There are No Words

“Home is where one starts from.”
T.S. Eliott

On January 7, we sat on the sidelines and watched. Our eyes in disbelief and our hearts wrenched while the idyllic neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Altadena went up in flames. Unbelievable and unimaginable. Our thoughts were with so many friends and families who live in these beautiful communities.

We have no words for those of you that lost your homes. No words for friends whose houses remain, but their community is gone.  No words for small business and designers who lost their space and livelihood.

We have spent a lot of time in the Palisades and Malibu with friends over lunch or dinner, and with clients creating beautiful homes in the most charming neighborhoods. We shopped and walked the streets. We had coffees and frozen yogurts. At the end of the day when we drove east on Sunset Boulevard, we always said -  if we lived here, we’d be so happy!

We were preparing to send out our January Notes, but it all seemed so trivial in wake of the destruction of the fires. Instead, this month we leave you with some pretty photos of past projects, many from the Palisades neighborhood.

If you personally have suffered loss from the recent fires or you know someone who has, please reach out. We would love to help in any way we can if it is design insight or decorating assistance or just to listen.

Home is where one starts from.
It would be our pleasure to help you start again, from wherever you are. 

Be safe.
Terrell and Joyce

Home

“Peace - that was the other name for home.”
Kathleen Norris

Photos from some of our favorite projects in Pacific Palisades. Scroll through and enjoy. 

Home Essentials

Some favorite basics for your home.

A textured table lamp in a perfect green raises the look of any room. 

A handmade porcelain platter is a beautiful way to serve dinner. 

A cookie jar full of fresh baked cookies are what really make a house a home.

Dress up your entry with this hand-knotted welcome mat. 

A scalloped rattan tray to decorate your table or serve hors d'oeuvre to your guests. 

A cozy quilt is a must on chilly nights.

This glazed terracotta bowl brings sunshine to every room.

Let’s Talk about Love

A few special pieces for Valentine’s Day.

Give your breakfast table a little love with red and pink scalloped placemats.

A Valentine classic - Astier de Villatte’s Heart Ring Cup.

You always score with a vintage heart charm from Jewelry by Olivia K. 

Play footsie with your sweetheart in these cozy heart socks.

We are smitten with these ultra soft mittens with custom initials help keep your hands and heart warm.

Make every sip heartwarming with a set of four tumblers. 

Nashville’s Imogene+Willie I LOVE LA t-shirts. Proceeds from these t-shirts will directly benefit those affected by the recent fires. Show some love for our city.

What We Are Reading and Watching

Terrell has been binging…

Our family loves a show which stars Billy Bob Thornton; it’s something about the quirky characters he always  plays. In Landman, Thornton’s role as Tommy Norris, the boss of the vast lands of oil rigs known as ‘the patch,’ does not disappoint. Tough and compassionate, wise in relationships from his billionaire boss to his thug employees, Tommy is at the center of all that takes place in the wide open territory of Midland, Texas. And boy, does it get wild!

We binged through the first seven episodes, and then patiently awaited the weekly releases. Tighten your belts and settle in for an entertaining show. 

You  can find it on Paramount+ or click here for a preview. 

Joyce is reading…

Peggy Noonan wrote speeches for Ronald Reagan. She helped George H.W. Bush get elected.  She’s consulted on The West Wing. She’s been a weekly columnist for the Wall Street Journal for nearly a quarter of a century, writing columns that have won her a Pulitzer - and now have been partially collected in her recently published book called A Certain Idea of America.

Since reading her columns for years, I was excited to have so many of them together in one collection.  Peggy is very insightful and intelligent but also entertaining.  If you want a book that makes you think, this is an easy read, that you will thoroughly enjoy.

Find at your local bookstore or linked here.  

Until next month,

Joyce and Terrell

Ready, Set, Snooze!

“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”
- Admiral William H. McRaven

There’s nothing better than a cozy bedroom.

With the holidays upon us, kids home from school, and guests coming to stay, we realize there is nothing better than the comforts of home. Of all the rooms in the house, the bedroom is our sanctuary place, cozy and inviting,  taking you away for that well-needed rest. Sometimes, the best part of the day is hitting ‘snooze,’ rolling over, and getting a little bit more sleep!

When you think of your bedroom, how do you want it to feel when you enter? Calm, peace, quiet, restful. Our advice is to clear the clutter and make your bed every morning.  

Over the years, we’ve discovered a few essential elements of the perfect bedroom. In our Holiday Notes, we share some bedrooms we’ve designed and highlight a few ‘must-have’ design elements. We hope you can implement some of these ideas,  keeping you in bed a little longer. 

It’s also been a while, so we have lots of recommendations to share with you.

Fluff up your pillow, sit back, and enjoy our Holiday Notes.
Terrell and Joyce

Elements for a Long Winter's Nap

Include a sofa or lounge chair as a designated sitting area for relaxation, somewhere other than the bed!

Cover the sofa in a beautiful neutral fabric and add pillows that can be swapped out. This sofa is covered in a neutral houndstooth fabric with jewel-colored pillows.

A soft and luxurious rug is pure joy. Your feet will thank you.

What to have at your bedside table:
Wall sconce for reading, water for hydration, table lamp for ambiance, pretty flowers for some happiness, and a few tissues just in case - achoooo!

Gorgeous drapery hardware and beautifully patterned drapes help to keep out the morning sun and are an elegant backdrop for a tranquil bedroom.

We love bedside reading sconces!

Let’s talk about bedding! Here we played with patterns and color for the sheets and coverlet.

Simple white “hotel” bedding always works.

The ottomans at the end of the bed are the perfect spot to put on your slippers.

Felt covered walls instead of paint insulates for sound, and makes for a cozy layer.

Not all reading lights have to be hardwired. It is easy to install these reading lights.

Curl up in this bedroom chair to read your little one a good book.

Here are some of our favorites we remember reading to our kids years ago:

Remember the views!
This tranquil guest room feels like you’re sleeping in a treehouse.

A coffee and tea station is a nice addition to any bedroom!

A cheery patterned upholstered bed and pillows make this a welcoming guest bedroom.

Pieces We Can’t Resist for the Bedroom

A bedside reading light is a must for cozying up with a good book.

A great night's sleep always starts with a set of crisp sheets.

Get rid of the Stanley Cup with the plastic straw. This silver-plated water pitcher ups the elegance of your hydration intake.

Believe us when we tell you, this is such a treat to soak in before bed.

Instead of overhead lighting, bedside table lamps quiet things down in the evening.

Not all bedside tables need drawers. This stunning burl wood side table combines elegance with a modern twist. 

A pretty little dish for your rings and such. 

Trash those old ratty slippers for a fresh, fun pair.

Cotton Print Pajama Set

Don’t know what to get your teenager? How about a little inspiration?

All set to press the snooze on this attractive alarm clock

What We Are Reading and Watching

With the holidays approaching, we have immersed ourselves in the queens of entertaining.

