Design With A Cause

Not to state the obvious but yes, it's been over year since our last post.  And what a year its been, from babies, to promotions, new jobs to new homes.  Needless to say its been one hectic year, and sadly our little blog has suffered from some serious neglect.  But I'm happy to say Chocomeh is back! And what better way to motivate our newly inspired urge to blog, than a volunteer opportunity to give back through design!

Nancy and I have been very fortunate to come across a wonderful opportunity to design an office at a housing complex owned by the Downtown Women's Center in Los Angeles.  To read more about DWC and the amazing work they're doing click here.  There are some existing criteria we will need to work within including: the need for two desks/workstations, the existing Baby Fawn wall color by Benjamin Moore, the dusty rose color from the adjoining kitchen, the two-story tall ceiling height, and the smaller than a peanut budget. 

Here are some before photos of the space....

While we have only recently joined this inspiring cause, its been such a rewarding experience.  And we're both excited and grateful to be able to help through design and what we love to do.
 
To continue reading about the project, including our concept and how you can help it a reality, visit the Charity page located at the top of our blog.  And be sure to continue checking in as we will be posting updates and of course the final reveal in October!

Thanks for stopping by!

For more information on the Downtown Women's Center and their work visit http://dwcweb.org/

Advertisement Appreciation | IKEA

     Whether you are a home maker or a world renowned multi-million dollar interior designer, you all know what IKEA is.

Whether you love them or not, there is one thing that we all have to agree on: they are good at what they do and have succeeded in making themselves known to the world. If it weren't for them, not everyone would have the opportunity to live the way they want to :) Their products may not be heirloom quality; you probably won't be able to pass that sofa down to your kids and grand kids, but who cares! It gives people an opportunity to try new things, without the hefty commitment of a $15,000 sofa on their shoulders. It gives people something to eat on until they can afford their all time wish-list dining room set.

     Aside from their home furnishing products, I have to take a moment to note how amusing and fantastic their ad campaigns are. Their catalogs are so effective with all the easy "how-to" vignettes throughout. True to their design model, catering to the DIY crowds, the ads are not only up-to-date with the latest styles, but they break down what each item is, how much it is, and obviously lets you know that you can get it all from IKEA. Simple and straight forward... and so EFFECTIVE!

     What's even BETTER are their quirky advertisements, such as these...

Tackling the Mess Monster...

introducing their new line of cabinets to help organize your life.

     Another great ad campaign was their "high -end fashion" campaign...

         The latest in their ad campaigns is yet again about organization. Introducing their new shoe organizer...

     Not all IKEA pieces are easy to put together - therefore introducing their installing services...



     And last but not least, an oldie, but a goodie. An ad that was developed in response to the idea that IKEA is "as cheap as it gets."

    It is refreshing to be able to see ads like these and appreciate them for their quirkiness and sense of humor about their product and company. Working on a Fall ad campaign myself, I find myself feeling stuck with the "same old thing." It's good to be able to step outside for some fresh air and see what else is out there. It gives you a chance to step back into your office with a fresh perspective on things.

...now I wouldn't necessarily go and put TIRES into my high-end luxury branding campaign (I don't feel like getting fired) but one can dream, right? ;)

I ♥ Giveaways

I came across this giveaway and knew I had to share it with you as fast as my little fingers could type up the post!  As any designer will tell you, the window treatments in a room are just as important as all the wonderful furniture pieces adorning it.  And while good quality treatments can get pretty pricey, they are completely worth the investment - but that's for another day, another post.  

For the chance to win $2,000 worth of window treatments from The Shade Store, just fill out the entry form at Dwell before May 31st, cross your fingers, and pray to sweet baby Jesus!

And in the meantime here are some images of what they offer at The Shade Store...

Patterned Sheers with Drapery

Relaxed Roman Shades with Drapery

Panel System with Sheers

Roman Shades

Solar Shades

Travel | Uruguay

Over the weekend I happened to pick up a past issue of Conde Nast Traveler and came across a charming article about Uruguay.  And granted I'm in no physical condition to travel for about the next year, and no finincial condition to travel for about, oh lets say the next 18 years (see Baby Momma post), that didn't stop me from scheming on how to make my future Uruguayan trip happen.  Short of selling a body part.  And after reading descriptions such as, expansive breeze-swepted beaches, easy charm, and white-washed bungalows who could blame me? 

With my imaginary itinerary consisting of nothing else but escape, unwind, and relax, the next decision would be where to stay.  Lucky for me there is no shortage of chic and design minded accomodations along Uruguay's Moldonado coastline.  One of the top two places on my, where-to-stay-if-I-were-ever-in-Uruguay list, is Estancia Vik located in Jose Ignacio.

