Exotic from Bonesteel Trout Hall

Bonesteel Trout Hall corner vignette. The colorful rug is balanced with solid fabric on the chair and ottoman. Nail head accents add character. Great curtain details and beautiful plaster walls

I am still flipping through the latest House Beautiful March issue. Are you? I realized that this bathroom is from one of the design firms I like to "watch". There was such a creative use of tile in this spa-like bath. Very beachy and cool. It prompted me to click over to the Bonesteel Trout Hall website to see what they have been up to lately.

House Beautiful, March 2010. Bonesteel Trout Hall Laguna Beach Bathroom. Photo by Victoria Pearson

Some "take me away" images struck me. Known for their fresh and stylish liveable interiors, BTH seems to step outside of their California cool and onto another continent. I like it. Yes, I do.

Bonesteel Trout Hall Moroccan flavor Living Room

Click on over HERE for more.

Beautiful light play in this exotic bathroom. Ceiling tile detailing is brilliant.

The Beach is Calling: Bonesteel Trout and Hall

Just wanted to add a little freshness to your weekend.

I was snooping around the updated Bonesteel Trout and Hall website and these images made me happy. I thought they might do the same for you!

Have a breezy weekend.

America and the Red, White and Blue

That very American of holidays: The Fourth of July is fast approaching! Does everyone have plans? Are you going to BBQ, watch fireworks, go to the beach, eat apple pie, have a beer/lemonade? All of the above? Those of you in other places will be carrying on as usual , but I thought a little red white and blue might perk up your summer just the same.

Above is an example of an American 13 Star Parade Flag circa late 1800's from Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques available through 1st Dibs.

This is the wonderful beach house of Anna Spiro from Absolutely Beautiful Things. I just had to show this red, white and blue loveliness.

There is nothing quite so relaxing as sitting on a shaded porch sipping a tall cool drink. This porch designed by Thad Hayes is one of my "happy place" images that I look at when the stresses of the day get a little out of hand.

I love this image of Peter Dunham's house via Stylecourt blog: the tapestry, the desk, the lamp....love it all!

This Living Room by Bonesteel, Trout and Hall captures that very American "love of the beach" feeling that I long for this time of year. At the same time, there is a strong use of Indian prints and Asian furniture that is so very appealing.

Betsy Burnham uses red, white and blue in this foyer area to great effect. Not the least bit what one expects when hearing "red, white and blue".

What could be more nostalgically "American" than wicker furniture? If you have never been to the Maine Cottage website, please take the first opportunity to visit! They have a wonderful collection and very fun feature that lets you pick your piece of furniture , apply any color and put any of their fabrics on it. You can create your own version of the perfect summer chair.

It is an election year, and Jonathan Adler is appealing to both parties with his elephant and donkey figures. Take your pick, and don't forget to vote!

Pottery Barn came out with a "to the trade" sneak preview of their Fall collection. I have to say, I am liking it. It is a little less obvious as to where it all came from. A very nice mix. What do all of you think? Agree? Disagree?

The Jacqui Table from Bungalow 5 available through Eboniste seems to creep into my mind alot. Available in many colors, this table just seems to "fit" in so may situations.

And a little Kate Spade to put you in the holiday mood: Cute "Kelly" rain shoes in navy and red for those sudden summer rain showers ($125), and the Chattanooga Jocelyn purse ($175).

18" pillow in red "Flutter" fabric from Seacloth ($110).

A pair of very patriotic vintage lamps go by the name of "Stars and Stripes" and are available from LUM.

Enjoy a little Red, White and Blue wherever you may be!

Design Crush: Bonesteel Trout Hall

Flipping through the latest Western Interiors and Design magazine, I came across a house from my old stomping grounds: Corona Del Mar, California. Designed by Heidi Bonesteel and her partner Michele Trout of Bonesteel Trout Hall, it is such a fun space, I had to share. It is a beachy, sunny space, something I am missing right about now while trying to endure the constant rain we have been seeing in Northern California. I hope this brightens your day!

Vintage poster by Belgian artist Albert Detry sets a beach front tone. Vintage lamp from Dana John. Credenza from Mecox Gardens. Love, love, love this combination.

Slipcover in Victorian Hagan linen. Coffee table from Mecox Gardens. Pillow fabrics from Fortuny and Raoul Textiles. The designers used coral to punch it up and make it more youthful" for the young woman who has just graduated from college. (Pretty nice digs for a recent college grad I'd say!!) The blue and white china lamps, the matchstick blinds. Sigh...I want them all.

Sutherland Bamboo Chair with fabric from John Robshaw Textiles. Clate Grunden light fixture in Dining Room. Bielecky Brothers Dining Chairs. Hard to imagine this room is not in the Caribbean somewhere. The light fixture is amazing, and I think we all could use a little John Robshaw in our lives.

Now that I've seen this bathroom, can I live without this Clarence House Fabric? The designers have backed it with paper to cover the powder room walls. Matched with the shell encrusted mirror.....more than charming!

Raoul Textiles fabric covers the headboard. Ankasa palm leaf pillow. Walter's Wicker nightstand. And this is the Guest Room. I think I could manage a long stay in this room.

This is a close up view of the 1920 wallpaper panels from Chapman Radcliff Home that the designers used to flank the Master Bed. Nicely done tablescape with the silver bowl with blue interior, blue stones in the rose vase.

This is a bigger view of the Master Bedroom. The article refers to the bed as "bamboo", but I am pretty certain it is from Oly Studio, as are the zebra benches at the end of the bed. I can never get enough of beautiful, classic white bedding.

This is the sitting area of the Master Bedroom: loving the Moroccan table here.

Heidi Bonesteel and Michele Trout have joined forces to become the new owners of the company formerly known as Hannah Gordon Design. They have offices in Pacific Palisades and Newport Beach for those of you in SoCal. If you haven't yet followed the link on over to the Bonesteel Trout Hall website, you might want to take a looksee. Lots more projects to see.

And I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to Western Interiors & Design magazine for being so GENEROUS with all of the very easy to find sourcing throughout their editorial. Some magazines ( no names, but you know who you are) are not quite so forthcoming. As a designer, I am always on the lookout for great sources. So I, for one, have great appreciation for your efforts to include the info.

All photos Western Interiors magazine February/March 2008, photos by John Ellis