The neutral color palette is perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

We were captivated by the clean lines and organic materials at the Spa Cidade Jardim, a spa hidden on the fifth floor of the Shopping Cidade Jardim mall in Brazil’s bustling São Paulo. We’re not suggesting you get an entire spa installed into your home, nor jump on a plane to Brazil tomorrow to visit this delectable sanctum of relaxation, but we can help you take some of these beautiful ideas and incorporate them into your master bath at home.

The similarities we find between the hectic energy of Orange County life (busy parents with active, social kids to ferry around, the highest concentration of entrepreneurs in the country, great dining and lounging venues, stunning natural beauty) with the busting, expanding city of São Paulo is the need to escape once in a while. And not necessarily get out of town, but escape in your OWN town. Did you know that the traffic is so bad in Såo Paulo that the wealthy commute by helicopter? Doesn’t that make your crosstown journey sound a lot easier?

One thing we’d love to see Orange County take from the Cidade Jardim building is the combination of retail, residences and relaxation all in one place. It’s a cosmopolitan idea to provide community for city life, and it would be great to mix up the OC’s urban and suburban areas to create a more European feel to our Southern California enclave.

This VIP bathing area's tub would be a wonderful addition to a master bath.

But—on to the design. We love the neutral palette chosen by Studio Arthur Casas for the spa, especially tying the copious amount of blond wood into the color scheme. Creating a soothing effect should always be paramount when designing any kind of relaxation area, whether it’s a 10,700-square-foot spa or your own bathtime escape.

Showerheads are mounted on the ceiling, echoing the country’s infamous rainforests, and plenty of custom beds and benches are placed throughout the space to provide places for lounging or conversing.The private VIP bathing areas at the Spa Cidade Jardim could double as a master bath; imagine your calm-inducing view of the Pacific ocean from your window as you soak in this extra-deep oval jacuzzi tub with freestanding faucets.

Read the full article from Interior Design magazine here, and peruse the fantastic details, fabrics and design by Studio Arthur Casas. We know of so many ways to bring these touches into your master bath to create your own relaxing sanctuary. If you are ready to change your tired master bath into your own personal spa, call LRM Interior Design today for a consultation: (949) 497-6806.

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.

This classic design has been updated for the 21st century

June is all about glamour at LRM Interior Design. Wait—it’s always all about glamour at LRM Interior Design! But this month we’re really going to highlight it.

Senior Designer Jan Smith starts us off with glamour in an unexpected place. Yes, it’s where we go to transform ourselves from ho-hum to va-va-voom, but can it be glamorous in the bathroom?

Absolutely! “Focal freestanding bathtubs are luxurious and can make or break a bathroom,” explains Jan. “The sky is the limit when you’re choosing a style direction, and the current market has a plethora of choices for even the most discerning bather.”

So why not have fun with it? Have a traditional bathroom and looking for some way to sneak in a contemporary edge? The Amalfi line from Victoria + Albert bath company is a modern version of a classic bath design. Called a “slipper” tub, as it resembles a slipper design from the 19th century, this one is updated in style and materials. These tubs used to be copper, but now this Amalfi line comes as a single casting of rare volcanic limestone and resin, which makes it more durable than acrylic. We love the fact that it is designed to use either freestanding faucets or wall-mounted faucets, which gives the tub an even more dramatic, glamorous look.

Bathtime on show with the Milo bathtub

Not quite modern enough for you? Looking for something so contemporary you design a whole bathroom around it? Then look no further than the Gruppo Treesse Milo by Alessandro Lenarda. This two-seater tub’s design is unconventional, to say the least, and sports some Japanese-inspired design. The Milo is definitely for the client who not only appreciates geometric perfection, but also enjoys taking something usually private (i.e., what goes on under the bubbles) and putting it on show (by creating the tub entirely in glass). Thankfully, it comes with a no-slip bottom—we can’t imagine using a bath mat with this one—and a choice of leather or wood for the headrests and drawers. Colors? There’s four color choices for you to accentuate this bath that’s as sharp in style as it is in angles: red, orange, black and white.

