1. London Calling: Make a statement in the living room, but keep everyone guessing what exactly it was you changed. Was it the sofa? No. Was it that painting? No. It was the amazing rug from Luke Irwin, with its rich color and subtle geometric pattern. Changing an area rug can be a great way to alter the tone and feel of the room without breaking the bank. Of course, this rug, called Hex 2, comes from London, is hand knotted to order and made from wool, silk and cashmere. You can have it in any “colour” or size you’d like, so be creative!

2. Top Me Up: Let’s face it: When relatives come to stay, sometimes a drink is just what the doctor ordered. Make sure they know that you respect your alcohol by rolling out this delightful faux-shagreen bar cart that is just to die for. Why faux shagreen? Because you would not want to be setting anything containing liquid down on real shagreen—it’s just too precious. And, as our fearless leader Lisa McDennon says: “Who does not love faux shagreen and chrome together?” Enough said. The is custom made from SkateModerne.

3. Behind Closed Doors: Now, we don’t always discuss this part of the bathroom, but we just couldn’t resist—this product is about as space-age, high-tech as it gets. It’s a delicate area, literally, but you must be told about the NUMI toilet from Kohler. Listen to the list of features—wait, there’s a list of features for a toilet? Yes, we know. That’s how cool this is: Motion activated lid and seat, advanced bidet functionality, integrated air dryer, deodorizer, heated seat, feet warming, illuminated panels and—wait for it…..music. We’re thinking that the heated seats and feet warming alone could give us a wonderful new reason to linger in the ladies room….

There you have it. Three lovely, quick ways to wow your guests with simple upgrades. Call us, LRM Interior Design, for more information about these products, how to get them delivered before Christmas or Hanukkah, and how to get them expertly installed, in the case of the toilet. Orange County’s award-winning design team is at your service: (949) 497-6806.

The Les Alizés Collection from Brunschwig & Fils.

Everybody knows that we love Kravet—we love their furniture (especially the KravetSmart line!), we love their fabrics, we love their trimmings. And now there’s even more reason to love Kravet—they saved the esteemed fabric company Brunschwig & Fils.

This American company was founded in 1900 and has always been highly regarded in the industry, not just for their fabrics, but as a resource. Unfortunately, due to the economic upheaval, Brunschwig & Fils was forced to file for bankruptcy in late 2010.

But wait, that’s not all. Kravet president Cary Kravet swoops in like a superhero to Brunschwig & Fils’ rescue. Although they seem like a competitor, it makes complete sense for Kravet to add them to their line of offerings.

“It was pretty close to disappearing,” said Cary Kravet. “We all revere Brunschwig, which produced the most fantastic traditional and historically important patterns. It had to be respected.”

And respect it, they did. Kravet added Brunschwig & Fils to their stable of deluxe brands, right where it should be, alongside Lee Jofa and GP & Baker. Lee Jofa’s executive vice president and creative director Stephen Elrod couldn’t wait to dig into Brunschwig & Fils’ extensive archive after the transaction was complete. He was searching for historic patterns that could be adapted for a new generation, and Elrod hit the proverbial jackpot. He combed through thousands of patterns, some even dating from the 1700s, to create this season’s Les Alizés collection. The name means “trade winds” in French, and includes bold prints, substantial wovens and intricate embroideries.

Like when Jean Paul Gaultier took over the helm at Hèrmes, Kravet has brought Brunschwig & Fils into this century without damaging its dignity or integrity, while still being a little cheeky with their updates. Reducing the number of colors in a paisley and introducing a pink and orange colorway were just two of the ways that Elrod updated some of Brunschwig & Fils’ historic patterns.

We’ll be keeping our eyes out for more of Elrod’s fantastic innovations with Brunschwig & Fils’ deep archives of patterns, textures and delightful fabrics, so watch this space!

We are experts in upholstery, reupholstery and custom furniture. Do you have a sofa in your house that you love, but it needs a facelift? Perhaps some new Brunschwig & Fils fabric? Is there a piece that is missing in your house, but you just can’t find? Please call LRM Interior Design for a consultation; we have the solution for you. (949) 497-6806 or click here to use our online form.

We couldn’t quite make this a Top Five Faves as we couldn’t whittle our choices down from six. We felt that these fabrics presented a range of reasons why we squeal when the new Robert Allen fabric books hit the studio. So, without further ado, here are our top picks:

1. Romantic: The rich cream fabric sets off the beautiful, sable-colored lace overlay, and we just love how this fabric is romantic without being sentimental or too Victorian. We use this “Royalty Lace” in Slate for window treatments and bedding, just for that reason—it’s something that appeals to women but men don’t think is too “girly”.

