Why Beautiful Spaces Must Work for Real Life

The Luxury of Functionality

Walk through many high-end homes today and you'll likely notice a living room that no one actually lives in. The pristine sofa that sends children scrambling to other rooms. The dining table so perfectly styled that setting it for an actual meal feels like an act of vandalism. The kitchen so showroom-perfect that cooking becomes an intrusion. This is what happens when design prioritizes photography over people. When spaces are created to impress visitors rather than serve the humans who call them home. When luxury becomes synonymous with untouchability rather than unparalleled comfort and functionality. At Design 4 Corners, we believe this approach fundamentally misunderstands what luxury should be. Real luxury isn't about owning things so precious you can't use them. It's about having everything you need work so beautifully and intuitively that your home enhances every aspect of your daily life.

Consider the difference between a kitchen designed to look like a magazine spread and one designed for someone who loves to cook. The magazine kitchen features pristine white countertops that show every fingerprint, open shelving that looks beautiful when styled but becomes cluttered with actual use, and an island positioned for maximum visual impact rather than optimal workflow. The functional luxury kitchen anticipates real cooking needs. Counter materials that age beautifully with use. Storage solutions that keep daily essentials accessible while maintaining clean lines. Lighting designed for food preparation, not just ambiance. Seating that invites family and friends to gather while meals are being prepared.

Both kitchens can be equally beautiful, but only one becomes more enjoyable to use over time. Only one truly serves the life being lived within it.

This philosophy extends to every corner of your home. A luxury bedroom isn't just visually stunning. It's a space that helps you sleep better, wake up refreshed, and move through your morning routine with ease. A luxury living room doesn't just look good in photos. It's a space where conversations flow naturally, where you actually want to spend time, where comfort and beauty exist in perfect harmony.

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Daily Rituals as Design Inspiration: A Helpful Connection of Your Life to Your Space

The secret to creating truly functional luxury lies in understanding that your daily rituals are the poetry of your life. The way you make your morning coffee. How you unwind after work. Where you prefer to read. How you like to entertain friends. These aren't mundane details to work around. They're the inspiration for exceptional design.

Rather than assessing room sizes and furniture placement, we aim to understand the rhythm of your days so that we can design spaces that support and elevate those rhythms.

For busy parents, we understand that luxury means having systems that work even when life gets chaotic. This might mean creating a mudroom that actually contains the daily explosion of backpacks and sports equipment. Designing kitchen storage so that healthy snacks are easily accessible to children. Planning sight lines so parents can supervise homework while preparing dinner.

For avid entertainers, functional luxury means spaces that transition effortlessly from intimate family dinners to larger gatherings. Kitchens designed for prep-ahead cooking. Living areas that encourage conversation. Lighting systems that create the perfect ambiance without requiring a degree in electrical engineering to operate.

Your rituals also reveal your preferences in ways that simple questionnaires cannot. A client might say they want a "clean, minimalist aesthetic," but if their daily ritual involves juggling multiple creative projects, we know that hidden storage solutions will be essential to maintaining that clean look in real life.

The most successful luxury interiors are those that make your preferred way of living feel effortless and beautiful. Where your natural habits are supported rather than challenged. Where the space works with your personality rather than against it.

Real Families, Real Needs: What We Know About Livable Family Spaces

After years of designing for families, we've learned that functional luxury with children requires a completely different approach than the pristine, untouchable spaces often showcased in design magazines. Children don't just live in homes. They explore, create, play, and sometimes make magnificent messes. The most successful family spaces anticipate this reality and embrace it.

This doesn't mean sacrificing beauty or sophistication. It means being smarter about material choices, storage solutions, and spatial planning. It means understanding that a family room should be beautiful enough for adult conversation and durable enough for fort-building. That a kitchen should accommodate both elegant dinner parties and Sunday morning pancake chaos.

We've discovered that families thrive in spaces that offer both togetherness and privacy. Open-concept living works beautifully when balanced with quiet retreats where family members can recharge. A reading nook where teenagers can do homework while still being part of family life. A craft corner where children can create without taking over the dining table. A parent retreat where adults can have conversations or simply enjoy a few moments of solitude.

Functional luxury for families also means designing for evolution. Children grow and their needs change rapidly. The toddler play area should be able to transform into a homework station. The nursery should transition gracefully to a big kid bedroom. Storage systems should adapt as toys give way to sports equipment and art supplies.

The most important lesson we've learned about family spaces is that they work best when every family member feels considered. This means creating spaces at different scales. Adult-height counters in the kitchen paired with a lower prep area where children can help with cooking. Family room seating that accommodates both grown-ups and little ones comfortably. Storage solutions that children can actually use independently.

Perhaps most importantly, we've learned that family spaces should celebrate the beautiful chaos of family life rather than trying to hide it. A mudroom that makes coming and going feel organized rather than frantic. A playroom that contains creativity without stifling it. Living spaces that look lived-in and loved rather than perpetually waiting for guests.

Your Functional Luxury Awaits

At Design 4 Corners, we believe that the highest form of luxury is a home that works so well for your life that you forget to notice all the ways it's making things easier. Where beauty and function are so seamlessly integrated that you can't imagine one without the other.

Your home should be your most supportive partner in living the life you want. It should anticipate your needs, accommodate your habits, and evolve with your changing circumstances. It should be beautiful enough to take your breath away and functional enough that you never have to think about whether it's working.

This is what functional luxury looks like. Not perfection that must be preserved, but beauty that improves with living. Not spaces that demand careful behavior, but environments that support your most authentic way of being at home.

Because the most luxurious thing of all is a home where you can truly live.

Ready to create a space that works as beautifully as it looks? Let's design a home that enhances every aspect of your daily life.

DESIGNING FOR THE ADVENTUROUS SOUL

GLOBAL LUXURY MEETS PERSONAL SANCTUARY

For the adventurous soul, home isn't just where the heart is. It's where all your journeys converge into something deeply personal. Your Malaysian textiles, your Moroccan pottery, your memories of that perfect sunset in Santorini aren't just décor. They're chapters in your story.

As interior designers who have shaped spaces between the beaches of San Diego and the rice terraces of Bali, we understand that true global luxury isn't about collecting exotic objects. It's about creating a sanctuary that honors every place that's shaped you, while serving the life you're living today.

When Home Base Meets Wanderlust

The modern global citizen lives in a beautiful paradox. You crave adventure, seek new horizons, and collect experiences across continents. Yet you also desire a home that feels like the most authentic expression of who you've become through all that exploration.

At Design 4 Corners, we recognize that your travels aren't just experiences you've had. They're transformative moments that have shaped your aesthetic sensibilities, your understanding of comfort, your appreciation for craftsmanship, and your definition of home itself. When you spent that month in a traditional riad in Marrakech, you didn't just visit Morocco. You discovered something about the way light and shadow can create a sense of timelessness. When you wandered through the artisan workshops of Ubud, you didn't just observe Balinese craft. You developed a deeper understanding of how handmade objects carry the energy of their creators.

This is why our approach to designing for the adventurous soul goes far beyond surface aesthetics and current design trends. We begin by understanding not just where you've been, but how those places have changed you. What did you discover about yourself in that seaside villa in Santorini? How did the minimalist elegance of that Tokyo hotel shift your understanding of space? What feelings does that handwoven textile from Peru evoke every time you touch it?

Your home should be the culmination of all these discoveries. A space that reflects not just your travels, but your evolution as a person who has been shaped by the world's diverse expressions of beauty and functionality.

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Bringing the World Home

Our bi-contentental beginnings between San Diego and Bali has taught us that authentic global design isn't about importing aesthetics. It's about integrating philosophies. The laid-back luxury of California coastal living and the mindful craftsmanship of Balinese design might seem worlds apart, but both share a fundamental commitment to connecting indoor and outdoor living, to honoring natural materials, and to creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and relaxed.

This understanding shapes our approach to every global element we introduce into your home. When we source a hand-carved dining table from Indonesia, we're not just selecting a beautiful object, we're bringing the Balinese philosophy of communal gathering into your space. When we design a meditation corner inspired by your transformative experience in a Tibetan monastery, we're creating a space that honors not just the aesthetic elements you loved, but the sense of peace and introspection that made that place so meaningful to you.

