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12.22.11
Bon Voyage loyal readers – I’m headed off to meet my family in the beautiful blue waters of Tahiti! Our sailing yacht, Tamsen, arrived in this perfect paradise a few weeks ago and I have been chomping at the bit to get a little R&R with my family and friends. Luckily we just completed three fantastic sfa installations and I am going to be able to get away to briefly celebrate the holidays before the New Year sets in!
This is my first time experiencing the beautiful atoll of Rangiroa – with no hotels, no internet and no technology it’s sure to be an outstanding adventure, literally Blue Lagoon revisited (I have been watching that movie in excited anticipation!)
 Tamsen in Paradise
 The “real” Blue Lagoon
After a few days we will then be headed off to Bora Bora – the site of some of the most beautiful hotels in the world. The Four Seasons Bora Bora is an absolute favorite of mine – there’s nothing better than a luxury resort that perfectly blends with the beauty of the environment!
 Four Seasons Bora Bora
That’s all for now friends, I will be sending beautiful thoughts of sand, fish and seas your way…. happy holidays!
11.08.11
It brings me so much pride and pleasure to announce an exciting milestone for sfa design as I welcome Kara as my partner in the newly named Smith + Firestone Associates. This is just the start of a fresh era for our company and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Kara at my side. With our new LA office opening this month, our Santa Barbara office relocating to a chicer, downtown location and a new crop of amazing projects on the horizon I have never been more optimistic about the future of sfa!
 
10.28.11
Entering my fourth decade in the design industry, I have often been approached to speak at conferences, seminars and colleges, and I hate to admit it but I used to shy away from such engagements. The time I would put into preparation and the nerves that came with it all were a bit to stressful for me. However, over the past couple of years I have really grown to love such opportunities. I’ve realized how enjoyable and satisfying it is to share my experience with others, no prep needed, just going in and speaking about what I have been challenged with in the design world and how I do what I do!
This year I was fortunate to be involved with a number of prestigious organizations and their events. A couple of months back I attended Cornell’s Hospitality Design Roundtable and was further asked to participate in their Hospitality & Healthcare Roundtable. It was an honor to work with their Center for Hospitality Research, such a great program and dedicated team. Another fabulous collegiate organization, Yale’s School of Architecture, has invited me to participate as a “guest reviewer” to critique the student’s work on a luxury resort in Rio de Janeiro, I can’t wait to connect with the students and see what the new generation has to offer.
I’m also very excited to be speaking at this year’s Boutique Design New York Conference with Dana Kalczak, of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, on our collaboration for the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. The theme for the seminar is “Local Heroes: High Profile Renovations with a Sense of Place” in which we will discuss renovations aimed at creating interiors that evoke a strong sense of place for the sophisticated traveler – the Four Seasons being the perfect case study for this phenomenon. Dana is a wonderful repeat client of ours and I am beyond thrilled to be speaking with her at this phenomenal show – I hope to see some of you there!
 “Classic Hollywood Glam” at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills
09.13.11
A couple of weeks ago sfa hosted a picture perfect sail and brunch on the San Francisco bay aboard my family’s Sailing Yacht Tamsen. Leaving Shoonmaker Point Marina in Sausalito, if was the perfect setting for beautiful Sunday afternoon. As we laughed, and enjoyed conversation over champagne in the sun, I felt so fortunate to have been joined by such wonderful colleagues, clients, and friends. Those from sfa that joined in on the sail included my marketing and business development team of Naomi Firestone, Steve Smith, and Ashley Read, as well as Kara and senior designer, Rosie Feinberg. Also aboard were colleagues from some wonderful San Francisco firms including the teams of Axis Architecture + Design, Dan Phipps Architects, Engstrom Fine Arts, ESPA, HKS, Hornberger + Worstell, Inc., Project Solutions/Peloton, ROMA Design Group, SB Architects, Sterling Huddleson Architecture, Sutro Architects, Sutton Suzuki Architects, Suzman & Cole Design Associates and Taylor Lombardo Architects! Thank you to all those attended, I truly had a splendid time!
Hipstamatic Photography provided by Teresa Flyer from ESPA
 For those of you who know Kara, you know that she LOVES to cook and entertain, look at the delicious spread she prepared for our guests!
 A few shots of our guests enjoying themselves
 Beautiful San Francisco
 sfa team on the Bay
If you are soon traveling to San Francisco and are looking for different areas to explore and activities to enjoy, here are some of my most recommended “to do’s”. I of course recommend that you stay at one of our sfa designed properties, either the Villa Florence Hotel or Fairmont Heritage Place at Ghirardelli Square, both are great locations and offer completely different atmospheres. If you are looking to delight in a day of shopping and exceptional dining, Sacramento Street, located in charming Pacific Palisades, will have you returning home with much more in your suitcase than you came with. Here, many wonderful and well known interior designers have store front locations, and chic boutiques are at every street corner. My most loved restaurant is Caffe Sociale. Here I recommend the Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossoms, and the Dungeness Crab Cannelloni, which will have your taste buds singing songs of glee. If your stay allows you time, you may also spend a day sailing the bay and seeing the Golden Gate Bridge from a most spectacular view.
Also take note of San Francisco’s well known fall antique show this October. Save the date for the show gala, October 26th, and show dates of the 27th- 30th. With 70 dealers from around the globe, and gorgeous pieces from different eras and style, the show is one you will not want to miss.
08.11.11
This past week I was honored to serve on the panel of judges for Contract Design Magazine’s 2011 Healthcare Environment Awards. The awards, in conjunction with the Center for Health Design, recognize innovative designs that enhance the quality of healthcare delivery. Along with sfa’s specialization in hospitality and residential projects, we have been fortunate to work on some amazing senior living, assisted living and high-end hospice facilities including properties for Classic Residences by Hyatt in Scottsdale, AZ and Highlands Ranch, CO as well as the recently completed Serenity House in Santa Barbara. This year we will be starting a new project with the Ryerson Group designing one of the most innovative and luxurious senior living facilities being built in Indian Wells, California. Working on these types of projects are often some of the most rewarding for me as a designer as the clients that we work with really take such pride in what they do, are so conscientious of those that will be staying in the facilities and are generally just some of the nicest people!
