Calling all our green thumb friends – we’ve got a little spring DIY project for you!

Who doesn’t love a good terrarium?   Green thumb magic is not required, just a little love.  Terrariums are the perfect way to bring a little bit of the outdoor life inside. And you know that’s our specialty.  They are super easy to make and the best part is they don’t require a whole lot of watering. Once you start you’ll want to make a million! So grab your girlfriends and bring some life into your home!

What you will need:

A terrarium or pot of your choice.

Some cute succulent or cacti plants of your choice.  Our top picks are donkey’s tail, perle von Nurnberg, and crassula baby’s necklace.  Succulents and cacti are great because they don’t require a whole lot of watering, just a lot of sunlight which we are in no shortage of here in San Diego.

Planting material such as rocks and soil.

A spoon. We just used a spoon from our kitchen to place the plants in place.

A syringe. We use this to water our plants to get directly to the roots and because our plants are so small in this case they don’t need much water.

Gloves. Potting cacti sans gloves is no bueno. We recommend nitrile coated gloves.

Colored sand (optional). This adds a little extra something to your terrarium or potted plant. You can also use small decorative rocks or moss.

Step One:

Add your base layer. This can be rocks, sand or gravel. This layer is for drainage. Depending on how big or small your container is you will want at least a half an inch to an inch of this material.

Step Two:

Add your soil. We like to use the spoon for this step. You can play around with the amount of soil here, however you want to make sure that the roots are all surrounded by soil. That is very important!

Step Three:

Add your succulents. This is the fun part! We like to make little holes in the soil before placing them. Add your plants as desired, packing the soil around them tightly. Use the gloves with cacti in this step!

Step Four:

Add your sand. This is an optional step, of course, but we like to add a little color to our terrariums. We use the spoon for this step and cover the soil with the sand.

Step Five:

Water your plant. Using the syringe, We like to take a small amount of water (again depending on your pot size) and water the base of the plant.

And voila… you’ve made your own terrarium! If you used succulents and cacti as we did, you’ll want to place your terrarium or potted plant in a very sunny place in your home or office. Succulents and cacti LOVE the sun! We like to keep ours on our desks in the office next to a window!

We hope this Spring turtorial inspires you to bring a little life into your home!

If you’re looking for some cute pots check out our Teak Bowls perfect for this little project!

A big thank you to Pigment, in North Park for all the materials you’ve seen in this tutorial including the plants, the soil, and the sand.

Happy planting!

Love, The Sisters

The swarm that is motherhood is notably discerned by the bundles of moments that are forever etched in heart and mind. Like the first time I made eye contact. The first time they fell asleep and I couldn’t stop staring at them. Or the terror in giving them their first bath.

And it changes so fast. Blink speed.  Like the time I woke up to find Hudson in the kitchen sitting on the kitchen counter throwing flour and pouring oil all over the floors. Or the way Quinn would scream my name, MOMMY at the top of his lungs. The way they search for your hands or wrap them selves around your legs so tightly when we’re walking through a crowd. The way they run to you so excited and so happy to see you. Or the endless car rides when they screamed the whole ride because they hated their car seat. Or, my personal favorite, the amazing snuggles in the morning when they first wake up.   Like I said, blink speed.

It’s a long series of overlapping, jumbled moments, as my memory has been compromised with sleep deprivation and the intense focus on trying to keep them alive. Most of the time, I feel I’m on the verge of losing my mind, but just as I get close to the zenith of complete insanity, I hear their sweet voices tell me how much they love me or feel their small hands caressing my face.  And like magic, I’m transported to the basecamp of motherhood, the home of unconditional love.

