Since bringing our design expertise to remarkable clients in Southern California, Hawaii, Texas and Illinois for more than 20 years, we have been committed to sourcing the best and most respected design resources available – no matter how unusual.

In doing so, we have discovered some amazing “up and coming” talent - from furniture designers to fine artists - who are relatively unknown. As artists, artisans and craftsmen, their design-forward and trendsetting work brings a progressive perspective to our design projects that gives each space we tackle a signature “look and feel” that no one else can source.

We have loved working with these inspiring individuals and now it’s time to introduce their work on a grander scale. Our newly designed “CM Design: Style Makers” program is dedicated to offering advice and support to help these artisans market their products, set up small businesses, and get exposure in the design world at large.

The CM Designs mentor program seeks to tap the best of unknown artistic and craft talent to offer advice and guidance on how to best market themselves. And, in some instances, to feature their work on our website www.cm-designs.com and online shop www.cm-athome.com.

Currently featured in our shop is Kyle Heffernan, a Los Angeles-based furniture designer who creates handmade indoor and outdoor furniture using all natural materials. His pieces exhibit the highest level of design and reconnect people to nature. We discovered him at Restoration Hardware, where he currently works, and immediately recognized his work as innovative and outstanding. We look forward to showcasing his line in our future design projects and featuring his signature pieces for sale in our online shop.

Stay tuned for the unveiling of more talent as the weeks unfold. If you are interested in being considered for our program, contact info@cm-designs.com.

-Cathi and Mary Alice 

Cube Chair by Kyle Heffernan featured on our shop.

         

 

 

If you’re like us, you have a bit of an obsession with your sheets and towels.

When buying sheets, thread count seems to be the deciding factor. More is better, right?

Well, not necessarily. Thread count measures the number of threads used vertically and horizontally, with the idea that the more threads used, the softer the sheet. While thread count is important, pretty much anything over a 200 thread count makes no difference in the feel and quality of the sheet. In fact, high thread counts are sometimes not accurate, and a marketing ploy, as some manufacturers use two-ply yarns and simply double the thread count. Two-ply yarns can actually result in a bulkier and rougher sheet.

Be your own expert.

The quality of the yarn and the finishing of the fabric are more important than thread count. Quality cotton sheets use a finer yarn. A singeing process is used on the final fabric to burn off tiny fuzz that can result in pilling, and the fabric is mercerized to add strength, increase the luster of the fabric and make it feel softer. So, a 200 thread count sheet that uses a finer cotton thread and properly finishes the fabric will result in a luxurious sheet.

Do you bamboo?

Also in the mix, are bamboo sheets, which we love and are starting to become quite popular. Bamboo is an eco-friendly choice for sheets. They are incredibly soft and more durable than cotton sheets. They are breathable and moisture absorbing, so will keep you cooler than cotton. Bamboo sheets are anti microbial…less “germy” and better if you have allergies. And, of course, bamboo is the most renewable fiber on earth and does not have to be grown using pesticides as cotton does.

So, the choice is yours. If you choose cotton, consider the quality of the fabric and how it feels to you – not just a number. Remember that any advantage over 200 to 400 thread count is miniscule. If you are looking for a breathable fabric, have allergies or are considering eco-friendly alternatives, then bamboo is right for you. Both may cost more, yet if well-cared for, can last you 20 years.

-Mary Alice

Shop exclusive French linen and bamboo sheet sets from CM At Home.

http://cm-designs.com/site/collections/?c=Linens

 

 

 

 

Whenever we're in the area we can't resist a stop at The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. Norbert, the owner, and his staff are super knowledgeable about what else? CHEESE!

The shop is simple and the signature products are beautifully displayed. It just has a feeling about it that makes you get lost in the cheese experience. They have wonderful wine and cheese nights, too. For special occasions, they have a tiny back room that is available for private events. They cook an amazing meal where wine and cheese just keep flowing. Last year, I celebrated my birthday there finding that for a group of eight (or less) it was perfect. Very intimate and unexpected!

If you’re in Los Angeles, make it a “must stop.” The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, 419 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Say hello to Norbert from Cathi and Mary Alice and report back on what you discovered, tasted and bought.

-Cathi and Mary Alice

Los Angeles really knows how to celebrate St. Patty's Day! 20,000 people gathered for the fun and festivities right outside our downtown loft window. Great day. Great fun! Would love to hear how your city celebrated.

-Mary Alice

Can you guess where this photo was taken? You might be thinking Lake Tahoe or the Pacific Northwest. But it was actually taken on Maui!

 

 Recently, we returned from a great stay at Kapalua on Maui. We mostly go for the tropical, sunny weather and spend everyday on the beach. But on this trip, we encountered a few cool, cloudy days. And that led us to the surprise of the many beautiful pine tree trails in the area.

No, we didn’t mean soda pop. The other day while shopping for a client in Newport Beach, we stumbled upon an amazing little sushi place. It's called SOTA, and is named after the chef and owner, Sota Akiyama. We met him and he personally prepared some of our dishes. He couldn't have been more delightful and his food was incredible. 

