Renovated and Rejuvenated, Welcome to my Calming Haven

It has only been a couple of weeks since I moved into my recently renovated condo and I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out. While I’m still getting used to living in a multi-resident building, I can honestly say that the second I turn the key and walk through the door, I feel a great sense of inner peace. I was lucky enough to be able to create a sanctuary of sorts — a calming haven where I can relax and shut out the noise from the outside world.

I worked with my mom (affectionately referred to as Momma Chan on-air) who is a builder and interior designer. She was able to design the space to reflect my individuality; one of my favorite aspects is a chalkboard wall so I can spontaneously doodle and write quotes and messages that speak to my soul.

From the mini-chevron tiled backsplash in the kitchen to the custom stained espresso wood floors and patterned wall coverings, everything in the space was chosen to match my tastes and personality.

Here are a few images courtesy of photographer, Ellen Smiler.

One of the first things I did upon moving in was organize the kitchen. I’m a little bit of a neat freak and I like things in their proper place. I also like high-end appliances that help me cook my food to perfection.

I was lucky enough to create my dream kitchen and outfit the space with brand new, beaujpgul state-of-the-art appliances by Dacor (a Southern California brand based in the City of Industry).

Can’t wait to share some healthy recipes! In the meantime, for those who are interested in which appliances I use on a daily basis, I have included a list of links at the end of this post.

Beyond the kitchen, which is the heart of my home, I converted the second bedroom into a spacious walk-in closet that is technically still considered a bedroom since it has a hidden Murphy bed in the wall. My dream closet, replete with ample space for my clothing and shoe collection, was designed by Andrew Rayas from California Closets in conjunction with Momma Chan making the final flourish by adding decorative wall coverings by Schumacher and the roman shades by The Shade Store.

I’ve accumulated a lot of work clothes in the last few years… but I’ve been paring down recently and realized that I really don’t need that much stuff. I’ve set aside dozens of dresses and blazers to donate to Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping women “achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.” California Closets works closely with the organization and I couldn’t be happier to help other women in the workplace.

After looking through dozens of samples at The Shade Store on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, we chose a fabric called Herringbone Steel and trimmed it with a solid banding of chocolate brown to make it look like a tailored suit. A white light filtering roller shade was added behind the soft-fold to assure privacy while letting in natural light. If you end up going to the store, ask for Erin Battles… she knows everything about shades!

Since my master bathroom doesn’t have any windows, we lit the space with Wall Mounted Vanity Makeup Mirrors from Mirrors and Marble; this integrated LED lighting and mirror combination creates a glamorous, yet clean-lined look in the white Statuaritto marble and glass enclosed space. The “Hall of Mirrors” effect expands the small space that includes a frameless, clear shower enclosure. The ceiling was painted the same dark Marjorelle blue to continue the color scheme from the master bedroom. Finally, a recessed 36” dome with white flourishes sets the final touch of this jewel box.

The guest bathroom was also fitted with a Wall Mounted Vanity Makeup Mirror and Arabesque Calcutta Neuvo decorative tile with contrasting gray grout to make the design pop. I absolutely love the modern Moroccan feel.

We didn’t ignore the outdoor space, which needing some sprucing up. We covered the standard beige balcony walls were covered with arjpgicial boxwood hedges to create a green space and urban zen. With these final touches, my peaceful haven was complete.

Stay tuned for additional images of the master bedroom, living room and office space!