A B O U T * T H I S * B L O G
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This blog is a collection of columns I wrote for the Lifestyles, Home and Garden Section of the Napa Valley Register. They were published...
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Demystifying Design & PLC Interiors Bid a Fond Farewell
Dear Readers, I’ve been graciously given the opportunity to make today’s column a personal one. After writing more than 300 columns in...
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5 min read
Two-Year Design & Construction. Wine-Tasting Room Now OPEN!
RD Winery, the first Vietnamese-owned winery in the Napa Valley, has at long last opened its doors. The 1600-square-foot tasting room had...
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Pantone's Color of the Year - Classic Blue
This enduring color is Pantone’s Classic Blue 19-4052. It’s a true blue, a primary blue, the first blue you think of when you hear the word.
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5 min read
A Home’s Renovation and Connection to Napa's Malfatti
Besides being the place where Cayetano Juarez died (while sitting at the bar in 1883), the Depot is known for its malfatti. Virginia, a nati
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3 min read
Hygge, Lagom and Wabi Sabi
Luckily for us in the Napa Valley, any and all colors work. In fact, any and all parts of these philosophies can bring health and harmony to
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2 min read
Art is Like a Multi-Vitamin
At the risk of sounding cliché, art can feed our spirit. To compound my risk by sounding hokey, too, I’m inviting you to do an exercise. Tha
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4 min read
Choosing a Style and Sticking to it
Ask Napa resident, Holly Quate, what her favorite design style is and she’ll answer, “Art Deco or Mid-century Modern or maybe Craftsman.” As
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Reviving an Old-School Practice
Beautiful stationery, refined fountain pens, and handwritten notes. Today’s times are fast, hurried, digital, and in my opinion, in need of
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Can you Give Some Tips on Creating a Gallery Wall?
There are as many ways to create a gallery wall as there are walls in the world. There are no rules but I can give a few tips to make...
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Commissioned Art Adds Final Touch to a Tiny Bath Update
Final touches to a bathroom update. It was a 1959 San Francisco flat where most bathrooms of that era and in that city, are itty bitty.
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Is the Gray Trend Dead?
According to design industry gurus, the gray trend is dead and the brown trend is returning. However, they’ve been predicting such changes
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Behind the Scenes of Designer Showcases
Since I’ve participated in seven showcases, myself, I thought I’d give you an idea of what happens behind the scenes. If you’re not familiar
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Lunch With Architect and Legend - John Pflueger
My lunch date with John Pflueger, Sonoma-based architect and head of the oldest architectural firm west of the Mississippi, included a memor
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My Oblivious Mentor - John Saladino
After 30 years, John Saladino still makes me swoon. This New York architect and designer doesn’t know me from a hole in the wall. Nonetheles
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Coastal Style
Have you ever wondered why you’re drawn to one style over another? Did your childhood home, a vacation or other travels influence your prefe
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Three D-I-Y Problems Solved
Today’s column comes to you by way of permission from three recent clients. Clients who, before undertaking do-it-yourself projects,...
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The Road to Remodeling Success
No matter the scope of your remodeling project, there are three words that can help it go more smoothly. “Plan, plan, plan”. I admit to bein
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Mixing High and Low-End Furnishings
When it comes to home furnishings, I know it’s true. That is, investing in select pieces, while holding back on others, can create a well-pu
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2 min read
Looking at a Space with a Fresh Eye
There’s a Stephen Sondheim song titled, “A funny thing happened on the way to the forum.” That’s how I felt on my way out the door after mee
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