MIX + MATCH: METALS IN THE KITCHEN

May 22, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: DESIGN TIPS Leave a Comment

Kitchen design is full of a million and one decisions to make and a good chunk of those have to do with metal finishes. Selecting these finishes is a common hold up for homeowners with so many possibilities to choose from. We're debunking the belief that you must stick to one metal finish in a room and sharing our thoughts on mixing and matching materials to create customized and sophisticated kitchens.

WHAT METAL IN THE KITCHEN?

First, let's visualize where we are likely to find metal in a kitchen. Cabinetry hardware, plumbing fixtures (faucets, pot fillers, sink drains, etc) and kitchen appliances are almost always made of metal due to their functions. Decorative light fixtures, range hoods and furnishings can be metal but are also available in a variety of materials.

RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

CABINETRY HARDWARE

VANESSA LENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

APPLIANCES

VANESSA LENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

PLUMBING FIXTURES

RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

RANGE HOODS

RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

LIGHTING FIXTURES

RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

FURNISHING DETAILS

METAL TYPES + FINISHES

Without getting too science-y.... metals are chemical elements (think periodic table) made of varying properties and a range of natural coloration -- nickel, copper, gold, aluminum, iron, etc. These metals can also be combined to form alloys -- brass, bronze, steel, wrought iron, etc. We share this to understand that it isn't just the color of metal finishes that make a difference in decisions but their physical and chemical properties could be a factor as well.

For the sake of this post though, we are focusing on the color and aesthetics of these metals and how they work in kitchen design. Texture and shine complete the look with different finishes they can be given such as polished (shiny), matte (not shiny), antiqued (painted or tarnished to look aged) and hammered (dented and uneven). For more comparing and contrasting of metals and their finishes, check out this post we discovered.

WHY MIX + MATCH METALS?

Mixing metals adds interest, depth and timelessness to a design. Just like our recommendations to vary fabrics and mix and match pillows in your home, switching up your metal finishes will also create a unique and personalized space. Melding several styles and trends into one design keeps our clients' homes current because they're not relying on one "fashionable" trend to keep it cool, and this rings especially true for metals. Hardware finishes come and go in popularity so we like to sprinkle a few in when it works for the home's overall style.

Matching is definitely still part of the game here, too. Coordinating finishes throughout a room brings cohesiveness and balances out the mixing of other elements. Even the matching of all the cabinetry hardware in the same finish in a room gives a peaceful sense of familiarity regardless of the plumbing fixtures displaying a different finish.

HOW TO MIX + MATCH METALS

A general rule of thumb (which is sure to be broken in its time and place) would be to MIX between metal elements (hardware, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, appliances, etc can vary in finishes) and MATCH within metal elements (all the same finish for a set of hardware, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, appliances, etc). To clarify, a set could be all the hardware on the same colored cabinetry in a kitchen (versus the island cabinetry which might be different and call for an alternative hardware finish) or the group of pendants that hang over the island (which don't need to match the sconces on the opposite wall).

There are countless combinations of mixing and matching metals in the kitchen and not only one "right" way to do it, so we're sharing our thoughts behind twelve Blackband kitchen designs in varying styles to give you ideas on what works and why.

MIX + MATCH: INDUSTRIAL MODERN FARMHOUSE

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

HARDWARE: POLISHED NICKEL

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: MATTE BLACK

HOOD: --

LIGHTING: MATTE BLACK

FURNISHING DETAILS: --

We played with bold, black and white contrast in this kitchen balanced by natural wood tones and muted details. Polished nickel cabinetry hardware adds a crisp, clean touch to the doors and drawers without drawing too much attention. This subtle style gives way for the matte black fixtures to take center stage and capitalize on the home's industrial flair. The stainless steel appliances create large canvases of metal contributing further to the modern, industrial style. Check out #projectiris on Instagram for more photos of this home.

MOSTLY MATCH: ECLECTIC CHIC

blackband_design_lido_house_hotel_kitchen_hardware

HARDWARE: BRASS

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: STAINLESS STEEL

HOOD: --

LIGHTING: BRASS

FURNISHING DETAILS: BRASS

In a kitchen full of so much color and interest, we coordinated most of the metals here for a cohesive look. Pops of brass throughout make bold statements against the blue and white kitchen, while the stainless steel faucet "sinks" back into the white washed wall without garnishing too much attention. The stainless steel appliances also take a back seat to the brass accents yet offer a sleek and timeless cooking space. When it comes to mixing and matching, it's all about finding a balance -- not every detail can be in the spotlight at the same time. See the full tour on our blog.

BONUS: Book a stay at the Collins Cottage to see this three-story private beach house for yourself at Lido House Hotel in Newport Beach, CA.

TOTAL MIX: MODERN RANCH

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

HARDWARE: LIGHT BRONZE

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: POLISHED NICKEL

HOOD: STAINLESS STEEL

LIGHTING: TWO-TONED BRASS

FURNISHING DETAILS: IRON

All of the metals come together like magic in this modern ranch house kitchen... and by magic we mean the creativity of the talented design team and the confidence of our trusting clients. The stainless steel hood and appliances harmonize beautifully with the gray hues in the surrounding cabinetry and neighboring stone wall while the scale of the commercial-sized hood speaks for its wow-factor. Two-toned brass pendants hang over the island offering both warm (brass) and cool (blackened brass) tones that are also visible in the light bronze cabinetry hardware. A polished nickel double-spout faucet sits in the middle of the masterpiece like a shiny new toy we all want to play with and boasts black gears that tie in with the iron base of the barstools. The stove top is styled with copper and brass salt and pepper grinders for the finishing touch and completely rounds out the range of metals. The majority of this home's photos are on hold for a publication coming out soon but we've shared a number of #projectsantaynez sneak peeks on our Instagram.