Being a mother is like riding a roller coaster that never docks. It’s a tough and, at times, nauseating job. The love is so massive it can feel terrifying. Whether they’re telling you how yucky dinner tastes or they’re both screaming for different things at the same time or one is throwing up while the other is battling a high fever; the struggle is most definitely real, but nothing competes with the relentless devotion a mom has for her child. You don’t question it, ever. It’s the most natural feeling. And so you get through the sleepless nights, the thankless cooking, the throwing of food, the tantrums in the middle of a store, the projectile vomiting on the person sitting next to you on the plane, the utter fear the first time you lose sight of them in a busy place, their first cut, fall or bruise. You don’t stop. They keep you on your toes and they bring you to your knees. It’s a beautiful thing. A wonderful, scary and incredibly exhausting, majestic thing. And I love it. They are my everything.

Let’s not forget that we moms need a little celebrating now and again. I have a newfound respect for my own mother and all the mothers out there. We’re in this together. Whether you have a human baby or a furry baby, we are all devoted. And that devotion makes the world go around. So, here is a little round up of some of the things that I would get myself as a treat. Perhaps, a reminder to take care of yourself. You deserve it.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Creatives make this world go round and there’s nothing we love more than highlighting our local visionaries. Introducing the stylist herself, Jackie Percy. Her acute fashion sense brings us to our knees and she does classic and edgy like no one else. She is the jack of all aesthetic trades- photographer, graphic designer, jewelry designer, and stylist. Her creativity will inspire you…seriously.

Here’s Jackie’s top 6 insights to inspire your own inner sense of style.

1. Where and how did you gather your sense of style?

It’s always evolving really. I think I’m constantly gathering inspiration from the world around me, from studying different types of art, to sculpture and film. Studying art I was always analyzing forms and colors and textures. Naturally, I grew to apply a similar curatorial eye to my style and the way I put myself together. As my style has evolved, I’ve found myself more drawn to pieces that feel classic and clean, but also have something unique and fresh about them. I try to collect pieces that aren’t solely defined by trend so they will fit within my wardrobe longer as my taste continues to evolve and change.

2. What’s your go-to piece that every woman should/needs to own?

A nicely tailored black jumpsuit. Or, a good pair of high-waisted, wide leg trousers.

3.  What tips can you offer on defining or discovering your true self or sense of style?

Listen to yourself. Pay attention to what you find yourself drawn to, what you admire, and ask yourself whyyou like these things. Then assess how you could apply those styles, trends or pieces to yourself. I think it’s important to keep in mind your frame and unique features and learn what styles and silhouettes compliment them best. There are styles that I love aesthetically, but just don’t work that well on my short, petite frame or don’t mix well with my blunt bob, and that’s okay.

4.  Where do you shop for clothes? What’s your favorite shop?

I love to go virtual window shopping on sites like Bona Drag, Need Supply, Reformation. Then, once a piece sticks in my head long enough as a special or super useful piece, I’ll pull the trigger.

5.  What color do you recommend paying attention to right now?

I’m drawn to frosty sage hues lately. I’ve always been a sucker for all shades of green.

6.  What is a must for you to have in your home? What’s your home style like?What are your favorite design mags or blogs?

My husband and I have been living in a little place that was built in the1920’s for the past eight years, so the uniqueness of the spot has lead to a simple, modern vintage sort of design style. A must for me would be bringing touches of nature into the space. Plenty of natural light and some nice greenery in clean, neutral planters or simple glass vases goes a long way. Gather Journal and Above Sea Level are my absolute favorite magazines right now. While their subject matter is more food and beverage oriented, the creative direction (especially Gather Journal) is ridiculously good.

Quick round of:

Coffee or Tea:TEA

Lipstick or chapstick: CHAPSTICK. I’m addicted.

Heels or flats: These days FLATS (even though I’m short :/ )

Red wine or white:BOTH

Beach or mountains:BEACH

Hike or stroll:HIKE

Jeans or Skirt:TROUSERS?

Less or More:LESS

Read below to hear more about Jackie’s story…

What is your skill? What were you trained in?

