WORKING FROM HOME: 15 PICK ME UPS FOR A BETTER DAY

April 8, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: Blackband Blog Leave a Comment

We’re in week three of working from home (along with the rest of the world) and we are happy to report we’ve found many positives in these new “office” dynamics. There are of course some challenges that have come with this new territory, but we’ve rounded up ways we’re adjusting to them and focusing on the good! Read on for our team’s tried and true tips for a happy home and productive work environment.

COOKING, BAKING + EATING IN

Greg and Wendy are loving the extra time together as a family preparing and enjoying meals with their busy teens, Cooper and Piper. At the beginning of quarantine, they listed all the groceries they had in the house and created a menu for the next two weeks using those ingredients. The result: minimal trips to the store, maximum creativity in the kitchen – our minimal // maximum approach in action!

Mary is giving her collection of pretty cookbooks some love and trying out new recipes for her family. The Mexican Chicken Soup has become a household staple and the Trapani Pesto is a fresh alternative to jarred pasta sauce – both from Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street cookbook.

The sizzling sounds of homemade soup on the stove are keeping Sierra humming through her workday and looking forward to a savory dinner (and hot and ready lunch leftovers). We’re more of a use-what-you’ve-got, no-recipe type, but we swear by everything Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest whips up so we recommend browsing her soup archives if you’re in need of inspiration!

FURRY FRIENDS

Ashley T. is enjoying the company of Miss Mittens the cat in her home office set up. There’s no fear of making a mistake on CAD when the cat is watching over her every move!

Megan has happily swapped a morning commute to the office for extra fetch time with Dude the Doodle. He just doesn’t quite understand what she is doing on the computer all day when he is clearly so ready to keep playing!

Ziggy found a home just in time to keep foster mom Emmy in good quarantined company! Emmy rescued this cute pup from Los Angeles Harbor Animal Shelter and there are so many more to adopt if you’re in need of a buddy in these socially distant times. Check out OC resources here.

PEACEFUL ROUTINES

Nicole is always stocked up with Essential Oils for every occasion that keep her feeling her best! Check out her tips and tricks for how you can make homemade cleaning products with your oils – a perfect (and natural) alternative to the sold out store options!

Katie discovered a simple, feel good recipe inspired by Starbucks’ secret menu drink, the ”medicine ball” (hot tea with steamed lemonade). Her #stayhome version is packed with immunity-boosting power of Emergen-C to #stayhealthy. All you need: 1 pack of Emergen-C (raspberry is her favorite), juice from half a lemon, a spoonful of honey and a mugful of hot water.

Romantic reads in the sunshine are keeping Kendall happy at home. She’s currently flipping the pages of love story Sweet Salt Air and just finished Robyn Carr’s Virgin River Series – the book behind the new series you’ve probably seen on Netflix.

FRESH AIR + FRESH FRUITS

Kim brews her coffee to-go for a quiet walk though the neighborhood before she starts her day of work. Maintaining a routine and getting outside (alone and protected) are keys to keeping her productivity flowing.

Rylee’s go-to afternoon snack is a fresh clementine that she enjoys in the sunshine on her balcony. Some Vitamin D with a side of Vitamin C!

Tracy is finding home to be a productive place to work and loves hearing her family’s voices nearby. Nature walks together have been a great time for them to release some energy and connect with each other.

WINING (NOT WHINING)

Wineries may be closed but that didn’t stop Jill + her fiancé from a little weekend “getaway.” She made an “at home wine tour” guide around their home to sample bottles from different regions in each room. We saved her brilliant idea to Pinterest!

Ashley P. looks forward to her post-work happy hours with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Does it count as drinking alone if we’re on Zoom?

There may be some baby whines from Rachel’s sweet new niece Charley Ann but we’re sure not complaining about having this cute face to awe over. Welcome to this crazy, wonderful world baby girl!

What’s keeping you sane in this quarantined life we’re all living?

