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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.

PLC
3 min read


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

PLC
3 min read


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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3 min read


Which White Works?
As we went down her written list of questions, we came to the subject of wall color. I suggested one that may not seem very creative. White.

PLC
3 min read


What is Feng Shui and Does it Work?
Feng Shui, pronounced “Fung Shway”, is one of the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics and is influenced by Chinese astronomy. The practice, whi

PLC
4 min read


Question: We have a two-story house with open stairs. Should we close them? What can we do with ...
the wasted space beneath them? Your open stairs lead me to a few open-ended questions. What is the style of your house? Is your staircase...

PLC
2 min read


Carneros’s Donum Estate ... An Interplay of Wine, Art and Rejuvenation
A visit to the Donum Estate, tucked in the heart of Carneros, may be the healthiest of prescriptions for destressing and rejuvenation. At le

PLC
4 min read


When Couple’s Styles Clash
It’s not often that couples tell me, “We have the same taste, the same ideas, and the same goals.” So, a few years ago, I created an exercis

PLC
2 min read


Design, Draperies, and Math
Math was on overdrive recently while designing draperies. I’ll describe the situation but don’t worry about following it precisely. The idea

PLC
3 min read


Question: We’re renting a house while deciding whether to rebuild our home or live elsewhere in ...
the future. We lost it in the Napa fires. In the meantime, we’re renting furniture which is expensive to do (and uncomfortable). Can you...

PLC
2 min read


Question: The inside of my house does not get much sunlight and it’s difficult to grow plants ...
It’s true that many artificial plants look fake. Even the silk ones can look like plastic or paper. But there are companies whose potted pla

PLC
2 min read


Allure of Craquelure ... The Inspiration for a New Accessory
There is an age-old phenomenon, a fine pattern of dense cracking called “craquelure”, that sometimes occurs on the surface of oil paintings

PLC
3 min read


Eclectic Style from Different Continents and a Pop of Orange
An eclectic style is hard to describe and even harder to create. It’s a careful mix of treasures, travels and memories reflected in furnishi

PLC
4 min read


Question: I have a rug under my dining table and am looking for another for my family room...
These rooms are actually one big room. I know the rugs should not match, but what do I look for so that the two coordinate? Also, are...

PLC
3 min read


Design Like Einstein
(Originally published in the Napa Valley Register) Did you happen to catch the recent 10-part series, “Genius”, on the National...

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3 min read


C2 Paint ... Artisan Pigments, Exclusive Technology, and Eco-Friendly
The most durable paint has historically been oil-based. However, it is increasingly difficult to find, especially in California due to its r

PLC
5 min read


Question: We lost our home in the Napa fires and are now working on new plans on the same lot ...
We belong to an HOA so much of the design is predetermined. But the interior style is completely up to us. Our last style was very mixed...

PLC
3 min read


Coco Chanel Whispered in my Ear
At the end of a recent meeting with a client, I said, “I’m going to write about this”. Not only had Coco Chanel’s words come to mind (which

PLC
3 min read


Question: We want to replace our kitchen counter top. At first we thought we’d use granite but ...
now my wife is looking at quartz. There are so many quartz options and now we are confused. Do you recommend granite or quartz and could...

PLC
2 min read


Question: Can you shed some light on buying leather chairs?
Let’s start with the basics. The strongest and most durable part of a cow hide is just below the hair. Leather made from this area is called

PLC
3 min read
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