All fall, we’ve felt very fortunate to have an array of exciting new opportunities come our way. HGTV presented us with an opportunity to design for an upcoming Nashville show, an out of town real estate development company asked us to partner in creating new Airbnb properties, and we’ve met new clients with a broad range of design goals. For a firm that thrives on diversity, life is good!

We ultimately decided to turn down HGTV (not a phrase you hear often!) so we could focus on our local clients and get our hands involved with the Airbnb projects. With the holidays just weeks away, we are reminding ourselves to slow down and enjoy the ride. We are filled with gratitude to all our clients, vendors, and community partners. Thank you and warmest wishes! Happy Holidays!

Featured BHD Space: Frequently Asked Questions
This past year we’ve worked with a ton of new clients and as the year winds down, we thought it was the perfect time to discuss some of the biggest fears potential clients have when it comes to interior design and renovations. We want to pull back the curtains and reveal some of the inner workings that go into completing projects – on time, on budget, and on point! 

Maloney Residence | Santa Monica/Venice | Photo credit: Noah Walker

Earlier this summer Beth took a trip to LA to discover Dwell on Design and we are very excited to share some of the highlights from her trip. The pictures she posted while she was there were just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what she saw and experienced. Dwell on Design – if you are not familiar – is a design conference with a modern mindset organized by Dwell Magazine, one of our favorite design publications.

Beech Knoll House | East Side/Hills | Photo Credit: Dana Meilijson

Beth was in design heaven, surrounded by inspiration and creativity, honing her design skills in kitchen design, bath design and sustainability by attending lectures and classes, visiting exhibits on the latest design trends and “LYFT-ing” her way thru 2 days of contemporary home tours.

Black House | East Side / Hills | Photo credit: Ethan Pines

While attending a seminar on design trends, Beth spotted one of our projects featured in the presentation. What a surprise! No one knew it was our project but Beth knew and that was enough excitement.  Here is the project they featured, one many of you will sur?ely recognize and love!

Beth Haley Design!

After spending two days touring contemporary California homes, Beth was asked by one of her Lyft drivers what she was going to take back to her own design business.  One noticeable result is an affirmation to stay true to her desire to design for function and simplicity but with an artistic eye and a desired connection between people and nature.

Black House | Mar Vista / Culver City | Photo Credit: Lisa Krutky

One of the most insightful moments of Beth’s trip happened during a late afternoon lecture by California architect David Hertz. He shared highlights from his recent book, “The Restorative Home, Ecological Houses by David Hertz”.  In David’s own words – “I’ve always had a social and ecological concern. The honest expression of materials and structure, a response to climate and a blurring of the boundary between indoors and outdoors are important to me.” According to his books introduction by Michael Webb, David’s projects, “seek to move the client beyond the merely sustainable to the restorative”.  David expands the meaning of restorative “a restorative building is one that gives back more than it takes. It generates more fresh air, nurtures vegetation, harvests energy and captures more water than the building consumes in its lifetime.”

Beth left his seminar ready to rethink existing methods and design solutions yet remain true to her social and ecological leanings. What a refreshing, revitalizing and affirming lecture! Rethinking the use of materials to problem solve for our housing needs, both functionally and aesthetically, can, in turn, create nurturing spaces; spaces that connect us to one another, our environment and our innate needs. For us, design is about feeling and people, making the most from what we have or need. It’s a simplistic design, one that is not carried away for the sake of design or trend, but instead nurtures the human spirit while simultaneously igniting creativity, beauty and human connection.

Beverly Grove Residence | Architect: David Hertz

When we asked Beth what are her biggest takeaways from the trip, she brimmed with excitement and flooded us with ideas!  Use simplified and hardworking materials in creative ways – wood, metal, concrete; expand spaces with outdoor connections creating interesting vistas.

Grand View Residence | Mar Vista / Culver City | Photo credit: Daryl Olesinski

Make the most of all surfaces both horizontal and vertical; open and review site lines – is it purposeful and beautiful?;  mix finishes; add skylights and transoms.

Maloney Residence | Santa Monica/Venice | Photo credit: Noah Walker

Use nooks and crannies to create special places to connect within a home; add plants – lots of them, indoors and out.

Adelaide Place | Santa Monica / Venice | Photo credit: Sam Frost

Create multipurpose spaces, adding moveable walls to diversify space; use operable windows and glass walls; include sculptural interiors & floating vanities.

Trousdale Residence | East Side / Hills | Photo credit: Squared Design Lab

Vary the heights of floors to create individualized yet open spaces, use fireplaces as artistic sculptures.

Adelaide Place | Santa Monica / Venice | Photo credit: Sam Frost

Use art to create feelings and lighting not only to direct us but also as art and sculpture.  SO MANY IDEAS! We can’t wait to use these ideas in our next project!

Piccus Residence | Santa Monica/Venice | Photo credit:Thomas Story/Rudin Donner Design

When thinking about the outdoor spaces, Beth was reminded to use colorful walls, sculptural plantings, rocks, art sculptures, metal and concrete creating repetition and rhythm and use of pattern in design.

Piccus Residence | Santa Monica / Venice | Photo credit: Thomas Story/Rudin Donner Design

The proper use of vegetation screens and multiple, layered decks can create outdoor rooms, extending the living spaces and connecting the homeowners to nature.

Picccus Residence | Santa Monica / Venice | Photo credit: Thomas Story/Rudin Donner Design

As you can see, Beth is inspired. The trip filled her with design possibilities and she loved having the opportunity to see the results of thoughtful design. “People, problem solving, creating solutions, and being aware of our impact on the environment all while doing it all with an artistic eye is why I love this industry. I hope you are as inspired about your next project as I am. I look forward to us being environmentally creative problem solvers together!”

Adelaide Place | Santa Monica / Venice | Photo credit: Sam Frost