we’ve been pretty ‘light hearted’ around here lately — i blame spring! so today, i’m headed back to the dark side. i like going there on occasion and especially when i find some darkly dramatic decor filling up my pinterest feed. some of these rooms have really gone to the extreme — painting their walls richly black, but then adding all black furniture and bedding too. i’m not sure i could personally go there, but it does have a certain soothing appeal, doesn’t it? i feel like i could dream for days in some of these all-black bedrooms. don’t be afraid to darken your doorstep — after all, it’s only paint!

• photography credits in order of appearance:: andrew simpson architects; andrew simpson architects; libertyn interiors; stylist megan morton; batiik studio; artilleriet studios; batiik studio; uno living; the socialite family; Heidi Lerkenfeldt; zsazsa bellagio; inrichting huis; my domaine; digsdigs; sara woodrow; Frank Dobrushken; blood and champagne; the socialite family; la maison champs elysees; home and decoration; luxxu; you and me; gubi; suzanna scott photography.

The post darken your doorstep. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

today’s instagram worthy account is a 2fer — in that you get 2 artistic mediums in 1 post! i’m a big fan of @saarmanche, both a talented illustrator and a photographer based in the netherlands. saar shares regular peeks into her charming Dutch home where she lives with her husband and their three children, as well as a look at her latest paintings. and tell me if i’m wrong, but i think you can definitely see where saar’s lovely photography and her paintings merge — i see a very similar aesthetic in both — a bit whimiscal and sentimental for sure. i also love the way in which saar captures beautiful, natural light. you can visit more of saar’s artwork on her blog saar manche as well as links of where her pretty art can be purchased.

• photography by @saarmanche.

The post instagram worthy: @saarmanche. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

if you’ve not used it before, hoteltonight is an awesome mobile app for booking a range of beautiful hotels at discounted rates, efficiently and quickly for those last minute getaways. it’s been my main source for booking last-minute hotels for years and now they even offer extended booking windows so you can plan a little in advance. and, i’m also happy to pass along a reader discount to you — $25 off your first booking of $135 or more — just use referral code VISMITH2. as a partner of hoteltonight they recently asked if i might like to share one of my favorite hotels when it comes to great design and inspiring aesthetics, so i took a trip to one of my favorite local getaways — casa laguna hotel & spa, just about a quick hour and a half road trip from los angeles.

using the hoteltonight app i booked Casa Laguna within a week of heading south. it’s one of those hidden gems i almost hate to share, but for you guys, i’ll make an exception. I come here to soak in the very peaceful Spanish Colonial atmosphere and inspiring aesthetics of its historic architecture. The hotel was designed in the early 1900’s by California architect Frank Miller as a gift for his wife, Marion, and was once an artist’s colony, but in 2016 it was reimagined as a luxury boutique hotel. The updated and very stylish bungalows each have their own unique charm and an almost Moroccan flavor with beautiful blue tile work, copper ceiling fixtures, vintage-inspired photography prints and the softest bedding I’ve ever slept in. I actually had to hunt down the maker of their sheets after my first visit here so I could have them at home!

i also had my own private terrace with a stunning sunset view, and the beautiful tiles throughout the property are a huge inspiration to me for my eventual backyard patio makeover. i’d love to emulate the look of terra cotta with small inset glazed tiles  you see just above in their outdoor dining space  — where  Casa Laguna also offers up a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning that’s delicious. you can enjoy your breakfast on the pretty terrace, or in their cozy dining nook and common area, complete with fireplace on those chilly foggy mornings before the sun pops out.

Casa Laguna’s heated pool is sublime and during the week, it was almost mine alone. The grounds are landscaped beautifully with gentle swaying palms and potted pink geranium with a scenic view of the ocean. There’s also a wonderful beach just across pacific coast highway, so if you crave a swim in the sea, visit aptly named Victoria beach (not my private beach mind you, but do i ever wish). come back for a refreshing splash in the pool and a sangria — you won’t be sorry. later, if you fancy a little shopping, dining or nightlife, hop on the little blue trolley that stops regularly in front of Casa Laguna and visit downtown laguna beach, a sweet little beach town. don’t forget to use your hoteltonight reader discount code above and book your own weekend getaway! up tomorrow — a guide to some of my favorite shops in laguna beach.

