EMI Interior Design, Inc

Next Month : Fashion Week in NY with Brizo & Jason Wu

2012-01-10T08:23:00.000-08:00

Brizo, the faucet brand for the fashion forward, invited me and 19 other designers, architects and social media mavens to be their guests in New York to see it's newest products and attend an exclusive design- focused event during Fashion Week next month! That's Right! Fashion Week in New York !

I am absolutely thrilled and honored to be invited to attend this event all courtesy of Brizo.

(Photo Courtesy of Brizo)

During the trip, Brizo will give us a sneak peeks at their upcoming products and we'll have the opportunity to share our feedback on concept pieces to help influence their design. This is an incredible opportunity that every designer dreams of ! To top it all off , we will also be attending Jason Wu's fashion show !

I look forward to learning more about Brizo's collaboration with renowned fashion designer Jason Wu. They both encompass what I find to be the key ingredients in all design: they are timeless with modern sensibilities. They are both classic, yet edgy! They are "Two young fashion brands, one shared aesthetic". I believe I'm in for a real treat , because their design philosophy is right up my alley !

It's going to be So Fun meeting the 19 others on the trip and Mr. Jason Wu himself and all the creative geniuses behind Brizo's innovative products. I can't wait to be in the middle of all that creativity! Excited to be in the heart of Fashion Week in New York where the trends are set and the latest styles are born.

So be sure to tune in next month in February if you love design, fashion and adventure! I'll be sharing adventures from my trip with you through Facebook and Twitter so be sure to follow us , if you don't already! I will keep you posted with lots of photos and posts as its' all happening .
I HEART NEW YORK !

Out with a Bang

2011-12-28T17:43:00.000-08:00

New Press from 2012 Premiere issue of Real Kitchens:
I am thrilled and honored to be featured in this magazine which is fresh on newsstands today !
What a way to polish off the year with 4 featured projects and a mention on the Editor's note. This magazine is full with creative solutions & fun design tips from Designers across the country. There is something for everyone in this issue, including some great new products, like a New Crush from FireClayTile &New Ravenna's Ikat Collection .  So go out and get your copy of Real Kitchens Magazine and dive in .

My work is Featured on  Page 3 Editor's note, on Page 6- 2012 Trends article begins with my Santa Monica Client's Kitchen, Page 98 Features my Client's SilverLake Kitchen which has a 4 page Spread! (woo hoo!), Page 124 features my Client's colorful Cheviot Hills Kitchen and lastly on Page 132 ( 2 page Feature) My Client's Santa Monica Guest house Bathroom.

Please check in to our website soon as we will be updating the Press page so you can view this 9 page feature online too.

Thank you Phyllis Goldstein and Barbara Ballinger for contacting me & featuring my work. I loved the interviews & the layouts are amazing !

Kuba Textiles

2011-12-16T12:17:00.000-08:00

Nothing makes a space more interesting than authentic, handmade accessories. Here's something that is trendy right now that has been around for a very long time, so it is sure to stand the test of time. This little design tip is something that we think would make the perfect flourish for pretty much any design style, from modern to traditional. We happen to be using it in our most recent project, a contemporary interpretation of the classic French chateau.

Kuba cloth is a handwoven textile that comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The Kuba people have been making these gorgeous cloths for hundreds of years, primarily for ceremonial events. The process actually has a great significance in Kuban culture and can involve whole families and clans.

The Kuba people weave their cloth from the fibers of the Raphia Vinifera Palm, which they collect and strip by hand. The various patterns – made through weaving dyed fibers into the base cloth – traditionally distinguish different ethnic groups from one another, but the Kuba people have also made this cloth for export for many years.

[TIPS ON HOW TO DESIGN WITH THE CLOTH]

You can pick up Kuba textiles at several places, like Malabar Coast Living, even online at places like Wisteria.com and at Horchow. The cloth works in all sorts of ways, whether you are looking for runners for your table, pillows or art to display, the intricate patterns and geometric designs of Kuba cloth really bring a room to life.

I personally used it in my Dining room as Art / Window treatment. You can't tell there's a window there can you? Instead all you see is a wonderful piece of art work.

If you're interested in seeing Kuba cloth, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art has a collection of some of this amazing craftsmanship.

12 Designer Kitchens ...Get the Look for Less

2011-12-03T14:25:00.000-08:00

Check out these budget -savy tips on HGTV's blog post featuring a couple of the kitchens we designed amongst other gerat kitchen designs. Some great tips on how to get the look for less.

Do you want the look of a designer kitchen without emptying your wallet? click here to read.

Jewelry for Cabinets

2011-11-16T12:31:00.000-08:00

When dressing up for a night on the town, you always make sure to look your best, right? You'd never just pick up that oversized bag /purse you got to go with the brand new Armani dress you have on. There's a time and place for that oversized bag /purse; usually that time is when you have to rush out the door to a jobsite or pick up your kids from school, not when you want to dress to impress.

If you wouldn't skimp on accessories when you want to look your best, why would you when you're redesigning your kitchen or bathroom? Whether you're talking about fashion or design, we all know that accessories look cheap and out-of-place – even if they are small – can ruin a whole look.

That's why, when I'm getting ready to dress up a new kitchen or bathroom, one of my favorite places to find cabinet hardware is Anthropologie.

You can never go wrong with Anthropologie's amazing selection of cabinet knobs. They have some for every style and taste. Just take a look at these accessories!

Like when choosing what to wear, you choose your accessories to complete your look. They are precious and add fun color to your room.

I think hardware can be like jewelry for your cabinets. Take a look at Anthropologie's great selections.

Thankful for our Good Shepherd Donors

2011-11-13T19:05:00.000-08:00

Thank you to our Vendors and Tradesmen for your Generous donations of time and product.
TO see "before and afters" of this project , including some really great press, click our Newsletter here. and be sure to subscribe for future newsletters.

Erica Talks Small Spaces on HGTV

2011-10-31T10:49:00.000-07:00

Just because you have a small space, doesn't mean it can't be comfortable, functional and gorgeous! Check out the video below and hear how Erica transformed this tiny room into a multi-functional space.

Charlie's New (Old) Bed

2011-10-10T17:27:00.001-07:00

Just because something is shiny and new, that doesn't always mean it's better. Perhaps that fact is truest when it comes it to furniture.

