That said, every good guest knows that if you’re invited to a person’s home for an event, a hostess gift is not only a way to make yourself very popular, it’s also a great way to thank the host or hostess for spending the time and money to throw the party, plus using their home as the venue.

With New Year’s Eve just a few days away, we thought we’d give you some of our favorite tips for hostess gifts this season. Many will be available online, which will take a lot of the hassle out of gift-buying! Don’t be tempted to ship it straight to the party’s hosts—it’s much better to see their face when they open it.

1. Jonathan Adler Squirrel Canister: Who loves Jonathan Adler? We do! And we love to share his whimsical sense of design and humor, like in this high-fired stoneware canister with a matte white glaze. Fill it with a nice surprise, some home-baked cookies or, dare we say, nuts and a nutcracker? Give this gift to your friends that have quirky style and that love to laugh. “You’ve got to give it to Jonathan Adler to find humor in the smallest of things,” says Jan Smith. “This gift can be used all year round and will bring a smile not only to the host but also to everyone that feels like a ‘nut’.”

2. Solid Cashmere Throw: This is a great gift when you are already familiar with your host’s home and can pick a coordinating color for their living room or bedroom. Who doesn’t love to snuggle under cashmere!? Williams Sonoma have provided so many colors to choose from. Just don’t give it to those friends who let their dogs lie on any piece of furniture. You might get a shock on your next visit and find that Princess has claimed that cashmere. Smart dog…

3. Set of Three Oslo Candleholders: Leave it to Crate & Barrel to create something so simple and so stylish. These candleholders suit almost any table—the brilliant lead crystal has polished, beveled edges for a modern architectural feel. The receiver can use them alone or cluster them for a beautiful effect. Jan says: “I personally own these and have always felt that the best gifts are the ones that you want to keep for yourself. These candleholders are simple yet elegant and add sparkle to any lucky table.”

4. Personalized Champagne Bucket: Save this one for people you really like, and for those who do like a nice, chilled bottle of bubbly or white wine. Nothing says “elegant gift” like silver and Champagne. At almost $90 before tax and shipping, this is not a gift you give to every host—unless of course that’s a drop in the bucket of your gift budget. Add a bottle of your hosts’ favorite wine, Cava or Champagne to be the belle of the ball, right when you arrive. And if you bring it chilled—well, you might just get a glass…

Have a wonderful end to your Holiday Season, and all of us at LRM Interior Design wish you a joyous and prosperous 2012!

We loved this photo from the Hinkley website, since it could be our own Lisa McDennon modeling!

Remember earlier this year when we announced Lisa McDennon’s inclusion in Hinkley Lighting’s website and nationwide catalog? Lisa was extremely flattered to be chosen as one of their top picks for giving “Lighting Style Tips and Ideas from Fabulous Designers“, and was even quoted in the blog as saying she looked forward to a long relationship with the distinguished brand.

And that turns out to have been quite the prediction—we don’t want to spill the beans, but keep your eye out for some exciting news here on the LRM Interior Design blog about that very thing! In the meantime, we wanted to talk a little bit about why Lisa felt so privileged to be included in Hinkley’s cadre of favorite designers.

Hinkley Lighting has been in existence for almost 90 years, and still holds a strong reputation for quality in construction, superb functionality and beauty in design. Phil R. Hinkley founded the company in Cleveland, Ohio in 1922, and the first catalog did not feature any designer style tips, only fourteen copper light fixtures made for both indoor and outdoor use.

In the 1930s, the Hinkley company started moving from copper fixtures into specially treated steel and copper plating. They also started to include crystal moss, amber cathedral and amber opal glass into their pieces. During the 40s, like many manufacturers, Hinkley Lighting’s new owner Stanley Wiedemer shipped his sons off to the war and started making airplane parts for the government. They reverted to lighting after the war, when the need for residential housing skyrocketed.