Let us know if you give any of these a try!

OUR MINIMAL-MAXIMUM APPROACH: NAVIGATING BUSINESS IN A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

April 2, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: Blackband Blog Leave a Comment

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

If there's one thing we've learned as a business in this global pandemic it's the importance of being flexible in our workflows and design process. Our new MINIMAL-MAXIMUM approach focuses our efforts on what we CAN do to keep ourselves and our community safe and what we CAN do to keep our projects moving along for our patiently eager clients.

SITE VISITS

‣ minimal site visits // maximum effort to keep projects moving forward

‣ minimal onsite contact // maximum project decisions

‣ minimal concern for convenience // maximum concern for safety

DESIGN PROCESS

‣ minimal time together // maximum trust from afar

‣ minimal in-person meetings // maximum virtual communication

‣ minimal vendor visits // maximum support + connection online

LIFE AT HOME

‣ minimal time out of the house // maximum time with family

‣ minimal concern for fashion // maximum concern for practicality

‣ minimal trips to the grocery store // maximum creativity with what we have

We’re going the extra steps, taking the extra time and thinking outside the box to continue supporting our team, our clients, our families and our projects' progress in a safe environment. We can't thank you enough for your continued support in sharing the love for beautiful interiors (which we're all appreciating more than ever these days)!

In a global effort to focus on what we CAN do, what are you minimizing and maximizing in your life or business?

Let us know in the comments below and let's spread the encouragement of finding the light in this unfamiliar situation.

SMALL BUSINESSES // BIG SUPPORT

March 26, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: Blackband Blog Leave a Comment

We've rounded up a list of small businesses and favorite brands our team is supporting in these challenging times. Now more than ever, our community needs each other so we hope you'll join the movement to #payitforward with us and make this world the happy place that it is meant to be!

P.S. This post is in no way sponsored or commissioned, just companies our team genuinely cares about and thinks you might love, too!

EAT

THE ECOLOGY CENTER | SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

FARM SHARE boxes full of 9 produce staples for the family

Check in on Instagram for when sales go live

10% donated to those in need

@theecologycenter

CROCKER'S | BALBOA ISLAND

A Blackband family favorite for take-out desserts

@crockersfranks

JAN’S HEALTH BAR | CDM | COSTA MESA | HUNTINGTON BEACH | LAGUNA BEACH

Spend $40 save $10 through 3.31.20

Curbside pickup at all locations

@janshealthbar

CRAFT HOUSE | DANA POINT

Curbside pick up + delivery with daily menu updates on Instagram

Now offering a roll of TP with every order! Ha!

@eatatcrafthouse

AVILA’S EL RANCHITO | ORANGE COUNTY

Family style meals to-go + curbside pick up

Details may vary per location

@avilaselranchito

BAYSIDE RESTAURANT | NEWPORT BEACH

Family-owned + family favorite

Purchase gift cards now, enjoy fine dining later

@baysidenb

DRINK

THE COFFEE IMPORTERS | DANA POINT

Fresh coffee, raw juice, healthy meals + tasty treats

Curbside pick up daily

@cofferimporters

NOSOTROS TEQUILA | LOCAL GROCERY STORES | ONLINE ORDER DELIVERY

Small-batch high-quality tequila

Supporting bartenders who are out of work in the lockdown

@nosotrostequila

SEJUICED | CDM

Smoothie + juice bar

Call your order in for curbside pick up or place your order on DOORDASH

@sejuiced

LA REPUBLICA COFFEE | ONLINE ORDER DELIVERY

"The coffee of the future"

Also available on Amazon

@larepublicacoffee

BLESSED BOOCH KOMBUCHA | LOCAL RETAILERS | FARMERS MARKETS

Small-batch, farm-to-bottle kombucha

Stay in touch on Instagram for their latest shop options

@blessedbooch

PORTOLA COFFEE ROASTERS | ORANGE COUNTY

Take out + delivery options vary per location

20% off website orders with code ENJOYATHOME

@portolacoffee

SWEAT

NEWPORT PEACH | INSTAGRAM LIVE

The step is back!