2. Eastern-Inspired: We had two picked for this category, but we settled on this one, as it has the Chinese-painting branches plus the addition of flowers and birds. Although this is available in three colorways, we love this Vintage Blossom fabric in Jade, as it can add a great sense of color to a room without being overpowering. Did we mention we like the birds?

3. Geometric: Another favorite, Omheining in Fog, is a graphic design print in a great neutral. So? Being a neutral allows it to be used as an accent fabric with multiple color schemes and design styles, and still have it’s own sass with the pattern. We like a fabric that’s both useful and knows how to sass.

4. Color: Pillows and smaller fabric-covered items are the best items in a room to use with bright colors, if you don’t want to be too dramatic. Why? Because it’s easier, and less expensive, to change out a few accent pillows rather than painting over the mustard yellow walls. Why not choose Mesa fabric in Lemon Curry? Not only does it sound yummy, it looks yummy.

5. Animal: We do love an animal print at LRM Interior design, and we can’t get enough of a zebra print. That’s why this one is so amazing—it’s grey on grey, rather than black on white, giving it a new subtlety. This way we can sneak in an animal print and not overpower the room! Zebra Lines in Twine is very durable and great for upholstery.

6. Stripes: Last but not least. We would love this one as a wallpaper, if we only could! True Lines in Cement is a modern classic, in our opinion, because it uses both light and dark colors and the thin lines provide an optical elegance. Interior design tip: Accenting with a bold stripe adds interest to coordinating patterns and prints.

Are you stuck on fabrics? Can we help you with a consult? Or perhaps your problems go beyond fabric and you need a whole room redesigned. Don’t be afraid to call us for the whole home or office, either; we’re ready to transform your home with your taste, and our touch. Call today to make your consultation appointment: (949) 497-6806.

Bold colors and thoughtful accents make LRMID's design perfect for a Joie de Vivre hotel.

When the Pacific Edge Hotel, the latest addition to Laguna Beach’s upscale cadre of hotels, needed some interior design in a jiffy before the season ended, they called LRM Interior Design.

After reading about Lisa McDennon’s qualifications and accolades, and finding out that she runs a local company, the owners of Pacific Edge were sold. Joie de Vivre Hotel Group, the company that owns and manages Pacific Edge, is known for their cutting-edge design and style for boutique hotels here in California, and it’s no surprise that LRM Interior Design was chosen for the job.

Without a lot of time to finish the hotel’s Greenroom Lounge, the team at LRM couldn’t take the time to special order or custom design any pieces, and relied on some of their trusted suppliers to furnish the lounge—that also happen to be open to the public, both online and at their retail locations.

For instance, the dining table was selected from Z Gallerie, and the wood chairs and coffee table came from Crate & Barrel. West Elm provided a glass-topped, kelly-green contemporary table, while pillows came from Pier 1.

Some items were from local sources, naturally, like the stunning photography on the walls from Tony Clark. Many of the accessories came from a local’s treasure trove, Laguna Colony Company in the heart of downtown, where the team selected many of the shell-decorated items and teak bowls.

But there are some things that have to be provided by the best, and that was the fabric by Kravet. The yellow and blue pattern of the communal table’s banquette could not be a better choice to complement the dramatic photo of the wave that hovers above.

This project finished just weeks before the 2011 ASID Orange County Awards, where Lisa and her team won yet another award, this time for Commercial Projects. Winning the Gold Award in this category with their modern designs for Golden Comm, a strategic web design firm in Orange County, proved LRM Interior Design’s prowess in this area that they seem to be moving into more and more frequently.

If you have an office, restaurant or hospitality space that needs just freshening up or a whole new look, contact LRM Interior Design for a consultation. With award-winning talent and the ability to translate a client’s dream into reality, it’s no wonder LRM Interior Design is one of Orange County’s top interior design firms. Call now on (949) 497-6806 or click here to use our online form to contact us.

Don't you want your next party here?

This glass-topped table with a natural-tree base is from Z Gallerie.

Pillows from Pier 1 and chairs from Crate & Barrel, accessories from Laguna Colony Company.

Cozy up next to the warm fire at the Pacific Edge Hotel's Greenroom Lounge.

For some young adults, this will be the first time they really have a place to themselves. Yes, they’ll still be surrounded by tens or even hundreds of other students, but they won’t be surrounded by family. So make it nice for them! But a word to the wise—don’t take over. Let them personalize the space and make it their own. We’ve compiled some of our favorite items we think would look great and be useful in a small space.

1. 10-Hook Overdoor Hanger: Umbra’s® Birdie hanger allows for hanging bookbags, purses, hats, scarves and coats on the back of a door and voila, there’s more space in the closet! And less clutter on the floor, which makes for better relations if your child is sharing a dorm room. We also like the matching Birdie wastebasket too, all available at The Container Store.

