And why not? A good designer should be able to choose or create a chair that suits its purpose, i.e. an occasional chair need not be as comfortable as a reading chair, where one would spend much more time. When entertaining, as a dining room suggests, we want to make sure that our guests are happy in their seats, not waiting for the moment that dessert is finished so that they can retire to the softer furnishings of the living room!

Three of our five chairs are tufted, suggesting maximum comfort and luxury while dining; the remaining two are certainly plush. But please, dear reader, choose your own Top Fave…

Kravet Ensemble Chairs

1. Kravet Ensemble Chair: If you are ever lucky enough to be invited to Senior Designer Jan Smith’s home for dinner, don’t dare say no. It’s no wonder that her choice of chair includes arms—one bite of her husband’s cuisine and you’re likely to fall out of your seat with delight.

Jan is the ultimate hostess, and prefers staying at the table to being in the kitchen: “Dining is an experience for me, and I prefer it to last for hours and through multiple courses,” Jan explains. “These chairs are perfect for extended periods of sitting. Plus, I like the idea of using a “club-style” chair at a dining table.”

Baker Dining Chair N. 7841

2. Baker Dining Chair No. 7841: Much more elegant and beautiful than its name, this chair from Baker has two things us LRM girls love: tufting and nailheads. The designers at Baker were inspired by chairs of the 1940s, and they’re great to pair with more simple chairs, especially in a dining room setting.

Kari Seydewitz loves how the traditional style at the top of the chair belie the modern style of the legs below. “And, as many would see the chair from the back, I love the decorative ring hardware,” Kari says.

Kravet Complex Turn Side Chair

3. Kravet Complex Turn Side Chair: Much of the detail on this chair is in the French nailheads and turned-wood legs, features that Lisa McDennon is fond of—remember the Ebanista Coimbra sofa from our Top Five Fave Sofas?

This chair is ultimately customizable for any dining room, as it allows you to choose from 60,000 fabrics for upholstery, 13 wood stains and three wood paint finishes, making this a fantastic and flexible choice for many styles. Plus, there’s a version of this chair with arms, which would be perfect at both ends of the table.

Gina B's Lexington Chairs in our luxury bachelor project

4. Gina B Lexington Chair: How much do we love these chairs? We love them so much we used them in our luxury bachelor pad project in Newport Beach. Between these chairs, the silk rug and the zebrawood dining table, this dining room has it all—sleek, sexy and still masculine.

The detail on the back of the chairs is nothing short of spectacular—carved wood sinuously climbing up the frame like a python. Kari Seydewitz speaks for us all when she says “I love the design and woodwork of this chair. It is unique and just gorgeous!”

Baker St. Germain Chair

5. Baker St. Germain Chair: These chairs look like they have been taken from a 1920s salon in Paris, where the crème de la crème of society would sit as they discussed philosophy and the great novels of their time.

The elegance of these chairs is emphasized by the white “Italian Crème” finish on the legs and the clean lines of the design. The nailheads are so close together they almost look like dark piping, and this tailored chair would create a dramatic look in a dining room scenario.

Blue mission-style tiles? Yes and no...from SRS Energy.

With government tax credits and the amount of sunshine we get in California (granted, we haven’t seen much sun yet in Laguna this summer!), solar panels seem like a fantastic addition to a roof, especially if you’ve already planned to update or fix your roof, or even if your home is under construction. Economical and eco-friendly—what’s not to like?

What’s not to like? How about a grey rectangle stuck to the side of your roof? In the coastal areas like Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Crystal Cove and Emerald Bay, there can be fierce criticism about solar panels from your neighbors, especially if it is in their view. And from the homeowners, too—what’s the point of spending a huge amount of money on a gorgeous mission-style roof when you have to ruin it with a slab of a solar panel? And in Southern California, from San Diego up to the Central Coast, red-tile roofs reign supreme. In fact, Santa Barbara has strict rules about the height and style of buildings in their downtown area.

Solé tiles seamlessly integrate with US Tile's clay tiles.

It’s hard to see how to integrate a solar panel at all in an aesthetically pleasing way. And now, thanks to the geniuses at SRS Energy, we don’t have to. A drumroll please….the Solé Power Tile. Yes, that’s right, it’s a mission-style tile with special powers to soak up the sun’s energy. As the website says: “the economical benefits of solar technology with unmatched curb appeal.” It’s not only ingenious, it’s strikingly beautiful.