• photography by victoria smith for sfgirlbybay.

This is a sponsored post in partnership with hoteltonight and all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep sfgirlbybay going with fresh content every day.

The post laguna getaway. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

ever find a hotel so cute on the internet you want to book a trip just so you can lay your head on their pretty beds? same. kelly Wearstler-designed proper just opened in san francisco and is a gem in the city by the bay just waiting for you to book one of their gorgeous array of unique rooms. with nods to some very diverse period pieces, the proper’s interiors boast an eclectic twist — this is definitely one to mark for style-conscious travelers. there was no fear of color in her design process from pink velvet and plaid sofas to a very funky gallery wall in the lounge — every inch is an aesthetic’s dreamland. assuming that’s you, pack your weekend duffel with funky summer accessories that will take you from day to night, and grab a leather jacket for those foggy nights. while on your journey, our read this there takes place around san francisco, Isabel Allende’s beautiful the japanese lover.

~ michaela d’artois, vérité woman.

wear this there: pixie market la chemise covered button shirt; cos wide-legged knitted trousers; warby parker margot sunglasses; Creatures of Comfort, Inc. Puff Drawstring bag; Winky Lux Gold Glimmer Lip Balm; three potato four co breakfast club key tag; read this there the japanese lover by Isabel Allende; mejuri boyfriend hoops; Loeffler Randall Carter Knit Boot in Rose; melissa fleis blur leather jacket.

• photography via dezeen and proper.

The post wear this there: proper. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

if you’re a lady of business and ever been on the internet it’s likely that you’ve run across powerhouse jaclyn johnson, founder and ceo of create & cultivate, an online resource and nationwide in-person conference for women to gather and learn from the best in the biz and connect with like-minded go-getters. jaclyn is also sharing her experience and wealth of knowledge in her new book work party which will be released this august! she and her husband David  were kind enough to share their recently remodeled Los Angeles home with us.

resources:
office desk and wallpaper, living room shelves, outdoor concrete tables | cb2
kitchen light fixtures | cedar & moss
wire art piece | bend goods
fireplace tile | cement tile shop

• photography by lily glass for sfgirlbybay.

The post at home with jaclyn Johnson of create & cultivate. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

grab your sunnies, because this week’s friday finds are awfully bright! i don’t know what got into me, but perhaps i needed some cheering up. june gloom is making an early arrival — showing up rather inconveniently in may around los angeles, and i’m getting a tad tired of it. i was just getting ready for some summer sun, but it looks as though that has to wait. have a long, leisurely memorial day weekend, everyone, and we’ll see you back here on tuesday.
xo, victoria

1. i’ve rarely seen such a unique and colorful kitchen & dining space but this color palette of pink, yellow and gray really works well together!
2. some more yummy charcoal walls but this time looking very dramatic paired with this plush coral pink velvet sofa. i just want to dive right in and get comfy with a glass of port and a good book.
3. this bathroom is just the bee’s knees — coral pink with that very on trend terrazzo and then paired perfectly with a turquoise countertop. i quite like the shape of that oval mirror, too.
4. this the amazing residence of spanish architect Guillermo Santomà located on the outskirts of Barcelona. this small three-story building has just been transformed into a conceptual apartment using color to essentially turn it into a bold work of art.
5. sight unseen’s best of milan design week featured this amazing pendant lamp designed by Hanna Anonen. their entire design round-up is rather inspiring — so go have a gander.
6. block shop has a brand new beautiful collection, and this time it’s rugs inspired by the bougainvillea blooming on the Art Deco apartment buildings along Shivaji Park, Bombay.
7. Alice Quaresma’s work was recently featured in Le Monde d’Hermes, the seasonal magazine from Hermes — so very impressive! you can find her latest artworks available online at tappan collective.
8. how’s this for an uber color-blocked and contrasting dining room? yet another interesting color pairing of pink, yellow and green and it looks pretty smashing!

