ASID Design Tour Featured Artist - Steve Jensen

STEVE JENSEN COLLECTION - MURANO GLASS

Steve Jensen has been wonderful in lending his Murano glass pieces for the 2009 ASID/OC Design Tourtour. An absolutely wonderful art deco chandelier is hanging in the dining room along with 2 large glass urns made just for the tour that are on the fireplace mantle in David Rance's space in 1301. He also has loaned lamps and candlesticks that are just stunning.
Check out more of Steve's original works at www.stevejensencollection.com.




Rick Thompson of Keir Interior Design Featured In The Orange County Register

EXAMINER.COM Shares Design Tips from the ASID/OCC Designers of Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Space!


Home and Living examiner Andrea Campbell of Examiner.com was so excited about all the fantastic tips offered up by the team of designers from the 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour, she had to run them ALL!! Thanks so much Andrea for your support of the 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour and in turn, the OCPAC educational programs. For anyone looking to bring a fresh feel a tired space - these tips will be your inspiration!!
http://www.examiner.com/x-702-Home-and-Living-Examiner~y2009m4d3-2009-ASIDOCC-Urban-Living-Astoria-design-tour

To get more ideas, inspiration and expert advice visit the 2009 ASID Design Tour - April 21-May 17 at Astoria in Irvine, CA - www.asidocc.org/news_events/design_tour

Sue Sanders of K Design Gives A Sneak Peak At Her 2009 Design Tour Space

The bathroom is one place that NEEDS to be updated. I love getting inspiration from designers who can really showcase the big impact you can have in a small room. Take a look at this "before" photo of the 2009 Design Tour space by Sue Sanders of K Design.

She says, "Calm green accents, shimmering slate, and a rare piece of granite from Madagascar come together to create a soft glamorous space with a feminine touch. I can't wait to see the sparkling crystal finials on the faucets and accessories along with the elegant sconces!"

More about K Design
Sue Sanders is the creative force behind K Design. She holds a Professional Level Certificate from the highly regarded UCLA Interior design program. She was honored to be selected as a designer for the upcoming 2009 ASID Urban Living Tour. She also has worked with Furnishing Hope in designing a home for Habitat for Humanity. Her design philosophy is "Interior design for your lifestyle" because a space should function well, be beautiful and enhance your lifestyle. www.kdesigninteriors.com

Urban Living at Astoria - 2009 Design Tour To Feature Eve Lowey of Chameleon Design and Chameleon Studio

I live near the ever-fabulous 17th Street in Costa Mesa/Newport Beach, where you can find everything you need. Most of the time, I find things that I want - like at Studio Chameleon. (Lucky Lauren - she just bought some accessories from them!) They have so many fabulous things to make your home great.

Eve Lowey is the creative gal behind the store, who also offers interior design through Chameleon OC. Lucky for us, she is also one of the participating designers at the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria. Here are her story boards for her space so you can get a sneak peak.

www.chameleonoc.com/ www.studiochameleon.com

More about Eve Lowey
Interior designer Eve Lowey began her career exceptionally early. While many an accolade has graced Eve and her firm, Chameleon Design, her seminal award came in high school, from a large furniture store in Houston for her first room design, proudly submitted by her high school art teacher.

Now, with over 27 years of interior design experience - and over sixty design awards later -Eve is CEO and President of Chameleon Design, a design firm in Orange County since 1992. She is also owner of Studio Chameleon, the newest retail furniture and art gallery offering in Newport Beach, in the trendy Westcliff Shopping Center.

Eve's style maintains it's fresh quality blending modern classic pieces with eclectic and whimsical themes by studying both artists whose work inspires her, as well as contemplating global design and fashion trends outside the world of interiors. Eve sees art and design as a conversation between contemporary culture, millennia of classic design, and the perennial elements of the natural world. She also draws upon mid-century modern influences.


Eve's gift lies in not only helping a client to define their desired aesthetic, but also resides in her seamless execution of the project's completion - no matter the scale of the job. Whether it's a high-end project with a substantial budget, a tight time restraint or a limited budget, Eve enjoys it all. She finds that the real creativity emerges from problem solving.

