collected inspiration from a San Francisco designerTumblr (3.0; @catherinekwong)http://blog.catherinekwong.com/<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/d2f615984658a703db344889acb848b7/tumblr_mmfqq8JWGL1r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>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 <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/51228514483963673/" title="ross cassidy pinterest" target="_blank">Ross Cassidy</a> pinned a photo of the room to Pinterest! </p> <p>See more photos of the room <a href="http://www.bessfriday.com/2013/catherine-kwong-design-mick-bianca/" title="bessfriday blog " target="_blank">here</a>.</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/49859478202http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/49859478202Tue, 07 May 2013 08:51:44 -0700<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/ba6de7f9c3e087fb6f842c921539d12b/tumblr_mlvrpdHRt51r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>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…</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/48952136861http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/48952136861Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:00:49 -0700<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/71e056f7b5048677ced6137787a4049e/tumblr_mlqx4xBbAq1r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Ok, I can’t be the only one with Brooklyn brownstone envy.  There’s the <em>Remodelista</em> 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: <em>Vogue</em> 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 <a href="http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/american-pastoral-miranda-brooks-and-bastien-halard-brooklyn-home/#" target="_blank">here</a>.<em><br/></em></p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/48780770752http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/48780770752Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:30:22 -0700<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/b2cf3b969ce4ab0bb6ad42addf6c4d41/tumblr_mk361mI2In1r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>It’s that time of year again… We are so honored to be part of this year’s <a href="http://decoratorshowcase.org" target="_blank">San Francisco Decorator Showcase</a>!  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!</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/48154355886http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/48154355886Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:18:08 -0700<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/6532072ad5735b0dcbb028c1c05ea3e0/tumblr_mk3a5uVgTt1r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>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 <a href="http://www.asianart.org" target="_blank">The Asian Art Museum</a> and the <a href="http://www.delpopolosf.com" target="_blank">Del Popolo truck</a>.  Fisher Weisman and Jay Jeffers are also featured in the issue, so you know I’m in great company…</p> <p>The article and additional photos can be found <a href="http://t.co/DNfKNlWPxJ" target="_blank">here</a>. </p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/46427746140http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/46427746140Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:30:25 -0700<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m24eo2q1KA1r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>I [heart] San Francisco: Freemans Sporting Club</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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 <a href="http://www.gq.com/style/blogs/the-gq-eye/2012/01/suit-science-at-freemans-sporting-club-in-san-francisco.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/37735914621http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/37735914621Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:30:00 -0800<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/2c321c9eaacb1751f9683d2d48c904e5/tumblr_meubhm8AY81r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>It’s Monday, people.  Time to dive in.</p> <p>Photo by Isaac Brest, seen on <a href="http://www.thetappancollective.com/" title="tappan collective" target="_blank">The Tappan Collective</a>.</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/37673918120http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/37673918120Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:18:19 -0800<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_meh5umiwaf1r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_meh5umiwaf1r1n4dso2_500.jpg"/><br/> Photos from New York magazine<br/><br/> <p>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 <a href="http://wwd2.wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/very-valentino-6137624?src=rss/recentstories/20120803" title="valentino" target="_blank">here</a> and see the slideshow <a href="http://nymag.com/thecut/2012/11/visual-history-of-valentinos-gorgeous-couture.html" title="valentino nymag" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/37412664231http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/37412664231Fri, 07 Dec 2012 10:00:53 -0800<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_meiwnpskd61r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>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!</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/37204740377http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/37204740377Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:28:21 -0800<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md9exvTc171r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/> photo from jcrewing.tumblr.com<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md9exvTc171r1n4dso2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md9exvTc171r1n4dso3_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md9exvTc171r1n4dso5_r1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md9exvTc171r1n4dso4_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><p>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…</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/35393336594http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/35393336594Fri, 09 Nov 2012 22:56:17 -0800<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mcsnkfqIbn1r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>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.