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The Easiest 4th of July Table You'll Ever Set
A few easy moves for a red-white-and-blue table that feels gathered, not forced. There's a certain kind of holiday that doesn't need a plan. The 4th of July is the best of them: no reservations, no elaborate menu, just a backyard, a few people you love, and a table that looks like you put in more effort than you actually did. That last part is the trick. And it's easier than you'd think. We've been styling festive tables in the shop all week, and the formula keeps coming back to the same three moves. Start With One Honest Color Story Red, white, and blue can tip into theme-party territory fast. The fix is restraint. Start with a neutral base: your everyday whites, a natural linen, a bare wood table. Then let the patriotic notes come in as accents instead of a costume. Our American Flag Salad Plates were practically made for this. A hand-drawn flag, a soft blue rim, and an organic edge that keeps them feeling collected rather than kitschy. Layer one over a plain dinner plate and the table already feels done. Let the Napkins Do the Talking If there's one festive thing worth buying this year, it's the napkins. They're small, they store easily, and they carry the whole theme so the rest of your table doesn't have to. The Cuties Americana Napkins read "home is where the stars & stripes are," while the USA Heart Napkins keep it even simpler: a little flag heart and "the land that I love." Fold them, knot them, or tuck one under each fork. (They also make the easiest hostess gift there is: a set of four, wrapped, done.) Add One Thing That Glows https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0611/0389/8707/files/Palma_Lifestyle.jpg?v=1778884815 Every table we style ends the same way: with light. As the sky goes pink and the fireworks start, a warm glow is what turns dinner into the evening everyone lingers at. A cluster of candles down the center works beautifully. So does our cordless Palma Lamp, carried straight out to the patio. No cord, no outlet, no fuss. Tap the base and let it do the rest. "The secret to a table people remember isn't more. It's one or two thoughtful touches and good light. Everything else takes care of itself."— Katie, Co-Founder Come Pull It Together With Us Here's the honest part: we'd love to help you build this in person. Through the holiday week, our 4th of July accessories are 30% off and all of our open-box furniture is 20% off. Those lightly shown, one-of-a-kind pieces only come around once in a while, and both offers are in-store only. A note on timing: we'll be open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 to 6, and closed on the 3rd and 4th so our team can be home with their families. So swing by before the weekend. 📍 24847 Del Prado, Dana Point, CA 92629📞 (949) 503-1155 Come find your reds, your whites, and your blues, and we'll help you set a table worth gathering around. xoxo,Katie + Shana
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Grout Is Having a Moment, And It's Been There All Along
Design Tips · Tile & Grout · 2026 There's a moment in nearly every tile project where a client looks at a finished backsplash or a beautifully laid shower floor and says, "Something feels off, but I can't figure out what it is."Nine times out of ten, it's the grout. Not the tile. The grout. It's one of those small decisions that gets made quickly, usually at the end of a project, when everyone's tired and over it, and then you live with it for the next 15 years. Grout is the connective tissue of your tile installation. It defines the pattern, sets the tone, and either elevates or quietly undermines everything around it. In 2026, grout is finally getting the attention it deserves. Designers are making it an intentional decision from day one, not an afterthought at the hardware store. Here's how we approach it. Grout Color Is the Decision. Start Here. If you're going to spend real time on anything in this process, spend it on color. The type of grout (sanded, unsanded, epoxy) is mostly a technical decision with a right answer. Color is where the design lives. And where most people either play it too safe or make a choice they regret within a year. The Frame Analogy Grout creates the grid that defines your entire tile layout. Think of it as the frame around a piece of art, the frame can make the same painting feel museum-worthy or completely wrong. A warm sand grout around white marble reads serene and natural. The exact same marble with a cool gray grout reads clinical and hard. The tile didn't change. The grout did everything. A warm grout color can make a stark white tile feel cozy, while a cool crisp gray can make it feel modern and clinical. That shift happens with a single decision. Contrast vs. Continuity — Decide This First Before you look at a single color chip, decide what you want your grout to do in the space. Contrasting grout — dark grout with light tile, or vice versa, makes the pattern the focal point. Every joint is visible. The layout becomes a graphic element. This works beautifully with subway tile, where you want the grid to read clearly; with geometric floors, where the shape is the point; or with checkerboard patterns, where the two-tile contrast is the whole design. Matching grout — color that closely echoes your tile creates a seamless, continuous surface. Tile and grout blur together, and the result reads more like stone than individual pieces. There's a growing appetite for tonal spaces where tile and grout sit closely together, allowing the surface to feel continuous rather than segmented, and this is exactly