For her sixth birthday, my daughter and I started redesigning her room (again. She's a little designer in the making). One of the central elements of the new design is my childhood bed.

The bed has become something of a family heirloom over the years. My mom got the bed from my “Grandma Jean” – that's what we called my mom's boss back then. The bed had belonged to Grandma Jean's kids, long before my time.

The bed was made in 1951, by the Davis Cabinet Company in Nashville, Tennessee. The Davis Cabinet Company, which has been around since 1929, specializes in solid wood furniture that doesn't fall apart with age. Their founding principle is “anything can be accomplished if it is done correctly.” And this lovely bed was most certainly done correctly, it has held up the test of time . Notice the date stamped on bed (typical of the Davis Cabinet Company ) , it also has original label on back of bed for authentication. This kind of stuff is pretty neat!

The bed has been in my family since I was four or five. After I outgrew it, it was passed down to my little sisters . Now, I'm going to pass it on to my little Charlotte.

But not before I give it a little bit of a face lift. It is 60 years old after all. First, I had my re finisher strip the many layers of paint that had built up over the years until we got down to the original wood , then we lacquered the bed in a soft cream color.

This bed has held up very well over the years, despite all the wear and tear that comes with being a kid's bed. They just don't make them like they used to.

You can't expect that sort of longevity from other big box furniture companies, you know the ones I'm referring to. Good news is, there are many manufacturer's out there that build on quality, like Hickory Chair who just celebrated 100 years, Henredon , Drexel Heritage , Thos Moser, and B&B Italia just to name a few. You may pay a little more, but that is exactly my point here.

As a general rule, it is a good idea to think of furniture as an investment. The more you put into it, the more you will get out of it and if you invest in good furniture, it will go a long way.

It's my hope that one day, Charlotte will be able to pass this bed on to her little one. And, because of the solid material and excellent craftsmanship, this bed will stay in my family for many generations to come.

Stay tuned for pictures of the finished room, complete with Charlotte's new (old) bed!

Frequently asked Questions

2011-09-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

One of the most frequently asked questions via emails is

"what color did you use in this bathroom you designed?"

Well , After about the 100th time of answering this question individually (honestly it's more :) ) We've decided to tell the rest of you as well what is is. On HOUZZ.COM it's been added to over 1387 idea books and it's just a great color!

Color on walls:

Benjamin Moore : Sherwood Green HC-118

Click below and see what the buzz is.....

Timesless bathroom.

It's one of the most asked about bathrooms we've designed .

We get an email about this bathroom at least once a week. Our HGTV viewers Love it!

Can you guess how long ago we designed it?

Taking Business to Another Level

2011-09-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading this book called The Business of Design: Balancing Creativity and Profitability by Keith Granet. I absolutely loved it! And it couldn't have come at a better time in my life, as I am about to embark on some new ventures of my own. I will definitely be applying some of Keith's suggestions! Perhaps with the right preparation and some more success, I may be lucky enough one day to hire Keith to help me with my licensing and product developments.

In the 17 years I've been in the design industry, I've never read a book that so clearly and accessibly breaks down the fundamentals of running a successful design business. Keith draws on his wealth of experience from working with many successful designers and design firms. He also brings to the table the wisdom, tips and tricks he has learned over the years . His book is a summation of the sort of education you can't get in school; it's the stuff you can only learn on the job.

The Business of Design is a great book because it has something for everyone. Whether you are a student of design, just starting out or a seasoned designer like myself, you will learn something from this book about running a successful business and how to help your business make money.

Let's face it, designers are creative people. And like most creative types, we often think about our projects from an artistic perspective and forget that the business aspects are just as important as creating beautiful designs for your client.

Keith knows this and he also knows that as a result, a lot of designers end up short-changing themselves or getting overwhelmed with “annual operating budgets” and “managing profitability.” But he also knows that when designers who run our own businesses have effective management skills and efficient management systems, we can free up our brainpower to focus on the artistic side of the job that we love so much.

That's why chapter two – “Business and Financial Management” – was my favorite. This chapter really makes us designers think about things we should think about more frequently, instead of just once a year with our tax accountants.

Keith offers many suggestions and key tips for success, but perhaps my favorite reminder is that we have the power to say “No.” It's hard to remember that not only can you say no to projects, but that there are certain times when you should say no. It's a realization that comes with time for designers, but once you get to a point in your career where you understand that, it's a wonderful thing. At first, it is hard to say no to projects. You worry that if you say no to this project, you not get another one. But remember that every project you take means another project you will have to pass up, so you can wait for the right ones.

Keith suggests that you listen to your gut. He gives you six easy questions to ask yourself when considering a new client:

Do I like the client?
Will this project advance my goals for the firm?
Can I work with the client?
Does the client appreciate my expertise?
Does the client have the proper budget to build this project?
Are all the members of the team people I can and want to work with?
Have they offered me a glass of water?

I love the last question! I know there's 7 questions, did I mention he's quite witty too. Keith says it's really important to notice this: “The truth is that if a client doesn’t offer you a glass of water, or anything for that matter, that client probably doesn’t care about you. This may seem harsh, but it’s true. The client needs to treat you right for any project to be successful.”

I have definitely applied the power to say no myself and I can vouch for it. Most clients (the good ones) see the value and are willing to wait for a good designer.

What's more is that Keith's style is personable and engaging. The book is full of wisdom and anecdotes told by a real person who has learned – sometimes, the hard way – how to make art and business live side by side without sacrificing one for the other. Keith is as a brilliant business man and you should not miss the opportunity to pick up this enlightening book!

Keith's press in the New York Times and Elle Decor. You can order his book on Amazon.com.

I hope you guys enjoy reading this book as much as I did!

Dwell Magazine July 2011 Feature

2011-06-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

One of our Projects was Featured in this Month's issue of Dwell -July/August 2011! Run out and get your copy if you don't already have it! It's a fabulous issue with lots of great kids spaces. Our Feauture is on page 96. All photos by David Young-Wolff

If you missed last Saturdays' panel at Dwell on Design on Kids Spaces with Erica Islas, here a couple tips she shared and more! Enjoy!

When designing spaces for kids, it’s important to remember that Kids go thru phases really quickly, so design a space they can grow with.

Example: Think about furniture that has multi-functions – cribs that convert to beds, changing tables that convert to dressers or desks that can change heights, the Stokke Tripp Trapp is a chair that can grow with your child too.