She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Interior Design from the University of North Texas. She worked in Dallas and San Francisco before choosing to settle in Orange County 21 years ago. Eve has had the national council of interior design qualification credential as of 1991.

When she's not overseeing all aspects of Chameleon Design and providing leadership to her talented staff or managing the day-to-day operations of Studio Chameleon, you will find her practicing her own philosophy -- making sure to enjoy the home environment she creates with her husband Eric and their three children. She has a deep commitment to fundraising for local schools as well as autism charities and programs.

Today's Featured Designer from the 2009 Design Tour at Astoria- Tamara Shermer



















After speaking with Tamara Shermer of OC Interiors, one of the designers on the ASID 2009 Design Tour, you can tell that her heart and soul are in every project. She says, " “I Want to inspire a second glance, and draw the spectator into a world they’d want to linger in.’

Enjoy a sneak peak at her space!






















































































More About Tamara Shermer
Tamara Shermer, allied member ASID, is based in San Juan Capistrano, CA, and owner of Orange County Interiors. Her OC Interiors motto is; “Designing Lifestyles”. Her design experience ranges from high-end luxury properties, commercial offices, to designing for a multi-family and senior living affordable housing builder. Tamara’s projects can be seen throughout California and soon to include Hawaii. Her work has been published in a national housing journal. Through her education, which began in 1983, she is dedicated to cutting edge design with focuses like “Aging in Place”, and “Green Design”. Tamara is a U.S. Green Building council member. Tamara Shermer received her BA in Film Studies from the University of California at Irvine, and holds Associate degrees in Fashion Merchandising and Interior Design. She is also fluent in Spanish.

To reach Tamara at OC Interiors call 949.510.0533.

Kimberly Franzen of Franzen Interiors Shares Her Vision For ASID's 2009 Design Tour

Talk about gorgeous! Check out Kimberly Franzen's story boards for her space at the ASID 2009 Design Tour. We call Kimberly, owner of Franzen Interiors, the "Dancing Designer" because her background includes dance and with these story boards you can see the movement already.

Just so you can see how fabulous this space is going to be - here are some "before' shots. We are dieing to see the "after" now that we have seen Kimberly's inspirations.

More about Franzen Interiors - Interior designer Kimberly Franzen is a current member of ASID, IIDA, IDCC, National Trust for Historic Preservation and NDCA (National Dance Council of America). She also holds a B.A. in Interior Design, a certificate in Zen Design and has a working knowledge of Feng Shui As an Orange County design-industry professional, Kimberly provides full residential interior design services that include everything from space planning and color consulting to home staging for resale, Zen design, outdoor spaces, and custom design pieces. http://www.franzeninteriors.com/







David Kelley Interiors and Laguna Waterworks Partner To Create Space 31 At The ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria

David Kelley of David Kelley Interiors and Laguna Waterworks have partnered to create Space Thirty One at the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria.

They are every publicist's dream! They have created their own website about their Design Tour Space - www.spacethirtyone.com. It will feature photos, product information and the entire design concept. Also, they have a Facebook group at "Space Thirty One".

Also below is their storyboard to give us a hint at what to expect.

According to David Kelley, "If you notice the mural color is the flash blue that depends on how the light hits it, goes from cream to blue to purple metallic."
Space Thirty One is going to be AMAZING!
More about David Kelley Interiors and Laguna Waterworks, Inc.
David E. Kelley, allied member ASID, is owner of David Kelley Interiors and Creative Framing Services, Inc. The two companies have partnered to create “space 31” on the Design Tour. David’s 20-year career in the interior design and custom art framing fields enables him to utilize his creative talents and artistic flair to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. David Kelley Interiors head offices is located in San Clemente and their second office is in Palm Springs where he specializes in vacation homes. http://www.davidkelleyinteriors.com/

For over a decade Laguna Waterworks, Inc. has been the premier provider of beautiful interior water features and Bio-Fireplaces nationwide. Jo-Ri Way and Tom Ray owners of Laguna Waterworks have enjoyed years of experience in design, art, construction and retail allowing them to pull from their individual styles and resources to create extraordinary designs. http://www.lagunawaterworks.com/

Natalie Umbert of Atelier Interior Design Gives Us A Sneak Peak At Her ASID 2009 Design Tour Space

The lovely and talented Natalie Umbert had coffee with us the other morning to check in and give us the scoop on her space for the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria.