Are you looking for that perfect bath that will set off your master bathroom? Are you dreadfully bored of your current tub, wishing you’d never gone for the sunken, jet-filled tub that takes up so much of the space? Looking for an easy way to make your bathroom into a relaxing sanctuary, or a glamorous den of iniquity? Contact us at LRM Interior Design—we are happy to just help you choose the perfect tub for your space all the way through to a full bathroom redesign!

Sferra also makes a luxurious line of the finest baby bedding ensembles and blankets.

Welcoming a new bundle of joy into the family?  Babies may not be discerning when it comes to room and interior design, but as creatures that sleep the day away, they will need some comfortable bedding and sheets to accommodate their not-always-peaceful slumber. Sferra bedding is the top name in the world for beautiful, luxurious and custom-ordered linen, having manufactured the highest quality products from Italy since 1891.  We have already discussed how you can get lovely, soft, beautiful and custom bedding from Sferra (and with LRM Interior Design’s help, you won’t even have to step out your door for linen perfection!), but now you can also share this luxury with your baby.

Sferra‘s Baby Collection offers baby ensembles, blankets and basics all in true, lavish Sferra fashion. Start off with Baby Basics, the softest bedding woven from classic white Egyptian cotton crib sheet, accompanied with a gently gathered crib skirt and a soft baby pillow made of poly-fi.  Toss an unbelievably soft Nursery Stripe blanket on top of it all, and let it cocoon your little one in its 100% cotton yarn weaves.  Or, we personally love the Bambino blanket, an even plusher option, made from the softest cashmere available.

Start your little one off right with Sferra’s baby bedding collections.  You already love the feel of luxurious bed sheets, so why not share it with your baby and their smooth, sensitive skin? Your baby will appreciate the deliciously soft bedding as he or she drifts away into dreamland every night.

What better gift for a baby shower than a Sferra set? What mother would not appreciate the finest quality in blankets, sheets and bedding for their new arrival? At LRM Interior Design, we can help you create the perfect collection of items for your friend or family member who is expecting a little bundle of joy.

LRM Interior Design will help you coordinate your baby’s bedding so that the ensembles harmonize with the rest of your home’s design.  We carry all of Sferra’s samples right in our studio, so please feel free to stop by to touch, see and choose.  LRM Interior Design can also come by your office or home.  You’ll never need to shop for your baby’s bedding in-store ever again.  For a complimentary consultation by LRM Interior Design, please call us at (949) 497-6806.

Lovely, soft, CUSTOM bedding with Sferra and LRM Interior Design

Raise your hand if you don’t like a good night’s sleep….Nobody? That’s what we thought. Who doesn’t hear the siren call of a wonderfully soft bed bursting with just the right amount of pillows? We know that there’s some people out there that jump out of bed each morning with boundless energy, but even they know the delight of snuggling in for another hour of well-deserved slumber once in a while.

Did you know that LRM Interior Design is more than qualified to help you in this department? No, we don’t mean helping you sleep. We mean helping you create—literally—the bed of your dreams.

How? It’s simple. We create custom furnishings for clients all the time (see photo!), and custom bedding is one of our specialties, down to a personally designed and built headboard. But custom doesn’t have to mean expensive…

Sferra bedding is some of the top on the market. If you’re not lucky enough to have this brand on your bed at home, you may have experienced them at a high-end, luxury hotel. Yes, the ones you contemplated tucking in your suitcase because they were that delicious.

As usual, the best and most luxurious home items come from Europe, and Sferra is no exception. These world-renowned linens are Italian, and have been making their superior products since 1891. And practice makes perfect, that’s for sure. There is something for everyone—from romantic, embroidered designs to sleek, modern styles—with a price point to match every budget.

We can help you with creating your perfect bed in many ways. One: we can help you choose the ready-made Sferra bedding options that will complement your existing bedroom decor.

Two: we can provide you with all of the Sferra products without you having to step into a store—not just high thread-count sheets in beautiful colors and patterns, but also duvets, down-alternative comforters, blankets and down pillows (plus bedding for babies! More on that later…).

Three: we can redesign your entire bed with custom-made Sferra bedding, with personalized embroidery, amongst other choices. We love designing custom decorative pillows, bolsters and cushions too, as shown in the photo. Four: we can redesign your entire bedroom, with not only a bed that meets your exacting specifications for color, comfort and style, but also built-in cabinetry, flooring, wallcoverings and window treatments.