Don’t paint murals of characters…instead get bedding of characters (if that’s your thing) or add wall decals that can easily be peeled off after they outgrow that phase.

“Themes“ do not stay current - instead use Iconic pieces to decorate for a timeless room .

Iconic Pieces Ex: Eames hooks, nelson clocks, Classic Eames chair, Jacobsen Egg chair, Clever Tomato even makes mini versions of these ! which are adorable…they even make a replica of the Bertioa called Lil’ Bert.
Italian lighting - Artemide, LucePlan, Flos, Foscarini, etc….they are Fun! Playful, timeless!

Furniture with clean lines mixed with some vintage adds soul to a room. Keep it simple, nothing too ornate, or ONE ornate piece is ok, keep rest clean lines for a timeless space.

MOST importantly .....
• Get child / kid involved ( they have very creative ideas and know how THEY want to use their space)
BUT !!! don’t ask open ended questions - give them 2 choices based on what has been discusses as needs and wants.

• Use Kid /pet Friendly textiles that can take the wear and tear longer. For example :
Contract Fabrics like Maharam and Sunbrella – variety colors patterns and textures. Textiles from the 20th century – Eames Dots by Maharam – actually Maharam has a lot ! also Marimekko patterns. Fornasetti designs.
Denim is one of my favorites – used on upholstery, it’sFUN ! totally hip, modern and just timeless . Iconic patterns on fabrics is a great way to also keep things timeless.

• Go Green ! (it’s important we start implementing the importance of sustainability with our children )There is so much product out there that it becomes a matter of choices now a days ,it no longer a problem of availability . Ex: organic natural fiber bedding, buy local, low or no VOC paints, FSC certified wood to build, wool carpets, reclaimed wood floors, etc...

• Creative / Fun Storage solutions ( every kids space needs Storage ! Lot’s of storage, so it’s important to make it Fun for them to tuck their things away, Ex: tables with hidden toy compartment, combination of closed and open shelving for books and toys, vintage lockers come in a variety of BRIGHT powder coated colors)
• Space Plan ! Once the room is designed , then you can have fun with decorating. Form follows function. I approach every project from an architectural perspective, do I need to remove walls ?, make new walls?, built in case goods? Determine the functions of the room and address those issues first. Take advantage of the vertical space as well with storage or even a train track around the top of the room.
Basically what you are doing here is: Designing a room a child can grow into –& you can Decorate with what they like. It’s okay if accessories are Trendy.

MORE Decorating IDEAS for Family and Kids Spaces :

• Mount kids stuff creatively, wheather it be guitars, CD covers, Skateboards, surfboards, sport Jerseys etc….. This personalizes the room and it is Completely UNIQUE !

• Frame art work they have made, there are several ways to hang & display things, there are even Frame kits that have everything you need to display 10 frames in a harmonious way!

• Wallpaper options are endless and Way cool ! Some cool trendy ideas : Dinosaur fossil wallpaper, Robots, World Maps, etc….

• Fun Ligne Roset TOGO floor cushions! Colorful, comfy, classic design, something parents can chill on too.

• Kids are activity driven / orientated - so making fun ways to get up and down from beds/ lofts , or install a swing, or crawl into a reading nook is great. Also because they are activity driven – find storage to tuck away all these activities.

• Create cozy place for reading and have a good amount of storage for reading books. KIDS and Parents LOVE books, can never have enough! Then come trophys etc….

Hope you enjoy these few tips ! Until Next time -

Dwell On Design 2011

2011-06-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to announce that Next week Saturday June 25th, 2011 I will be speaking on a panel at Dwell on Design 2011 on the Innovative Design Stage.
It's all about form follows function and FUN kids spaces!

Click here for details!

Also on Dwell.com Today (front page too) , get a glimpse into the upcoming Kids' Spaces Panel in an interview I did with Dwell Editor, Miyoko Ohtake.

Look forward to seeing you all there!

Also don't forget to check out my clients' kids space in the upcoming July/August issue of Dwell on stands on June 28th, or come get your free copy at Dwell on Design 2011 at the L.A Convention Center.

Erica On Houzz.com

2011-06-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week of fun interviews and photo shoots. Yesterday Houzz.com posted this interview with me on Timeless Kitchen and Baths , so I thought I'd share with you the Befores of two of the projects featured. We all love to see Before Photos....so here they are.....

Before After

Now go check out the interview by Erika Ward for Houzz.com, for some design tips and learn how you can get a timeless Kitchen and Bath too.

Click on this link below....

Timesless Kitchens and baths by Erica Islas.

Sneak Peak .....Fireplace & Molding Details

2011-06-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek at a living room we are working on. I thought it would be worth sharing during the progress because of the architectural details we are adding. We renovated the fireplace and added molding.

Before 2010

progress 2011

Fireplace "Before" 2010

demo progress 2011

This Fireplace felt out of scale in the room , so we redesigned it to better fit the space . First of all we changed the shape of it, and lowered the top. One of the things that bugged me most about this existing fireplace was that the fireplace body was not sitting on the hearth, it extended over the hearth! So we had the new hearth extend over about 2" on each side as well.

Next , we added molding to the walls. Very simple, nothing too ornate, the furnishing will be classic and contemporary for this timeless Living room.

We first masked off two different patterns to see which was best , by using tape on the walls. Sometimes this works better than our renderings for clients who are not so visual.

Adding Molding to empty walls in a large, open room that doesn't have any architectural details not only adds visual interest, but it makes the room cozier and things start to look more proportioned .

By the way this is the fireplace material.

HGTV 's Design Happens - Monthly Design Tour: Erica Islas’ 1920s Spanish Bungalow

2011-04-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled and flattered that HGTV.com has chosen my client's home for their Once a month Monthly Home Tour on Design Happens. And so it is with great pleasure that I share this Home Tour with all of you . Enjoy !

Design Happens - Monthly Design Tour: Erica Islas’ 1920s Spanish Bungalow

Thank you Karli , I loved your post !

Studio Baccarat Launch Party

2011-04-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

click here to check out what Erica Islas and other designers have to say about Chandeliers in an interview with Kelly Edwards for Editor at Large at the Studio-Baccarat Launch party during West Week 2011.