Our global design philosophy rests on three foundational principles:

Authenticity Over Appropriation: We ensure that every global element in your home comes from a place of genuine connection and respect, rather than surface-level aesthetic borrowing. This means understanding the cultural significance of design elements and incorporating them in ways that honor their origins while serving your contemporary lifestyle.

Integration Over Decoration: Global elements should feel integral to your space's overall narrative, not like museum pieces or tourist souvenirs. A vintage Moroccan rug should enhance your living room's comfort and beauty, not announce itself as the "global element" in an otherwise conventional space.

Evolution Over Imitation: Rather than recreating specific cultural aesthetics, we help you develop a personal design language that has been informed and enriched by your global experiences. Your home should feel unmistakably yours, not like a reproduction of any single cultural tradition.

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Beyond Souvenir Styling

The difference between souvenir styling and authentic global design lies in intention. Souvenir styling treats international objects as conversation pieces, things that announce where you've been. Authentic global design treats these elements as integral parts of your aesthetic evolution, pieces that reflect who you've become.

Consider the difference between placing a Buddha statue on a bookshelf because it looks "zen" and creating a meditation space that incorporates principles of Buddhist design philosophy. This includes the careful consideration of light, the use of natural materials, the creation of visual calm through thoughtful composition. The first approach treats spiritual and cultural symbols as decoration; the second honors the deeper principles that made those traditions meaningful to you.

The goal is always to create spaces that feel personal and authentically global. These are homes that reflect a worldly sophistication earned through genuine experience and thoughtful integration, rather than purchased through international shopping sprees.

Your Sanctuary Awaits

At Design 4 Corners, we understand that your home is the one place on earth that should feel like everywhere you've ever felt truly yourself. It should carry the warmth of that family-run pensione in Tuscany, the tranquility of that temple garden in Kyoto, the vibrant energy of that artists' quarter in Buenos Aires. Not as literal recreations, but as integrated elements of a space that tells your unique story.

Your adventurous spirit has given you a rare gift: the ability to see beauty and wisdom in diverse cultural approaches to living. Let us help you bring that gift home, creating a sanctuary that honors every journey while embracing the life you're building today.

Because the most beautiful homes aren't just well-designed. They're well-traveled, well-considered, and personal. They're spaces where every element has meaning, every corner tells a story, and every room reflects the extraordinary journey of becoming who you are.

Ready to transform your global experiences into your most personal sanctuary? Let's begin the conversation about bringing your world home.

COMMUNITY AT OUR CORE

Just as we believe every home should feel collected over a lifetime, we approach our professional relationships with the same intentionality.

Every space we design tells a story, your story. But our business tells a story too: one of sisters who believe that taking care of others isn't just part of our ethos, it's how business should be done. We're a team that celebrates each other's strengths, and we're not just interior designers, we're community builders, relationship weavers, and storytellers who know that the most important stories are the ones we write together.

Just as we believe every home should feel collected over a lifetime, we approach our professional relationships with the same intentionality. Our partnerships with artisans, clients, and fellow designers aren't rushed or transactional, they're thoughtfully layered, rich with meaning, and built to stand the test of time.

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When we collaborate with other designers, we're weaving together different perspectives to create something more beautiful than any of us could achieve alone. Whether it's referring a client whose aesthetic calls for a different approach or partnering with TribuTravel to help clients create cohesive experiences from home to destination, we're crafting something larger than individual success.

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Our commitment to working with skilled artisans worldwide has taught us about the true power of community. When we source handcrafted textiles from Oaxaca or collaborate with local craftspeople, we're not just purchasing products, we're investing in stories, traditions, and the continuation of meaningful work. Every collaboration carries a story, and we want those stories to be ones of mutual respect and shared growth.

As we continue growing Design 4 Corners, our commitment to creating homes that feel like sanctuaries while building a thriving, vibrant community remains our true north. Because the most beautiful spaces in the world are meaningless without genuine connection, mutual support, and the kind of love that comes from truly taking care of each other.

This is how we design, how we choose to live, and the intention we bring to each day and to each project.

WHERE WORLD MEETS HOME

How to Create a Home That Feels Collected, Curated & Globally Inspired

One of the most beautiful parts of travel is how it stays with you long after the trip is over. At Design 4 Corners, we believe your home should reflect the life you've lived and the places that have moved you most. Here’s how to bring that global spirit into your space with style, intention, and heart.

Choose a Destination Palette

Let your favorite destination inspire the mood of your home. Maybe it’s the sunbaked terracotta or a memory of horseback riding you enjoyed while on vacation in Italy. A destination-inspired color palette brings a sense of place into every corner and sets the tone for a space that feels like a permanent vacation or captures the memories of vacations past.

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Layer Artisan Pieces

There’s a quiet richness in handmade things. Whether it’s a carved wooden bench from Bali, a ceramic vase from Oaxaca, or a vintage Berber rug, artisan-made decor tells a story no mass-produced piece ever could. These are the kinds of details that give your home soul.

Mix Textures Thoughtfully

To truly get the global look, texture is everything. Think linen curtains, handwoven baskets, clay pots, carved stone, and weathered leather. When you layer textures from different parts of the world, you create a home that feels collected not curated.

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Curate Over Time

A worldly home doesn’t happen in a weekend. It unfolds slowly, just like your journeys. Collect meaningful pieces on your travels or from globally-sourced boutiques that align with your values. Look for brands that support artisans and honor craftsmanship. The beauty is in the evolution.

Infuse Personality & Memory

Hang that framed map from your Amalfi Coast road trip. Display menus from that unforgettable Paris bistro. Add a shelf of stones, shells, or mementos gathered on the go. These personal layers make your home deeply yours—and invite guests into the stories behind each item.

want to create a globally inspired home and are not sure where to start?

We’d love to connect, hear about your vision and help you bring it to life.

sAN DIEGO MOST COVETED INTERIOR DESIGNERS

The sisters at Design 4 Corners boast an impressive global portfolio of designs and happy clients. Here’s what they’re saying…

“We hired Susanna in 2013 to help us remodel our entire downstairs (Kitchen, Living Room and Dinning Room). We explained our desires and taste and she took that and ran! She created a wonderful space for us that reflects our style and personalities perfectly! After that project, we have since used her to design an amazing playroom (fort and all!), a complete Master bedroom and bathroom remodel, updates to our two bathrooms and decoration consultations throughout the other rooms of the house. She is a joy to work with, extremely talented, willing to work with your budget and dedicated to her work. We highly recommend her and though we plan to NEVER leave our house, if we ever did move, she's the first we'll call to help us with the new house.” - Brittney

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“I LOVE OUR HOUSE! When we started our search for our first house we knew we wanted everything done right from the beginning. That's when we found Susanna and 4 Corners Design. She helped us envision different concepts in each of the houses we considered, so once we found the one, she knew what we wanted before we knew what we wanted!” - B Bargabus

“Susanna is terrific! She was recommended to us by our contractor. She is very flexible, friendly and reasonable. She helped us select travertine tile for our bathrooms to replace existing carpet, as well as helped us select carpeting . She also gave us advise on styles for chairs and a sofa for our family room. We checked her website and really like her style. We like her so much that we are using her to help us select paint, doors, and furniture and many other things to be determined, for a home we just purchased.” - gingi15

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Design 4 Corners isn’t just an interior design firm. We’re a family, built on a foundation of love and appreciation. We pride ourselves on helping our clients understand the potential of their home. One of our goals when we began this company was to help others, not only design beautiful spaces for our clients, but to create spaces that help them live their everyday lives better. Interior Design is not about making spaces look good, it’s about making you feel good in that space and creating a space that one or a family can thrive in. 

Our project House Of Aria was an incredible opportunity to help a well-deserving family in need and create a space what would fit their very unique needs. Our clients 7 year old daughter, Aria, was diagnosed as an infant with a Mitochondrial Disease called Leigh’s Syndrome, which to date has very little clinical research and no cure for the foreseeable future.

This heart wrenching story and journey started almost 7 years ago when Aria was a baby. Around 7 months old Aria wasn’t achieving major milestones like sitting up and was losing skills that she had already learned like feeding herself and holding her sippy cup. After several doctors’ visits and a trip to the hospital for testing she was diagnosed with Leigh’s Syndrome. Today Aria is wheelchair bound, she cannot speak, walk, feed herself or use her hands for everyday activities. 

To read more about Aria’s story and how you can help click here.

