"Meanwhile, Back in San Francisco . . . "

SMW Design, San Francisco

Greetings,

Well, I'm safely returned to San Francisco after an amazing weekend in Los Angeles at the 2011 Design Bloggers Conference.  I'm downloading images from the weekend - including a magical afternoon at Dawnridge - and will have tales to share later in the week.

But before any 'new' news - some good news.  There is nothing quite as exciting as working with clients that I've worked with before.  I always love repeat business.  I already know their homes.  And the way that they want to live within those homes.  And even better, I already know the dogs names - and what their favourite treats are!  lol.

So, images my delight when I had an email a few days back that I have a chance to return to this beautiful property on the San Francisco peninsula.  We completed the 'public spaces' a while back - and now we have the opportunity to craft new 'private spaces' in the house.  A master bedroom suite.  And assorted guest rooms and a family room/office.

When we originally began work on the house - as with most all clients - there is a lengthy discussion about favourite colours and inspirations.  I often even look through client's closets to see what colours they are most drawn to.  And after chatting for a good while one of the last things they said was, "and please, no green.  I've never liked green."

I furrowed my brow a tiny bit.

So at our first serious design meeting - the one with tons of fabric swatches and with my initial concepts for the project - frankly, I brought a good deal of green textiles.  And we sat out in the gardens on clear, glorious afternoon - looking at textiles.  Seeing the interplay of the living room with the colours of the gardens just beyond them through the french doors.   Dark, musky browns.  The clear ivory of white roses.  And the quiet green of stems and foliage.  French toiles.  Over-sized linen ginghams.  Mini green checks.  And some perfect imported green silk stripes.

And when all was said and done - we used a good deal of green.  And it looks great.  And they love it.  As much fun as the project was, the fact that they let me lead them out of their comfort zone - and create something really wonderful - is one of the main reasons I'm excited to work with them again.

So besides sharing some good news about a new project - this just a simple reminder to keep your eyes open. And your mind open.  Maybe you need some stem-green silk velvet?

Is there a colour you're afraid to use?  Or think you could never have in your home?

Cheers,
Scot

(all photography by Eric Tagan Hooten for SMW Design)