Today, I am excited to share final pictures from the vintage desk restoration.You might have followed or read the previous post, where I shared my tips and strategies for refinishing hardwood. Today, you will see the before and after pics finally! You may remember that I started this project way back in the New Year. As I began, it quickly brought me back to all the before and after projects that I have tackled over the years. ​

Here is a peek of how it looked by the pool, as the finishes were drying.  For the finish, I applied a dark walnut stain. ​

​One new project that I recently finished is a Handmade Walnut Coatrack. A client sent me this beautiful photo as inspiration inquiring about a new piece for her entryway. She wanted a long coat rack to replace her existing one, with a slight ledge so small items could be stored on top as well. She liked the idea of using sturdy 5" bronze hooks that would be in a dark oil rubbed finish. 

I loved the inspiration photo above and how the hats and belongings added to the overall style and feeling of the entryway, which reminded me of how we used these 5 tips to declutter our entryway at the start of the year. For me, the height and structure of the hooks, complimented the long 48" rectangular shape of the rack. I love it when, a custom project leads to a new product in my shop!

Currently, I plan to explore other types of hardwood such as Hickory that would pop against the darker hooks, I always admire lighter wood for a Scandinavian look. What other types of wood would you like to see this rack available in? It feels like summer is just around the corner in L. A, which means we will be spending more time outdoors and at the beach. We will have beach totes, sun hats and summer scarves that all need arranging. How about you?! What activities do you have planned this summer?

I promise to post follow-up pics of this project showing the new coat racks in Hickory hardwood, along with photos of my client's entryway, so check back in with me:)

Since 2011, we have been lucky to travel to all 4 of the larger Hawaiian Islands, Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai, each enthralling in it's own way. As a creative person, each trip has brought me renewal and inspiration, a respite from the city lifestyle and hustle that is Los Angeles. On our most recent visit we traveled to Kauai seeking relaxation, adventure and family time. I had been feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending list of work related tasks in the city, which in turn, had diminished my creativity. Once in Kauai, we headed to the North Shore, rainy-side of the island, where it was so easy to unwind and recharge. In Princeville, we stayed at the Princeville Westin Resort and Villas, which I would highly recommend. It was lush and close to hiking, kayaking and an artsy town called Hanalei. 

​On Day 2, we visited Kīlauea Lighthouse located at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, where we saw protected birds such as the Nene and albatross as we soaked in the views.

One thing, that has charmed me about Kauai, is all the color green from every angle. Since Kauai is known as the garden-isle it is so lush due to the abundant rainfall especially on the North Shore of the island. There are a variety of tropical plants that make it especially verdant. Since, Kauai manages to be simultaneously rainy and sunny throughout a single day, it provides the perfect environment (for me, a rain lover) to vacation!

Read on through to the bottom to see where we stayed, what we ate, and really truly enjoyed during our 7 day adventure on the beautiful Garden Isle.