GS Charity Design Project Interview

2011-04-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

Paying it forwward. Today's feature is Erica's Interview about the new Charity project she is working on. Check it out : http://gscharitydesignproject.blogspot.com/

March 2011 Newsletter

2011-03-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

March Newsletter is out ! Check out the Before and Afters of this bathroom renovation
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs028/1102418483691/archive/1104373426192.html

Sunbrella Fabric

2011-03-02T12:18:00.000-08:00

Design Tip : Using Sunbrella Fabric

For families looking to upholster their furniture to stand up to the rigors of children or pets, Sunbrella is the perfect fabric!

Upholstery can take a beating sometimes, especially in places in your house that get a lot of use. That's why we like to use Sunbrella fabric. Easy to clean and durable, Sunbrella is also gorgeous, which means we never have to weigh practicality against looks!

Here at EMI Interior Design, we almost always use Sunbrella fabric in Breakfast Nooks on bench cushions and pillows.

This way, there is no more crying over spilled milk! or anything else for that matter.

Because it's water resistant, Sunbrella is a great choice for decorating your bathroom with a chic and durable shower curtain.

Our Clients love it and think its Brilliant !
We love it and think it's Chic!

Try these simple design tips on your next project, and let us know what you think !

Take a look at Sunbrella's website here to see their variety of styles!

Design Tip!

2011-02-14T12:31:00.000-08:00

Pssst! Hey you!

Yeah, you. Design aficionado.

I want to share a little secret with you.

I usually don’t share this with anyone, but here it is:

Mosaic tile installations can be a great way to liven up any surface especially in a bathroom or a kitchen. When it comes to dealing with visible grout lines in mosaic installations, there are typically two options.

ONE: If you don't want to accentuate those grout lines you Pick a color that will blend into the color scheme of the tile.

TWO: Sometimes, you actually want to accentuate the grout lines. Isn't that part of the point of a mosaic installation anyway? In that case, you choose white or gray grout or a grout color that shows off the grout lines best with your mosaic tile.

Now, listen closely, since I'm going to let you in on this secret.

I have a THIRD option! This is an option which I use ALL the time. It's a cool little trick. Even designer colleague's of mine love it when they learn how I did certain mosaic tile installations.

Are you ready? the little secret is...

...use Clear Epoxy Grout!

Here's why it works: The clear grout blends in and reflects the color from tile in the mosaic. It also has an incredible shimmer to it which you can't get with a typical, flat grout.

check out these close ups on these mosaic installations where we used clear epoxy grout.

Take a look at how the copper glass mosaic tile in ceiling of this steam shower blends. The clear grout, which is used throughout, made the job simple and clean. If we had tried to use a brown grout in ceiling, it would've created a mess on the blue tile, even if we had taped it off. Even if we had avoided that problem, the brown would’ve been a different shade. On top of that, the rest of the mosaic pattern itself has copper, titanium, gold, white and blue and if we used a blue or a gray (or even a white) grout, the lines would be really pronounced and perhaps a tad too busy. In this case, I didn’t want to see that. So clear grout was the way to go.

The blue mosaic tile is from SICIS, and SICIS loved my little grout trick too.

The fish mosaic is a custom mosaic design by Waterworks based on a Japanese painting my client loves.

I love that I stumbled upon this secret years ago while experimenting with and doing research on grouts and mosaics. It’s made sooo many of my projects a lot nicer! This is probably the most valuable trade secret I’ve shared thus far, so use it well!

One thing you might want to consider as well is that you should always use a professional tile installer to install glass mosaic. Because it’s a specialty, it MUST be installed with WHITE thinset (preferably Mapie). If not, the mosaic will show trowel lines behind glass mosaic tiles, just to name one of the many problems that could come up in the ensuing fiasco.

I hope you can use this little trick next time you're looking to make your mosaic tile installation look spectacular.

Today's Elledecor.com Featured Designer is...

2011-02-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

We are thrilled to be Today's Featured Designer on ElleDecor.com , click on link to see more.

Thank you ElleDecor.com .

Contemporary Tubs

2011-01-28T16:56:00.000-08:00

In my latest bathroom renovation project, I will be using a very contemporary freestanding tub. It is absolutely gorgeous and surprisingly very comfortable. Yesterday I went out to see these tubs in person and actually sit in them and my favorite was this one by Victoria + Albert.

This ENGLISHCAST tub is made of a blend of volcanic limestone and high performance resins which takes the visual and tactile appeal of soaker tubs to a new level. Warm to the touch and naturally insulating, the volcanic limestone compound keeps your bathwater at just the right temperature, allowing for longer, more relaxing bathing experiences. This by the way, in my book is a very eco-friendly trait. Plus, no one likes to sit with their back up against a chilly tub.Victoria & Albert tubs are also naturally scratch resistant and renewable and won’t creak or flex.

Victoria + Albert has some sexy bath tubs, so check out their website.

There are so many new exciting bathroom products out there right now , like the new Hansgroghe plumbing fixtures, the white finish faucets, WetStyle vessels and vanities. Oh and then there's all the new Plumbing codes too. Anyhow, I can't wait to finish my current projects, photograph them and move onto the next projects lined up. This is going to be a very busy year in Bathroom renovations for us here at EMI Interior Design , and you will see some great innovative design at it's best.

Getting Started this first week in the New Year.

2011-01-06T17:43:00.000-08:00

Every Year I set goals for EMI Interior Design and myself, and it's not necessarily on the last day of the year, but at the beginning of the year when I start to put together a calendar of projects and see what we have in store for the next couple of months.

It's then when I realize what we will doing the rest of the year and I set forth other goals that will help me and my company grow. What I like about my goals is that I set a high bar and therefore making it challenging for myself, so that I don't slack or become complacent. I constantly check (weekly/ monthly) to see what we got accomplished and what is left to be done , and I push myself toward the goal every time I see the list. Of course these goals are always realistic and within reach with lot's of hard work and dedication.

For Example, last year a couple of my personal and business goals that I set out at the beginning of January '10 were to Get a Contractors License, buy a Vacation home in Big Bear, take a big vacation, Help with a charity project , Get new office space, and couple other smaller things.

Today I am proud to say that we have completed all these goals, including the renovation of Big Bear and are now renting it out to for the 2011 Snow Season ! Not to mention we also got published 4x's in 2010! So this week on Monday/Tuesday, I set out a whole new set of fun & challenging goals: 5 for me , 5 for my business and I hope to get most , if not all, done by the end of this year.

