If you’ve been following me all year on social media, you know it’s been a BUSY year. The past few months have been a little overwhelming but overall it’s been a productive year. I’ve reclaimed my physical health (so far I’ve lost about 40 of the 50 pounds I gained in 2020) after going through a similar health slump many people went through in the pandemic. And I finally got both Londo Lodge and my LA Bungalow to a place where they feel livable (ie NOT a construction zone where it’s impossible to relax). It wasn’t until I got my LA place put together that I realized the strain of having two unfinished houses to take care of and yet no place I could go to actually relax.
As I was driving up to Londo Lodge last week to meet some family members that came up to visit, I realized I was ending this year on a much higher note than I have any year since the pandemic and for that I’m thankful. October through December were truly so bonkers I thought I was going to lose it. But I’m ending the year on a much more stable note financially, I’m feeling really proud of the projects and collaborations I worked on throughout the year, especially my partnership with AllModern. I was able to source a lot of the furniture for my LA Bungalow from their vast assortment of furnishings and accessories. And since I’ve already gone over most of the furnishings on their site, what I’d like to do today is talk about some of their accessories and objects and accessories really add character to a home. They’re the last bit you need to complete a room and they’re also a great way to infuse your personality onto your home.
Sources: Asher Sectional, Elsmere Sofa, Sydnee Coffee Tables, Leather Pillow, Terra Cotta Art, Terra Cotta Shapes Art, Abstract 8 Art, Marble Side Table, Marble Tray, Christmas Tree, Brass Picture Ledge, Mirror, Faux Pine Garlands.
I shot my house for the holidays in October. Fun fact: AllModern has great holiday decor. I’ve used this Christmas Tree three times now: Once at Ormomdo’s (she has had that tree for at least five years and loves it), once at Londo Lodge, and once in LA (I have two of these Christmas Trees). The tree is sold out on their site right now but get on the waitlist, it’s worth it! This is the best looking, most realistic tree I’ve seen at that price point. It doesn’t come pre-lit, but in my opinion it looks a little more personal/custom to choose your own bulbs (at Londo Lodge I have large C9 bulbs and it looks great!).
AllModern was also the source for these gorgeous Faux Pine Garlands. While I love the look of real greenery, faux has a lot of benefits. Firstly, if you plan on keeping your decor up for a long, they just age better. Second, if you’re adding lights they’re a lot safer for fire prevention. And they’re way easier to style than real.
This year’s winter has gotten off to a WONDERFUL start in LA! We’ve gotten a ton of rain and had cold, gloomy days that make staying inside the only option. I love being cozy at home more than anything and the Asher Sectional has been like a cloud of comfort all season long. A typical weeknight you’ll find me snuggling my little piglet (Satie) under a huge king size knit blanket, watching “Wednesday” or “The White Lotus.” This sofa is unbeatable in its comfort. As far as accessories go, I usually keep the styling of the Sydnee Coffee Tables pretty simple. A few musts for my coffee table: a small marble tray to hold a candle and some coasters. And a box to hide my remote because I hate looking at it.
Sources: Ludo Dining Table, Black Console Table, Framed Art (Over Console), Patton Bench.
When the pandemic started, I was shooting Build Me Up. Previous to that show, I’d spent year building up a prop closet filled with vintage finds (mostly from thrift stores). I gave away almost all of my accessories to clients/guests on the show and I haven’t been able to build it back to its former glory quite yet, so all these styling essentials from AllModern have been a huge help. And building up my prop inventory again has been a chance to really think about the types of things that are useful. Here’s my short list: trays, round objects/vases, art (small for styling in shelves, large for the walls), and sculptural/organic objects.
Unfortunately I haven’t gotten around to shooting it yet, but I added a bench on the left side of the dining room. When I first moved in, I got a big, beautiful table that left no room for other furniture. But when I shot my living room this summer, I noticed that the walls looked super bare and sad without furniture, so I swapped the table out for a smaller one and added the Ludo Dining Table, the Black Console Table, and the Patton Bench. The room looks a lot more considered now. And that dining table rocks my world every morning when I wake up to drink my coffee there while I look out those big arched windows.
As this year ends, the thing I’m feeling the most gratitude for is finally having a few weeks of peace after a busy and productive year. I’ve been spending most of my time in LA lately and having a place where I can veg out after stressing about work all day has been amazing. This time of the year can be kind of a lot, so I love taking some time to think about my goals for next year, including my goals for projects I’d like to do around the home.
For me, the biggest project on the horizon is the kitchen at Londo Lodge. In February, I’ll take my “perfectly good for now” cabin and turn it into a chaotic construction zone. At which point I’m gonna be so relieved to have my LA Bungalow to escape to. In the meantime, I’ll continue to stock up my styling cache with pieces from AllModern. Want more modern ideas? You can go to my curated page on AllModern for my edit of their amazing furnishings and home decor.
This post was created in collaboration with AllModern. All ideas and opinions expressed are genuine and my own.