MOSTLY MATCH: FEMININE MODERN FARMHOUSE

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

HARDWARE: POLISHED NICKEL

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: STAINLESS STEEL

HOOD: --

LIGHTING: POLISHED NICKEL

FURNISHING DETAILS: ANTIQUE BRONZE

Subtle variations of soft grays give this kitchen a sense of serenity and simplicity. Keeping in the silver tones of metal finishes, stainless steel covers the appliances and plumbing fixtures, and polished nickel adds shine to the light fixtures and cabinetry hardware. Antique bronze nail heads on the barstools bring in a bit of depth and history to the sparkly new kitchen. Tour more of the fabulous #projectnewportcanyon on Instagram.

MIX + MATCH: HOLLYWOOD GLAM

PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

HARDWARE: --

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: POLISHED CHROME

HOOD: STAINLESS STEEL

LIGHTING: --

FURNISHING DETAILS: BRASS

This modern kitchen is minimalistic in its use of metal. The design team opted for sleek, push-and-release cabinetry leaving no need for pulls and knobs, and a statement ceiling with surrounding recessed lights fit the bill in lieu of decorative lighting fixtures. Metal was thoughtfully used on the stainless steel hood and appliances coordinating with the incredible marble slab veining. Polished chrome dresses the plumbing fixtures for a "barely there" look while brushed brass makes a statement on the salon-like counter stools. More of this Bel Air home can be seen in our portfolio.

TOTAL MIX: TIMELESS TRADITIONAL

PROJECT BACK BAY // BLACKBAND DESIGN // AMY BARTLAM PHOTOGRAPHY

HARDWARE: BRONZE

APPLIANCES: SATIN CHROME

PLUMBING: POLISHED NICKEL

HOOD: --

LIGHTING: BRASS

FURNISHING DETAILS: --

This timeless kitchen design pulls trends from throughout the ages to keep it current. The statement French range is dressed with satin chrome details which share the silver tones of the polished nickel plumbing fixtures, but that's as close to a match as we're getting here. The bronze cabinetry hardware plays off the dark features of the room and actually exhibits an example of breaking our rule of thumb! Glass knobs are used on the island to accompany the bronze pulls -- an extra special touch of personality. Brass light fixtures line the ceiling for a pop of warmth to contrast the cool, gray tones in the kitchen. Tour the rest of this rad home in our portfolio.

TOTAL MIX: CAPE COD MEETS WEST INDIES

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

HARDWARE: ANTIQUED NICKEL

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: POLISHED NICKEL

HOOD: COPPER

LIGHTING: WEATHERED ZINC

FURNISHING DETAILS: --

Copper is the star of the show in this tropical paradise of a kitchen. The bright, rose gold tinted material is playful and practically indestructible making it a great choice for both aesthetics and function. Stainless steel appliances and polished nickel plumbing fixtures balance out the unique hood with more classic finishes. The antique nickel cabinetry hardware plays off the mid-tones of the wood elements and reveals an aged silver tone. Weathered zinc lanterns hang over the kitchen island contrasting the white ceiling and add three times the charm to the space. There is lots to love about #projectorchid in the full tour.

MIX + MATCH: MODERN FARMHOUSE

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

HARDWARE: POLISHED NICKEL + IRON

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: POLISHED NICKEL

HOOD: --

LIGHTING: IRON

FURNISHING DETAILS: IRON

This blue and white take on a modern farmhouse kitchen shows a pretty even share of mixing and matching, and it includes a great example of those hardware sets we talked about in our "rule of thumb" section above. Polished nickel hardware on the white cabinetry ties in with the sink faucet while a separate set of gray cabinetry is adorned with iron hardware to match the decorative lighting and barstools. The change in cabinetry hardware finishes works here because these too sets of cabinets are made distinct by there paint colors and locations. Stainless steel was chosen for the appliances that show (the refrigerator is covered by white cabinetry panels) for a clean look that deflects attention to the statement island. This modern farmhouse is also home to coastal bohemian accents, as seen in the #projectflowerstreets reveal.

MIX + MATCH: COASTAL CONTEMPORARY

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

HARDWARE: POLISHED CHROME

APPLIANCES: --

PLUMBING: POLISHED CHROME

HOOD: POLISHED STEEL

LIGHTING: BRONZE

FURNISHING DETAILS: BRONZE

This state-of-the-art kitchen keeps the cooking space sleek and clean with an abundance of polished steel. This mirrored finish on the commercial-sized range hood and glass cabinetry frames reflects the natural light and literally makes this kitchen shine. Polished chrome hardware and plumbing fixtures practically match the other silver finishes while chain link bronze light fixtures and barstool nail heads bring a course and aged metal to the mix. If you think the kitchen is incredible (and huge) just wait until you see the rest of this bayfront beauty.

TOTAL MATCH: BRIGHT + AIRY TRANSITIONAL

PROJECT SAN CLEMENTE RESERVE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // VANESSA LENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

HARDWARE: POLISHED NICKEL

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: POLISHED CHROME

HOOD: --

LIGHTING: POLISHED NICKEL

FURNISHING DETAILS: POLISHED NICKEL

We're calling this kitchen makeover a total match since all the metal is in the silver family. Polished chrome covers the plumbing fixtures while a slightly warmer toned polished nickel is visible on the cabinetry hardware, lighting fixtures and barstool nail heads. Stainless steel appliances complete the silver theme and break up the back wall of white cabinetry. See the before and after story of this kitchen renovation on our blog.

MIX + MATCH: BOHEMIAN FARMHOUSE

PROJECT TALEGA // BLACKBAND DESIGN

HARDWARE: MATTE BLACK

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: MATTE BLACK

HOOD: --

LIGHTING: POLISHED NICKEL

FURNISHING DETAILS: IRON

This bright white kitchen with a bohemian flair mixes and matches metals to thoughtfully add contrast to the space. Matte black hardware defines the white cabinetry and multiple faucets while the polished nickel pendants dress the floating space without demanding recognition. The stainless steel appliances complete the modern farmhouse style with black knobs to tie into the iron barstools and dark details throughout.