These tiles are lightweight and glass-free, and they integrate perfectly with US Tile’s clay tiles, that are sustainable, LEED® rated and come in the biggest array of colors of any clay tile manufacturer in the U.S. Therefore, you have plenty of choice to get a sophisticated roof in the color you want with cutting-edge electricity-generating technology.

Are you in the market for a new roof, or a roof upgrade? There’s no excuse not use Solé Power Tiles and start generating electricity for your home. If you have any further questions about Solé Power Tiles, get in touch with us at LRM Interior Design and arrange a consultation. We can’t wait to redesign a home’s exterior and use these amazing tiles.

The Electrolux washer in Red Hot Red

Who says laundry can’t be fun? We love designing laundry rooms, and can’t wait to use a washer and dryer from Electrolux’s latest collection. When it comes to laundry, we all want our whites white and our colors bright, right? With Electrolux’s new line, what we want on the inside is right on the outside. The washers and dryers come in Red Hot Red, Mediterranean Blue, Turquoise Sky, Island White and Silver Sands, and will add that extra spark to a laundry room.

There are so many features that make the machines themselves wonderful (18 minutes to wash, 18 minutes to dry, extremely quiet and eco-friendly), but we also like how they, ahem, stack up. From a design standpoint, their versatility is very attractive; they can stack, be freestanding or under a counter, the doors can be reversed and they have optional pedestal drawers.

Other appliance companies have followed suit with the colors, so check out LG, GE and Whirlpool, to name a few. Like with cars, many people have their favorite appliance brand, so make sure you shop around to find the color and manufacturer of your choice.

An example of a well-designed laundry room

We at LRM Interior Design are fans of the under-counter washer and dryer, and have been known to build them into a custom cupboard. Laundry rooms are supposed to be practical, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful too. Organization is key, as is space to work so that the laundry doesn’t have to be spread out all over the house; having a laundry room means that you contain your laundry in one space. There are so many ways to tuck away ironing boards, hampers and washing accessories that your laundry room will be tidy 24/7…especially when you feel like you’re doing laundry for that long!

As designers, we are space planners, and always look for the best way to design a home to suit a family’s needs. Homework doesn’t always get done at the kitchen table anymore, now that computers are essential to work, homework and play. If your laundry room is large enough, create an area for a home office. A desk can easily be built into a corner, bookshelves and cabinets line the walls around it, while the whisper-quiet laundry machines work their magic on the other side of the room.

Plus, these washers and dryers are so versatile—and so nice to look at—that you can actually consider adding them to your existing home office!

For a consultation on how to create the laundry room of your dreams, contact LRM Interior Design by clicking here or calling (949) 497-6806. Unfortunately, there’s one thing we can’t do—make the actual laundry disappear…

Schumacher Imperial Trellis

1. Schumacher Imperial Trellis: This pattern is a staff favorite, and although it comes in 14 colorways, including Parchment/Midnight, Citrine and Cinnabar Gloss, we love it in Charcoal. Although it’s in Schumacher’s “Modern” section, we think that the pattern has such a classic feel to it that it could be used in a traditional setting, too.

Romo Kimura in Turmeric

2. Romo Kimura in Turmeric: The name and color of this wallpaper conjure up two different Orients—Japan and India. The combination of florals, using both lotus flowers and cherry blossoms, give this wallpaper a balanced pattern, and the grey looks fantastic against the deep yellow background.

Graham & Brown Drama Wallcovering in Boheme

3. Graham & Brown Drama Wallpaper in Boheme: This pattern also comes in burnt orange and black, but we love it in chocolate—could it be the name? Actually, we love how the retro feel of this paper comes into its own in the chocolate color, but the updated pattern keeps it feeling modern. This paper would be great for a den, game room or dining room, and we can’t wait to use it to create something fabulous. And when we do, we’ll definitely post it!

Cole & Son Apana Gold on Blue

4. Cole & Son Alpana in Gold and Blue: This wallpaper made us feel like we were going to have high tea at the Ritz in London, what with its delicate gold design on the eggshell blue. Think about an elegant afternoon sipping tea and nibbling on cucumber sandwiches and scones in the most divine setting. Designer Kristen Rusert commented: “The pattern is beautiful, and I love the color combinations—it also comes in gold on black. It looks so regal!”

Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon

5. Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon: Back to the Orient, but this time—China. We’ve loved this pattern in a fabric, and we love it just as much as a wallcovering. Out of the four colorways, we love the Aquamarine over Lacquer, China Blue and Alabaster. We are enchanted with the dragon winding through and peeking out from behind the peonies and dahlias.