Being a part of this judging panel was a fantastic experience for me as we are so often on the other side as the “judgees.” Working with the team at Contract was unforgettable and it was terrific to not only see some amazing projects that are taking healthcare design to a new level, but also to talk with my panel of peers on modernizing this particular market. There is an incredible desire for homey, cozy and creative spaces in the healthcare industry – so much of what goes on in these spaces is emotionally trying and as designers we need to create environments that are comforting and comfortable both for the patients and their families. I am so excited to start working with Denny Ryserson and his team to start the revolution in luxury healthcare design. Click below for last years winners and stay tuned for the 2011 Winners in the October issue of Contract Design!
On a side note – as part of the judging experience I got to spend some more time in New York, which is beginning to feel like a second home to me! I had a wonderful stay at a fabulous boutique hotel, The Marcel at Gramercy, where I was inspired by the design and treated like a queen by their amazing staff. Be sure to check back soon for some more exciting updates on sfa in New York including fun, new projects and the scoop on my latest role as contributor to the hot new Downtown Magazine!
  The Marcel at Gramercy
 Latest Issue of Downtown Magazine
08.03.11
The results are in for Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2011 survey and the Waldorf Orlando makes its grand debut at #12 on the Top Large City Hotels in US/Canada list! I am so proud of the work our team did on the design of this property and of this recognition, as only the very best hotels, as voted by T+L readers, make it to the top.
Working on this project was a wonderful challenge with the overall goal of replicating the grandeur and ambiance of the original Waldorf=Astoria in New York, but incorporating the fresh, exuberant, resort vibe of Orlando. One of my absolute favorite custom pieces that we have ever created sits in the lobby of this hotel – a gorgeous clock tower, symbolic of the original clock in the NY lobby, but with a bit of contemporary flair!
Check out the full 2011 World’s Best Awards list here on T+L’s website and be sure to look for the Waldorf Orlando in the August issue of the Travel + Leisure magazine!
06.27.11
In the spirit of summer I thought I’d share a recent article on my family that is in the latest issue of C Magazine.
 C Magazine Full Article
As many of you know, my family and I are avid sailors and love to travel on our Perini Navi, the Tamsen. We spent last summer touring the Mediterranean, which was incredible, but decided to stay a bit closer to home this summer and travel the Pacific Coast heading first to Catalina Island, then Hawaii, San Francisco and rounding out the trip in Alaska & British Columbia. I absolutely love this trip, Maui is a great source of inspiration for our resort work and some of the islands off of the coast of Vancouver are just breathtaking, a true source of natural beauty! Here are some interesting & inspirational places to visit in BC:
 Vancouver-based Bocci Lighting, designed by Architect Omer Arbel. Their amazing old warehouse space is completely unfinished – 3 stories of exposed concrete that provides a contradictory backdrop to showcase their glass pendants.
 Contemporary furniture store, Inform Interiors, an inspirational retail space that represents a new standard of architecture and design in the city. The façade of the original building was retained which juxtaposes the newly minimally designed concrete interior. Aside from carrying popular lines such as B&B Italia, Boffi Kitchens, Moooi & Kartell, they also manufacture their own line, Bensen Furniture, designed by the owner Neils Bendtsen.
 Salt, an underground tasting room specializing in artisinal cheese, small-batch cured meats, and a dynamic selection of local wines, beers and Sherries. Assemble a Tasting Plate from their constantly changing chalkboard menu of cheeses, meats, and condiments and enjoy with a group at their long communal tables.
 The Cross, located in trendy Yaletown, known for their plethora of white accessories & vintage pieces reupholstered in contemporary fabrics.
 Medina Cafe, a local favorite for brunch, exposed brick, a single banquette and Edison light bulb pendants prove for a simple space, but with a great atmosphere (and an even better raspberry caramel latte!)
 Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, the massive slabs of white carrera marble in the lobby lounge are stunning!
 The Diamond – great specialty cocktails with funky names, and an equally funky green wallpaper
05.02.11
One of the most exciting feelings in interior design is seeing a finished project. One of the next best feelings is seeing the old “before” photographs next to those of the final product. Here are a few before and after images of our Cobb Hill project in South Hampton, NY which was astonishingly completed within a short period of 5 weeks… just a little snippet from the full experience! Hard to believe?
GREAT ROOM BEFORE:
GREAT ROOM AFTER:
KITCHEN BEFORE:
KITCHEN AFTER:
SUNROOM BEFORE:
SUNROOM AFTER:
BEDROOM BEFORE:
BEDROOM AFTER:
06.25.10
In the interior design industry, partnerships with fashion houses are common; the two blend with ease and this symbiosis often produce dynamic results. Sailing around Europe this summer on my family’s Perini Navi, I flicked open a yachting magazine to be greeted with a fascinatingly refreshing story about a design collaboration of a different kind; a superstar architect and a super yacht.
At the end of 2009 the Perini Navi Group launched the SY Panthalassa as part of their 56 meter series. A world leader in the construction of luxury yachts, Perini Navi are also the creators of the Maltese Falcon and have earned a reputation in my mind as the creators of luxury, quality, sophistication and elegance.
The design team responsible for the SY Panthalassa is comprised of an eclectic bunch of innovative and pioneering experts. The line-up: yacht designer Ron Holland, London architects Fosters + Partners, the Perini Navi navel architectural team and the engineers and craftsmen at the boatyard in Viareggio, Italy.
The SY Panthalassa is a showcase of innovative design with moments of genius so exciting they could make the most experienced sailor weak at the knees. The exterior is slick and beautifully streamlined. According to the article in Supersail World the interiors, designed by Foster + Partners, are based on ‘wellbeing and harmony’; they have certainly achieved this. For me personally, the redeeming feature is the intelligent use of light; the sun streams into its interior and transforms a typically dark environment into an open, airy, living space.
