Design is a work in progress

Many people, including myself, swoon over a delightfully finished project via magazines, books and blogs. Such instant bliss and gratification! But there is much effort in getting from point A to B in the professional interior design world. Did you know most projects take up to a year in preparation before being unveiled? The design process is one of my favorite parts of a project. From the planning, the inspiration & the sourcing to the sketching & the drawing.

Ron and me creating a design concept.
Many ideas are reviewed, edited, tossed, cataloged and developed. Design is not arbitrary or random.

A huge part of the project is the visual inspiration. Creating insatiable project Mood/Inspiration Boards is key for a road map and documenting a vision.Sourcing for the perfect fabric/textiles is major leg work, yet a fanciful feast for the eyes. Finding the right materials, textures and colors is a wonderful hunt.

Layouts and edits are essential to the process and having a project "On purpose". Typically goes unseen or appreciated, but to us it is all about the magic of process.
This is a part of why we love what we do.My favorite professor once said, "Design ends when you run out of time or money".
Ain't that a fact.
Let's not forget, hiring an interior designer is definitely a luxury service.
Some how it has become quite diluted in this day and age.
Don't let TV or DIY cheapen the expertise, craft, magic and art of this profession!
It takes a lot of experience, work, time, care and effort to usher a successful project through from concept to completion.
There is major value in that alone -- getting what you want.
Ron and me in a finished room.

Tear Sheets

Many people ask us "what inspires you". Do you have a "style"?
Our mission is to make this world a beautiful place.
We are constantly inspired, but one thread is consistent: High style and good taste always catches our eye. Here are a few images for this week's inspiration:

A grainy photograph by Karl Lagerfeld
“Personality begins where comparison ends.” ~KL

Brad and Angie's infamous W photoshoot in Palm SpringsItalian Interior Design
(via Architectural Digest)Speaking of...The Draper's Italian Style
Sergio Mendez Album cover...Classic

In Other News

2010 was an EPIC year. In the last few months, we graced the cover of RUE's inaugural issue. Town & Country featured me in a great article on LA's next female interior designer's. Luxe magazine celebrated our Chasen's Entertainment center. And our signature mirror, the Sunset Mirror has prominently taken stage in the film "Black Swan".
Thank You everyone!

See W&R's Sunset Mirror at movie minute marker 1:25 in the bedroom
and at the end of the Black Swan trailer.

Wish You Were Here

Or wish we were there, rather.
Year after year, even here in California, we eagerly await the unveiling of Bergdorf Goodman's Holiday windows. This year, titled Wish You Were Here, takes you on a wonderful journey through fantasy travel, sly visual wit and far-flung places. Each window features visual influences as diverse as Roman mythology, 1940s Hollywood musicals, the original Penn Station, and the very first science fiction film. Above is titled "The Scenic Route". Absolutely Beautiful.

"A Guided Tour"

"Full Speed Ahead"

"Day Tripping"

"Ready for Takeoff"

It is incredible how much goes into the creation, transformation and story behind the decor of these Holiday windows. Here is a fun snippet on the process.

Insane!
All images provided by Bergdorfgoodman.com

Hey Mr. Postman!

Look what our clients in other cities get in the mail!

This great little package consists of design concepts, images, wallpaper samples, fabric samples and floor plans all wrapped in a box with a bow & sent out our client who lives afar.Like any gift, this box is full of small treasures and blissful ideas to note.

This client preferred a tailored, yet dramatic modern look. Or as she called it "Rocker Chic".

Black satin finish walls are always a good starting point. The package is a great roadmap full of ideas and direction for the client to execute on her own.(above "Dune" sideboard and bathroom via Lonny Magazine.)

Behind the Velvet Rope

A sneak peek behind our design process for the Ritz-Carlton Residences. Inspired by the heydays of Old Hollywood hotels such as the the Chateau and Beverly Hills Hilton, we aimed to create the same essence for a new frontier ~ downtown Los Angeles.

Our mood boards feature sumptuous and vamp tones such as Aubergine, Charcoal gray, Lilac and Smoked Bronze saluting Film Noir.

Opulent and dramatic pieces combined with sparkle that make a classic statement. Animal prints, and noteworthy furnishings evoke the days of cocktail parties and entertaining.

To carry into the twenty-first century of re-building downtown Los Angeles.

Angeleno magazine featured a stellar preview on the look of what's to come and gave
W&R a fab kiss on the cheek.

Me and Ron featured in the sneak peek of the Ritz installation.

Stay tuned for the final reveal of new high style living -
The Ritz-Carlton Residences at LA Live!

Menswear Inspired

In celebration of Fall we are featuring a small space with a big bang! One of our bachelor client's purchased a studio downtown as a retreat space for weekend getaways. Our approach to the project concept was men's fashion wear, especially Gucci's 2010 Fall Collection . Here is a sumptuous camel coat and ensemble by Gucci translated into interior space mixing velvets & linen textures with dramatic shades of charcoal, gray, gold and royal red.

Divine get up with espresso velvet coat, loafers and leather weekender by Gucci, absolute perfection. The sitting area featuring a velvet chair, charcoal wallcoverings and gold sheers.A textured fur coat in camel; a light, crisp gray shirt with taupe weekender bag by Gucci. Cozy and chic translates into this bedroom with a shaggy Alpaca rug, gray and taupe linens surrounded by mirrored and pin-stripe wallpapered walls.Remember to live large and fierce no matter the size of space!