Fun at-home workout with limited equipment

@newportpeach

SMILE HIGH SURF CLUB | INSTAGRAM

Agility training for surf-minded movement

@smilehighsurfclub

GRIT CYCLE | YOUTUBE

Check out their YouTube channel for at-home workouts

BYOBike...

@gritcycle

STYLE

SLIGHTLY CHOPPY | NEWPORT BEACH | ONLINE

Hand-stitched surf pendants for all the local spots

@slightlychoppy

MOLLY WOOD GARDEN | COSTA MESA

Pretty plants + one-of-a-kind finds to add some extra joy to your home

Schedule a shopping appointment to keep your social distance

@shopmollywood

ETOILE ON 17TH | COSTA MESA

Women's fashion, fitness wear + goodies

25% off loungewear + the cutest customized bunny baskets for Easter

Virtual + personalized shopping options available -- DM or call for details

@etoileon17th

CLEAN

SOHP SOAP | ONLINE

This new soap company launched just in time!

We haven't tried it yet but looks like fun for kids with a toy hidden inside

@sohpsoap

BOTANICAL FRAGRANCES | NEWPORT BEACH | ONLINE

Not exactly a cleanser, but Wendy's best stress reliever!

Rub it on your neck + shoulders before bed for total bliss

The Lavender + Juniper is Wendy's favorite

COCOKIND | ONLINE

Clean + conscious skin care products

10% off for supporting small business

@cocokind

Who are you showing some extra love to in these challenging times?

List them in the comments and we'll keep this love going around!

TOP TEN TIPS: STYLING PILLOW COMBINATIONS

March 20, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: DESIGN TIPS Leave a Comment

Wendy Blackband styling pillows for Blackband Design

PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Our goal in styling pillows is always to show off our clients' personality while creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing space, and that's what we want for you! Pillows are an opportunity to bring in lots of interest with relatively small, interchangeable pieces, so have fun with it and show off what makes you happy. You are not a boring person, so why let your space be!!

Pillows are like the spices in a recipe. The finishing touch that seems small in regards to the full home (or main dish) but makes a huge difference in the final outcome. Our design team has rounded up their top tips for curating the perfect (or perfectly imperfect) pillow combinations for your spaces. Let the pillow party begin!

1. MIX + MATCH

The key to a unique design is mixing styles, colors, patterns and textures in unexpected ways. The counter part to this is repeating some elements to match and therefore calm the space with familiarity. It's no different with pillows so we're breaking it down by furniture piece where to mix and where to match to create that ideal balance.

ON A SOFA OR SECTIONAL - MOSTLY MIX, CAN MATCH

Sofas and sectionals provide a large canvas of typically one solid color so it's the perfect clean foundation to mix up your pillows with lots of interest. To get started, gather pillows in a variety of colors, prints, and types of fabric that relate to your space or convey the feelings that you want to bring into the room. Then arrange these in small groups spreading out like colors, patterns and textures. Our rule of thumb would be that each neighboring pillow should not be the same shade, print or type of fabric as the one next to it. We'll go into more detail on this in tips 2, 3 and 4, so hang in there and keep reading!

Matching pillows can be sprinkled in to balance the overall design. Use like pillows near opposite ends of a sofa to connect the arrangements and bring the design full circle. When styling a pair of sofas or sectionals, you can definitely repeat pillows on each piece to give them related looks (but they don't have to be identical twins!).

PROJECT LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

ON OCCASIONAL CHAIRS (or other matching sets of furniture) - MATCH

When the chairs match, it's a great place for the pillows to match – #twinning. This mellow balance allows for freedom to mix it up elsewhere.

PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

ON A BED - MIX + MATCH

We style our bed pillows in rows parallel to the headboard. Each row is a different fabric than the next (MIX), but within each row the pillows are generally the same (MATCH). This combination of mixing and matching provides symmetry that is soothing to the eye while showing off personality and interest with the varied fabrics. A bed is meant for relaxing so we want to prepare it that way, but it can still energize us with inspiration!

PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

ON A BENCH - MIX OR MATCH

You’ve got free range with bench pillows! Our styling is split between pairing two different pillows together on a bench or two identical pillows together. Depending on the size of the bench, you may limit it to one pillow (leaving room for a small bench to still function as a seat) or you may throw on several! Keep in mind how the bench functions and how too many pillows or a lack of pillows can affect the use.

ECLECTIC MIX

PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // CHAD MELLON PHOTOGRAPHER

EFFORTLESS MATCH

PROJECT NEWPORT WEDGE BY BLACKBAND DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN GARVIN

PROJECT NEWPORT WEDGE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

MAXIMIZED MIX + MATCH

PROJECT EMERALD BAY // CJ LIGHT ASSOCIATES // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

WHY MIX: Like we’ve mentioned above, the more you mix, the more unique your design becomes. Mixing styles pulls your home out of the pigeonhole of a specific title and broadens it to reflect the complex personality we each have.

WHY MATCH: Subconsciously, we all feel most comfortable in familiar and expected environments. Repeating like pieces in a home makes it easy for our eyes to understand what’s around us and why it’s there. Matching creates a soothing space, a uniform look and an understood connection across a room.

2. WELCOME COLOR

Since pillows can be changed out more easily than most of the furniture or surface materials in your home, we hope that you feel the freedom to make bolder choices with them! Bring the large, neutral furniture pieces to life with colorful pillows in a scheme of your choosing. Whether you mix colors from around the color wheel or play up various shades of a single tone, colorful pillows instantly bring warmth to a cold, plain sofa and brighten up an entire room.

Going for a neutral palette? Try bringing in some darker and lighter neutral tones to add more depth to the design without drawing too much attention to a “color.”

PROJECT NEWPORT WEDGE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

3. LAYER TEXTURE

Texture is truly what gives designs the depth to look and FEEL unique. Varying the type of fabric your pillows are made of is a simple way to add depth to your space. From smooth cottons and fresh linens to plush furs (and faux furs) to all the velvets, leathers, mud cloths, and embroidered details in between, there are so many stunning weaves to choose from.

We try to make all pillows in a combination a different texture, unless it's a pair of the same fabric. Like we mentioned above with the non-matching neighboring pillows, it is ideal for at least the touching pillows to vary in texture – otherwise it can start to read flat and we don’t want that!

Incorporating texture is also a great way to add interest to a minimal color palette. So if you’re feeling new to this whole mixing thing and find comfort in matching, try gathering similar shades of pillows that vary in the texture of fabric.

Our favorite texture to throw in is a "nubby knit" – think sweater weather for your sofa!

PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

4. VARY THE SIZE + STYLE OF PRINTS

Just like color and texture, prints add lots of interest to design. Let your personality shine through your selection of prints – polka dots, stripes, florals, block prints, geometric shapes, abstract designs, you name it – whatever speaks to you!

When mixing prints, the scale and repeat of each design should vary. Arrange pillows with larger prints next to smaller prints that won’t compete. Use solids and stripes to break up the designs and spread the love (prints).

Scale: The size of a pattern in relation to a fixed amount of fabric.

Repeat: The distance from one end of a pattern to the place where it begins again (repeats).

In this case, think of the fixed amount as a 22" square pillow face and notice how some patterns cover more space with a unique design (large scale) while other patterns are duplicated several times to fill the space (small scale). Where that unique pattern duplicates is the repeat.