The 50s and 60s were great times for innovation both in technology and design, and in the 80s launched their landscape lighting division, which is going strong today. We’re happy that it’s still a family business after all these years, and continues to succeed based on those same values the company was founded on. We also love Hinkley Lighting’s dedication to reducing their eco-impact, with teams dedicated to creating lighting that are more efficient and less harmful to the environment, while still embodying the styling we expect. Their outdoor lighting conforms to almost every Dark Sky requirement that exists, and they continue to provide LED conversions and fixtures for fluorescent bulbs.

At LRM Interior Design, we know how a single lamp can not only transform a room, but anchor the entire design. Lighting should be something that complements, that wows, that delights—but always provides the right quality of lighting for the room’s purpose. Interior designers like the LRM team are experts at lighting, and would love to talk to you about a lighting makeover. Call (949) 497-6806 for a consultation today!

Here you can have breakfast surrounded by Tiffany blue.

We didn’t think it was possible. How could one of the most glamorous cities in the United States—nay, the world!—become even more glamorous?

We have the St. Regis New York to thank for this addition of elegance to the Big Apple. NYC is home to many wonderful delights, but one of us girls’ favorite things comes in a little blue box….with a white bow. Know what it is yet?

That’s right, it’s Tiffany & Co. And there’s not many glamorous girls alive who have not swooned over the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s with Audrey Hepburn, one of the most beautiful leading ladies the world has ever seen.

So what does Tiffany’s have to do with the St. Regis? Only a brand new suite not only named after it, but decorated with the help of Tiffany & Co.’s Design Director Emeritus John Loring. That means the suite is full of sophistication and subtle neutral colors, with the signature Tiffany blue as an accent color throughout.

The entry—stunning!

Delectable. Delightful. Drop-dead gorgeous! The suite features impressive views of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street from it’s 14th floor perch, and combines a wonderful balance between opulence and whimsy. At 1,700 square feet, if you have to ask how much it runs a night, you might not be able to foot the bill. But luckily, these photos (kindly provided by the St. Regis New York) give us a taste of the suite’s beauty.

Tiffany blue accents are dotted throughout the suite.

What we want to know is: what other famous brand would you want to see a room or home designed in? Check back—we might have a few ideas of our own…

The elegant living room.

Lisa's inimitable style can be seen on the landing of the large, custom-built home.

Recently the home developer Terra Bella came to Lisa McDennon, principal of LRM Interior Design, and asked her to help with one of their “spec” homes in Covenant Hills. Covenant Hills is the area of Ladera Ranch where homes are exclusively custom built, and this one is on one of the best lots in the development with stunning views over Orange County.

A “spec” home is a custom home built by a developer or investor, not by an actual homeowner. In order to show the beautiful home in its full glory, Terra Bella knew they needed the deft touch of Lisa McDennon and her team.

Since it was more of a staging than a home remodel, Terra Bella did not want to spend the money for the LRM team to design the entire property, but they knew that any additions she made would add that perfect touch. They asked Lisa to focus on architectural details, one of her specialties, plus items such as advising on flooring choices, wall finishes, lighting, and the tile work on the pool and the master bath.

Lisa was very pleased to get a call from the developer last week, raving about the finished product. Each room he went into, he said, he was amazed by how Lisa’s input had elevated the space, making each room she’d added to so much better. It was a definite confirmation that even just hiring her for direction, for choosing key materials and design services in certain areas had a huge payoff.

If the look of the place wasn’t enough to convince Terra Bella’s owners that they had made the right decision, the offer they received within days of the first open house certainly did. That was another happy call that Lisa received last week!

The home, at 81 Bell Pasture in Covenant Hills, is still open for viewing by appointment only. Take a tour through the home and see that hiring a designer is worth every penny, even if it’s not a full remodel. By using their knowledge and guiding you through choices for materials, furniture, accessories, lighting and fixtures, you can not only save money, time and your sanity, (think of all the mistakes you WON’T make!) but you’ll also elevate your home’s design to a level you only dreamed of.

Ready to have LRM Interior Design consult on your design needs? Call (949) 497-6806 for your complimentary consultation and a customized design profile.