Ina Garten’s memoir and Martha’s Netflix documentary give you the inside scoop of these two self-made entrepreneurs. Ina’s love for cooking and hardworking spirit led her down a circuitous path from a position in the government’s OMB office to creating a series of cookbooks which grace the kitchen of every friend’s home. Martha’s story is fascinating. From an abusive childhood to publishing multiple magazines then to prison to Snoop Dog’s best friend and reinventing herself in her 70’s, Martha created an empire in an industry that did not exist. She is fierce, very hardworking, extremely talented and quite funny!

Find at your local bookstore or linked here.

Carve out some time to watch Martha’s fascinating story.

And lastly, for the holidays, a few things we like and think you might too.

Spread joy and hearts across your holiday table this year!

Decorate your table with these sweet tapered candlesticks. 

Your dog will love this cute placemat.

Set the kid’s table a set of adorable bear plates.

Spread light on your Hannukah table with this pretty clay candle.

Take a stand when displaying the holiday sweets.  

Place these beautiful hand painted shells around your holiday table.

Run out of room on your mantel? You can always start collecting Nutcracker Napkins (you know who we are talking to!)

Shake it up with a rattan salt and pepper set.

Light up the elephant in the room with this whimsical menorah. 

Didn’t your tree wear that skirt last year? (and the year before...) Treat your tree to a new fashion-forward skirt.

A final thought…..how about we keep it simple!

Joyce and Terrell

The Lasting Power of Beauty

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”
- from poet John Keats’ Endymion

The other day at a jobsite, we were with our cabinetmaker installing some new custom cabinets. After the wardrobe closet was installed, we all stepped back in admiration, and our fabricator quoted Keats saying “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” 

We couldn’t agree more! Keats’ words resonated. We all admired and found joy in the built-in cabinet with its dark, oak-stain, beautiful wood grain, elegant construction and handsome hardware.

In our Summer Notes, we share some of our favorite pieces and design elements that consistently bring us great joy - the furniture classics or design ideas that stand the test of time.  We took a look back through our projects and are sharing those photos that always provoke us to say ‘that was a good idea!’

This is why we love our job - to bring beauty to our clients and their surroundings.  

We also have some fun summer finds, and our usual ‘What We Are Reading.’ Let us know your favorites. We love to hear from you.

Here’s to some summer beauty!
Terrell and Joyce

Beautiful Design that Stands the Test of Time

These pieces always seem to bring joy when added to a room.

Classic Eames Stool

We’ve used this Eames oak stool in several projects because when it works, it works!

Leopard Pattern

Leopard is a “neutral” and can be used in a variety of colors and applications.

White Saarinen Table

This table, round or oval, works in almost every scenario and with almost any style of chair. It’s definitely a classic beauty!

White Marble

 Real stone is always in fashion and stands the test of time (unlike this relationship.) 

Statement Light Fixture

We always like a statement light fixture, but one per room is enough.

Keat’s poem continues…

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: 
Its loveliness increases; it will never 
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep

We agree! The above classics will keep their beauty for years and years and years.

Check out our portfolio to see more of our project photos. Lots of new beauty to browse!

Summer Colors

Spring for some colorful pieces that will brighten your summer day.

A color block lamp that lights up any room.

Hip, young ladies in Copenhagen were sporting colorful flip flops with their stylish outfits. Hurry and get in on this fashion trend.

Bright up your husband’s suit for the next summer wedding with this colorful striped tie by Rowing Blazers. 

Up your camping game with these colorful tumblers in colors apple/mint, tomato/blue, pink/mustard. So happy, you’ll even forget why you said ‘yes’ to camping.

 Do the bath mat shuffle on this Wiggle Rope Bath Mat by RHODE for West Elm.

Get rid of those gift with purchase Trader Joe’s containers and use this decorative trellis planter in coral red.

What We Are Reading

In their heyday, department stores loomed large in daily life, especially for women.

Given how much department stores focused on female consumers, it is perhaps surprising that there have not been more women in charge of such businesses.

This carefully researched book focuses on how three women, Hortense Odlum (Bonwit Teller), Dorothy Shaver (Lord & Taylor) and Geraldine Stutz (Henri Bendel), each turned these stores into retail meccas.  It is a great read with lessons in fashion trends, marketing and customer service along with glimpses into each woman's struggle to balance work and home life.

Find at your local bookstore or linked here. 

I remembered Dominick Dunne began his crime reporting with Vanity Fair after the death of his daughter. I knew nothing about the Dunne family other than a little bit about this terrible murder, and also a little bit about their famous family members, writers John Dunne and his wife Joan Didion. 

The Friday Afternoon Club, written by Griffin Dunne, the son of Dominick and brother of Dominique, is the wild and true story of his family. Growing up in Los Angeles and ultimately living in New York, the author takes you on his roller coaster life story with loads of Hollywood stories and tidbits, wickedly funny family escapades and ultimately a family’s heart-wrenching loss. 

You will not put this book down; it’s SO good. 

Call your local bookstore or find it here.

What We Are Watching

Nothing Good - send recommendations please!

And let us  leave you with the poem by Keats….

Endymion

By John Keats

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: 
Its loveliness increases; it will never 
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep 
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep 
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing. 
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing 
A flowery band to bind us to the earth, 
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth 
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days, 
Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkened ways 
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all, 
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall 
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon, 
Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon 
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils 
With the green world they live in; and clear rills 
That for themselves a cooling covert make 
'Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake, 
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms: 
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms 
We have imagined for the mighty dead; 
All lovely tales that we have heard or read: 
An endless fountain of immortal drink, 
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.

Joyce and Terrell

Spring Forward into a New Look

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”
- Leo Tolstoy

The month of March brings the anticipation of spring, of warmer weather and longer days. It’s a time of transition and the beginning of change.

We feel it in the air and in our outlook. It is time to spring for something new and get rid of the old. Update a kitchen, re-fresh a bedroom, or re-upholster your family room furniture; transform your home into a cheerful space. You will wonder - “why didn’t we do this earlier!”

Our March Notes takes a look at some of the “before and after” photos from our projects.  Let us know which is your favorite transformation. Be sure to scroll all the way through; we have a special event and want you to save the date. 

Here’s to a new look!
Terrell and Joyce

Leave the Old Behind and Step into a Brighter Future

We love a good “Before and After.” We’ve pulled a few of our favorites; have fun scrolling through the images below.

Note - the photos are placed After, and then Before. First see the transformation, and then how the space looked prior to the renovation.

After

Before

After

The kitchen is the hub of the house! Our new design added warmth, and created dimension and detail to a flat cold space. The built-in banquet adds more seating, and a place to hang out. A fantastic piece of art from the client’s collection perfectly suits the new look. 
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Before

The kitchen eating area was bright, with great light, but needed a new furniture layout and some interesting details.

After

Before

After

A new oven, countertops, backsplash and updated cabinetry - white lacquered upper cabinets combined with oak cabinets below - lightened and modernized the feel of the kitchen.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Before

The granite countertops, cooktop with separate ovens, and light maple cabinets felt dated and didn’t fit with the modern aesthetic of the house.

After

Before

After

This bedroom is the definition of springtime.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

Before 

Out with the faux gold!

