Concept Design's Inspirations Behind Their ASID 2009 Design Tour Room

I always love to see how people get inspired to create so I thought you would like to see inspiration photos for the Concept Design's room at ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria.




** This last photo, Lori Moore from Concept Design says, "is an example of the glass bead Modello design being used on our wall on our plaster."
Here is a little background info on Tamra Mundia and Concept Design -
Concept Design - Concept Design, Inc. was founded in 1999 by Tamra Mundia. Tamra went to Interior Designers Institute after attending Cal State Long Beach, and graduated with an AA degree in design in 1989. She worked for two successful design firms and taught art to children before opening her own design firm 10 years ago. What started as an in-home business, has grown to a successful firm with a showroom in San Clemente, California. The showroom includes a team of designers working on residential and commercial projects throughout Southern California and the United States. http://www.conceptdesignoc.com/

Cover! Covers! Covers!

We were spending a little time doing some TO Media Co public relations housekeeping the other day and we found some past articles that we have done. Some of the ones that I love the most, were the covers of magazines that we have gotten for our clients -- for any publicist, a cover of a magazine is a huge feather in our cap and a life changing moment for our clients.

Before we started our own boutique PR firm here in Orange County, Lauren used to handle severval TV shows for NBC so her covers relate to the talent and the shows themselves. I used to work on the Frederick's of Hollywood account so my magazine covers mostly include beautiful celebrities in the their underwear! Those were some seriously fun days.

For a little walk down memory lane, I have posted some of them here. Enjoy.






Mommy + Me Style

Pixie Dust Decor + Halsea Offer their favorites for Mommy + Me Style

Always wanted to match with your best friend? Now that you have kids, you can!

PIXIE DUST DECOR
If you are ready to cook up some magic with your kids, these sweet mommy and me aprons are the perfect start. Available in tons of colors (even in boys fabric!), the Pixie Dust Décor aprons are only $24 each.

Fabric designer, Stacy McCallum says “I designed these aprons because it reminds me to take time to spend with the kids – no work, no chores, just simple fun.”
http://www.pixiedustdecor.com/



HALSEA
Halsea, the beach chic travel bag company, has become a huge favorite for moms and kids who want to coordinate or even match when it comes to traveling. With four collections, all of which were designed to mix and match, Halsea offers designs that appeal to both kids and moms because of their bright colors and fun beach themes. Seahorses, crabs or shells anyone?!
Sally Bartz says, “Moms don’t want a kid-sized suitcase. It won’t fit all the necessary items when traveling. But they do want something fun for their kids. At Halsea, we offer all kinds of travel essentials that can be perfectly matchy-matchy or they can coordinate so your collection can grow with your family.” http://www.halsea.com/

HALSEA’s MOST POPULAR MOMMY AND ME TRAVEL BAGS
Halsea Roller Suitcase ($335) Halsea Roller Duffle ($385)

ASID – OC ANNOUNCES 2009 DESIGN TOUR DESIGNERS

35 of Orange County’s Hottest Interior Designers Participate

From its membership of over 1200 members, ASID Orange County is honored to feature the work of 35 of Orange County’s hottest designers on the 2009 ASID OC Design Tour – Urban Living @ Astoria taking place April 21-May 17 inside the brand-new, Astoria located within Central Park West, Irvine.

Each of the participating designers will make their mark in one assigned area of the six urban living spaces being featured on the tour which include four Penthouse Lofts and 2 flats on the 13th and 14th floors of Astoria. A mix of contemporary living and traditional luxuries, Astoria offers a concierge, business center and secured wine vault, as well as an oversized pool and spa. A complete list of amenities is available at (www.astorialiving.net).

While all of these designers have headquarters in Orange County, many of them have been influencing design worldwide for years with projects all over the United States and beyond.

