, blue is a soothing color, and there are many ways to incorporate it into your summer settings.These aquamarine paint shades can dress up any drab room. They will add just enough interest to your space, and you would be surprised how many different colors complement this hue of summer. Turquoise, just happens to be one of my favorite colors. I have used varieties of the color all throughout my apartment from a robin's egg to spa blue (is what I like to call it). I can't seem to get enough of it and happens to be a design trend of the season. My boyfriend makes fun of me for my obsession with this color. Men just don't get it do they?


 All these varieties of turquoise look amazing with white.Whether it be white furniture, or detail molding it looks awesome. This color can be used in bedrooms, bathrooms, or even a small living space.

To zest up your summer try it with a kick of tangerine-orange and mauve blue. I found myself being so inspired by this West Hollywood apartment it's vibrant, glamorous, and retro. It's a bit eclectic,but the mix works great. The space incorporates a modern palette and variety of pattern from a subtle zebra print to an applique, to a floral and a geometric print. This room features a Serena floor lamp by Oly which screams Hollywood glamour with it's upbeat modern detailing. The mixture of furniture styles is very noticeable as well. A Asian influenced ceramic garden stool was worked into the space from Forgotten Shanghai. Check out Forgotten Shanghai they carry all kinds of unique Asian antiques and accessories. The sofa shown, believe it or not, is from a flee market and upholstered in Yomas Savanna velvet.

collage created by chelsea murray

TIP: Use two pairs of contrasting pillows to avoid the skimpy look of one pillow.
TIP: To modernize your look. Use two different kinds of textures in your pillows.
TIP: If you need to cut corners in cost; buy a vintage or flee market sofa, but splurge on the fabric.

MENTIONS:
Zebra Fabric by Fabricut 2502804
Turquoise vases by Jayson Home & Garden

Turquoise and Tangerine.

The touch of tangerine as seen in this tasteful quilt adds enough color to pump up this subdued color scheme. A darker shade of turquoise is used in the lamp and truly acts as an accent against the soft turquoise color of the wall. This room is well balanced and unique in my opinion.This is one of my many favorite Jan Showers lamps. She manufacturers a wide variety of these distinctly tasteful decorative lamps. They come in different shapes, and colors. So if turquoise is not your thing, don't worry there are a lot more. These lamps are truly a work of art, they add so much character and refinement to an interior space while providing just enough splash of color to make a space distinctive and exciting. Check them out at janshowers.com!

MENTIONS:
Orange and white fabric is by Quadrille.
Chair by Wisteria
Lamp by Jan Showers
Paint is Olympic Aqua Chippon A58-3


Believe it or not, I was able to find last year's 2009 House Beautiful cover that inspired me to paint my next room in one of these aquamarine hues. I love the strong contrast of the bright turquoise color against the white trim detail. It's so bold and refreshing.

House Beautiful, August 2009

Here was my take on this summer satisfying hue:

My Bedroom 2009

Features  Serena & Lily bedding.


Don't be afraid of mixing bold colors with Aqua:

I was enamored with the featured bedroom of Olatz Schnabel in this month's issue of  House Beautiful. I love this unique collaboration of colors. All the colors complement one another so nicely, the purple and red are so dominant against the aqua.  This room is very bold and powerful, yet it is fun at the same time. I love the Julian Schnabel palm tree artwork it is so fascinating.

Now for some entertainment! Here is an idea for your summer outdoor entertaining. A Grecian Escape.

collage created by chelsea murray

For summer entertaining I discovered these great Lucite tumblers They also have matching steamed glasses, as well. They are non breakable and dishwasher safe. I bought a set for my parents for our lake house and they are great for enjoying a drink on the dock and for taking on the boat cause we don't have to worry about them breaking. The best thing about them is they look like real glass with their decorative detailing. These are unlike any other Lucite glasses I have seen. They come in more colors check them out at http://lecadeaux.com/products.php?cid=148&sid=64! The monogrammed plate featured is one of laplates.com customizable monogrammed plates. Choose your pattern for your background and your monogram style and order. They are great for outdoor dining! The reed rope carafe is perfect for a dinner party and adds a textural note to your tablescape. It's made from recycled glass as well find it at conranusa.com

TIP: I feel it is necessary to set your table with a combination of colored and clear glasses, steamed and glasses with no steam. However you want to do it, it's up to you.

WHY: It adds color and different levels to your table setting, which in itself adds visual interest.

MENTIONS:

Pillow by Trina Turk residential (she is one of my FAVS)

Lucite Tumbler LeCadeaux

Monogrammed Plate LaPlates

Outdoor Furniture set by Pottery Barn

Recipe provided by Martha Stewart

Check out the recipe for Hibiscus Cosmopolitians at http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/hibiscus-iced-tea

interior pictures provided by House Beautiful