the direction we've been steering clients in 2026. Quieter. More editorial. Less grid. Neither is wrong. But you need to decide before you start pulling color chips, because it changes the entire direction of the conversation. What's Actually Working in 2026 — and What to Ask For The long-reigning cool grays are giving way to warmer, more inviting neutrals — and the shift starts with knowing the right names to ask for at the tile store. "Gray" and "White" on a grout chip are almost never the right answer. Here's what we actually reach for: Frost instead of White. If you're drawn to white grout, take one step away from it. Frost reads just as bright and clean as white but has enough of a cool undertone to stay looking fresh over time. It won't show every shadow and smudge the way a true white will. Pebble instead of Gray. Gray grout sounds safe, but often reads cold and flat once it's installed, especially under warm lighting. Pebble has the same neutrality with a softer, more natural quality. It sits quietly next to the tile rather than competing with it. Bone is one of our go-tos and one of the more misunderstood colors on the chip rack. It looks almost too yellow at first glance. Then you put it next to the tile — especially a natural stone or a warm-toned ceramic, and it clicks. It's a muted sand that reads warm and organic in a way that "beige" never quite achieves. Warm Taupe and Soft Greige are the workhorses of the color family. Both bridge the gap between beige and gray without committing fully to either. Warm Taupe leans slightly earthy and reads beautifully with stone-look tile. Soft Greige is more neutral and works tonally across almost any layout, either seamlessly or slightly contrasting for a geometric pattern. These are the colors we come back to again and again because they're genuinely hard to get wrong. The pattern that runs through all of these: they're not neutrals that disappear, they're neutrals that belong. That's the distinction worth making when you're standing in front of a wall of grout chips. Don't just pull the one that seems safest. Pull the one that feels like it was made for your tile. What's fading: The once-ubiquitous pairing of white subway tile and dark gray grout, a look that for years delivered crispness and order, now feels a little too rigid. It's not wrong, but it's no longer interesting. If you're renovating now and planning to stay in your home for years to come, there are better choices. Room-by-Room Color Guidance Kitchen backsplash: A warm putty or greige grout is almost always the right call. It reads as close to neutral as you can get while still adding warmth, hides the inevitable cooking residue far better than white, and photographs beautifully. If you're doing a zellige or handmade tile with natural variation, try pulling the grout slightly warmer; even a soft terracotta reads as intentional against an organic tile. Kitchen floor: Go darker than you think. A medium-to-dark greige or warm gray will hide far more than you expect and will look better longer. Bright white grout on a kitchen floor is one of the most common renovation regrets we hear. Don't do it. Shower walls: This is where the tonal, matching approach tends to shine. A grout that sits just a shade or two away from your tile creates a spa-like, continuous surface that feels luxurious without being high-maintenance. Shower floor: Practical wins here. A medium-to-dark grout hides soap residue and water marks. Save the light grout for the walls where it's easier to maintain. Marble and natural stone: Pull the grout toward the secondary tone in the stone, not the dominant tone. With white Carrara marble, the veining is gray, so a warm light-gray grout will echo it and make the whole surface feel cohesive. Bright white grout against white marble can make the joints look stark and over-defined. The Lighting Problem Nobody Talks About Enough This is the part that catches people off guard every time. Grout color shifts dramatically under different light sources, and your tile showroom, with its bright, even, overhead lighting, is one of the worst places to make a final decision. A grout that reads as warm sand at the showroom at noon can look muddy and beige under your bathroom's recessed lighting at 7 pm. A cool gray that feels crisp in the morning can read almost purple under warm sconce light in the evening. We have seen this happen. More than once. This is exactly why pulling the grout stick into the actual room at different times of day, under the actual lighting, is non-negotiable in our process. "The grout stick is a non-negotiable step in our process. We pull samples into the actual room to evaluate color under real lighting because what looks right at the tile showroom won't always look right in your home." Step One: Pull the Samples Into the Room Designer Tip This is the step most people skip… and the one we'd argue matters most. Every tile and grout selection we make at Ivory & Olive gets pulled into the actual space before we commit. We lay the samples on the floor or hold them against the wall, set a grout stick alongside, and evaluate them under the room's lighting at different times of day. Don't skip this step. It takes twenty minutes, and it will save you from a decision you'll spend years second-guessing. "Mid-installation on a recent Dana Point project alternating warm stone and marble tile in a classic checkerboard pattern. The grout selection here was critical: too dark and it would compete with the tile contrast; too light and the whole floor would feel washed out." Grout in the Kitchen The kitchen is where grout earns its keep and where white