After

Before

After

Grasscloth wallcovering paired with the drapery creates a cozy backdrop for this reading chair and ottoman. 
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

Before 

The weight of this room was dragging us down!

After

Before

After

Rub-a-dub-dub in this beautiful tub.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

Before 

Joyce directing traffic - straight to the dumpster.

After

Before

After

This newly appointed bedroom put a spring back in our client’s step!
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Before

Our client’s son now has a bedroom set for his first apartment!

After

Before

After

There is always an elephant in the room so why not embrace it.

Before 

However, this elephant had to go!

After

After

Before

Before

After

The goal in this family room was to brighten up the space, re-upholster existing furniture and fill in with some new pieces.

Before

The client had very nice furniture, but wanted a refresh.

Spring for Some New Purchases

Chubby salt and pepper grinders in 12 fantastic colors.

Grab this beautifully embroidered linen dress for a new spring look.

Leather ballet flats with a modern adornment.

A circular ceramic mirror individually made by hand in the artist's Los Angeles studio.

A stylish look for the spring.

The August Thonet No. 30 Bentwood Chair by Ton is a classic that never goes out of style and works in most every setting.

Robertson Blvd., Design District

Over the course of many years, you see the ebb and flow of retail space along Robertson Blvd. and Melrose Ave. In the 80’s, many of the design shops were located on North Robertson near Melrose. Then, these shops swapped places with clothing stores moving over to Melrose near LaCienega.  Well, they are flip flopping again!

We recently visited these three stores, all on the corner of Robertson and New Hampshire.

Melrose House

Rose Tarlow’s flagship store is filled with some of the most gorgeous furnishings, made here in LA.

Curio

A beautiful little shop curated with antiques and vintage finds.

Dacha

Dacha provides an eclectic offering of unique pieces for your home. 

What We Are Reading

Get ready for spring training and enhance your baseball IQ!

Joyce is revisiting and thoroughly enjoying  Michael Lewis’s Moneyball, the Art of Winning an Unfair Game.  Moneyball follows the great Oakland A’s general manager, Billy Beane, as he assembles a baseball team by re-evaluating their strategy.  The 2002 Athletics, with only a budget of $44 million for players salaries, were competitive with larger market teams such as the Yankees, whose payroll exceeded $125 Million that season. The approach brought the A’s to the playoffs in 2002 and 2003. 

This is such a fun read!

What We Are Watching

Carve out time this week to watch The Last Repair Shop  which recently won an Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film. The story follows four employees of the LAUSD musical instrument repair shop. The sweet and moving personal stories of each of these individuals provides insight into the importance of music in one’s life. 

As they handle each piece - clarinet, guitar, piano - you see their fixing of each instrument is more than a job. They speak of the child who is waiting for the return of their instrument, the student who loves music, whose instrument takes them away from the stresses of life and brings them great joy. Interspersed between the employee’s life stories are highlights from the LAUSD students with their musical instrument.

The movie is a reminder of the importance of music, how music can touch your soul and change lives.

Treat yourself. Watch it here.

Save The Date

“Art ReImagined”

Join us with our friends from Kipper Design for an open house, art and antique sale.

Wednesday, May 1
3:30 - 5:30pm

Kipper Design Studio
An invitation will be sent later this month.

Joyce and Terrell

Live with What You Love

“Surround yourself with the things you love. Discard the rest.” - Kate Spade

It may be a piece of furniture from your grandmother, a special flea market find or a child’s piece of art. On every project we design, the client has a special piece that they love and have to incorporate in the new decor. 

We get it. If you love it, live with it! Surround yourself with things you find beautiful and make you happy. Curate and place the old favorites among the new elements in the room. Rotate cherished items to keep things interesting.

Our February Notes take a look at our client’s loved pieces and how we incorporated them in the design of their space. 

Also, check out our “loved” finds on Etsy, which is a never-ending source of inspiration for us.

Love,
Terrell and Joyce

Beloved Family Heirlooms

Spared from the remodel purge

Here are a few projects where a treasured item was incorporated into the new design.

This large armoire, which had traveled from house to house with the client, became the linen storage in this gorgeous second floor hallway.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

A chic pair! We re-upholstered the desk chair in an animal print and placed it with the beloved desk of the client’s father which had to be masterly resized to fit perfectly into the space.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

An Eames lounge chair and ottoman are always a classic, never to be tossed. We added a vintage geometric area rug and framed the client’s favorite musical poster and album collection to decorate his home office.  
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

A beautiful family collection of plein air paintings are seen through fresh eyes when hung as a collection with updated fabrics and furniture.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Artwork painted by the client’s mother was paired with a found, vintage chinoiserie chest of drawers and modern Allied Maker wall sconce.  
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

The family secretarial cabinet moved from one house to the next, and is always ready when you want to pen a note to your secret Valentine. 
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Collected art and cherished family pieces keep your eyes constantly moving around this beautiful home.  
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

The most special family heirloom of all is always a keeper. Woof!  
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Our Etsy Loves

1979 Vintage Original Semi-abstract landscape oil painting.

Personalized pet portrait embroidery.

Wonderful Handmade Kantha Quilts

Vintage wrought iron Patio Chairs. Love!
(These just may be sold by the time you receive this)

8’x 10’ floral rug.
100% wool hand tufted

What’s New

Things we’ve noticed lately.

Melrose Hill 
(Otherwise known as North Western Avenue)

When you drive north on Western towards the Hollywood Hills, you can feel things are happening on this busy, urban street. Once lined with inexpensive furniture stores and mattress shops, many of the beautiful buildings are getting a facelift. Furniture store Pop Up Home, chic womenswear clothing line Co, and cool coffee shop Cafe Telegrama are located near Western and Melrose.

Read more about Melrose Hill here.

What We Are Reading

Terrell is ten pages into this book and is already laughing out loud. The premise - taking a road trip to visit the various sites of presidential assassinations - does not sound exciting at all, but the author’s sense of humor and witty observations have made it a fun read thus far.

You can find it here.

What We Are Watching

While searching for Feud: Capote vs.The Swans, we stumbled upon the first in the Feud series, Bette and Joan. Bette and Joan, aired in 2017 and chronicles (over 8 episodes) the well documented rivalry between Hollywood actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford during and after the production of their psychological horror thriller film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? 

Feud: Bette and Joan and boy is it a doozy!  

Joyce and Terrell

Where to Begin?

“Begin at the beginning and go on til you come to the end: then stop.”- Alice in Wonderland

January, the first month of the new year, beckons the desire to begin something new - a project that’s been on the backburner or a new hobby you’ve been eyeing - those ideas that have been brimming in your mind and crowding your brain cells. When your canvas is blank and it’s time to get started, one of the first questions is always, where to begin? 

When we start a new design project, this same question crosses our minds. There are numerous considerations - the style of the home, the client’s aesthetic, and of course, the budget. Oftentimes all it takes is a color swatch, a piece of art, a gorgeous fabric or a fabulous rug and the perfect solution reveals itself. It can feel magical!

