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Fall Mantel Styling Workshop in Dana Point
Looking for something fun to do in Dana Point this fall? Join us at Ivory & Olive for an inspiring mantel styling workshop in collaboration with the talented team at Wildflower Florals. This hands-on event will guide you through the process of creating a warm, welcoming, harvest-inspired mantelscape. Whether you're decorating your actual mantel or another cozy nook in your home, we’ll show you how to layer textures, play with dried foliage, and use pottery and accents to bring your space to life for the season. What’s included: Hand-picked pottery Harvest-inspired dried foliage and branches Accent gourds Design demonstration and Q&A with design professionals from Ivory & Olive and Wildflower Florals And the best part? You’ll head home with everything you style in the workshop—so your space will feel instantly transformed. Think of it as design school meets take-home treasure. Don’t have a mantel? No problem! These concepts can be applied to console tables, entryways, coffee tables—anywhere that could use a little seasonal magic. 📍 Location: Ivory & Olive, Dana Point, CA 🎟 Tickets: $160 (includes all materials and instruction) 📅 Upcoming Date: October 9 We can’t wait to welcome you in and help you create something beautiful. 🍂
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When It Comes to a Kitchen Remodel, Designers Want You to Do These 5 Things
When it comes to a kitchen remodel, the decisions you make will determine whether your space feels timeless or quickly outdated. At Ivory & Olive Decor, we view the kitchen as the anchor of the home — a place where family and friends naturally gather, and a room that can stand on its own as a design statement. It deserves thoughtful choices that balance style and function. Here are five things we always encourage our clients to consider when planning a remodel. 1. Invest in Appliances That Elevate the SpaceAppliances are one of the biggest expenses in a kitchen, but they’re also one of the most powerful style statements. Choose wisely, and they’ll enhance the look of your kitchen for years. Range + Oven Combinations: A professional-grade range instantly makes your kitchen feel more substantial. Even if you don’t cook often, opt for at least a 36” range to give the space scale and presence. Color Options: We love statement-making ranges in color, but even if you stay classic in stainless, focus on proportions and details. Brands like Thermador Pro offer beautiful mid-range options that balance quality and cost. 2. Wrap Your Hood for a Custom LookA hood can make or break the look of your kitchen. Don’t just install a standard stainless steel option — wrap your hood insert with plaster, wood, or colored-metal to create a sculptural, architectural feature. This one detail instantly elevates the space and becomes a wow factor. Trust us — you’ll never regret the extra effort here. 3. Make Your Island a ShowstopperThe island is still the anchor of today’s kitchen — it’s where everyone gathers. Instead of treating it as a block of cabinets, treat it as a design moment. Add Interest: Incorporate fluting, shelving for cookbooks or pottery, or dramatic drawer fronts – oh and beautiful, bold hardware. Consider Shape: If space allows, an oval or curved island feels fresh and unexpected. Plan Seating First: Always map out the number of stools or chairs you want, then design the island to accommodate them comfortably. Extra seating at one end can make entertaining easier and give you much needed entertaining or family space. 4. Opt for Custom or Modern CabinetryIf your budget allows, custom cabinetry is always the best investment for fit, finish, and longevity. If not, there are stunning prefabricated options that still feel elevated. The key is to avoid styles that feel safe-but-dated. Flat-front or slab cabinetry keeps the look updated and keeps the kitchen from automatically feeling dated. Use your cabinetry as a backdrop, allowing your appliances, hood, and island to take center stage. 5. Mix Finishes & Don’t Shy Away from ColorOne of the easiest ways to date a kitchen is by sticking too rigidly to one finish or color. Designers love kitchens that feel collected and layered. Mix metals: Matte black, unlacquered brass, and polished nickel can all play together beautifully. Embrace color: White oak lower cabinets with deep green or robin’s egg blue uppers? Heavenly. Bold color choices feel timeless when paired with quality materials. Final Thoughts: Be Bold, Not BoringRemodeling a kitchen is a major investment, so don’t be afraid to make bold choices. Play with shape, scale, texture, and color. The safest choice isn’t always the best choice — and a designer can help you navigate what’s “bold but lasting” versus “trendy but fleeting.” If you’re dreaming of a remodel and want guidance on what to do (and what not to do), reach out to Ivory & Olive Decor. We’d love to help you create a kitchen that feels timeless, functional, and completely you.