grout goes to die. If you have a backsplash with narrow joints (under 1/8"), you're in unsanded grout territory. It has a smooth, fine texture that works beautifully on vertical surfaces and won't scratch polished or glazed tile. If your joints are 1/8" or wider, sanded grout is the right call. The added aggregate gives it structure and prevents cracking over time. Avoid ThisBright white grout on a kitchen floor. It will age you faster than almost anything else in the room. Grout in the Bathroom The bathroom is where grout decisions get more technical — and a bit more personal. For shower walls and surrounds: Unsanded grout is generally preferred. It adheres better to vertical surfaces and works with the narrower joints you typically see on wall tile. For shower floors and wet areas: This is where epoxy grout earns its price premium. Epoxy is non-porous, stain-resistant, and doesn't require sealing. It holds up beautifully in wet environments and is the highest-maintenance-free option available. Worth the investment if you're building or renovating a primary shower. For marble, limestone, or polished stone: Always use unsanded or epoxy unsanded if joints are wider. Sanded grout can scratch highly polished surfaces, so even if your joints are at the 1/8" threshold, err on the side of smooth. For color in the bath: Here's a detail we share with almost every client: We don't love pure white grout in bathrooms. White reads beautifully on day one, and then life happens. Soap scum, moisture, time. It doesn't take long before the bright white grout starts to look dingy, and no amount of scrubbing brings it back. Our recommendation is always to pull just slightly toward gray, a soft, warm white with gray undertones, or a true light gray, depending on your tile. You get all the brightness of white without the maintenance nightmare. It's one of those small shifts that makes a big difference over the years. Beyond that, the 2026 mood in bath is tonal overall: warm linen, soft sand, and greige grout with natural stone tile are having a major moment. For a bolder bath, a dark charcoal or near-black grout with large-format tile creates a graphic, high-end look that reads more architectural than trendy. Quick Reference: Grout Type by Application Application Recommended Grout Type Kitchen backsplash (narrow joints) Unsanded Kitchen floor (wider joints) Sanded Shower walls Unsanded Shower floors & wet areas Sanded or Epoxy Marble or polished stone (any location) Unsanded Exterior tile Sanded Don't Skip the Sealer Most cement-based grouts (sanded or unsanded) should be sealed after curing. It protects against staining, makes cleanup easier, and extends the life of your installation. Epoxy grout is the exception: it's non-porous and doesn't require sealing, which is part of why we recommend it for high-use wet areas. A good rule of thumb: if you can stain it with red wine, seal it. One Last Thing Grout is the detail nobody notices when it's right and the first thing everyone sees when it's wrong. Make the decision with intention, pull the samples into the room, and give it the same consideration you'd give the tile itself. Ready to see these principles in action? Browse our recent work to see how grout and tile decisions come together in real spaces. Four-Bathroom Design Project Mission Viejo Kitchen + Entertaining When you're ready to make these decisions for your own home, we'd love to help. Get in Touch →
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Mother's Day Gift Guide 2026: Gifts Mom Will Actually Love
Mother's Day is this Sunday, and if you're still trying to figure out what to get, we understand. The thing about mothers is they say they don't need anything—and then you show up empty-handed and feel terrible about it. So here's what we're doing. We asked ourselves: what would we actually want to receive? What are we buying for the moms in our own lives? The answer isn't perfume or a generic gift card. It's pieces that make her home feel more like hers. Beautiful, thoughtful, built to last. Here's our Mother's Day gift guide—organized by the kind of mom you're shopping for. For the Mahjong Mom She's been asking about mahjong. Maybe she's already playing. Maybe she's curious but hasn't taken the leap yet. Either way, this is the category that makes gifting easy—because mahjong pieces are both functional and gorgeous. Start with the Glow Wild Tiles. Limited edition, beautifully designed, and different enough that she won't have seen them at someone else's table. If she already has a set, the Tortoise Shell Racks are an upgrade she'll notice every time she plays. They're the kind of detail that makes a table feel intentional. And if she's hosting game nights or traveling to them, the Pink Mahj It All Bag is the gift that solves a problem she didn't know she had. It carries everything—tiles, racks, cards—and looks good doing it. For someone brand new to mahjong, go with the Jasmine Starter Kit. It's everything she needs to start playing, packaged beautifully. No guessing, no piecing it together herself. For the Hosting Mom She's the one who hosts Thanksgiving. Who sets the table for book club. Who always has people over and somehow makes it look effortless. (Spoiler: it's not effortless. It's work. And she deserves pieces that make it easier.) The Aura Dinner Napkins are the kind of thing she'd buy for herself if she had the time—but she doesn't. They're beautiful, they elevate every meal, and they're a signal that someone sees the work she puts into making her home welcoming. The Vida Acrylic XL Tortoise Tray is one of those pieces that does everything—serving drinks, corralling