CATHERINE KWONG

collected inspiration from a San Francisco designer
Here it is (drumroll, please…): our room for this year’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase!  Inspired by “Mick and Bianca Jagger: the Paris years,” the room was such a fun project, and a chance to try new things and collaborate with some of our favorite artists.  The response so far has been incredible.  We’ve received many kind words from friends, mentors, and the press.  The thing that caused the most excitement in the office, though?  When Ross Cassidy pinned a photo of the room to Pinterest!  See more photos of the room here.

Here it is (drumroll, please…): our room for this year’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase!  Inspired by “Mick and Bianca Jagger: the Paris years,” the room was such a fun project, and a chance to try new things and collaborate with some of our favorite artists.  The response so far has been incredible.  We’ve received many kind words from friends, mentors, and the press.  The thing that caused the most excitement in the office, though?  When Ross Cassidy pinned a photo of the room to Pinterest! 

See more photos of the room here.

Well, it’s finally here: Opening Night at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase!  Here’s a sneak peek at my favorite detail from our room.  More pictures to come soon, or just come on over to the Showcase house tonight to see it in person…

Well, it’s finally here: Opening Night at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase!  Here’s a sneak peek at my favorite detail from our room.  More pictures to come soon, or just come on over to the Showcase house tonight to see it in person…

Ok, I can’t be the only one with Brooklyn brownstone envy.  There’s the Remodelista brownstone.  The Jenna Lyons brownstone.  And my favorite episode of “Girls” was almost overshadowed by the Patrick Wilson character’s gorgeously remodeled brownstone.  Well, add this one to the list: Vogue magazine profiled the lovely, idyllic home of Miranda Brooks and her architect husband, Bastien Halard.  It looks lived-in and imperfect, but in the most perfect way.  See for yourself here.

Ok, I can’t be the only one with Brooklyn brownstone envy.  There’s the Remodelista brownstone.  The Jenna Lyons brownstone.  And my favorite episode of “Girls” was almost overshadowed by the Patrick Wilson character’s gorgeously remodeled brownstone.  Well, add this one to the list: Vogue magazine profiled the lovely, idyllic home of Miranda Brooks and her architect husband, Bastien Halard.  It looks lived-in and imperfect, but in the most perfect way.  See for yourself here.

It’s that time of year again… We are so honored to be part of this year’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase!  Last year was such an amazing experience, and this year we’ll be going even bigger and better, designing the Living Room.  Opening night is April 26th.  I won’t give too much away yet, but let’s just say it’s going to be quite a statement room… stay tuned for more!

It’s that time of year again… We are so honored to be part of this year’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase!  Last year was such an amazing experience, and this year we’ll be going even bigger and better, designing the Living Room.  Opening night is April 26th.  I won’t give too much away yet, but let’s just say it’s going to be quite a statement room… stay tuned for more!

C Magazine is one of my absolute favorites… and my mother’s and sister’s as well!  So the whole family was very excited when I was interviewed for the magazine’s “Home & Design” issue, on newsstands now.  I shared some of my favorite San Francisco things, including The Asian Art Museum and the Del Popolo truck.  Fisher Weisman and Jay Jeffers are also featured in the issue, so you know I’m in great company… The article and additional photos can be found here. 

C Magazine is one of my absolute favorites… and my mother’s and sister’s as well!  So the whole family was very excited when I was interviewed for the magazine’s “Home & Design” issue, on newsstands now.  I shared some of my favorite San Francisco things, including The Asian Art Museum and the Del Popolo truck.  Fisher Weisman and Jay Jeffers are also featured in the issue, so you know I’m in great company…

The article and additional photos can be found here. 

I [heart] San Francisco: Freemans Sporting Club Ok, so technically the original Freemans is in New York.  And I love that one, too.  But Riki Bryan and his team have established the second Freemans Sporting Club right here in San Francisco, in the heart of the Mission.  And they’ve made it all their own, in a woodsy, intimate space, complete with vintage lighting and records playing.  The vibe is comfortable but meticulous, just like their famous suits. Even in Patagonia-clad San Francisco, Freemans is making waves with the city’s best-dressed gentlemen.  Read more about what Riki and his team are up to here.