We loved everything, but our favorite was the "SOTA POP". It was the most beautiful and fun sushi we've ever seen. We also had the most delicious crispy rice with spicy tuna.

If you've had the pleasure of eating at SOTA, let us know what your favorites were so we can try them next time. And, there will be a next time! If you're in Southern California, we highly recommend SOTA. And, we'd love to hear about your favorite sushi place. Share a photo with us, too.

-Cathi and Mary Alice

   SOTA, 3344 East Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, CA 92625

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we decided to open a downtown LA showroom we looked at several buildings.We were really drawn to the older historical buildings withall the beautiful architecture and exposed brick charm, however we knew if we chose a newer building we would have many amenities to help us run more efficiently ( meeting space, Conceirge, doorman etc). 

So we decided to go with the newer building, but instantly started to fulfill our vision of making the new feel charming and historical. We’ve already refinished all the wood floors, changing them from a non-descript medium color to a rich walnut tone that really shows off the grain of the wood. And, we have completed the kitchen remodel.

 So, on to the master bedroom which was in desperate need of charm and architectural interest. To create this feel, we had an exposed brick wall built. This was done by first attaching cement board (wonder board) to the drywall. Next we chose a beautiful REAL used brick veneer, with little splotches of paint that almost tell a story of its history. We opted not to cover a “column” of exposed concrete that was already there because it will create a visual divide between what will be the bedroom and sitting areas of the room when the furnishings are installed. Watching them build the wall was a fun and cool process. Hope you enjoy the before and after photos as much as we do. We think it came out smashing!!!

 We can't wait to start the furnishings!

 Have you ever tackled a project where you just wanted to create architectural interest or add some historic charm in your home? We would love to hear about it!!!

 Cathi and Mary Alice

The master bedroom before.

 

The used brick being installed.

All done!! 

 

Well, the holiday’s got us, and we are a little behind in updating our showroom project. But here’s what’s been happening. Since Christmas, we’ve really accomplished a lot! The kitchen, which we completely gutted, is just about completed. We ripped out the dated cabinets and replaced them with dark stained, floating open shelves. We added Statuary Marble tile in a pattern called Pitter-Patter which runs from the counter to the ceiling.  We chose Ceasarstone Pure White for the counter tops and the lighting was redesigned and replaced as well, as it was outdated and unflattering. We found some gorgeous pendants at HD Buttercup and added them over the bar. It all went pretty smoothly until the brand new refrigerator door was dented in delivery!! Oh well, there always seems to be a glitch. Just got to roll with it. So now we are waiting for the new refrigerator door. Then the accessorizing will begin. We are loving it!

 

 

For the past 20+ years my daughter and I have hosted a brunch time holiday Mother/Daughter cookie exchange. We gather with those moms and daughters we treasure in our life and the list has grown as we've added new friends along they way. We do the typical (double your favorite cookie/candy recipe) exchange, but we also do a gift exchange passing game which is a little different than most. I read Twas The Night Before Christmas and each time I read the word “the” we pass the gifts, and that is many, many times. It always kept screaming, excited and fussy toddlers listening intensely to the story. Then as they became gabby adolescent girls, onwards to really gabby teenagers, they still listened intently. I have read this to the group so many times I really don't need the book. I can recite every word by heart.

Two years ago when they all crossed the "21 year" mark we changed it up once again to an evening party called "Cookies & Cocktails" I think this needs no more explaining! It’s a blast and suddenly the cookies aren't as important!! We also changed our gift exchange up this year.  In honor and memory of the loss of the 20 children in Newtown the girls brought a wrapped book for a first grade child. As they insist every year, I read Twas The Night Before Christmas and we passed the books. When I read "The End" we stopped, unwrapped the books and wrote a note to a child inside the book we ended up with. These books will be donated to a local 1st grade class. 

 It was a wonderful and heartfelt evening. We’d love to hear about your favorite holiday traditions. Who knows? They may become ours someday. We wish you a joyful Holiday Season and a Happy and Healthful New Year!!

-Cathi

 

 

 

Our newest project is the renovation and interior design of our new Los Angeles Showroom, a loft in downtown Los Angeles.  It’s a great space with the openness and high ceilings typical of lofts. It has one bedroom, a master bath, powder room and the real bonus…a private terrace. This is such a great project that we thought it would be fun to share our progress with you each week. Oh, and our trials and tribulations too.

 Week 1 – Assessment and Demo

First things first. A great space, but it needed some updating. The kitchen was a little dated and had awkward upper cabinets that closed it off from the living space. Since this is our Showroom, we wanted to highlight some of the newest trends in kitchen design. So, we decided to just demo it and start over. The layout was fine, so we’re not changing any plumbing or electrical, which will save some money. We completed the demo this week and our cabinet maker has already started building the new base cabinets which will provide more efficient storage. We’re also refinishing the wood floors for a more contemporary look…making them a richer, darker tone that will bring out the grain in the wood. All the sanding was completed this week. Pretty happy with the progress so far!

Here's a couple of "Before and After" photos. Check back every Monday when we post updates and let us know what you think.

-Cathi and Mary Alice