remotes, styling a coffee table. It's practical and polished, which is exactly what hosting moms need. And if she's hosting outdoor dinners or just wants better lighting for her space, The Palma Rechargeable Lamp is a game-changer. Rechargeable, portable, and beautiful. It goes anywhere she needs it. Finally, the Nuovo Italiano Dipping Bowls. Hand-painted in Italy, no two are exactly alike, and they're the kind of pieces that make even simple snacks feel special. For the Mom Who Loves a Good Candle She buys candles for herself. She has a favorite scent. She lights one every night. So the bar here is high—you can't just grab something generic from the drugstore and call it done. Start with the Kyoto in Bloom Hand Wash & Lotion Set. It's not a candle, but it's in the same universe—beautifully scented, luxurious, something she'd love but wouldn't necessarily buy for herself. It sits on her bathroom counter and makes her feel like someone thought about her. The Flower Show Candle is floral without being overwhelming. It's the kind of scent that fills a room but doesn't announce itself. She'll burn it and think of you. If you want to go big, the Bulgarian Rose Oud Black XXL Candle is the statement piece. It's massive, it's beautiful, and it burns for 400 hours. She'll have it for years. Pair it with the Bulgarian Rose Oud Diffuser and you've created an entire scent experience for her home. For the Cozy Mom She deserves to feel comfortable in her own home. That's it. That's the whole category. The Jagger Oversized Throw is the kind of gift that makes someone feel seen. It's soft, it's oversized, and it lives on the couch where she actually sits. Not decorative—functional. The Copenhagen Throw is another excellent option if she prefers something lighter. Pillows matter more than people think. The Floren Square Pillow in apricot is warm and textured—perfect for layering on a sofa or bed. The Bloomfield Square Feather Pillow is a classic that works in any room. These are the pieces that make a space feel finished without trying too hard. Last-Minute? We've Got You. If you're reading this on Friday night in a mild panic, take a breath. We offer free signature gift bags for in-store pickup. Come by, grab something beautiful, and we'll wrap it for you. Ivory & Olive24847 Del Prado, Dana Point, CA 92629(949) 503-1155 Shop All Mother's Day Gifts Mother's Day isn't about grand gestures. It's about showing up with something thoughtful. Something that says, "I see you. I know what you care about. I wanted to get this right." These are the gifts that do that. Not because they're expensive or flashy, but because they're chosen with intention. They're pieces she'll use, enjoy, and remember. Happy Mother's Day from all of us at Ivory & Olive. xoxo,Shana + Katie
Learn moreWhy Rosanna Pieces Belong on Every Table
A table tells a story. It says something about who you are, what you value, and how you move through the world. The pieces you choose—the bowls, the plates, the small treasures that hold your meals and your moments—they're not just functional. They're a language. And when you choose Rosanna, you're speaking fluently. The Rosanna Philosophy: Art on Your Table Rosanna was founded on a simple belief: everyday moments deserve to be beautiful. Not in a precious, untouchable way. In a real, lived-in, used-and-loved kind of way. The brand's designer, Rosanna Bowles, spent time studying Italian art history and design. She understood that Italy doesn't separate "high art" from the everyday. A hand-painted plate isn't a museum piece—it's dinner. A beautiful bowl isn't a collector's item—it's where you hold your favorite things. That philosophy is baked into every Rosanna piece. Each one is designed in the USA and lovingly handmade and hand-painted in Italy by skilled artisans. There are no shortcuts. There's no mass production. What you're buying is the accumulated skill, intention, and care of someone who made it with their hands. Why Hand-Painted Matters (And It's Not What You Think) When you open a Rosanna box, you might notice: the colors aren't perfectly uniform. The brushstrokes are visible. Each piece is slightly different from the others in the set. And that's exactly right. In a world of mass production, where everything is identical and interchangeable, these variations are proof of something: someone made this. Not a machine. Not an algorithm. A human being, with a brush, painting each piece individually. Those imperfections aren't defects. They're the signature of quality. They're the artist's hand visible in the work. They're what make your Rosanna pieces feel like you discovered them at a market in Tuscany, not ordered them from a catalog. The Collections We Love Rosanna makes countless collections—each one beautiful and thoughtfully designed. At Ivory & Olive, we've curated two that have become essentials in our home and in the homes of our customers. Love Bowls: Small Moments, Big Impact The Love Bowls collection consists of petite hand-painted porcelain dipping dishes. They're 3.5 inches across. They're not trying to be fancy. But here's what happens when you bring them into your home: you start seeing them everywhere. On a bedside table, holding jewelry and trinkets. On a vanity, catching the light. At the table before dessert, holding something sweet. In a guest room, making someone feel welcomed. On a shelf, just sitting there because looking at it makes you smile. We carry five Love Bowls styles—each one with its own personality and story. Pick the one that matches your mood, your relationship, your table. I Love You Mostest Meow You, Me, Paris Pacific Coast Shop the