VIEW OF THE DAY, Honolulu

HONOLULU, HAWAII

Waikiki & Diamondhead

"We are as near to Heaven by sea as by land"

-Sir Humphrey Gilbert

TWO EASY TIPS FOR PACIFIC STYLE

Shining Sailboats

It wouldn’t be a house on the coast without a painting or two of ships braving the sea. But just because they’re nautical doesn’t mean they have to be predictable. The contemporary, monochromatic palette and simple frame on the piece above is a unique and unexpected choice. Offbeat coastal inspired accessories can create a similar effect; vintage marine finds are my absolute favorite.

Uplifting Upholstery

Here's the thing- call it feminine or call it traditional.. but nothing says, “come curl up” like super-comfy, cushy upholstered piece. It's the most effortless invitation for quite moments in a good read, a shared giggle with your precious little one, or just a short kick off your shoes moment to gather your thoughts. A colorful slipcover with contrasting white piping gives a formal chaise a more relaxed feel.

Aloha!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER ERINN VALENCICH, PART 2

Designing for celebrities and Hollywood events is just the tip of the iceberg for Erinn Valencich. Producing bold and colorful designs that are easy on the eye and grasping a respect for the past and nod to the future, it's no wonder her skills are highly sought after. Erinn's work has been gracing the pages of the top home design publications for years, while she has also hosted special episodes on HGTV and had many other tv appearances. This strong business woman and sensational designer is sharing some tips and secrets right here on M+P. Check out Part 2 of my interview with lady EV...

The Interview, Part 2:

M+P: What is the most rewarding part about designing to you?

ErinnV: Creating a beautiful environment that changes the way people live. I am always so happy to get the phone call after a client has their first party. They are ecstatic to open up their home and have friends and family over. That's the best part.

M+P: Does working with celebrity clients, such as Jaime Pressly and Jennifer

Love Hewitt demand a different work process?

ErinnV: Yes, working with celebrity clients is a different ballgame. They have different needs,

and timelines. But at the end of the day, a home is a home. I have been lucky to

have clients that, for the most part, make decisions quickly and trust in my taste.

M+P: Do you prefer to have painted walls or use wallpaper, and why? Does it depend on the project?

ErinnV: I love wallpaper- I’m obsessed some may say! I have it in 8 rooms in my home! I think it’s fun and can play such a great roll in a space to add color and personality. However it totally depends on the look. Sometimes it’s not appropriate for a look. But I always manage to work some into every project I design, even if it’s an accent wall in an entry, or a powder room. Clients that say “I hate wallpaper” haven’t seen the cool designs that are out there today! And they always end up with at least one room with paper!

M+P: In your opinion what makes a great room?

ErinnV: A great room has personality. A direct vision and a sense of whimsy. A great room is not too serious, but is often times a mix of styles and items that appear to have been found over time. A great room often times has an interesting mix of pattern and texture. A great room is inspiring, unique and fully executed, meaning everything has been thought of from lighting to drapery to rugs to accessories.

[All Images Via Erinn Valencich]

Thank you, Erinn for a fantastic and inspiring interview. To such a wonderful woman and splendid designer M+P wishes Erinn V all the best in all she does. And I know I am not the only one who looks forward to seeing her work for years to come! Cheers to another designer who is making the industry look amazing and bringing a beautiful passion to life.

Aloha!

& Happy Friday loves

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER ERINN VALENCICH

Established, fabulous, and accomplished. Designer Erinn Valencich has founded and grown a blossoming LA-based design firm that encompasses projects, furniture lines, and a new store [to open on Robertson Blvd]. Her work is colorful and creative, and it certainly shows an appreciation for the POSH details. Erinn has made numerous TV appearances, hosting specials on HGTV and featured on "The View", E!, "Access Hollywood" and more. She has also been showcased in major design publications including Better Homes and Gardens, House Beautiful, Home Decor, Redbook, and Good Housekeeping. Designing for celebrities and Hollywood events Erinn has stormed the design industry and we're about to get the juicy details! I recently got to chat with Erinn to find out more about her and what all goes into her word & life in the design industry. Enjoy the wonderful insight she has to offer!

The Interview, Part 1:

M+P: How did you become interested in Interior Design and when did you first know you wanted to be a designer?

ErinnV: I have always loved homes and design. I grew up in a very creative family. My father studied architecture directly under Frank Lloyd Wright, and my mother is the daughter of a contractor and fine-cabinet maker and the ultimate do-it-yourselfer. I grew up gardening, and painting and re-doing every home we’ve ever lived in with her. When I was 18 I started working for a lifestyle expert, and ran her company for six years. After decorating my first apartment, my friends kept pushing me to be a go out on my own as a designer. I am a jump-first kind of person. I didn’t go to design school, I just started playing with my own apartment, which led to my first job, which led to the next. I’m always learning and playing with color and experimenting with ideas and looks.

M+P: You are currently working on the opening of your first store, can you please tell us a little about it?

ErinnV: I am launching my 40-piece furniture collection with a retail store on Robertson Blvd. We are going to have lighting, accessories from Europe and speciality items that you mostly can only find in NYC. I'm excited to bring together a whole-home collection.

M+P: With much success you have built Erinn V Design Group into an emerging lifestyle brand.

What helped take you down the road that led to the rise of EVDG as a well-

established name in the design industry?

ErinnV: I founded my company about seven years ago now. I have worked very hard to get

my name out there, and understand the value of the press, and have a pretty saavy

marketing sensibility from my years working on the PR and Marketing at my prior

company. I think it’s very important to believe in yourself, most of all, and then to be

very clear about your goals. One of my best friends recently joked that I had “steroid

confidence” which makes me laugh, but I think ultimately, any entrepreneur must

posses. In terms of the mechanics of it, getting a great website and brand image

together was important when I started, especially as my work is visual. As an artist

of any sort, you can’t expect to be hired if no one knows about you. Having the right

tools with which to market your self are invaluable.

