That’s so 2018! Design trends to ditch this year.

With only a couple weeks left in the first month of the year, there is no better time to ditch some of those 2018 home trends. While certain statement pieces will last through the seasons, the round-up below are so last year! So read below and start off fresh in 2019!!

1. Gallery walls

Photo by Tim Barber Ltd Architecture 

It’s time to cool it with nailing 20-piece photo collages onto our walls. Instead, make a bigger splash with one large piece that leaves an impression.

“I love family photos, but the stark black or blond wood frames—thank you, Ikea!—that we’ve put up on the wall are a little, well, not trending,” says Los Angeles home designer Kim Gordon.

A wall full of little frames, Gordon says, fails to make a statement and ends up being overlooked and ignored. Plus, those frames will just accumulate dust and fingerprints.

In the new year, Gordon says the tedious clutter will give way to “big, potentially colorful, and absolutely impactful” art that wows—think charcoal sketches or watercolors—“anything to relieve some of the monotony.”

2. Industrial kitchens

Photo by PowerSmith Design 

Three years later, and we’re still ringing the closing bell on this exhausted look. It seems old habits (and Edison bulbs) die hard.

So, we’ll say it again for the people in the back: Industrial chic is played out. It’s time to flip the switch on cage lighting and aggressively exposed pipes and beams.

“More often than not, [this look] fails and lacks the authenticity the designer is ardently trying to create,” says David Shove-Brown of Washington, DC–based architecture and design firm //3877.

Industrial kitchens are “not the most inviting place to be the heart of your home—more like living in a Costco,” O’Neill adds. “So, unless you are a professional chef, let’s retire this trend.”

Make the swap for lush, opulent hues in the kitchen—deep (almost black) greens and blues, and dark woodwork—and lean on matte metallics for contrast, recommends Debbie Schamberger of Elite Kitchen & Bath.

“Gold is strong for hardware, faucets, and lighting fixtures—a soft gold, like Champagne,” she says.

3. Boho accessories

Photo by We Are In Our Element 

We can already hear the boos and hisses on this one, but Portland, OR, designer Justin Riordan isn’t having it.

“Boho has to die,” he says. “It’s totally flippin’ over.”

You know what we’re talking about: The macrame wall hangings, the waxy-fake succulents (“You’re not fooling anybody,” Riordan says), and your Moroccan lanterns all had a good run, but it’s time to rein it in.

“You can, of course, continue to buy $19 batik pillows at Target, but stuff like that is just fodder for your next garage sale,” Riordan says. “It comes on really fast and goes away really fast.”

If you just can’t tear yourself away from that gypsy-soul-world-citizen vibe, Riordan suggests channeling those feelings into an authentic piece that reflects a real ethnic tradition—say, a kilim rug—and building the room around that.

4. Word art

Photo by Bach Homes 

We know—we can’t believe it either, but the word art trend is still happening. In 2019, however, the pros are determined to make it finally stop. Even if you can live, laugh, and love with the best of them, those words don’t belong on your walls.

“Any text art hung in the home meant to be positive just comes across as cheesy and predictable,” says Jessica Boudreaux, an interior designer in Miami and New York City. “Stuart Smalley called, and he wants his signage back.”

Ana Cummings of Ana Interiors agrees: “It’s about as hokey as you can get.”

5. Kitchen islands

Photo by Havlicek Builders Inc. 

But isn’t the island sort of ultimate #kitchengoals? Diana Blaszkiewicz, an associate with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in Washington, DC, doesn’t think so. Her clients increasingly want to ditch the kitchen island, and she’s happy to oblige.

“They’re bulky and often don’t provide adequate storage space; plus, they’re very easy to bump into in the middle of the night,” she says.

In lieu of an island, situate the dining table closer to the kitchen, Blaszkiewicz recommends, or use modular, moveable storage instead.

6. Gray everything

Photo by Creative House Zone 

Will 2019 be the year we do away with gray?

“From walls to napkins, from Florida to Maine, it has been all about gray for so long now, I can hardly remember when it snuck in,” O’Neill laments.

“Because we’ve concentrated on cool grays for so long, it just feels dated at this point,” Riordan adds. “Everything I see in that palette just feels really cold to me.”