MOSTLY MATCH: MODERN MEDITERRANEAN

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

HARDWARE: BRONZE

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: STAINLESS STEEL

HOOD: STAINLESS STEEL

LIGHTING: BLACK

FURNISHING DETAILS: STAINLESS STEEL

With intricate mosaic tiles making up the focal point of this kitchen, metal finishes play an important supporting role. Stainless steel is used throughout on the appliances, barstools, hood details and even back splash. Bronze knobs and pulls pair effortlessly with the rich wood cabinets and connect with the dark details of the light fixtures. Overall this kitchen is a beautiful showcase of mixing and matching materials. Check out the rest of #projectnewportcoast here.

As you can tell, there are so many ways to mix and match the metals in your kitchen. We hope with the inspiration from these tried and true designs that you feel more confident in making your next home project decision!

Do you have more kitchen design and hardware questions? Leave them in the comments below for us to answer on the blog!

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 // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES// TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY // AMY BARTLAM INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY // VANESSA LENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS COMPANY

THE DESIGN PROCESS: 10 STEPS TO A HOME YOU LOVE

May 15, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: DESIGN TIPS Leave a Comment

If you're hanging around this blog, we must share a love for beautiful and functional interiors loaded with unique personality. Ever wonder how those spaces come to be? We're breaking down our tried and true design process into 10 practical steps you can follow to pull your ideas together and create a home that brings you joy.

Great designs are built upon captivating inspiration, so if you haven't already, check out our tips for sourcing inspiration first to spark your creativity and jump start this design process!

BONUS: Hear it all from Wendy Blackband herself in this home design video on our Facebook page!

1. FIND YOUR MUSE

ENTERTAINING

FOOD

MUSIC

Tap into the things that bring you joy. As designers, we design spaces for our clients (not us!) so it is essential that we get to know the homeowners and what brings them joy. We ask our clients (and you can ask yourself) questions like -- "What do you like to do?" "What are your interests?" "How do you entertain?" "Do you cook a lot?" "Do you have young kids and want surfaces that are bomber-proof?" "What is it that really brings you joy?" Those are the things that we continue going back to in our design process to stay true to who our clients are.

BONUS TIP: A space that works for what you want it to work for is sure to bring you more joy than one that isn't set up for its use. So while you're writing that list of things you love, be sure to include how you use the space or how you want to use the space. Homes can look beautiful in a photo, but it's the ease of function that brings the real sense of luxury to life.

2. DEFINE YOUR STYLE

MIDCENTURY MODERN

CONTEMPORARY

blackband_design_santa_ynez_farm_ranch_modern

MODERN RANCH

COASTAL

What is the look and feel you want for your space? What styles are you drawn to? Some people know these answers before they look for inspiration and collect specific images true to that style. Others might not know (which is totally fine!) and it will take collecting images they love to determine a common theme throughout.

It's important to remember that you don't need to limit your style to one defined name! In fact, we encourage you not to. We are very eclectic designers meaning that we borrow trends from one style, mix them with elements of another and don't always follow all the rules. This keeps the overall design unique and timeless as some trends come and go. When there's a collection of styles in one space, the design isn't relying on one fad to keep it cool.

3. COLLECT YOUR VISION

We are visual people and most of our clients are too, so sharing and discussing imagery is an essential part of our communication. Whether you're working with a professional, your spouse or on your own, visioning helps move your thoughts along to what you want a space to look and feel like.

Collect images from anywhere you find inspiration (we find ours here!) to show styles and details you're drawn to. What you don't like can be just as important as what you do, so save photos you're not crazy about too to hone in on what you really love.

DIGITAL VISION BOARD

PHYSICAL PIN BOARD

Gather these photos in one place to begin comparing and organizing your ideas. Pinterest boards, desktop folders, three-ring binders and physical pin boards are all great places to see your images together.

With your favorite images, create vision boards to begin grasping a sense of what the space will be. In addition to photos of specific furnishings or materials you want to incorporate, include imagery of potential layouts for a sense of how the space will be used and lifestyle shots to bring you back to your muse. There's a reason "vision boards" are also known as "mood boards" -- what you see is equally important to how you feel!

These boards can be physical foam or cork boards with printed photos and magazine clippings or created digitally on softwares like Microsoft PowerPoint or Adobe Photoshop. In our studio, we bring out giant foam boards to move around all our pinned ideas, but in this season of working from home we've sharpened our computer skills to bring our clients a more tech-savvy approach.

DESIGN BINDER

POWERPOINT

BONUS TIP: Stay organized throughout the process by keeping your inspiration, visioning, floor plans, tearsheets, invoices and communication in one place. We use three-ring binders for each client and sort all of our paperwork by room. Digital slideshows and desktop folders are a great alternative and are often used in conjunction with the binder.

4. UNDERSTAND SPACE + SCALE

FLOORPLAN

ELEVATION

The size and scale of the furnishings and decor you bring in are just as important as the style. The most incredible ideas can turn out to be a total flop if they're too big or too small in relation to their surroundings. Choosing pieces that fill the space correctly will create a sense of balance instead of chaos, clutter or disconnect.

Start with well-thought-out floor plans to determine the dimensions that fit best in your furniture layout (think horizontal spacing). Pair these with elevations to determine the ideal size and spacing of wall details and light fixtures (think vertical spacing). Keep in mind adequate room for walk ways so you're not side stepping through a maze of furniture, and pay attention to appropriate heights for light fixtures so you don't bump your head on the chandelier when you stand up from the dinner table.

Thorough space planning is a crucial part to design and a huge perk for hiring a professional. Interior designers have the software and experience to create proper drawings and analyze them for adjustments on site. There are also apps and resources available for personal use if you're up for the geometric challenge!

5. PULL + CULL YOUR OPTIONS

Now that you've determined the styles and sizes that work for your space, it's time to narrow down to the actual products you will purchase. Start eliminating the styles, sizes, colors, price points and lead times that don't work for your project, and focus on selecting your favorite out of the ones that do. This step creates character in your design because you're actually choosing the materials and silhouettes that will be on display in your space.

