Designer Library: Windsor Smith Homefront - Design for Modern Living

As part of my designer library book reviews, originally posted as part of my contribution to California Home + Design magazine's online Bookshelf series I wanted to recap some of my favorites, and will share one a day over the next week before my trip to High Point.

Acclaimed California interior designer, Windsor Smith, brings her first book to life this season filled with neutral tones plus the crisp black and white contrasting design schemes we associate with Windsor.

"There are so many modern elements that co-exist beautifully with more classic pieces. Furniture should never look like it landed from another planet." -Windsor Smith

Antiques are loosely integrated within Smith’s contemporary design aesthetic that Gwyneth Paltrow so eloquently shares in the foreword of the book, "Windsor’s talent was not only artistic, it was intuitive. Her goal was to create a space for us to love in, not just live in...”

"Giving the old a new perspective is critical to good design. The craftsmanship of pieces with a provenance makes them irresistible." -Windsor Smith

Her vibrant and “oh so California” friendly personality comes through in every room. Make sure to look carefully as you flip through these pages, what appears to be casual and streamlined design is actually laden with layer upon layer of highly thoughtful architectural and interior details. Absolutely the new design book to add to your library and you can snag a copy here.

Photos courtesy of Cindy Gold / Victoria Pearson (cover)

Posted originally on California Home + Design - 05/28/15

Mehditash Design: In the News // Our Soho Design in Mexico

From Soho to Mexico, Mehditash Design is being shared across the four corners of the globe!

We are so excited to share that our interior design of this fun and youthful apartment in the heart of Manhattan recieved a 6 page spread in Arquitectura y Diseno magazine in Mexico last week. 

Thanks again to the lovely Stacey Van Berkel for these great shots and Raina Kattelson for her mad styling skills. 

Taking another giant step ~ California Home + Design

From my last post, many of you fabulous readers know that I have recently decided to expand my business and move to California. It was a very big decision, and after many really tough years in New York establishing my business and blog, I am thrilled to say a large part of what made that time so exciting beyond the fantastic clients and projects were the readers of this very blog and the fabulous friends and colleagues I met along the way.

Now, as I touch down in Newport Beach, CA an amazing opportunity presented itself that was just too amazing to give up. So many of us as designers and bloggers like to wear many colorful hats.
I am no different.

Never one for being stuck in a "design" shaped box, I jumped at the chance to have a new exciting adventure with an editorial focus, as I make my way through all the great designers and architects that Southern California has to offer. Now, not only can I share their stories on my own blog but with all the readers of California Home & Design Magazine both online and in print, which is fantastic.

It is always about helping to elevate the interior design business as a whole which is what I have strived for my entire career, whether through my own blog here on Dec-a-Porter, or at every speaking engagement. This was just a logical next step in that direction to help bring great design to every home owner and celebrate all the amazing talents that our industry has to offer.

Make sure to follow along online while we put the Fall issue to print..
through inspiration rooms ..

"I Could Live Here:.." Series.. and House Tours..

Product reviews.. Trends and my favorite Destination reports.

but don't worry, that does not mean I will not be sharing my own point of view and finds right here on Dec-a-Porter. This will always be a very special place that I will always remain dedicated to .. but as we all struggle to find more hours in the day, I too find it difficult to give as much attention to this platform as I was once able to. It has become more about specific fewer but higher quality posts, rather than quantity.

I hope you will remain fans of Dec-a-Porter, follow along whether on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter.. but lastly, if not most importantly, stay tuned for some very exciting news on the Interior Design front as the summer comes to a close I hope to be able to share some very exciting and special news on the growth and of Mehditash Design.

Wishing you all a great summer, and will keep you all updated.

Window Shopping on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills

Heading back to California for a little R&R was a really nice way to spend the holiday break with my family.

I was hoping for a little sunshine and beach fun..but instead we decided to head to Beverly Hills and do a little shopping on Rodeo Drive, you know like we all do.. well ok maybe it was more like Window Shopping!

Nonetheless, I wanted share some pictures of shop fronts and architectural details that I had never noticed before. It's amazing how we begin to look at things very differently as we age, change professions, and let's be honest, are scouting for material for our blogs!

Kind of wishing I had a "Pretty Woman" moment..

But I was happy about spending a gorgeous sunny afternoon seeing the hustle and bustle of the streets and shops as everyone was preparing for a crazy Oscar filled weekend.

If you were to look closely, each store had so many different levels and layers to attract you inside.

A little for every style, taste and budget (well, almost)  and these were a few that stood out. I just love these layered terracotta pots with plants and flowers... so pretty. There was music and the sounds of water as well which really was inviting.

Whether there were window dressings, like those at Ralph Lauren, with drapery and gorgeous shelving displays or the textured box above with an engraved Missoni in the doorway, almost invisible, and simply fantastic in white.





Lastly, and what seemed to be a recurring theme, there were shops that had many elements of open parts of the facade, various textures and materials which created really interesting patterns as the sunlight reflected off of them.

and lastly, one of my favorite places in the world which I spent way too much time at throughout my childhood in LA.. - the Infamous Nate n'Als - where the pickles and sandwiches are heavenly!

More tomorrow from my private tour of a liitle Bel Air gem.