I got my BA in Visual Arts at UCSD. While I took classes like Drawing, Sculpture & Performance Art, the skills that I cultivated most were critical thinking, conceptualization and curation. I was really pushed to learn how to communicate ideas through a variety of mediums with consideration of how people experience artwork. It was a really interesting time of exploration for me. Over the years I have taken additional courses in jewelry design and fabrication, learning mold making and lost wax casting.

What do you do now?

I have been working in digital marketing for the last two and half years. I spend my time in graphic and web design, art direction, email marketing, and content creation.

What would you prefer to be doing?

I’ve wanted to be an illustrator since I was a child. Jewelry design and photography bring me immense joy as well, and I’m very interested in other types of design like interior and landscape design. I’m drawn to creating spaces and experiences for people. When it comes down to it, I guess I’m still trying to hone in on what I’d most prefer.

When did you feel you came in to your own? Can you explain this a bit?

In my mid-twenties I guess. I was doing more jewelry design within this period and spending a lot of time researching and exploring designers of all different mediums. It really broadened my perspective on fashion and design and helped evolve my personal style.

What’s your favorite past time?

Drawing. And jigsaw puzzles. I love jigsaw puzzles.

What’s your current obsession?

I guess cooking. I really enjoy preparing meals and utilizing our local farmer’s markets to source ingredients. Purchasing food directly from farmers and producers helps me feel a bit more grounded and connected.

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?

Exploring the Basque country of Spain.

We dig this blunt bob goddess.  Like really dig her.  From her earlier days serving at Tomiko’s (RIP Tomiko’s) to present day, Jackie Percy inspires us to stay curious and push our own limits of creativity.

Love, The Sisters

Motherhood…just when you think you figure things out, you find that there’s just more to figure out.  My biggest realization as a mother is the sanctity of centering.  The endeavor of finding balance, presence, and mindfulness is just that- an endeavor.  It takes work and practice, but when I’m not centered, I find it more difficult to be present, patient and calm with my kids.  It’s non-stop action with two little boys running around and let’s be honest, it’s exhausting. Yet, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Except, of course, to be a little less exhausted.

Self-care is essential to motherhood. My goal is to look after myself as best I can to have the strength and energy to show up everyday for my kids, my husband and my business.  Here’s how I do it:

1. MEDITATE.  It’s the first thing I do before the sun rises and my kids wake up.  Meditation is crucial to centering.  Nope, scratch that…meditation IS centering.  Side note: getting to bed on time is essential to being able to wake up before the sun comes up.  “Early to bed, early to rise…”

2. EXERCISE.  Ever hear the phrase “eat the frog?”  Getting the big thing out of the way first naturally elevates the rest of your day.  Exercise gives you endorphins.  Endorphins make you happy.  I don’t have time to hit the gym, so I opt to work out at home with online videos.  This too takes place before my kids wake up.

3. CLEAN.  Metaphorically, if my house is like my brain, then a clean house means a clear mind…and clarity is sanity. I keep the house tidy during the week and I invest a few hours on the weekend to deep cleaning. However, I admit, I’m currently in the market for a regular housekeeper. After 10 years of living in Bali with amazing help, it’s the biggest treat to come home to a clean house.

4. MEAL PREP.  It’s a pain in the ass. But nothing is more a pain in the ass than making dinner decisions for a family after a long day of making decisions at work. Sunday meal prep eliminates the daily stress of trying to figure out what to do for dinner, provides the opportunity to get creative with meals, and it frees up my weekday afternoons so I can spend more time with the kiddos.

5. DATE.  So this working mama is dating…her husband. It’s important that we check in with each other and date night helps us remember that it really does start with us.

These are simple pillars of which I attempt to live by.  I stress “attempt,” as I’m no superhero. This is my formula. Your routine may look completely different than mine. In fact, it would be great to hear what self-care methods keep you sane. Let us know in the comments.

In that case, maybe I should add #6: KEEP LEARNING.

Love, Elaina

We are thrilled to be able to showcase amazing finds and pay homage to local artists and entrepreneurs who captivate and enlighten our senses.  Beyond our artisanal home décor, we’ve sourced one of the most gifted local jewelry designers and carry her handmade, natural stone beauties in our store.  A feast for your eyes.  Your soul.  Meet the real gem, Kim Egel.