I whole-heartily believe that you can get what you want , but you have to write it down as a goal and look at it everyday, and ask yourself daily what you need to do to make it happen. I do this every year, and always have great results. I encourage you to do the same, set some goals, believe in yourself, work hard and diligently and you too shall accomplish them.

Happy New Year Everybody ! May your 2011 year be Joyous and Prosperous.

Keepsake for the New Year !

2010-12-29T18:38:00.000-08:00

Next time you pop open a champagne bottle, perhaps for New Years or you uncork that special bottle of vintage Cabernet Sauvignon to celebrate don't throw away the bottle! You can turn the labels on those bottles into a personal decorative piece that commemorates the bottles (and memories) you've shared.

After you've enjoyed the bottle(s), soak the bottle in a tub of water until the label comes off (almost) on its own. Arrange the labels on a wooden board to your liking and the frame it.

It's amazing how sometimes the simplest things can help create a lifetime of memories! It's a simple keepsake. Have a safe and Happy New Year everyone. "See" you all in 2011 . Cheers !

The Future Of Taste: A Great Holiday Read From Standard Magazine And Our Predictions For The New Year

2010-12-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

In the design industry, there is a little known secret. All the trends for the year are actually set at the end of the previous year at a secret meeting. A cabal of industry insiders gather in the Autumn to discuss the future season, what will be hot and (perhaps more importantly) what will be not.

These are the Tastemakers.

The Holiday Nostalgia issue of Standard Magazine took us into the world of the Tastemakers' Dinner, where the future is made.

Ok, so maybe it's not that dramatic, but the Tastemakers' Dinner certainly was an exciting place to be for anyone creatively inclined! Plus, there was delicious food and great wine.

The Tastemakers' Dinner, hosted by Kelly LaPlante of Standard Magazine, was a collection of sixteen talented and creative individuals involved in various industries. The media world was represented, as were the design and artistic worlds. It truly was a meeting of the minds, full of friendly and interesting people! And the wine! Did we mention the wine?

Our own Erica Islas was at this dinner. Each of the guests were asked to fill out a card about their predictions for the trends in the upcoming year, but who can really focus long enough in such an amazing atmosphere to write down a complete answer to such a question!

Erica Islas wasn't able to completely fill out her answer card because:

a) she got a little carried away with the open bar... how could she resist?

b) she was too engrossed in conversation with David Metzler of Free Range Media about the future of reality television. (Snooki's getting her own spin-off?!)

c) she may or may not have dropped her pen in the punch bowl and couldn't find it later when she had to answer the question.

d) all of the above

Now that she's managed to find her pen again, she's decided to jot down a more thorough answer to the question.

So, how's 2011 going to look?

We will see use of uplifting color as we exit this recession – people are starting to spend again!

Spending doesn't mean wasting, though and people are ready to renew, reuse and recycle – they'll invest in the right pieces for their home.

Everyone will crave custom, bespoke design – Form Follows Function!

Mixing metals will become more popular. EMI has been doing it for years, but you’ll see more gold and silver together – Don’t be afraid! If it’s done on the runway, you can do it in your home.

We'll also see juxtaposing details and more avant-garde design – EMI is doing it with their kitchens and baths: traditional vanities and cabinetry get modern edge detail countertops. Modern cabinetry will get a classic, traditional edge detail countertop. We'll see a rustic look combined with BLING and glamorous, blinged-out rooms with a pop of rustic.

People will be pushing the envelope with original BOLD art.

Design is moving in a whimsical and playful direction, so we will be seeing a lot of artisan accessories with lots and lots of colors.

Oh, and so much more! Just stay tuned.

A Day In The Life (Of Me)!

2010-11-29T09:23:00.000-08:00

Rise and shine!

It's 7:00 am and I get up and kiss my hubby good morning, but before long, it's time to get the day started!

To Do: shower, coffee, get dolled up, make school lunches while the hubby makes breakfast for the kids (tag team!)

8:45 am - Time to get the kids to school and head over to Cox Paint Center for some morning shopping!

No time to linger! By 9:30 am, I'm at my first job site visit. I only have a few minutes to pick out the grout before my next appointment!

At 10:00 am, it's time for a meeting with photographer Laure Joliet about shooting my latest finished project. She likes it!

11:00 am, the kids are in school and it's time for me to volunteer in my son's art class. Don't disturb the artist!

On my way back from art class at 12:00 pm, I head to the car wash. The truck is happy now!

At 12:30 pm, I'm snacking on some strawberries, waiting for a client at HD Buttercup, fantasizing about lunch at Beacon later. Maybe I'll go!

12:45 pm, time to call my mom! Just to say 'Hi'. I take a minute to check some e-mails, Twitter and Facebook.

Oh, and put on lipstick.

1:00 pm, meeting with client at Rug Warehouse! Maybe a Persian rug? Or a custom Sisal? Oooh! We found a gorgeous Nepalese rug!

I look at my watch and it's 2:00 pm! Where does the time go? I'm still shopping. Now I'm at Berbere Imports, looking for goodies for the Malibu project. Gotta load up the truck!

2:30 pm, starting to regret I wore 4 inch heels...

I swing by the office to check in, check my e-mail and finish up some paperwork, 2:30 pm. It feels good to get off my feet for a quick minute!

That's enough shopping for now! I've got another client meeting at 4:30 pm at a client's house where we try out some rugs and place an order.

Pull into the drive way, now 6:00 pm. Oh! It's so good to see the kids! Jumping up and down (all of us!) Time to get some kisses.

6:30 pm, it's Tuesday night, which means family dinner at my mom's. Looking forward to some homemade Mexican cuisine!

Oo! Mail! My new book came today!

7:00 pm, at my mom's and my stylists (my sisters, Malisa and Penny) are here with some new shoes for me! Oo! and a couple of outfits.

8:00 pm, dessert and coffee.

Oof... day's almost over! 9:00 pm, I'm back home and getting ready for bed! Where do the kids get all this energy?! I just want to go to sleep because tomorrow's a new day ... with a whole new list of things to do! I love it!

Old Style, New Interpretation: Taxidermy In The Modern Home

2010-11-17T17:11:00.000-08:00

Serendipity seems to be the name of the game for us at the Big Bear project. Last week, I stumbled upon a great set of antique skis. Now, it's with the antlers, as it turns out, re-imagining and reinventing taxidermy is becoming popular among designers.

