This intelligently written and thoroughly engaging book by the accomplished designer, Celerie Kemble is a must have for the design enthusiast. Celerie shares inspiration and insight into the Black and White palette. She demonstrates that “the palette one might think is limiting is anything but”. Celerie reminds us of the 10 principles of design from the remarkable industrial designer, Dieter Rams. These principles are taught, even today, in art/design schools. He demanded that design be:
1. honest
2. unobtrusive
3. useful
4. illuminating
5. aesthetically pleasing
6. innovative
7. thoroughly detailed
8. long-lasting
9. environmentally friendly (well ahead of his time)
10. “as little design as possible”

“Everything that is required is there, and nothing more.” (page 34 of the book)

In Celerie’s exploration of the black and white palette she suggests that you should “Think of compromise as your biggest asset, because it represents the point when you’ve lost control and must come up with solutions that take you out of your initial box.” A point of view that makes perfect sense to me!

As I wandered through the amazingly unique, mostly to-the-trade, shops along the La Cienega Design Quarter in Los Angeles I was particularly impressed with the offerings at Patt McGann Gallery.

Her Gallery is brimming with amazing pillows, throws, and rugs brought to us from her extensive travels. I was in love with a pair of pillows created from Antique Italian fabric as well as some beautiful pillows from Morocco. In Interior Design, I so often see very matched sets of pillows on sofas and chairs. It is a nice creative and interesting change to work with a mix of artful, quality, one-of-a-kind pieces like those found at Pat McGann instead. If you are interested, grab the hand of your Interior Designer and convince her/him to take you shopping on La Cienega or contact bonnie@cuneoandco.com

In my quest for rug images to add to one of my Pinterest pages, I visited the website of THE RUG COMPANY. I decided to share some of my favorites with you. The roomsets created by The Rug Company are amazing as well. ENJOY!

The pairing of this modern rug in this rustic space is what The Rug Company does so well

MADELAINE by the master designer, William Yeoward manages to meld the classic with the hip. Lastly, the Marni design styled so beautifully here is gorgeous. href=”http://www.therugcompany.info”>

Start with the beautiful ideas and architectural design of the talented, LA based designer, Windsor Smith, add surfaces provided by top notch companies like Exquisite Surfaces (the flooring in this home is the best), throw in amazing interior design by the best in the business like Windsor Smith, Richard Shapiro, Candace Barnes, Peter Dunham, Kathryn Ireland, and Martyn Lawrence Bullard to name a few, and you end with the most livable yet chic modern family home, THE HOUSE OF WINDSOR.

This exceptional concept house, in Brentwood, CA, is open to the public through July 17th. I had the pleasure of being part of a guided tour with Veranda Magazine’s Features Editor, Linda Sherbert. Look for Linda’s coverage of the House in the upcoming October issue of VERANDA MAGAZINE!

One of my favorite spaces in the house was the Family Room designed by Windsor Smith. I trust beautiful images of this space will be included in the October Issue. I can’t wait. You have to see the wall of book shelves filled so artfully with the best “STUFF”.

Candace Barnes gave the Mater Suite her magic touch.

I did not want to leave the dressing room area (No walk-in closets in this home. Just beautiful and functional built-ins everywhere.)

The Great Room designed by Richard Shapiro and the Dining/Library by Richard Hallberg of Dennis and Lean/Formations were both inspirational spaces filled with the most amazing objects and furnishings.

The Kitchen! The Kitchen! When we entered the space people in our group commented out loud. It was as if they could not contain their joy. People love Kitchens and this one is gorgeous.

Linda Sherbert admitted it was one of the best she has seen in her career at Vernada. It was an amazingly open, light, and unique space. One that will function perfectly for a family’s daily needs as well as the parties sure to be held in this incredible home.

I had the pleasure of consulting on this kitchen remodel. The owners wanted updated appliances and cabinetry but wanted to keep an outdated layout that included an eat-in booth. With persuasion from the design staff at Cooper Pacific Kitchens located at the Pacific Design Center, the space was gutted and a modern, fully functional layout was created. The space provides a beautiful dining peninsula of Wenge wood and plenty of counter space and storage. The intentional omission of overhead cabinetry lets the expansive view shine and keeps the space with its relatively low ceiling feeling bright.The contrasts created using light cabinetry, a darker Lagos Blue Caesarstone counter top, and a custom Hickory-Pecan floor make the space feel of-the-moment without being trendy. This kitchen is ready to host the beautiful entertaining the homeowners so enjoy!All photos by Jennifer Siegwart Photography

These are a few of many beautiful fabrics from the unique Raoul Textile Library.
Available through Cuneo and Co. Interior Design.
For information on this and many other great fabrics contact bonnie@cuneoandco.com

Last weekend I was enjoying dinner with my children as we began to discuss different rooms and the feeling they create.

The restaurant we were dining in had a relatively low ceiling that was coffered, with architectural interest.  We all agreed this ceiling height felt right for the space, worked well with the overall design of the room, and most importantly was low enough to avoid the undesirable echo created by the pairing of hard surface floors and high ceilings.  

Each person had a distinctive memory about  a space where they felt the ceiling height contributed to the overall feel of a room. A hotel bar in Florence, Italy where the low slung ceiling and white wood paneled walls made the space feel warm and inviting, a beach house in the central coast of California and a loft in downtown Los Angeles.    

As each person at the table discussed their personal feelings about ceiling heights, I thought about how important, although not always initially noticed, ceiling heights are.  Everyone agreed a room with a  low ceiling is perfect to sleep in or dine in because of the intimate feeling.   Although, I can appreciate the beauty and drama of a soaring ceiling, I do wonder if our partiality toward low ceilings had to do with the cold weather that night. Would we’ve had the same feeling on a hot summer day?  

I know from my design experience that large spaces with high ceilings are a luxury, but often the goal, when furnishing these spaces, is to create groupings grounded with rugs to bring a more human scale to the room.  Our interior spaces influence our moods and are important to our psyche and ceiling height is just one element to create our desired outcome in a space.  What are your experiences and feelings about ceiling heights?