What is your skill? What were you trained in?

I earned my Masters in Clinical Psychology because I’ve always been and remain to be a huge believer in the power of self awareness.  My interest in psychology continues to help me understand my truth and allows me to help others uncover theirs.  After I was licensed as a therapist I felt a huge call toward so many untapped creative interests. I started getting involved with photography and designing t-shirts, which I sold in San Diego boutiques. Those two areas were the gateway for getting my hands involved with jewelry design.

What do you do now?

I am a licensed therapist and run a coaching business in Cardiff focused on the mind, the body, and overall wellness.  I write a blog for my coaching business and find that the concepts that I base my jewelry brand around, go eye to eye with the concepts that I base my coaching business around. They totally connect in my mind.  As a jewelry designer I use natural stones as my medium. I believe that stones carry an energy that affects wellness, can help the wearer cultivate intentions and can provide motivation for what we want to manifest.  All of these concepts synergized helped me create my brand.

What’s your current obsession?

I’m really into traveling to places where I can be active, get into the water and be surrounded with good food, kind people and interesting decor. I’m currently digging tribal electronica music after my latest trip to Tulum. (Feel free to follow my Tulum Vibes playlist on Spotify to get in on some of this vibe.)

Where did you gather your sense of style?

It started off with my mom.  She would always have a red lip and everyday, without fail, was super accessorized with unique jewelry and clothes. What used to embarrass me, because some of her pieces and dress where really different than the norm is now such an inspiration. 

What’s your go-to piece that every women should/need to own?

I love my Lariat Necklace.  It can be worn at the beach or out for dinner.  I love pieces that can transition super effortlessly. 

Any tips on defining or discovering your true self or sense of style?

I think it’s important to notice the things that you gravitate towards and how they make you feel.  I’ve always thought that how you put yourself together is a powerful and creative way to express yourself.

Where do you shop for clothes?

I’m a fan of Nordstrom Rack.  I like the hunt. I also love the site Revolve. They have a huge brand selection, there shipping is super speedy and the returns are easy. I love revolve; It’s my “go to.”

What’s your home style like? What is a must for you to have in your home? What are your favorite design mags or blogs?

In terms of my home style, I went for a clean, simple and beach zen vibe when I redecorated recently.  It’s all about the theme and color palette.  With help from a friend I finally learned how to create a more cohesive space, which I’m enjoying.  For me, it’s all about creating a feeling in your home.  I think candles, tropical foliage, good tunes, dim lighting, and calm and neutral colors create the zen feeling I want at home right now. As far as design mags, I love Dwell.

Lightning Round:

Coffee or Tea: COFFEE. I’m a huge french press girl. I love the darker blends. If I’m in Cardiff and I’m feeling like something sweet,  I love grabbing a California mocha from Pipes.

Lipstick or chapstick: GLOSS. Lancome Juicy Tubes. Color: PURE or Marshmallow Electro 

Heels or flats: CUTE FLATS. Mellow heels, still comfortable, but cute.

Red wine or white: WHITE. I’m oddly, in a white wine phase right now, which is weird because I was strictly a red wine drinker for years. Currently, I’m loving a chilled buttery chardonnay. Yum.

Beach or mountains: BEACH. Blacks beach is amazing for solitude. I love Grandview in Leucadia. I have good friends that live near that break so that’s a regular beach spot for me.

Hike or stroll: HIKE. I love hiking down to Blacks Beach and getting in a solid beach run. I love cruising La Jolla Shores Beach, the cove for snorkeling and it’s beautiful to cruise around Sunset Cliffs. Running on the beaches of north county is like meditation to me, especially when it’s low tide. Total Zen.

Kim is the cat’s silky pajamas and we’re blessed to know her.  If you’re already super fans like us, her jewelry is available for purchase at our store.  Come visit us!