6. VARY YOUR FABRICS

FABRIC MEMOS IN THE OFFICE

FABRIC SELECTIONS IN A DIGITAL PRESENTATION

If you're familiar with our projects you'll notice that our designs at Blackband are fabric-driven. Wendy is a self-proclaimed fabric junkie "ensconced in velvet" (a Seinfeld fan too!) and gathers a lot of her inspiration foraging through our collection of fabric memos. An entire wall of our studio is made up of baskets full of fabric samples sorted by color -- we're talking thousands of fabrics! Our team spends a great deal of time nurturing relationships with our fabric reps and fabric mills, big and small, all over the world to bring cool new finds to our clients that make their spaces unique.

The colors, patterns and textures of these fabrics add a vast amount of depth to our designs. From upholstered and slipcovered furnishings to pillows and window treatments, fabric takes up a lot of real estate in a home and can literally make a space feel right.

We're always looking for a mix of weaves and styles in our fabric selections to keep our designs interesting. In this pillow styling post, we've included many tips for mixing and matching fabrics in your home that ring true for more than just pillows.

7. CHOOSE YOUR FINAL SELECTIONS

Now that you have a pretty clear idea of what you want, arrange your number one picks on a board (physical or digital) to see how they all work with each other. This will help you to really pull the concept together and spot details that you didn't notice when looking at the pieces individually.

8. SHOP, EAT, SLEEP, REPEAT

Now it's time to shop! You can "add to cart" those pieces you've been eyeing knowing confidently that they'll work in your design and your space plan. Have fun with this step and look outside the general furniture store options. Adding pieces from flea markets, online vendors, Etsy shops and local carpenters can diversify your home to reflect your personality and elevate it from mainstream style.

BONUS TIP: Hiring a designer to shop with or for you has its perks. Designers have access to both wholesale and retail sellers multiplying the options available to you. As full-service interior designers, we handle all the sourcing, shopping, ordering, communicating, receiving and installing for our clients to streamline the process.

9. INSTALL IT ALL

Installation day is undoubtedly Wendy's favorite part of the process and most people involved in these projects would likely agree! We store all of the purchased goods in our warehouse until the home is move-in ready which makes for a grand reveal moment at the end for the homeowners (and us too).

Installation days are a cumulation of all the hard work that's gone into the project for months or even years. Getting to see everything come together is hugely satisfying, not only for us as designers, but also for our clients who have spent a lot of time, money and resources in making their home special. It's an emotional journey working on spaces that are so personal to our clients so these days involve a lot of smiles and laughs as well as some tears of joy and relief. Most install days end with a well-deserved cocktail to celebrate!

10. LEAN INTO NOSTALGIA

WENDY'S MOM JUDITH CORONA'S HOME LIBRARY IN MALIBU, CALIFORNIA

JUDITH'S HOME LIBRARY (WENDY'S MOM)

BLACKBAND FAMILY HOME

Coming around full circle in our process, we remind our clients and ourselves to keep it personal. Surround yourself with things that bring you joy. When it comes to styling your space with the finishing touches, choose the items that make you and your home happy.

For Wendy, it's cookbooks, travel magazines and photo albums on her coffee table that remind her of the sweet memories she's made and spark inspiring conversations when entertaining. Pictured above is her dining nook that features beautiful fabrics and textures that Wendy loves and the color plum -- a personal favorite that she "couldn't sell into any projects so she did it herself."

Wendy's mother Judith has an incredible home library that is also a testament to what it means to "lean into nostalgia." Judith is an artist, world-traveler, professor of design and very well-read. Her home reflects who she is through the sculptures, maps, travel logs, photos and collections of books that she displays.

Homes are all about YOU and that's what we hope you will focus on. There are endless resources and an abundance of information at our fingertips to make the "right" home design decisions, but your unique perspective is the key to making the "perfect" home for you!

What other questions do you have about design? Let us know in the comments below and you just might spark our next blog topic!

MEET THE TEAM: THE MOMMAS OF BLACKBAND

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

In honor of Mother's Day this weekend, we're spotlighting the moms (and dog/cat/goat-moms) on our team! Learn a little bit more about these leading ladies, their family traditions and the love they share with their kids. We also rounded up some advice they have to share for finding balance in the working-mom lifestyle and special ways you can celebrate the moms in your life this Mother's Day!

WENDY

Mom to: Cooper (15) + Piper (14)

Favorite tradition with your kids: Watching my son play video games, my daughter TikTok and doing laundry... Not!!! Not!!! Not!!! Definitely Balboa Island Yacht Club, a summer beach program that has been around for almost 100 years (I participated as a child somewhere between now and then). A beach club run by kids for kids. My kids started when they were 4 and I have watched as they were helped and encouraged by the older kids. Now, Cooper is Vice Commodore and my daughter, Piper, is Rear Commodore and they are the ones helping and leading the young ones. The circle of life, it’s a beautiful thing!

Most rewarding part of motherhood: Every phase of childhood brings new endearing memories. My husband, Greg and I always say “Oh, this is the best phase” just to be eclipsed by the next phase. The reality is every phase of motherhood has been pretty awesome. Everyone says, “wait for the teenage years.” Well, they're here and it’s incredible to watch our kids grow into young adults through the choices they make, the things they say and the friends they surround themselves with.

Best advice passed down from your mother: Well heeded advice in our current climate… My mother always tells me to stay enthusiastic (even when it’s not so easy). I tell my kids that it’s easy to be a good person when things are great. The real test of character is how one handles themselves in the challenging times.

A “mother’s must-have” in your home: Botanical Fragrances oil and a peaceful bedroom... together these are my sanctuary.

What your kids love about you (surprise!): "I love how she will always be there for me and how she can put up with me and how she is always loving." - Cooper // "My mom is very caring, kind and encourages us to be the best human we can be. She is super supportive and is an amazing leader. I'm so thankful to have her as my mom and she is a great person to look up to." - Piper

MARY

Mom to: Charlotte (13) + Harper (7)

Favorite tradition with your kids: Sunday morning coffee. The girls make it and make themselves hot cocoa and toast and bring it into our bedroom in the morning.

Most rewarding part of motherhood: Watching my kids have the “lightbulb” moments, seeing them make connections, being proud of themselves, then teaching someone else.

A "mother's must-have" in your home: A large hat, a cool cool beverage and a lounge spot in a sunny yard.