I [heart] San Francisco: Freemans Sporting Club

Ok, so technically the original Freemans is in New York.  And I love that one, too.  But Riki Bryan and his team have established the second Freemans Sporting Club right here in San Francisco, in the heart of the Mission.  And they’ve made it all their own, in a woodsy, intimate space, complete with vintage lighting and records playing.  The vibe is comfortable but meticulous, just like their famous suits.

Even in Patagonia-clad San Francisco, Freemans is making waves with the city’s best-dressed gentlemen.  Read more about what Riki and his team are up to here.

The Somerset House in London is hosting a new exhibit: “Valentino: Master of Couture.” Over 130 pieces by the famed Italian designer will be shown.  Gorgeous Valentino confections will be on display, including many iconic pieces (Jackie O.’s wedding dress!  That Julia Roberts dress from the Academy Awards!)  Go if you can - the exhibit runs until March 3, 2013.  Read more here and see the slideshow here.

Thanks to California Home and Design magazine for featuring me and my home in this month’s issue!  It was such a pleasure to work with photographer Matthew Millman and             Erin Feher, the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, on the photo shoot.  And many thanks to         Diane Dorrans Saeks and Mary Jo Bowling for their work on the writing and production side!

Thanks to California Home and Design magazine for featuring me and my home in this month’s issue!  It was such a pleasure to work with photographer Matthew Millman and             Erin Feher, the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, on the photo shoot.  And many thanks to         Diane Dorrans Saeks and Mary Jo Bowling for their work on the writing and production side!

Last night, Vogue magazine teamed up with J.Crew to host a party to celebrate Tom Mora, the Head of Women’s Design at J.Crew.  Ostensibly, we were there to check out the new collection, but my favorite part of the evening was how everyone was decked out in their favorite J.Crew pieces from past years.  Some were special Collection pieces, some were from limited edition designer partnerships, and some were just good finds from years ago.  All of the sales team looked fabulous as usual, and they were excited too, pointing out J.Crew faves, new and old.  I saw so many things that I wanted - great new shoes this season! - and I think that my Christmas wish list just got started…

Our hearts are with New York and the rest of the Eastern states affected by Hurricane Sandy this week.  Best wishes for a safe and speedy recovery. Photo by Best Made Company.

Our hearts are with New York and the rest of the Eastern states affected by Hurricane Sandy this week.  Best wishes for a safe and speedy recovery.

Photo by Best Made Company.

Can’t wait to see this movie, about the iconic Diana Vreeland.  

Love how this wallpaper installation came out.  The client wanted a cozy Guest Bedroom, and for me, it all started with this dark, painted wallpaper.  Somehow, we were able to convince him that painted flowers were going to look masculine.  But I think that, paired with these black and brass vintage sconces, the room actually did do just that - it took on a moody persona, perfect for houseguests to cozy up with a book on a rainy day.

Love how this wallpaper installation came out.  The client wanted a cozy Guest Bedroom, and for me, it all started with this dark, painted wallpaper.  Somehow, we were able to convince him that painted flowers were going to look masculine.  But I think that, paired with these black and brass vintage sconces, the room actually did do just that - it took on a moody persona, perfect for houseguests to cozy up with a book on a rainy day.

Oh my gosh, you guys…  I can’t even believe this, but House Beautiful featured me in their September issue!  I’m in their “Next Wave” feature, and could not be more thrilled to have my work included in one of my favorite magazines.  Thanks to Lilith Dorko and the rest of the House Beautiful team, for making one of my dreams come true.

Oh my gosh, you guys…  I can’t even believe this, but House Beautiful featured me in their September issue!  I’m in their “Next Wave” feature, and could not be more thrilled to have my work included in one of my favorite magazines.  Thanks to Lilith Dorko and the rest of the House Beautiful team, for making one of my dreams come true.

Product love:

I was sourcing towel bars, and came across this lovely Japanese brand: Futagami.  Everything they make is beautifully crafted and elegantly simple. Oh, this bottle opener?  It’s Japanese brass, no big deal…