Before we began this project, Aria’s home was nowhere near wheelchair accessible. Mom and dad had to carry her upstairs to her bedroom and to the bathroom every day. We were able to redesign their home architecturally to not only allow for wider hallways and accessible bathrooms, but we added an addition to the home so that both Aria and her parent’s bedrooms and bathrooms could be on the first floor. We feel so honored to be a part of this family’s life and are blessed that we could give this well deserving family a space that fits their needs. 

We worked with some amazing vendors on this project who generously donated a number of beautiful finishes and accessories that made this house a home.

Our friends from Kohler and European Kitchen and Bath in Solana Beach donated all the toilets in this home.

Shades of Light gifted all of the lighting fixtures.

Signature Hardware gifted all of the plumbing fixtures, such as faucets, sinks and shower fixtures.

Our ladies at North County Tile and Stone generously contributed to helping get all of the tile at discounted prices.

Top Knobs donated all the hardware through this home. We used The Channing Pull, The Kingsbridge Knob and The Kingsbridge Pull in this project.

We couldn’t have done this project without all of these vendors and our consultants. Thank you to everyone who helped complete this beautiful project!

Love, The Sisters 

A HOME TOUR

From the moment you enter this home, you are completely transported to the mountains. Our project So Barn Fabulous is nestled in the hills of San Diego, surrounded by breathtaking views of the ocean and California farmland. The entry is one of our favorite parts of the home. The large glass door allows light to stream into the home at every hour of the day! The brick accent wall is an extension of the exterior and adds depth to the space! The cage pendant light, vintage rug and handcrafted wood console are the perfect “welcome home” greeting.

THE LIVING ROOM

The word that comes to mind when we were designing this space was “cozy” and boy does this space give us all the cozy vibes! Wouldn’t you agree? This home was inspired by our clients love for the outdoors. Our client wanted this space to feel grand and inviting from every angle. The tall vaulted ceilings with reclaimed wood beams and large stone fireplace seal the deal. Black accents and leather details add the perfect rustic touch!

THE KITCHEN, FORMAL DINING ROOM AND WET BAR

Our clients had some amazing vintage pieces in their home to begin with, however we partnered with our friends at Tadah to style this space and bring it to life! Tadah on Cedros in Solana Beach has curated such amazing accessories including pillows, dish-ware, books and vases. They have something for everyone and our So Barn Fabulous client was no exception. We have been working with them for years when it comes to accessories and they have been our go-to when shopping small and local.

The kitchen is open to the living room and shares the same grand vaulted ceiling with the same reclaimed wood beams. Just like the fireplace we wanted to carry the black shiplapped hood above the stove all the way up to the ceiling for a dramatic look! We included white cabinetry with grey countertops along the perimeter of the kitchen and added grey cabinetry as an accent color to the island! Although this was a large space to outfit it feels warm. It’s a space the whole family can enjoy!

The formal living room, next to the kitchen, is a great space to have dinner parties with friends or enjoy your morning coffee with a view!

As for the wet bar, we chose to paint the cabinetry the same black color as the hood in the kitchen and incorporate copper accents in the hardware and apron sink! We added a beautiful white washed brick backsplash to added texture to this space.

THE POWDER BATHROOM AND POOL BATHROOM

If we could describe our So Barn Fabulous client in a small space it would be in these two bathrooms. Simple, clean, a love for vintage treasures, the outside and horseback riding! Our client also loves black and white decorative tile so we incorporated a fun deco inspired tile in the powder bathroom and a classic vintage small hex tile in the pool bathroom. Both bathrooms contained floating vanities for simplicity and ease for cleaning, as well as industrial style sconces. We also included our clients vintage artwork finds and a killer horseback riding wallpaper in the powder bathroom foyer to top it off!

THE MUDROOM AND LAUNDRY ROOM

These two space were really fun for us to help design and style. The laundry room was one of the biggest laundry rooms we ever designed! The deco inspired black and white tile floors flow through both spaces making it feel even bigger than it is! The fabulous white washed vintage wood doors, was our clients find from a distant vendor, which is a perfect addition to this space! The large window in the laundry room floods this space with so much light, not to mention provides a great view while you’re folding laundry! Not too bad, eh?

The mudroom is essentially an extension of the laundry room, where we used a taupe grey cabinetry and black hardware to keep consistency. This space needed to be functional, but also make a statement for all our clients guests and their muddy kids! We created open shelving for storage and styled it with our clients treasures and their cute pup! As well as some accessories we sourced from our friends at Tadah!

THE MASTER SUITE

We wanted this space to be an oasis from the rest of the home, a space our clients could enjoy all year round. This master suite is complete with vaulted ceilings, reclaimed wood beams and a cozy fireplace! Not to mention a soaking tub with a view in the bathroom and dream walk in closet!

Overall this was such a fun home to help design and completely reflects our clients personality! Let us know what you think of our latest creation!

If you’d like your own So Barn Fabulous home or would like a consultation feel free to drop us a line! We’d love to chat!

Love, The Sisters

Let’s face it, the world is never going “back to normal”. We’ve been called to embrace this change in how we live our everyday lives and find inspiration and peace in it. Sure, there are a few things that aren’t convenient like wearing a mask across your face 24/7 or waiting in a Trader Joe’s line for 40 mins just to get your groceries. We get it, and we’re with you, but we do believe there are some positives that have come from all of this. For one, we all look at the world a little differently now and perhaps this time has given you a new perspective on your everyday tasks. Maybe your commute isn’t as long into the office these days. Maybe you’re spending more time outside than you usually do. Maybe you’re making social distancing plans with your best friends because you appreciate the time you can spend together more. As designers we’ve had to embrace this shift in everything we do. For our commercial design projects, we have been forced to rethink the way we design these public spaces. We’re elevating the overall design of our spaces by bringing the inside outside.

Waverly, our latest creation, is a perfect example of this. The entire space was designed to be an extension of it’s outside surroundings. The sea, the beach and the warm air - we wanted to bring these elements into the restaurant interior and overall experience of the space. One of our favorite features in this restaurant is the large floor to ceiling doors that can slide open to allow air to flow through the entire space. We designed this seaside restaurant so 50% of it could be opened up to create the perfect indoor outdoor vibe. This feature is a bonus especially during this time.

HOW TO MAINTAIN THE BRAND EXPERIENCE FOR THE CUSTOMER

When it comes to commercial design, it’s always been important to enhance the customer experience throughout the entire space. Now more than ever we have to get creative with that experience. The interiors now require more intentional thought so people can be separate without feeling separate and the outside is just as important as the inside. For our project Waverly we wanted the exterior to essentially be an extension of the interior. All the materials you see inside the restaurant are also found out on the patio. Creating the same visual experience outside is an important design detail to maintain. Bring plants and pillows from inside outside. Mimic the visual details from your interior to your exterior, like chairs, tables and accessories. The more details the better the experience.

HOW TO MAINTAIN SEPARATION WITHOUT FEELING SEPARATED

As a whole we probably didn’t think about what 6 feet even looked like before COVID 19. Maintaining separation from each other doesn’t need to mean separating the experience from the customer, especially in commercial spaces where the entire experience matters. Waverly has several different dining areas that maintain social distancing including separated booths, high and low tables, lounge sofas and outdoor patio seating. Other restaurants around the world are creating separation by building separate small greenhouses with dining (here) while others are making their guests wear inflatable tube tables (here) to maintain social distancing. This is the time to get creative with your brand! This is the time to think outside the box, literally. How can you bring your brand to a new level by simply separating the people, not the experience?

LOCALS THAT ARE DOING IT RIGHT…

Juene Et Jolie

This French getaway restaurant has out done themselves. They’re elevating the outdoor dining experience to a whole new level. Not only have they created a beautiful outdoor dining space, complete with giant olive trees and market lights but they’ve created a separate menu as well that changes seasonly. As soon as you walk into their patio dining space you’re immediately transported to France, an experience we are all craving I’m sure!

Juneshine

The Juneshine location in North Park has brought their boutique dining vibe outside. They’ve parked their custom camper in the parking lot and created an inviting park like atmosphere at the entrance with palm trees and picnic tables.

Kettner Exchange

Kettner Exchange, a space known for their outdoor roof top patio is expanding this experience to their parking lot. They’ve created an outdoor oasis in the parking lot next to the restaurant calling it Al Fresco. A space that translates the same indoor experience outside.