What your kids love about you (surprise!): "She has patience, she always figures out a problem. She is young at heart and willing to try new things. I admire her work ethic and follow through." - Charlotte // "She is so kind and nice. She is so cool. I'm thankful to have her, and I don't say it enough but I LOVE HER!" - Harper // Bonus note from your husband: "The most dedicated, tender and loving mom to my girls. She takes the time even when time is short. Everyone has one but she is my favorite." - Daniel

TRACY

Mom to: Dutch (12) + Valentina (9)

Favorite tradition with your kids: Family Vacations

Most rewarding part of motherhood: Watching their personalities grow into who they will become.

Best advice passed down from your mother: Tell them you love them every day especially the days that they may have broken the rules and you have to reprimand them.

A “mother’s must-have” in your home: Fashion is a close to second to my love of home design so having a closet filled with fun, eclectic things makes me very happy!

What your kids love about you (surprise!): "I enjoy your kindness, respect how hard you work and love your sense of humor." - Dutch // "I love your style, you are joyful and you care about others." - Valentina

ASHLEY T

Momma-to-be: Baby T coming June 2020

A tradition you hope to start with your family: Sunday Beach Days!!

A trait you hope your baby inherits from you or your husband: I hope she inherits my husband's good cooking skills.

Best advice passed down from your mother: Take time for yourself, be grateful for what you have, there is a solution to every problem, this too shall pass.

A “mother’s must-have” in your home: A comfy rocking chair with a footrest - it’s all about the footrest.

How your husband knows you'll make a great mother (surprise!): "She has the heart of a lioness. Fierce yet affectionate, she is selfless and genuine." - Justin

SHOUT OUT TO THE MOMS OF FUR BABIES, TOO

KENDALL + HONEY

BLACK LAB / PITBULL MIX

EMMY + ROSIE

POINTER / PITBULL MIX

MEGAN + DUDE

GOLDEN DOODLE

RYLEE + KIKI

NIGERIAN DWARF GOAT

SIERRA + THOR

PAPILLON MIX

RACHEL + IGGY

RHODESIAN / BOXER MIX

ASH P + HURLEY

PITBULL

MARY + ZOE

PITBULL

KATE + RHETT

LABRADODDLE

ASHLEY T + KITTY

CHOCOLATE YORK

Favorite thing about raising a fur-child: These mommas agree that their pets' excitement to see them, their unconditional love and their sweet, sweet snuggles are the highlights of fur-child motherhood.

TOP TIPS FOR FINDING PEACE IN THE WORKING MOM JUGGLE

Let go of the "mom guilt." There's not one right way to mother (or do anything for that matter), so freeing yourself from the expectations and comparisons of others can take a big weight off your shoulders and allow you to focus on the task at hand.

Be present where you are. A lot of that "mom guilt" or anxiety comes from worrying about what you're not doing. Concentrate your attention to what you are doing and understand that even super-moms cannot be in two places at once. You'll likely be more productive with your "all-in" attitude and end up with more time or energy to enjoy those other things on your mind.

Talk it out. Communicating with your family, boss and coworkers about expectations for the many responsibilities you manage keeps everyone on the same page. So much stress lives in our minds and just needs to be let out!

Stick to a schedule. Not every part of your life needs to be regimented, but planning out events, tasks, deadlines and expectations ahead of time can help keep everyone on track. Having a work schedule and a family schedule can help ease your mind as to what is happening with your loved ones while you're hard at work and vice-versa.

Plan out meals. A hungry human is rarely a happy human so planning out meals ahead of time can cut the cravings before the tempers kick in (and we're not just talking about the kids... we're all guilty of being a little "hangry" at times). Preparing meals a few days at a time can eliminate some of the prep time each night, stocking up on groceries over the weekend (with a list!) can alleviate the stress of missing an ingredient half way through cooking and delegating chef responsibilities around the family can build new skills and memories.

Be proud of who you are. Celebrate the big and little wins in life and be proud of the hard-working, human-raising, trailblazing, self-sacrificing, forward-thinking leader that you are.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO MAKE YOUR MOM'S MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL

HAIR CARE: Send a Dry Bar EGift Card straight to mom's inbox for her to enjoy a shampoo and blowout when salons reopen or treat herself to some online shopping now.

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS: If you didn't get an order placed in time for Sunday delivery, surprise mom with a Bouqs monthly subscription to spread the love all year long. If you're able to celebrate with mom in person, these tips for making a stunning arrangement with grocery store flowers are sure to make her day.

A SWEET OR SAVORY TREAT: Start her day off special with homemade breakfast in bed that you can all enjoy. These restaurant-worthy recipes are sure to hit the spot and you might gain brownie points for making them yourself!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOMS!!

Have anything to add? We would love to hear from you in the comments!

TOP TEN TIPS: FINDING HOME INSPIRATION

April 30, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: DESIGN TIPS Leave a Comment

As designers, we're often asked where we find our home design inspiration and how we stay inspired project after project. The simple answer -- inspiration is all around us! The key to collecting inspiration and being inspired is opening our eyes and minds to our surroundings. Inspiration is a huge part of our design process so it's important to have go-to sources to browse when we need a spark in our creative thinking.

Check out our top ten places to find inspiration below and feel free to share yours in the comments!

BONUS: Hear it all from Wendy Blackband herself in this home design video on our Facebook page!

1. HOME MAGAZINES

Home design magazines are an obvious choice for home design inspiration, but nonetheless a favorite. These publications are a great source for incredible home ideas, products to purchase, resources and designer insight. They keep us current with emerging trends and what's happening in the design world.

2. TRAVEL MAGAZINES

Another genre of magazines to subscribe to are travel related. These pages are filled with incredible destinations to visit and beautiful places to stay that could inspire your next project (without spending resources on a trip). Years ago, Wendy Blackband set Travel & Leisure as her web browser's home page to keep inspiring images and current events front of mind. Everyday when Wendy logs in she wonders “Where in this great, big world am I going today?”