The chair next to the contemporary fireplace are strategic details arranged by LRMID.

A stunning chandelier, chosen by Lisa McDennon, hangs in the vaulted ceiling of the stairwell.

Just try to get us out of this Missoni deck chair!

Ah, Missoni. The name itself sounds like a breezy, beautiful day on the Italian coast, perhaps in Amalfi. With Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses to block out the sun bouncing off the Mediteranean, the wind stirs the multi-colored folds of our Missoni dress…

Okay, so perhaps not everyone has dreamt that dream, but if you love the fashion of Missoni as much as we do, you’ll love Kristen Rusert’s inspiration for this week.

Missoni has taken their trademark knitted weaves and put them on outdoor furniture. Yes, it’s true! Missoni teamed up with T&J Vestor in 1983 to start the home line, which has continued to expand over the years, to great success. And no wonder! Who wouldn’t want to have these sleek, colorful pieces of furniture gracing their outdoor living area? Our only worry is that every guest would be green with envy…

“Keep it clean and simple with a pop of color. As usual, Missoni is perfection!!” says Kristen. “These outdoor pieces would be a fantastic addition to a contemporary outdoor space. To be extra stylish, throw in one of their gorgeous beach towels and layout in luxury!”

You'd never leave your towel if you took this Marlon towel from Missoni to the beach.

The Missoni home collection was designed by Rosita Missoni and embodies every inch of quality and beauty that Missoni has come to be known for. The collection exudes a sunny personality and creative spirit that are showcased by Missoni’s legendary manufacturing skill. Not surprisingly, the inspirations and emotions of fashion also color Rosita Missoni’s ideas of home design, made possible through the collaboration of missoni, one of italy’s top fashion designers, and T&J Vestor, a firm that boasts a long family tradition in home fabrics and furnishings.

But how can you use them in your outdoor living space? Are the colors too bold, the designs too modern? Don’t be scared to try a little of something different—just because your style is on the opposite side of these Missoni pieces doesn’t mean they won’t work in your space. Let LRM Interior Design show you how you can inject a bit of Missoni’s lively color and style into your backyard, so you can feel like you’re on the Amalfi Coast any day of the week.

And if you’re still not sure, you can always just buy a Missoni beach towel, and enjoy the envious looks you get from your fellow beachgoers. Now wouldn’t that be fun!

Where can you purchase these fantastic furniture items? Just contact LRM Interior Design and we can order them in no time. Just call (949) 497-6806 for more information on how to order.

Missoni Easy Chair

Put your feet up in this chair and matching footstool.

Side tables have never before been so glamorous!

A stunning example of mid-century modern architecture.

Spring has been quite a wet season, especially by our Southern California standards. But our opinion is that it will just provide a lush summer for our enjoyment. Here in Laguna Beach, we can tell that there’s been a lot of rain, and not just by the unusually lush hillsides, but that the goats have arrived a bit early this year. Yes, we said “goats”. They are our ecologically friendly way of ridding the beautiful Laguna hillsides of the excess vegetation. Plus, they are adorable!

But we digress. Although the spring hasn’t provided the best weather for us to enjoy the outdoors, we know that summer is just around the corner, and it’s sure to bring us some beautiful sunshine. And when the sun is shining, the locals of Southern California play, entertain and relax. And what better place to do so than in a stunning outdoor living space—in your own home?

It’s no secret that we at LRM Interior Design love the mid-century modern period, not just for furniture and style, but also for architecture. Jan Smith, Senior Designer at LRMID, submitted this photograph of a home available in one of the mid-century modern havens in SoCal: Palm Springs.

“For me, nothing epitomizes outdoor living like a great mid-century modern design,” says Jan. “Large windows, like in this house, encourage the homeowner to extend the living space as far outside as possible.” And not using your outdoor space to its full potential in Southern California is a crime. Some areas, like our beloved Laguna Beach, can be a bit stingy on its lot sizes, which makes designing an outdoor living area more challenging—but not impossible. And we love a challenge at LRM!