Second confession: we couldn’t even fit all of our favorite wallpapers into one Faves blog! So watch out for part two, when we present our favorite patterned wallpapers.

But now, for our favorite—shall we say off the wall?—choices:

Schumacher Kyoko Mica

1. Schumacher Kyoko Mica in Silver: Jan Smith wowed us with this one, especially since we have used it in one of our high-end bachelor pad guest bathrooms. “For that project, we used a bronze colorway of this paper, and in the small bathroom, it added sparkle, texture and a much-needed presence,” Jan explains. “It is the first thing you notice when you enter the room, and the impact of it stays with you after you leave.” It’s a lot to ask from a wallpaper, Jan admits, “but it delivers!”

Maya Romanoff Chevron Mother of Pearl wall tiles

2. Maya Romanoff Chevron Mother of Pearl: These wall tiles made out of real, hand-inlaid shell are sure to impress. “The chevron pattern gives this design and edge over the traditional horizontal application,” comments Melissa Morgan, LRM Interior Design’s latest addition to the design team. “Plus, this wall covering is so beautiful it can stand alone on any wall.” These 18-inch square tiles come in natural or golden pearl, and look like they were taken from a Russian imperial palace.

Phillip-Jeffries Horsehair Wallcovering Collection

3. Phillip-Jeffries Ltd. Horsehair: Kari Seydewitz, lately the model for the Designer Runway Extravaganza win for ASID, turns her pretty head back to design by choosing this textured wallcovering. “I couldn’t choose any of the colors—I love them all, and the texture,” she says. Phillip-Jeffries reinterprets a “true classic” with inspiration from the rich fabrics woven in early 19th century France. This elegant and modern collection certainly brings a nobility to any design.

The incredible Nest Collection from Schumacher

4. Schumacher Nest Collection: Yes. Real feathers. It’s hard to believe, and even more so when you see the large selection of patterns and colorways! This example is made from peacock and pheasant feathers, and all versions are crafted entirely by hand, and thankfully, the feathers are all humanely gathered. Not recommended for our clients with birding dogs or indoor cats…but for those with luxurious tastes and a lofty vision.

Innovations Murano Molto Beaded Wallcovering

5. Innovations Murano Molto: From the animal to the mineral…this wallpaper has to be seen to be believed. It is made from 100% glass beads, and as Jan Smith says, “The picture of this wallcovering doesn’t do it justice. You have to see, touch and experience the glamour of it to fully appreciate how special it is. I love it because it reminds me of a fabulous red carpet gown.” Jan also warns against the faint of heart installing this wallpaper, just for those who “have the aesthetic that’s just as bold and dazzling!”

Wallteriors Limestone Wallpaper

6. Wallteriors Limestone: Another favorite of our Senior Designer Jan Smith, this wallpaper comes in 30-foot long panels and five different widths, plus the choice of a straight or hand-torn stained edge. “This paper has it all! The look of a stone or natural rock wall, or even something you’d find in the deepest ocean. The application is so versatile that you can create patterns that are unique, evoking a feeling of nature and art.”

Innovations Grasscloth

7. Innovations Grasscloth Collection: We at LRMID love many things, and one at the top of the list is grasscloth. Why? Well, for one, it’s wallcovering with texture, and although it is subtle, it gives a room more detail. Another reason is that it’s a natural product that is more environmentally friendly, and we always like that. One more? It’s so versatile that it can work for any room in the house. Our favorites are Innovations’ Kyoto, Fuji and Sapporo-Soba.

As always, if you’d like a consultation on how to use these fabulous faves in your home, office, retail space or resort, please contact LRM Interior Design by calling (949) 497-6806 or click here for our form.

And remember, these wallpapers are not ones that are recommended for the DIY enthusiast. Many of these specialty fabrics are not only expensive, but are difficult to work with, and require expert installation.

The dramatic New Zealand coastline

LRM Interior Design is pleased to announce yet another new project, and an international project, no less! One of LRMID’s longstanding clients has recently decided to redesign a beach house on the New Zealand coast, and has awarded LRM Interior Design with the project.

Lisa has a way with beautiful designs for coastal properties, maximizing the natural light and bringing the organic elements of the seaside to the interior. The project is sure to be another wonderful example of the talents of Lisa McDennon and the LRM team, and it’s suggested that it will lead to another redesign project for the same client.