Foster + Partners are responsible for some of the most contemporary and monumental architecture worldwide; famous for the nicknamed “Gherkin” building in London, their recent work is wildly original. Their unique attitude to design and charismatic style is channeled into every corner of the SY Panthalassa interior. The natural materials of teak, leather and granite in neutral calming tones combine subtly to create accommodation that proves the designer has paid attention to the climate, culture, physical context and ecology of its surroundings. Foster has challenged conventional yacht design, lacing the boat with distinctive features. Light reflecting acrylic rods mirror daylight back into the living areas, the 3 levels are connected by an oval spiral staircase, and skylights draw in daylight. Advocates of quality, the design of the SY Panthalassa is a synthesis of the most vital elements and maintains an eye to detail between both ends of the spectrum.
The SY Panthalassa represents so many of my great loves; sailing, the ocean, Perini Navi and all things travel related… as well as unique and contemporary design with plenty of light, stunning views and an overall feeling of blissful serenity.
06.04.10
When I attended the Venezia Design Leadership Summit in Venice, Italy this April, I was taken on a whirlwind tour of design’s latest and greatest achievements and innovations. Yet in a city like Venice, just as it should, the strongest inspiration always sources from the breathtaking architecture and utter loveliness of the canalled city. I left Venice, as I imagine most do, in a romantic cloud. Ideas swirled through my head, fueled by the excitement of the breathtaking events I was fortunate enough to be a part of and the interesting, creative people I was fortunate enough to meet.
  
Then, quite unexpectedly, my whimsical Venetian bubble seemed to pop, as the ease with which technology has allowed us to travel the globe was suddenly interrupted when a volcano erupted in Iceland. I had just arrived in London for my long leg across the Atlantic, when like so many around me; I was jolted into the practical operation of figuring out how to get home. In my 30+ years of traveling solo to what’s felt like the farthest corners of the globe, I’ve never felt quite as isolated as I did upon learning that, even if only for that small stretch of time, there was actually no way home. I lucked out with the weather, every day was sunny…70′F and springtime everywhere.
When the uncertainty of the situation fully sunk in, I decided to make the most of the circumstances. I was lucky to meet up with other people from the Venetian design summit, who’d also found themselves stranded far from home and, thanks to my amazing sfa team back in Santa Barbara, I was also able to capitalize on my time in London, meeting with some of the top hotel operators in the UK and establishing some wonderful relationships with individuals in the luxury residential market.
   
After 10 days of weighing every possible option (including taking the six-day voyage to the States aboard the QE2), I was thrilled to catch a flight home. The unexpected time in London had turned out to be exceptionally rewarding on a professional level. With the new projects sfa has taken on in Africa and the Middle East, our firm is seriously considering the possibility of adding a London location by 2011, finding the city an ideal spot for a satellite office. On a personal level, I am grateful to those I met as a result of these events, those I continue to get to know and my extraordinary team at home for making the journey much more productive and far less lonely.
06.04.10
At sfa, summer has always been a time to get inspired. Not only does our hometown of Santa Barbara, California come to life, cast beneath a blanket of boundless sunlight that lasts late into the evening, but seasonal travel sends our designers to all areas of the globe – on endeavors from which they return sunburned and bursting with ideas.
As sfa embarks on summer 2010, our team is already feeling the creative flames ignite, with activity picking up and new projects continuously being added to the back burner. Having watched our industry fall into dark, unstable times and having directly felt the effects of a shaken market, I am witnessing a gradual but welcome return of opportunity, as new exciting avenues take shape.
sfa has paved its way, taking on luxury hotel projects in the Middle East and filling our residential portfolio with new incredible private residences in California and New York. I am constantly uplifted by our team’s drive and ability to succeed, even in tough economic times and remain optimistic about the future and, of course, a very bright, illuminating summer.
09.02.09
I wanted to share some of my experiences from a recent trip I took to Oman, U.A.E., where sfa is set to start work on a five-star resort modeled after the native architecture of the area. As the government begins to shift its fiscal focus from a dwindling supply of oil, to the advancing field of luxury tourism, five-star hotels are beginning to emerge throughout Oman. The hotel’s design is intended to be a contemporary vision of a grand traditional Oman fort and village. Our design team has been greatly inspired by the vibrant culture, the rich and varied terrain and the ancient history of Oman, bringing in the impressive elements of stone and the lovely oasis of Oman.
While the resort itself is located on the ocean, I spent much of my time there straying from the construction site and traveling inland to remote villages where we looked at incredible stone forts and fortresses for inspiration. The unique landscape and rich history were welcome distractions from the sweltering 138-degree heat. Inspiration and interest were incited in every mountain-embedded fort and stone village I encountered.
   
Unlike the other Emirates I’ve visited, everything was low but with huge mountains that look like crushed granite, natural springs and endless desert – the Grand Canyon meets Saudi Arabia. I had never until my visit seen real-life oasis, lush jungles amid the vast desert. The forts themselves carried centuries of history – one Pre-Islamic fort we visited is speculated to be 2,000 years old. With a prime trade location on the Red Sea, Oman was left vulnerable to intrusion from other countries passing through on trade routes, forcing locals to live in forts and fortresses.
The architecture itself was inspirational. Unlike Abu Dhabi or Dubai, the stone structures offer a true sense of going back in time. The villages look as if they’ve grown organically out of rock, with caves covering the landscape. I marveled to our architect from Mexico City at how some aspects of the architecture – thick stone walls and tiny windows – mirrored a more Mexican-style architecture. He reminded me how man adapts to their resources – creating universality in certain architectural aesthetics. Natural elements such as climate and clay combine to dictate the shape and structure of a building. This realization of the reactive nature of architecture influenced my vision for our latest project in Oman, as I believe it will impact and inspire me on many projects to come.