Plus, gray has become the go-to neutral for home staging—and that means this hue often “screams ‘newly flipped,’” Blaszkiewicz notes.

That doesn’t mean neutrals are out, but designers are ready for a shift to warmer tones, like sandy taupes.

7. Over-the-stove microwaves

Photo by Mabry Construction, Inc. 

Certain residential features are the brainchildren of home builders—notinterior designers. Such is the story of microwaves situated above cooktops.

“It was never a good design choice,” Cummings says. “Microwaves are so ugly, to put it bluntly.”

The microwave-over-the-range setup is not even functional, says Doug Lewis, a kitchen and bath remodeler in Richmond, VA. The combo’s popularity is driven entirely by the need to economize space—and it sacrifices the ventilation capabilities of a full-size hood vent (as opposed to the scrawny item built into the bottom of over-range microwaves).

“With those, you’re maybe getting 25% venting function,” Lewis says. “Plus, it’s just an awkward height for younger or shorter people to use. Ever tried to reach over your head to get hot soup out of the microwave? Not good.”

So what’s a space-starved homeowner to do? Undercounter microwaves are gaining popularity, Lewis says, and a growing number of cabinet manufacturers offer designs that accommodate them. You can also mount your microwave under upper cabinets while still preserving that precious counter space.

8. Microfiber upholstery

Photo by LuxWest Interiors 

For years now, microfiber has been the hero of home furniture—an affordable and practical choice for its durability. So durable, in fact, that this vaguely suede-like fabric is ready for a rest.

Why? Most microfiber furniture can make the overall design of a room appear dated and cheap, says Beverly Hills, CA–based designer Kita Williams. And while it’s not impossible to find a microfiber piece in a modern shape, aren’t you ready to try something new?

“Err on the side of caution, and stay away from microfiber,” Williams says. “Stick with linen, leather, pleather, tweed, and canvas-type fabrics.”

Courtesy of: Realtor.com

Recharge in 2019!

Still getting over the holiday hump from 2018? Starting your new year off recharged and refreshed is crucial to a happy and successful 2019. While there are many ways to accomplish this, the team at Four Seasons Westlake has the perfect staycation retreat.

California Health & Longevity Institute at the Four Seasons Westlake Village defines refreshment.

The wellness center helps those who want to live longer, healthier lives—all in a hospitality-forward setting. For the last 12 years, the wellness center has brought world-class science to everyone from C-level executives to everyday individuals looking to make a lifestyle change.

Over four days, a bevy of workshops, meals, hikes, and daily meditation and yoga are interspersed with spa and relaxation time. Registered dietitians, sustained living chefs lead you through cooking classes. While exercise science coaches and psychotherapists provide guided meditations body testing and more to put together a personally tailored experience in a small group setting. It is revelatory to be able to ask direct questions to these experts.

For four days, you focus on yourself and resetting your lifestyle—and with a team of experts focusing on you too. The concepts they teach are not complex—the simplicity of it all is astounding. To have several days devoted exclusively to you is a revelation. There truly is nothing more luxurious than taking the time—in style, of course for yourself. 

Courtesy of: Angeleno Magazine

Your Award-Winning Golden Globes Party Guide

If you are like the rest of us, awards season means one thing…watch parties! Unless you happen to be invited to one of these star-studded events, then lucky you. If you don’t happen to be so lucky to snag an invite, our guide below will surely make you an award winning host. So grab your left over NYE confetti and a bounty of Jiffy-Pop for your Golden Globes watch party 2019!!

Food

A few great suggestions are Chicken Meatballs with Cumin and OrangeGolden Rosemary Garlic Mixed Nuts, and Moroccan Shrimp with Pomegranate Sauce. For an easy treat, try dipping the tops of donuts in a simple icing, and then adding gold sugar or sparkles. Use store-bought glazed donuts (easy!), mix together some confectioners’ sugar and milk to make a thin glaze (also easy), and dip the tops of the donuts in the glaze then into gold sprinkles.