Our January Notes ushers you through a few of our projects where we share the beginning point for the design of each room. Ultimately our goal is to listen to the client’s desires, provide them with various ideas and execute a stunning and liveable new space. 

As always, keep scrolling and you may find something that inspires you to begin your next project. 

Here’s to beginning!
Terrell and Joyce

“To begin, begin.” - William Wordsworth

It was this beautiful overscaled Schumacher Feather Bloom wallpaper that started the design of this client’s bedroom.  To keep the space from slanting too feminine, we juxtaposed the wallpaper with a handsome plaid Holland & Sherry fabric headboard. Once this was established, the room came together beautifully. 
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

In this client’s open floor plan ranch style home we started with a patterned drape.  When you love a fabric, don’t be afraid, use it as the anchor of the room and build from there.  Because of the open floor plan, everything had to have a common thread but yet feel interesting. It all started with this beautiful drapery fabric!
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

We had always wanted to design a bedroom with two matching headboards. And we really wanted to use this beautiful bubble light fixture designed by Julie Neill for Visual Comfort. When asked to re-do this guest room, and add two double beds, we already knew where to start!
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

It was this drapery fabric that kicked off the design of this dining room. The fabric is reminiscent of artist Donald Baechler’s sculptures, a favorite artist of the client (and designer!).

Start The Year With A Desk Refresh

Ready. Set. Go.
Clear the decks, get rid of the clutter and refresh your desk with some of these dazzling accessories.

Put away your plastic Scotch tape dispensers and set out this timeless brushed brass tape dispenser. Now your desk is ready for business. 

Toss that clutter in a stylish waste bin.

Or toss it in this more reasonably priced, just as stylish bin (you’re welcome). 

We all know, organization starts with filing things away, to deal with later. File your piles away in these cheerful alternatives to boring manila.

If you are like us, you can’t remember what day it is half the time! Use this classic Stendig calendar to keep you up to date.

Cut the crap this year with a new pair of acrylic scissors.

Remember, your work tote is an extension of your desk. Carry your desk out of the house in style.

And if you a paying a bunch of bills this month, sign those checks with these colored pens from M0MA collection. 

Swap out those ugly black cable cords with one of these fabric colored extension cables in a variety of gorgeous colors.

To Do:
Make those lists! Here’s a great set of notebooks for all of yours.

What We Are Reading

Kevin Starr is an author of the eight volume series,  Americans and the California Dream. 

Golden Dreams: California in an Age of Abundance, 1950-1963 
Covering the entire social, economic, political and artistic history of California during the era the author brilliantly illuminates these  forces in California during pivotal years.

“Starr examines such issues as the overnight creation of the postwar California suburb, the rise of Los Angeles as Super City, the reluctant emergence of San Diego as one of the largest cities in the nation, and the decline of political centrism. He explores the Silent Generation and the emergent Boomer youth cult, the Beats and the Hollywood "Rat Pack," the pervasive influence of Zen Buddhism and other Asian traditions in art and design, the rise of the University of California and the emergence of California itself as a utopia of higher education, the cooling of West Coast jazz, freeway and water projects of heroic magnitude, outdoor life and the beginnings of the environmental movement. More broadly, he shows how California not only became the most populous state in the Union, but in fact evolved into a mega-state en route to becoming the global commonwealth it is today” - Oxford University Press

This series should be required reading in California History Classes! 

What We Are Watching

You may have seen billboards around town advertising this documentary, American Symphony.

The film follows Jon Batiste and Suleika Jaouad, a married couple experiencing the best and worst of life’s experiences. You may know Jon as the band leader on Late Night with Stephen Colbert and as a grammy winning musician. Suleika is a cancer survivor and author of Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted, a memoir that follows her cancer journey and ultimately her travel across the country. 

The filmmakers follow Jon as he produces a uniquely American symphony for Carnegie Hall while Suleika re-enters the hospital for her second bone marrow transplant.

Watch it here on Netflix.

Here’s to 2024…ready, set, go! 
Joyce and Terrell

Joy is in the Details

“The details are not the details. They make the design.”- Charles Eames

Every designer from Elsie de Wolfe, the grand dame of interior design, to modernist architects such as Mies Van Der Rohe, delighted in the details of their designs. For us, special elements such as a contrasting trim, unique hardware or the finial on a lamp add personality and charm to the design of every room.

These small punctuations add up to so much more and are the things that bring us great joy in our work! The process of incorporating these details is similar to a treasure hunt, sourcing through images, showrooms, fashion, and even nature for inspiration. Adding these extra little ingredients makes us smile knowing that the finished product is out of the ordinary and unique. 

Our December Notes showcases some of the small details that may go unnoticed. We share the design of the entire space and zoom in on a few details that we love.

‘Tis the season for joy and merriment! As 2024 approaches, let us know if we can help you add some charm and delight to your home. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la,
Terrell and Joyce

“God is in the details.” - Mies Van Der Rohe

Is God really in the details? Well, if you look around at nature, the answer is ‘yes.’ If you look around a well-designed room, the thoughtful details makes the space feel special.

Accents of the entry are carried through to the breakfast dining room.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

The pattern and color of the beautiful Quadrille drapery is punctuated with the trim around the lampshades. The colorful collection of Della Robbias balances the vibrant hues of the vintage poster.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Our first inclination was to re-paint the millwork throughout the entire room, but instead we embraced the finish color (saved some money!) and added playful touches around the room. The room evolved through colors drawn from a painting of the client’s collection.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

A close-up of the embroidered F.Schumacher drapery, millwork with the art. These details bring us joy.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

In this home, the dressing room passage was an opportunity to tie the daughter's bedroom to the bath.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Pink welting and covered buttons dress up the vanity chair while the plain white linen sconce is dressed up with a subtle trim.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Your eye dances around the room to various patterns from the wallpaper to the area rug to the upholstered bed and drapery, all bringing a perfect pitch to this charming guest bedroom.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Tiny details like matching fabric shades, and basket liners added to the ensuite bath were so simple but tied both rooms together visually.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

A unique banquette sits pretty and adds a cozy corner for conversation.  
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

The addition of starburst mirrors brightened up the gallery wall.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Merry Day Gift Ideas

Gift-giving and holiday decorating season is upon us. 
Here are some unique gift ideas that caught our eye.

Turn off those overhead lights - they’re too bright! This chic rechargeable table lamp stands 12” tall  and will add some mood lighting anywhere without a long cord getting in the way.

This twisted metal menorah adds some whimsy to a Hanukkah celebration or to any table throughout the year. 

Here is your sign that you need a festive tart slicer. 

A Christmas tablecloth that’s not a Christmas tablecloth. So darn cute!

We know…do you really need another candle holder?
The answer, our friends, is ‘yes.’

Add these block print napkins with a scalloped edge to brighten up your Christmas table.

What We Are Reading

If you aren’t already a part of the Ann Patchett fan club, hurry up and join in!