3. PERSONAL TRAVEL

We are so fortunate to have access to incredible imagery from around the world online and in publications, but we would argue that nothing beats inspiration from personal travel and experiences. Travel has always been a huge part of Wendy's life -- traveling with her parents as a child, backpacking as a young adult, living abroad, exploring with her husband Greg and now vacationing as a family with their kids. Gathering inspiration on travels is found in more than just the places you stay, but in the people you meet, sights you see, food you eat and cultures you immerse yourself in.

4. HOTELS, RESTAURANTS + BARS, OH MY!

There's a ton of money spent on design in the hospitality industry because it's the feelings and experiences that bring people back again. Hotels, restaurants + bars often showcase top designers' work making them great resources for unique inspiration.

BONUS TIP: Try searching for the top sights to see in an area with a style you're interested in. For example, Wendy loves searching things like "top hotels in Bali," "best bars in Morocco," or "top farm-to-table restaurants" for projects that could use that inspiration.

5. SOCIAL MEDIA

It's at our finger tips and bursting with news and imagery to spark ideas. We use Instagram and Pinterest most often to see current trends or hone in on specific details we're trying to envision. Being able to search hashtags on Instagram or keywords on Pinterest is really helpful in narrowing down what we're looking for.

BONUS TIP: As we're sure you've already come to realize in one way or another, as inspiring as social media can be, the constant show of perfect scenes can also be overwhelming and take a toll on our creativity and well-being. A lot of time and resources are spent in the design industry staging rooms and vignettes to look a certain way for photos (it's our art!), but it doesn't always reflect what's true in daily life. It's important to know when to turn it off if it isn't bringing you joy.

6. FAVORITE DESIGNERS

blackband_design_martin_lawrence_bullard

Wendy keeps a list of favorite designers to refer to for inspiration. It could be their style that's drawn her in or a specific project they've worked on, but regardless, it is refreshing to see things from another's point of view. We study and analyze our favorite designers' work to understand what makes it cool and how it can inspire our own. Reading interviews and blog posts from other designers can also provide insight and inspiration.

7. CELEBRITY HOMES

As with the hospitality industry, celebrity homes also benefit from the monetary resources that are not common to the general public. A few notable designs in Wendy's eyes are Ellen Degeneres' homes (she's always got cool things happening and even has her own line of home decor), Ellen Pompeo's home (designed by a favorite designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard), George Clooney's outdoor living space in Cabo and Tom Brady's home (because Wendy loves everything Tom Brady does)!

8. HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOWS

HGTV, Bravo and even Netflix are loaded with hours of home design inspiration and insight. From the home improvement episodes to real estate tours, there's a lot to learn from the teams on camera. We admit, we don't watch too many of these simply because it can be overwhelming to fill our down time with more design content, but for most homeowners they're a great source of ideas, solutions and entertainment!

9. MOVIES + TV SHOWS

More of our inspiration comes from non-design related shows and films. We're often asked about the kitchen in Something's Gotta Give -- it seems that there's a fabulous home in every movie Diane Keaton stars in! With her eye for design (see book: The House that Pinterest Built), we're thinking she must have a say!

The Blackband family also enjoyed watching Netflix's The Crown (a nod to Greg's British roots perhaps) and Wendy soaked in all the inspiration from the neoclassical architecture, palace interiors and avant-garde wardrobe styling.

10. HOME TOURS + OPEN HOUSES

blackband_design_project_newport_waterfront

We're fortunate to live and work in an area with a strong design community and an abundance of home design resources. Our two major high schools in town (CDM and Newport Harbor) host home tour fundraisers which give supporters an opportunity to walk through uniquely (and many professionally) designed homes in the district. Our team looks forward to these events each year, especially when we have a home to show off!

If home tours aren't popular in your area, open houses for homes on the market can be a similar source of inspiration. It often helps seeing layouts, colors, styles, etc in person to visualize changes in your own space. Regardless of how you go about it, we encourage you to take advantage of local inspiration and opportunities -- what you're looking for just might be right in front of you!

Near and far, inspiration is everywhere! Just remember to open your eyes, keep an open mind and look for it.

Where are your favorite places to go for inspiration? Let us know in the comments below and collectively we can get some major creativity pumping in this quarantine!!

BLACKBAND BOOK CLUB

April 24, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: Blackband Blog Leave a Comment

Wendy Blackband is a lover of books -- reading, collecting, styling, discussing, you name it. In the midst of a busy, working-mom schedule, she finds reading to be her refuel. An escape from the to-do lists and an opportunity to get lost in a story that holds no responsibility over her (oh, the freedom!!).

Growing up in a family of readers, it’s been natural for Wendy to carry on the tradition. From her great grandparents reading by candlelight with a box of chocolates to her mother’s esteemed home library that she visits any chance she gets, books are in her blood. In Wendy’s newly renovated Balboa Island home, several areas were designed with books in mind. We haven’t had a chance to photograph the home just yet (post-quarantine we are on it!) but we’ve collected some of our favorite inspiring home library set ups here.

In the chance that you too are a reader looking for your next adventure (from the comfort of your coziest reading chair), we've linked Wendy's all-time favorite reads, and a few of her mom's favorites too. It's a family affair over here... join the club!!

CURRENTLY READING

Nowadays, Wendy’s book club is a source of joy. For years a group of her girlfriends have been reading books and meeting to chat, host, cook and enjoy time together (virtually, as of late). They are currently reading A Room with a View by E. M. Forster — a romantic novel that takes place in Italy and England. The Blackband family postponed their Spring Break trip to England (to visit Greg's side of the family) and Ireland (to adventure) in the escalation of travel restrictions due to the virus, so this book has been Wendy's source of wanderlust from home.

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_ROOM_WITH_A_VIEW

WENDY'S TOP TWELVE FAVORITE BOOKS

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_THE_GREAT_GATSBY

ANY OF THE "JEEVES" STORIES

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_THE_SUN_ALSO_RISES

READ // LISTEN

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_PRIDE_AND_PREJUDICE

READ

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_THE_DEVIL_IN_THE_WHITE_CITY

READ // LISTEN

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_WHERE_THE_CRAWDADS_SING

MOTHER KNOWS BEST

A few favorite's from Wendy's mother, Judith Corona -- an avid reader and design lecturer at UCLA.

