Cleaner lines Prevail...a prevue.

Yes we love the always classy Candice Olson.

To see the post below full screen,

simply click on the image.

(Much easier to read)

Thank you to Revco International for the images.

Recycled Chic

Who knew?

I visited Pacific Gallery in Laguna Beach and was pleased to discover something truly eco-conscious and fun.
Glass bottles are flattened in a kiln and either hung on a wall or used as a tray or decorative platter. They have been coated and are safe for food. Bottles range from Pacifico beer to Captain Morgans rum (excellent "man" gifts) to a beautiful assortment of wine bottles. At $29 (or less)each, its also an affordable gift, you'll spend more than that at a big box store.

Thank you to:

PACIFIC GALLERY228 Forest Avenue Laguna Beach, CA 92651 for your fantastic selection of art, gifts, and impeccable hospitality. http://www.pacificgallery.net/

images from www.winetini.com until I can convince my camera to upload the photos (it is misbehaving at the moment).

Preview of Designing for Pet Owners Series

Tomorrow....Help for Pet Owners.

You can have a gorgeous home
without sacrificing good design.
Yes, you can! Specifics (very specific) to Follow

thank you to the wonderful

LaBoheme Photography!

The other site.

The FioreInteriors 411:

You ask why it's not finished yet .Why is the horrible temporary page o' mediocrity still up? Here is a recap:

1. The design I want is impractical so I am working on settling for something else.
2. I am already working a ton and finding time to finish #1 simply isn't there.

3. It costs thousands to photograph finished houses. I have tried explaining this to the student loan people and they disagree that the world will benefit more from seeing pro photos of my design jobs rather than paying my loans. I know, they are crazy and but perhaps existing within a gray cubicle all day is bad for the soul.

4. In 2008 I tried unsuccessfully to find a design partner and expand. The first talented person didn't show up/call on our first meeting with a client. The second person I referred clients too (rather than partner) took many days if ever to return phone calls. Such is life, and Fiore Interiors got put on the back burner until I felt like dealing with it.

I will try to have it finished in October. I promise. Mostly. In the mean time I am working (and thankful) and this lovely blog is quite fun.

To everything there is a season,a time for every purpose under the sun. (ecclesiastes)

It was a drive by in LA! not to worry...

Original Art + Furniture + Going For It = WOW

image courtesy of www.revcointernational.com

Jaxon Home is LA is constantly updating their showroom floor and window displays to keep their showroom Fresh. They are known for having an eclectic mix of styles, all of it quality. The down to earth attitudes and no pressure vibe of the showroom is refreshing.

Pictured above are pieces by Interior Designer Candice Olson and Artist Aaron Foster. Her furniture, his one of a kind pieces of art (reclaimed and recycled materials), but the presentation is out of the box, stylish, and oh so Jaxon Home.

Oui! NEW Joie de vivre!

French Inspirations have us dreaming of a summer vacation in Europe.

(Click on any image to enlarge full screen)

For the entry, bedside chest, buffet...
We love pieces that are multipurpose and original.

image from Revco International
Designer Candice Olson originally created this
damask pattern for her wallpaper line with York.

Images Courtesy of Revco International

Fabulous for Renters

Fiore is crazy over Ferm! Thank you to Ferm Living for bringing high style to all of us.

Why hindered by the fear of losing your security deposit when edgy, individual style is possible...that can be easily installed and removed. Magazine quality style? Well, maybe not Architectural Digest but closer to Dwell.
Some of my favorite resources for renters include wall stickers. They go up (and down) easily, creating that often overlooked MUST- a focal point! Here are the best:

Ferm has some of the most attractive and unique Wall stickers (and wallpaper) on the market. The larger ones are great to above the bed in spaces too small for bedroom furniture.

There are plenty of blogs that show you how to use wallpaper to refurbish old furniture. This isn't one of them (see the experts at apartment therapy or my favorite Design Sponge for how to's)I am not an advocate of designing on a dime to the detriment of society-cheap isn't always genius! So the key to this concept is one piece per living space (if its an open floorplan-that's one space!). LESS IS MORE! Be Brave with color!

I think this photo originally came from apartment therapy, its been passed all over the blogosphere.



We are currently working on Miss Lala's rental home. Its a historic building (as is our humble abode). Wall stickers and portable chandeliers are part of the plan for her office (yes, the office). Photos to follow.


Can't get the lighting you desire because your rent not own? No recessed lighting plans in the lease? Not a problem. The key is to layer the lighting in your rented home. Your general lighting is that not so flattering overhead light that is standard, or a floor lamp We used to recommend replacing with a pink bulb (men cover your ears) as its more flattering to all skin tones. Scratch that. Replace them with low wattage, eco friendly bulbs instead. NEXT is task lighting or table lamps. Don't settle for those thin stick lamps from wal mart, ok renters? Get something with style.



The Candice Olson lamp in my office, thank you AFlighting.

Your third and often most fun layer is Accent lighting. This can be a sconce or a faux chandelier. WHAT? A chandelier in a rental? Yes you can! Get a chandelier that is a pendant style (cord not hardwired). They are affordable, portable, stylish, and all this light will help your eyes stay younger, longer.



Contemporary Capiz from West Elm

Romantic/Traditional from Lamps Plus

Ultra Mod (and $30 ) from Ikea

This is not hobby or apartment advice blog. This is part of MY life, a single professional woman who lives in LA and consequently rents. I have specified lighting , decor, and interior design for multi-million dollar homes and also for friends' first apartments out of the dorms. All are precious to me. Treat yourself to a happy nest! All souls deserve good design.

xoxo, V.