The post friday finds. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

Up until now, lighting has been somewhat of an afterthought in our home but lately, I’ve had the urge to spruce up the outdated bedside lamps, flickering light fixtures, and less-than-ideal floor models to newer, more design friendly options. With so many styles that I’m loving and so much cool lighting inspiration to be found online, it’s finally time to start thinking of lamps, chandeliers, and sconces as an important element to the flow of our space.

I rounded up my faves from three categories (hanging fixtures, table lamps & sconces, and floor lamps) below. Which ones are you loving? What are your favorite sources for unique lighting?

xx, chelsea

super marché vintage rattan pendant lamp; urban outfitters tuyen jute pendant; schoolhouse electric brass chandelier; cb2 globe pendant; anthropologie bungalow pendant; cb2 brass overlap cage pendant; west elm mobile chandelier; super marché mid-century modern wire pendant.

super marché vintage desk lamp; Robert Ogden for Lostine ava sconce; anthropologie eureka table lamp; anthropologie double perryman sconce; lostine trumpet lamp; anthropologie sabine table lamp; the citizenry nala soapstone lamp.

cb2 ocean palm floor lamp; anthropologie bright idea floor lamp; cb2 warner marble floor lamp; schoolhouse electric miles floor lamp; urban outfitters victor tripod lamp; cb2 cacti glow lamp.

• photography in order of appearance: kyle & kara; anthropologie calabash pendant; houzz; shelter residential; Nicole LaMotte for The Parachute Hotel; sarah sherman samuel; sarah sherman samuel; inside closet; saasha burns; in honor of design; Pippa Drummond.

The post lighting roundup. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

we’re big fans of designer katy skelton here at sfgirlbybay and have featured her lovely furniture, homewares, and lighting before. this week, i’m happy to be sharing her beautiful taylor wall sconces and a giveaway for a pair in your finish choice. it’s hard to choose because both finishes are so lovely — natural or midnight ceramic. perhaps one of each! you can also select whether you’d like them to be plug-in or hardwired. sweet, right!?

katy’s Taylor Lights are both modern and nostalgic and feature custom-made ceramic backplates and socket cups with a super sleek look perfect for all kinds of spaces — bedside, bathrooms or even above your mantel. and each and every piece katy designs is an original concept that is developed in-house with their manufacturing partners here in the united states.

to enter to win (2) taylor lights in finish and wiring of your choosing, simply:

• follow katy skelton on instagram.

• comment here on the blog confirming you followed instagram by wednesday, june 20th at midnight pst.

• we’re sorry but this giveaway is for U.S. residents only.

• as always, please be sure to leave a way to contact you via twitter, facebook, your blog or email.

• we’ll announce the randomly selected winner the week of june 25th on my twitter, so be sure to follow along.

The post katy skelton: a lighting giveaway. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

You may be familiar with blogger Anne Sage from her prolific, self-titled lifestyle site but have you seen her recently renovated home?! Alongside Martha Mulholland (who oversaw the living and dining room design) and Studio McGee in the kitchen, Anne worked little by little to completely revamp the bright 1954 bungalow. The finalized space is perfect for Anne and her husband and it happens to be filled to the brim with eclectic details and all-encompassing natural light. “It’s quaint and petite, with a simple but charming architectural envelope,” Sage told MyDomaine in a recent interview and I tend to agree. I adore the slowly collected feel of both hand-picked furnishings and decor, the nod to modern styling (which Anne calls “California Modern”) in the master bedroom, and the slightly Scandinavian color palette. “One look at my Instagram feed is a dead giveaway on my style: I like things simple, clean, and modern, yet warm and inviting too,” Sage told MyDomaine.

Keep scrolling for all of the aspirational goodness!

xx, chelsea

• photography by Monica Wang for MyDomaine.

The post inside anne sage’s thoughtful home. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

Wallpaper is something I typically adore from afar but have yet to implement in my own space – – and I’m not sure why! With its innate drama and an incredible knack for completely changing the feel of a room, wallpaper is one home trend I’m genuinely happy to see coming back around lately. When I rounded up my favorite light fixtures last week, I knew I wanted to do the same for all of the peel-and-stick and traditional wallpaper options tugging at my heartstrings right now. From dark and moody florals to subtle neutral patterns, I’m loving a pop of pattern in every space.