We would love to hear about the books you've enjoyed and appreciate any recommendations for our team to read! What books should we add to our shelves?? We just might feature it next!

TOP TEN TIPS: DESIGNING WITH THE EARTH IN MIND

April 22, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: DESIGN TIPS Leave a Comment

HAPPY EARTH DAY!! We're celebrating 50 official years of honoring Mother Nature's beauty, grace and growing need for our support with our team's top ten tips for making eco-friendly design decisions in your home. From upgrading appliances to honing everyday habits, we all have a part to play in planet Earth's beautiful story.

1. SAVE WITH THE SUN

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

Solar power may be the most obvious solution for energy efficiency, but it's also likely to be the biggest investment. In our ever-changing environment, this renewable resource is undoubtedly the most reliable and natural source of energy. It's becoming increasingly popular to make the switch to solar and witness the energy bills dive down.

BLACKBAND DESIGN OFFICE

XERO SOLAR PANELS

We added solar panels to our Blackband office building just over a year ago and it has made a dramatic difference in our electricity bills... we're talking $1,200 a month down to $30! It was a huge investment but we're already seeing its benefits. Shout out to Xero Solar for upgrading our sustainability game!

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES

From a design point of view, solar panels present us with a few extra challenges, but none outweighing the long-term environmental and financial benefits. Positioning the panels to maximize sun exposure while keeping them hidden from the curb appeal is always our goal, where possible. For the majority of our residential projects this means finding angles of the roof line that bask in the sun while remaining mostly out of sight from below, whereas a home we're working on in Rancho Santa Fe took advantage of their sprawling property to add a solar field away from their home all together.

2. LET THE BREEZE IN

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

PROJECT PORT CARLOW // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // CHAD MELLON PHOTOGRAPHY

In our coastal climate, a fresh breeze through the home is all we need to feel comfortable most days. Opening a dutch door to let the air in and keep the pets and youngins from adventuring out is a great alternative to turning on the air conditioning.

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

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

Also common in our beach communities are sliding, accordion and retractable doors that eliminate the indoor/outdoor barrier with ease. These disappearing walls allow the natural temperatures and fresh air to regulate the home environment without expending any energy.

3. EMBRACE THE PANE(S)

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // MANOLO LANGIS PHOTOGRAPHY

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

The windows themselves are an important element that allow light and scenery to be enjoyed inside while keeping the weather out. Single, double and triple pane windows offer respective amounts of insulation to protect against the elements. Glazing and tinting options add to the energy-efficiency (and the cost) with additional layers that keep the inside temperature in and the outside temperature out.

A common trade off to consider: eco-friendly window materials vs. long-term energy efficiency. Luckily the glass that makes up the bulk of a window is the product of natural resources (sand) and 100% recyclable so it's mostly the framing that has pros and cons to weigh.

We refreshed our window basics here.

4. BE A FAN OF FANS

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

PROJECT ONE FORD ROAD // BLACKBAND DESIGN // LEIGH ANN ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY

PROJECT PORT MARGATE // AKINS HOMES // FOREST STUDIO // MERIDIAN INTERIORS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Many of our clients have opted for ceiling fans in place of air conditioning all together. Lucky for us, ceiling fan design has come a long way so we're able to specify stylish solutions for our clients with a much lower overhead.

5. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIGHT

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

LED lighting uses a fraction of the energy to illuminate your home in comparison to incandescent, fluorescent and halogen lights. Opt for the energy-efficient LEDs to fill your can lights, and simply swap out the original bulbs that come in most decorative lighting fixtures for the more sustainable option.

Learn more about LED lighting here.

6. GO WITH LOW FLOW

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // MANOLO LANGIS PHOTOGRAPHY

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

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // ryan garvin PHOTOGRAPHY

Selecting faucets, toilets and shower heads that meet low flow requirements will ensure less water is used (or wasted) per use, and will in turn save you some expense in water bills. California enforces a high standard of plumbing regulations so if you're living in the drought-conscious Golden State the eco-friendly choice is made for you.

Besides the plumbing mechanics, we can each make a difference in limiting the amount of water we let run. Shutting off the faucet while brushing your teeth, scrubbing the dishes or even shaving can reduce your water footprint. As 'they' say, "save some for the fishies!"

7. OPT FOR EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

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

The big energy-users in your home (refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, etc) are essential to 21st century living and make our lives a whole lot easier. So there's no way we could convince you (or ourselves) to forgo these modern day luxuries for manual chores, but we do advise doing your homework and selecting appliances that are suitable for you and our planet long-term.

8. USE GREEN FABRICS (OF ALL COLORS)

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

Even the materials we use to cover upholstered furnishings and decorate our homes can make a difference for the environment. Natural fabrics such as linens, cottons, hemps and wools are made from plants while synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester are by-products of petroleum and emit a greater amount of pollution to the atmosphere and waterways. Good thing our casual California style is in favor of all the natural weaves.

9. DON'T SWEAT THE HEAT

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

PROJECT BEL AIR // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY

PIPER BLACKBAND AT PROJECT SAPPHIRE

With California's susceptibility to droughts, it's important to choose landscaping that will survive and thrive in a low-water environment. Succulents, mulch, and rocks are some of the most popular solutions for eco-conscious curb appeal and are best paired with a thoughtfully-planned irrigation system.

Another low-maintenance favorite is bougainvillea. Beautiful bougainvillea climbs the walls of the Blackband home and makes for a cheerful first impression. This vibrant vine grows relatively carefree and flourishes in our mild, coastal climate.

Learn more about water-efficient plants that are native to California here and creative ways to make the most of your irrigation systems here.

10. FLIP THE SWITCH

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // ryan garvin PHOTOGRAPHY

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

We couldn't resist leaning into Drake's "flip the switch" tune trending on TikTok for a catchy reminder to save energy -- we know you're watching those challenges on repeat! But in all seriousness and simplicity, turn out the lights when you leave the room, unplug electronics that aren't in use, and don't leave the air running for an empty home.