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Design Details We’re Loving Right Now: Curves, Warm Tones & Lighting That Finishes the Space
Design inspiration is everywhere right now — and as we head into late summer, we’re leaning into softness, warmth, and thoughtful lighting that adds both style and function. From sculptural shapes to upgraded exteriors, here’s what’s catching our eye and showing up in our latest projects. Curved & Sculptural SilhouettesThere’s something inherently elegant about a curve. From arched cabinetry (LOVE) and rounded sofas to gently sloped accent chairs and pedestal coffee tables, we’re seeing more organic shapes make their way into interiors — and the elegance is real.Curves add visual interest without being loud. They soften a room, invite movement, and create contrast when paired with clean-lined architecture. When rooms are too square, with so many sharp angles, a rounded dining table can change the entire dynamic and bring interest to a room by simply being round. See for yourself, try adding a curved bench at the end of the bed, a round dining table in a smaller space, or a sculptural mirror to make an entryway feel intentional and elevated. Warm Toned Furniture with DepthThe trend toward warmth is more than seasonal — it’s a full embrace of comfort and character. Think: camel caramel colored leather, oxblood velvet, burnished wood, and earthy hues like rust, honey, and espresso. These tones bring depth and richness to a room, especially when layered with textured fabrics or mixed finishes.We’ve been sourcing pieces with presence, like smokey glass, moody bar carts, boucle sofas in soft cinnamon tones, and accessories and moody lighting that anchor a space. Sconces as a Finishing LayerIf a room feels “almost done” but still missing something, it might be sconces.Wall sconces are the secret ingredient to a finished space. They provide ambient glow, highlight architectural details, and bring a sense of balance to artwork, mirrors, or open walls. We’re especially loving oversized or sculptural sconces that feel like art pieces themselves.Use them in unexpected places: flanking a headboard, above open shelving, lined on a hallway wall, and in powder rooms for a polished glow.Outdoor Lighting That Makes a StatementWe’ve said it before, curb appeal starts with lighting. If your outdoor fixtures feel dated or builder-grade, or more importantly, small, a swap to elevated pieces can instantly transform the entrance of your home.We love working with Hudson Valley Lighting for exterior fixtures. Their designs blend timeless craftsmanship with modern lines — perfect for California homes that blend coastal and classic styles.Here are a few of our current favorites: Troy Lighting “Beckham” Outdoor Pendant: Great for porch ceilings or entryways — sleek, dark bronze finish in a statement elongated modern shape that feels perfect on a California Spanish home. Hudson Valley’s “Huxley” Collection: Adds a fresh take on natural elements for hanging pendants that look amazing grouped together to make an outdoor living room everything you want it to be. Hudson Valley Lighting “Laight” Wall Sconce: A modern nod to lantern-style fixtures with clean curves and clear glass. ✨ Pro Tip: When upgrading your exterior lights, don’t forget the side and garage doors — consistent lighting across all views creates cohesion and architectural flow. Inspiration, Brought HomeDesign is all about the layers... a curve here, a tone there, the perfect sconce to finish the scene. Whether you’re starting a full remodel or just looking to refresh a space, these trends offer easy ways to bring warmth, character, and intention into your home.Ready to update your space? Visit us in-store or reach out for a consultation; we’re happy to help you style the details that make a house feel like home.
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Mahjong + Community = Pure Joy at Ivory & Olive!