Ann Patchett’s latest novel, Tom Lake, takes place during the pandemic, when families were sequestered together with the unadulterated luxury of time. The three daughters badger their parents about their lives before children. The mother’s recounting of her relationship with a handsome actor and the meeting of their father explores youthful love of the past and the more meaningful relationships of the present. Ann Patchett takes you back and forth, from past to present, and reveals what’s really important in life.  

Snuggle up with a cozy throw and cup of tea, and get ready for this sweet page-turner. 

You can find it here or at your local bookstore.

What We Are Watching

Aired over 10 years ago, we both recently binged watched during the re-release on Netflix. The design escapades of these top celebrity designers are full of drama and packed with relatable design dilemmas. Watch it on Netflix or here on Bravo TV.

Holiday Cheer

We want to leave you with a yummy holiday drink from our favorite caterer, Jennifer Naylor.
Get in the spirit and pour yourself a tumbler.

As we head into 2024, we want to thank all of you for your support, recommendations, referrals, phone calls and get-togethers. We appreciate our community! With our minds cleared and rejuvenated, we plan on returning with our regular monthly Notes this coming year. 

Joyce and Terrell

Looking for Things you Love

“You have to look for things you really love, for what your dream is.” - Ralph Lauren

Looking for Things you Love

Do you love doing little projects? Do you love to create?

We are always scheming about one idea or another, may it be a home project, a personal hobby or craft project to take on. Sometimes it is hanging a gorgeous wallpaper in our guest room, other times it may be framing a drawing we have laying around. It seems we are always finding things “to do” that make us happy.

Scroll through our May Notes for some of our favorite projects with simple ideas “to do”! Send us some images of little project you have done that make you happy. 

Happy projects, 
Terrell and Joyce

Elevate Your Home with These Simple Design Ideas

Add a new pillow bolster - this plaid pattern is an unexpected combination with the floral headboard.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

We’ve said it before and will say it again - mix old with new. This inexpensive modern mirror lives perfectly with a handsome chest of drawers. 
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Find a fixture that lights your fancy. This ceiling light fixture is the “eye candy” of this sweet bedroom.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

We call it  “the last 10%.” A tiny drinks table will finish off your space with just the right sparkle.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

You can cheer up a humdrum corner with a collection of quirky objects.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Lindsay Salazar

This tiny bit of orange trim added a big bang to what would have been just a gray runner.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

There are so many fun collaborations, like this Vans & Modernica desk chair. Collaborations like this are usually limited additions, so scoop it up when you see it!
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

You can’t lose by wallpapering with a playful pattern, it will always deliver a smile.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Add an edge detail to a drape and mix up patterns which will lead your eye around the room.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Gravitate away from a solid rug and find something interesting that anchors the space.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Make breakfast time a little more cheerful, and add a playful cushion to your chair.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Look for something with a twist. The diagonal stripes add a bit of whimsy to this coffee table. 
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

This room checked off all of the boxes especially after adding this graphic throw rug on top of the carpet, a custom piece based on a school art project. 
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

Find Your Inner Craftsperson

There is something about crafting, the activity or hobby of making decorative articles by hand, that feeds the soul.

Lately, our inner craftsperson is alive and well as we find ourselves making things for the fun of it. Are we becoming our Grandmothers?

Taking ceramics classes has been a fun hobby for Joyce.

Terrell has become obsessed with needlepoint creating this ClaireV pillow!

Check out these crafters who have turned their hobbies into small businesses.

Threaded Gray

A crafty cozy sweat set with contrasting logos are sure to be your 6pm go to outfit!

Dani Vinokurov

An amazing talent creates these beautiful hand cut paper pieces.  Each piece is intricately cut to perfection.

Vivid Visions

Watching a reel of Vivid Visions on instagram made us a fan of his talent immediately.

Art Knacky

How clever is this darling little ceramic Holly Golightly wine stopper? Art Knacky is a favorite of ours, but keep your eye on her Etsy shop, as it sells out quickly!

Sarah Espeute

It’s a big splurge, but we swoon over Sarah Espeute’s handmade creations.

Bookhou

Handmade?  Yes they are! Watch the process here.
@bookhou is an all time favorite to watch in action.

What We Are Reading

Paul Theroux has spent fifty years crossing the globe, writing about the rich history and folklore of the far away. However, in this book, he explores a piece of America — the Deep South. He finds there a paradoxical place, full of incomparable music, unparalleled cuisine, and yet also some of the nation’s worst schools, housing, and unemployment rates. It’s these parts of the South, so often ignored, that Theroux writes his tenth travel book documenting his journey.

We had heard of Julia Reed through her Nashville retail store Reed Smythe, but she is most widely known as a journalist working for Newsweek, Vogue and The New York Times Magazine, to name a few. Her essays cover politics, food, fashion and southern life with her great sense of humor and wit. 

Ms. Reed was a once in a generation voice who was catapulted into fame for her piece as Newsweek intern covering the murder of the Scarsdale Diet Doctor. Dispatches of the Gilded Age is a collection of her essays - you will be taken inside the heart of Southern living and will be carried back to years past as she writes about George and Laura Bush, Madeleine Albright, and her good friend Andre’ Leon Talley. 

Traveling with old (old) friends in Charleston, South Carolina last month gave us a real taste of the South. There is so much to see and do; it is definitely a city worth the visit. 

Getting there posed a challenge for some of us .

What We Are Watching

Very funny! Watch it here. 

Do something crafty today!
Joyce and Terrell

April Showers

“Don’t be angry with the rain; it simply does not know how to fall upwards.” - Vladimir Nabokov

April Showers

It seems that the continual rainfall is behind us and Spring is around the corner. With the unprecedented rainfall over the past few months, our local hills are blanketed in green and our neighborhood streets are scattered with potholes. We were checking the weekly forecast and hoping for clear skies and a smooth drive. Our consolation prize is that April showers bring May flowers, the beauty after the storms.

In our homes, the shower has evolved into a major statement and design element. A decade ago, the bath and shower were considered secondarily or back of house. With a deluge of gorgeous tiles, beautiful fixtures and heightened aesthetics, shower design has blossomed and is having its ‘moment in the sun.’

In our April Notes, we share some of our favorite shower designs. Each scenario relates to the overall aesthetic of the home and the client’s wishes.

Let us know if any of these designs inspire you to start singing in the shower.

La-la-la-la-la-la,
Terrell and Joyce

Singing in the Rain

The simplicity of Bianco Bella subway tile and polished nickel fixtures by Perrin & Rowe always keeps us singing.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

A splash of blue marble flows from the shower seat to the tub deck for a serene scene. 
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

The blue tiles with black accents give a fresh twist to a traditional bath design.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Molly Goodman

During your morning shower, you can check the weather and contemplate what to wear while staring out this full-length window.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Megan O’Brien

The handsome patterned wall of tile sets the mood for this guest bath.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Megan O’Brien

Rebecca Atwood’s Petals in Cloud Blue wallpaper was just the touch this bath needed.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

A splash of colorful floor tiles makes this guest bath a happy place.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

We love the simplicity of the white, arabesque tiles with a black accent. The one wall is calling out for a piece of art!
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

A beautiful shower drain elevates the look of any shower.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Rainy Day Picks

You will pray for rain in the forecast just to be able to wear this beautiful trench coat by La DoubleJ.