“Oversized furniture and great lighting invite get-togethers that last into the evening, or even late into the night. Neutral palettes also bring attention to other details in a backyard; in this instance, it’s the plant life and pool,” Jan comments, discussing the Palm Springs home. “Contrary to popular belief, creating simple designs is often more difficult than creating more ornate or complex ones. With a simple design, every detail and selection must be perfectly proportioned and thoughtfully executed.”

Is your backyard ready for summer entertaining? Is it ready to be transformed from a “backyard” into an “outdoor living” space? If you’ve been thinking about it, there should be nothing stopping you from contacting us for a free consultation. Let us create a space for you that will make you never need another vacation, because you’ll have resort living right outside your door!

Yes, we said goats and we meant it!

And that’s not to say that much of what they’re hoarding needs to be thrown out, but if you’re not using these items, perhaps it’s because it’s packed so far back in a cupboard you forget about it. Or, you could be like Katherine Caporale, the newest member of the LRM Interior Design team, someone who was brought up to save the best items for special occasions. “I subconsciously incorporated my mother’s philosophy into my attitude towards my possessions,” Katherine explains. “For instance, my Christofle sterling silver sits waiting for a holiday to be admired. But this year’s spring cleaning will be a rebirth for all the lovely pieces that have been leading a cloistered existence in the china closet!”

And why don’t we all take Katherine’s lead? Clear out those items that you put in the cupboard to hide, and take out the beautiful items that should be admired by all who see it, every single day. Here’s some fantastic ideas on how to showcase those items, plus some refreshing spring ideas from our fearless leader, Lisa McDennon herself!

The perfect storage solution for a shoe collection

1. SHOES: Now, we know that there are ladies out there that like sensible shoes, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But let’s face it, whether they are sensible shoes or fabulous Manolo Blahniks, most of us girls are obsessed with our shoes. So why shut them away in the closet? We love this shoe storage tower with space for 18 pairs of shoes and six handbags. Lined with pale grey fabric that keeps shoes and handbags in great shape, the cubbies can be readjusted to hold boots or specially sized shoes or bags. I don’t know about you, but I’m looking for the “buy!” button! Just call the girls at LRM Interior Design and they can get you pricing: (949) 497-6806.

Display items on this contemporary bookshelf

2. DISPLAY: Bookcases can be so, well….boring. It’s shelving, after all, right? But, as usual, Arteriors manages to do something innovative with a piece that seems to be unchangeable or unimprovable. This limed-oak bookshelf would provide a subtle contemporary styling to a bedroom, living room or home office, but it’s not just for books! It could even display items in a dining room instead of the usual china cabinet. Don’t forget that there isn’t a back to this shelving unit, meaning that the wallcovering behind it will show right through, adding another decorative element to what you display on its shelves. Carmine Grey Limed-Oak Bookshelf, available through LRM Interior Design: (949) 497-6806.

Entryway storage is key with a family

3. ENTRY: Do you have a problem with other people’s clutter? Do you have busbands, wives, children (or even visitors!) who come in to your house and drop their belongings in the entryway? This Benedict Entry Bench is the answer to all of your problems! It’s almost 4-feet long, with three deep drawers and 10 deep cubbies for storing all types of items as they come through the front door. Bookbags, purses, briefcases—even toys—can be neatly and safely tucked away. And, since it’s made from zinc, it’s long wearing and durable. Also available from LRM Interior Design. Call (949) 497-6806 for pricing.

The lines of this Waterworks tub are gorgeous

4. SOAK: “Last year I changed out my kitchen faucet,” remembers Lisa McDennon. “And it inspired me to want an entire kitchen remodel!” And it’s no surprise that this soaking tub from Waterworks is making us all think of a bathroom remodel. Is your bathtub built in? Do you only have a shower? Discover how truly delightful a bath can be with a deep, contemporary soaker like this one. As a matter of fact, this tub is so gorgeous, we dare you not to want to remodel around it once it’s installed… Call (949) 497-6806 for pricing from LRM Interior Design.