As 2020 comes to an end we can all agree that there’s no end in sight to this pandemic. This is our new normal and we HAVE to embrace it or better yet, celebrate it! Get inspired by how others are welcoming these changes!

If you haven’t already, make your reservation at Waverly, it’s a vibe - a special one - and a space you can enjoy even now! We’re so excited to share this space, a space that North County hasn’t experienced yet. If you do visit Waverly let us know your thoughts - we are always curious about your experiences.

Love, The Sisters

As designers we welcome this shift in how we live with open arms and encourage others to do the same. Our clients are realizing that their environments aren’t working for their true needs. They want more purpose in design, more intention and thought – and for that we say HURRAY – that’s what design is all about!

We create environments and design with intention. Your environment is a huge part of your wellbeing and effects your health and your relationships. We take this thought into consideration when we design each space. It’s important to nourish your home with purpose just like you would nourish your body and your mind.

In our conversation with Daniella and Andrew on their podcast Adulting Like A Mother Father we discuss the importance of filling your home with meaningful pieces. We also share our thoughts on where to donate the items you no longer need and suggest where to shop for classic, timeless pieces.

Click the link below to listen to our entire conversation…

HOW TO FILL YOUR HOME WITH MEANINGFUL PIECES

When we design an environment for our clients we dive deep into their lifestyle.

At the beginning of our design process we ask our clients the nitty gritty questions to get to know them - where are they from, what do they collect and where have they traveled? Ask yourself these same questions when choosing meaningful pieces for your home. Most importantly ask yourself - where do you feel the happiest?

Maybe it’s sitting on a beach in Tulum or maybe it’s at your grandmother’s house sitting on her sofa. 

Then go a little deeper in WHY it is your happy place. Try to distinguish what it is about that space that makes you happy. Is it the smells, is it the sounds, is it the colors and materials you’re surrounded by? Maybe it’s the colors of the ocean at the beach or the touch of the velvet fabric on your grandmother’s vintage sofa. What is it about your happiest place that speaks to you? Answering these questions is the first step to filling your space with meaningful pieces and creating an environment that works for your needs.

HOW TO GET RID OF YOUR UNWANTED PIECES

Next, recognize which items no longer bring you joy (yes it’s time to “Marie Kondo” your space) and get rid of items you no longer need or want without being wasteful. We suggest donating locally. When you donate, make sure you’re choosing the best possible resource. Do your research to ensure your recycled items are going to the right place. We work with an amazing company called Solutions for Change.

This is a company our family has worked with for years. Solutions for Change helps solve family homelessness in San Diego. We’ve donated furniture from our clients homes so that they can fill a transitional home for someone that needs it. It’s encouraging to know that your unwanted items are not only going to a family that needs it but also will enjoy it.

WHERE TO SHOP FOR TIMELESS PIECES

One of the biggest things we stress about when purchasing new items and materials is to NOT buy because Pinterest is telling you to buy it, rather buy it because you’re truly drawn to the piece. You will love the piece for years to come not because it’s a trend but because your heart sings every time you use it! We believe these are the pieces that will last. Where do you shop for these pieces? We always encourage collecting items on your travels! Start now and take your time. You’ll often find rad pieces that are one of a kind and unique on your personal experiences. We also LOVE to shop local (from small businesses) and vintage whenever we can. Two of our favorite vintage flea markets in California are the Rose Bowl Flea Market and the Long Beach Flea Market.

Found Rentals in Los Angeles is another great resource to shop locally AND vintage. They have such an amazing collection of vintage pieces that are truly timeless and perfect for any home! The founder, Jeni has curated her collection with these same sentiments in mind. She collects her merchandise from her amazing travels and only buys things that spark joy. Shop her collection here.

Our style is electric and we love mixing old with new. Our job, as designers, is to extract your personal style and translate that into your home by blending your travels and interests. We believe your home should be an extension of you.

Treat your home as you would your body and fill it with pieces that bring you joy and fit your needs!

Love, The Sisters

WABI-SABI

“A world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.

Characteristics of the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic include asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, modesty, intimacy and appreciation of the ingenuous integrity of natural objects and processes." 

These are the words we took to heart when designing the new Another Salon. Our clients wanted a space rooted in nature and inspired by the ultimate beauty - Mother Earth.  What a perfect canvas of inspiration when designing a space that people go to feel pretty. A space people visit to enhance their own natural beauty. 

Hair salons are typically filled with wall to wall mirrors. Therefore at Another Salon we embraced this and wanted to let the clients beauty fill the space rather than the decor.  Keeping all of this inspiration in mind, we kept the space simple, raw, monochromatic, and imperfect.

We were fortunate enough to redesign an existing salon with the opportunity to gut it down to the studs. The first challenge was fitting a decent number of chairs into a very small space. You'll notice the asymmetry of the styling chairs and the location of the shampoo bowls. With asymmetry being a characteristic of the Wabi-Sabi nature, this layout seemed suiting and met the clients needs.

Another challenge was using high end materials in a natural and raw way. Our favorite detail being the use of marble with a chiseled edge. Marble, often thought of as a ritzy and glitzy materials, but in contrary is a natural stone from the earth. The rough edges remind us of where this natural material comes from - nature.

Originally we had flooring specified for this space, however once we ripped out the exiting floors we discovered a beautiful, imperfect sand-colored concrete. A quick sanding and we discovered these naked floors were the perfect addition to our design.

The use of wood throughout the space helps warm up the surrounding raw materials. The perfect combination of materials for a salon and a friendly reminder that beauty lies within.

The imperfect plaster walls, the handmade zellige tiles, the rough marble edges and custom leather styling chairs, all details that remind us of the beautiful natural world we live in.

Thanks to our clients, their vision, and the world around us we were able to create a space that will not only stand the test of time, but also reminds us of where we came from.

Another Salon, a space rooted in nature, simplicity and good hair!

Love, The Sisters

Through the years we’ve done a number of installs for our projects and with each one we’ve improved the process more and more. We’re sharing what we have in our install kit and why each item is important to have on hand when installing a space.

Rope

Who knows you may need this guy to hang artwork or a heavy mirror.

A Staple Gun

Flower Cutters

We always have fresh flowers at our installs and these guys are a necessity for our install kit. To keep flowers fresh and as healthy as possible we recommend using flower cutters to cut flower stems instead of scissors.

A Box Cutter

To of course open all the fabulous product!

Guardsman Pens

These little babies are a huge life saver. If you aren’t familiar with Guardsman, this is your introduction. They are touch up pens for wood furniture. If your wood furniture gets scuffed at all these are your go to quick fix. You can purchase them here.

Scissors and String

String is perfect for tying up loose lamp cords or flower bouquets.

A Measuring Tape

No brainer!

A Hammer and Wrench

A hammer is a necessity to have on any job site or install.

Dry Wall Screws and Nail

We always have some dry wall screws and nails on hand to hang wall decor.

A Lighter

Perfect for lighting a candle in your fabulous new space!

And don’t forget to bring music, some water and snacks while you’re installing! Most of our installs and photoshoots last most of the day. It’s important to stay hydrated while you’re working your butt off!

Resting on a hilltop in Carlsbad overlooking the pacific ocean sits our project Cottage Feels and Lemon Peels. From the outside the home has beautiful cottage inspired details that remind you of homes in England but the interior needed a little love. Our main goal for this remodel was to preserve as much of the original home as possible. The wooden crisscross window panes and old brass accents throughout the home became our inspiration for the design throughout.

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The Kitchen

The kitchen was gutted and became a complete blank slate when we got our hands on it, which made for a perfect canvas to start with. The original windows in this room inspired our backsplash tile selection as well as the wood detail on the island. Our client wanted to make this space feel as open and functional as possible, therefore we created two separate islands in this space. One for entertaining and one for cooking. We wanted to keep the colors in this room natural and neutral to accent the beautiful wood floors and backsplash tile, however we did add a small pop of mint green in the pendant lights, the perfect subtle color for this space.

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The Fireplace

This is one of our favorite transformations in this house. Overall, this fireplace had great bones and was in good condition. The built ins needed a little updating and re-working. Because this fireplace sat in our clients living room we wanted to make sure we could accommodate a TV as well as fire-wood storage for the fireplace. In addition, we originally proposed painting the brick white however after the built-ins were installed we felt the space needed some contrast and painting the brick black was a no brainer.