Love, The Sisters

Sharing is caring.  And we care dammit.  So we’re sharing our favorite San Diego hot spots.  Who knows, you just might run into us.

Elaina’s Favorites-

Fully Loaded Micro Juicery

High fives to our new neighbor and favorite locale for cold pressed juice. These juice wonders hit it out of the park, er garden.  With 3-4 pounds of produce in each bottle, Fully Loaded is doing their damndest to keep us healthy.

Napizza

This place may not be new to you, but after coming back to Cali after 10 years, this place is certainly new to me.  So I can’t go to Naples after work…but there’s always Napizza.

Susanna’s Favorites-

Lofty Coffee

Coffee shops are a dime a dozen, but Lofty makes coffee an experience.  I love the lattes with homemade almond milk and nosh on the arugula and fig salad for a delectable treat.  Ok, so the real treat is the the gluten free bread and butter.

Birds Eye Kitchen

Speaking of nosh fests, I love Bird’s Eye Kitchen.  It’s the healthiest Southeast Asian food around with organic, non-GMO ingredients.  The Mussamun Curry is my go-to favorite obsession.

Now get eatin’, shoppin’, drinkin’ friends.  And don’t forget to share with us your favorite local spots!

Love, The Sisters

Don’t dismiss how a beautiful bowl can uplift a table’s landscape.  In our world, the bowl has limitless design possibilities. Listen up for three ways to use our teak bowls.

1. Plant some cute succulents.  Hens-and-Chicks, Whale’s Tongue Agave, and Pincushion Cactus would look delish in our Blush Dipped Bowl.  We give it green thumbs up!

2. Accent your coffee table with one of our bowls and fill them with fragrant pomelos and blood oranges for decoration. Or use it to house your smaller items such as your remotes, they need a home too! Our Teak and Copper Bowl would be perfect.

3. Decorative bowls are great to tidy up your space and give your things a place.  Keep our Teak Bowl by your entryway on a table or console to catch keys and loose change or on your dresser to hold your statement necklaces.

We get it…bowls serve a purpose. But we encourage you to look beyond the norm and break some rules.  Our bowls make rule-breaking look pretty damn good.

Love, The Sisters

Love is grand, but showing your love doesn’t have to be overtly ambitious.  It’s the little things that count and small gestures can go a long way.  Whether you share those moments with your significant other or bestie, Valentine’s is a day to spread a little love. It could be as simple as a quick love note or baking some cookies.  Afterall, nothing says love like “I’m thinking of you.”

After recently opening our own brick and mortar retail shop here in Encinitas, we feel it’s important to support our local artists. The San Diego seams are busting with talented and phenomenal entrepreneurs.  Below are some of our local favs, including goodies from our shop that may inspire you to spread the love this Valentine’s Day!

Rais Case – We love this company and everything they stand for! This Vida Bag is a great “look ma, no hands” gift as it can easily convert from cross body to fanny pack.  It’s perfect for carrying all those love notes.

1. Chelsea Pots – We are head-over-bowls in love with this potter! Check out more of her custom designs or pick up one of these tea bowls for the coffee or tea drinker in your life.

2. Often Wander – We adore this local artist in Ocean Beach. These tassel babies are perfect for the bohemian you love.

3. Proximity Book – A great addition to any beach bungalow or coffee table! Pick up a copy for the avid surfer in your life in our shop - you can also shop this book in our shop!

4. Cuttlefish Wall Hanging – Even walls need some amore.  These Cuttlefish Wall Hangings are one of a kind and the perfect gift for the beach babe.

5. Kim Egel – Make Stevie Nicks shed a gypsy tear. The Agate necklace is a great gift for the healer and protector in your universe.

6. Design 4 Corners – Your hostess with the mostest will obsess over these Shell Coasters.  Because damn you, water rings.

7. Four Moons Spa – Everyone deserves a little R&R! Four Moons is a North County gem, and with so many treatment options, this is the perfect gift for that lover lover who needs some me time.