Keep scrolling for a few of my favorite motifs.

xx, chelsea

• sources in order of appearance: drop it modern; anthropologie tall grass wallpaper; Studio Four NYC + Sally King Benedict faces mosiac; anthropologie logan wallpaper; house of hackney smoky rose wallpaper; studio four nyc shibori buff wallpaper; studio four nyc x avo; betapet botanical wallpaper; drop it modern femme terracotta wallpaper; kelly wearstler channels wallpaper; floral coloray soft leaf wallpaper; betapet monochrome herringbone wallpaper; Urban Caterpillar Wallpaper by Genevieve Gorder; drop it modern ‘body paint’ wallpaper; drop it modern shape shifter mural in blush; betapet delicate marble wallpaper; chasing paper crosshatch wallpaper; anthropologie meadowfield wallpaper; kelly wearstler askew wallpaper; chasing paper starburst tile wallpaper; Chasing Paper And Kate Zaremba Swansy Removable Wallpaper.

The post wallpaper roundup. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

Do you ever see a space and instantly feel like you can take a big gulp of fresh air? That’s the impression I got upon scrolling through the airy, bright photos of this New Zealand abode on Sight Unseen. You’d never guess that the modern dwelling of designer Bec Dowie used to function as a barn — the updated space screams “contemporary” and, with movable walls and mobile bedroom pods, it serves as a studio for one half of the father-daughter duo Douglas & Bec. With little more than the necessities (just the way Bec likes it), the home is utilitarian yet stylish. I’m loving the dramatic credenza paired with the light tones of the dining/living space!

Keeps scrolling for more.

xx, chelsea

• photography by PIPPA DRUMMOND.

The post bec dowie’s modern new zealand home. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

a much as i adore my home on L.A.’s eastside, i really, really miss living near the water. in san francisco, you’re virtually surrounded by it and it’s a bit of a hike (traffic-wise) to the beach from echo park. so lately, i’ve been seriously considering moving west — to venice beach to be exact. i’m not sure it can happen, but in the meantime, this week’s holiday at home we imagine what look we might like living beachside. from funky, vintage-inspired goods to hammocks, palm fronds and surfboards, let’s fantasize about living in a little cottage on the venice canals, shall we? we shall, indeed! and, since today is america’s celebration of independence day, we’ll be off for the rest of the week, but see you back here on monday. happy 4th, one and all!

clockwise from l to r: urban outfitters maya stool and maya circle chair; palm frounds make great decorative accents via poetry of material things; vintage blue chairs via Pia Riverola photography; Xingu Hammock from pampa; surfer girl via studded hearts; st. frank* SURF SHACK: LAID BACK LIVING BY THE WATER by Nina Freudenberger; Jamie Dietrich Designs Camel Feather Lamp from candelabra; heidi merrick’s SRF collection; PALM LEAF PARASOL COVER from madame stolz; Gary Linden + St. Frank* indigo textile patterned surf board; skater girl via alice mahran photography; *NOTE: all st. frank goods on sale site-wide thru 7/4 with discount code FIREWORKS.

clockwise from l to r: surf mobile via no solo surf; vintage nude in blue painting from super marché; theo melnik’s home via my scandinavian home; vintage hanging bamboo swing chair from super marché; st. frank* DARK VINES INDIGO Throw Pillow; round tablemat + trivet from pretty wine; Sir Madam Demilune Woven Tote from food52; palm shadows via hazel and scout; paris au mois d’aout diamond drop grey Light from lost & found; archie arched woven basket from closed mondays.

clockwise from l to r: photographer laure joliet’s todos oversized palm tree print; venice beach via oracle fox; vintage rattan pendant lamp from super marché; palms via one hazy morning; vintage bamboo side table from super marché; Surfing San Onofre to Point Dume: Photographs by Don James: 1936-1942 book by C.R. Stecyk and Don James; PAON lamp in black and natural from colonel shop; limewood sideboard, by Khai Liew via wallpaper; Cold Picnic Torso Bathmat; vw bug via mpora; St. Frank* BLACK GLASS BEADS; anthropologie Embroidered Lilou Quilt.

