I need to brag about my dear friend Linda Grasso for a second.

Linda is the editor of Los Angeles magazine Ventura Blvd and the host of the SheSez with Linda Grasso podcast. She is a veteran journalist who interviews fascinating women about their bold, innovative, and sometimes badass moves. She and her husband Charlie recently remodeled the kitchen in their fantastic Encino home. They’ve lived in the house for years and have raised their sons there.

A little background, Linda and I go way back. We both worked at E! Entertainment Television, where we became friends after working on a project together. She has since been a fabulous confidant and consistent sounding board over the years! You may remember when she interviewed me on her podcast — which you can catch up on by clicking here.

Anyway, I went over to Linda’s house right before the remodel to have lunch with her and to brainstorm with her about fixtures, counters, the works. I loved her old kitchen… it had a Tuscan or French country feel to it. Linda and Charlie were ready for a change, though. This whole project started as an interior paint refresh, but it turned into a whole new kitchen. Like me, she is an avid cook and entertainer — so I understand her desire to create an inviting place that she’s proud of.

The planning and renovation phase of the COCOCOZY Design House is in full swing!

As you know, I’m currently in the midst of transforming a beautiful 1860-square-foot Spanish style home in View Park LA (my first ever design house!) — and we’ve meticulously selected a few partners to work with us by providing product.

I was so thrilled when TOTO came on board to supply all bath and plumbing fixtures for the 4 new bathrooms we are creating in the Design House. You heard me… EVERYTHING! That means sinks, faucets, shower heads, toilets, gorgeous tubs, accessories, and all of the fittings and valves. WOW!!

As promised, here’s the first look video inside the first ever COCOCOZY Design House! I am so excited to share my first ever renovation journey with you!

Get a behind the scenes look at the very, very beginning phase of transforming this beautiful 1860 square foot Spanish style home in View Park LA with my partner in crime, Steve Jones of BetterShelter by watching this COCOCOZY Design House first team meeting video!

And for more information about the property, refer back to my post introducing the project by clicking here!

Major life update alert!

If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you already know that I’ve started my first big COCOCOZY design house project! And now that I’ve got my footing, I want to bring you all along on the journey with me in hopes we can learn a thing or two together!

Basically, I bought this house as an investment property a few months ago in an historic area here in Los Angeles called View Park. The Spanish Style home is 1860 square feet and was built in 1931. It sits on a large, magical lot surrounded by palm trees and birds of paradise. It was 3 bedrooms and 3 baths — but now we are morphing it into a 4 bedroom and 3.5 bath home!

Happy May! I just made a pretty big update in my breakfast nook. Can you spot it?!

Ok, I’ll just tell you. I recently opted to switch out the chandelier in the nook and I couldn’t be happier with the decision. Sometimes it’s nerve wracking to take the leap on a design switch, but I’m all about following your gut.

Take a look at how my new light fixture changes the feel of the room (below)!

Time for another micro makeover!

I found these iron chairs at the Long Beach flea market years and years ago. I can’t remember exactly, but let’s say they were $100 for the pair. They were purple and pretty beaten up, but had great lines.

With a little love and inspiration from my favorite Casamidy, I was able to get these chair living room ready!

Take a look at the transformation (below).

Welcome to my guest bedroom!

I absolutely love having a special place for my visitors to stay — and I want to make sure they feel right at home while in town!

My intention was to create a warm and inviting room by having attention to detail but ultimately keeping things simple. So far I’ve gotten the stamp of approval from my mother and best friend — so that’s how I know the transformation was a success!

It might be sunny here in California, but I still have winter mountain vibes on my mind!

This Park City Canyons kitchen remodel by Studio McGee is a gorgeous example of how to take an outdated ski home and transform it into a stylish, cozy mountain destination. This isn’t totally my style, but I love the use of traditional warm colors and bright whites to really give this home some life — while still keeping that rustic cabin feel!