Here is a sneak peak at the story boards for her space. If you can't wait to see it at the 2009 Design Tour, you can find her at her Corona del Mar store - Atelier, a place she uses as a think tank and a laboratory to channel her creative energy.

We love her fearless use of color and her fresh take on design. Everything she does makes you want to move in!
















More about Natalie Umbert and Atelier
Driven by her varied life, travel, and professional experiences, Natalie Umbert is known for her ability to arrive at something unique yet accessible through her thoughtful combination of influences, periods, color and texture. Umbert was raised in South Florida and attended Tufts University in Boston. After creative and wide-ranging professions in both the music and fashion industries and armed with nothing more than a few sketches and a lot of enthusiasm, Natalie decided to pursue her true passion and gained acceptance to the Parsons School of Design in New York. Following graduation, Natalie trained at the New York firm of Mariette Himes Gomez, gaining invaluable experience in the field of luxury design. Natalie subsequently worked for firms in Miami and Los Angeles, and opened her own firm, atelier natalie umbert, just after earning an MBA from the Merage School of business at the University of California, Irvine. http://www.atelierinteriordesign.com/

Richard Thompson of Keir: Interior Design Gives Us An Inside Look At His Inspirations For The ASID 2009 Design Tour

You know it is cool when your 11-year old daughter walks in and says, "I want that!".


That is exactly what happened when my daughter saw the story boards that Richard Thompson of Keir: Interior Design did for his space at the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria.




Also featured in the space is an amazing line of bath products from Köl, Richard Thompson says, "These are some of the exclusive bath products from Köl , based in NYC, that we are using in our bathroom - not available anywhere in CA. They have a big celebrity following, are beautiful, and they smell amazing."
More About Keir: Interior Design
Bringing a uniquely modern approach to interior design, partners Richard Thompson and Keith Fondry lead the Newport Beach based studio, Keir: Interior Design. Specializing in residential, corporate, hospitality, and retail interiors, the firm has completed projects from Maui to Mammoth, from Palm Springs to Newport Beach. Richard Thompson, has a diverse background in both residential and commercial interior design and is the recipient of both national and local design awards. Their latest project, a modern, lounge oriented self-serve yogurt shop, “Myogurt,” is scheduled for national and local publication in the first half of 2009. http://www.keirhome.com/

Rick Campos of Christopher Tracy Interiors Shares His Inspiration for the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living At Astoria


If you haven't stopped by Rick Campos' store, Christopher Tracy Interiors, in the old school Newport surfer's destination and artist enclave on 31st Street in Newport Beach, you have got to do it. Filled with tons of ideas and fun home accessories, you will be inspired.


Rick was kind enough to share is story board for the ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria. We can't wait to see the final installation!

ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria - Before Photos

I love a "before" and "after". Below are the "before" photos and I can't wait for the "after."

The 2009 ASID Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria - is going to be AMAZING! I can't wait to see how the 37 designers tackle the challenge of transforming these new spaces into a contemporary-inspired home, using innovative ideas. I love to see how other people are inspired by color, shape, technology and space and I am sure that these Penthouses and Lofts will not disappoint.

So save-the-date. The Design Tour is April 21-May 17.
















2009 ASID Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria - "Before" Video

The 2009 Design Tour is taking shape. We went by Astoria today to meet some of the designers, who were working, measuring and planning. Construction crews were there working hard too. The building is amazing and will be a perfect backdrop to showcase the 37 designers' work. Since the Design Tour will be amazing, we thought it would be fun to see a little "before" video of one of the penthouse suites that will be featured. We can't wait.