Designed by architect, Marcelo Daglio, Estancia Vik's Spanish Colonial architecture is made up of numerous white, adobe-walled courtyards with idylic reflecting pools, gardens, and poolside lounges where guests can drench in the sun.

 

Every space at the estancia is created by different local artisans and artists, such as Marcelo Legrand, giving each room its unique flair and design. 

And with the use of original artwork and sculptures, alongside spaces infused with natural materials, the rooms at Estancia Vik express the owners' celebration of nature, art, and architecture.

Later this week I'll post the second accomodation I wouldn't mind spending my lazy, Uruguayan afternoons at.  And with an eclectic design and use of repurposed materials, it definitely caters to the more Boho chic jetsetter.

photos via Haute OC and White Wall Magazine 

Weekend Project for Bookworms

Need something to do this weekend?  How about getting a head start on organizing all those intellectually stimulating, or deliciously guilty pleasure books collecting dust in that very nondescript bookcase in the corner?  In an age where Kindle's, ipads, and e-books are quickly becoming the go-to information source at a mind-numbing speed, there is something very tangible and nostalgic about getting your information the old fashioned way.  But old fashioned does not have to mean, well old fashioned.  Here are some ways that your books can take a more creative role in your home's decor.

I'm not a huge fan of faux anything - except faux fur - but I found a fun and quirky use of a faux fireplace at an open house for a Better Shelter home.  This could also work nicely for any niche you might have in your walls. 

via Better Shelter

You could also give your books a more decorative role on the wall in place of pictures or mirrors as in the following images.

Conceal Bookshelves by Umbra

Or for a more random composition try this bookshelves made of painted steel.

Fin by B-Line

If you're short on space and your furniture needs to do double duty, this wine bar makes curling up on the couch with a glass of wine and a good book even easier!

Sloane by Crate and Barrel

Here's a great space saving solution for displaying your cook books while keeping them off the counter, and away from potential spills.

Sticklebook Book Shelf

For those of us with a little OCD, what could be a better way to spend your weekend?

 

And if you're looking for a bookcase that says, random is the new square..

Opus by Sean Yoo

His & Hers

It's been a little over a year now since my husband and I got married.  And what I've learned about the first year of marriage is that its all about learning new vocabulary.  I'm as clueless about football as he is about design, so while I've been learning what cuts, offside, and free safety means, he's been learning what bolster, jacquard, and mid-century modern means.  But the biggest word we've both learned this past, mostly wonderful but definitely interesting year, is the the word - Compromise. 

And what has been one of the hardest areas to compromise for two people with very distinct opinions on personal style?   Well of course, design.  Yes, compromising on our interior design decisions has become more difficult than figuring out who's right - should I dare say me?- or wrong during one of our heated "debates."

Needless to say, since our personal lives have been the muse of our subjects here at Choco.meh, Nancy and I decided to start the "His & Hers" series.  With some simple strategies and a lot of patience and, compromise, creating spaces that appeal to both parties can lead to designs that are not only beautifully balanced, but rewarding.

In the image below, some key pieces were thoughtfully selected to create a space that both you and your significant other will be rushing home to cuddle up together in.  A comfortable sofa with masculine and strong lines was softened up with the addition of feminine touches from the floral accent on one pillow, to the sumptuous sheepskin and silk fabric on the others.  The neutral color scheme keeps it gender neutral, while the variety in textures and pop of vibrant yellow keeps it interesting and fun.

Klein Sofa from Room and Board

Sheepskin Pillow in Chocolate from Room and Board 

Bullseye Pillow from West Elm 

Yellow Big Blossoms Pillow from Mi Casa Bella at Etsy 

Baskets, Boxes, and Bins - Oh My!

My nesting mode has been in full overdrive these days and could not have come at a much better time with just about 2 months left in Spring.  If you're anything like me, you probably have 'some'--translation, 'a lot of' --spring cleaning jobs left to tackle; and to make that not so enjoyable job, enjoyable, I went out in search of some stylish storage solutions to help me organize, store, and de-clutter.

Ingra Basket from Sundance - $98

Felt File Boxes from CB2 - $59.95

Birch Storage Boxes from CB2 - $29.99

 

Vintage Style Metal Trunks from CB2 - $49.95-$69.95

Ferm Living Yellow Knitted Basket from Velocity Art & Design - $105

Pool Locker Baskets from Restoration Hardware - $39-$59

Ceramic Strawberry Basket from Velocity Art & Design - $18.70

Sweet Pea Beads Hideaway Storage from Hable Construction - $215

 

Round Baskets from South of Market - $150-$350

Sarina Boxes from Bobby Berk Home - $29-$39

Wooden Boxes with Lacquered Lid from West Elm - $14-$29



Vincent Van Duysen Pottery from Beklina -$225-$325