Your head will really be in the clouds with this MoMA exclusive umbrella.

Brighten your chores with the Hudson Grace Zinc Watering Can in orange!

Wash away the winter blues with this beautiful Claus Porto soap on a rope.

Nothing says SPRING like a set of Hunt Slonem’s Bunny cocktail napkins. 

The birds will be out soon! This beautiful bird feeder not only feeds our feathered friends but also captures them on camera so you can post a ‘tweet.’

Rain or shine this bucket hat is the perfect accessory for spring!

Treat yourself to a decorative vase for all of your fresh cut flower arrangements. We especially like this one designed by Frances Kaye.

What We Are Reading

Let’s be honest. We all poured over the J. Crew catalog in the ‘80s, shopped their preppy style during our college days, and fell back in love with the brand when Michelle Obama donned their sweater sets.

So it’s with a big dose of nostalgia that we started reading The Kingdom of Prep: The Inside Story of the Rise and (Near) Fall of J. Crew. Full of juicy insider tales, this fashion story covers all of the colorful personalities involved with the company and the decades of ups-and-downs of this iconic fashion brand. 

Break out your roll neck sweater and settle in for this page turner. 
You can find it here or at your local bookstore.

What We Are Watching

We’ve often wondered - how do therapists do it? How do they listen to their patients’ grievances hours upon hours, day after day, without losing it?!?! 

Apple TV’s Shrinking addresses our very question. Jason Segel’s character Jimmy is going through personal struggles after the death of his wife. His crisis spills over to his work as a therapist. He completely oversteps the therapist/patient boundary and bluntly tells his clients exactly what he is thinking. Hilarious, touching and quirky are a few of the words used to describe this new comedy. 

Don’t overthink it and just watch it - Shrinking here on Apple TV.

Here’s to sunny days ahead,
Joyce and Terrell

Pick Your Team and Avoid the Madness

“A player who makes a team great is more valuable than a great player.” - John Wooden

Pick Your Team and Avoid the Madness

The month of March hustles in one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year, March Madness, where the best college basketball teams compete in a one-and-done format from 68 teams to the Elite Eight to the Final Four and ultimately to the NCAA Championship.

During the early part of March, these athletes and coaches are finessing their team plays, while we, as the spectators, start to evaluate our brackets, pick our teams, and predict who will end up in the championship spot. When March 14 arrives, the madness begins!

Picking the right team is paramount to a successful bracket and teamwork is crucial to winning. The same holds true for designing your home. 

Designer, architect, contractor, painter, upholsterer, wallpaper installer, delivery crew and, of course, the client are a few of the members of the project team. Choosing the right team and working together is instrumental to a smooth project, a cohesive vibe, and a winning game plan.

Below are some of our projects where a great team pulled together and created a win.

Here’s to March. Let the madness begin!
Terrell and Joyce

Pick Your Team and Trust the Process

A team of craftsmen- cabinet fabricator, electrician, painter, flooring and wallpaper installers to name a few - worked together to create this beautiful kitchen. 
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

The design of this custom wallpaper was created with a team of artisans, the LA Gracie Studio team, us as designers and the clients. Also important were the wallpaper installer and decorative artist who finished the last little details. 
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

Sometimes you have to change your game plan and execute a new play. We had to switch vendors when the original cabinet fabricator was not answering our emails and calls (they eventually went out of business). We contacted our trusty, local fabricator to make this beautiful cabinet - high gloss, gold inlay, and beautiful details. 
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

There were many meetings, conversations and details discussed between the contractor, project manager, awning company, client and us to make sure the striped awning fit with the house. We’d say the finished installation is a slam dunk!
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Megan O’Brien

This corner showcases the cabinet fabricator, painter, wood floor installers, wallpaper installer, art installer, upholsterer, fabrics, furniture and lighting from various showrooms, furniture delivery and installers. A great team for the win!
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Megan O’Brien

Game time entry announces the players and their vibe. The same is true for your home’s entry. There were so many details and decisions to make this area the perfect entry for our client’s dream home. 
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

Up your game with these picks!

Pick the perfect bracket.

Sitting on the bench never looked so good! We’d take a time out on this beautiful bench upholstered in a favorite Schumacher fabric. 

Or better yet….the second string may not want to get in the game if this was their bench.

These beautiful hand woven baskets by Deborah Needleman add winning points to any room in your house.

Fans are a must when the heat is on!

Keep an eye on the clock! This Tiffany desk clock is perfect when needing to make game time decisions.

The right shoe elevates your game.

What We Are Reading

A few months ago, we picked up this book at our local bookstore. We’ve heard of NBA’s Giannis, but did not know his incredible story. Even with his height and talent, Giannis did not have a straight and easy road to the NBA. His deep familial bond, belief in hard work and abounding hope shape this young man into a formidable super star. The book is heartwarming and inspiring. We think you’ll be a Giannis fan by Chapter 3!

What We Are Watching

It’s here! 

After enjoying the novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, it is fun to watch the new mini-series “Daisy Jones & the Six” on Prime. Teamwork doesn’t quite work here; everyone seems out for themselves. With the hedonism, addiction, big egos and insecurities colliding, this is a great watch but not a great game plan for a winning team. Check it out here and let us know what you think. 

We will leave you with this display of teamwork from last year’s March Madness Tournament.
Sometimes it is the unexpected member of the team that saves the day. 

Happy March,
Terrell and Joyce

Finding Common Ground

“Always look for common ground, but don’t ever be afraid to choose sides.”
- Mark Deklin, Actor

Finding Common Ground

February conjures up relationships and those we love. While we want to maintain harmony, oftentimes, it is hard to strike a balance between our own desires with the ideas of the people around us, our spouses, kids, parents, and friends.

When designing homes, we find the same give and take between husbands and wives, parents and children, friends with ‘ideas’ and us as the designers. The best solution is to find a common ground that balances with the ultimate goal of peace, harmony and beauty!

This month we highlight some scenarios where there was some ‘give and take’ during the design process. Our job is to come up with a design that finds the balance between what we think and where you stand. Ultimately, we want you to love your home and, of course, love the one you're with. 

Lots of love,
Terrell and Joyce

Discovering the Balance

Adding wallpaper to this space took a little convincing. This wallpaper selection was the perfect balance of simplicity yet stylish sophistication. The client now can’t imagine the space without it.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Sometimes it’s just staying within the budget. Finding the perfect rug, paired with high and low pieces, made everyone happy on this project.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

A comfy chair was a must for the husband. The fabric selection provided the whimsy that the designers desired. Peace and harmony prevailed.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Oftentimes, it is the pets that rule!
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Megan O’Brien

At first, we recommended a patterned wallpaper, but the husband raised concerns. So we switched the wallcovering to a neutral grasscloth and selected a patterned drape instead. Now everyone can sleep soundly. 
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Megan O’Brien

Everyone has an opinion when hanging art.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Sometimes the kids have strong opinions.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Megan O'Brien

Sometimes kids ask for a little glam.  
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Megan O’Brien

Sometimes their only input is to keep the car posters.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Megan O’Brien

And sometimes they just let us do our thing!
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

We Loved it so Much, We Bought it!