Love Bowls collection → Nuovo Italiano: Modern Italian Entertaining The Nuovo Italiano collection is for people who entertain. For people who believe a table should announce itself before the food even arrives. Bold colors. Hand-painted details. Artisan imperfection. A 13-inch serving bowl that's beautiful enough to live on open shelving. Dipping bowls for olive oil and fresh bread. Pasta bowls that make even simple meals feel like an occasion. This is the collection for people who believe: the table sets the tone. And the tone should be intentional. Pasta Bowls Set of 4 Serving Bowl 13" Dipping Bowls Set of 4 Shop the Nuovo Italiano collection → Why Every Table Needs Rosanna Here's the thing about Rosanna pieces: they change how you feel about your table. They change how your guests experience sitting down at it. They change what's possible in an ordinary Tuesday night. They say: I thought about this. I wanted it to be beautiful. You matter. In a culture that's all speed and convenience and efficiency, Rosanna pieces are an act of resistance. They're handmade in a world of mass production. They're unique in a world of identical copies. They're intentional in a world of default. And they're not precious about it. You use them. You hand-wash them. They get better with age, more loved, more beautiful as they accumulate the story of your table. That's why Rosanna pieces belong on every table. Not because they're fancy. But because they're honest. Because they're real. Because they understand that the everyday is where life actually happens, and it deserves to be beautiful. Start Here If you're new to Rosanna, start small. Pick a Love Bowls style that speaks to you. Use it. Love it. Let it change how you think about your table. Or go all in. Build a Nuovo Italiano moment. Make entertaining feel like art. Either way, you're choosing pieces that have a story, a maker, and a philosophy behind them. That matters. Explore our Rosanna collection →
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One Lamp, Three Ways
How the Palma Rechargeable Touch Lamp Works Everywhere in Your Home There's a certain kind of product that quietly changes how you use a space. You bring it home, set it down, turn it on, and something shifts. The room feels different. Better. More like itself. The Palma Rechargeable Bamboo Touch Lamp is that product. Cordless. Rechargeable. Touchless-activated with three brightness levels. We've been using it in the showroom, in our own homes, and in client spaces for weeks—and we keep finding new places to put it. Here are the three we come back to most. Use One: The Dinner Table There's a moment right around sunset when a table goes from ordinary to extraordinary. It's not the food. It's not the flowers. It's the light. The Palma is the secret behind every table we've styled lately, including the kitchen island in our recent Mission Viejo entertaining remodel. No extension cord running across the floor. No hunting for an outlet. You set it down, tap the base, and watch the whole atmosphere shift. With three brightness levels, you can dial it from a full warm glow for family dinners down to a soft, intimate light for a late evening with friends. The rattan shade casts a gorgeous dappled light through its open weave, the kind that makes everything on the table look considered, not thrown together. This is the lamp that replaces your candles. And unlike candles, you can dim it, move it, and bring it inside when the evening ends. Use Two: The Bedroom A good bedside lamp does two things: it creates atmosphere when you want to wind down, and it gives you enough light when you actually need to read. Most lamps do one or the other. Palma does both. The touchless dimmer means no fumbling for a switch in the dark. Tap the base once for full brightness, twice for a mid-level reading light, three times for the softest ambient glow. It's genuinely one of the most satisfying things to use. The Canvas shade is particularly beautiful in a bedroom. The pleated green linen diffuses light softly and casts a warm tone that's easy on the eyes and genuinely lovely to fall asleep next to. Cordless also means no nightstand compromise. Put it exactly where you want it, not where the outlet tells you to. Use Three: Outdoors This is where the Palma becomes something truly special. California evenings were made for this lamp. Whether it's a dinner on the patio, drinks on the deck, or a casual backyard gathering, Palma moves outside without a second thought. No extension cord. No trip hazard. No asking whether there's an outdoor outlet. Bring it out, tap it on, and suddenly your patio feels like a terrace somewhere warmer and slower than your everyday life. We've styled it at outdoor dining tables, on side tables next to lounge chairs, and nestled into entertaining spreads alongside wine, flowers, and good food. Every time, it's the first thing people notice—and the first thing they ask about. "These lamps are the secret to creating the perfect table. I love using them on a California night—bringing them outside for dinner or drinks adds the most beautiful, soft glow. They instantly make a space feel warm and inviting." — Shana, Co-Founder, Ivory & Olive Two Shades. One Base. Your Choice. Rattan Shade Warm, textured, open-weave glow ⚠️ Only 4 remaining in this batch Canvas Shade Soft pleated green linen, tailored and elegant In stock — more arriving soon The Details Touchless dimmer — tap the base to cycle through three brightness levels Cordless + rechargeable — charges via USB-C, holds a charge for hours of use Natural bamboo pillar with antique brass base Indoor + outdoor use — completely portable, no outlet required Two shade options: Rattan (warm, textured) or Canvas (soft pleated green linen) $169 Rattan shade: only 4 remaining from our first batch. Canvas shade in stock with more on the way. Shop the Palma Lamp One More Thing We brought in a limited first batch of the Palma, and the rattan shade has been moving fast—especially after it started appearing in our client project photos. We're restocking the Canvas shade and expect more inventory soon, but the rattan is nearly gone. If it's calling your name, this is the moment. And if you'd rather see it in person first—come by the store. We keep them on and glowing all day. Tap one for yourself. We promise you'll understand immediately. Shop the Palma Lamp → 📍 24847 Del Prado, Dana Point, CA 92629 Ready to find your glow? Shop the Palma Rechargeable Lamp