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The Guest Bathroom

Let’s just take a moment to appreciate the pink bathroom that existed before this remodel. As you can see in the before pictures even the toilet was pink! I mean come on, can a bathroom get more fabulous for 1950? Such a fun little bathroom, however we knew it all had to go. For this bathroom we wanted to create a serene space for our clients guests when they visited. We brought in the mint green color from the kitchen for the accent shower tile, a beautiful midcentury modern vanity and a fabulous statement light to complete this look.

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The Master Bathroom

This space was a huge transformation. Our client wanted a master suite so we turned an old bathroom into a closet, a bedroom into a bathroom complete with a his and hers double vanity, a toilet room, a standing shower with a view and a soaking tub! The blue accent tile at the vanity and the marble tile throughout help make this space feel very luxurious!

This pandemic has certainly been an adjustment for all of us. We’ve had to learn new ways of living by balancing our home life with our work life. Managing our kids school schedules while adjusting to our own. We’ve had to redesign our home spaces to work better for our needs. And we’ve been impacted by the recent Black Lives Matter protests and anti-racism movement. Most significantly, we’ve had to reflect, listen, learn and embrace change.

We sat down with our good friend and badass entrepreneur, Angeline Kung, to discuss the necessary steps to help navigate life and business through a crisis such as this. Angeline and Elaina met about 20 years ago in college and have called her family ever since. Because of her experiences, she is someone we lean on for advice. Angeline is an executive coach, a real estate developer and owns a clothing brand called OKIINO (you can learn more about Angeline’s business here). She’s a woman of all trades and is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to managing your time, money and impact on society and the world. She has a great message to share and some tips that can help you navigate through any crisis.

“There will always be a crisis - whether global, local or personal - and knowing how to navigate through a crisis is a very transferable skill. It’s all about resilience and adaptability. The key is to take this time as an opportunity. The ones that are thriving through all of this are the ones turning crisis into opportunity. To do this you need to embrace change and take risks.”

Angeline Kung

Listen to our entire conversation below.

The ME, the YOU and the WE

In any circumstance it’s important to think about the ME, the YOU and the WE in the situation. Start with the ME… this includes your mental and physical health. Once you’ve tuned into yourself you can help others around you.

The ME

There is so much uncertainty in this world and a lot of it is out of our control. However, you can control yourself and how you manage your own needs. The ME in any situation is so important especially during a crisis.

Focus On Self-Awareness And Self-Management For Your Changing Needs

It’s important to focus on what you need to survive and keep a healthy perspective and outlook in order to move forward and be able to help others. Ask yourself these questions: what do I need to take care of myself? And how do I manage my own stress and regulate my own feelings? Tune into your body and your mind. Focus on your physical and mental health. Establish what you need to move forward. Revisit these thoughts weekly, if not daily, to check in on how you’re feeling. It’s also important to be open to change and re-evaluate what you need to take care of yourself first. Determine how you can address your own needs through self-care. Then if you need support from others, communicate and give guidance to others on what you need.

Another thing you can do to take care of yourself is to establish hobbies for stress relief and finding simple joys in the present moment. Find three hobbies - one that keeps you healthy, one that keeps you creative, and one that makes you money. It’s important during a crisis to find things that ground you and re- energize you.

Redesign Your Routine

In the beginning of the stay-at-home order everyone started blending their home life with their work life. Some were used to this lifestyle while others were not. The first step to creating balance between these two worlds is to re-design your routine. Start with your morning routine and ask yourself how you want to start your day before you begin working. Will you wake up at the same time you would if you had to commute and use that time for something else, such as meditation or exercise? Will you sleep in and allow your body to rest? Will you help your kids get the wiggles out before they start their schoolwork or take time to enjoy family activities? Think about what you need to do to take care of yourself and what you need to do to take care of others. Re-structure your routine so there is a separation as you go into work mode. Create a similar evening routine to allow your mind and body to recharge and shift from work mode to self-care mode.

“You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else.”

Angeline Kung

The YOU

After you’ve taken the time to focus on your own needs you can start to help others. Who are the people in your life that you’re interacting with and how can you show up with empathy for them?

Connect And Communicate With Empathy

Take the time to communicate and connect on a human level. Ask those around you what they need from you and how you can help them? It’s important to listen and understand what their needs are because their needs may be different from your needs. Be open to redesigning your relationship with someone.

Co-Create Structure And Agreements

This is where communication is really important. Communicate with those around you and establish verbal agreements to set everyone up for success. Designate time and physical space just for you and create boundaries with the people around you. Learn about and respect other people’s boundaries and needs. Create a safe and open environment for ME time, YOU time, and WE time.

“Figuring out what your needs are and asking for those needs is really important.” 

Angeline Kung

The WE

The WE in the situation is essentially the greater good and the people you can serve - your team, your customers, your community or the broader society. You are a part of the WE and it’s important to come together as a community in a time of change to help each others survive and thrive.

“I take care of ME, so that I can be here and present for YOU and together we can serve the WE”

Angeline Kung

Establish Financial Stability

Most causes of stress come from loss of income or revenue and fear of uncertainty into the future. Financial stability comes from understanding your financials - both personal and business - and building up enough reserves to give you and your company time to weather through a crisis. Evaluate and reduce expenses first, and then continue to build a solid foundation for what provides you income or revenue. Before focusing on growth and expansion, focus first on efficiency. 

Embrace Change and Champion Your Vision

Some people are more fearful of change while other’s embrace it. As a business leader, check in with your vision. Ask yourself these questions: what problem am I solving? What value am I adding to society? And - most importantly - why now?

Stay Relevant and Stay Essential

First ask yourself: How have I been impacted? What are the changes in my lifestyle? What am I using and consuming more and less of? Then think about your business and your target market or customers and clients. How can you continue to build customer loyalty? Tune into your customers and analyze what they want and need.

Take Risks

There’s a difference between taking risks and being reckless. Taking calculated risks is important to be successful in any stage of your life. Gather information, listen and learn, assess the financial impacts, and then move into action. Make decisions and take risks by checking in on yourself, your values, the impact you want to have on society and your overall vision.

“Crisis can breed creativity and innovation when you take the time to check back in with your vision.”

Angeline Kung

As designers you may think all we do is throw some paint on the wall because it looks nice and vibes with the rest of the materials in the space but it’s more intentional than that. We understand that the colors we choose to put in a space can have an effect on your psyche and emotions. There is a method to our madness. For example, lighter colors are more expansive and allow a room to feel bigger and brighter. While darker colors can make a space feel smaller and more intimate. Spaces like a kids playroom or a home office may want to have lighter, brighter colors as these colors spark creativity and happiness. Spaces like a bedroom may want to have warmer or darker colors to make you feel calm and more relaxed. Keep in mind that incorporating color into a space doesn’t just have to be with paint. Think about the color of your furniture, artwork and accessories. Color can be used in a number of different ways to evoke feeling. When you are choosing colors to use in your space ask yourself this question - How do I want to feel in the space?

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RED

Red is one of the most intense colors. It raises the energy of a space and get’s your adrenaline pumping. The color red sparks conversation. If you want to create a space that brings people together and sparks a high amount of energy, like your living room or dining room red is the color to choose. The color red also stimulates the appetite. That is why most fast food chains use the color red in their logos, such as McDonalds, Carls Jr. and In-N-Out. We recommend keeping red out of the kitchen! 

In a conversation with Shannon Aganza, of Moon Gathering, we discuss the importance of incorporating color into your home to balance your home and create good Feng Shui. The color red for example, symbolizes vibration and energy. When referring to the organs, red symbolizes the beating heart.

To learn more about Feng Shui in your home click here.

In our project Swirl Boutique we chose to use the color red as an accent color throughout the space. The different hues of reds and pinks throughout the space create an inviting environment for both customers and employees to interact.

Here are some of our favorite red paint colors:

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YELLOW

Yellow centralizes a space. It sparks joy and happiness. We believe this color is great to use in small doses around the house like throw pillows, accessories or as an accent wall color. Along with happiness the color yellow promotes health, positivity, clarity, energy, optimism, enlightenment, intellect, honor and joy.

As it relates to the organs in the body yellow symbolizes the stomach. It’s most ideal to incorporate yellow into your dining room or kitchen.