An inside look at what we recently purchased.

Nili Lotan corduroy pants with the just a little bit long hem are a huge hit!

Terrell couldn’t resist this pig ceramic candle holder. Oink!

A pretty brass cordless lamp will look pretty on Terrell’s bar cart.

After using the same place settings for 25 years, Joyce treated herself to a set of Ricci Argentieri flatware.

We fell in love with Craig Greene’s portrait of a girl.

We found these sweet Molly Mahon block printing kits at the FSchumacher showroom in Nashville.

What was Joyce thinking when she decided she wanted to learn needlepoint and bought this for her first try. Check back in about 10 years to see final results! The Fabled Thread has some beautiful (and much easier) kits. 

What We Are Watching

We’ve been needlepointing and watching lots of shows. There haven’t been any huge standouts, but here is the one we liked most.

The Playbook: A Coach’s Rules for Life

An inside look at some of the most successful coaches - how they motivate, what motivates them, and their personal stories. Fun to watch and you can pick up some helpful hints along the way!

What We Are Reading

High Conflict by Amanda Ripley

At some time or another, we find ourselves in a disagreement with our loved ones or friends or neighbors with differing political views. High Conflict takes a look at disagreements, how they start, how we end up in high conflict and how to transform high conflict into good conflict (because we have news for you, conflict is here to stay). 

The book moves from small town city council feuds to Chicago gang vendettas to a social experiment of liberal Manhattan Jews and conservative Michigan correctional officers living in each other’s homes. 

The author provides us with a fresh take on how to deal with those we don’t agree with, how to move on from “us” vs. “them,” how to disagree productively, and ultimately, how to be better people.

And we want to leave you with this….

Happy February,
Joyce & Terrell

A New Attitude

“The most important thing you’ll ever wear is your attitude.” - Jeff Moore

A New Attitude

It’s a new year - a fresh start, a bold beginning, a new attitude. Whatever it may be, trying something new is always energizing for the body and soul.

The same is true for your home. Rearranging your furniture, painting a room, or hanging art that’s been sitting in the closet gives your home a fresh perspective. It’s time to try something new.

Our January Notes highlight a few simple ideas to give your home a new attitude as our year begins. Give one or two ideas a try and let us know how it looks.

Here’s to 2023!
Terrell and Joyce

 Create a New Attitude at Home

Paint a ceiling and add a decorative molding.  This is a simple inexpensive way to create interest and charm to a small (or large) room.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Frame your child’s artwork.  The right frame and mat can turn a fourth-grader’s assignment into a masterpiece!
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Don’t be afraid to hang small objects like these little round rattan mirrors in obscure spots to add a layer of interest.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Replace a boring white shade with a pretty fabric one on a table lamp.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Create interesting vignettes with your antique shop finds mixed with small simply framed French posters.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Restyle your bar cart with vintage finds.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Afraid of bold wallpaper?  Choose a small room/office, for a burst of happiness and sunshine. Pick something that makes you smile when you see it.  You will love to be surrounded by joy while you work.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Fill your shelves with books. Not only do they add color and texture to a room, but they also reflect your interests and personality.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Books can pile up, edit often, and donate books you no longer need in order to add some new favorites.
Remember to add some art and pictures in between the stacks.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Bold Choices for the New Year

Polka dot ankle socks and loafers are a kitschy addition to your new year wardrobe.

Or try a large slouchy tote with some shimmer. 

The matte white Novo 14 pendant light by Riloh will light up your kitchen island or dining table while adding a bit of attitude to your space.

If you have been watching the latest Emily in Paris, our favorite matriarch Sylvie turns heads in plunging necklines. Pair it with a blazer and jeans, ooh la la.

In Silver Leaf, with a convex mirror, this Burst mirror is charming yet artistic and sculptural.

 Hazel Trees
A beautiful acrylic and mixed media painting by Mick Beisel is sure to elevate any space in your home.

What We Are Watching

After watching “The White Lotus,” we did a little google research and went down the rabbit hole looking into Mike White. We discovered “Enlightened.” Not only does Mike White act in “Enlightened,” but also the talented Laura Dern. It makes us wonder if Laura Dern will appear in the next “White Lotus.” You heard it here first!

Until then, you can find “Enlightened” on HBO or Amazon.

What We Are Reading

 Wellmania by Bridget Delaney
Cold-press juices, hot yoga, quitting sugar, Paleo, mindfulness … if you embrace these things, you will be happy, you will be well – just ask Instagram. From celebrity vegan chefs to sleep gurus, there is no shortage of people trying to sell us the wellness dream. Wellmania, a Bridget Jones meets AJ Jacobs in this in-depth, laugh-out-loud exploration of the best and worst of the wellness industry. For everyone considering a fresh start, clean living, new year new you, consider this book! 

Happy New Attitude,
Joyce & Terrell

Count Our Blessings

“You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.” - Andy Warhol

Count Our Blessings

Running Water

The other day the plumbers had to turn the water off for a few hours. A minor inconvenience, and bit annoying, but it made us realize that something as simple as running water we often take for granted. This holiday season we must also remember to count our blessing for the little things like a tap with running water, lights that turn on, a furnace that heats, and even a washing machine for laundry… the list goes on!

Jewelry for the Kitchen and Bath

While we’re on the subject of the running water, we started to think about plumbing fixtures. The kitchen faucet, water filter, tub filler, hand spray, etc. are the functional pieces you handle everyday. These fixtures are the ‘work horses’ and the familiar furnishings you touch multiple times a day. They are not only functional but can be the “jewelry” in the space - beautiful, sparkling polished nickel, moody black matte, or elegant brass.

Scroll through our December Notes to see some of the faucets and fixtures we’ve used on projects and how they add a finishing touch to the overall design.

Also we have a list of our favorites gifts, what we are cooking, what we are reading and what we are watching!

Happy Holidays and see you in the New Year.
Terrell and Joyce

The Jewelry of the Kitchen and Bath

“I think jewelry can change an outfit more than anything else” - Iris Apfel

We often call the plumbing fixtures “ the jewelry of the kitchen or bath” because it adds that certain sparkle to the space.

Style and polished nickel finish sets the tone for the design of this elegant bath. Fixtures by House of Rohl.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

The polished nickel THG faucets have a utilitarian elegance which work beautifully with the stained wood vanity and the modern wall sconces.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

Front and center, this THG bath faucet integrates with the tub, floor and accent wall design.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

Have some fun! The wall mounted Watermark faucet and bare bulb wall sconce playfully compliment the vintage mirror and colorful floor tiles.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

You can’t hide the shower fixtures so make sure they sparkle! Fittings by Newport Brass.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

The traditional Newport Brass sink faucet style works together with the cabinet hardware, light fixtures and the elegant design of the vanity.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

The faucet by California Faucets peeks above the tub adding to the luxurious design.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

Pretty, pretty, pretty! This Waterstone prep sink faucet is a show stopper!
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

How about a beautiful brass water spout by Newport Brass to fill a pitcher at the bar.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

This powder room captures the client’s whimsy and nostalgic memories and sparkles with a brass faucet by Watermark.
Photo: Meghan O’Brien

A Few of Our Holiday Gift Picks

Elevate your slipper situation over the holidays.