8. Lofty Coffee Co. Gift Card – If you know us, you know we have an affinity for Lofty Coffee. Shop their unique coffee blends or if you can’t decide, grab a gift card!

9. Design 4 Corners – Statement keychains.  Yes, they’re a thing. Grab a statement keychain for that special someone that’s just always on the go!

Happy Valentines Day Loves! Now go shop your little hearts out!

Love, The Sisters

There’s that sweet spot in time when the heavens part, mercury is not in retrograde and the stars seem to align in sublime orientation that beholden the path for the perfect interior designer.

We’re kidding…well, kind of. 

Finding the right interior designer can be one of the best decisions you ever make when it comes to your home, but it’s not a cosmic challenge.  It does, however, take some research to find the perfect designer to carry out your overall vision and setting reasonable expectations, especially when it comes to cost.  Just like you wouldn’t have your podiatrist do your facelift, you wouldn’t trust just any designer to makeover your home.  Here are our best tips when considering an interior designer.

TIPS:

BE PREPARED

If you’ve never worked with an interior designer understand that they don’t come cheap.  But it’s all about the return on your investment and hiring the right interior designer can save you time and money in the end. Be ready to be decisive and try to define your style as much as possible.  At the very least know what you love and what you don’t. We’re pretty sure that’s how Pinterest came to be.  It’s important to realize that for any and all projects, there are hundreds of details at stake, so it’s only fair that the designer is privy to what you are expecting.

ASK FOR A REFERRAL AND PLAN TO INTERVIEW

It helps to get a recommendation from someone you trust who has had a positive experience. And don’t hesitate to interview a few people or at the very least have a list of questions prepared for the designer. The relationship between a designer and client is an intimate one that requires a lot of clear communication so make sure you’re comfortable with your designer-to-be.  Trust is essential.

KNOW YOUR BUDGET

Interior designers have access to the universe of all that is low-end, mid range and the high-end.  If you don’t give them a number to work with, they will most likely aim for the high-end of your design wish list to complete your vision. It’s imperative for your own sanity and bank account that your designer understands what you’re willing to spend money on and where you’re willing to compromise. Designers are highly skilled and can get creative with your budget, mixing high-end with low-end. You can also consider an all in budget, budgets for each individual space, or a flexible budget that has allowances for all the moving parts. It’s worth the time to heavily consider your appropriate budget as most trustworthy designers will provide pricing on everything before anything is purchased to keep the project on track.

COMMUNICATION IS THE SECRET SAUCE

Like with any relationship, communication is pivotal to success. Be upfront about money, style and expectations in the very beginning and maintain those conversations throughout the process. Interior designers are not mind readers.  If you’re not happy with something, tell them. If you need more information, tell them. If you want to be more involved, tell them. Good communication or the lack thereof can make or break a project.

If you are considering an interior designer, you’re already on the right path.  Our tips will help you narrow down your options and get you to swipe right on the top-notch match for you.  Happy hiring!

Love, The Sisters

There’s a reason we say “Happy New Year” and not “Happy Another Year.”  New- it’s such a beautiful word. The word itself carries the blessings of starting fresh.  A house clearing is a divine way to clean our slate, purify our space, and free ourselves from the negative.

What is this sorcery I speak of?  Think of your home as your computer.  After awhile your computer begins to become slow because you have too many open folders on your desktop, old programs you haven’t used in years, or photos upon photos upon photos taking up space. When you’ve had enough, you reboot, clear your “cookies,” or drop it off to the experts to clean out your hard drive.  Suddenly your computer is working with grace and the frustration is gone. Think of a house clearing like the geek squad coming in and cleaning up shop. It’s as simple as that.

If a house clearing is still over your head, ask yourself the following.  Is your home inspiring you?  Is it invoking productivity and creativity?  Is it a safe place? A place of love and nourishment?  If you can’t answer these questions with a “hell yeah,” then it’s time to get your woo woo on with your very own house clearing.  Don’t worry, the Sisters have your back.