We had an absolute blast partnering with Mahjong OC for a fun, beginner-friendly Mahjong class led by the amazing Jodie, who is truly a powerhouse of personality, knowledge, and energy! Her love for the game is infectious, and it was such a treat to welcome 20 eager beginners to our store for an afternoon full of learning, laughter, and connection.Mahjong is having a major moment—and we get why. It’s engaging, strategic, social, and just so fun. In fact, the first class was such a hit that we’re bringing Jodie and her team back in August for not just one, but two more sessions!The joy and energy in the store that day was contagious—ladies chatting, learning, sipping drinks, and diving into their first hands of Mahjong. It felt like the start of something special… which is why we’re excited to announce plans for an ongoing Mahjong “social club” right here at Ivory & Olive Decor in Dana Point. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, all are welcome!And let’s talk about the sets. We’ve teamed up with the fabulous team at Oh My Mahjong—and their stunning, high-quality sets blew us away. From the colorful mats to the beautifully designed tiles, we now carry (and can order) their full range in-store. Perfect for gifting—or treating yourself.If you’ve been curious about the game, now’s the time. Mahjong is seriously addicting—in the best way. And we can’t wait to share more classes, games, and good times with all of you.Here are Three of the Top Tips we Learned from Jodie on how to play Mahjong: 1. Get Comfortable with the CardThe NMJL card is everything in American Mahjong—study it like a roadmap.Start by choosing just one or two sections (like Consecutive Run or 2468) and memorize a few hands. You can’t win if you don’t know what you’re building. 2. Master the CharlestonThe Charleston (tile passing) is your first major chance to shape your hand.Use it to narrow your focus toward a hand from the card and get rid of tiles that don’t support it. Don’t pass pairs or flowers unless absolutely necessary. 3. Stay Flexible & Watch the TableEven if you start building one hand, be prepared to pivot if the tiles aren’t coming your way. At the same time, watch opponents’ exposures and discards—it’s the key to both defense and smart decisions.These three skills—reading the card, using the Charleston well, and adapting as the game unfolds—are the foundation of American Mahjong success. Want help picking the best "starter hands" from the card to focus on? Join us for the next class by contacting info@ivoryolivedecor.com
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Curious About Mahjong? Here’s What We Learned at Our First Game Night
When we hosted our first Mahjong night at the shop with Jodie McCollum of Mahjong OC, part of the Oh My Mahjong, we knew it would be fun — but we didn’t expect it to be this much fun. Our showroom turned into a lively hub of laughter, strategy, snacks, and storytelling as guests gathered around the tables to learn, play, and connect.Whether you were a Mahjong first-timer or a seasoned tile-slinger, it was a night to remember, and due to popular demand, we’re already planning the next one. (More on that soon!) Wait, What Is Mahjong, Anyway? Mahjong is a classic tile-based game that originated in China and has been enjoyed around the world for over a century. It’s played with four people and a set of 144 tiles, each beautifully marked with symbols, numbers, and characters. The goal? To build specific sets (called "melds") and be the first to complete a winning hand, called Mahjong. Think of it like a mix of rummy, memory, and strategy, with just the right amount of luck. Here’s a super-simplified breakdown: 🀄 Each player starts with 13 tiles.🀄 Players take turns drawing and discarding tiles.🀄 The goal is to create four melds (3 or 4 matching or sequential tiles) and one pair.🀄 The first person to do this calls out “Mahjong!” and wins the round.There are a few different versions of the game (American, Chinese, and Japanese styles all vary a bit), but we kept it beginner-friendly and fun for everyone. What Made the Night So Special We set the scene with cozy lighting, wine, and a bit of shopping, plus plenty of snacks from Bright Bread Co; their dreamy charcuterie boards are a hit at all of our events and were the perfect complement to the evening. With Jodie’s expert guidance and a warm, welcoming vibe, players quickly found their rhythm. She floated from table to table offering tips, answering questions, and cheering everyone on. By the end of the night, people who had never touched a tile were confidently calling out moves and planning future game nights of their own. We set the scene with cozy lighting, wine, and a bit of shopping, plus plenty of snacks from Bright Bread Co.; their dreamy charcuterie boards are a hit at all of our events and were the perfect complement to the evening. With Jodie’s expert guidance and a warm, welcoming vibe, players quickly found their rhythm. She floated from table to table offering tips, answering questions, and cheering everyone on. By the end of the night, people who had never touched a tile were confidently calling out moves and planning future game nights of their own. And because you all asked so nicely… yes, we're doing it again! Stay tuned for the next Mahjong Night announcement, coming soon to your inbox and IG feed.
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Three Design Trends We’re Loving Right Now
From sculptural curves to organic burl wood and next-gen faux florals, these three design trends are making waves for good reason. Discover why we’re drawn to them and how to bring their timeless, story-rich vibe into your own space.
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Pistachio Green Is Having a Moment and We’re Here for It
We’re excited to be featured in Rent.com’s latest blog on why pistachio green is taking over interiors. Our take? This softly bold shade is a dream in powder rooms and kitchens, especially when paired with warm metals and sculptural lighting. Want to bring the trend home in a simple way? On our blog, we’re diving deeper into accent colors—and featuring the DV KAP Camden Check Pillow in Aloe as the perfect pop of pistachio green for any space.
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The Power of Art in Design
Looking to elevate your walls? We’re sharing our favorite art trends—from earthy neutrals to bold color blocks—plus tips on choosing and styling pieces that feel personal, timeless, and totally you.
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How to Design a Coastal Home Without Overdoing the Beach Theme
Want to bring the relaxed beauty of the coast into your home without seashell overload? Shana shares how to design a coastal-inspired space that feels elevated, effortless, and anything but cliché. From soft, natural palettes to thoughtful textures and artful touches, here’s how to embrace coastal living with style and restraint.
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