A set of vintage monogrammed napkin rings brings a sentimental element to your tablescape.

Oaxaca floral candle. Too pretty to burn!

A tole hibiscus that lasts all year long.

Serving bowl, orchid pot, ice bucket - everyone needs a beautiful cache pot. Handmade in several beautiful colors.

Illuminate your table with shimmering salt and pepper shakers.

L'or de Seraphine x Sheila Bridges Morningside Park Medium Ceramic Jar Candle

Beautifully embroidered cocktail napkins perfect for serving hot chocolate.

A highly detailed, one-off tiny porcelain globe, by ceramicist Loraine Rutthand painted with earth and mineral pigments makes a simply stunning gift.

A sweet wooden holiday wine stopper

A wool blend blanket with a vibrant pattern is always a good idea!

What We Are Cooking

Looking for something delicious to feed your family this holiday, this is a wonderful soup to make. Your entire house will smell good as it slowly bubbles away throughout the afternoon.

White Bean Soup

-Serves Six

1 ½ lbs. smoked ham hocks (shanks)
1 lb. pkg. small white beans
3 sliced carrots
3 stalks celery sliced
2 medium onions, chopped
3 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
water to cover

Put all ingredients in a soup pot.  Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 3-4 hours. It will get very thick, so add water when you think it needs it.  Somewhere down the line remove the ham (at the 3 hour mark) and cool them.  Cut the meat off the bones, discard the fat and return the meat and bones to the pot.  When you’re ready to serve, remove the bones and the bay leaves & bring out some crusty bread and butter.

Enjoy!

What We Are Watching

Everyone is talking about the new season of ‘White Lotus.’ It does not disappoint! The cast of characters are complicated and goofy. We are on the edge of our seats with the twists and turns, the deceit and speculation! By the time you receive this newsletter, the mystery will be solved, but no spoiler alerts here!

Watch it here and let us know what you think.

What We Are Reading

Normal Family: On Truth, Love, and How I Met my 35 Siblings By Chrysta Bilton
The author’s memoir chronicles her larger-than-life mother’s desire to have children as a single, gay woman living in Los Angeles in the 80’s. A homeless father (or more of a sperm donor), a mother’s wild lifestyle, a dysfunctional childhood, you wonder how the author survives. There are so many twists and turns but the wildest is when the author figures out she is dating her half-brother. A real page turner, this book makes most families look like Ozzie and Harriet.

Happy New Year,
Joyce & Terrell

The Search for Perfection

“Find beauty in life’s imperfection”
- Kris Barker

The Search for Perfection

The pursuit of perfection is constant.  Images of the perfect sunset, the perfect outfit, even the perfect cup of coffee,  are all at our fingertips. The perpetual quest is all-consuming.   As we all know, life is not perfect, and striving for perfection is exhausting. 

The same holds true with decorating your home. What is the perfect solution for an impenetrable kitchen countertop? What fabric will withstand all stains and pets? What rug is the most durable?  The answer…well, you know it…nothing is perfect.

Instead, the goal should be finding beauty in the imperfections that come along the way. The marble countertop with water rings and lemon stains means you have been using and enjoying your kitchen! Chocolate may stain the sofa fabric…gently clean it and remember the fun of watching a movie as a family.  Concerned about buying a vintage rug? It has lasted hundreds of years. Walk on it, entertain on it and enjoy it for the next hundred years. Once you stop looking for perfection, joy returns. 

In our October Notes, we share a few projects and the decisions behind the materials selected.  These photos may look perfect, but in real life, these homes are well-lived with signs of imperfection.

Until next month,
Terrell and Joyce

Finding Beauty in Imperfection

“Have no fear of perfection - you’ll never find it.” - Salvador Dali

The use of real marble maintains the sophisticated and timeless character of this new kitchen. A man-made material does not have the natural variation, beautiful color patterns, and cool feeling of stone.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

Don’t compromise!  This family room is at the center of the home. Choose fabrics that you love vs. fabrics that are bulletproof to kids, pets, and adults.  The latter will be impossible to achieve, and the results won’t feel as nice.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

It doesn’t get much better than Calacatta Gold Extra Wow! This real stone may show water spots and rings which embody a space well-lived in.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

Your bedroom should be a peaceful sanctuary and a respite from a long day.  Spend the most your budget allows to create a lush and comfortable space.  
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

Vintage rugs in the kitchen can take the wear and tear of everyday use.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien

Feel free to walk right in from the outdoors onto a sisal rug.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac

This family room with a collection of patterned fabrics and pretty furniture is an enjoyable spot to gather. Feel comfortable living in your space. Don’t be afraid to put your feet up and stay awhile.  
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo:  Jess Isaac

The main focus is outside. Who sees a spot on the rug?
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo:  Lindsay Salazar

Items We Are Fall-ing For!

Take out the trash in a cozy pair of slippers. A fall must have!

A set of vintage monogrammed napkin rings brings a sentimental element to your tablescape.

Keep warm and look cool in this quilted hooded down coat.

A wool blend blanket with a vibrant pattern is a cozy idea for fall.

A fall-colored, gingham tissue box cover. Gesundheit!

A lovely soup tureen to enhance the flavors of the season.

What We Are Eating

In late fall when the first chill arrives and the days get shorter, this is a wonderful soup to make.  Your entire house will smell good as it slowly bubbles away throughout the afternoon.

White Bean Soup

-Serves Six

1 ½ lbs. smoked ham hocks (shanks)
1 lb. pkg. small white beans
3 sliced carrots
3 stalks celery sliced
2 medium onions, chopped
3 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
water to cover

Put all ingredients in a soup pot.  Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 3-4 hours. It will get very thick, so add water when you think it needs it.  Somewhere down the line remove the ham (at the 3 hour mark) and cool them.  Cut the meat off the bones, discard the fat and return the meat and bones to the pot.  When you’re ready to serve, remove the bones and the bay leaves & bring out some crusty bread and butter.

Enjoy!

What We Are Watching

Bad Sisters is in the cue as many friends have told us it is must-see TV.  With a 4.9 rating and 100% from Rotten Tomatoes, this Apple TV series is described as “a riotously funny murder mystery.” We are excited to tune in!

Watch it here and let us know what you think.

What We Are Reading

Lessons in Chemistry is a quirky, smart, and thoroughly enjoyable, “laugh out loud” read.  You will fall in love with the main character, Elizabeth Zott, and will find many more characters to enjoy - from Elizabeth’s fellow scientist and love of her life to her neighbor turned nanny to her boss at the TV station. Put on your slippers, make some soup, grab your throw and start reading this gem as soon as you can!

and remember…find beauty in life’s imperfections.

See you next month,
Joyce & Terrell