Archive for April, 2022

Sip and Socialize from Some of the Best LA Hot Spots

Thursday, April 21, 2022
Debbi DiMaggio

Home-Buyers and tourists alike flock to LA for the white sandy beaches, business opportunities, sunny weather, blue skies, and pink, yellow and orange sunsets.

Where best to enjoy the magnificent views of the city than from one of the many rooftop restaurants.

Here are my Top 5 Restaurants with A View as Best Described by each of these Stylishly Elegant Venues

Experience Merois at the Pendry West Hollywood is perched atop a stunning hotel residence by Montage Hotels and Resorts located on Sunset Boulevard. Merois combines the city’s open-air allure, featuring striking downtown and Sunset Blvd views, with Chef Wolfgang Puck’s vision for the sophisticated subtleties of Japanese, Southeast Asian, and French/

California cuisine. Highlight: I love the bold design, soothing colors, and fabulous patterns.

Rooftop by JG at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills located at the corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards with wrap-around views from Downtown LA to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West. This pinnacle social venue features panoramic views of Beverly Hills and Hollywood from 12 stories aloft. An impeccably styled garden setting, the Rooftop by JG is among the largest of its kind in Beverly Hills. This one-of-a-kind experience is not to be missed. Enjoy memorable lunches and dinners in an exceptional venue. Highlight: The magnificent vistas of stunning Beverly Hills homes, lush gardens, sparkling swimming pools.

Photo Credit: UNSPLASH

Openaire in Koreatown at the Line Hotel Native Angeleno, surfer and two Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin serves a culinary vision built around.

Photo Credit: UNSPLASH

California’s bounty from land and sea at Openaire. The menu embraces each season and reflects the melting-pot culture of LA. Highlight: The lush and unique greenhouse and outdoor terrace.

Calabra Santa Monica at Proper Hotel as described by Forbes 2021 “Best Outdoor Hotel Restaurant Patios In Southern California” –The elevated outdoor rooftop restaurant and bar, serves outdoor rooftop restaurant and bar, serves Mediterranean and California cuisine, prepared in an inspiring surrounding with the ocean as the backdrop. Whether from the sundeck, circular bar, or indoor lounge, views are best enjoyed with boutique wines, seasonal cocktails, and small-batch spirits. Highlight: I never tire of the elegant interior design of each Proper Hotel and Calabra is no different.

Photo Credit: UNSPLASH

Harriet’s Rooftop at the 1 Hotel West Hollywood. Revelry with wines, seasonal cocktails, small-batch spirits, and a remarkable view. The h.wood Group presents Harriet’s Rooftop, an elevated cocktail lounge boasting unparalleled panoramic views of Los Angeles. Designed by John Sofio of Built, Inc., the indoor/outdoor rooftop space features deep burgundy awnings, tasseled umbrellas, dark green and white striped furniture, string lights, and greenery framing sweeping views. Executive Chef Chris Crary, 2011 on Bravo’s Top Chef: Texas, where he made it into the top ten and was voted “Fan Favorite.” In 2012, Gayot.com named him one of the “Top Five Rising Star Chefs” in the U.S. Highlight: The sparkling city lights of LA can be seen for miles, and the retractable roof; rain or shine Harriet’s won’t disappoint.

Photo Credit: UNSPLASH

Photos by UnSplash are characteristic, not representative of the venue or view.

6 rules of timeless home decor

Friday, April 8, 2022
Debbi DiMaggio

6 Rules of Timeless Home Decor

 A living room with timeless home decor

Some home decor trends come and go, whereas others have a timeless appeal. This results from some design elements following the following 6 rules of timeless home decor. Fulfilling one or more of these principles allows your decor to be both versatile and tasteful enough to fit easily into your home regardless of its formal features. So, whether you want to make a large home feel cozy or expand a small space, these rules should help you achieve your goal and still make your home exude a timeless charm.

 

1. Symmetry is key

A library with symmetrical arm chairs and built in book shelves

Symmetry is timeless.