• photography credits in order of appearance: venice by collage vintage; venice canal by emily williams photography; stylist rebecca bartoshesky’s home via design*sponge sea fans; blue door accents via planete deco; vw van via simplistic desires; venice sign by @naomikandrews; beach house via frachella; jennifer binney’s beach hat via atelier dore; venice canals – unknown source, via pinterest.

The post holiday at home: venice beach. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

i adore my california craftsman bungalow style home — its sloped, open beamed white ceilings are a big part of what sold me. but sometimes, i miss the grandeur of the really tall ceilings you could find in san francisco victorians or a brooklyn brownstone — tall and usually not without those incredibly ornate crown moldings. these spaces fit that bill — beautiful sky-high ceilings and very often accented with a bold choice of paint on their walls to accentuate those killer moldings. plus, these taller rooms allow for some statement-making pendant lighting, and those pretty ceiling medallions. you can fake that look — faux medallions abound so go ahead and add a great light fixture and get the look — fake it ’til you make it to your very own sky-high ceilings.

• photography credits in order of appearance: vogue; latest collection from west elm; simon watson photography; simply grove; @homesteadseattle; bo bedre; coco kelley; french by design; light locations; elle france; inside closet; fantasic frank; architectural digest espana; tom delavan photography; emily andrews photography.

The post best of: skies the limit. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

What makes the perfect space? I’m pretty sure it’s a perfectly executed mixture of abounding natural light, the blank canvas of white walls, and expertly scaled-back decor. Thankfully, space exploration ticks all those boxes and then some with their schoolhouse loft project. With a calming mix of intentional tchotchkes (is that a thing? I’m making it a thing), archways bursting with character, and a kitchen I’m pretty much dying to cook in, this space is one I’d happily flock to any day.

Keep scrolling for a bit of interior daydreaming.

xx, chelsea

• photos courtesy of space exploration discovered on bliss.

The post inside the schoolhouse loft. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

ever find a hotel so cute on the internet you want to book a trip just so you can lay your head on their pretty beds? same. kelly Wearstler-designed proper just opened in san francisco and is a gem in the city by the bay just waiting for you to book one of their gorgeous array of unique rooms. with nods to some very diverse period pieces, the proper’s interiors boast an eclectic twist — this is definitely one to mark for style-conscious travelers. there was no fear of color in her design process from pink velvet and plaid sofas to a very funky gallery wall in the lounge — every inch is an aesthetic’s dreamland. assuming that’s you, pack your weekend duffel with funky summer accessories that will take you from day to night, and grab a leather jacket for those foggy nights. while on your journey, our read this there takes place around san francisco, Isabel Allende’s beautiful the japanese lover.

~ michaela d’artois, vérité woman.

wear this there: pixie market la chemise covered button shirt; cos wide-legged knitted trousers; warby parker margot sunglasses; Creatures of Comfort, Inc. Puff Drawstring bag; Winky Lux Gold Glimmer Lip Balm; three potato four co breakfast club key tag; read this there the japanese lover by Isabel Allende; mejuri boyfriend hoops; Loeffler Randall Carter Knit Boot in Rose; melissa fleis blur leather jacket.

• photography via dezeen and proper.

The post wear this there: proper. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

today’s instagram worthy account is not to be missed if you’re a fan of killer interiors. designer @leannefordinteriors is one of my favorites for her fearless, eclectic and very bohemian vibes that continually inspire my own aesthetic goals. she’s recently restored a rustic cabin in my own neck of the woods, so i’m excited to have her as a new neighbor! you can see a lot of photos of the cabin (check her hashtag #thelittlecabininthebigcity for more!) and many more of her interiors in her fabulous feed, and it should be noted that she works with talented photographers like tessa neustadt, nicole franzen and others to capture her beautiful design work. have a look and follow her blog and at @leannefordinteriors for much more amazing interior inspiration. oh, and also check out her HGTV show restored by the fords and their instagram account by the same name @restoredbythefords which document their amazing home makeovers.

• photography courtesy of @leannefordinteriors.