06.25.09
I am thrilled to introduce sfa design‘s brand new site, featuring some of our latest, most exciting design endeavors and, of course, to unveil our new blog, the sfa Salon. For Kara (sfa design’s president) and I, the Salon presents an opportunity to share with you our latest discoveries and observations of the ever-evolving landscape of interior design. When we first set out to redesign the sfa site, we wanted to create a space that would reflect and pay tribute to the past 13 years that have passed sincesfa‘s 1996 founding. The delightfully immediate nature of a blog appealed to both Kara and I, as we could think of no better way to share the projects, products and processes that we spend our days joyfully pouring over and the many ideas (large and small) that we conger up along the way.
In my 30 years in the industry, I’ve been fortunate to have a career that has taken me around the world, where I’ve been exposed to the imagination and aesthetic of countless cultures and innovators in our field. When I founded sfa in 1996, my dream was to create a more modestly sized firm that commanded precise attention and creative customization for a broad spectrum of projects, from grand-scale resorts to private homes. Being able to realize and reinvent this dream every day in new and unchartered destinations on fun and challenging projects, I can only hope my experience and enthusiasm in the land of design will prove insightful and, or the very least, contagious. I hope you enjoy!
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01.10.12
New Years Resolutions… are they cliche? Yes! Do we all make them anyway? Of course.
Now that our first week into the New Year has come and gone, and all of the holiday hoopla has died down, I finally had a chance this weekend to think about what I want to accomplish in 2012. When it comes to resolutions this year I’ve decided to steer myself in a new direction, away from the typical “eat healthier” or “work out more” and instead set some goals that will actually be exciting to fulfill! With that, I present to you my 2012 Design Resolutions (which I promise to keep you all updated on as I cross each off my list!)
1. Step out of my “comfort zone” and include at least one “risky” piece into every project. Risky doesn’t have to mean crazy colors or unlivable design, it can just as easily be an eclectic mix of metals and textures or a great focal piece on the wall. In this industry it can be a challenge to take artistic risks while maintaining the client’s vision, it’s all about trust and the bigger picture!
 Hugo Franca Chara Bench, Jeff Zimmerman Handblown Glass Installation, Tom Price Meltdown Chair, David Wiseman Collage Chandelier
2. Capture more inspiring moments on camera (that I can share with all of you!)
 Watching the sun set on 2011
3. Find a new vendor that I absolutely love and cannot live without
4. Collaborate on a line with one of my favorite vendors
5. Land a new job in a place that I have never worked before
6. Play with color, use an outlandish color scheme that works 7. Contribute as a guest blogger to some of my favorite blogs
8. Use this piece somewhere!
 Helen Amy Murray
9. Visit more museums, theaters – be inspired by other art forms
10. Start a new venture, perhaps something to do with entertaining or e-commerce – this is a big one but something I’ve been thinking about for awhile – I’ll be sure to keep you all in the loop!
What are some of your resolutions for 2012?
12.05.11
Although I love the holidays I’m often left with a hint of sadness when the season ends and all of the glittering goodness is tucked in to await the next year. I’ve seen some amazing holiday-decor blogs this year so instead of competing with those – I thought I would do a little post on how to incorporate that feeling of holiday cheer all year-round!
I love to play with different color schemes around the holidays (check out Belle Maison for some fresh new ones for this season!) but one thing that never changes is the incorporation of fabulous metallics wherever possible. This year I am gaga for gold, there are so many ways to use it – contemporary chic or classic traditional – and I adore them all! In our “Shades of Gray” Hollywood Hills home sfa used metallics against a a neutral base, as opposed to pops of color, to liven things up – and in Hidden Hills we just installed a gold mosaic wall into the entry of one of our VIP homes. Check out some inspiration images below for the best in golden fashion, furnishings and accessories… from glamorous gowns to funky tableware – a hint of gold can go a long way!
 top 2 images via sfa design, remaining images via pinterest
11.23.11
About a week ago I was fortunate to be able to attend the Dream Foundation’s 10th Annual Celebration of Dreams Gala. The Dream Foundation’s mission is” to enhance the quality of life
for individuals and their families
who are battling life-threatening illness.” sfa has been a big supporter of this amazing foundation for many years and this year’s event was one for the books with stellar performances by Macy Gray, Pia Toscano, and So You Think You Can Dance performers, as well as a fashion show of Donna Karan’s latest collection.
 Decor at the 10th Annual Celebration of Dreams Gala
Inspired by the tribal patterns and influences that she witnessed on a recent stay in Haiti, the way that Ms. Karan was able to translate rough and indigenous themes and turn them into luxury designs was truly remarkable. This is a challenging crossover that I have come across when incorporating tribal influences into interiors. Over the past year and a half sfa has had a number of clients who wanted to incorporate some sort of tribal pattern or inspiration into their home… whether it was displaying a personal collection of African artifacts or bringing in a love of animal prints or natural textiles. Below are a few notes as to how to best incorporate this inspiration while still maintaining a luxury feel:
- Use against a neutral color palette (lots of shades of browns, creams and grays) with maybe one pop of color (red for a more traditional spin, pink or aqua for something for fun and modern!)
- Incorporate a LOT of luxurious textures, especially in unique places like in between ceiling panels or behind shelves
- Choose a beautiful crystal light fixture to soften the space
- When working with textiles, play with a mixture of tribal patterns and more contemporary styles to keep it fresh
- A tribal-inspired rug can be the perfect, easy way to get this look without a lot of effort (check out the DVF rug below – perfection!)
