Urban Living at Astoria - ASID 2009 Design Tour Highlighted By One2BOND

I am so excited to learn about One2BOND and their amazing talents. Jolene Ballard, Amanda Malson and David A. Romero are about to celebrate their one year anniversary of when they pooled their talents and formed the company. Thank God they did. Check out these amazing inspiration boards for their space at the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria.




More about One2BOND – One 2 BOND, founded in Spring of 2008, is known for creating interiors that have a sophisticated use of scale, proportion and color as well as mixing both antique flea market finds and contemporary furnishings, accessories and art. All of this allows them to achieve a fresh eclectic point of view within their interiors. With the clients individuality always in mind, One 2 BOND translates their own personal style into rooms that inspire and invigorate. The One 2 BOND designers include: Jolene Ballard, Amanda Malson and David A. Romero. http://www.one2bond.com/

Urban Living at Astoria - 2009 Design Tour To Feature Eve Lowey of Chameleon Design and Chameleon Studio

I live near the ever-fabulous 17th Street in Costa Mesa/Newport Beach, where you can find everything you need. Most of the time, I find things that I want - like at Studio Chameleon. (Lucky Lauren - she just bought some accessories from them!) They have so many fabulous things to make your home great.

Eve Lowey is the creative gal behind the store, who also offers interior design through Chameleon OC. Lucky for us, she is also one of the participating designers at the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria. Here are her story boards for her space so you can get a sneak peak.

www.chameleonoc.com/ www.studiochameleon.com

More about Eve Lowey
Interior designer Eve Lowey began her career exceptionally early. While many an accolade has graced Eve and her firm, Chameleon Design, her seminal award came in high school, from a large furniture store in Houston for her first room design, proudly submitted by her high school art teacher.

Now, with over 27 years of interior design experience - and over sixty design awards later -Eve is CEO and President of Chameleon Design, a design firm in Orange County since 1992. She is also owner of Studio Chameleon, the newest retail furniture and art gallery offering in Newport Beach, in the trendy Westcliff Shopping Center.

Eve's style maintains it's fresh quality blending modern classic pieces with eclectic and whimsical themes by studying both artists whose work inspires her, as well as contemplating global design and fashion trends outside the world of interiors. Eve sees art and design as a conversation between contemporary culture, millennia of classic design, and the perennial elements of the natural world. She also draws upon mid-century modern influences.


Eve's gift lies in not only helping a client to define their desired aesthetic, but also resides in her seamless execution of the project's completion - no matter the scale of the job. Whether it's a high-end project with a substantial budget, a tight time restraint or a limited budget, Eve enjoys it all. She finds that the real creativity emerges from problem solving.

She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Interior Design from the University of North Texas. She worked in Dallas and San Francisco before choosing to settle in Orange County 21 years ago. Eve has had the national council of interior design qualification credential as of 1991.

When she's not overseeing all aspects of Chameleon Design and providing leadership to her talented staff or managing the day-to-day operations of Studio Chameleon, you will find her practicing her own philosophy -- making sure to enjoy the home environment she creates with her husband Eric and their three children. She has a deep commitment to fundraising for local schools as well as autism charities and programs.

Today's Featured Designer from the 2009 Design Tour at Astoria- Tamara Shermer



















After speaking with Tamara Shermer of OC Interiors, one of the designers on the ASID 2009 Design Tour, you can tell that her heart and soul are in every project. She says, " “I Want to inspire a second glance, and draw the spectator into a world they’d want to linger in.’

Enjoy a sneak peak at her space!






















































































More About Tamara Shermer
Tamara Shermer, allied member ASID, is based in San Juan Capistrano, CA, and owner of Orange County Interiors. Her OC Interiors motto is; “Designing Lifestyles”. Her design experience ranges from high-end luxury properties, commercial offices, to designing for a multi-family and senior living affordable housing builder. Tamara’s projects can be seen throughout California and soon to include Hawaii. Her work has been published in a national housing journal. Through her education, which began in 1983, she is dedicated to cutting edge design with focuses like “Aging in Place”, and “Green Design”. Tamara is a U.S. Green Building council member. Tamara Shermer received her BA in Film Studies from the University of California at Irvine, and holds Associate degrees in Fashion Merchandising and Interior Design. She is also fluent in Spanish.