2. Pomeroy Dream Turquoise Reed Diffuser: Our young ladies aren’t as odiferous, shall we say, as their male counterparts, but that doesn’t mean that a few all-nighters with pizza boxes and way too many Starbucks cups in the trash won’t make the dorm room smell a bit. And that’s why Mom bought them a reed diffuser that looks, like, cool and stuff and not like yours. Especially not like yours.

3. BURSJÖN Stool with Storage: We think this would be a fantastic hamper, as it hides the dirty clothes (that’s if somebody bothers to put the clothes in there), has vents at the top, but is also a stool! It can be tucked in the corner most of the time, but if a fellow student comes over and seating is at a premium, they’ll be happy this stool has a dual purpose.

4. Tvilum Blink Bookcase: This compact bookshelf is 30″ square, which means you can stack two or more side by side or on top of each other to fit your small space! We love that the shelves are not evenly sized, and that there’s a wee drawer in the middle that gives not just a pop of color (it’s reversible and has a different color on the back), but also a little hidey-hole. Note: If you do stack these shelving units, please attach them to the walls so they don’t fall on someone during a “rager”—oops, we mean small get-together with tea and cakes, Mom.

5. Large Tint Stacking Drawers: These are seriously awesome, and not your regular stacking drawers. They come in six colors, plus boring “clear”, and they are perfect for clothes, stationery or any other item that you don’t mind having a little on show. If you can’t tuck these away in a closet (which would be a shame to hide them!), we recommend choosing two colors, like your son’s favorite sporting team colors, and alternate colors on the stack. We’d choose purple and gold, naturally.

Need any other tips for your young college student’s dream dorm room? How about remodeling their old room at home into that spare bedroom, office or home gym you’ve always wanted? Call LRM Interior Design now to arrange your free consultation: 949-497-6806.

We design the whole area and make our tile suggestions that fit within the client’s budget, of course. Then we go through all the tile selections with the client, either at their residence, business or at the showroom, whichever is most appropriate for the client and the size and quantity of the tile.

Then we create a detailed CAD drawing that measures out every little thing, down to the millimeter, down to the space for the grout. We leave no room for chance at LRM Interior Design; we want that tile installer to know exactly what we want him to do. We even make up styleboards that show each type of tile that will go in a certain area. And yes, the contractors love working with us for just this kind of attention to detail, because we help them get the job done right the first time.

But we digress. Today’s blog is not just about tile, but about cool, decorative metal tiles. Tile doesn’t just have to be ceramic, or even glass. The tile in a room, shower, backsplash or floor doesn’t have to be made from all one material. We love to mix it up!

And by metal tiles, we don’t mean those crazy tin ceiling tiles that you see in restored Victorian homes and buildings. Oh no, these are much more exciting…

Diamond Tech Tile

1. Round It Up: These metal tiles from Diamond Tech Tiles’ Metal Series™ are uber-modern and sleek, and we’d love to use them in a bathroom or kitchen backsplash in a luxury bachelor pad or other contemporary home. Unfortunately, they can’t actually be used IN the shower, which we’re trying not to be upset about. We’d love it if someone else will come up with a rust-proof version. Titanium, perhaps?

Westminster Verdigris Field Tile

2. Aged to Perfection: What’s better than copper? Verdigris copper. And Westminster Tile has this beautiful, 4″ x 4″ patinaed field tile, perfect for bathroom accents, powder rooms and kitchens. Especially kitchens—can you imagine how cozy and welcoming a kitchen would be with these tiles in it? We can. Let us show you how wonderful it would be in your kitchen.

Creative Metal Tiles

3. Waves of Water: These stunning tiles evoke the image of a clear stream, rain down a windowpane, or a waterfall, all wonderful images that make them a perfect addition to a master bathroom. They are versatile enough to be used in a traditional or contemporary setting, and if that wasn’t enough, they’re also made out of 50% post-consumer recycled content. Creative Metal Tile, we thank you.

Arizona Hot Dots

4. Straight to the Point: Don’t feel like getting all heavy metal in your interior design? Sometimes less is more, a philosophy we truly believe in. Arizona Hot Dots® have created bronze metal tile liners in a stunning Antique Brown finish. We could match these with the perfect non-metal tile for a design that you would fall in love with!

Crossville's Mixology Collection

5. Star-Crossed: For over 25 years, Crossville has created some of the most innovative tiles on the market, and their latest collection keeps to their tradition of breaking the industry mold. Their Mixology collection features seven designs in two sizes, 4″ x 4″ and 6″ x 6″, plus 10 trim options and two random mosaics  available in four distinctive finishes, providing 98 pieces to “mix” and match for commercial or residential installations. These also contain 50% post-consumer recycled content, continuing Crossville’s commitment to sustainability.