 Donna Karan’s Latest Collection
 Tribal Inspired Accessories for You & Your Home (necklace as seen in Donna Karan’s runway show, bag and home accessories by Karoo Africa)
 Tribal Inspired Area Rugs (left Diane Von Furstenburg for the Rug Company, right West Elm)
 Tribal Inspired Rooms (top left and bottom right by sfa design)
images via pinterest
11.15.11
I’ve done a lot of tweeting about our new LA office over the past couple of months, but now that it’s complete I am excited to share more details about our chic new atelier. First off, the location cannot be beat; I honestly couldn’t believe it when I stumbled upon this prime space in the heart of LA’s most up-and-coming design district, the La Cienega Design Quarter (LCDQ). Our new studio is literally surrounded by the hottest names in design, fashion and food – from our neighbors STK and Koi to the showrooms of Mecox Gardens, Hollywood at Home and fellow designer Kelly Wearstler lining the streets all the way down to Melrose and their fabulous boutiques.
On top of that, the space itself is simply amazing – from the grand 2-story client meeting space all the way up to the rooftop lounge with panoramic views of LA! Working with our senior design team, we completely revamped the entire building to incite a vibe that is glamorous, chic and industrial. Thank you so much to my amazing team for working with me when I was surely the most difficult client! See below for some of my inspiration and favorite pieces that will grace our fab new LA atelier:
 I chose to go with a color palette of neutral shades with metallic hints, to make sure our clients designs take center stage – but I couldn’t resist adding a little pizazz , when I saw this pearlized, textured wall-covering going up in my office I almost died, isn’t it phenomenal?!
 This incredible wood slab conference table will sit underneath a stunning Lasvit chandelier in the main entry, which will serve as our client meeting space.
 I’ve always dreamed of an office with lots of cozy seating, the residential feel really sets clients at ease and allows me to fully relax and be creative. My office is both comfortable and functional with a tufted seating, lots of throw pillows and this gorgeous leopard print area rug I found on One Kings Lane!
 Every workspace is a clean slate, ready and waiting for our team to throw their ideas at it
 Black & White Prints and colorful Georgia O’Keeffe-inspired artwork mixed with funky accessories like Jonathan Adler’s
“vice jars” add the perfect finishing touch and just the right amount of style
11.02.11
I am absolutely loving this recent installation in Los Angeles’ famed Hollywood Hills. Perfectly sweet and serene, the color palette of neutral greys accented with shimmering metallics is full of ethereal beauty to complement the home’s sophisticated yet relaxed charm. The original interiors were very dramatic and overstated with bold colors and heavily patterned walls. With a vision of serenity and sophisticated beauty, our task was to remove the drama, making the home easy and livable but with a glamorous streak.
**Fun Fact – Incredible location and obvious charisma won this house a role on HBO’s hit series Entourage, as character “E’s” humble abode**
 Dining Room & Daughter’s Bedroom
 Guest Bedroom & Master Bath
 The outdoor cabana is perfect for entertaining with a flawless view of Sunset Boulevard and beyond
10.27.11
With the heat wave that we had here in Southern California over the past couple of weeks I couldn’t help but be inspired by the bright sunshine. This summer’s must have color in both fashion and design was the lovely, sunny shade of yellow. Now as the temperatures have begun to cool and I make the (slow and drawn out) transition away from summer, I am on the lookout for new home and couture trends that allow me to hold onto my yellow essentials. Yellow can easily be transitioned between the seasons, whether you decide to wear Chanel’s new Le Vernis Nail Colour in Mimosa, or decorate a room with yellow as your new neutral, any rainy or chilly fall day with be full of warmth, as a matter of fact – I just finished an installation where we completed an entire focal wall in all yellow & white accents (look for images in an upcoming “Tease”)!
 via Pinterest
10.13.11
Pretty stoked to introduce a new feature on our blog – “What a Tease” – where Sue and I will be posting “teaser” photos of our in progress or recently completed projects! For my first “Tease” I am super excited to bring you the space that we just designed for Esquire’s “Ultimate Bachelor” – check out the entire space here on the Today Show
This being our 4th year designing for Esquire we were asked to add some manly flair to the rooftop lounge at this years Bachelor Pad in Brooklyn, New York. Of all of the rooms in this 7,000 square foot penthouse apartment, the rooftop is far and away the best – the views are so absolutely incredible that I would have been happy to hang out up here with nothing but a cocktail in hand. However, I think our team did a pretty stellar job of transforming it from just a room with a view into an outdoor space that is perfect to host a swanky cocktail party, or just as easily, cozy up with a date and admire the dazzling Manhattan skyline (using these fab binoculars we stuck in there!) Stay tuned…
 Click Here more on sfa’s & Esquire’s Ultimate Bachelor Pad
09.09.11
I first blogged about this project back in June of 2009 (my first blog post actually!) and I’m so excited to now share some great news about our latest hospitality project to open, the Hilton Windhoek Plaza Hotel in Windhoek, Namibia. So far the hotel has already won the Hilton Worldwide Development Award and now we have just received word that the innovative hotel has been nominated for this year’s prestigious World Architecture Festival Award! The Hilton Windhoek has been shortlisted from an unprecedented number of entries from 59 countries across the globe. We’ll be crossing our fingers until the final results are in on November 4th. Needless to say this great news only adds to our excitement about this ground-breaking project!
As the interior design firm for the entire 5-star project scope, we didn’t just want to design a typical luxury facility—we wanted to create a truly unique atmosphere that pays tribute to the rich culture and breathtaking natural landscapes of Namibia, while invoking contemporary originality. We looked to local artisans and craftsmen to utilize locally sourced materials in new and innovative ways to ensure that the hotel’s aesthetic is not only eco-friendly and inspired, but truly an authentic reflection of Namibia. A description of the design process and interiors can be found here in the July/August issue of Hotel Business Design Magazine as well as online as featured on hospitalitydesign.com. Also, be sure to check out the next issue of Hospitality Architecture + Design (ha+d) Magazine for their article!