Here are some of our favorite yellow paint colors:

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BLUE

Like the ocean, the color blue is said to help calm the nerves and bring down blood pressure. It is considered a serene and relaxing color and great to use in a space like your bedroom or even a library space. Because of it’s traits this color is also great for doctors offices or a meditation room.

In The Mandala Home we covered the entire study in the color blue, even on the ceilings! We also used touches of blue as accents throughout the home, on the dining room chairs and the living room sofa. Overall a very serene space! In our project Modern Farmhouse we chose to accent the kitchen island in Newburyport Blue by Benjamin Moore! Adding a little pop of blue to the kitchen encouraged a sense of relaxation that the whole family could enjoy!

Here are some of our favorite blue paint colors:

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GREEN

Green symbolizes family and is one of our favorite colors to use as both an accent color and an overall color in any room. Green combines both the happiness and joy of yellow and the calming qualities of blue. We believe every space needs a little pop of green. An easy example of this could be a plant or accessory. In our project Villa Coco you’ll see touches of green throughout the space, especially in the powder bathroom as an accent paint color! In our project Kaito Sushi we used Nitty Gritty by Portola Paint, a darker shade of green, throughout the space to create an intimate environment!

Here are some of our favorite green paint colors:

Choosing a paint color is not always easy, but we hope these tips for which colors evoke certain emotions could help you decide! We’d love to hear how you used paint in your home and what emotion it brings out in you!

Love, The Sisters

When you enter your home, how do you feel? Is it comfortable and inviting? Is it bright and clean? Is there a space in your home that allows you to feel relaxed or perhaps inspired or is it just the opposite? Essentially your home is a direct reflection of YOU.

In these times of change we are being called to address the patterns that aren’t working for us anymore especially in our homes. Recognizing this and making the proper adjustments can shift your perspective on the world and help create positive change in your everyday life. This approach is called Feng Shui. To explain this practice further we partnered with our friend and local astrologer, Shannon Aganza of Moon Gathering. We sat down with Shannon to chat about some Feng Shui issues we’re having in our own homes. In our conversation she helps solve these issues while diving deeper into the benefits and importance of good Feng Shui in our spaces.

“Your space is a living entity that will support YOU”

Shannon Aganza

Listen to our entire conversation below.

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What is Feng Shui?

“Feng Shui is essentially the perfect balance in nature… A harmony between how nature flows outside and how nature flows through our body.”

Shannon Aganza

In other words, if there is good energy in your home there will be good energy in your life. There are two factors that need to work together simultaneously for this to work, the bagua (a Feng Shui map that reflects the floor plan of your home) and the five elements (earth, water, wood, fire and metal). Feng Shui works to balance the five elements in each area of the bagua. 

Feel free to print out the bagua map below and place it over the floor plan of your home. Situate your front door at the bottom of the map.

Photo via Mindful Design Feng Shui School - https://mindfuldesignschool.com

Solving The Feng Shui Issues In Our Homes

Elaina’s Feng Shui Issue:

What is the best way to create a home office in my master bedroom?

The bedroom is not the most ideal spot for a home office. The bedroom should be reserved for the couple (if you are a couple) and for sound sleeping. The office, on the other hand, needs to feel energizing for creative productivity.

Solution:

Situate your desk in the prosperity corner of the room. This is also known as the wealth section on the bagua map and is a great spot for any workspace. The knowledge corner would also be a good option for placement.

Place a plant between your desk and your bed. Elevate it on top of a stool. The plant will act as a barrier separating your work space from your sleeping space. It’s important to separate the two worlds. Also make sure the plant is appropriate for the room you are placing it in. Certain plants are good for the bedroom as their oxygen output helps you sleep while others are best in the living room or kitchen instead.

Imprint the number 11 somewhere on your desk. Even if you write the number on the underside of the desk. The number 11 represents harmony between two things. In this case we’re creating harmony between the work space and the sleeping space.

Place a mirror near your desk. Mirrors help a space to feel bigger and brighter and depending on the placement of the door can allow you to see who enters. They also attract an abundant amount of energy which is perfect for your workspace. Just make sure the mirror if not reflecting your bed in anyway (another issue explained in the audio interview).

Jess’s Feng Shui Issue:

I don’t have a designated dining space in my small apartment, is it okay that we eat all of our meals in the living room?

The first thing to do is reconstruct your thoughts. Naturally we think of the dining room as a space for eating meals and connecting with family, however the purpose of a space can change depending on your needs. There are technically no rules when it comes to the purpose of a space in your home. Therefore, recognize the living room as your eating space instead of feeling like it isn’t the right space in which to eat because of how you’ve labeled it.

Solution:

This is where color comes in. Add something yellow and something green on or beneath the place where you eat in the living room. The color yellow symbolizes the earth, food and digestion. The color green symbolizes energy and family. This could be as simple as adding a book with these colors in it or a green plant in a yellow pot. Adding these colors will help establish your living room space as your eating space. 

If you enjoy watching TV while you eat be mindful of what you’re watching while you’re eating. When we eat we are nourishing ourselves. Try not to watch things that are violent or scary or disturbing in anyway. Stick to the shows that are up lifting. By watching something uplifting and happy while we eat we feel good overall.

“Meal time is cohesive connection time”

Shannon Aganza

Susanna’s Feng Shui Issue:

The front of my house faces east, can I paint my front door black?

In the Feng Shui practice the appropriate color for anything to the east is red, however black is a great color to paint your front door. Black is a combination of all the colors and symbolizes career. 

Solution:

It’s important to incorporate red in someway to your entry since it is facing east. Before you paint your front door black, paint a small section of the door red. Paint over this section with black.

You can also add a welcome mat that contains red or even plant something that has red in it.

Jess’s Feng Shui Issue:

I have a mirror hanging over my fireplace that faces my front door.

This is considered bad Feng Shui because the chi (the universal energy in your home) comes in the front door and reflects off of the mirror and goes right back out the front door. The chi never enters the home. 

Solution:

There are a few things to consider here. Is the mirror directly in line with your front door? If so, consider putting a chandelier that has crystals on it or install a fan somewhere between the mirror and the door to help the chi bounce around the room. In other words allowing energy to move throughout the space. If the mirror is not directly in line with the front door, rather it is slightly offset, this is considered good Feng Shui.

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Simple Tips To Create Good Feng Shui In Your Home

CLEAN YOUR ENTRY

It’s always best to start with the entry. The entrance to your home is how energy enters your home and ultimately your life. This space should be clear of any debris and well lit to allow good energy to flow through your space. A lot of items tend to collect at the entrance of our homes. Take some time to clear this space (interior and exterior). Sweep, dust out the mat and allow for easy traffic flow at the entry.

In addition, add something that speaks to the water element, like a fountain. Most of our front doors are rectangular and to balance this shape we need something round. Round shapes symbolize water. This can be as simple as placing a round pot at the entrance to your home.

CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS
Let’s be honest when was the last time you cleaned your windows? Clean windows bring in more sunlight. Sunlight naturally energizes us and wakes us up. Sunlight also renders color. The more sunlight we bring into our homes the clearer we can see everything and the happier we feel.

REPRESENT THE FIVE ELEMENTS

Use color to represent the five elements in each space of the bagua. Refer to the bagua map above for color reference.

DECLUTTER

“Clutter is cancer to the house and it can metastasize to other things in the home”

Shannon Aganza

Clutter in the home is clutter in the mind. The best way to create good energy and good Feng Shui in the home is to declutter and get organized. Sure this will take a bit of work, but you’ll find that it can also be therapeutic. I’m sure there’s a few places you can think of right now that need a little love. Declutter away!

Below are two great reads with some of the best strategies to help you get organized and find clarity.

The Declutter Code, was written by our good friend Yvette Bowlin and if you haven’t read it already, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.

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We understand this may be a lot of information. Take your time analyzing your home. Ask yourself the important questions - does my home make me feel safe, peaceful, inspired, happy or joyful? If you answered no, then take the time to dive deeper into the parts of your home that are not serving you. Curating a balanced and well designed home will change your life.

Good Feng Shui and good design go hand in hand.

“Design is a legitimate way to change your life”

Shannon Aganza

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Want more information on Feng Shui? Below are a few more books that highlight the importance of practicing good Feng Shui and the steps you can take to achieve it.

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And if you’ve gotten this far but haven’t listened to our entire conversation with Shannon yet, head to the audio clip at the beginning of this blog or click here. It will change your life!

