Summer brings an abundance of possibilities to entertain family and friends. That’s why I scrolled back through my archive and decided to give this simple summer table blog an update. Whether it’s an al fresco get-together or a fun Fourth of July celebration, creating a simple and chic table is easy. Here’s a look back to how I designed an effortlessly easy table setting for summer. I still use this table setting today! It has become a go-to when I need to create a nice tablescape last minute.

Original Posting Date: July 17, 2018

A foyer makeover was on my list of things to do for the end of August. I’m thrilled that I finally figured out how to design it. The entryway to my house is small but well defined. The area just ended up a bit forgotten, I never thought of doing anything with it until I partnered with Home Depot. I’m doing a fall refresh for my house and it includes a guest room makeover (coming soon!) and updating my foyer!

I had a choice at the COCOCOZY Design House…be safe or be bold. I chose to be bold when it came to the rear balcony of the house. Design house partner Cement Tile Shop helped me take my new found design boldness to a new level. They came on board and provided us with everything we needed for tiling exterior spaces. I used Cement Tile Shop Bordeaux IV pattern in neutral colors on the balcony and front entrance.

You have seen the front walkway several times on Instagram and here on the blog…today, I’m so excited to share with how this outdoor space on the back of the house looks with the new tile.

I have some black Chloe scalloped flats that I bought last season and am loving right now. They are amazing and they were expensive.  Thought it might be helpful to do a round up of the most stylish and affordable flats for fall. Nothing like a good stylish comfortable flat for running around town to get things done.

And this year has so many amazing, different styles. Gone are the days of just your average ballerina flats. Here are 17 of the best affordable flats for fall and winter 2018/2019.  Most on the list are under $100!

Work on the COCOCOZY Design House continues.  

Next step — lighting! This has been THE single most difficult design decision for this house by far. Lucky for me, Lamps Plus came on board to help me solve the dilemma. As one of our fabulous anchor partners in the COCOCOZY Design House project, Lamps Plus offered to give me lighting for all areas. Wait, what? All rooms and outdoor! Again, what?! All lighting! Yes.  

Lamps Plus does have some brands they make themselves like Possini, Franklin Ironworks, 360 Lighting, John Timberland, and a few more… but in addition to those, they carry tens and tens of thousands of lights from other brands. I whittled down my selection after several visits to two different Lamps Plus stores here in Los Angeles. This was a real exercise in decision making!

Decisions, decisions! As you know, we have been hard at work on the COCOCOZY Design House. Today, it’s all about two main exterior hardscape surfaces — the front walkway and back balcony.

Curb appeal is everything when designing a house… especially one that is going on sale! Sometimes a book is judged by its cover. Lucky for me, the facade of this house is already so amazing — my main goal is not to mess it up!  The Cement Tile Shop has come on as a partner to help me in that effort.

The photo (above) is what I’m using as my main inspiration for this part of the project. Now, before I go any further, I just want to note that this house is a work in progress. Please read using your imagination for what the space will look like. And don’t worry, I will show you all the final result as soon as I can!

Time for some kitchen planning!

The cabinets have been ordered, appliances have been selected, and now I am thinking about counters. I am super duper lucky to have another wonderful company on board to provide product for the COCOCOZY Design House. Caesarstone has generously agreed to supply all of the countertop material for the kitchen and the baths.

I had Caesarstone counters in my first house — you all may remember that tiny little cottage in the Hollywood Hills. Now for my first COCOCOZY Design House, I went to Caesarstone as my first choice for counters!

Taking a quick break from the COCOCOZY Design House craziness for a Laurel Canyon home tour!

I lived just east of Laurel Canyon for such a long time, so this one hits home for me. I love the rustic nature of living in the hills above Los Angeles. One of my favorite things is finding a really refined spaced in the midst of the windy roads. This grand 1925 Mediterranean-style mansion belonging to interior designer Brigette Romanek and her husband Mark is quite fantastic. It is a 2800-square-metre untraditional family home (previously owned by legendary music producer Rick Rubin) that has true California refinement and obvious musical history.  

Let’s take a peek (below)!