With the theme for the entire event this year being “Windows to the World” each invited designer was paired with a showroom and asked to choose a inspirational location and design their window around that theme.  Roaming up and down La Cienega you might see windows depicting Paris, Morocco, I even saw one inspired by Antarctica – complete with penguins!

Since I had just returned from Abu Dhabi around the time that we were invited to participate, I instantly decided on this blossoming city for our inspiration destination. Per my “blurb” in the LCDQ signage,  “My work in Abu Dhabi, with its unparalleled mix of  millennial-old culture, contemporary luxury and architectural masterpieces like the Grand Mosque, inspired this vision of a city that refuses to be just one style.”

Thanks to a fabulous team of Senior Designer, Rosie Fienberg, our PR Guru Ashley Noelle Read, a great showroom partner, Gina Berschneider, and an amazingly wonderful group of vendors that sponsored the materials, furnishings and labor, I am so happy to present a behind the scenes look at sfa’s Window into Abu Dhabi (from start to finish!)

The team from Darren Franks & Associates creating a depiction of the classic archways in Abu Dhabi (thank you to GB for letting us adorn your walls!)

(right to left): This little camel from Celadon House was one of our favorite parts of the space, Senior Designer Georgie Keller let us borrow some of her authentic robes from Abu Dhabi to accessorize

So many beautiful rug choice from Mansour Modern! We wanted to use black and white as a base and tie-in for the two windows, and decided upon the top one (maybe it reminded us of abstract camel humps?!) and the bottom stripe.

A few of our snapshots of the finished space! A special thank you to everyone who donated pieces including, Marcali Designs, Celadon House, Baker Furniture, Mansour Rugs, Opuzen Design, Harbinger LA, Darren Franks & Associates and of course the girls at Gina Berschneider!

Here are a few professional images courtesy of photographer Andreas Branch…

With this lantern cluster we wanted to tie in natural and ornamental elements, and both traditional and modern styles: Gold Pendant – Harbinger LA, Woven & Metal Lanterns from Celadon House

We decided to take it a little more contemporary here in a Sitting Room space, complete with a custom pouf inspired by a whimsical royal crown: Penelope Loungers & Custom Pouf by Marcali Designs, Grand Mosque-Inspired Backdrop by Opuzen, Rug by Mansour, Pillows & Accessories from Celadon House

For the “Lounge” area we went a bit more traditional, with an intricately beaded throw and some ornate accessories, but kept a similar color palette of pinks, yellows, black and white: Daybed, Screen, Side Table  & Mirror from Gina Berschneider, Tables from Marcali Designs, Rug by Mansour, Sun Burst Torchere from Baker Furniture,  Accessories from Celadon House

This is my favorite vignette! I love how the arches had some depth and that cluster of awesome accessories is the perfect mix of modern, vintage, indigenous and luxurious: Arches painted by Darren Franks & Associates, Woven Urn & Metal Disc from Celadon House, Mirror & Accessories from Gina Berschneider

Nighttime View of our Window!!

For more images head over to the slideshow on Casa Sugar, and, for a full recap of the rest of the exciting LCDQ Legends events stay tuned for Ashley’s Guest Blog on Casa Sugar as well!

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Wow! What a whirlwind event this was – I think I must have filled up 5 notepads with all of the exciting and insightful info that was presented by the amazing speakers -  including some of my favorites – Macala Wright from FashionablyMarketing.me, Mitra Morgan from Joss + Main, Andrea Stanford from One Kings Lane, Hardy Wallace from Dirty South Wine, Ronda Carman from All the Best Blog, Cassandra Lavalle from coco+kelley and Kelley Moore.  I think I’m going to do this as a 2-parter, as I have SO much information to share with everyone.  First off, for any aspiring bloggers out there or anyone interested in becoming a bigger part of social media, the 10 tips below were all the buzz at the conference this year:

Top 10 Takeaways:

1. Pinterest is on fire! Multiple bloggers noted this is the #1 source driving traffic their sites above all others combined!

2. Original Content is Key. With sites like Pinterest it’s important to do more than just “post pretty pictures.”  Have a unique voice, even if and image has been seen before revive it with insightful, original commentary.

3. Be broad and well-rounded when it comes to your social media outreach. Not everyone will read your blog AND be a fan on facebook AND follow you on Twitter. Know each individual audience and target your message accordingly. According to Cassandra from Coco+Kelley “It’s not about the channel, its about how you use it!”

4. Be the Expert – share ideas, tips and trends that others don’t have access to.

5. Social Media is a FULL-TIME job to do it right. Think of it as an ongoing conversation that you have no choice but to be a part of…

6. Video is the easiest way to create original content – YOU are what makes your brand unique.  Great companies like seeLIFE pictures are on the forefront of this trend creating video content that captures the distinct point of view of their clients ! (Also when it comes to video – keep it short, most people are watching at work!)

7.  Collaborations & Curation – great ways to get your name out – in the interior design world, sites like One Kings Lane & Joss +Main collaborate with interior designers for unique events that highlight designer’s style and brand. (stay tuned for a possible sfa curated event in the near future!)

8. Step away from the computer. Pinning and blog surfing are all well and good, but what sets a great designer apart is education and experience… so go experience something new!

9. Get your blog in with Google Search – best practices include blog posts that look and read like a magazine, linking back to other parts of your site in your posts, clear and descriptive headings (no puns!) and of course, good grammar!

10. Social Networking Fun Facts:

- 19-20% of time spent online is spent on social networks

- About 65% of Google+ users are male.