To reach Tamara at OC Interiors call 949.510.0533.

Alison Sweeney's Baby Wrapped in Pixie Dust Decor in People Magazine

How cute is it to see Alison Sweeney's sweet baby , Megan, all wrapped up in nothing but a blanket!!

The blanket featured is from Pixie Dust Decor and is in their Jardin Secret Stripe fabric. The other side, closest to Megan's skin, is a super, extra soft fabric that is so great I wish I had a blanket with it. Pixie Dust Decor is famous for its timeless-with-a-twist look for all of its fabrics and children's decor items.

Congrats Alison! Megan is darling!!



Photos of other Pixie Dust Decor items in Jardin Secret and Jardin Secret Stripe:



















Kimberly Franzen of Franzen Interiors Shares Her Vision For ASID's 2009 Design Tour

Talk about gorgeous! Check out Kimberly Franzen's story boards for her space at the ASID 2009 Design Tour. We call Kimberly, owner of Franzen Interiors, the "Dancing Designer" because her background includes dance and with these story boards you can see the movement already.

Just so you can see how fabulous this space is going to be - here are some "before' shots. We are dieing to see the "after" now that we have seen Kimberly's inspirations.

More about Franzen Interiors - Interior designer Kimberly Franzen is a current member of ASID, IIDA, IDCC, National Trust for Historic Preservation and NDCA (National Dance Council of America). She also holds a B.A. in Interior Design, a certificate in Zen Design and has a working knowledge of Feng Shui As an Orange County design-industry professional, Kimberly provides full residential interior design services that include everything from space planning and color consulting to home staging for resale, Zen design, outdoor spaces, and custom design pieces. http://www.franzeninteriors.com/







David Kelley Interiors and Laguna Waterworks Partner To Create Space 31 At The ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria

David Kelley of David Kelley Interiors and Laguna Waterworks have partnered to create Space Thirty One at the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria.

They are every publicist's dream! They have created their own website about their Design Tour Space - www.spacethirtyone.com. It will feature photos, product information and the entire design concept. Also, they have a Facebook group at "Space Thirty One".

Also below is their storyboard to give us a hint at what to expect.

According to David Kelley, "If you notice the mural color is the flash blue that depends on how the light hits it, goes from cream to blue to purple metallic."
Space Thirty One is going to be AMAZING!
More about David Kelley Interiors and Laguna Waterworks, Inc.
David E. Kelley, allied member ASID, is owner of David Kelley Interiors and Creative Framing Services, Inc. The two companies have partnered to create “space 31” on the Design Tour. David’s 20-year career in the interior design and custom art framing fields enables him to utilize his creative talents and artistic flair to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. David Kelley Interiors head offices is located in San Clemente and their second office is in Palm Springs where he specializes in vacation homes. http://www.davidkelleyinteriors.com/

For over a decade Laguna Waterworks, Inc. has been the premier provider of beautiful interior water features and Bio-Fireplaces nationwide. Jo-Ri Way and Tom Ray owners of Laguna Waterworks have enjoyed years of experience in design, art, construction and retail allowing them to pull from their individual styles and resources to create extraordinary designs. http://www.lagunawaterworks.com/

Natalie Umbert of Atelier Interior Design Gives Us A Sneak Peak At Her ASID 2009 Design Tour Space

The lovely and talented Natalie Umbert had coffee with us the other morning to check in and give us the scoop on her space for the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria.

Here is a sneak peak at the story boards for her space. If you can't wait to see it at the 2009 Design Tour, you can find her at her Corona del Mar store - Atelier, a place she uses as a think tank and a laboratory to channel her creative energy.

We love her fearless use of color and her fresh take on design. Everything she does makes you want to move in!
