The participating designers for the 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour include:

Tony Baldocchi, Allied Member ASID
Joyce Elizabeth Byrd, Allied Member ASID
Rick Campos, Allied Member ASID
Julia Caro, Allied Member ASID
Oma Talley Cast, Allied Member ASID
Megan Crane, Allied Member ASID
Barbara Coulter-Phillips, Allied Member ASID
Char Cowan, ASID, CID, IIDA
Audrey Duncan, Allied Member ASID
Deirdre Eagles, Allied Member ASID
Robret Easterley, Allied Member ASID
Fumiko Faiman, ASID, CID
Gary W. Finley, ASID
Kimberly Franzen,Allied Member ASID
Bonnie Gorrell, Allied Member ASID
Samatha Gorrell, Allied Member ASID
Lana Hamden, Allied Member ASID
Interior Deisgners Institute
David Kelley, Allied Member ASID
Taylor LeClaire, Allied Member ASID
Eve Lowey, ASID
Wendy Ann Miller, Allied Member ASID
Tamra Mundia, Allied Member ASID
Megan Myers, Allied Member ASID
Frank Pitman, Allied Member ASID
David Rance, ASID
Sue Rexroth, Allied Member ASID
David Romero, Allied Member ASID
Sue Sanders, Allied Member ASID
Shala Shamardi, Allied Member ASID
Tamara Shermer, Allied Member ASID
Beverly Stadler, ASID, CID
Bunny Sutherland, ASID
Richard Thompson, Allied Member ASID
Natalie Umbert, Allied Member ASID
Westwood College
Beth Whitlinger, ASID, CID

About the 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour
The 2009 Design Tour – Urban Living @ Astoria will be the first of its kind for the ASID Orange County Chapter featuring contemporary design in an urban, high-rise setting. The chosen location for the 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour are the luxuriously appointed towers known as Astoria, located within Central Park West (Irvine, Ca), and will include four penthouse lofts and two flats on the Terrace and Grand Tier levels. The floor to ceiling windows and vast outdoor spaces will provide the perfect backdrop for 35 of ASID/OCC’s fabulous designers to showcase their unique talents.

Incorporating cutting edge design - from green living to a full spectrum of this year’s hottest colors and furnishings, this year’s Tour is sure to inspire the imagination and appreciation of every visitor. Designers were issued the additional challenge of creating environments that will appeal to visitors at all stages of their life, from bachelors and young families to empty nesters.

A mix of contemporary living and traditional luxuries, Astoria offers its residents an on-site business center, concierge service, a secured wine vault with private wine-tasting room, fully equipped exercise room as well as an oversized pool and spa. A complete list of amenities as well as additional images and information about Astoria can be found at www.astorialiving.net.

The 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour will be open April 21-May 17, Tuesday- Sunday from 10AM – 5PM. The Tour will remain open until 8 PM on Friday nights. Tickets for the 2009 Design Tour can be purchased beginning March 6 online at www.asidocc.org, through the Orange County Performing Arts Center box office (714-556-2787) or at Whole Food at The District in Tustin. Tickets are also available at the door.

ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria - Before Photos

I love a "before" and "after". Below are the "before" photos and I can't wait for the "after."

The 2009 ASID Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria - is going to be AMAZING! I can't wait to see how the 37 designers tackle the challenge of transforming these new spaces into a contemporary-inspired home, using innovative ideas. I love to see how other people are inspired by color, shape, technology and space and I am sure that these Penthouses and Lofts will not disappoint.

So save-the-date. The Design Tour is April 21-May 17.
















Design*Sponge Features The Home of Halsea's Sally Bartz


Grace at Design*Sponge is a genius! I LOVE her blog because it is inspiring and makes me feel like good design is doable at any stage of life and on any budget.

Today my mouth nearly dropped when we saw our client on her website with the photos we took! Here is the home of beach-chic travel bag company designer, Sally Bartz of Halsea.


For more photos of Sally's inspirations and home, click here to see more on Flickr:

2009 ASID Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria - "Before" Video

The 2009 Design Tour is taking shape. We went by Astoria today to meet some of the designers, who were working, measuring and planning. Construction crews were there working hard too. The building is amazing and will be a perfect backdrop to showcase the 37 designers' work. Since the Design Tour will be amazing, we thought it would be fun to see a little "before" video of one of the penthouse suites that will be featured. We can't wait.

Diana Martin Gifts' Gourmet Cookies Featured on She Knows


Who doesn't love She Knows?! What a great site to find everything from beauty to fashion to style. For Valentine's Day, they recently featured the ever delicious cookies by Chef Adam Navidi available exclusively through Diana Martin Gifts. Check out the link here:



For more on Diana Martin Gifts: http://www.dianamartingifts.com/

ASID 2009 Design Tour Announces Calendar of Events

LIVING IN STYLE

ASID Orange County Announces Slate of Special Events
Taking Place Throughout the 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour

April 21-May 17




Laguna Beach, CA -- In addition to touring six spectacularly appointed urban living spaces at the 2009 http://www.asidocc.org, guests will be treated to a wide variety of special events and parties throughout the duration of the tour.