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Bathroom Design Ideas: Four Bathrooms, Four Stories
Nobody gets excited about bathroom design until they're standing in a shower that actually works. I say this after spending a few months designing four bathrooms for a client who trusted us with something most people don't think twice about: the rooms where they're most vulnerable, most tired, and most in need of beauty. A powder room is a performance space. A kitchen is where you gather. But a bathroom? A bathroom is where you meet yourself. This project taught me that bathrooms are the honest spaces in a home. They don't pretend. And once you design one well, you wonder why bathrooms ever got relegated to "necessary evils" in the first place. --- The Brief: Creative Freedom + Constraints The client gave us something rare: complete creative control over three guest en-suite bathrooms, and thoughtful parameters for the primary bath. The mission was clear—make these spaces feel intentional, not transactional. Make them places where a guest feels welcomed, and where the primary user feels like themselves every single morning. The constraint for the master bath was graceful: we'd be working around some existing pieces—an antique chandelier and the client's artwork. Rather than fight it, we leaned into it. This bath honors the client's existing collection and became a study in how to build around what matters, not just what matches. --- Bathroom 1: "The Gilded Garden" Walk into this en-suite, and you walk into a moment of deliberate drama. We chose House of Hackney wallpaper, a lush, jewel-toned botanical pattern that feels like you're bathing inside a garden at dusk. It's bold. It's not neutral. And it's exactly right because the client had creative freedom, and we used it. The brass Jamie Young mirror echoes the wallpaper's warmth without competing with it. Rejuvenation fixtures and Emmeline Sconce lighting feel collected, personal—like they've been there for years, not days. Here's what I love about this bath: it whispers. Despite the wallpaper, despite the color, there's no shouting. The fixtures are quiet. The mirror is simple. The wallpaper becomes the story, and everything else knows it. --- Bathroom 2: "Patterned Elegance" Not every bathroom needs to make a statement. Sometimes the statement is quiet. This guest bath is luminous and clean. We let Rejuvenation fixtures and Hudson Valley Lighting sconces speak for themselves—no wallpaper, no drama, just light and order. The geometric marble tile with its green-and-white quatrefoil pattern commands the room. The Hudson Valley Lighting sconces echo the same geometric language, creating a conversation between the fixture and the floor. It's a sculptural moment that calms. For a guest who just wants to splash water on their face and feel calm? This is the room. It's the palate cleanser between bold choices and what comes next. --- Bathroom 3: "Sculptural Elegance" This bath splits the difference: sophisticated without being showy. The Serena & Lily grasscloth wallpaper brings texture without pattern, warmth without color. It's the kind of choice that looks effortless and takes actual conviction to make. The Surya mirror—bold, round, geometric—sits against that texture and feels collected rather than matchy. Hudson Valley Lighting sconces bookend the vanity with warm, functional light. It's a room that trusts itself. --- The Process: Where We Fell in Love with the Details Some of the most beautiful moments in a project happen before the project looks finished. Watching Moda Tile being laid—the precision, the pattern, the way each piece locks into place—reminds you that bathrooms are craft spaces. The care in installation is part of the design. Watching House of Hackney wallpaper go up, pattern aligning perfectly across seams, is watching someone's vision become real. These moments don't photograph pretty until they're done. But they're where the magic lives. --- The Master Bath: Building Around What Matters Here's where the honesty comes in. The primary bathroom holds an antique chandelier and a gallery of art that the client adores. Rather than replace or minimize these pieces, we designed around them. House of Hackney wallpaper in a warm, sophisticated tone became the bridge between old and new. The dark Moda Tile in the shower—with its arched ceiling detail—creates drama without competing. Hudson Valley Lighting sconces flank the vanity with warmth. The Rejuvenation medicine cabinet mirror is modern enough to live alongside the antique elements without apology. This bath taught us something important: the best design doesn't erase what came before it. It honors it. --- What Bathrooms Taught Us A bathroom is where someone begins their day. It's where they cry, get ready, take a breath. It deserves the same