In the premier Fall issue of Malibu Home Magazine, This feature talks about the rise of a more animal-friendly form of taxidermy. These projects aren't trophies, but thoughtful works of art made with animals which have died from natural causes.

I am seeing antlers and deer heads in almost every shelter magazine and design catalogues.

Restoration Hardware offers a varied selection of realistic looking cast resin antlers. But for those of you who might be squeamish about having a real (or realistic looking) taxidermy head in your home, there are couple of cool, modern alternatives, like this white lacquer deer head. Ruby's Lounge on Etsy also offers these paper resin mounts, for a more whimsical design.

If you want to go green, there are even deer heads made of recycled cardboard! These have to be assembled like a 3D puzzle and would make a fun addition to a game room.

This coincidental trend couldn't have come at a better time since a pair of mounted antlers would be the perfect addition to the chic cabin-in-the-woods. Although I hate trends, I have to say, all these different interpretations of antlers and taxidermy are pretty cool and edgy and I find it to be a timeless trend, that will carry on for many years, as it already has, IF done right.

We made our purchase of these antler's this past weekend. This particular find is a rare vintage mount that managed to find its way from Montana.

Don't worry, though. These are naturally shed, so the animal didn't have to meet an untimely end.

Honestly, I find the full head mounts a bit sad and creepy, but I still like the look of real antlers. Naturally shed antlers let me have the best of both worlds: a timeless traditional look without the traditional means.

Fortunate Find For The Big Bear Project!

2010-11-08T17:09:00.000-08:00

As many of you might know, the Big Bear project is underway and we're in the process of turning an old property into a seasonal escape where we can build great family memories.

We got lucky this week when we stumbled upon a great addition to the Big Bear project at the Timothy Oulton showroom at HD Buttercup. We came across this pair of vintage German skis and poles dating from around the late 1930s. These hickory flat top skis come complete with bamboo ski poles and original metal "bear trap" and leather bindings for the feet. At the bottom of each pole, there are leather wrapped metal rings for extra support in the snow. With winter right around the corner, this is just what we need to make sure our snowy getaway has a warm and cozy atmosphere.

The authentic, pre-fiberglass era skis would make an organic addition just above the mantle or master bedroom headboard. Or casually leaning in a corner, they would add extra character and atmosphere to the living room as they recall simpler times of coming out of the cold, shaking off the snow and sitting in front of a warm fire with a cup of hot cocoa.

Fabrics make a World of a difference

2010-10-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

This lil' girls room we designed is super cute and sophisticated. I especially love the fabrics we selected here for 9 year old client. Kravet and Duralee mixed together ! = Happy Client , Happy Me. 9 year old client knows great fabric when she she's it.

Another fun project for the books.

'Course this Heading on both Sheers and Drapes "Goblet Pleat" is delicious!

Little Changes - BIG results

2010-10-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

This formal living room was once an out of scale, dreary room. Today , thanks to the EMI Interior Design team , we have transformed this room to an inviting timeless space. Here's how we did it.

These Before photos show the proportions are all incorrect.

First to go was the out of scale fireplace surround. Next, floors were refinished a dark walnut stain. Then we designed and custom build a fireplace surround with slate and wood which is perfectly proportioned for the space. Lastly we chose furniture and and drapery that was appropriate scale for the room . The result is the gorgeous room above. Cocktails anyone?

Taste Maker's Dinner

2010-09-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

It was with great pleasure that I attended Standard Magazines' intimate Taste Maker's Dinner hosted by the ever so gracious, style maven Kelly La Plante last Thursday evening.

The evening was truly enchanting.

One of my favorite moments of the evening was when Kelly greeted us each individually at the top of the stairs and pointed to our spot at the breathtaking dining table setting which was elegantly compiled by an incredible collection of vintage finds. That was the perfect prelude to the rest of the night.

The company, conversations, laughter, music, food and drinks was delightful. What seemed like a 2-3 hour evening was actually 6 hours ! Time just flew by! Honestly lost track of time .

I am thrilled and honored to have been part of such an amazing group of people aka Taste makers.

Good Times.

REAL SIMPLE - Decorating with Gray 101

2010-09-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

Love Magazine Day ! Especially when you see you've been "quoted" in one of them.

It was a great pleasure interviewing with REAL SIMPLE magazine for their article on Decorating with Gray. A great compliment to be asked to give design/color advice.

The article is in this months issue - October 2010.

Thank you Anna Jane Grossman! The entire article is fantastic !

More design tips for working with Gray :

Perfect Taupey Gray is Revere Pewter from Benjamin Moore- HC-172

This medium toned gray is also great for Trims and Moldings, it enhances architectural details in both a modern space and also a traditional space. It is soft and on the warmer side.

Chelsey Gray HC-168 from Benjamin Moore Is a much more Deeper tone Gray- it is sophisticated and very neutral. I love this for either a modern Living room or formal living room that has antiques such as Biedermeier furniture, or rich woods, It can easily be paired up with yellows, greens, oranges.

Gounlet Gray SW 7019 is another rich, sophisticated deep gray made by Sherwin-Williams. This could be a great color for a Media Room and work incredible with jewel toned colors such as Teal , or Aubergine or Navy.

The deeper Grays are also a Fantastic option for art walls – because it acts as a neutral, and it has depth.

Tip for working with Grays, keep contrast levels subtle and soft , for a sophisticated more tailored look. Don't forget ceilings..... Use lighter shade of gray on ceiling .

Gray can have a “reflective” metallic attribute, light shadows are incredible with Gray, so why not take this opportunity to play on that and bring in Golds, Silvers and Metallic finishes into room for a sophisticated elegant room.

Speaking of Metallics …….
Ralph Lauren has a Paint line called Regent Metallics- I love Silver Plated RM13 for Hallways – because it is metallic it has reflective qualities , and catches light beautifully and adds Drama to what would normally be a boring hallway.

Hope you'll pick up your October issue of RealSimple and see what the other experts across the country have to say about "Decorating with Gray".

Bookcases

2010-09-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

Custom millwork is one of my favorites things to design as an interior designer , it's the only architectural element of the room sometimes !

Bookcases are exciting to design, especially if you have a client who is a world traveler and has an exquisite collection of art and sculpture. Lucky for me, that was the case here. This particular client has one of the most amazing collections of "stuff" I've ever seen.