Beginning with a Preview Party benefiting the Orange County Performing Arts Center on Sunday, April 19 and wrapping on May 17, the month-long showcase will be highlighted by a speaker’s series, “Meet the Designers” Friday Date Nights, and other industry events.

Below is the schedule of public events for the 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour:

Sunday, April 19 Urban Living @ Astoria Preview Party benefiting the
4PM - 9PM Orange County Performing Arts Center. Open to the public. Tickets are $150 and are available by calling The Center box office – (714)556-2787

Tuesday, April 21 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour Opening Day.

Wednesdays “Designer Living” Series
April 22-May13 Come enjoy an afternoon with a series of experts on living life with style!
3PM - 5 PM The ASID/OCC Tour is proud to announce 4 fun-filled afternoons featuring seminars on these exciting topics:

April 22 -- Culinary Artistry - An afternoon of cooking, tasting, and new recipes prepared by Chef Kurt Schaeffer at the new Bistro West located at The District in Irvine. www.bistrowest.com

April 29 --Yorba Wines - An afternoon of wine tasting in Astoria’s magnificent private wine cellar and tasting room. www.yorbawines.com

May 6 -- Fashion Show - presented by Sharm Cressy, Orange County fashion stylist and image consultant. The show will feature the exclusive debut of the “Juliana” Jana Kos line while focusing on tips for selecting the right styles for individual body shapes. Get a preview at www.sharmcressey.com.

May 13--New ideas for summer tabletops from Lynn Chichi of Chichi's Tabletalk. www.chichistabletalk.com

All of the “Designer Living” events will be held onsite. Series included with price of tour admission.

Fridays “Meet the Designers” Date Night
April 24-May 15 Take the Tour and meet the incredible designers who
5PM – 8 PM brought it all together. Friday Night guests will be able to sample a glass of wine and dessert at the café and later enjoy a discounted meal at participating restaurants at The District in Tustin, so save your ticket stubs! Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling The Orange County Performing Arts Center box office, or at the door.

Sunday, May 17 2009 ASID-OCC Tour Closes


About the 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour
The 2009 Design Tour – Urban Living @ Astoria will be the first of its kind for the ASID Orange County Chapter featuring contemporary design in an urban, high-rise setting. The chosen location for the 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour are the luxuriously appointed towers known as Astoria, located within Central Park West (Irvine, Ca), and will include four penthouse lofts and two flats on the Terrace and Grand Tier levels. The floor to ceiling windows and vast outdoor spaces will provide the perfect backdrop for 37 of ASID/OCC’s fabulous designers to showcase their unique talents.

Incorporating cutting edge design - from green living to a full spectrum of this year’s hottest colors and furnishings, this year’s Tour is sure to inspire the imagination and appreciation of every visitor. Designers were issued the additional challenge of creating environments that will appeal to visitors at all stages of their life, from bachelors and young families to empty nesters.

A mix of contemporary living and traditional luxuries, Astoria offers its residents an on-site business center, concierge service, a secured wine vault with private wine-tasting room, fully equipped exercise room as well as an oversized pool and spa. A complete list of amenities as well as additional images and information about Astoria can be found at www.astorialiving.net.

The 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour will be open April 21-May 17, Tuesday- Sunday from 10AM – 5PM. The Tour will remain open until 9 PM on Friday nights. Tickets for the 2009 Design Tour can be purchased beginning March 2 online at www.asidocc.org, through the Orange County Performing Arts Center box office (714-556-2787) or at Whole Food at The District in Tustin. Tickets are also available at the door.

To Boutique Or Not

Bigger is better, right? Not always. I like to think our boutique PR firm in Costa Mesa - TO Media Co - is just right.

When our clients call they get either Lauren or me - the two principles. We put our hearts and souls into every client's company and because we are a small team, we are personally invested in their message. Our faith in our clients and their products, I believe, gives us an edge and helps us get better results

Here's to the little guy.

ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria - Announced in OC Weekly

Always with their finger on the pulse of Orange County, OC Weekly just announced the ASID 2009 Design Tour called Urban Living at Astoria.

http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/a-clockwork-orange/things-are-looking-up-for-2009/

For more information on the Design Tour go to ASID's website: www.asidocc.org

Thanks Matt Coker at OC Weekly!

Terra Collection Featured on ShoppingsMyCardio - Valentine's Give Away


These days, you've got to be able to wear your heart on your sleeve.

Thanks to Jennifer Capaci at Terra Collection, she makes it easy for you to do that with the Life T-shirt (The tee also gives back to charity. Talk about feeling all warm and fuzzy!).

The ever-fab Becki at ShoppingsMyCardio recently posted the Terra Collection Life Shirt as great Valentine's give-a-way - Check it out.
http://www.shoppingsmycardio.com/2009/02/09/be-mine-a-valentines-giveaway/

Freshen Up Your Child's Room with Pixie Dust Decor Products Under $100


With Spring around the corner, I am looking to freshen up my kids' rooms. Let's be honest, what mom doesn't want to feel like they have it all together? Chest of drawers for clothes. Check. Fluffy rug for the baby to play. Check. Missing a dust ruffle that coordinates with the rest of the room. Check. Missing throw pillows to add that finished look. Check.


Pixie Dust Decor has so many very, very cute items to complete any room, with tons under $100.


PIXIE DUST DÉCOR PRODUCTS UNDER $100:
http://www.pixiedustdecor.com/shop.shtml

* Fabric by the yard ($19/yard): All of the fabrics in the collection are available and with Pixie Dust’s new Custom Shop, they can be shaped into any accent, accessory or baby essential you can imagine.

* Pixie Dust’s most popular product, the floor pillows, include the Pixie Tuffet (36” round; $86) and the Pixie Pouf (22” rounds; $68). Both add a touch of comfort to any room and are the perfect perch for a child to curl up with their favorite book.

* Other popular Pixie Dust Décor items: Blankets (Poplin with plush, $38); Bibs (poplin with plush, $14) and burp cloths (poplin with plush $20) Aprons (Styles and sizes for boys, girls and mom or grandma $24); and more.

* Custom Shop Ideas under $100: Throw Pillows, Magnetic Boards, Toy Bags + more


ASID Orange County Chapter Announces Plans for 2009 Design Tour


NEW LOOK, NEW WAY OF LIFE, NEW WAY TO GIVE BACK

ASID Orange County Chapter Announces Plans for 2009 Design Tour
April 21-May 17

Laguna Niguel, CA – The 2009 ASID Orange County Chapter today announced its First Annual ASID Design Tour called Urban Living @Astoria featuring a total of six living spaces in a high rise complex. Astoria, a joint venture between Intergulf Development Group and Lennar Urban is part of a planned community on over two acres in a park-like setting.

This year’s Tour Committee is also proud to announce the selection of the Orange County Performing Arts Center as its benefiting charity. The Center is one of the country’s premier arts centers recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for enhancing the community with a diverse array of world class performance and educational programs.

“This tour is the first of its kind for the ASID Orange County Chapter, marking our first partnership with the Orange County Performing Arts Center, and we're so excited to present it to the public,” said ASID/OCC President Diane Sparacino. “This is a must see project. Our hope is that guests of the tour will both appreciate and be inspired by the creative use of all the newest products and materials to create cutting-edge designed spaces.”

“The Orange County Performing Arts Center is honored to be the beneficiary of the ASID 2009 Design Tour,” said Center President Terrence W. Dwyer. “On behalf of the Center, I want to thank ASID/OCC President Diane Sparacino and the many remarkable designers who will be showcased at the Astoria. This is an exciting partnership between two organizations dedicated to unique artistic worlds: visual and performing. And it is an excellent example of how we can unite these worlds to benefit our young people, support their educational opportunities and fulfill their professional dreams.”