intention you'd give a living room or kitchen—maybe more, because it's private. These four bathrooms taught us that creative freedom isn't about how many bold choices you make. It's about making each choice with purpose. It's about understanding that sometimes the loudest statement in a room is the quietness of everything else. It's about designing around what matters—both the new beauty you're introducing and the old meaning already there. A good bathroom doesn't ask you to perform. It lets you just... be. --- The Vendors Behind the Design Bathroom 1: "The Gilded Garden" Wallpaper: House of Hackney Mirror: Jamie Young Sconces: Emmeline Sconce by Made Goods Fixtures: Rejuvenation Bathroom 2: "Patterned Elegance" Mirror: Rejuvenation Sconces: Hudson Valley Lighting Fixtures: Rejuvenation Tile: Moda Tile Bathroom 3: "Sculptural Elegance" Wallpaper: Serena & Lily Grasscloth Mirror: Surya Sconces: Hudson Valley Lighting Master Bathroom Wallpaper: House of Hackney Mirror: Rejuvenation Medicine Cabinet Sconces: Hudson Valley Lighting Tile: Moda Tile Construction Imagine Beyond Photography Darlene Halaby --- Ready to rethink your bathroom? Get in Touch for a Design Consultation
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Whiskey Tasting Room Design in Coto de Caza
Inspired by old Chicago speakeasies, this Coto de Caza whiskey room was designed as an intimate, layered space for evenings in. When we first started this project, the goal was simple: create a whiskey tasting room that could double as a bar and an elevated hangout space. But like most of our favorite projects, it quickly became something more. The client gave us one request: incorporate a library ladder somewhere in the room. From there, we looked to old Chicago speakeasies and classic bars for inspiration, spaces that feel intimate, layered, and collected over time. This wasn’t about adding a room. It was about creating a destination within the home. An Invitation In From the moment you walk through the doors, the mood shifts. The space feels quieter, warmer, and intentionally set apart from the rest of the home. Layered textures, warm tones, and architectural details draw you in, creating a room that feels both elevated and deeply comfortable. The Ladder, Reimagined This was the one request from the client: a library ladder somewhere in the room. Instead of treating it as an add-on, we made it the focal point. Integrated into the built-in shelving and framed by brick arches, it becomes both functional and architectural. It draws the eye upward and reinforces the layered, collected feel we wanted throughout the space. Where It All Comes Together At the center of the room, the bar anchors everything. Wrapped in deep tones and surrounded by layered materials, it creates a space that feels grounded yet elevated. It’s where conversations linger, drinks are poured, and the room comes to life. Lighting That Defines the Room Lighting plays a defining role in this space. The Bridget Chandelier by Arteriors anchors the room — sculptural, dramatic, and intentionally unexpected. Inspired by Hollywood Regency and Deco forms, its layered chains and vintage brass finish create movement and scale that immediately draw the eye upward. Along the bar, the Itzia Sconces by Arteriors bring warmth and texture. Their hammered antique brass finish adds a soft, reflective glow, while the twisted metal form gives the room a sense of play and subtle energy. Together, the chandelier and sconces create a balance of statement and atmosphere — layered lighting that makes the room feel intimate, elevated, and unforgettable. The Result What started as a single idea became one of the most distinctive rooms in the home. The textures, the lighting, the architectural details, everything works together to create a space that feels timeless, intimate, and entirely personal. Ivory & Olive Decor completely transformed our vision for the Whiskey Room into something truly special. What started as an idea became a beautifully layered space that feels timeless, warm, and incredibly personal. From concept through construction and final styling, their attention to detail, creativity, and project management were exceptional. It’s now our favorite room in the house and a space our family and friends can’t stop talking about. Their design vision and hands-on management made the entire process enjoyable, and the final result is beyond what we imagined. — Client This is why we love what we do, creating spaces that feel as good as they look, and that people truly live in. xoxo, Katie + Shana Project Partners Design: Ivory & OliveRemodel Partner: Imagine BeyondPhotography: Darlene Halaby Photography Material Highlights Sconces: Itzia Sconce by Arteriors Chandelier: Bridget Chandelier Arteriors Bar: Peter Bar by NOIR Leather Chairs: Porch View Wallpaper Ceiling: Worn Timber by Painted Paper Barstools: Damon Swivel by Four Hands Coffee Table: Aria by Arteriors Paint: Mahogany by Farrow & Ball Custom Neon Sign: Yellow Pop
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The Mission Viejo Kitchen + Entertaining Remodel: Elevated Living, Effortless Flow