ASID 2009 Design Tour - Urban Living at Astoria - Announced in OC Weekly

Always with their finger on the pulse of Orange County, OC Weekly just announced the ASID 2009 Design Tour called Urban Living at Astoria.

http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/a-clockwork-orange/things-are-looking-up-for-2009/

For more information on the Design Tour go to ASID's website: www.asidocc.org

Thanks Matt Coker at OC Weekly!

ASID Orange County Chapter Announces Plans for 2009 Design Tour


NEW LOOK, NEW WAY OF LIFE, NEW WAY TO GIVE BACK

ASID Orange County Chapter Announces Plans for 2009 Design Tour
April 21-May 17

Laguna Niguel, CA – The 2009 ASID Orange County Chapter today announced its First Annual ASID Design Tour called Urban Living @Astoria featuring a total of six living spaces in a high rise complex. Astoria, a joint venture between Intergulf Development Group and Lennar Urban is part of a planned community on over two acres in a park-like setting.

This year’s Tour Committee is also proud to announce the selection of the Orange County Performing Arts Center as its benefiting charity. The Center is one of the country’s premier arts centers recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for enhancing the community with a diverse array of world class performance and educational programs.

“This tour is the first of its kind for the ASID Orange County Chapter, marking our first partnership with the Orange County Performing Arts Center, and we're so excited to present it to the public,” said ASID/OCC President Diane Sparacino. “This is a must see project. Our hope is that guests of the tour will both appreciate and be inspired by the creative use of all the newest products and materials to create cutting-edge designed spaces.”

“The Orange County Performing Arts Center is honored to be the beneficiary of the ASID 2009 Design Tour,” said Center President Terrence W. Dwyer. “On behalf of the Center, I want to thank ASID/OCC President Diane Sparacino and the many remarkable designers who will be showcased at the Astoria. This is an exciting partnership between two organizations dedicated to unique artistic worlds: visual and performing. And it is an excellent example of how we can unite these worlds to benefit our young people, support their educational opportunities and fulfill their professional dreams.”

2009 Design Tour Details

While previous ASID/OCC design tours have featured single family homes in a traditional setting, this year's Tour will be the first to feature Contemporary Design in an "urban" setting. The chosen location for the 2009 ASID/OCC Design Tour are the luxuriously appointed towers known as Astoria, located within Central Park West (Irvine, Ca), and will include four penthouse lofts and two flats on the Terrace and Grand Tier Level. The floor to ceiling windows and vast outdoor spaces will provide the perfect backdrop for 35 of ASID/OCC’s fabulous designers to showcase their unique talents. Incorporating cutting edge design- from green living to a full spectrum of this year’s hottest colors and furnishings, this years Tour is sure to inspire the imagination and appreciation of every visitor. Designers were issued the additional challenge of creating environments that will appeal to visitors at all stages of their life, from bachelors and young families to empty nesters.

A mix of contemporary living and traditional luxuries, Astoria offers its residents an on-site business center, concierge service, a secured wine vault with private wine-tasting room, fully equipped exercise room as well as an oversized pool and spa. A complete list of amenities as well as additional images and information about Astoria can be found at www.astorialiving.net.

“Some of the hottest and most innovative designers and designs ASID-Orange County Chapter has to offer, have come together to make this year’s Tour exciting and inspiring. From stainless steel floors to indoor waterfalls, leather walls to backlit vanities, we have a range of themes in each uniquely designed space,” said Laura Yorba, 2009 ASID Design Tour Chair.

Additionally, the 2009 ASID Design Tour will offer special events such as “Meet the Designer/Date Nights” every Friday night and teaching seminars on subjects including wine tasting, tabletop decorations and a fashion show throughout the tour. More details on the schedule of the events and the participating designers will be announced in the weeks ahead.

The tour will be open to the public April 21-May 17, Tuesday – Sunday from 10AM- 5PM. Tickets for the design tour are $30 in advance and $35 at the door and will be available starting March 2nd online at www.asidocc.org, through the Orange County Performing Arts Center Box Office – 714.556.2787 or at Whole Foods in The District.