2009 Design Tour Details

While previous ASID/OCC design tours have featured single family homes in a traditional setting, this year's Tour will be the first to feature Contemporary Design in an "urban" setting. The chosen location for the 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour are the luxuriously appointed towers known as Astoria, located within Central Park West (Irvine, Ca), and will include four penthouse lofts and two flats on the Terrace and Grand Tier Level. The floor to ceiling windows and vast outdoor spaces will provide the perfect backdrop for 35 of ASID/OCC’s fabulous designers to showcase their unique talents. Incorporating cutting edge design- from green living to a full spectrum of this year’s hottest colors and furnishings, this years Tour is sure to inspire the imagination and appreciation of every visitor. Designers were issued the additional challenge of creating environments that will appeal to visitors at all stages of their life, from bachelors and young families to empty nesters.

A mix of contemporary living and traditional luxuries, Astoria offers its residents an on-site business center, concierge service, a secured wine vault with private wine-tasting room, fully equipped exercise room as well as an oversized pool and spa. A complete list of amenities as well as additional images and information about Astoria can be found at www.astorialiving.net.

“Some of the hottest and most innovative designers and designs ASID-Orange County Chapter has to offer, have come together to make this year’s Tour exciting and inspiring. From stainless steel floors to indoor waterfalls, leather walls to backlit vanities, we have a range of themes in each uniquely designed space,” said Laura Yorba, 2009 ASID Design Tour Chair.

Additionally, the 2009 ASID Design Tour will offer special events such as “Meet the Designer/Date Nights” every Friday night and teaching seminars on subjects including wine tasting, tabletop decorations and a fashion show throughout the tour. More details on the schedule of the events and the participating designers will be announced in the weeks ahead.

The tour will be open to the public April 21-May 17, Tuesday – Sunday from 10AM- 5PM. Tickets for the design tour are $30 in advance and $35 at the door and will be available starting March 2nd online at www.asidocc.org, through the Orange County Performing Arts Center Box Office – 714.556.2787 or at Whole Foods in The District.

Diana Martin Gifts Inspires Hope


Hope has charisma … it’s the ambassador of feeling good. Hope has magnetism and when shared makes others feel more optimistic. Hope suggests better times, happier lives and a change for the positive. Hope is embracing optimism. In these not-so-great economic times, it’s what keeps us going – pushing, struggling, moving forward one step at a time. Hope is both our driving force and our guiding light.

Today there is hope in opportunities - opportunities to feel good, to nurture, to develop, to expand our thinking. With “staying in” becoming the new “going out,” I find hope in the gift of time. Time spent with those who are most special to me, entertaining family and friends and turning special occasions into precious memories.

Celebrate, smile, and hope.

Diana Martin
Founder and CEO
Diana Martin Gifts
http://www.dianamartingifts.com/


Diana Martin’s Favorite Gifts to Inspire Hope:

Piggy Bank With Wings – The old fashion ceramic piggy bank gets updated with this magical piggy. In a modern aluminum casting, this bank brings art and whimsy to any table or shelf. It suggests prosperity and who doesn’t want that in 2009. 9.5”W $100

Preston Bailey’s Book Inspiration - The title says it all. With over 150 pages of beautiful photographs of dreamy table settings and flower arrangements, this book is a great launch for your own creativity or simply adapting one of Preston’s ideas. To help you get started, we include a decorative kit of ribbons. $68

Stars – This stunning star paperweight, in 24k gold, is a great way to share optimism and tell someone you think they are the best – a star, if you will. Stars suggest stellar attitude, stellar work ethic and working hard to rise to the top. Stars are those special friends, clients, colleagues, and employees that are innovator thinkers and make a difference in your life. 3” W, $75

Comfort Foods …. But healthy!

A gourmet olive oil is such an ideal home gift, even for the non-cook. A gorgeous decorated bottle makes a statement in any dining area. Used from dipping breads to salads to pasta to whatever your desire, this is a universally appreciated gift. $30

Intense Dark Chocolates can be found with our no-nonsense dark chocolate toffees that are artfully topped with ginger or fleur de sol or almonds or orange.
Delectable and charming in our 12 piece box size. $40 (Other sizes available)

5. Double sided frames - I love these frames because they can be made so personal with an image on one side and a special message on the other. It can be used as an award commemorating a successful project or as a gift to a family member with a loving message. So simple yet so meaningful and designed to fit well with any décor. 4” x 4” $35, Minimum order 5 (Also 4 x 6 available $45)

Advice Tray - Who couldn’t use some good advice? This signed, elegant art decoupage tray can be used to hold pencils, mail, keys, and business cards or on a desk or tabletop for an artful display. 12”W x 6”L $90