Try a wallpaper insert or a starburst mirror in the dining room

5. HANG: Is replacing your tub too big of a step to take right now? No problem. We have ways for you to start small and work your way up to the bathroom remodel. Try adding a stunning oversized object to a room, like this fantastic starburst mirror. We have used something similar over a bed, but in this case we hung it over the dining room buffet, to great effect. We have many sources for these type of striking mirrors and hung objects, so don’t hesitate to ask us to do the shopping for you. If you look at the ceiling of the dining room, you’ll see another little trick: a wallpaper insert that provides a unique touch to the dining experience. The F. Schumacher wallpaper and mirror are both available at LRM Interior Design, and other styles and colors are available; all you have to do is ask. (949) 463-8134.

So, hooray for spring, and let’s bring those wonderful items out for not just display, but use too! And make sure to donate those pieces that are cluttering up your home to a thrift store near you. Try not to be sentimental about pieces that are not adding beauty, value or usefulness to your home. Out with the old, and in with SPRING!

Kyle Bunting creates stunning area rugs, furniture and wallcoverings.

In the warm climate of Southern California, we’ve noticed that many homeowners like choosing tile or hardwood for their floorcovering, which makes a lot of sense. Why have deep, plush, wall-to-wall carpeting if it’s not going to keep the house cool during the heat of the summer? And in California, our “summer” lasts longer than most areas.

But that large expanse of flooring or tile can appear a bit….well, dare we say it: naked. There could be many reasons for not putting an area rug down. First of all, many people think if they have such beautiful hardwood or tile, why should they cover part of it up? Secondly, many might find the patterns or designs of rugs too complex, and aren’t sure how to add them to their current decor.

As you know, all of us at LRM Interior Design are addicted to accessories, and an area rug is one of the best ways to add pop to a room. And, to top it off, it’s easy to change out, unlike wall-to-wall carpeting, or even an expensive sofa or some custom cabinetry. Choose the right rug and it complements that beautiful flooring, rather than covering it up.

Plus, there’s so much versatility with area rugs. They come in so many different materials nowadays, the choices are absolutely endless. Silk, leather, cowhide, natural fiber, chenille, wool…where to begin? That’s another reason people balk at choosing a rug—which kind do I choose? Do I want an Oriental pattern or something more contemporary? What happens if it doesn’t look right when I get it home?

All of these questions are easily handled by consulting with an interior designer. We love shopping for our clients, and rugs are our particular favorite. Speaking of favorites, one of our choices of rug supplier is the U.K.’s The Rug Company, who has four showrooms here in the U.S., including Los Angeles. Why do we love them so much? Because it’s not always enough to have a Diane Von Furstenburg dress or a suit by Paul Smith; why not have a rug designed by them too? The Rug Company has commissioned some fantastic rugs from these designers, and many more, including America’s own Kelly Wearstler.

Do you have a design of your own in mind? Or perhaps your interior designer wants to create a custom rug to be the perfect accent to your living room, dining room or bedroom. Alicia Keshishian‘s company can create custom rugs, and they also offer a fantastic range of existing rugs that are all made by hand in Nepal. Many of the rugs are contemporary in design, and all use vegetable or low-impact dyes which are gentle on the environment. Keshishian is a true artist, and prefers to collaborate with her clients, rather than dictate style or design.

For those with a love for tactile experiences combined with stunning beauty and creativity, look no further than Kyle Bunting‘s rug collection. This company, not surprisingly located deep in the heart of Texas, creates luxury rugs, carpets, furniture and wall coverings using cowhide. Yes, with the fur still on. Using the beauty of the cowhide and its nap, length and direction, and using dyes, they create rugs that are truly works of art.

Ready for a beautiful area rug now? Call LRM Interior Design for a complimentary consultation. We find that many clients save time and money by letting us assist them in choosing furnishings and accessories, especially since many items are only sold to those in the industry. We also save our clients from the frustrations of ordering furniture that doesn’t fit the room, colors that don’t match the room, or other problems that are easy for us to avoid. Please call the office on (949) 497-6806 or send us an email so we can set up an appointment to see how we can help you create the home of your dreams.