What You Need:

• A heat safe bowl: Pyrex or cast iron pot (our preference)

• Isopropyl rubbing alcohol

• Epsom salts

• Long stemmed match or taper

How To Do It:

• Place ¼ cup of Epsom salt in your heat safe bowl

• Gently pour your isopropyl rubbing alcohol onto the salt.  You want your salt to be damp, not soaking wet.  If you add too much alcohol, add more salt to even out the ratio.  You are looking for a 2:1 ratio of Epsom salt to alcohol.

• Make sure everyone at home is part of this house clearing ceremony.  There should be a clear intention to free any stagnant energy.  Ask for assistance from your guides, angels, ancestors, or God.

• Open all your windows.  All that bad energy needs an exit route.

• Light your long stemmed match or taper.  Touch the flame to the salt/alcohol mixture.  It will instantly ignite and burn blue with a little bit of a yellow flame.  There will be no smoke or smell.  If your salt/ alcohol mixture does not ignite, add a bit more alcohol.

• When the salt is lit, imagine the blue flame eating up all the dense, stale, and negative energy.  Affirm that it is leaving your home.  The flame will burn as long as it needs to.

• When the flame extinguishes itself, say a prayer of thanks to your deity of choice or spirit protector for helping you clear the energy from your home.  Ask that the energy be sent back as a source of love and forgiveness.

The results of this house clearing ceremony are immediate and powerful.  Sounds are sharper and clearer and the energy feels lighter.  Your sleep may be more restful.  You may feel more creative or productive.  You may even feel more connected to those in your home, loved ones you have lost, or the spirits around you.  You don’t have to wait for a new year to do a house clearing.  If you’re planning on moving, experiencing difficulty with family, changing careers, or when you feel stuck and stagnant, break out that heat safe bowl and get ready to start anew.

Love, The Sisters

E.T. wanted to phone home for a reason- anything to get him out of the cookie cutter, model home. Master planned communities with their superfluous amenities like safe and sound neighborhoods, amazing schools, and scenic parks are feasts for families, especially here in San Diego. Unfortunately, they also lack optimal space planning, attention to detail, and character. Each house is a copy-paste of the house next to it.

Enter Modern Farmhouse, the design trend that marries old and new, bringing warmth into dead space. Modern Farmhouse is aesthetically defined by ship lap, clean lines, a mix of rustic and industrial touches, aged brick, and soft and worn fabrics with texture that screams cozy.

For this family of 5, the carbon copy of the house next door wasn’t going to cut it.  They called on us to make this house a home and nothing says custom like gutting a new home and starting anew with a fresh, blank canvas.  (Don’t worry- all appliances were donated).  The “like a glove” barstools, rustic and worn in enough to make anyone want to take roots in the kitchen, nestle among high-end cabinetry.  We added a mud room, catch-all and command wall at the garage entry to accommodate this avant-garde family.  The staircase was re-designed, blending tile and aged wood.  The bathrooms put the luxury in functional, draped in clean lines and simple design with a slight industrial whisper.  This home was completely customized to align with the family’s needs and requests. 

From cookie cutter to sacred space, this beautiful Modern Farmhouse now hugs a happy family of five.  And E.T.

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Love, the Sisters

As I sit here in our new office and home boutique here in the coastal city of Encinitas, curled up in a sweater and sipping a hot latte, it’s hard to imagine that less than six months ago I was packing up my villa in Bali. The villa was the genesis of my family, where my children were born and raised, where my love for design became institutionally rooted. The villa was more than a structure. It was the foundation. But life is about big moves.

Since our inception, Susanna and I worked hard at creating a presence in both California and Bali. We created a company that slowly evolved over the years weathering through the economic crisis in America in 2008, supporting each other, as I became a mother and Susanna an auntie. We carried this company of ours on our backs through so many amazing adventures and wild and scary times (and might I add, from opposite ends of the globe). I think it was our deep seeded passion and stronghold for our purpose that drove us to keep moving forward.

