Did you know...

that even Urban Outfitters has a blog. WHO KNEW? Pretty fun stuff that includes music, videos, art, photography, design and events. They also cover all the major cities including London that you can view here.

Design 911

Keep those submissions coming! If you are not familiar with Design 911 here is the link to my original post. Looking forward to posting some new projects...

Have you heard of Lum...

I recently came across Lum, a very cool vintage lighting and accessories company based in New Orleans. Check out the site, their products will certainly make you drool...

Getting a little creative...

This is one of two chairs I just had reupholstered for my cleint in West Hollywood. They came out so great that I just had to share them. They still need some work and will be lacquering the bases in white.
Enjoy...

Thank you, thank you!!!

My dear friend Jordan Cappella just posted a new project I just completed for my client in Santa Monica on his blog that you can view here.
Thank you again my dear!!!

Be Happy Dammit Radio Show...

I am so honored to be a guest on the new Siris radio show "BE HAPPY DAMMIT" hosted by Karen Salmansohn, on Lime Channel 114 tomorrow at 5:30am (LA time) 8:30am (NY time).
This show merges Oprah with Jon Stewart with NPR offering guests and topics to help folks live their happiest, most fulfilling, most productive lives.

Karen is a best selling author with over 1 million books sold most known for creating a new breed of highly graphic, feisty self help books for people who would never be caught dead reading self help books.

You can listen to the radio show here.

Karen is also the weekly career columnist for amNY newspaper (writing "The 1 Minute Career Therapist" column for 350,000 + daily readers) and a career coach for AOL (alongside luminaries Tom Peters and BrianTracey). Plus she writes regularly for msn.com, match.com, ivillage.com and Lifetime TV and holds monthly "Extreme Success" seminars at the exclusive Soho House -- which consistently sell out.

DNG - NEW LOCATION FOR MAY 31ST EVENT!

Due to some scheduling conflicts we are going to move our location to Verruno Antiques. The address is 3364 South Robertson Blvd, LA CA 90034 PH 310 836 2234. Be there or be square!

Sorry no Design 911 today....

I am in Santa Fe for the weekend.
But please check back next week for a new project.
Have a great weekend!

Porter Teleo Wallpaper

I had the pleasure yesterday of meeting a new wallpaper company called Poter Teleo.
Bridgette Cochran and Kelly Porter who are the designers and owners of this Kansas City based company showed me some gorgeous hand printed wallpaper. The process involves an etching press which is hand churned through a press and the result are these beautiful embossed looking panels. The website shows some of the different designs they carry but to see it in person is a real treat! Unfortunately the line is only sold to the trade but if you must get your hands on some Porter Teleo wall coverings I'm sure you know a designer that can order it for you.

Just a little something to share...

Many years ago my father Val De Vargas was in a movie called Touch Of Evil, starring Janet Leigh, Charlton Heston and Orson Welles (who was also the director). The cult classic was filmed in 1958 and was shot just down the street from where I live now on Windward Ave in Venice Beach. I love this movie (not just because dad was in it) but it is such a movie masterpiece that included the first moving car camera mount, a 7 minute intro without any cuts and many other creative directing tricks Orson developed for the film. If you get a chance check it out and if you have seen it I would love to hear your thoughts.

By the way my dad played Grandi's nephew in the movie the leader of the gang, who is featured just directly behind Janet Leigh in the photo above.

West Elm Wallpaper Question

Alicia wrote in asking where she can find this type of wallpaper from West Elm. Well Alicia it's actually called "grass cloth"or "sea grass" where you can buy it here. They have all different types and you can purchase samples as well.
Hope this helps...

If anyone else has any "where can I get this" question I would be happy to help.

Design 911 /Jennifer's Mod Chic Dining Room

Jennifer from Vancouver Canada wrote to me about her dining room that she needs help decorating. She purchased the dining room table from Craigslist and really likes the shape but is not sure what to do with the piece.

I think the table would look great if it was lacquered in white and had a glass top. I think it would totally hot if she purchased these Ikea chairs (or simaliar ones) and had them slipcovered in this fabric panel from Urban Outfitters. That way she can have them dry cleaned if need be.
I really think the red peacock pattern of the fabric would be a nice contrast with the black chandelier. I would also have the credenza lacquered in white gloss and add a great abstract print above it (thinking of Richard Serra) with a funky tall bright yellow lamp.

I took a chance on this one since Jennifer said she might be moving some things around in her living area which is just opposite of the dining room. Jennifer I hope you like the design!

Inspiration: West Hollywood Home Project

I am at it again, new design board for my new client in West Hollywood. I had this image from Wallpaper Magazine (from a million years ago) that I had torn out because I loved how the yellow, whites and blues all complemented one another.

So when I met with my client these colors just worked perfectly for her space.
I will keep you posted on the progress, enjoy!

Design 911 / Becky's Eclectic Living Room

Becky from Hatch Design Public Blog wrote in about her newly acquired mid century chair and how it badly needs a face lift. Becky's home is full of great pieces that rage from modern to rustic to mid century.
I adore Becky's blue colored lamps and pillows but think she might need a little more color in her living room. I think it would be fun if the back part of the chair was spray painted in white gloss. I would also spray paint the metal part of the chair black and sand it down first for a smooth clean finish.
On the seat I would upholster it in a yellow geometric pattern like the ones above from Florence Broadhurst or Lewis and Sheron.

I would love to see this chair redone and perhaps Becky can send in a photo of the finished product. Thanks Becky and I hope you enjoy your newly designed chair!

Santa Monica Project

Here is a little sneakie peakie into my clients home in Santa Monica. Going a little traditional...more pics to come.
Enjoy!