M+P: Do you have a designer who has inspired you over the years?

ErinnV: I think David Collins is fantastic. I also love a lot of NYC designers like Miles Redd, and Kara Mann in Chicago is great.

[All Images Via Erinn Valencich]

M+P: What are your future/upcoming projects?

ErinnV: I am building a 10,000 square foot modern estate in the Sunset Strip area of Los Angeles with award winning architect, Hagy Belzberg. This is a truly one of a kind modern estate in one of the most desirable areas of Los Angeles. I have also just started my first hotel job in Las Vegas, which is very exciting. I’m designing restaurants, bars, a nightclub and over 1,000 guest rooms.

Part 2 coming up tomorrow

Aloha!

TURTLE BAY RESORT, NORTH SHORE OAHU

Welcome to 'true Hawaii' as they claim, Turtle Bay Resort that is. Warm and relaxing Turtle Bay Resort is situated on the northernmost point of Oahu and surrounded on three sides by the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Natural island beauty along with the history and majesty of Hawaii can be found at every turn here on this North Shore resort. Housing four hundred and forty three guest rooms, including thirty one suites, forty two private oceanfront cottages, and luxury resort villas you are sure to find what you're looking for at Turtle Bay. Complete with six restaurants and five bars guests have their choice of contemporary island cuisine, lavish buffets, or oceanside and poolside dining. 36 holes of championship golf, horse back riding, full-service spa, tennis, surf lessons, luaus, and of course plenty of snorkeling with sea turtles, this extremely private resort for years has attracted celebrities and locals alike looking for a secluded getaway. And a secluded staycation is exactly what my husband and I were looking for. We are enjoying every moment here! I will keep dropping in throughout the week :)

Aloha!

STAYCATION

Once again [he does this quite frequently] my husband has swept me off for a stellar/romantic getaway. Back in DC we would skate up to NYC for a few days or just getaway from the house and stay at The Dupont. Now that we're on the islands we're exploring the best that is offered out here. Heading up to the North Shore this time to stay at the award winning Turtle Bay Resort. Surfing, swimming, snorkeling, horse back riding, paddleboarding... oh, and a spa day and some sleep in there somewhere. We like to keep adventurous but get an extra dose of R&R in on our vacations. This Hawaii staycation is sure to be fabulous one. With that being said, I'll be writing less in the next week. I won't be completely MIA just be popping in more sparse then normal. Happy Saturday everyone! xx

Aloha!

ROOM OF THE DAY: RICH RUSTIC PATIO

Rustic charm is what this patio is infused with. Furnish large patio areas with heavier and substantial pieces (the large pedestals of the table ground this area). Keep runners and tablecloths from blowing in the breeze by using a lantern and candles for a centerpiece and at place settings; they double as perfect ambiance. Hope you enjoy the outdoors this weekend...

Aloha!

MY GO TO SANDAL

The Ultimate Summer Staple Piece

Grocery store run, brunch with the girls, work errands around town, shopping day, casual date night, beach walk in Waikiki - they all have one thing in common... you can make a bet I am wearing (one of my many pairs of) Sam Edelman's. These sandals are my 'go to' shoes since moving to the islands. They were a love of mine before moving to Hawaii but of course wearing them year round helps the relationship to blossom a bit. Put together, but casual these precious sandals always get the job done. If there isn't a pair on my feet then I have one on stand by in the office & backseat of my car. Nordstrom usually has the best selection but you can of course find all the latest styles and retailers at SamEdelman online. And I'm not the only one with a love affair....

Julia Roberts, J.Lo, and Hayden Panettiere shown above. Katy Perry, Mila Kunis and the Kardashians are also enthusiasts.

Aloha!

SHORE THINGS, JULY

Thomas Paul Rug, pacific-home.com

Adonis Lamp, olystudio.com

Shell Pendant,

Nautical Rope Mirror, llbean.com

Thomas Paul Pillow, pacific-home.com

Looking for some coastal inspired things for your space? These beauties are shore to do the trick. ;) Hope you all are having a fabulous week..

Aloha!

THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN

You'll know you've checked into paradise when you're greeted by a pink-attired hotel- staff members serving freshly squeezed fruit juice, an oshibori towel, and exquisite flower leis. Welcome to Hawaii... more specifically welcome to The Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

Porte Cochere Driveway

Breezeway

Guest room

Coconut Lanai

Spa

View of Diamond Head

Tickle me pink...

Here's one of the most sensational places to spend some shut eye and heavenly Hawaii moments. The Royal Hawaiian not only offers the life of luxury but precise Aloha spirit. Complete with a purely pink facade and delicious lounging, dining, and sleeping arrangements this hotel is sure to sweep you off your feet. Boasting phenomenal sights and smells of that which the islands offer, the RH has been designed to bring the outdoors in. And rightly so- with a low of 72, high of 85 year round why wouldn't you maximize any opportunity to enjoy the heavenly weather? Not only with a smart design but stylish one, the colors and textures used throughout this hotel have a definite POSH flair. Like I said... Beware, once you go Royal Hawaiian you never go back.

Aloha!

I GOT THE BLUES

Got the Blues? If you don't, you should. You haven't heard it's the new thing?

Everyone loves a shade of blue in some way, shape, or form. Be it in a brilliant Scalamandre fabric, gracing the porcelain skin of a vase, or smoothed over a wall ..we all have a blue we fall for. House Beautiful's comprehensive 'BLUE' book is the ideal go to for getting a POSH blue look. Go pick up this great read and start your week of with a strong case of the Blues. ;)

Aloha!