Interested in changing your bed from lumpy to comfy? Bored with your sheets and want to treat yourself to a little luxury? Does your bedroom need an entire face lift? We carry all of the samples in our studio, so please feel free to stop by to touch, see and choose! We can also come by your office or home. You’ll never need to shop for sheets in-store ever again! Call LRM Interior Design for a complimentary consultation by calling (949) 497-6806.

But, luckily trees share their bounty with us, as if every tree was The Giving Tree. They give up their sturdy, strong trunks and branches to be chopped, cut and otherwise transformed into many items that we use today, from paper, pencils, flooring, building materials—the list is endless.

But some of our favorite uses of wood are in the interior accessories category, allowing us to bring the organic feel of the outdoors indoors. A few of our top picks are listed below:

Munio wooden vases

1. Munio Vase: Fine wood items and water don’t sound like good bedfellows, but that’s if you think that only live flowers in water go in vases. In a word: no. Just the curvaceousness of these vases is enough to stop traffic; adding flowers would only detract from their singular beauty. These vases, made of wood from the rain forest with Forest Stewardship Council certification, come in three sizes and designs, ideal for single placement or a fantastic grouping. We like grouping items—when it’s done well, of course. Don’t worry, we can help.

Built to withstand the outdoors, but elegant enough to use indoors.

2. LatticeStix Folding Screens: How do you divide a room without adding a wall? At LRM Interior Design, we have many ways, many gorgeous ways, to segregate areas of a room. One of our favorite ways is the old-fashioned way—use a folding screen. These screens from LatticeStix are unique, elegant and completely customizable. These screens use more than 100 pieces of wood, and all are connected using the Arts & Crafts tradition of exposed joinery. You don’t get that kind of craftsmanship often in today’s world of mass production. But then again, we at LRM Interior Design only use the best for our clients.

Odegard's India-inspired wooden tile collection.

3. Odegard’s India-Inspired Tiles and Panels: We’ve fallen head over heels for these stunning, carved-wood panels. These handcrafted artisanal tiles and panels can be customized to nearly any size and use, from wall treatments to tabletops. Can you imagine one of these panels four-feet square as a tabletop, covered in glass? We certainly can, plus many more exciting ideas to bring a little bit of the exotic into your home.

You'll never get bored with the Matera bedside table.

4. Design Within Reach’s Matera Side Table: This infinitely versatile table fascinates us. It can be used as a super-sleek in-bed dining tray, or in any of six other possible configurations. On it’s “side” it forms a “C”, creating a large amount of storage for reading material; or point the “legs” toward the wall for the illusion of a solid block; or with “legs” straight out for an open feel. There’s also a matching bed, and this bedside table’s versatility allows the bed’s under-bed storage drawers to be accessed without moving the table. Clever design—that’s what we expect from DWR.

Endgrain Wastebasket

5. Endgrain Wastebasket by Dransfield & Ross: Details, details, details. If you don’t know us by now, we’ll let you in on a little secret. We are obsessed by details, and that’s what makes us stand out from the rest. Are wastebaskets important? Will somebody see them in the room? Then YES, they are important design accessories! The extraordinary detail in this Dransfield & Ross wastebasket made us think it would be perfect in a corner of a room in our Mammoth Lakes residential project. Yes, just perfect.

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.

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.

Dress up your pillows for the holidays

2. Pillows as Presents: We’re not advocating that you take your sofa pillows, wrap them up and start distributing them as gifts; not at all. (You could give someone a new pillow as a gift though!) But in the spirit of the holidays, why not take your pillows and wrap them with ribbon just like a present? Be creative: mix and match colors and ribbons to create a festive room. “It’s like a gift for your sofa and chairs!” says Jan Smith.

Z Gallerie's antler candlesticks are great alternative decor

3. Reindeer, Interrupted: Don’t worry—this is not Rudolph or Prancer, and they have not lost their antlers. These Marquette candlestick pair from Z Gallerie are cast in brass with a pewter finish. No animals were harmed in the making of these antler candleholders! Melissa Morgan says that these are “a fun, unique, and festive way to dress up your table!  Can be used for either a formal or casual dinner party.  These would also look great on a mantle or anywhere else in the home.  I love these!” But still, perhaps not the best choice for those with small children…

Use found items and gold paired with an unusual color

4. Ban Red and Green:  “I love the use of colors not normally used for the holidays like teal, brown and aqua,” says Jan Smith, Senior Designer. Many of us near the beach like to use found objects for decorating, especially for special occasions.  “I like the use of shells for not only the napkin holders but as table accents. Great for a sophisticated, beachy motif.”