 Reception Desk with “raindrop” inspired chandelier
 Centrum Lobby Lounge featuring crystal light fixture and custom glass wall mural
 View of Centrum from above
 Guestroom at the Hilton Windhoek
 Check out the stunning backlit wall mural inspired by Namibian landscape
 Ekipa Restaurant
 Kalabar Lounge
 Skybar rooftop lounge, complete with the most amazing views of Windhoek
09.07.11
This past week I was invited to an exclusive dinner party at the Ritz-Carlton LA Live, hosted by one of my all-time favorite chef’s Mr. Wolfgang Puck! The evening was filled with absolutely amazing food, phenomenal company and the most incredible views of downtown Los Angeles that I have ever seen. We started out the night with cocktails and appetizers outside at BLUE, the residence’s private pool and lounge area, and then headed up to the award-winning WP24 where we were personally greeted by Wolfgang and Tim Leiweke, President & CEO of AEG.
 Ritz-Carlon at LA Live
 WP24
Then came the food… 4 delicious courses of asian-inspired cuisine (honestly the best hot & sour soup I have ever tasted and to-die-for peking duck), and each course paired with an amazing champagne/wine selection (my personal favorite was the Gramercy Cellars Columbia Valley Grenache)
 The Food!
 My guest for the evening, Jamie Durie
 Me & Wolfgang in another unit we designed for an A-List client
Afterward we headed up to the 42nd floor for dessert in the residence’s model units, one of which was designed by our sfa team! I am loving the way that it turned out – we really wanted the magnificent views take center stage and to bring a bit of the outdoors in to create a sophisticated, yet natural feel. Also – the artwork in the space is incredible, all of the works are by local artists and they really add that perfect finishing touch. See below for a few sneak peaks of our space…
 Model Unit by sfa design
 Model Unit by sfa design
06.06.11
This past month has been a whirlwind of activities for myself and sfa! From a full-scale press tour in New York to the HD Expo in Las Vegas and an exciting trip to both Hong Kong and Indonesia, I’ve barely had time to catch my breath. But now that I am back, I am so excited to share some amazing images from my excursions, starting with many exciting displays and new products that I found at HD this year. I’d have to say it was definitely the best show in years, the vendors were all at the top of their game and the events were phenomenal!
 Swarovski – Love their new Crystallized wall coverings & the juxtaposition of wood & crystals
 Dedon Nestrest & Lighting Installation by Spanish company LZF
 Fun with fabrics
 Whimsical Art Installation & SICIS furniture line
 Stayed at the Cosmopolitan for my 3rd time – I just love the design of this place!
 Swarovski Dinner at the Sugar Factory, beautiful space, delicious treats!
Immediately after HD I hopped on a plane to Hong Kong for a hotel client presentation, followed by a short trip to Jakarta, Indonesia to check-in with one of our residential clients. I hadn’t been to either city in years, so of course I had to take a few snapshots to share…
 Upper House Tea Garden – love the bean bags!
 Presentation review in my hotel room in Hong Kong
 Very hip restaurant in Jakarta, the ceiling & walls were covered in recovered shutters from destroyed homes
05.11.11
While all of the fuss has been over the royal wedding fashions, over at sfa we are more concerned with how the newlyweds will choose to design their home! It is rumored that the couple will settle into a 4,000-square-foot farmhouse near Will’s Royal Air Force base in Anglesey, North Wales and they may choose to work with stateside designer Kenneth Bordewick or London based interior designer Kelly Hoppen (who in the past has worked with David and Victoria Beckham). Whatever the case may be, we’ve come up with a few stellar ideas that fuse Kate and Williams’ personalities to make the perfect royal “starter home.”
A fairly modern couple in theory, William & Kate tend to do things their own way and in a very easy-going manner, much like the late Princess Diana. The young couple is more than likely suited for design that is modern, tasteful, and classic but not overly done or too minimal. Here are some ideas that might get the place feeling more like home…
Kate displays a monochromatic tailored sense of style and tends to favor colors such as Sapphire blues, creams, bright reds, and black in her own wardrobe. We envision a home with neutral colored fabrics like Belgian linens in creams and beiges, perhaps adding in some pops of color with small patterns and perhaps even some African tribal pillows in reds, blues and purples.
 French Chair & Custom Sofa in Belgian Linen, as seen in Veranda
 African Textile Cushions
William’s love of Polo is undeniable and a horse theme may come into play with the addition of some leather pieces such as a leather-covered console table or worn leather gentlemen’s chair. Some photos of him an Harry on the polo field or family horses will most likely be found somewhere in his study.
 Polo-inspired Study
 Ralph Lauren Safari Club Chair & Prince William & Harry on the Polo Fields
Taking a piece of their personal history, Williiam & Kate were engaged in Africa and seem to love visiting, perhaps a few tribal art pieces, faux animal velvets or some photography by Peter Beard will make it’s way into the home.
 Dylan Lewis Leopard Bust & “Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Peter Beard
 Faux Animal Velvets by Scalamandre
Italian-based furniture company Prememoria would be a great choice for many of the furnishings, with their soft modernity and gorgeous details and craftsmanship – perhaps a piece or two from Royal family member and furniture designer David Linley as well.
 Dining Table & Augusto Sofa by Promemoria
 Salon Coffee Table by David Linley
To contradict some of the modern furnishings, the newlyweds will most likely incorporate some family heirlooms into their home, paintings by John Singer Sargeant or Sir Alfred Munnings, or an antique English mirror. In additional, the wood floors and stone fireplaces will most likely all be authentic.
 Setting Off: Huntsman and Hounds by Sir Alfred Munnings & Madame X by John Singer Sargent
 English Giltwood Mirror
To add the finishing touches, we can expect framed images of William’s mother as well as a number of photos from the wedding of the century!
 Princess Diana, William & Harry & Royal Wedding Official Family Portrait
04.11.11
exterior of the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal
I have just recently returned from a trip to Abu Dhabi and thought I would share a “behind the scenes” glimpse into one of our most exciting current projects! I am overwhelmingly excited to be part of this project that we began back in November of 2005 (set to be completed this fall). With over 940 people on site, as many as 4,000 laborers, and a budget of approximately 1.2 billion dhs you can only begin imagine how exquisite the project is culminating. Here are a few photographs I took on-site…
You are probably wondering why my shoes were in my purse -I was told to take them off during the walk-through!