Removing One Wall Changed Everything The Mission Viejo kitchen + entertaining remodel, reimagined for flow, light, and everyday living. When we first stepped into this Mission Viejo home, we saw potential everywhere — but the layout wasn’t working. The kitchen and front room were divided by a wall that blocked natural light and interrupted the flow. The ceilings felt uneven. There were unused nooks that made the space feel smaller than it was. And the dining room wasn’t truly being used. It wasn’t about decorating. It was about rethinking the architecture. Reworking the Bones of the Space With the homeowner’s trust (and complete creative freedom), we removed the dividing wall and eliminated the unnecessary nooks that weren’t serving the design. We leveled and restructured the ceiling, anchoring it with beams that brought intentionality and scale to the room. Suddenly, the home felt cohesive instead of compartmentalized. To tie the kitchen and family room together, we used the same natural stone on both the backsplash and the fireplace. That continuity creates a visual conversation between spaces — subtle, but powerful. Designing for Real Life The homeowner didn’t truly need a formal dining table — so instead of forcing one into the layout, we made the island the hero. We extended it beyond traditional proportions and added two stools at the ends for flexible seating. Now it’s a place for casual dinners, homework, entertaining, and morning coffee. Photography: Darlene Halaby Photography Lighting That Anchors the Entire Room One of our favorite moments in this kitchen is the lighting. Four alabaster globes suspended from chains create scale and drama against the newly structured ceiling. The Lucent Lightshop alabaster 4-light swag chandelier works beautifully with the height we created and feels both architectural and warm. The Result What was once broken up and underutilized is now connected, anchored, and layered with warmth. The kitchen flows into the entertaining space. The stone connects rooms. The lighting defines the ceiling. The island supports everyday living. Working with Ivory & Olive Decor was the best decision I made during the remodel. I gave them creative freedom, and they delivered a kitchen and front room remodel complete with an entertaining space/wine bar that feels sophisticated yet comfortable, with stunning materials and lighting that completely changed the home. The family room now feels cohesive and inviting, and the entire space has a warmth that’s hard to describe. The compliments from neighbors haven’t stopped. — M. June She gave us creative freedom. She trusted the process. And today she’s not just a client — she’s a friend. This project is why we love what we do. Photography: Darlene Halaby Photography Material Highlights Kitchen Cabinetry: White Oak Kitchen Paint: Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (75%) Hardware: Plank Hardware Lighting: Lucent Lightshop Alabaster 4-Light Swag Chandelier Barstools: Häti Home Wrapped Hood: Custom (and a stunner) Entertaining Space Bar Paint Color: Sherwin-Williams Black Fox Chandelier: Aloni by Made Goods Coffee Table: Roma, Essentials for Living Swivel Chairs: Marcel, Essentials for Living Pillows: DV Kap Rug: Surya Bar Sconces: Milano, Jamie Young Co. The bar was painted in Black Fox — rich and grounding — and paired with mirrored tile sourced from Paris to add reflection and star power. The velvet swivel chairs bring comfort without sacrificing elegance. Explore More Want the full story and the complete look? Visit the project page for imagery, details, and shopping links. View the Project Project Partners Design: Ivory & Olive Remodel Partner: Imagine Beyond Photography: Darlene Halaby Photography Kitchen Lighting: Lucent Lightshop Bar Chandelier: Made Goods Furniture: Essentials for Living Bar Sconces: Jamie Young Co. Textiles: DV Kap Rug: Surya Hardware: Plank Hardware Barstools: Häti Home
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Market Recap: What We’re Loving Right Now
Every market trip leaves us inspired, and this one was all about bold lighting, rich texture, and pieces that instantly spark a project idea. From sculptural lamps to dimensional wallcoverings, here’s what made it straight to our “must use in a client home” list. A New Dimension in Wall Design We were completely drawn to Dimense Wallcoverings from Leftbank Art. This isn’t just wallpaper, it’s a texture you can see and feel. The sculpted depth transforms a flat wall into something architectural, immersive, and elevated without construction costs. For clients who want impact without demo, this is a design dream. Statement Lighting: The Tiber Lamp This oversized ombre lamp by Arteriors was an immediate add to cart. The seeded glass base, finished in a smoky luster ombre, feels like gathering storm clouds... moody, dramatic, and completely captivating once illuminated. It’s already heading into one of our client homes, and we can’t wait to see it styled. The Counter Stool We’re Dreaming About The Laney Counter Stool stopped us in our tracks. A slim antique brass frame paired with cascading taupe suede details? It’s eye-catching from every angle. Shana has already envisioned the perfect bar/club room built around this piece. We’re just waiting for the right client to say yes. Small Scale, Big Personality Baby lamps are having a moment, and we’re here for it. The Posie Table Lamp by Four Hands features a tan speckled ceramic base topped with a scalloped silk shade. It’s soft and bold at the same time, perfect for layering into bookshelves, powder baths, or bedside moments that need just a little extra glow. Candle Sand by Napa Home & Garden One of the most fun discoveries? Candle Sand from Napa Home & Garden. This versatile product lets you create one-of-a-kind candles using your favorite vessels in an effortless way to add warmth, texture, and personality to any space. It’s already in store and ready to style. Shop Candle Sand Design is constantly evolving, and that’s what keeps it exciting. We can’t wait to bring these finds into upcoming projects and into the shop.
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