Cocktails

If you’re looking for some signature drinks to spice up the evening, look no further than the Golden Night Cocktail from Salt & Wind or a Sparkling Golden Globes Cocktail. Or if you don’t want to mix up a cocktail, a little champagne, sparkling wine or cider is just as chic in a golden sparkled rimmed glass.

Red Carpet

The entrance sets the tone for the entire party, so why not wow your guests and welcome them in style? You can never steer wrong with a red carpet. If you don’t have an actual red carpet, you can use a roll of red paper, fabric, or a long red plastic tablecloth. You can even go a more simple route and just decorate your entrance with gold stars and helium balloons.

Photo Booth

The paparazzi may not be hanging out around your house, but if you give your guests a selfie stick, you can pretend like they are. If you still have gold or silver Christmas wrapping paper and New Years photo booth props laying around the house, then you’re halfway to the finish line on this one. Put the wrapping paper on the wall and set out the props and selfie stick. It’s as simple as that. Trust me, your guests will have no problem taking it from there.

Print out our Golden Globes ballot below for even more party fun for you and your guest!!


Courtesy of: TaraTeaspoon.com

Treat yourself: Top 5 Spas in and around L.A.

You’ve worked hard, whether your on the 9-to-5 or somewhere in between, pampering is more a necessity then a treat. With the year winding down and the workload ramping back up, we decided to round together the top 5 places to treat yourself this fall. Whether your needing a rejuvenation or relaxation, the spas below are sure to help in achieving the most zen like state.

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA, LOS ANGELES

The Ritz Carlton Spa

Downtown Los Angeles get its on own oasis of calm at this 8,000 square foot luxury spa. There are nine treatment rooms and a luxe couple’s suite, relaxation spaces and aromatherapy rooms with private plunge showers. Neutral tones accented by gold and silver embody the classic Hollywood theme. This spa sparkles, and so will your body. Take the Champagne and Shimmer Body Treatment, which begins with with an organic scrub made from the seeds of champagne grapes, followed by an application of 24- karat gold shimmering powder.

Click here for more info.

TOMOKO JAPENESE SPA

Tomoko Japanese Spa

There are some spa experiences so unforgettable, it’s hard to imagine having a better experience elsewhere. Tomoko Japanese Spa in Beverly Hills is one of those places. Founded on the principles of Japanese healing and renewal of the spirit, Tomoko offers treatments that aim to not only release tension, but renew the body with “khi” (energy). Couple treatments include sushi from Sugar Fish, a well-loved restaurant chain in Los Angeles. After treatments, guests can retreat to the main room to enjoy tea and mochi.

Click here for more information.

LARCHMONT SANCTUARY SPA

Larchmont Spa and Sanctuary

Though not as showy as its counterparts, Larchmont Sanctuary and Spa is just as special, with treatments to match. Located in a 90-year-old building under a beautiful tree, the spa feels like a cabin retreat in the heart of the city. Eight treatment rooms (2 outdoor) offer guests an opportunity to experience truly impressive pampering with all organic products. Wood tones and vibrant orange color accent the property, giving its outdoor spaces the feel of a chic cabana on the beach.

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CIEL SPA at SLS Beverly Hills

Ciel Spa

From its plush white furniture to minimalist yet welcoming decor, visitors are whisked away at Ciel Spa by Pearl Wellness in the SLS Hotel. Located on one of Los Angeles’ busiest streets, the 5,000 square foot getaway provides ample opportunity to forget city life. The signature Ciel massage is otherworldly, and you can be assured that every tense spot will not stand a chance.

The Spa by Joanna Vargas at The Sunset Tower Hotel

Joanna Vargas Spa

The Spa by Joanna Vargas at Sunset Tower hotel is 2,025 square feet with six treatment rooms and five aestheticians, led by Vargas veteran Asia Vereline. Along with a celebrity clientele that counts the likes of Elizabeth Moss, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Naomi Watts as patrons, the services offered reach new heights of luxury skincare. On the menu are LED light therapy sessions, which are said to boost collagen production and promote healing; eight types of facials that use tech gadgets; green tea-spiked oxygen; and body treatments, including microdermabrasion, sunless tanning, cellulite-targeting radio frequency and L.A.-exclusive scrubs, wraps and bath soaks; as well as massages.

Click here for more information.