Make your own centerpiece with branches and glitter

5. Get Your Glitter On: Nothing’s more fun than creating decor or gifts by yourself. With or without little ones to help you, get the Elmer’s glue out and as many kinds of glitter you can find at a craft store. Take a walk in your nearby nature area, be it a park or actual nature, and pick up some twigs and branches. Cover the table with newspaper and just go crazy! Melissa Morgan, a fan of all things glitter, found this idea from Martha Stewart, Queen of all things decorated, baked, sewn and generally gorgeous. “I love to use glitter in all of my holiday decorations, says Melissa. “This is sure to impress your friends and family, young or old.” For detailed instructions on the Martha Stewart site, please click here.

Livingstones by Stephanie Marin

1. Livingstones by Stephanie Marin: Leave it to the French to invent something so fun that’s also so aesthetically pleasing! “These would be a great addition to any child’s room,” comments Melissa Morgan, LRMID designer. “These are comfortable, but a the same time a major step up from the traditional bean bag.” All of us on the team agree. And we wanted some for the studio, but Lisa hasn’t approved it…yet. We’re also working on introducing an post-lunch naptime. Wish us luck.

Log Rocker by 10 Grain

2. Log Rocker by 10 Grain: What child would NOT want to have this in their room? Again, the team requested this necessity—ahem, toy— in the studio. We’re still waiting. Imagination can run wild with the Log Rocker—is it a speeding motorcycle? A mountain banshee, like from Avatar? A galloping unicorn? The possibilities are endless for creative minds. Rock on, my little friends!

P'kolino Storage Ottoman

3. Ottoman by P’kolino: A U.S. company with a funny name, P’kolino has created some fantastic children’s products, but this one is a favorite of ours. Why? Because LRM loves hidden storage—we’re very Bauhaus in the way we admire items with beautiful form and practical function. The lid has a wood underside for use as a side table, and yet the most clever thing about these ottomans is that they can be stacked on top of one another and pushed to the edge of the room to free up floor space for fun and frolic!

Tumpling Fish by bObles

4. Tumbling Fish by bObles: Is it a chair or a friend to play with? It’s both, and were designed to enhance children’s motor skills while playing. The range of products were created when designer Bolette Blædel was on maternity leave with her first son. She soon discovered the scarcity of children’s furniture that encourages play, creativity and physical exercise, combined with good, Danish design. In addition to the fish, there’s an elephant, crocodile, chicken, snake, worm and pig to choose from.

Wall Decals by notNeutral

5. Seasons and Elements Surface Graphics by notNeutral: These fun surface graphics can be used to decorate walls, furniture or ceilings in a child’s room or playroom, and can be changed at a whim, since they are made of completely removable and reusable vinyl. This Elements:Air design comes with multi-colored colored clouds, birds, butterflies and hot air balloons. These decals can add wonderful whimsy to any room, and work especially well with notNeutral’s Seasons decals.

Glow Lamps by TwistTogether Lamp Company

6. TwistTogether Lamps by the TwistTogether Company: This is a revolutionary new lighting feature that appeals to adults as well as children—no wonder, it’s like a full-size, illuminated Rubik’s Cube! Individual blocks connect together and illuminate with a simple twist.These blocks can be easily rearranged to create unique designs, for a wealth of entertainment and creativity. The soft glow could even be used as a nightlight for younger children—in fact, each block is illuminated with LEDs for a safe, low-voltage and long lasting light source while consuming less power than a standard night light.

Lamp from Room 135

1. Room 135: We’ll start with the far away locales, and luckily they have products available online. Our dear Kristen Rusert left part of her heart in Colorado, and we don’t blame her. It’s a world away from Southern California, and this little shop in Steamboat has captivated Kristen: “I found this quaint little boutique while walking down the main strip of downtown Steamboat Springs,” says Kristen. “Their little space tucked at the base of the mountains provides a treasure trove for visitors, with gorgeous lighting, scents, antiques, Parisian maps and painted bamboo floor coverings. It’s a true gem, and a must-see when in town.” We definitely agree.