The team has their bags packed for a trip down under, but before that happens, there is much preparation to be done. The client is in the process of sending over photos of the rooms to be redesigned, and when we get them we will definitely share. Colorboards and space plans will be created, and we will keep you all updated with everything that inspires the team on this project.

So stay tuned for an update on the New Zealand project!

Kari Seydewitz, aka The Mad Hatter, on the final catwalk run for the ASID Designer Runway Extravaganza 2010

We prepped. We planned. We found out what TO do and what NOT to do. Kari worked on her makeup for hours. We built the maddest top hat outside of Disney. And we frantically worked for 90 full minutes at the Fremarc showroom on Wednesday night turning designer Kari Seydewitz into the Mad Hatter.

With seconds to spare we got Kari to the “green room” behind the stage’s curtain. LRMID was number 10 in a total of 15 teams, and it was more than a little nervewracking to hear the judges fawn over the other designs while we waited. The judges were definitely qualified to speak about these runway designs: Cheryl Tiegs was there, although as a rep for Cambria Stone, and she knows a thing or two about runways; Kelly Persellin, who Lisa met with a few weeks ago, is the publisher of the west coast version of LUXE Magazine; Michael Berman, an interior designer of such a high caliber who needs no introduction; Alexis Bellino, one of the Real Housewives of Orange County who makes a living out of being glamorous; and finally, fashion designer Oday Shakar, whose most recent stunning black-sequinned dress was not only seen on Sandra Bullock at the MTV 2010 Movie Awards, but also on Cheryl Tiegs during the ASID event!

The time came–we held our collective breath. The music started; Kari made an awesome entrance onto the catwalk. By the time she came out onto the stage, we knew we had the audience hooked. A man we didn’t even know stood up in the front row for a standing ovation! By the time Kari, aka the Mad Hatter, had finished her awesome strut down and back on the catwalk, all that could be heard was Oday Shakar saying “O-M-G!!!!”" over and over. Check out the video: Kari Seydewitz rocks the catwalk as the Mad Hatter during ASID OC\’s Designer Runway Extravaganza

With the judges comments, we knew we’d done well, but there was stiff competition from the other contestants, who had come up with some astounding outfits too. Team 15 made trousers. TROUSERS. Without a sewing machine!

They announced third place: we didn’t get it. We tried not to be disappointed or too hopeful. Second place: didn’t get that either. Now we’re really worried! First place: could it be? YES! WE WON!

It was such a great feeling, and such an honor. I’m so happy about how our team really worked together well to create this amazing outfit in 90 minutes. Another ASID win– even though it’s not for interior design, it’s for design, and it feels wonderful! Thank you to my team: Jan Smith, Kristen Rusert and of course, our lovely model, Kari Seydewitz!

Ready to hit the catwalk!

Kristen Rusert shows off her work on the Mad Hatter's hat

Lisa McDennon works on the jacket for the outfit, using an iron and many, many safety pins.

Kari applies her dramatic makeup and feathered false eyelashes

Kari, as the Mad Hatter, faces the judges

Henry Road uses their Fleur Grande fabric on the front of this chair...

At LRM Interior Design, we get inspired by a lot of things. But we really love up-and-coming companies that inspire us with their creativity and innovation.

Take Henry Road, a textile studio in Studio City, California, just up north from us here in Orange County. They design beautiful, bold and modern patterns for textiles that look stunning on all types of furniture, from chairs to sofas to footstools.Their patterns look amazing on more than just furniture, as we found with their Gloria tablecloths and Havana tote. Let’s not even start on their adorable storage sacks for kids.

...and a coffee sack to upholster the back.

Or shall we? This is where Henry Road’s real inspiration comes through. In many cases, as shown by the storage sacks and with items of furniture, Henry Road owner Paula Smail combines her large-print textiles with coffee sacks. We love this combination of texture and re-use, especially in the occasional chair covered in Paula’s Fleur Grande pattern on the front and coffee sacking on the back.

They’ve also covered church benches, footrests and cubes in coffee sacks, and according to their website, they’re pretty popular–almost all of their furniture has been sold.

Paula Smail seems like a person who is as interesting and enterprising as her designs. She spent part of her childhood in South Africa, in a house on Henry Road. It was the Marimekko blinds in that home, plus seeing the African women swathed in bright fabrics, that has shaped her design aesthetic.

