Author Archives: ariela najman

06/17/13

Client Photos

Happy Monday, my blog family. I’m so happy that we have been getting more Summer-like weather although it becomes a bit more distracting when trying to get work done.

Anyways, I wanted to share with ya’ll some client before/after photos. I worked on this client probably close to a year ago. I gave a bit of an update back in September with this post but I finally got some more photos.

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The main issue we were having was the amount of space for the size of furniture he was trying to bring in. As you can see in the before photo, everything was oversized and the colors were so dark. It would be more fitting up in the mountains which is where he used to live but now he lives blocks from the beach. So we did on accent wall with the sage green and brought in all new furniture. The mirror allow the light to bounce around and keep the furniture a bit lower brings more spaciousness to this apartment.

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I really love the way the rust color of the ottomans works with the grey sofa and sage walls.

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The bedroom was another eyesore to begin with. The space is so tiny. I was challenged because you always want to have equal space on both sides of the bed but he had 2 doors. One that led into the bedroom and the other into the bathroom so we kept the same layout and just chose different furniture and coloring. We chose an earthy color for the accent wall. I like to use the walls that are least obstructed as accent walls (no windows or doors). We also brought in brighter and lighter linens for the bedding.

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Here’s another view of the bedroom. Storage was super tight so we brought in a wardrobe cabinet for his clothing.

Here are the larger formats for the before shots:

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And the after:5

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There are of course things I wish I could still do. Like add a rug and decorative pillows in the living room and some more layered bedding in the bedroom with pillows and different plants but I’d say we have come a long way from where we started.

With that, I’m so grateful for the passion, excitement and willingness of my clients. Can’t wait to share more client work!

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06/13/13

Around These Parts

Good morning, blogosphere! I though I’d finally start sharing how my little casita is coming together. I’ll start in pieces since there is still mucho to get done.

Disclaimer: This is our epic chic pad, so these images may or may not explode with hearts and love and flowers and all around cuteness. For that, you are welcome.

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This is our “not a tv wall.” Instead I played around with my fun vintage window and created more light to bounce around the space.

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You see that branch under the ridunculously amazing bench? Well, that will be a part of our fort. More to come on that whole adventure.

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This is one of our landing spots right past the front door. I love putting little things on top of the desk so you can see it from the window when you are approaching the door.
5This kitchen could use some love. This is an older home so that means brown carpet and linoleum floors. We had this random corner so we put this awesome storage piece which my roommates dad made and I also repainted my old bathroom sign into this “bon appetit” one. Actually the backside still says “le toilette.” I made the mistake of telling my friends that at my last BBQ and they were quick to flip that sign around mid-party. Luckily or as far as I know, no one actually used this corner as a toilet.

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Ya, this is a corner in my bedroom.

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This was actually our old house number sign so I flipped that puppy around and painted some love all up on it. I just can’t get enough of love!

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One of the best parts of my room. I adore this vintage sign. I got it at an antique shop in Reno. I decided to put that sweet owl to good use and threw a plant in it. You see that tiny cork jar on the far left? I was given that at Burning Man a few years ago. Gotta take the playa with you anywhere you go. And my tiny little jade buddha man. Love him to pieces.

I’ve only been here 2 weeks and you are only getting small glimpses of my chica pad so more to come!

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06/12/13

Planted

PLANTS!!! I can’t believe how differently they can make a space feel. I threw in a few plants into my house this last weekend and it instantly felt more homey and full.

Here’s some of my knowledge of plants and how they affect our spaces, design and Feng Shui related.

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Plants give more life to a space… Maybe because they have a life of their own! You have to keep them watered and healthy to see them grow and stay beautiful. This is such a great way to bring love into your home.

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 Make sure your plants aren’t whacking you in the face when you walk by or protrude out too much. Sometimes it’s really hard to tell when we have been living with things a certain way for a long time that they aren’t really working well.

There aren’t really “good” or “bad” plants but think about it like this: Cacti create a way different feel then roses, don’t they? So what kind of energy do you want to put out through your plants?

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In Feng Shui, there is something called an “active cure.” We use cures to balance out the elements in our space. Cures can be anything from hanging a wind chime to painting a wall or rearranging furniture. When I have a client that is working through relationship issues or is really struggling with one particular area in their life, I like to offer them an active cure. Lets say we have a plant that resembles a relationship you are working on. When you continue to nourish and water it, then it is that constant reminder of the love and nourishment you are putting into the relationship. It keeps the awareness strong.

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Plants in bedrooms: Plants release carbon dioxide in the air so you don’t want to overwhelm your bedroom with plants especially if we spend most of our time sleeping there. Have a few roses and small plants but be careful not to overdo it.

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And these are our sunnies getting their daily dose!

So, go on! Get your plants on!

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06/10/13

Five Feathered DIY

Feathers have definitely been overdone a lot lately but they still have a special place in my heart. I find myself really into any and all things monochromatically in the white/cream scheme.

So here are a few feathered diys that I love:

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1. Potato stamped blanket (because anything that uses food as a stamp has my approval)

2. Faux leather feathered sweatshirt (yes, it’s in Fench… enjoy)

3. Gold and glittered dipped feathers (just because)

4. Lace and feathered dreamcatcher (I can’t have enough dreamcatchers)

5. Leather feather earrings (because they are easy to make and fun to distribute)

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