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!

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.

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:• CB2: Crate & Barrel’s sleeker sister site has a hip and creative selection of metal bistro-type seating through to elegant, Caribbean-resort style wicker furniture covered with cushions. Mix ‘n match the Sunny arm chairs that come in blue, yellow and silver for a splash of color.
• Spacify: Looking for something the neighbors will never have? Look no further than Spacify. Their large and varied selection is mainly contemporary, but there’s a few classic pieces. One of our favorites for affordable style is the Wally Outdoor Streamer wooden lounger, with a choice of 21 fabrics for the removable cushion.
• Kmart: If it’s good enough for Martha Stewart…and indeed, the doyenne of living well has created a range of outdoor furniture just for the national chain. The designs range from urban to country to wicker, and with prices so low you’ll think there’s a catch! Create a Parisian garden with the Aberdeen Wire Bistro bench, table and chairs.
• Williams Sonoma Home: Beautiful and classic sums up the Williams Sonoma aesthetic, and their products are perfect for adding that Cape Cod look to your backyard. The woven wicker St. Barths furniture wonderfully combines practicality and elegance. They don’t stop at furniture either—check out their outdoor pillows and throws. Right now it’s all 20% off!
After all that shopping, we’ll all deserve a cold, refreshing drink, something that’s best enjoyed on that brand-new furniture!