03.18.11
We are so honored by those that came out to celebrate sfa’s 15th anniversary! Not only was our entire firm in attendance, but the support of our clients and peers in the design industry was just overwhelming and made for a truly memorable evening. The future is looking bright for sfa, with our wonderful team and some great new projects on the boards we look forward to celebrating many more milestones like this…
Hayley Bridges mingles with some of sfa’s designers, Erin Tillotson, Sara Tillotson, Stacy Szuhy & Jessi Burt
Longtime colleagues Sue Firestone and architect Richard Landry spend some quality time (Exclusive: look for a joint project in March’s Robb Report)/Kara Smith and Candace Fisher catching up
Lara Firestone with friends DJ Rob Love and record producer Teddy Riley
Anthony Phills, architect Braden Sterling & wife/Landscape architect Bill Brunsky & friend enjoy the view from the Tamsen’s aft deck
President, Kara Smith with sfa client Keyshawn Johnson, former NFL wide receiver, & friend/Sue Firestone shares a laugh with architect Diego Villasenor and friends
Architect Brian Biglin& wife chat with Michael Riehl & brother Loren Riehl
Kara Smith & landscape designer Jamie Durie
Sue Firestone with Denny Ryerson, Richard Landry & friends
sfa’s Kara Smith and Elizabeth Bonds with Teddy Riley, Ray Charles, Jr. & friend in the Tamsen’s wheelhouse
Guests watching footage of the Tamsen sailing yacht and other sfa projects
01.03.11
There are a number of words that I could use to describe sfa design in 2010 – collaboration, evolution, perseverance – but the one that really sums it up is growth. Where many firms have cut back during the recent recession, sfa has used it as an opportunity for reflection and expansion, putting a positive spin on what most consider a down time. Over the past year we have really focused on a new direction, gathering the best talent and growing our project base, particularly in the international hospitality market.
Additionally, we used the calm in the domestic hospitality sector to focus on an emerging market of high-end residential clientele. Just as fashion stylists have become a necessity to the Hollywood machine, the concept of styling your home to reflect personal style is becoming just as vital. Celebrity or not, the dated trend of homes “wearing” a designer has been replaced with a strong desire to project oneself through home styling. As it has always been sfa’s mantra to carry “no signature style” we have been especially fortunate to work with these clients who now prefer to design their home as a reflection of themselves and their families rather than that of a certain designer.
Finally, we are excited for the numerous new domestic and international projects that we have been privileged to become a part of in 2010. Going into the new year we will team up with a wonderful group of our peers to work on projects in Monterrey – Mexico, St. Pete’s Beach – Florida and Santa Ynez – California, as well as continuing work on projects in Abu Dhabi, Oman, Namibia, Los Angeles and New York.
This past year has been one of a great resurgence for sfa and the design industry as a whole. We have seen expansion of our team, projects revived and new developments put into play, all pointing to a bright future looking ahead. And now, a few select reasons (11 to be exact) as to why I am looking forward to 2011:
1. sfa design celebrates our 15 year anniversary, we plan to celebrate with fresh ideas, invigorated inspiration and many thanks to everyone who have helped us realize our vision
2. California Homes‘ January/February issue, which will feature a contemporary Montecito Home designed by our team, our first press feature of 2011
3. Checking out the new trends in fashion, color and design. Pantone’s 2011 Color of the Year is Honeysuckle and has been described as “Dynamic, encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.” - I can’t think of a more appropriate and motivating color with which to begin a new year
4. The Opening of the Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel in Namibia in March. This is the first hotel of its kind in the Namibia and I am eager to see the outcome of implementing this level of design there and for the reactions of the people of Windhoek!
5. Revisiting and expanding into international markets such as Asia and Europe and continuing to grow in the U.S. and U.A.E.
6. Launching our very own furniture and product collection. Insider’s Scoop: Our designs will feature a very exciting modern take on vintage style
7. Attending shows and conferences such as HD Expo and ALIS 2011 to catch up with friends and peers in the industry and see some of the latest and greatest in new products
8. Putting the final touches on the ultra-glam home of Denise Richards. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Denise, her incredible taste and creative outlook has made for an amazing experience and I am so excited to see the finished product!
9. The June Opening of the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal. This is the largest hotel that I have personally worked on and designed and I am thrilled for the Grand Opening. The time and effort that our team has put into this project has been remarkable and I know it will show when this remarkable property opens its doors
10. Working closely with our newly established in-house Marketing & Public Relations team to expand sfa’s presence as an international luxury firm
11. The expansion of our company into new divisions such as Restaurant Design and possibly an international office
08.04.10
Both Sue and I have recently given in to temptation and bought the iPad to add to our Apple gadget obsession. With its funky features, intelligent apps and visible wow-factor we are convinced that incorporating the iPad into our business practice is a brilliant idea. First and foremost, we are attracted to any excuse to cut down our carbon footprint. The ability of the iPad to act as a communication and demonstrative tool in our client presentations is most intriguing. With the large screen, high-quality graphics and ease with which its operator can flick through the images, it will cut down on hard copy printing as well as logistical costs of transporting boards and portfolios.
As well as the benefits of the iPad on our eco conscience, it is also a great tool for me when I am traveling or out of the office. I can easily upload photos, update my blogs and tweets, and keep up to date with the hottest design blogs. I don’t miss a beat with the handy newspaper application and I can be sure that I won’t be missed at the office by using Skype to always be present at meetings. As demonstrated by this blog and our presence on twitter and facebook, sfa design is not afraid of today’s technological and media innovations; in fact, we relish the prospect of incorporating new devices and techno savvy skills into our company.
Being an interior designer, it will come as no surprise that I am committed to my long-standing love affair with accessories – the next challenge, choosing the perfect case for my iPad… No mean feat!