We haven't photographed the completion of this room, but we custom designed and detailed this bookcase for my client who wanted a bookshelf built around the antique wood train featured here. Of course it's now filled with many books and great sculpture all perfectly stylized and very well lived in. It looks even better, now that it's all filled.

Here's a great link for inspiration of other AMAZING and UNUSUAL bookcases. Enjoy !
35 Really Unusual and Desirable Bookshelf Designs.

Launch of Standard Magazine

2010-09-09T12:07:00.001-07:00

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to Standard Magazine . An eco-magazine where sustainability is not touted as a special feature… it is bottom-baseline criteria. Standard was created by my very dear friend Kelly La Plante. She is an extrodinary interior designer who inspires me and is passionate about introducing us to new eco-product and design and more importantly educating the world that "Green is a Standard , Not a Style".

Before Kelly launched her magazine we had lunch at the SLS , as I wanted to go there to find inspiration (Phillip Starck) for my latest Big Bear cabin project. As we talked about my project and got deeper and deeper in conversation about it , she asked " are you going to make it eco-friendly?" nodding her head. And then it occured to me.......that I hadn't thought about it, and my answer was "Yes, why not? " Why not make the effort and make smarter choices in materials ? I wouldn't be compromising the design. Anyhow, to say the least, I was insprired as Kelly gave me some great tips and product info. It's not like I haven't done it before. I try to design with sustainable materials and often as I get the opportunity. Now with the launch of her magazine , I won't be the only one getting inspired . I hope you will enjoy the very first issue of standard Magazine, which is remarkable and first of its kind. I honestly couldn't get enough. Congratulations to Kelly and her incredible staff ! Your magazine Rocks !

Kelly La Plante and Erica Islas at the SLS

New Press : Nesting Newbies issue No. 4

2010-09-02T09:28:00.001-07:00

Check out the wonderful press my colleagues and I just got
on Nesting Newbies Magazine Issue no. 4
for our ProBono Work at Upward Bound House.
page 176 - 179. Click on link to read.
Thank you Nesting Newbies Jodi Murphy, Vanessa Kogevinas, Laure Joliet and Vanessa De Vargas .

Newsletter Archives

2010-08-11T15:08:00.000-07:00

You can new view our past newsletters by clicking here . Get the latest news, great design tips and much more.

1920's Spanish Bangalow

2010-07-26T22:26:00.000-07:00

Read All about it here......

A visit from Standard Magazine

2010-07-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

A visit from Standard ....to view interview click here

HGTV's Blog Post Today June 30, 2010

2010-06-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

"The always busy Erica dishes on a challenging kitchen remodel and what she loves about vacationing south of the border." - HGTV

Click here to read HGTV's blog post on Erica Islas

Keepsake

2010-06-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

A gift from my Grandmother in 1983 ! , might have been where my passion for interior design began.

This Interior Design Planning Book Kit from Crayola was the perfect little gift for the artist in me. I remember countless hours of drawing and re-drawing rooms! It came complete with vellum , a T-square , templates and much more! So you could create and re-create over and over. I loved it!

Honestly, Art, Architecture and Design is in my blood, I was born an artist, it wasn't just this cool toy that I got for Christmas When I was 10years old , that made interior design so appealing to me. I was the little girl who enjoyed hanging out with Daddy after school and in the summer at construction jobsites watching renovations. I loved it. I couldn't wait to see the next creative transformation.

My Dad, forever in my eyes, is the most creative man I know, That's really where I would say I get my "design eye"..... Having my Crayola Interior Design Planning book was simply the icing on the cake.

This Crayola Interior Design Planning Book is so old and brittle, It's time to frame the little guy!
Thanks MOM ! for never throwing out this awsome Keepsake ! Moms are The Best !

Recycled Glass Tile

2010-04-27T23:35:00.000-07:00

If I got paid for every time someone emailed me "where can I get the recycled glass tile that you used in the kitchen Back splash of this photo I found on HGTV.com ? ", I'd be Rich !

I'm kidding....but really , at least once or twice a month I am asked this question. We actually think it's kinda funny here in our office , because it is the most asked question by our HGTV fans.

I designed this small Beach Guest House Kitchen 5 years ago and it's no surprise that we are still asked this question. It's an incredible tile and It's a timeless look. So what tile is it?

The answer: Lunada Bay Tile - Sumi-e, It is a recycled glass mosaic. It comes in a variety of colors.

For the kitchen we used cool ones of grey, blues, reminiscent of the beach ocean water. It comes in two finishes, either natural or silk, for this Kitchen I chose silk.

Sumi-e are hand-poured and will have a certain amount of variation and variegation of color, tone, shade and size. Additionally, you will notice creases, wrinkles, shivers, waves, bubbles topped off with a natural surface to catch all forms of light for a brilliant effect. These characteristics of natural glass and only serve to enhance the final beauty of the installation.

This tile can also be used in bathrooms, as We did here on a project I worked on with my friend /colleague, Gabriella Toro. In this bathroom we used warmer golden tones of the same Sumi-e line.

This tile is post-consumer recycled glass , and so it gets the thumbs up for eco-friendly product.

WestWeek 2010

2010-04-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

West Week 2010 - Pacific Design Center - West Hollywood , CA

West Week 2010 was like no other.

I've been attending West Week events since '98 and I've never had so much fun as I did this time. Yes, the parties were fun, and the book signings super cool , the showrooms were all decked out and stunning as usual, and the panel discussions I attended were very informative......BUT what I liked best was the company I was with. Hanging out with my colleagues at different events during West Week was totally Fun and inspiring.

All because I became a member of DNG ! 10 months ago.

I've met some of the coolest, talented designers around and have become really good friends with a lot of them. It's amazing what happens when a bunch of designers get together, we all share one common interest and inspire each other.

I have to wonder if it's like this everywhere ? Or is it just us? Are we just really lucky ?