We can’t wait to see what she does next! In the meantime, check out Henry Road’s collection of unusual accessories and home goods. And if you’re in Los Angeles, you may just want to stop by and peruse the intriguing items in her shop that are not available online.

Your home is your castle--protect it!

After spending the time, money and resources on interior design or on a remodel, be it one room or the entire home, doesn’t it make sense to protect that investment?

Insurance is an obvious way to do so, but did you check with your insurance agent after you finished the remodel? Your insurance needs may have changed, and if you don’t get it amended, you may think you are covered when you’re not. Installing a hidden home safe can save you on your insurance premiums, if you make sure to keep all valuables locked inside.

Security systems have come a long way over the last few years, and can be customized to your needs. From alarms to carbon monoxide alerts, home security can keep you safe when you’re away, but even while you’re sleeping. Security can also be combined with home technology, which has become so advanced that you can control your entire home, from turning on your coffee maker or jacuzzi to closing blinds–all from your iPhone, using Savant AV technology.

Do you have children or pets, or perhaps have furniture in direct sunlight? Protect your new furniture with the revolutionary product MicroSeal. And don’t discount the ability to discourage burglars with window treatments–safety can be beautiful, too. Have you thought about your entry doors? If you’ve wondered if you can have glass in your front door and still have privacy and security, we can help you answer those questions.

Always keep your plumber’s emergency number in your cell phone. When water is pouring out of a sink or burst pipe, it’s not the time to be scrambling for a phone number! And even if the plumber gets to your home quickly, you still may need to repair some water damage. Make sure to have the number of a reputable fire and water clean up and restoration company in your contact list.

And last but not least, you should remember some annual home maintenance, including checking the roof, changing your heating and air conditioner filters and getting a termite inspection.

If it sounds like a lot of time and effort to complete everything on this list, think of what the cost would be of not doing it. Your home and your family’s safety is worth it!

Contact us at LRM Interior Design for a complete list of our preferred vendors, or for us to organize a personal introduction to the professional to help you with any of these home security issues. We are always happy to help!

Jaeger 6-Tier Horn Chandelier

1. Jaeger 6-Tiered Horn Chandelier: Our love affair with capiz-shell chandeliers is still strong, don’t worry—after all, they helped us win one of our ASID awards! But it will have to share our hearts with this Jaeger horn chandelier, as the color and shape of the horn pieces are gorgeous. The hammered antique brass canopy is beautiful, as is the light diffused by the polished pieces of horn. This is a light fixture that does not melt into the background, but is rather more of an attention-getter—we must feel like it’s one of the LRM gang…

St. Tropez Boutique's Moroccan Chandeliers

2. Moroccan Chandelier: Another lighting fixture that’s not shy, and this one is not for small spaces. Can you say “detail?” The intricacy of metalwork on this piece is incredible, as is the overall shape and scale of it. Perfect for a double-story entry hall or great room, but also fantastic for a large outdoor space. These are handmade in Casablanca, Morocco, and are as authentic as a souk. Find this style and more at Saint Tropez Boutique.

Alison Berger's unique hand-scripted glasswork

3. Scripted Pendant Chandelier: Now, for something very modern, and very different. Alison Berger was inspired by fireflies and the stars to create her undeniably unique lighting pieces. We love her pieces with hand-scripted pendants, because when they’re lit up, the writing is projected on tho the surrounding surfaces to create a wonderful, ethereal mood. Jan Smith, Senior Designer at LRMID, sums it up for all of us when she says: “Brilliant design from Alison.”

2nd Ave's Calandra Chandelier

4. Calandra Chandelier: In California, we are surrounded by Spanish accents, with white stuccoed buildings with red tile roofs. Here we have a 2nd Ave design that echoes the days of California’s beginnings. The handcrafted scrollwork has an authentic feel, and as the photo shows, is just as comfortable in an outdoor setting as it is indoors in an entryway or over a large dining table. We also like the fact that 2nd Ave has been handcrafting their lighting pieces in an eco-friendly factory in the United States since 1979.

Ebanista's Carrillo Chandelier

5. Carrillo Chandelier: This chandelier from Ebanista is the belle of this blog’s ball. With the metalwork edged with crystals and the perfect number of pendants, the Carrillo is elegance defined. Did we mention that the pendants are not leaded crystal, but actually rock crystal? Yes, that’s one of the many details that sets this chandelier apart. Ebanista is known for their unique interpretation of European classics, and this chandelier is like royalty. And like a princess, the Carrillo only fits in to the most refined of environments.