Fleur de Lys, Costa Mesa

2. Fleur de Lys: Want to take a trip to Paris without leaving the state? LRMID’s designer Melissa Morgan recommends a visit to Fleur de Lys on 17th in Costa Mesa. “This boutique has great home furnishings and accessories,” says Melissa. “Whenever I’m looking for something different or unique, I make my way to Fleur de Lys.” The store aims to feature an eclectic urban style as you’d see in San Francisco or New York’s SoHo, and it’s a great source to have in our backyard.

Need a hand? AREO can help.

3. AREO: Hmph. Lisa and her team have been shopping at AREO for years, well before Sunset Magazine got wind of it. But that’s because it’s filled with wonderfully whimsical items for home and garden. From antique, over-sized apothecary bottles to boxes of pinned butterflies, AREO is a fantastic experience, whether you’re window shopping or looking for that item that sets off the whole room’s decor. AREO is only down the road from LRM Interior Design, and we feel very happy it’s there.

This shop is so secret you can only find them on Yelp.com

4. Laguna Colony Company: This place is so secret, it doesn’t even have it’s own website. For reals? Yes, it’s true. This place attracts tourists, for sure, but that’s because it’s not selling the usual tchotchkes. Find Laguna’s own Voluspa candles in every imaginable scent (our favorite of the moment is Vervaine Olive Leaf), peruse the most amusing card collection and browse fantastic home accessories from all over the world. Laguna Colony Company manages to be totally “of Laguna” while still injecting a sense of adventure. It’s a place you can always find a gift, especially if you’re on your way to a dinner party and need a hostess gift. Not that we’ve ever been empty handed…

Marimekko wallpaper at Vertigo in Laguna Beach

5. Vertigo: We have saved the newest Laguna spot for last. This little diamond just popped up on the radar in the last few months, mainly because they do upholstery and pillows. But the difference is that their filler is made from recycled plastic bottles, but feels like down feathers! How fantastic is that? Also, they specialize in Northern European design, which means fantastic items from Marimekko and Normann. Fancy finding that item that no one else will have? Vertigo is the place for you.

Even bachelor pads deserve to shine.

As you know, we at LRM Interior Design love a little sparkle, whether it’s sinks, wallpaper or chandeliers. We like to add it somewhere in most of our designs. Hmmm…you may think. Isn’t LRM Interior Design known for designing Orange County’s best luxury bachelor pads? Well, yes we are. So how do you get sparkle in a gentleman’s home?

Sparkle can be masculine too, especially when it is in rock form—agate geodes, specifically. “Agate and other geodes are nature’s sculpture,” says Jan Smith, Senior Designer at LRM Interior Design. “We like to include them in rooms, as they are great for added abstract shapes and color.”

In LRMID’s Newport Beach luxury bachelor pad, which just won the 2010 ASID Award for Best O.C. Home Design over 3,500 sq. ft. (don’t worry, more on that soon!), an agate geode mounted on a stand creates a wonderful accent for the powder bathroom on the ground floor. The metal veins running through the agate are brought out by the organically shaped, solid bronze sink and faucets, and creates a look that is elegant—but not girly in any way.

And we don’t just tuck them away, either. Larger agate geodes look wonderful as table-top decorations, especially paired with succulents in the living area. “Putting the two together emphasizes the organic and elemental,” comments Jan. “Plus, they come in so many shapes and colors, you can definitely find one for any room you’re working on.”

We also never forget the Bauhaus motto: form and function. You can find many agate geodes online that have been polished and split in two, perfect for using as bookends, and heavy enough to actually work. Jan explains: “They add a little sparkle to bookcases while serving a purpose.”

We’re not shy about our talent for accessorizing, and we always are available for shopping trips with our clients to pick out accessories for a room or decorating for a special occasion; the big holidays of the year are approaching rather quickly! Hallowe’en will be here before we know it. There’s no time to delay. Call LRM Interior Design now to organize that shopping trip or for a free consultation for accessorizing one or more rooms in your house. Make sure it’s tip-top for when family comes for the holidays! Call (949) 497-6806 or click here to send us an email.