abode

THE JUNE EDIT //down to earth// As the temperatures heat up, I find myself drawn to rich chalky pastels in earthy hues. Terra cotta, ochre, sand inform the palette vernacular right now, balanced with jade, olive, and rust hues reminiscent of precious stones crushed to dust. Just having returned from a visit to the Mediterranean, visions of the endless rows of clay bowls full of fragrant spices and incense in the shuk in Jerusalem are translated into lush velvet cushions piled

THE APRIL EDIT //seeing stars// Timelessly classic and simultaneously refreshingly modern, this month's mood board is blue and white, undoubtedly inspired by our upcoming travels to Greece and Israel. Whether in the form of stripes, florals, or stars, the tried and true color palette invites us to sunny locales as the days become longer and warmer. A nod to the majestic Mediterranean Sea and sky, the tones are calming yet invigorating, and always in style. Pair with a basket

THE FEBRUARY EDIT //sweet dreams// A month that's dedicated to celebrating love and the fact that spring is just around the corner calls for a sweet confection of lilac and butterscotch. Cool undertones keep the hues sophisticated and not sugary, and they can almost be treated like a neutral. Reminiscent of the glow of a Parisian sunset over a sea of rooftops, this palette is both subdued and invigorating, hinting at the endless possibilities offered by the cover of the impe

A MOODY MID CENTURY STUDY Things are slowly but surely coming together in Casa Kessler! I decided to tackle the study first since Kovi works from home now that we've moved to Houston, and I wanted to make sure he felt comfortable in his new digs since his office in El Segundo is a pretty fun work environment. I knew that in contrast to the rest of the house which is bright and airy, I wanted this space to be more moody and masculine, with slate blue, cognac leather, and natur

THE JANUARY EDIT NEUTRAL TERRITORY The start of a new year always ushers in a period of hope and renewal, where anything seems possible if only we put our minds to it. We have a blank slate, a tabula rasa, before us to fill with new experiences, thoughts, and feelings. While whites continue to reign supreme in both interiors and fashion, there is a subtle shift from crisp cool hues in favor of warm creamy tones. Expect light tones to be paired with organic materials (think te

CREME DE LA CREME THE COLOR STORY: This week's palette is inspired by the softer tones of Benjamin Moore's 2018 Color Trends. While red hot Caliente took the spotlight as the color experts' color of the year, the myriad of grays and creams in the lineup are charming on their own. They can skew either warm or cool depending on the undertones; choose Silver Marlin for a cool and collected dining room, or Peau de Soie for a feminine blush note in a bedroom. Just like a favorite

CITRUS // TEAL // EGGSHELL THE COLOR STORY: A classic combo, re-imagined. The juicy bite of the saturated orange hue is complemented by the equally strong yet soothing teal. A dose of the matte neutral hue, eggshell keeps things elevated. Taking it's cue from nature, and nodding toward the upcoming resort season, this palette is seen in architecture and interiors, as well as fashion. The balance of masculine and feminine, cool and warm, yin and yang, is as much at home on the

MAUVE // MARIGOLD THE COLOR STORY: After spending a few days last week on the east coast, where winter is still holding on for dear life (snow in the forecast this week again!), I'm so ready to trade in dark moody hues in favor of all the playful spring shades. What's especially striking my fancy is the love affair between marigold and mauve, especially when anchored with some cool slate tones. The grown up version of pink and yellow, this palette is as suitable for a relaxin

BLUSH // OLIVE THE COLOR STORY: This week's color palette takes a cue from last week's saturated graphic scheme, but takes a lighter spin with soft blush tones complementing deep olive. Spring is definitely in the air, with lighter shades taking precedence as winter blues fade away. The pensive olive hues ground the pale pink and keep it from skewing too juvenile, instead suggesting an au courant salon setting. Sources: Mejuki, Organized Clutter, Spaces With Character, Anthro

SAGE // COPPER // CHARCOAL THE COLOR STORY: This week's mood board is inspired by the enchanting Soho House in Barcelona. Graphic black and white motifs are complemented by effervescent sage and moody copper. Each hue holds it's own, making for a captivating case study when the saturation is increased or decreased proportionally. Technically on the cooler side, the palette somehow feels warm and and comforting, beckoning us to slip between the sheets to wait out the rest of w

STONE // FUSCHIA //MUSTARD THE COLOR STORY: It's still decidedly winter, although the warm weather feels more like summer, with all the optimism and color those changes bring. Bright hues of fuschia and mustard begin to emerge from beneath the thick layer of stone, grey, and creme, radiating with new energy. It isn't glaring or overwhelming yet, but just sizzling with the anticipation of what lies ahead, Spring. Sources: Office S&M, Canelle et Vanille, French by Design, Johnn

I'm sure this comes as no surprise, but I'm a huge fan of mid century modern and modern farmhouse styles. Did you know that as a child I alternated between an alternate reality where I was a 1950's housewife and one in which I starred as a pioneer/farmer? True story. These days I'm firmly planted in our own era, but I'm thankful that other people share my sentiments to the extent that they are actually trending styles. I just launched a new project with a local family who jus

Since the home's exterior style is French Country, we wanted to keep that a consistent motif throughout but still inject edgy Scandi-modern elements to keep it from skewing too trad. A light brick was a must, but we instead of go-to white we opted for Silverwood, a warm cream with lots of variation. To make the windows and French doors pop, we chose bronze casings, and tied in the exterior lanterns as well as door hardware to match. I'm still unsure whether the curtain hardwa