Wednesday, November 2, 2011

We're On the Move!

Kitty on the Move

Just wanted to let everyone know that we're finally moving this blog over to our actual website. A new location with a new look (to match our website) but the same kinds of ideas, stories and images. Please make a note of our new address, which is easy to remember:
LenkinDesign.com/blog

You will be automatically redirected in a few seconds!

Monday, October 10, 2011

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Just wanted to share this lovely bouquet used to welcome a special visitor. Daylilies, hydrangeas, roses blend in a delicate palette of creams and pale lavender. We're not quite sure what the geometric dried flower clusters are, but they punctuate the composition beautifully. From the always amazing Jacob Maarse Florists in Pasadena.

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Thursday, October 6, 2011

Rainy Day Snail

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The last few days have been a first glorious taste of Autumn, with clean, crisp air, and a subtle shift in the color of the afternoon. Oh, and yesterday it poured rain all day long. Anyway, the new moisture has delighted the garden, and brought out more than a few critters as well. Today we found a tiny Glass Snail (oxychilus draparnaudi), which is generally found in more damp climates. Their flat shell is beautiful and glassy (thus their common name) and works well for hiding under pots and stones… Which is where they'll be back next week when temperatures go back up into the 90s. Fall in Los Angeles never arrives definitively until November…

Would you believe this was shot with an iPhone?
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Monday, October 3, 2011

Cocoa Coordinates

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We were just minding our own business, selecting fabrics for an outdoor living room and custom daybed, when a French friend (and client) dropped by with gifts…

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Such a harmonious intersection of design and edibles really should happen more often in the office. How lovely, for a change, to use words like mocha, cocoa and coffee without referring to paint chips or fabric swatches!

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And yes, another box of divine macarons, this time straight from Paris, rather than Heathrow!
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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

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A little while ago, we started work on a Pasadena Craftsman home, not far from our office. We had such a great time working with our client on a complete makeover of the front and back that they asked if we could spruce up the interiors (Heather has a degree in interior design as well). After many fabric and furniture specs and several completely new bathrooms, we finally had time to shoot a few photographs.

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What was previously an unsightly service corridor is now green wall, providing soft focal points outside the living room and dining room windows. An assortment of ferns were planted in an easy-to-install vertical garden system - Woolly Pockets.

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Custom cabinetry and tile work in the new guest bath.

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Custom mosaic floor in the new powder room.

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Custom shower in an upstairs bath, featuring truly gorgeous fixtures from our friends at Waterworks.

More photographs at our Flickr page.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Oops…We Did It Again

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Introducing Elizabeth, the latest troublemaker to join the crew here. "Bessie" is a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel with a sunny personality and plenty of energy to explore the world. Hilarity shall surely ensue…

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Of course, not everyone is thrilled with the new arrival…
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Friday, August 26, 2011

Summer Tablescapes

Whether you are having guests over or not, tablescapes are a great way to add visual interest to a space. Creative compositions can even be conjured up with a just handful of household items and a few fresh flowers from the garden.

Beach Table
This tablescape was created with seashells from the bathroom, candles, and a small potted succulent from the garden.


Cottage garden table
Not designed for eating, this cottage garden tablescape is decorated with garden tools, old teacups, and Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks of Fire’ and Kalanchoe blossfeldiana ‘Opala Pink’ in pots.


Contemplation Garden
This contemplative garden has sushi plates, decorative lanterns, marbles, and colorful pots. Remember, tablescapes don't need to be bound to the table!

Black and White Tablescape
The mirror underneath the centered pots create depth while knotted lavender ties echoes the greenery beyond.


Moss Table
This living tablescape is composed with moss and mixed succulents in a handmade and painted wood centerpiece. Sunset Magazine featured this a while back, along with a "How To" guide.


Simple Sand & Succulent Tablescape
The striped white and purple sand contrasts with the plump leaves of the Graptosetum ‘California Sunset’ and the bright yellow tablecloth.