In any case, This kinda reminded me of stories I've read about the classics (designers, architects and artists) back in the days when they hung out together , whether they were partying or collaborating. One story in particular that I find amusing, is the story of how the Nelson Ball Clock came to be.....if you haven't heard the story here it is :

George Nelson often collaborated with other designers, and in the case of the Ball Clock (1948), Nelson was at a dinner party with Isamu Noguchi, Irving Harper and Bucky Fuller. As the story goes, they were all sketching and "we'd had a little bit too much to drink," said Nelson. In the morning, they saw a drawing of the Ball Clock on a roll of drafting paper. "I don't know to this day who cooked it up," said Nelson. "I know it wasn't me. It might have been Irving, but he didn't think so. [We] both guessed that Isamu had probably done it because [he] has a genius for doing two stupid things and making something extraordinary out of the combination. It could have been an additive thing, but we never knew." Nelson Ball Clock is Reproduced by the Vitra Design Museum.

Photos above: Me, Vanessa Kogevinas, Vanessa De Vargas

Sara Kelly, Kelly LaPlante, Me, Lynnea Schwieters and James Saavedra

Lynnea, Rachel Winokur, Carlo Rios and Me
Me, Lynnea, Typhanie Peterson, and Linda Graveline

Think Like a Designer

2010-03-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

There is so much product our there these days, that you should not have to go with the traditonal tub filler we are all used to seeing. Be creative, be different, think like a designer.

Here are two tub fillers I specified for my current Santa Monica project. They are both incredible and unexpected .

Yes, the tub water looks green, that's because this infinity tub has the chroma-therapy option, to see the color changes, check out the video below .

Tree House

2010-03-04T23:40:00.000-08:00

Now that's a Tree House ! What better way to get your kids to play outside? We spend countless hours out in our backyard with our children, and all the neighbor kids and parents. We are loving our tree house and all the added little details. Most recently we added the sandbox and the recyled tire "rubber bark" to the play area under the tree house. The rubber bark is perfect for softening the fall, aesthetically it looks great (kinda looks like the water), and most importantly It is enviormentally friendly. So forget about Nintendo, PlayStation, Wii or what ever video games you play, get out there and play outside ! Use your imagination.

Kids love the Sandbox! And Mom loves the blue rubber bark!
Who's going down the super slide first? There is only ONE way down !

Palms Springs Inspirational Trip....

2010-02-24T23:21:00.000-08:00

Ranch Style houses ...My Favorite and next Future "Dream" House. So what makes these Ranch Style homes so great? Truly they are very simple architecturally speaking, yet that is what I love most about them along with these other typical features: They are Single story, Low pitched gable roof, Deep-set eaves, Horizontal, rambling layout: Long, narrow, and low to the ground, Rectangular, L-shaped, or U-shaped design, Large windows: double-hung, sliding, and picture Sliding glass doors leading out to patio, Simple floor plans, Emphasis on openness (few interior walls) and efficient use of space , Built from natural materials: Oak floors, wood or brick exterior, Lack decorative detailing. Although Ranch Style homes are traditionally one-story, Raised Ranch and Split-Level Ranch homes have several levels of living space.

Driving to Palm Springs this past weekend inspired me to take a detour and drive thru the great neighborhoods and look closely at the architectural details . It is here where these homes can be seen, set perfectly in front of the mountains and nestled in between palm trees. It was a perfect weekend field trip.

Nice Way to End the Week !

2010-02-11T16:11:00.000-08:00

What a perfect week ! I think I best not push my luck and end my week here today. We got sooo much done this week: wallpaper installations, final inspections, shopped for Club Chairs, bought the club chairs, shopped for rugs, bought the rugs, placed fabric orders; everything in stock ! Whooo hooo !, Finished details at UBH and got professional photos taken, even had time to go to LongBeach Aquarium with my little girl for a school field trip. What a week. But I'm joking about taking the day off, I even work in my sleep. LOL ! But I love what I do.

H.D. Buttercup, always a great stop. They have an assortment of furnishings and styles and reasonably pricing. I made three purchases here this week !

Big Chair, Little Chair? I feel like Goldilocks!

PERFECT !

DESIGN Tip:

I NEVER buy a chair for a client without trying them out first. No on line purchases......Unless I can return it. A chair MUST be comfortable, not just look good.

Nature has the most Amazing Colors! Love the Jellies.

Nice to take a morning off to go to Long Beach Aquarium ! Those smiles say it all.

It Never Gets Old

2010-02-02T22:17:00.000-08:00

Jobsite visit today to my Santa Monica project.....

I love going there ! This place is so fantastic. The client Amazing. We've been working on this place for over 2 years. It was a complete "gut out". Every surface has been redone. Nothing is as it was. Everything is custom, imported, everything very unique. The best of the best was used everywhere. Anyhow, I love this place.... It never gets old.

Tomorrow more furniture arrives. The rest of it, in March/April....yes, a couple more months. Good things take time.

Upward Bound House Opening

2010-01-30T09:43:00.000-08:00

City Councilman Mehaul O'Leary gives Erica Islas of EMI Interior Design, inc. a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Culver city for her probono work at Upward Bound House.

Erica & UBH Executive Director David Snow

Erica Islas and Culver City Mayor Andrew Weissman

Islas family

Thank you Andres for helping make this Upward Bound House Project an amazing experience. I enjoyed working side by side with you making our unit EVERYTHING, a family, like our own, would need to get back on their feet. You put in sooo much time and heart into this, I can't thank you enough. Not to mention your great design finds, & imput ! Thanks!

Yesterday's Opening ceremony was amazing, over 300 people came by. I will be posting photos of my room soon , along with photos of the other designers' room as soon as the photos are ready.

TO ALL the Donors of my Project :
THANK YOU , THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Without you, this project would not have been possible. I am completely moved at the generosity everyone displayed. The families that will move into these spaces will benifit so much because of YOU!

Lastly I want to to say "cheers!" to my designer friends on this project.We did it ! Despite the rains, no electricity, and the time frames we all had to work around , WE did it ! It was a sense of community between all of us , sharing our extention cords, our power tools, our donated items. What an amazing group effort. I am honored to have worked with all of you. The families who will be moving into our spaces this February will be touched by all the love we put into this project. Lynnea I am sooo proud of you. You are an angel and a trooper for taking on your very own room in this project . Your room turned out beautiful.

And to my Dear Vanessa De Vargas , you are everything they say about you in the press and More. You Rock ! This could have never happend without you. Thank you for everything. I'm gonna miss this project, I loved having you and Kelly LaPlante as my next door neighbors. Let's do this Again !

Click here to find out more about Upward Bound House .

To see more photos from UBH Opening find EMI Interior Design, Inc. on Facebook and see Album.