SIZE OF PRINTS

SMALL SCALE - LARGE SCALE - MEDIUM SCALE

PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

STYLE OF PRINTS

PLAID - DIAMOND / DECORATIVE - SCRAMBLED

PROJECT OCEAN BLVD // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

5. DETERMINE THE FORMALITY + FUNCTION

Formal living rooms can be home to elevated pillow styles, but high-traffic family rooms call for high-performance threads. In general, fabrics with more shine, delicate details and luxurious feels belong in rooms with a more sophisticated style and thoughtful use. Pillows that have a better chance of being laid on, squeezed, stepped on, and thrown (we’re looking at the kids, not you…) are best to be made of durable fabrics. For these family-friendly spaces, look for fabrics that are thick, textured and colorful to hide the inevitable stains.

FORMAL + SOPHISTICATED

PROJECT NEWPORT CANYON // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

PLAYFUL + CASUAL

PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

6. GROUP ‘EM UP + FLUFF ‘EM OUT

A simple way to freshen up your pillows is simply to group them in different combinations. Creating these small groups across a sofa or sectional instantly perks up a drab seating arrangement. Instead of spreading pillows out to evenly cover the length of a sofa, try grouping a few together in the corners – they’ll look more intentional when they’re sitting proudly with a buddy or two.

While you’re at it – give those pillows a nice fluff! Shift the inside fill around so that it reaches the ends and corners of the cover (especially that top half since gravity naturally pulls it down). Then gently squeeze the sides to lift the pillow so it stands up tall. Finish off with a little (or big) karate chop to the top middle of the pillow for a nice plush belly and perky ears.

These grouped and fluffed pillows will stand their ground better than when they're flat and slouchy so you might not need to add more pillows to the mix – work with what you've got first!

PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY

7. SHUFFLE THE PATTERNS

Alternating colors might work for a theme-y space, but in general home design we try to disguise any hint of a noticeable pattern. Spreading out like colors, prints and textures is all about balance, not perfect symmetry or patterns. So instead of going red-white-blue-red-white-blue on a sofa pillow layout, try grouping them in imperfect clusters to mix it up and therefore elevate the design. Groups like this could work: (red-white) (blue-white-red) (blue).

Instead of matching the same pattern of fabrics on each side of a sofa, mix the pillows to evenly spread out amounts of light/dark, bright/neutral, print/solid, and textured/smooth.

ON A SINGLE SOFA OR SECTIONAL

PROJECT DOVER // BLACKBAND DESIGN // AMY BARTLAM PHOTOGRAPHY

ON A PAIR OF SOFAS OR SECTIONALS

PROJECT CAMDEN // SC HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

8. SIZE YOUR SEAT

Give thought to the sizes of pillows you are placing. Pillows that are too small will look dinky and misplaced on a large piece of furniture, and pillows that are too big may interfere with people’s lounge space. Use all the same size for a more uniform look, or use varying sizes for a more eclectic style.

A 22” square is our most commonly used pillow size and our base for almost all pillow styling. Where we use the same size pillows we bring in our eclectic style through varying colors and textures. Here’s where you’ll typically find our pillow sizes:

ON A SOFA OR SECTIONAL – 22” pillows, occasional lumbar pillow

ON OCCASIONAL CHAIRS – 22” pillows or lumbar pillows

ON A BED – 26” pillows in the back (Euro shams), 22-24” pillows in the middle, 18-22” pillow or lumbar in front

ON A BENCH – 22” pillows, occasional lumbar pillow

SOFAS / SECTIONALS / OCCASIONAL CHAIRS

PROJECT NEWPORT COAST // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

BEDS / BENCHES

PROJECT EMERALD BAY // CJ LIGHT ASSOCIATES // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

9. FIND THE FILL THAT FITS YOU

Our standard inserts are 90% White Goose Feather and 10% White Goose Down. These pillows are plush and keep the shape they’re formed to (when you chop it, it stays chopped).

Poly fills on the other hand are still plush but bounce back to their original form after squeezing. For everyday use, these don’t typically look as natural and effortless compared to the down, but we do recommend them for outdoor use! The Polyurthane inserts are treated to prevent the growth of mold when they’re sitting out in the weather – thank goodness for these!