Love, The Sisters

How’s everyone doing? Are you hanging in there? We’re now on week… six… maybe seven of quarantine? We’ve lost count. Does anyone even know what day it is? It’s like ground hog day over here. Wake up, workout, shower, make breakfast, start the work day, make lunch, end the work day, have a glass of wine, make dinner, go to bed and REPEAT.

We’re all learning to cope with this new way of life in different ways. Maybe it’s taking time out of the day for yourself and practicing self-care, maybe it’s working out through an online class or maybe it’s just making sure you stay in touch with loved ones through virtual platforms. There are no rules here. There is no right way or wrong way to handle this experience.

This is also a time for learning. Learning a little more about yourself and what truly makes YOU happy. We’re learning to take things day by day. One day we feel uber productive and ready to take on the world. Other days we feel less motivated, maybe frustrated and angry. Know that it’s okay to feel whatever emotion your feeling. We feel it too and you’re not alone. If you need some help navigating all of this we’re sharing how we’re coping below.

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How Susanna’s Coping

Mindless Creativity

I haven't picked up a coloring book in ages. I can't remember how long it's been. There was a trend of coloring books that hit the scene awhile back and I do remember thinking, "that's cool" but I never jumped on the bandwagon. It wasn't until I found myself working from home, at my dining room table sourcing tile for a fun project and was reaching out to the vendor for samples. As we emailed back and forth, I saw at the bottom of their email signature was a link to a coloring book featuring their most beautiful tiles. This made me SO happy to see! I quickly downloaded, and printed the entire collection. I've been coloring since! While watching movies, relaxing in bed or just chilling on the sofa I’m coloring. It's mindless, keeps me creative and makes sitting on my booty not so depressing!

Download here if you'd like to join me!

Drinking and Supporting

I'm not the biggest fan of promoting tons of drinking during such an uncertain time, but a few glasses of wine throughout the week has REALLY helped me cope. If you suffer from anxiety or depression, you may want to skip this paragraph. I know I'm not the only one. And if I'm going to drink as much as I have been, I feel much better doing so while supporting a small, local, female business woman.

Leucadia local, Erin Callahan, represents a wine portfolio of some of the best sustainable wines from small production wineries dotted around the world. Many of these wines can be found at local restaurants throughout San Diego that have been unfortunately forced to close due to this virus. Erin is on a mission to keep these winemakers doing what they do best by fueling our quarantine-ridden selves with a local wine club available for pick up or drop off.

If you’re interested in joining the club you can contact Erin by email: erin.garberandco@gmail.com

or DM her on instagram @erinyumyums

What To Watch, What To Listen To

Anyone else struggling to find something to watch or listen to that everyone in your household agrees on? We find ourselves mindlessly flipping through the Apple TV apps to find the right thing to watch. My husband and I are the worst at compromising and I couldn't take it anymore. So I took a tip from one of my fav Instagram followers Elsie Larson and we started a music jar. This is a great idea and we even added a movie star jar to our house. Every week we pick a musician and an actor and for that week we listen to their tunes and we watch their movies! It's been amazing watching some of the classics and I love learning more about the musicians I thought I knew. Try it! You’ll love it! It’s perfect for the kids too. They will learn all the classics!

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How Elaina’s Coping

Meditation

Before this all happened, meditation was my way of grounding myself and it remains now more than ever my way of remaining sane. Uncertainty is the most certain thing there is in life if you think about it. We have no control over what is going to happen but we can control how we choose to perceive it.  So, I try to allow myself to let go and surrender to this truth. Easier said than done especially in times like this but I try. That’s all we can do. My meditation practice is the one sure way I know I can regulate my breath, calm my nerves, open my heart and set my intentions. 

Cleaning

I have two very active and strong willed boys close in age. Now that I’m their “teacher” and I’m trying to work and run a house I have very little time to relish in any kind of down time. Things are loud and messy all day long. Each moment is filled with a task of some sort and the days are flying by and I go to bed exhausted but one steady task that gives me so much satisfaction is cleaning. After the boys go to bed I go through the house and clean things up so when I wake up there is some sense of order before the storm hits. I channel the Marie Kondo in me and I zen out on doing the dishes, sweeping, dusting, fluffing etc. It’s my way of trying to create some order in the chaos. 

Talking To Friends

I believe connecting with people is what makes the world go round. When I chat with a friend I love to hear about their perspective on all of this, what they’re doing that’s different, how they’re managing the madness of homeschooling or for a lot of my friends just being at home alone… sharing experience with people I love and trust helps me articulate my own experience and make sense of what this all means and where I hope to go from here.

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How Jen’s Coping

Diving Deep Into Self Care

I am a huge advocate of self-care. If we don't take care of ourselves, who will? Your own self-care can change depending on what we need the most in that moment. Right now I am finding it shows up in simple ways, such as staying hydrated, eating nutrient-rich foods, exercising, taking breaks from the news and social media and simply resting when I am tired. I'm really allowing myself the space to feel what I am feeling, observing it and not being so critical of myself. Riding the wave of change and allowing myself to trust the process.  

Leaving Room For Self- Expression

I'll admit my outfits these days don’t vary much from workout attire and not a touch of effort went into my hair for at least a week when this all started. But if this change in lifestyle has taught me anything it's that this is time to celebrate our most authentic selves. For me, that happens to be getting dressed! Mixing up outfits, trying on old pieces, the "save for later” items. Heck, the other night I put on my cowboy boots while doing laundry. Even just adding jewelry to the mix makes me feel like I am connecting to my personal style. It's a simple reminder that no matter how scary and uncertain things can feel at times we have the ability to make the most of the present moment.

Create Sacred Space

Light the candle, blast the playlist, water those plant babies and cherish your space. I have such a deep gratitude for this space my husband and I share. Does it look straight out of pintrest? Nope! It's a rental that was probably last updated in the 80's, but I've never been more thankful for a simple apartment. It has sentimental touches like my Grandma's old desk that is now my new workplace. I suddenly notice and appreciate the art and crystals I've collected over the years that make the space feel personal and grounding.

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How Jess Is Coping

Sticking To A Routine

In this time of uncertainty there is one thing that I CAN control… the decisions I make in my day: what I do and how I pass the time. I made a commitment to myself when all of this started to workout every day. It helps that I’ve been challenged by my family who also made this promise. We’ve all decided to workout every day at home and at the end of every day we text each other that we’ve completed this task. The idea that I am held accountable for this has forced me to create a routine for myself. There are a few things that are certain during this time… the sun will rise and the sun will set. What you do with the hours in between is completely up to you. This thought is constantly running through my mind. Everyday I wake with the sun, complete my daily workout, enjoy my morning coffee on the couch and go through my daily routine. If I stray from my routine at all I don’t feel as productive. It’s a funny thing, this time at home has made me realize that my days are just as full as they were before all of this started and sticking to a routine has helped create a sense of normalcy in my days.

Staying In Touch

As humans we are social beings and need interaction to survive. I’ve never appreciated the internet more than I do now. Having the ability to talk to my family and friends through virtual chat rooms and FaceTiming has helped me maintain my sanity. Although my family lives 3,000 miles away they don’t feel so far away when I’m able to see them through my screen in real time. I look forward too our scheduled weekly dinner meals and game nights at the end of a long work day. During this time at home, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on what’s most important in my life and who is most important. I’ve reached out to friends that I haven’t spoken to in a few months, if not years, and I’ve kept in touch with those that matter most to me. If you’ve been thinking of reaching out to a friend or family member, now is the time. There is not ONE person who isn’t effected by this. Send a message or a package to a friend. Let the people you love the most know and stay in touch.

Listening To Music

If I was stranded on an island and I could only bring one thing, I’d bring some form of music to listen to. Not one day goes by without music playing in our house. I start my mornings with a workout playlist, I work throughout the day to a playlist and end my day cooking dinner to a playlist.

“A world without music is just a world full of noises that don’t make sense” - Isaac Saylor

I honestly don’t know what I would do during this time without this universal language. I’ve had good days and bad days during this time. Music has kept me grounded through all of my emotions.

These are just a few ways that we, as a team, are coping. This is a time to slow down and appreciate what’s most important in our lives. Live authentically. If your reading this right now, write down a few things that have helped you cope during this time. Remember to LAUGH, CRY and HEAL in whatever way helps you though all of this.