- Google+ is a great site for business conversation, driving traffic and SEO

- Pinterest is 87% female driven

- Approximately 82% of the world’s internet population is on Facebook

Check out my FAVORITE presentation from the entire conference below!

Coming up next – I will be putting together a few more “lists” including hot new tech trends & apps (some were even new to me!) as well as some of my favorite new sites for the blog-obsessed!

Until next time… thanks for having me Sue and all of you  sfa fans!

- Ashley

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Now onto Meghan for the insider scoop on styling for interiors:

When most people ask what it means to photograph interiors, I usually tell them (jokingly) that I’m a glorified furniture mover and lighting goddess.  While these things are important (and cheeky), the reality is that the rooms we see in person are dramatically changed when we flatten them into 2D photographs.  That shift is what I aim to master, and I have learned that moving an item even a ½ inch can dramatically alter the way the photograph looks.

When I work with designers and stylists on a photo shoot I like to get a feel for what the client wants as an end result.  Do they want an image that is dramatic, lived in, glamorous?  Every client is different and achieving the right look is key.  The way to create that look is with the styling.  These choices of flowers, objects, vases, how many items we add, what do we take out of the shot vs. add, and the exact placement of each object makes a huge difference.  It’s hard to believe, but just moving a little box on a table can dramatically shift the feeling of the photo.

Below I’ll talk about a few different images and the styling that we used to create those photos:

In this image for the designer (Emily Ruddo of Armonia Decors), she wanted a formal, yet happy photo that showed off her modern use of textures and colors within a somewhat traditional space.  As you see above, when we first started working on the photo all of the objects were in slightly different places than where they ended up.  With moving the plant in the foreground out of frame to open up the space, moving the flowers to the coffee table from the mantle, and rearranging the pillows and items on the coffee table, we changed a nice photo into an excellently styled shot.

In this photo for sfa we needed just one element of “lived in”, as the room felt a little too formal.  So we decided to add a cashmere blanket to the couch (and take out a few items like the third pillow in the center of the couch).  While it is basically effortless to fold a throw on your own couch, it took about 10 minutes of styling the blanket in different positions and shapes to make it look just right.

While I don’t have a before version of this photo, I wanted to show the way designer Wendy Labrum styled this shot.  It’s effortless style and completely realistic feel captivates my attention.  We let the petals from the peonies lay where they fell for the most part, and then added a few to the table for the floating effect.  The brass tray in the front of the shot had about 20 different items on it before we decided on the yellow roses and the candlesticks.  And the brass key on the books was a last minute addition that is still my favorite little detail in the shot.

So, in the end, what is the most important part of styling?  You should style a room to create a mood or feeling in a photograph.  The tone of any interior design image is directly linked to the styling. Each object or flower or piece of furniture that you move in a photograph creates a dramatic and cohesive statement!

photos courtesy of Meghan Beierle-O’Brien: www.meghanbob.com or blog www.meghanbob.blogspot.com

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Lighting should always be dim, glimmering reflections from crystal sconces or a delicate chandelier really add to the ambiance… when all else fails candle light is the easiest way to set a romantic mood.

Canopies and draping just tend to ooze romance with their sheer fabric and effortless movement

You can hardly get more romantic than a luxurious tub for two

Hang a sexy piece of art or an ornate mirror for a “boudoirish” feel.

Romantic spaces don’t have to be confined to inside the house – take it outdoors with  dinner or a movie under the stars!

Hearts can be passé but done correctly it can add the perfect amount of love into your space!

Happy Valentine’s Day Lovebirds, hope you find a romantic space to spend the day!

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Take it away Meghan!

I’m a photographer that loves using natural light and playing in a space, so vignettes are one of my favorite things to photograph.  I think that vignettes help explain the feel or style of the room really well.  While an overall photo of a room is definitely important to show off a designer’s work, the vignette can say just as much, if not more, because we get to see just a slice of the whole view.  Somehow seeing a sliver of a space can feel more inspiring; maybe it’s because we are able to notice specific objects, or because we as viewers can imagine making a small space in our own homes beautiful by rearranging what we already have.

Whatever the case, it’s an exciting type of photo for me and I love the collaboration and work that goes into a single shot.  While a vignette may look effortless, a good one has usually been through several variations, a few opinions, and several objects swamped for just the right touch.  Below are a couple of full room shots and their vignette counter part that I have photographed for the sfa design team over the past few months.  Notice how they provide insight into the design and taste of the clients.  Each shot was definitely a team effort!

Dining Vignette

This dining room shot was fantastic, but we couldn’t capture the beautiful cabinet in the opposite corner of the room without losing the main artwork and console.  So instead of losing anything, we added a vignette looking back at the space through the wood and mirror of the cabinet.  It’s a little confusing and disorienting, which I liked, because in the end it’s still intriguing and beautiful.

Bedroom Vignette

This bedroom was beautiful, but had a very large white bed that just didn’t want to be photographed at first. We ended up very happy with the cheerful photo looking onto the gorgeous garden and were still able to capture the essence of the space without it feeling like a lot of bed.  However, it was important to everyone at the shoot to get a little feel of the space.  Until we got close up, it was to see what a great job the designer did to create a cohesive look while blending all the subtle variations in hues, textures and patterns.  And I love that pop of pink!

I hope you enjoyed!  To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.meghanbob.com or blog www.meghanbob.blogspot.com.

Stay tuned for part two of this series – Styling for the Photo Shoot!

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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 works7. 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?

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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