Looking back on 2017, we didn’t just move forward; we moved up. To see our work spread through the pages of Elle Decoration, the cover of an Indonesian Home magazine, and spliced through Conde Naste Traveller is beyond words. We completed two massive villas in Bali (The Mandala House-@themandalahouse- and Villa Coco) and a huge 5,000+ square foot Modern Farmhouse here in San Diego.

Our brick and mortar boutique in Encinitas served as the icing on our proverbial cake in 2017. These projects nearly knocked the wind out of us and required a level of commitment that challenged our drive to continue, but the lessons learned will serve us forever. It’s a testament to our hard work, creative vision and pure passion for the aesthetic. And before we gear up for what 2018 has to offer we want to take a moment and just remember what this past year has taught us; it’s always worth it.

 As the creative guru and entrepreneur, Dave Brown, says, you have to “love your work, work your love.”  And that’s just what we’re doing.

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All this time we never stopped believing that this would all lead to something great. To say that it hasn’t been easy would be an understatement. We’re so proud of this work and so grateful that we can share it with all of you.

From our family to yours, may 2018 be bold and filled with love and beauty.

Love, The Sisters

Earlier this year we moved into our bungalow-style studio located near the beach in Encinitas, CA and it’s where we work when we’re in San Diego.

We keep the vibe relaxed and cozy, a typical day starts with lighting some candles, turning on the music and brewing a pot of coffee.

With it’s natural light and ocean view our bungalow is the perfect space to work on projects and gather inspiration!

No matter the size of the stripe, whether it’s traditional or unconventional, the stripe will always draw your eye. It’s the most powerful yet neutral and easy pattern to work with.

A bold and strong stripe is best when used in smaller spaces or where folks won’t be lingering; like the foyer, hallway or powder room. When using them on furniture or with your accessories like pillows the fool-proof method is mixing them with a floral and a solid. It will never fail you!

Stripes are the most classic, never-ending trend out there!

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They have been around since the beginning of time and will never go out of style. When in doubt, use a stripe! It will be the biggest and boldest statement in your space. Trust us on this one! We pulled together our favorite uses of the stripe.

Tell us what you think!

You may already know about these fabulous bloggers…but these days we find ourselves frequenting them on the regular for design inspiration.  If you haven’t stumbled across these creative do-er’s then get your lil butts to their design mecca’s and check them out.

• Brittney Makes:  For project tutorials, and color overload!

• New Darlings:  For a freakishly adorable husband and wife duo with mad mid century modern style, and MAJOR hair envy.  (Christina, your hair is to dye for!!!!)

• House of Hipsters:  For “down to earth, I can actually achieve this look” design inspiration! Love it!

• My Scandinavian Home:  For everything you wish your home was.

No matter the size of the stripe, whether it’s traditional or unconventional, the stripe will always draw your eye. It’s the most powerful yet neutral and easy pattern to work with.

A bold and strong stripe is best when used in smaller spaces or where folks won’t be lingering; like the foyer, hallway or powder room.

When using them on furniture or with your accessories like pillows the fool-proof method is mixing them with a floral and a solid. It will never fail you!

Stripes are the most classic, never-ending trend out there!

They have been around since the beginning of time and will never go out of style. When in doubt, use a stripe! It will be the biggest and boldest statement in your space. As luxury Interior Designers, trust us on this one!

We pulled together our favorite uses of the stripe. Tell us what you think!

Etsy – 1, 2, 3 .

West Elm – 1, 2, 3.

Target – 1, 2, 3.

Hello and welcome to the blog of Elaina Samaniego Myers and Susanna Samaniego.

Together we are 4Corners International Design Concepts, a sister duo that splits time between North County San Diego and Bali Indonesia.

We create award winning designs from beach bungalows in the far east to million dollar estates on the west coast. Here are some of the spaces we’ve created and you can check out more of our projects here.