Here are some of my favorite app’s for design, travel, everyday life and beyond:
Tripit: Just forward travel purchase confirmations via email and TripIt will build a master itinerary for you with all of your plans, weather, maps, and more!
Evernote: Great for creative minds! Save your ideas, things you like and things you see – then find them all later, organized on your device
SwatchMatch: Don’t mismatch, SwatchMatch. Now you can stop wondering if a color will match and immediately see if the color works. SwatchMatch allows you to choose the perfect shoes for that skirt, the right tie for that shirt, the ideal paint to complement that couch – all before you buy anything
iWork Keynote: Create a world-class presentation, complete with animated charts and transitions just by touching and tapping, and then present on the go!
Mint: Make financial decisions in real-time by viewing up-to-date information about your accounts, checking your budgets and editing info right on the app.
Photoshop.com: edit and share from anywhere
Gilt Groupe: keep up with the “flash” sales on designer apparel, accessories, homegoods and high-end travel destinations. never miss a sale, shop on the go, preview upcoming sales and buy it fast!
Locavore: Whether you’re just trying to become more aware of what’s in season around you, or you are fully committed to eating only locally grown food, this app will help you know what your options are.
Quickoffice: full-featured app to review, EDIT and create Microsoft documents
Glamour Ask A Stylist: Got a fashion question? Send a photo or ask a question and get an answer from the experts at Glamour
NYT Editor’s Choice: A selection of the latest news, opinion and features, automatically updated
Stylebook: Closet Organizer a la Clueless, add images of your entire wardrobe, choose your outfit, and even track how often you’ve worn certain pieces
What the Font: Ever seen a great font in a magazine ad, poster, or on the web and wondered what font it is? Whip out your iPhone and snap a photo, and WhatTheFont for iPhone will identify that font in seconds!
all app’s downloadable at the iTunes app store
**BONUS** Check out interesting ways members of the hospitality industry (including a client of ours) have adopted the ipad. Great ideas include iPad menus, personal guest amenity and concierge iPad service.
06.25.10
In our time working with LA Lakers star Derek Fisher and his wife Candice, all the staff at sfa developed a soft spot for him. Not only a lovely person, he is also a phenomenal player. Proving himself an invaluable member of the team during his performance against the Boston Celtics final last week, we were on the edge of our seats watching him. The game was tense and exciting and this week it feels only right to blog about him rather than design as the Lakers are on my mind!
We would like to congratulate Derek on his win – well done, you’ve done us proud!
06.04.10
Not long ago, a friend of mine from Paris introduced me to an unusual expression. “Ooh, it’s a sale day today. Let’s go lick a window,” she said looking slightly ravenous. “Lick a window?” She explained that this is the expression commonly used in France to describe the fine art of window shopping. On a beautiful day in Paris strolling the shopping streets and “licking a window” can be as satisfying as visiting an art museum or listening to live music by the Seine. In Paris, window displays are works of art in and of themselves, and uncovering buried treasures in French antique shops is one of the true joys of working in design. Sadly, most of us are not always able to jet off to Paris in search of gems and, therefore, have to find more efficient ways to treasure hunt. A good solution is the website www.theparisapartment.com, a wonderful resource for well-priced and distinctly French finds. There you can find everything from Lucite vanity chairs to whimsical cake stands (my favorite). It’s truly the most satisfying online equivalent to hopping a flight to Paris and spending the afternoon “licking a window.”
09.08.09
Nowadays, tracking the latest trends in interior design may more than likely mean visiting the editorial pages and international runways of contemporary fashion. Having come from a background designing high-end women’s couture, I am consistently fascinated by the latest cross-over between fashion and interior design. While some turn their noses up at the efforts of the 5th Avenue-apparel-turned-5th Avenue-apartment designer, the results of such crossover can sometimes seem as natural and as brilliant as one would hope. Case in point: the chandeliers of renowned jewelry designer, Erickson Beamon. These delicate, hand-made creations were created by the established jewelry designer at her client’s unusual request. Specializing in trendy and distinct jewelry for the high-end designer market, Beamon’s latest invention – her chandeliers – are inspired by Chanel. All her chandeliers are limited edition or one-of-a-kind pieces, draped decadently with crystals and pearls. When constructing each piece, Beamon employs a Parisian technique of hand-setting each stone and pearl, proving that only the attention to detail of an elite jewelry maker could produce such extraordinary works. A regular in the editorials of Vogue and Bazaar, whose craftsmanship sits proudly on display in the broaches of the First Lady, it’s no wonder such vision could translate so seamlessly from fashion to interior design.
07.01.09
First and foremost, welcome to the new sfadesign.com, and thank you so much for your interest in the sfa Salon! By creating this blog, Sue (sfa’s founder/ chairman) and I hope to open up an ongoing communication with anyone interested in what I consider to be the most fascinating form of functional art. For me, the value of Interior design is that it has the unique ability to literally set the stage for all of life’s experiences. Every design creates a mood, tells a story and provides a distinct service for the individual for whom it is created. When we begin to design a home for a client, we enjoy imagining the intricacies of how that home will be used and what it will mean to those who live there. When we design a hotel, we try to capture and shape the impressions of the many guests who will pass through its doors. The inspiration that stems from a design project – a client’s unique perspective, a location’s history, a cultural nuance or an exciting trend – is precisely what I hope to convey in the sfa Salon. I hope you will continue to visit us, as I am excited to share with you my own spin on the insider’s guide to all things design.
06.18.09
The opportunity to expand sfa’s design portfolio to new global destinations has been one of the most exhilarating aspects of my job. Our work on United Africa Group’s Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel presents an especially exciting opportunity, as we are designing the first five-star hotel to arise in Windhoek, the capital and central metropolis of Namibia. Fusing an innovative contemporary look with rich, classic sensibility, the hotel presents the perfect balance of traditional elegance and modern creativity. It’s any designer’s dream to take on a project that allows for such a balance, and we are stretching our imaginations to create a property that will live up to its cultural significance and landmark positioning
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