Kelly Wearstler for The Rug Company

"Mr. Crowley" rug from Kyle Bunting

BUtterfly rug from The Rug Company designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby

Sea-inspired fragrance diffusers from Zodax

Our Senior Designer Jan Smith was visiting the Montage Laguna Beach recently, and saw a home fragrance diffuser that got her thinking. Most fragrance diffusers are nothing more than a jar filled with essential oils. “Most of these diffusers use bamboo reeds that stick out of the top of the jar by six inches or so,” comments Jan. “I can’t think of a room where this is an attractive accessory. So when I saw the diffusers at the Montage, I was happy to know that there’s options!”

Many people nowadays are sensitive to the chemicals that have made their way into our homes over the last 50 years, and are trying to avoid them. Cleaners, fragrances, disinfectant sprays and other household items can actually be toxic. Diffusers utilize essential oils instead of chemically created fragrances to produce scent. Many people have made the switch to diffusers in recent years, choosing them over the more traditional “plug-in” wall-socket room scenting options.

But how to get around the ubiquitous reeds sticking up unglamorously from the diffuser? Now many companies are using shaped porcelain stoppers that absorb the essential oils by using a cloth wick, that brings the scent up to the porcelain stopper and releases it into the air.

The LRMID favorite is the coral-shaped stopper from Zodax (shown above), but we also loved the Dragonfly porcelain ball diffuser. To release the fragrance of the essential oils, this diffuser uses a wick that burns slowly. It does get warm, unlike the Zodax diffuser, but that just means that the aroma is stronger. For those who like florals, Zodax also makes stoppers in the shape of peonies, narcissus and rose flowers.

Dragonfly diffuser from Greenleaf

If you’re looking for unique ways to accessorize your home, call LRM Interior Design for a consultation. We can transform your room with some carefully selected furnishings, window treatments and accessories that will make you feel like it was completely redecorated. Or, try our Design in a Box service to completely redecorate your home one room at a time. Call (949) 497-6806 to set an appointment or send an email.

Zodax's flower-shaped diffusers

Everything a client needs to redesign a room fits inside this beautiful box.

Everyone is talking about “Design in a Box” nowadays, and more and more clients have been asking for it. What is Design in a Box, actually? How can someone who knows nothing about design put together a room that’s been designed by a professional? Especially a multiple award-winning designer like Lisa McDennon?

LRM Interior Design has perfected the process, offering a complete road map from a client’s starting point to their dream design. LRM Interior Design does all of the hard work, from creating a color board, a space plan, selecting furniture, designing architectural details, window treatments and lighting, and manages to fit all of it inside a beautiful, richly colored box. In addition, LRMID provides two folders containing paint swatches: one that outlines the color palette for the room, and the other to be used as a quick reference guide for furniture and accessories. And, last but not least, a shopping guide that lists all of the retail stores where the furniture and accessories can be purchased.

Why has Design in a Box been so popular? Firstly, because you get a professionally designed room for much less the potential cost of having the designer on the project from start to finish. With some legwork, shopping and a little elbow grease, a client can avoid the fees that a design firm has to charge for purchasing materials, hiring contractors and generally keeping on top of the project (aka project management).

Another reason is that the client gets to play designer! How fun is that? With a magic box that lays out a spectacular design, a client can be involved hands-on in creating beauty in their home.

The greatest thing about Design in a Box is that the LRM team does not have to be near the client to produce it. Because LRMID has perfected the process, they give the client a questionnaire to fill out and instructions on taking photographs and measurements, all of which can be mailed or emailed back to the studio. If you are in Orange County, a client can request an on-site consult that includes professional site measurements and a presentation in the studio for a $500 surcharge.

Prices for the LRM Interior Design Design in a Box service starts at $1,500, and increases are based on additional services. If you are interested in LRMID’s Design in a Box services, or the full design service, please contact us by email or by calling (949) 497-6806.