Looking to refresh the tile in your kitchen or bath? Want to create a statement with a beautiful tile design, or just need help with tile selection? Give LRM Interior Design a call to set up a complimentary consultation: (949) 497-6806.

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.

Ooh la la! Designer furniture at a price everyone can afford.

If you think that affordable furniture can only be found at Ikea, and that any piece of furniture you get through an interior designer is overpriced—we’re happy to inform you that you’re wrong!

Ikea furniture might have some cool, European styling, but it’s not built to last. And let’s be honest: you’re not in college anymore, right? But with everyone feeling the crunch of the economy, LRM Interior Design wants to remind everyone about a product line from one of our favorite furniture and fabric companies: Kravet.

Look at the photos on this blog post. Do they look “affordable” to you? Do they look “budget”? Do they look like they come from a do-it-yourself store? No, we don’t think so either. These are all examples from Kravet’s Kravetsmart line, which we can’t get enough of.

What’s to love? What’s NOT to love!

• You can have any chair, sofa, banquette, sleeper, sectional, ottoman, bed or settee upholstered in your choice of over 60,000 different fabrics
• Those 60,000+ beautiful choices of fabric are at NO extra charge
• The sofas can be ordered by the inch. Yes, that means if you want a 73-inch sofa, that’s what you get.
• Seat cushions are made from soy-based foam and recycled fibers, and all springs are made from recycled steel
• The prices are ridiculously affordable

Interested now? We thought you’d be. Have a look around your living room. Is your sofa looking tired? Have you wanted to chuck it out and get a new one, but thought it would be too expensive? What about your dining room chairs? You could transform your dining room by just replacing them with a new style in some fantastic fabric. Need a boost in the bedroom? Have a closer look at the stunning collection of beds in Kravetsmart’s line, and you might just trade your existing bed in for a new one.

The possibilities are endless! Where to start? Start by calling LRM Interior Design to go in and look through the catalogs. Our designers can give you advice based on your style and needs, and help you pick the furniture that’s right for you.

Smart? You bet it is. Call (949) 497-6806 to set up your appointment now, or click here to fill in our online form.

Sumputous leather Dartmouth chair

Endicott upholstered bed? Yes, please!

Not your average Ikea sofa: the Yale sofa from Kravetsmart

Khloe Kardashian applied a glamourous touch to her office.

What’s glamour all about? It’s about making a statement. For instance: an actress like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn or (more recently) Gwyneth Paltrow would be called “elegant” rather than glamorous. So which actresses would sum up the definition of glamour?? Think Rita Hayworth, Sophia Loren or our modern siren Angelina Jolie—even Joan Collins says she’s the only leading lady of today to stand up to the glamorous beauties of her time.

But we digress. What makes an interior glamorous? It’s definitely not gingham curtains, beige carpet or heavy, dark antiques. Our Project Manager, Kristen Rusert, has a few ideas. And she should know, being involved with each and every beautiful interior that passes through the LRM Interior Design studio!

You may not think that any of the Kardashian sisters know anything about taste, but Khloe certainly knows something about style. Can a home-office space look glam? Kristen says yes: “I love, love, love this room!” she says. “Khloe and her designer really made this space so girly and glamorous. The warm tones in the room are contrasted with pops of black.”

Her favorite touch? “Her chair is TO DIE FOR!” says Kristen. The bold zigzag pattern stands out in the center of the room as a focal point, elevating the mid-century modern feel of the furniture to a contemporary height.

Second tip? Color! Glamour needs drama, and well-chosen, bold colors can really bump up a room’s glitz levels. Orange a little too strong for you? Not when it’s used

Mary McDonald uses orange in a striking context.

as a striking accent color with oversized, zebra-skin covered footstools, sleek side tables and lamps made from steel columns. Still too modern? Try pairing a turquoise with white and shell pink—still popping with color, but less masculine.

Kristen also recommends combining textures with sleek lines, like a steel-mesh formed chair, sheer curtains, polished chrome barstools and tufted contemporary easy chair. But ultimately, like beauty, glamour is in the eye of the beholder. “As with all interior design, it has to be what the client wants,” Kristen explains. “At LRM Interior Design, we are all about keeping with the client’s taste while applying our professional touches.”

Wanting a little glamour in your life? Or a lot? Then call LRM Interior Design for a free style profile for your whole home, or just a room. Looking for the perfect piece to finish off the design you started? That’s not a problem—LRMID excels at custom furnishing design and fabrication. So if you’re looking for zebra footstools or zigzag fabric for your easy chair, we can help. Call us on (949) 497-6808 or use our online form to make an appointment.

For more femininity, use a bright color with two softer ones.