</p> <p>Photo by <a href="http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=1ac364a0b68f0fc38fdae785d&id=18bcb0086a&e=430a283aee" title="bestmade newsletter" target="_blank">Best Made Company</a>.</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/34746851446http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/34746851446Wed, 31 Oct 2012 22:41:55 -0700<iframe width="400" height="225" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Rh8-6PRiyso?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br/><br/><p>Can’t wait to see this movie, about the iconic Diana Vreeland.  </p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/34682028563http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/34682028563Tue, 30 Oct 2012 20:26:55 -0700<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mcolla3QOg1r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>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.</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/34606995871http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/34606995871Mon, 29 Oct 2012 18:06:14 -0700<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8ka8kd0id1r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>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.</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/29152630564http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/29152630564Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:53:00 -0700<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8hzg4oTAl1r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8hzg4oTAl1r1n4dso2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8hzg4oTAl1r1n4dso3_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8hzg4oTAl1r1n4dso4_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><p>Product love:</p> <p>I was sourcing towel bars, and came across this lovely Japanese brand: <a href="http://www.futagami-imono.co.jp/" target="_blank">Futagami</a>.  Everything they make is beautifully crafted and elegantly simple. Oh, this bottle opener?  It’s Japanese brass, no big deal…</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/29060300036http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/29060300036Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:22:00 -0700<iframe width="400" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HbhzLI-vNjE?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br/><br/><p>Are you watching the London Olympics?  Women’s Gymnastics has always been my favorite Summer Olympics sport to watch.  This year’s U.S.A. team is a powerhouse (so much so that the world all-around champion, Jordyn Wieber, was bested by two of her teammates in the qualifying round - she had the fourth highest score overall and still didn’t grab one of the two top spots for Team U.S.A.)  These young girls are so talented and it’s inspiring to watch.  P&G created these profiles called “Raising an Olympian,” and I loved this one about Gabby Douglas.  It really shows how much sacrifice is made before the athletes even step foot into the Olympic Stadium.</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/28432474110http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/28432474110Tue, 31 Jul 2012 13:48:02 -0700<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7afa5acMU1r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>A sweet little reminder about living life with no regrets.  Très inspirant, non?  Available <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75755157/non-je-ne-regrette-rien-large" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/28128539519http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/28128539519Fri, 27 Jul 2012 07:53:58 -0700<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7bg11CcKh1r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7bg11CcKh1r1n4dso2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7bg11CcKh1r1n4dso4_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7bg11CcKh1r1n4dso3_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><p>Not that we would expect any less… the ever-stylish <a href="http://www.garancedore.fr/2012/07/13/at-thunderwing/#more-30481" target="_blank">Garance Dore</a> had <a href="http://thunderwingpress.com/" target="_blank">Thunderwing Press</a> design her this elegant personalized stationery.  In keeping with her fashion style, it’s simple but lovely.  Having a stash of stationery this nice would definitely motivate me to get my thank you notes out!</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/27555754725http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/27555754725Thu, 19 Jul 2012 07:59:17 -0700<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7ahkecsSC1r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7ahkecsSC1r1n4dso2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7ahkecsSC1r1n4dso3_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><p>Loving this simple summertime ensemble on Julie Saranana from “<a href="http://www.sincerelyjules.com/2012/07/nautical.html" target="_blank">Sincerely, Jules</a>.”</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/27409029669http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/27409029669Tue, 17 Jul 2012 07:47:08 -0700<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6wt8zbpPm1r1n4dso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>This week, we’re getting set up in our new office space.  It’s not fancy, but we love it.  I like to think of it as small but mighty.  Sort of like us!</p> <p>I’m always looking for creative ways to organize a work space, both for my office and also for clients.  One thing I like to do for families with kids is to set up a productive and neat workspace.  And not just for kids to do homework; parents need desk space, too!  It’s something that often gets overlooked when planning out a house, but it’s so important.  Invitations, grocery lists, family calendars, school schedules… It all has to go somewhere.  I like this room, pictured here.  The clipboards hanging on the wall are a great idea - a cute and inexpensive way to keep things organized in a busy household.</p> <p>Image from <a href="http://styleessentials.tumblr.com/post/25703879517" target="_blank">Style Essentials</a>.</p>http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/26985130798http://blog.catherinekwong.com/post/26985130798Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:58:31 -0700