More about Natalie Umbert and Atelier
Driven by her varied life, travel, and professional experiences, Natalie Umbert is known for her ability to arrive at something unique yet accessible through her thoughtful combination of influences, periods, color and texture. Umbert was raised in South Florida and attended Tufts University in Boston. After creative and wide-ranging professions in both the music and fashion industries and armed with nothing more than a few sketches and a lot of enthusiasm, Natalie decided to pursue her true passion and gained acceptance to the Parsons School of Design in New York. Following graduation, Natalie trained at the New York firm of Mariette Himes Gomez, gaining invaluable experience in the field of luxury design. Natalie subsequently worked for firms in Miami and Los Angeles, and opened her own firm, atelier natalie umbert, just after earning an MBA from the Merage School of business at the University of California, Irvine. http://www.atelierinteriordesign.com/

Richard Thompson of Keir: Interior Design Gives Us An Inside Look At His Inspirations For The ASID 2009 Design Tour

You know it is cool when your 11-year old daughter walks in and says, "I want that!".


That is exactly what happened when my daughter saw the story boards that Richard Thompson of Keir: Interior Design did for his space at the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria.




Also featured in the space is an amazing line of bath products from Köl, Richard Thompson says, "These are some of the exclusive bath products from Köl , based in NYC, that we are using in our bathroom - not available anywhere in CA. They have a big celebrity following, are beautiful, and they smell amazing."
More About Keir: Interior Design
Bringing a uniquely modern approach to interior design, partners Richard Thompson and Keith Fondry lead the Newport Beach based studio, Keir: Interior Design. Specializing in residential, corporate, hospitality, and retail interiors, the firm has completed projects from Maui to Mammoth, from Palm Springs to Newport Beach. Richard Thompson, has a diverse background in both residential and commercial interior design and is the recipient of both national and local design awards. Their latest project, a modern, lounge oriented self-serve yogurt shop, “Myogurt,” is scheduled for national and local publication in the first half of 2009. http://www.keirhome.com/

A Once in a Lifetime Experience -- Barbie's 50th Birthday Celebration, Malibu CA

When I got an email from my good friend Ali Sunday afternoon, I couldn't believe my luck. How could I possibly say "No" to an invitation to Barbie's -- yes, the 9 in. tall plastic doll's -- 50th Birthday Bash at the real-life Malibu Dream House designed by Jonathan Adler. I surprised even myself when I realized how much I wanted to go!! I remember owning a few Barbies as a little girl, the jacuzzi, the corvette and of course Barbie and The Rockers were definitely part of my Saturday Morning line-up for a few years, but even so I completely underestimated the totally girly, totally giddy reaction I had when we pulled up only to see the Diamond Encrusted Barbie Pink VW Convertible parked at the head of the "pink" carpet...and that was just the beginning.


I have to give a big CONGRATULATIONS to the entire team at Mattel along with all of their partners, sponsors, staff, etc. for their amazing efforts. Not only was Barbie's 50th Anniversary a truly global event, but the party last night, produced by Colin Cowie & Co. was impeccably planned and no detail was overlooked. From the cocktail tables full of Barbie sunglasses to the signature coktails served with cocktail napkins sporting such clever Barbie quips as "A Plastic Tan Never Fades" to the astonishingly fabulous and dead-on decor created by Jonathan Adler and rockin jams from DJ AM, it was an incredible night.

Of course this all paled in comparison to the creation of every girl's ultimate dream -- a closet full of signature pink matching Christian Louboutin stilettos. Are you kidding me?!?!


After last night, I have a whole new respect for Barbie as a true icon of American culture - she's been a fashion model, a doctor, an astronaut and everything in between and has done it all with class and style. In her immortal words... "Fashion Icons come and go...well some go." I HEART BARBIE!! Happy 50th to a true class act.




Rick Campos of Christopher Tracy Interiors Shares His Inspiration for the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living At Astoria


If you haven't stopped by Rick Campos' store, Christopher Tracy Interiors, in the old school Newport surfer's destination and artist enclave on 31st Street in Newport Beach, you have got to do it. Filled with tons of ideas and fun home accessories, you will be inspired.


Rick was kind enough to share is story board for the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria. We can't wait to see the final installation!

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/