Automating your systems is a great solution for unnecessary energy expenditure because we're all guilty of forgetting. Program your thermostat to a schedule that works for you and install motion detectors or timers to shut off lights after a lack of movement or amount of time has passed.

DOING OUR PART AT THE OFFICE

...well home is our office in these quarantined times but regardless of where we are, we can all make a difference. Day to day there are so many small decisions we can make and new habits we can form to show Mother Earth the love she deserves. Here are a few ways our team limits the waste in hopes for a brighter, more sustainable future.

SKIP THE (PLASTIC) STRAW

Piper Blackband's middle school classmate started a campaign to SKIP THE PLASTIC STRAW to reduce the plastic waste that ends up in our waterways. In support of this movement, our team opts for more sustainable sipping solutions such as glass and metal straws to enjoy their iced coffees and vitamin water.

USE REUSABLE UTENSILS

Bringing our own, reusable utensils to the office is also a great way to eliminate the waste of plastic forks daily. These titanium utensil sets are compact and store in a convenient case to slip into your desk drawer.

BRING A LUNCH BOX OR BAG

All in favor of bringing back the lunch box say AYE! Our lunch carriers may not be character-themed like those cute Kindergarteners rock but recycled shopping bags (shout out to Lululemon for a popular one that makes its way to our office kitchen) and these silicone snack bags make for smarter options than single-use plastic and paper baggies!

B.Y.O.B.

Bring your own bottle! Gone are the days of half drinken plastic water bottles laying around the office. We bring our own bottles and refill at our water station to stay hydrated and even make a style statement while we're at it. These pretty bottles and colorful designs beat out plastic any day and make for great desktop accessories.

RECYCLE PAPER

We keep paper trays near our copy machine for lightly used scrap papers that can be repurposed for internal printing and note-taking. Papers that can't be reused make their way home with our team to be recycled since our office dumpster is a free-for-all.

LIMIT THE PRINT

Working remotely with our team has launched our paper-saving initiatives into action with a focus on digital, sharable documents. It has forced us to break the habit of printing and create more sustainable work flows.

SOAK UP THE SUN

As we mentioned above, solar power has made a huge difference for us. Skylights and large windows also allow natural light in which is best for making color decisions in our designs and limits the use of electricity.

How do you show Mother Earth your love? We would love to hear your tips and tricks for eco-friendly living 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 PHOTORAPHY // CJ LIGHT ASSOCIATES // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY // LEIGH ANN ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY // AKINS HOMES // MERIDIAN INTERIORS // FOREST STUDIO // MANOLO LANGIS PHOTOGRAPHY

LOOKS WE LOVE: HOME LIBRARIES

April 15, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: Blackband Blog Leave a Comment

WENDY'S MOM JUDITH CORONA'S HOME LIBRARY IN MALIBU, CALIFORNIA

Books and home design go hand-in-hand in our world so we are thrilled to bring you a round-up of book-heavy spaces that inspire us! Wendy comes from a long line of readers and artists so it's in her blood to appreciate those beautifully bound pages that have filled the homes in her family. Her mom's library in Malibu (pictured above) is one of Wendy's favorite places to be -- layered with books of all genres, art of many mediums, travel treasures from around the world and photos of loved ones through the generations. It's overflowing with inspiration and curiosity in its perfectly imperfect array.

Home libraries packed with books and cherished memories shine with sophistication, intelligence and creativity that pull us in. We can't help but wonder about all the stories that make up the collection, and in turn, make up the life story of those who live in it. These spaces (and books in general) are what keep our visions for design growing and ever evolving with the material we consume.

If knowledge is indeed power then you won't be surprised that these inspiring home libraries below belong to some very talented and successful creatives that we're happy to introduce you to.

TEXTILE DESIGNER ELIZA GRAN'S HOME IN LA // PHOTO: JENNA PEFFLEY FOR LONNY

HORDERN HOUSE, AUS // DESIGN: BUSATTI // PHOTO: MAREE HOMER

RIVER TOWN LODGE IN NY // DESIGN: WORKSTEAD // PHOTO: EMMA TUCCILLO

LIFESTYLE BLOGGER MICHELLE NEILSON'S (@STONEMUSE) HOME IN DENMARK

PAPERLESS POST COFOUNDER JAMES HIRSCHFELD'S NYC HOME // PHOTO: MAX BURKHALTER

FASHION DESIGNER LEE MATHEW'S HOME IN AUS // PHOTO: SEAN FENNESSY

TINY HOUSE NEAR PORTLAND, OR // DESIGN: JESSICA HELGERSON // PHOTO: LINCOLN BARBOUR

ARTIST'S STUDIO BRIDGE IN SAN DIEGO // DESIGN: SAFDIE RABINES ARCHITECTS

A MIMINALIST LIBRARY, AUS // DESIGN: Coy Yiontis // PHOTO: PETER CLARKE

HORDERN HOUSE, AUS // DESIGN: BUSATTI // PHOTO: MAREE HOMER

PARIS RIVE GAUCHE HOME // PHOTO: ESPACES ATYPIQUES

FASHION DESIGNER DIANE VON FURSTENBERG'S HOME IN CONNECTICUT // PHOTO: JAMES MERRELL

PROJECT SAPPHIRE BY BLACKBAND DESIGN

A SPECIAL SNEAK PEEK

THE BLACKBAND FAMILY'S MASTER SUITE BOOK NOOK

A first glance into Greg and Wendy Blackband's newly remodeled Balboa Island, CA home.

Books are treasured in Wendy's home. This collection of travel books and classic novels is thoughtfully organized in a way that brings her joy and many nostalgic memories. Wendy remembers how her great grandmother would read by candlelight to her great grandfather over a box of chocolates. That is why her grandmother, mom, aunties and Wendy have such a fondness for reading and chocolates... always chocolates!

We can't wait to complete this styling with more of Wendy's collected treasures and Blackband favorites. Professional photos to come, post-quarantine...

OR MORE HOME LIBRARIES INSPIRATION, CHECK OUT OUR BOARD ON PINTEREST

Do you have a dreamy library in your home or dream of growing a collection like these above? We would love to hear your home library stories in the comments below!

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!