Love, The Sisters

We get it. Your home office space may not be the most ideal situation right now. You may be working at the kitchen table or you may have a make-shift desk in your living room. Whatever your situation, it’s important to make YOUR space as comfortable and peaceful as possible. We have a few suggestions on how to make it feel like a space you’ll love and want to be everyday. A space that makes you feel inspired and motivated on a daily basis. We’ve created a few personalities for home office spaces that could inspire you to create your own office oasis based on your personality. If purchasing a whole new set up isn’t in your budget try our tips and tricks below to help make your space feel more comfortable.

CALIFORNIA COAST

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DESERT OASIS

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URBAN LOFT

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MODERN RANCH

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A few more tips and tricks to make your work space feel more inspiring …

Light A Candle

This will help make your space feel more peaceful and set the mood for a great day.

Add Flowers

Pick some flowers from your yard or ask your neighbor. Bring some life into your home in a small but impactful way. Adding beauty to your space is a definite mood booster.

Play Music

Put on your favorite playlist. While working listening to Chopin Piano is one of our favorites.

Add Some Photos of Family Members and Your Travels

Add some of your favorite photos to the space. Photos often spark day dreaming and it’s day dreaming that sparks creativity.

PLANTS! PLANTS! PLANTS!

Adding plants to your space is not only another great way to add beauty, but it’s an easy and affordable way to purify the air in your home.

We hope these ideas help to brighten up your work space wherever it may be in your home!

Love, The Sisters

We’re always trying to boost our immune systems and now it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re staying healthy and your immune system is up to par. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite immunity remedies that you can do right from your home!

Vimergy’s

Organic Zinc

Vimergy’s USDA Organic Zinc helps support your immune system and reproductive system. It also promotes healthy hair, nails and skin! We’ll take a few dropperfuls of this guy in the morning right into our mouth or in a little swig of juice!

Traditional Medicinals Organic Lemon Balm Herbal Tea

This guy is a life saver! Traditional Medicinals Lemon Balm Tea is perfect for your immune system and your overall wellbeing. It calms the nervous system and supports digestion. It’s the perfect night cap and helps us sleep through the night!

Natural Vitality

Magnesium Supplement

Calm

Natural Vitality’s Calm Magnesium Supplement is a healthy dietary supplement in a flavored powder form that helps support healthy magnesium levels. This magic powder gives your body the fundamental nutrients your body needs to help with stress so you can maintain optimal health.

Nutrex

Hawaiian Spirulina

We love this product and have been using it on the daily these days! Pure Hawaiian Spirulina helps support your immune system and cardiovascular health. This is a must have in our daily health routine.

Bio Nutrition

Red Marine Algae

Sure, you may be thinking algae really? Yes, in fact Bio Nutrition’s Red Marine Algae supplement is a great addition to your daily regimen. It helps support bone health, your immune system, your digestive system and cardiovascular health. We’ll take two capsules a day to stay healthy!

Dr. Berg’s

D3 & K2 Dietary Supplement

Dr. Berg’s D3 and K2 is a supplement you never knew you needed. We know that Vitamin D has some amazing benefits to support your bone health, immune health and muscle function. Vitamin D supported by K2 helps drive calcium to where your body needs it.

Host Defense Mushrooms

Turkey Tail

If you’re looking for an easy way to increase your immune system and help support your liver pick up some Host Defense Mushrooms: Turkey Tail. It’s available in both capsule form and extract form.

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Other remedies we are practicing to stay healthy…

STAYING HYDRATED

We start our mornings at home with a tall glass of lemon water! Adding a little lemon to your water has so many benefits. It’s a great way to keep your body alkaline. It supports weight loss and aids in digestion. In addition, the bit of lemon is a great source of Vitamin C.

STAYING ACTIVE

We’re staying active by walking outside or participating in virtual workouts from our living room! There are a number of really great local studios that are providing virtual or LIVE class including one of our favorites:

Gather

@gatherencinitas

Gather is offering LIVE Instagram class that are donation based.

PURCHASING LOCAL FOOD

We love supporting our local community and now it’s more important than ever. We try to purchase most of our groceries from local organic food from farmer stands. These are some of our favorite around town:

Ecology Center 

@theecologycenter

The Ecology Center is selling their Farm Share Resilience Box. Each box is filled with staple fruits and vegetables to nourish your entire family. They are available for curbside pick up and 10% of the proceeds will go to those in need.

Chino Farms

@chinofarms

Is open Wednesday - Saturday 9 - 3:30pm and Sunday 9 - 1pm and is offering tea and coffee to go.

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We understand these are uncertain and difficult times, however we hope these regimens help you to stay healthy and safe!

HANG IN THERE!

Love, The Sisters

For a limited time

Design 4 Corners is offering E-Decor

We understand this recent shift to stay home can be stressful, however, it’s important to embrace the call to slow down and appreciate your family and your home. We want to help you embrace the beauty of your home by creating a space that can elevate you and bring you joy during a time when we need it most. We want to offer an affordable package to redecorate a room in your home.

THIS IS A LIMITED TIME OFFER. DON’T MISS OUT.

What Is E-Decor? 

It is exactly what it sounds like: design online. This is an opportunity for you to utilize our services to make your house a home, one space at time, and as your budget allows. If you’ve been thinking about redecorating but need a little help from the experts, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

How Does It Work? 

The process is simple. We’ll gather information about what you envision for your new space. We’ll put together a design package including a space plan, a mood-board, furniture and decor selections with links to shop on your own time. Our E-Decor service will have all the tools you need to create the space of your dreams. As long as you don’t mind doing a little legwork on your end to implement the design, we’ll figure out the rest.

In addition, this offer is best for spaces that are less than 800 sq. ft. such as your living room, family room, dining room, or bedroom.

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Our Design Process

The Questionnaire

We’ll need you to fill out a questionnaire. This is a chance for us to get to know you as the client and help us bring your personality to life in your design.

Inspiration

To better understand your vision for the space, we’ll help you to create a Pinterest or Houzz board with inspiration for your space. This can include paint colors that you like, furniture you’re inspired by…there are no rules here. Just pin your heart out. Our only request is that you label each photo with information on what you like or don’t like about it. Be specific. The more information we have the better.

Measurements and Photos

It’s time to get out that measuring tape and get to work. We’ll need measurements of the entire space as well as photos or videos of your space. The more detail you provide the better we will understand the space. These details will guide us throughout the design process. Additional information may be requested.

The Design Package

We’ll create one space plan, one mood-board with the design and vision of your space as well as furniture and decor selections for you to shop everything online. This design package will also include one round of revisions if needed.

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What Does The Design Package Look Like?

Here is an example of what you can expect to receive in your design package…

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How Much Does This Cost?

Okay, real talk, how much will this service be? This service is for spaces no bigger than 800 sq. ft. in size. See our pricing break down below.

600 sq. ft. or less = $600

600 sq. ft. - 800 sq. ft. = $800

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Sound like something you’re interested in? Awesome, we’re ready for you!

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Sounds like something a friend would like?

We’re offering GIFT CERTIFICATES for our E-Decor service! Contact us below and make someones day!

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This E-Decor service is valid for one time only. One design package per customer. You will get one round of revisions if needed. No refunds.

This offer will end May 31st at 11:59pm (PST). 

Stay at home friends! STAY AT HOME!

Take this time to set some new intentions, break out the crystals and recharge!

We wanted to share some of our previous blog posts that could be helpful to cleanse your space during this time. Why is it more important now more than ever to not only clean your home, but cleanse your space? The world is shifting and constantly changing and we need to shift with it. We’ve all felt it and just like our bodies and our minds, our homes need cleansing too!

Do A House Clearing

Now is the perfect opportunity to do a house clearing. If you know us sisters you know we enjoy doing house clearings regularly and it’s easy enough to do one at home yourself.

Click here to learn more about our house clearings!

Crystals and Their Properties

Crystals are the perfect catalyst to create a shift and change in energy in a space. They have healing powers and now is the perfect time to capitalize on their living properties!

To learn more about crystals and how to use them in your home click here.

A Fresh Start

At the beginning of the new year we talked about strategies on how we start the year fresh in our homes. These tips and tricks can be used throughout the year, but what better time than now to implement these strategies!

Click here to read more on how the sisters freshen up their homes

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We hope these strategies will help motivate you to cleanse your space and stay at home!

Stay safe and healthy!

Love, The Sisters