INDOOR - DOWN

PROJECT SAN CLEMENTE // Blackband DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY

OUTDOOR - POLY

PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY

10. “MUDDY IT UP”

In the words of Wendy Blackband (Blackband Design’s principle designer and co-owner with her husband Greg), you’ve got to “muddy up” the pillow combination with fabrics you wouldn’t expect to be included. Take a chance, do something different, and make sure it makes you smile!

PROJECT ORCHID // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

BONUS TIP: CHOP IT!

We mentioned this briefly in tip #6, but it's a big one that can't be missed! Give that pillow a CHOP!! Get in karate chop position and use the side of your hand to create a crease in the top middle of the pillow. We like to give a little nudge to the sides too so it sits nice and plump and not too perfect.

BEFORE THE CHOP

AFTER THE CHOP

Now you are more ready than ever to play around with the pillows in your home and create new arrangements like a pro. Give it a try and let us know how it goes – we would love to see some success stories!

Tag your Instagram photos @blackbanddesign or send an email to hello@blackbanddesign.com to share your pillow praise.

Have more questions about styling your pillows? Let us know in the comments below.

CREDITS: BLACKBAND DESIGN // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY // LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // CHAD MELLON PHOTOGRAPHY // CJ LIGHT ASSOCIATES // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY // AMY BARTLAM INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY // SC HOMES INC // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS COMPANY

HAPPY HALLOWEEN // Iconic Women

October 31, 2019 by blackband Filed Under: Behind The Scenes Leave a Comment

blackband_design_halloween_iconic_women_2019-01

It was an ICONIC Halloween at Blackband Design celebrating talented, empowering + history-making women. Here's to girl power + a happy Halloween to all!

P.S. We do have one iconic man on our team whose doppelgänger actually spurred this whole idea... Scroll through to find him!

blackband_design_halloween_2019-GWEN-STEFANI

blackband_design_halloween_2019-FRIDA-KAHLO

blackband_design_halloween_2019-CLEOPATRA

blackband_design_halloween_2019-LADY-GAGA

blackband_design_halloween_2019-MOTHER-TERESA

blackband_design_halloween_2019-ANNIE_OAKLEY

blackband_design_halloween_2019-ROSIE-THE-RIVETER

blackband_design_halloween_2019-MARILYN-MONROE

blackband_design_halloween_2019-AMELIA-EARHART

blackband_design_halloween_2019-LUCILLE-BALL

blackband_design_halloween_2019-AUDREY_HEPBURN

blackband_design_halloween_2019-BLAKE-SHELTON-GWEN-STEFANI

blackband_design_halloween_2019-BLAKE-GWEN-01

blackband_design_halloween_2019-BLAKE-GWEN-02

blackband_design_halloween_iconic_women_2019-02

That's a wrap... now accepting all suggestions for next year's theme in the comments!!

Home Reveal: Project Port Margate

October 17, 2019 by blackband Filed Under: Interiors Leave a Comment

A classic Port Streets beauty full of surprises inside.

We teamed up with Graystone Custom Builders to complete this new build in the dreamy Port Streets neighborhood of Newport Beach. The curb appeal models classic coastal style with its gray shingles and white trim while one peek through the dutch door reveals eclectic interiors radiating cool California vibes.

Interior Design: Blackband Design

Home Design + Build: Graystone Custom Builders

Photography: Ryan Garvin

a dining banquette

built off the island

gives this timeless white

kitchen a whole new look

natural textures

and warm tones

soften the crisp bones

of the home

small space,

big impact

a serene retreat

this bath is always

bubbling with the glass

spheres clustered on

the chandelier

Bathroom design by Graystone Custom Builders

a design he can grow up in

Bathroom design by Graystone Custom Builders

soft + sweet

Bathroom design by Graystone Custom Builders

fresh finishes +

loads of space for

all your laundry needs

(+ puns)

"custom home" taken to a whole new level

the kids zone

for a tight space this room offers many functions -- lounge, office, library + guest bedroom (cue the sleeper sofa)

Bathroom design by Graystone Custom Builders

bring on the sunshine + summer BBQs (all year long)

BEST BEDROOM IN THE WORLD

September 25, 2019 by blackband Filed Under: Press Leave a Comment

We are so excited + proud to be named a winner at the International Design & Architecture Awards for our Project Newport Waterfront master bedroom!!

