What’s Red, Hot and Fast? Not a Ferrari—the new Electrolux Washing Machine

July 16th, 2010 by jennifermyers
The Electrolux washer in Red Hot Red

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. (read the rest of this post…)

Top Five Faves: Patterned Wallpaper

July 9th, 2010 by jennifermyers

We warned you—we have more to say about wallpaper. Not quite as much as last week, as we were able to narrow down our patterned choices to the required five…just. Where last week presented wallcoverings that were nigh on incredible, this week we’re staying more in the realm of what most people would call wallpaper. But that doesn’t mean they’re boring….

Schumacher Imperial Trellis

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

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

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

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

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.

Top Five Faves: Unusual Wallcoverings

July 1st, 2010 by jennifermyers

First confession: this week we fudged. Just a little bit. We were beat at our task by the multitude of wonderful, exquisite and downright fantastical wallpapers on the market, and we could only narrow our Faves down to seven. Don’t hate us because they’re so beautiful!

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

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!” (read the rest of this post…)

New Project, New Zealand!

June 27th, 2010 by jennifermyers
The dramatic New Zealand coastline

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!

The Importance of A Well-Set Table

September 20th, 2009 by jennifermyers

Even breakfast in bed can be an occasion for careful arrangement of a table setting, like this tray designed by Lisa McDennon

Even breakfast in bed can be an occasion for careful arrangement of a table setting, like this tray designed by Lisa McDennon

Senior Designer Jan Smith was inspired by an article in House Beautiful this week.
“Table settings are just an extended facet of interior design,” comments Jan. “Arranging your table employs all of the design elements and principles that the team at LRM Interior Design uses to design a room.”
Jan defines these elements and principles as: line, space, shape, balance, direction, repetition, texture, contrast, size, harmony, color, dominance, form and unity.
If there is a special occasion where a dynamic table setting is required, a professional interior designer can be consulted. They will be able to interpret your needs and create the exact mood you are looking for. (read the rest of this post…)

Inspiration: Not Your Mother’s Wallpaper

May 22nd, 2009 by jennifermyers
Mystique Avocado wallpaper by Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen

Mystique Avocado wallpaper by Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen

This week, LRM Interior Design’s Hillary Nichols has been inspired by the fun and eclectic wallpapers she found on burkedecor.com.
“I love the use of bright and complex colors, metallics and bold patterns, and how many of these papers have an ethnic flair but with a modern twist,” says Hillary.
If you decide to use one of these statement wallpapers, LRMID suggests pairing it with simple, clean-lined pieces of furniture. Let the wallpaper shine without the furniture trying to compete for attention! (read the rest of this post…)

Inspiration: The Great Outdoors

April 30th, 2009 by jennifermyers
Williams Sonoma St. Barths coffee table

Williams Sonoma St. Barths coffee table

Today is May Day! Here at LRM Interior Design, we’ve decided to celebrate it with an Inspiration piece on outdoor furniture. Yep, it’s that time of year. Our executive administrator Kristen Rusert was the one to bring up the patio furniture, and wanted to help our readers find the most stylish—and most affordable—items for your outdoor area.
“I chose this inspiration topic for two reasons: the changing of the season and the economic climate,” says Kristen.  “We’re Southern California residents, as are most of our clients, and that means we look forward to summer as the time for relaxing outside in the sunshine.”
Both sun- and shade-seekers know that nothing is better than spending summer days lounging on comfortable and stylish patio furniture.  Here are some great choices for the online shopper to achieve their summer outdoor paradise: (read the rest of this post…)

West Week: Trina Turk & David Dalton Talk

April 7th, 2009 by lisa

I was so happy to be able to make Trina Turk’s talk at the Laguna Design Center’s West Week. I was even happier to find out that David Dalton was joining her! I wanted to share some of the important points I picked up from them, as I was inspired and excited by hearing about their rise to fame:
Trina feels that the Elle Décor spread featuring her home launched her into the spotlight, and gave her the most publicity and feedback she’s ever received. As for David Dalton, his collaboration with another type of artist – the singer Meatloaf – proved enjoyable and promotional: Meatloaf’s redesigned home was featured in Architectural Digest. Dalton’s own home was featured in Western Interiors, Loft, Dwell, Shelter and Angelino magazines, which helped propel him into the public eye. Dalton spoke of how easy it was to design – the empty space itself was unbelievably inspiring! (read the rest of this post…)

Inspiration: Bold & Soft

March 20th, 2009 by lisa

Designer's apartment in Chicago

One of my favorite web sites is Apartment Therapy. It showcases some great interiors that don’t always make it to the big glossy magazines, but are definitely worthy.

This week I found my “Inspiration” on their site – a small apartment decorated with bold style yet soft colors. The size of the space definitely spoke to me, as living and working in Laguna Beach has made me all too adept at designing for small spaces. I loved how they used wainscoting to create panels on the walls that inject color and bold patterns onto the white walls, but cleverly knew when to stop. It would have been easy to overwhelm the space with even one full wall of pattern.

The designer, also the resident of the featured apartment, used light, fresh colors that keep a small space bright and open. She also used fabrics that I am both familiar with and love, especially on the fabric-covered coffee table.

I felt that this apartment’s décor was well thought out and shows the designer’s personality and originality, plus a love of fabrics that clearly mirrors my own!

Here is a photo, as promised!

—Lisa