Christian Horan and his assistant Scott line up the living room shot

Last Thursday the setup started early, with accessories and home goods being carefully unpacked and unwrapped after a week of shopping. Hours of arranging, rearranging and careful placement followed. Finally, one of LRM Interior Design’s Newport Beach bachelor projects was, shall we say, ready for its close up.

It wasn’t just the LRM team that was involved in setting up the shoot, there was help from the outside. For the green touches that bring an almost unconscious beauty to a room, Instant Jungle was called in for their expert eye and green thumb. Lisa McDennon uses no one but Instant Jungle for all of her plant needs, both internal and external. Greg Wallace, owner, was on site to make sure everything looked perfect—and he should know, as he’s been supplying plants for gardens, interiors, and home staging for 30 years.

Another integral part of the team was our favorite photographer Christian Horan, whose eye for detail, light and composition beautifully complements Lisa’s interior design. He and his assistant Scott moved furniture, helped style tabletops, climbed up and down ladders like monkeys to get the perfect shot every time. Catching Christian between his international shoots in Mexico and the Caribbean was tricky, and we were lucky to get him—and his special blend of energy, humor and talent—on the shoot.

It was an exhausting day, but it will be worth it when we see those photos of the house in print….hopefully soon! In the meantime, check out Lisa McDennon’s work and Christian’s photos in the upcoming August issue of Romantic Homes magazine.

LRMID transformed an 80s nightmare into a contemporary showhome.

Orange County is known for its high number of attractive, solvent bachelors, but what happens when they finally realize that they want to settle down?

“All of the bachelor clients have come to me looking to transform their home,” says Lisa. “They’re finally looking to find that special someone, and are aware that their house is not up to a woman’s standards.”

According to the clients, they approached LRM Interior Design in the first place because of the company’s use of a clean aesthetic. “Plus, we have a practical and analytical style that appeals to men,” Lisa explains.”

Lisa amazed both of her bachelor clients with her ability to transform bachelor drab into showhome fab—something that wasn’t too masculine. “We created places where guests would feel comfortable but that would also impress the clients’ dates,” says Lisa.

A sprawling, 6,000 sq. ft. Cape Cod overlooking the Newport harbor was in desperate need of an update from what could only be called a “Miami Vice” inspired design. Lisa and her team gutted the interior, and transformed the house into a magnificent, yet comfortable, showhome with two stories and a mezzanine. Plus, the Cape Cod exterior was altered to complement the modern interior, including the addition of pool railings that matched those on the the staircase inside.

Soft grays and bold patterns create a look that is suited for a man but comfortable for guests

LRMID took a so-so condominium with ocean views in San Clemente and gave it a modern Moroccan makeover, with steel greys and geometric patterned accents. Lisa also designed custom furniture, creating two chaise longues that fit together into a double bed for guests.

Now LRM Interior Design has a new challenge from a bachelor. The outside areas of his modern beach house don’t match the interior’s cosmopolitan feel. “We will be taking these traditional-looking areas and updating them by pulling finishes and adding furniture that is inspired by the home’s interior,” explains Lisa. “There are so many fantastic outdoor furniture lines now, and we’ve even found the items we want in stainless steel.”

The LRM team looks forward to using organic elements like fire and water with construction materials such as concrete and glass to create an outdoor space that will provide a hip lounging area for his guests—whether that be a small group of friends, or just that special lady.

Robert Esterley, Marta Monahan and Lisa McDennon at Marche Moderne at South Coast Plaza

Before the holidays started in full, Lisa McDennon attended an event at South Coast Plaza‘s Marché Moderne, held by Christofle and Robert Esterley, one of Orange County’s premiere interior designers.

The purpose of the event was not only to teach attendees about how to create the perfect table setting for your holiday guests, but also to instruct on the proper etiquette for social interaction.

Author Marta Monahan, whose book Your Bouquet of Beautiful Things has inspired countless readers, gave a presentation on etiquette that included the correct ways to place a glass on the table, fold your napkin in your lap, butter bread while dining, amongst other crucial tips on manners.

Lisa was fascinated by Robert’s grace as he placed the china, silver and other accessories on his display buffet table. “His movements were so smooth and full of intention, it was awesome,” remembers Lisa. “I felt like I was watching a choreographed dance!”

One of Lisa’s guests included a long-time client, who also happened to be a confirmed bachelor. During the presentations, he approached Lisa with a question. “My client had planned two parties for a special guest from out of town,” Lisa recalls. “The Christofle event reminded him that he did not own any matching china, serving bowls or plates, or even glassware or table linens! He needed my help.”

Lisa and Senior Designer Jan Smith leapt into action to create the perfect table for their client’s two parties. Don’t miss the upcoming blog about how it all turned out!

“My client’s request made me realize something,” says Lisa. “Many of my clients might not know all the ways I can help them!”

Do you need help designing your table or home for a special event? Lisa Rachelle McDennon Interior Design can help.

A display created by Robert Esterley with Christofle products

An elegant table setting by Robert Esterley