 

One way to make your home decor stand the test of time is to keep it symmetrical. This is because we like everything to be balanced and aligned. It makes no difference whether you want your bedroom or kitchen to look affluent or minimalistic. Regardless of the particular decorative style you implement, the key is to have everything symmetrical.  Symmetry helps create the feeling of order and cleanliness that people associate with good taste. In that sense, it helps to have an even number of chairs, two pillows of the same color, identical cups or plates, etc. Having two of each or an even number of decorative items or furniture will allow you to place them symmetrically.  However, you do not have to have a pair of everything inside your home. For instance, you can have a certain focal point like a sofa with two armchairs on each side. In this way, you can complete the seating arrangement so that it is symmetrical. The same goes for arranging your mantlepiece or shelves. You can have matching vases on the ends and a central piece such as a sculpture in the middle. The idea is to create a mirror that will balance out the halves of the room or the structure. You can also apply the principles of feng shui to make your living space even more balanced.

1. Have a focal point

Speaking of middles, it makes sense to have an item focusing the viewer’s gaze toward it. So, next to keeping things symmetrical, you also need something that will leave an impression and stand out from the rest of the furniture. As we already mentioned, some furniture pieces naturally create a focal point in the room. Windows, beds, tables, and sofas are great examples.

A golden table in the center of a living room

A centerpiece helps create a focal point for arranging the rest of the decor around it.

However, timeless home decor has to have something in addition to these elements. Your primary weapon should be artwork, flowers, or technology. Hence, an attractive big-format painting such as a modernist portrait or a landscape comes to mind. Or, you can have a stereo or a record player serving as a centerpiece element of your living room.

 

1. Make use of classic patterns

If you want your living space to appear fresh and attractive in the years to come, you can rely on classic patterns. Ornamental elements are great if you are aiming for an elevated, elegant look, while botanical motifs such as subtle florals add a bit of softness. Other examples of patterns with lasting value are stripes and plaids, as they can fit into a variety of styles. You can also go for a more impactful design such as royal damasks if you want it to break the monotony.
On the other hand, you should be careful with patterns that you might get tired of quickly. For instance, chevrons, strong geometrics, and animal prints might seem like a good idea now. However, if they are too bold or occupy a lot of space, they might seem too ‘in your face’ after the initial infatuation goes away. Be sure not to use more than three distinct patterns in a single room. Also, if you decide to have patterned tiles in your kitchen or bathroom, mix them with plain ones to achieve a sense of balance.

1. Trends fade quickly

The very word trend points to the fact they are meant to have expiry dates. Many structural elements, furniture pieces, and decorative items look fresh only for a season or two. After that, they make the room look weary and dated regardless of what the rest looks like. The same applies to structures that wear pretty quickly. For instance, carpeting can completely suffocate the room after a few years. The same goes for trendy colors such as turquoise, coral blue, millennial pink.

If you are really drawn to a certain home design trend, keep it small and simple. So, instead of buying a lilac couch, buy a pillow in that color instead. In this way, you will be able to freshen up the room without committing to the color entirely. This kind of thinking will also be more financially and spatially rewarding. If you ever decide to move, having fewer things to pack will be easier if you do not have too many outdated items. You can be smart about packing and avoid packing mistakes if you think about design prudently.

A living room with armchairs, a sofa, and overhead light fixture

Classic patterns paired with monochromatic pieces do wonders for your living space.

 

1. Do not accentuate the technology

This home design rule can be tricky to follow in this day and age. Appliances and devices get larger and larger by the day, but there are ways to make them less intrusive. Electric devices also collect a lot of dust, making your living space appear shabby and outdated. For instance, some homeowners go for integrated pieces that have shelving with covers that hide the stereos, speakers, and game consoles from plain sight.

 

1. Invest in quality items

It makes sense to avoid buying cheap furniture and decor. High-quality materials and fabrics will go a long way as they remain functional and less prone to wear and tear. Of course, this does not imply you need to spend your entire income on furniture. Buy within your budget, but do not settle for low quality if you do not have to. This is one of the rules of timeless home decor that will help your home shine with tasteful, high-quality vibes.

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