Sitting among 700 of the world's top interior designers, builders, architects + fancy-pants professionals was a true honor + unforgettable experience. There are so many spectacular designs from around the globe that we celebrated this evening + each with an amazing team of designers + homeowners behind them. We just can't help but feel so grateful for the incredibly talented teams of professionals that we get to work with right here in our own backyard + our trusting clients who give us the freedom to create such a special place for them -- their home.

We love what we do, who we do it for + all this fun we get to have along the way! Thanks for your endless support!

- THE AWARDS -

Hosted by high-end interiors publisher Design et al, these annual awards celebrate luxurious design from around the world + offer endless amounts of inspiration for your dreamiest dream home. Design et al celebrated their 10th anniversary of the awards this year + we got to join the party! As all great nights start, we kicked ours off with an Old Fashioned...

All great nights start with an old fashioned...

The Grosvenor House Hotel in London hosted the incredible awards night in their Great Room. This ballroom was once the ice rink where Queen Elizabeth II learned to ice skate!

We made friends with fellow California-based interior designer Lonni Paul from E! News + Canada's Martha + Jimmy Huk of Hedgeford & Berkley.

- PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT -

Sophisticated city living meets the comfort and casualness of living by the sea in this 12,710-square-foot new build on the bay in Newport Beach, CA. Thanks to the client’s collaborative approach, Rob Sinclair’s thoughtful architecture, and builder Andrew Patterson’s “new standard” mentality, Blackband Design was able to optimize the interior design in each space through both form and function.

VOTE NOW // International Design & Architecture Awards 2019

September 5, 2019 by blackband Filed Under: Press

Day

Hour

Minute

Second

- WE'RE GOING TO LONDON -

Okay okay, we'll back up a few steps + explain... Remember that huge beach house on the bay in Newport that's got everyone dancing in their Duffys? We call it Project Newport Waterfront + it's in the running for some big awards.

Project Newport Waterfront caught the attention of home design editors in the UK + secured a finalist position in ELEVEN categories of the International Design & Architecture Awards!

Greg + Wendy Blackband are headed to London later this month for the awards ceremony but before they can accept any honors, the winners must be chosen... by Y O U.

So we're inviting YOU into the wonderful world of design to cast your vote alongside professionals from around the world. Think you've got what it takes to be the judge of these state-of-the-art mansions + not-so-humble abodes? There's no doubt in our minds that you were made for this!

Get your discerning designer eyes ready + be prepared to screenshot all the dream home inspiration your heart desires because there's a whole lot of beauty coming your way!

- LET'S VOTE -

Click the VOTE NOW links below to be directed to each voting page + look out for Project Newport Waterfront by Blackband Design in SEVEN interior design categories + FOUR residential property categories -- that's eleven no-brainer votes so you'll be done in no time! Scroll on down for the full list of Blackband entries.

T I P : Voting pages are easiest to navigate on a desktop or iPad. If you're on your phone, send this link to your email + revisit on a larger device!

D I S C L A I M E R : Since you're voting like a professional, you'll need the patience of the professionals -- a vote must be cast in every category for votes to be valid so enjoy browsing through all the swoon-worthy entries that Blackband isn't up against.

On the move right now? Send this link to your email + keep as unread until you have time to vote at your own pace!