The post instagram worthy: @leannefordinteriors. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

I always wonder what it must be like to be a bonafide designer and work on your own space — is it more stressful? easier to source the perfect pieces? just as confusing? probably all of the above! With her tranquil Echo Park dwelling, Homepolish designer Melanie Burstin proves that it’s definitely just as stylish. From finding the perfect balance of minimalism and accessorized to nailing the “warm and comfortable” vibe, Melanie definitely hit her stride in the 650 square foot home.

She told Domino, “My style is modern and minimal, but warm. It’s really important to me that a space feels chic and exciting, but comfortable and inviting. I think, in design, I’m a minimalist—but probably not in other aspects of my life (for example, my wardrobe). Every friend of mine who comes over and sees my home comments on how my bedroom inspires them to want to get rid of all their belongings and furniture. That wasn’t my intention, but I really wanted it to feel relaxing, and like a retreat. For me, that means less is more.”

Keep scrolling for all of the bright and airy California goodness!

xx, chelsea

• photography by Tessa Neustadt for domino and emily henderson.

The post a neutral los angeles oasis. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

California has been experiencing a major heatwave lately and if you’re anything like me, the higher temps have you dreaming of a little getaway. Why not embrace the heat and head to the desert? Joshua Tree is one of my all-time favorite destinations (and, from the looks of it, Victoria’s too… see her recent trip recapped here and here!) and this airbnb, aptly dubbed The Joshua Treehouse, looks like the perfect place to spend a little time. From the bohemian decor elements (woodworking pieces by Aleksandra Zee, vintage treasures, and a little Blockshop Textiles action) to the relaxed, you-can-put-your-feet-up-here vibe, I’m really digging this space!

What’s your favorite element?

xx, chelsea

• photography via: Kelly Brown & Bravwel.

The post inside the joshua treehouse. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

What happens when a designer decides to move her own family into a flipped home rather than starting from scratch? Magic. Interior designer Katie Monkhouse recently set up shop in this San Francisco flip and the results have me swooning! From the tranquil palette of rich blues and calming greens (those Heath Ceramics tiles in Ogawa green on the kitchen island — can you even?!) to the modern, minimal styling, this home is definitely not lacking in character.

Katie told Rue Magazine, “I try to focus on designing spaces that are easy to live in – quality pieces that can withstand toddlers and the test of time mixed with more accessible ‘trend’ item that can be easily swapped out at the styles change. I applied the same formula to our home and, while it is still a work in progress, I really love how it’s coming together!”

Do you love the space as much as I do?

xx, chelsea

• photography by Margaret Austin for Rue Mag.

The post katie monkhouse’s soothing san fran flip. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.

i’m a huge fan of both YLiving and YLighting and have used them consistently as a wonderful resource for furnishing my home and finding unique lighting designs. especially if your aesthetic leans towards eclectic modernism, YLighting has a plethora of grand choices. they invited me to check out their latest collection and there are some of my favorite designers represented there. i’m very into lighting that has an individualistic and unexpected vibe — lamps that make bold design statements and stand out in a room. when i’ve been to france, for instance it’s one of the first things i notice about how they decorate — loads of unusual fixtures can all live in the same room and only add to their very beautiful and distinctive european aesthetic.

i’d also like to let you know about their Fall Lighting Event in October — if you’re in need of updated lighting, this is the perfect opportunity to find something new and special to create a whole new look in your home at great prices. i chose their gorgeous Le Klint Pendant 101, designed by Kaare Klint in 1944, and made in Denmark. we hung it in a sweet spot perfect for additional living room lighting, which i was desperately in need of and it’s ideal for reading whilst lounging on my daybed — and the mood it gives off is soft and subtle, nothing too glaring.

YLighting carries some of my favorite designer fixtures — george nelson bubble lamps; the Vertigo Pendant Light; tom dixon’s beat fat pendant; muuto’s unfold pendant light; and the Rudi Loop 03 Pendant Light by lukas peet, from roll & hill, just to name a very few. from modern chandeliers to wall sconces, table, floor, and pendant lamps, the YLighting Fall Lighting Event is on through October 31, so go find something uniquely you to light up your own life!

• This is a sponsored post in partnership with YLighting and all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep sfgirlbybay going with fresh content every day.

The post let there be beautiful lighting. appeared first on sfgirlbybay.