Whether It’s a Little or a Lot, LRMID Can Make Homes Beautiful

June 27th, 2011 by jennifermyers

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. (read the rest of this post…)

Missoni: It’s not just for your wardrobe

May 31st, 2011 by jennifermyers

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…

(read the rest of this post…)

Elegant Outdoor Living

May 20th, 2011 by jennifermyers

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? (read the rest of this post…)

LRM Loves: Area Rugs

April 1st, 2011 by jennifermyers

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. (read the rest of this post…)

Elegant Home Fragrance Options

March 18th, 2011 by jennifermyers

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. (read the rest of this post…)

Lisa McDennon to be Featured in Hinkley Lighting Catalog

March 14th, 2011 by jennifermyers

Lisa McDennon

We’re very proud to announce that Lisa McDennon and LRM Interior Design is featured in Hinkley Lighting‘s latest catalog feature “Lighting Style Tips and Ideas from Fabulous Designers“.

In a series featuring renowned interior designers from across the country, Hinkley Lighting composes a simple yet articulate guide on how to properly utilize lighting, both natural and artificial, as an essential component in designing interior and exterior spaces.  Lisa McDennon has lent her impeccable eye for design to this guide, offering stylish tips on how to maximize the effectiveness of lighting in order to create the perfect ambiance. (read the rest of this post…)

Design in a Box. It’s LRM Interior Design that you do yourself!

March 4th, 2011 by jennifermyers

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. (read the rest of this post…)

Live Orange County and Laguna Beach Magazine Feature LRM Interior Design in February

February 25th, 2011 by jennifermyers

LRM Interior Design featured in February publications

As February draws to a close, don’t forget to check out Lisa McDennon and LRM Interior Design in two of Orange County’s top publications: Laguna Beach Magazine and Live Orange County.

The Laguna Beach Magazine’s feature was an interview with principal Lisa McDennon, exploring her expertise in interior design for coastal properties. (To read the full article, click here.) As Lisa is a long-time resident of Laguna Beach, she was very proud to be featured in a magazine dedicated to the wonders of her favorite town. (read the rest of this post…)

New Year, New Resolutions, New Inspirations

January 14th, 2011 by jennifermyers

As we start the new year, and look forward to a bright and prosperous 2011, the team at LRM Interior Design presents some of the things they are inspired to do around their home. Even as we design and furnish the homes and offices of our clients, we are mentally thinking: “Would that look good in my house?” Which is quite fun, as we have access to some of the best and most unique home decor providers in the world. Yes, the world is literally our oyster…so if any of these ideas tickle your fancy, you know what to do. Give us a call so we can give you a new home in the new year!

An example of Jan's inspiration

Jan Smith, Senior Designer, is always focused on the client. Her inspiration is definitely one she takes home with her—everything at her home, from the spare room down to the dinner table, is thought through to the last detail. “In 2011, I want to emphasize the importance of completing the room design to our clients,” says Jan. “Paint, wallcoverings and furnishings will only give you part of the design story, not the full picture. It is essential to complete the room or home with soft goods and accessories. A finished look is a layered look, and at LRMID we stress the importance of those final touches, which include art, accessories, window treatments, accent rugs, portable lighting…the list is as long as the imagination!” (read the rest of this post…)

Top Five Faves: Non-Traditional Holiday Decorating

December 17th, 2010 by jennifermyers

Today the weather outside in Southern California is frightful, but luckily inside it’s so delightful, thanks to some beautiful ideas on decorating your home that aren’t mass produced or seen on every street. What do we mean by that? Well, the best way is to clear your table, enlist family and/or friends, get the glue and pretty paper out, and get creating! But it could also just be getting away from the standard red and green colors for the holiday and mix it up a bit. Here’s some tips from Senior Designer Jan Smith and Design Assistant Melissa Morgan.

Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House in gingerbread

1. Gingerbread Modern Houses: You don’t need to throw tradition out the window; that’s not what we’re saying! But how about getting a little creative with the spiced-and-baked architecture? Gingerbread houses can easily be built from using a kit that you buy at the store, but that’s too easy. How about a gingerbread house inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House? Before you think you need to be an Ace of Cakes—oh wait, yes you do. This one was created by April Reed Cake design and took over 25 hours to make! And you don’t even want to know how much it cost….but 15% of the proceeds went to the restoration project in the works for Farnsworth House when it was damaged in a flood a few years ago. (read the rest of this post…)