FIND BLACKBAND IN THESE INTERIOR DESIGN CATEGORIES:

1 Interior Design Scheme - Americas

5 Interior Design Scheme - Global
7 Bathroom
8 Bedroom
11 Kitchen Design Over £100K
13 Living Space Global
15 Living Space Americas

FIND BLACKBAND IN THESE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY CATEGORIES:

1 Luxury Residence - Americas
5 Luxury Residence - Global
10 Beach House
19 Residential Value £20M+

* votes must be cast in each category to be valid *

* you only need to vote once in each category *

* voting closes 9AM PDT on September 18 *

- ABOUT THE AWARDS -

Hosted by high-end interiors publisher Design et al, these annual awards celebrate luxurious design from around the world + offer endless amounts of inspiration for your dreamiest dream home. Design et al is celebrating their 10th anniversary of the awards + we're looking forward to joining the party!

- MEET THE TEAM -

It's the incredible collaboration of this home's design + build team that makes the final product exceptional in every way. The innovative + driven homeowners recruited their team of professionals wisely starting with world-renown architect Rob Sinclair of Sinclair Associates Architects + local builder Andrew Patterson of Patterson Custom Homes whose "new standard" mentality is taking over Newport Beach neighborhoods one new build at a time. Our interior design expertise was brought on board early to weigh in on architectural decisions + select the finishes + furnishings that made this dream house a family home. It's a project we are honored to have been a part of + excited to share with you!

- TOUR THE HOME -

Sophisticated city living meets the comfort + casualness of living by the sea in this 12,710-square-foot new build on the bay in Newport Beach, CA.

- THANK YOU + HAPPY VOTING -

Thank you so much for supporting Blackband in the International Design & Architecture Awards. We hope to make you proud!

♥ The Blackband Team

P.S. Always feel free to spread the love + forward this post to friends who would enjoy looking through home inspo from around the world + casting their votes for Blackband!

Home Reveal: Project Newport Wedge

August 12, 2019 by blackband Filed Under: Interiors Leave a Comment

A beach house that defies all coastal trends

and takes rad surf style to a sophisticated level.

We played up the sleek, contemporary finishes and architecture of this home with colorful textiles, organic patterns and collected pieces from the homeowners' travels creating a home full of personality. This is not your average beach house, it's a work of art.

Interior Design: Blackband Design

Photography: Ryan Garvin

Symmetry runs deep in this home and gives order to the colorful mix of patterns. A bold pair of bookcases flanking the mantel set the stage for double L-shape sectionals to fill the long floor plan and two eccentric occasional chairs to continue the mirrored effect.

The formal dining space is kept casual with woven chairs and a patterned rug, yet it boasts exceptional sophistication in scale and finishes. Playful colors come in through unique florals and local surf panel art. [Below] The breakfast nook offers additional seating and style with its mix of soft upholstery, leather weaves and three-dimensional art.

A floor-to-ceiling velvet channel-tufted banquette replaced built-in cabinets of the former office for a statement seating situation in the stylish game room.

Exuberant and zen -- all in one.

Stripes in the guest quarters offer a nod to nautical design while setting the foundation for additional patterns to be layered in. Sign us up for a stay here!

Waterfront-living isn't complete without proper furnishings to take in all the views and this outdoor dining banquette exceeds all those dock expectations.

Thanks for taking the tour!! Let us know what you think of this one-of-a-kind beach house in the comments below and save your favorite ideas to that "dream home" board on Pinterest!

Home Reveal: Project One Ford Road

July 1, 2019 by blackband Filed Under: Blackband Blog, Interiors Leave a Comment

Traditional meets modern in this Newport Beach home complete with family-friendly furnishings + a sophisticated color palette

We took on this home remodel with our in-house renovation team -- knocking out walls + extending the interiors to create an open + airy space for our clients' family to spend time together. We finished the renovation with clean lines, bold paint selections + plush yet practical furnishings for all to enjoy, even the pup... as seen throughout the tour. A "before + after" will need to follow to show what a difference this transformation made.