Our November House to Remember- Martinez Residence!

Ok, so as I promised, at long last, here is the Martinez home! THIS IS our featured home for November. It is lovely, just lovely. The Martinez's are the perfect all American family- beautiful mom (Anne) and handsome dad (Brian) and 4 gorgeous girls (3-19 yrs). Their home is tucked into the hills of Orinda and, as you can see, is truly an oasis. Antiques and keepsakes from various travels overlap home/hand made artworks and heirlooms and funky finds fill every conner. Everything has a story or meaning and through carful placement and conscientious combinations each piece is showcased appropriately, coming together to create a super cozy and all together unique space. I live breathe and die for the Martinez's sentimental gathering of goodies. Yet a space like this can be tricky to tastefully add holiday decor to. The trick is to layer it in LIGHTLY. As Anne says, 'I can't handle too many notes.' Gurl, Im with you! But, a sprinkling of pumpkins and dots of color, a single arrangement of fall leaves and THAT'S IT! And look at how festive and fun it feels, right!?!?!? Right! I loves!!! Enjoy!

-J

The Living Room, which is an eclectic dream, is surrounded by a raised hallway/gallery. From here, with a peaceful almost maternal aire, a bronze Buddha, flanked by simple willow arrangements in mercury glass, sits gracefully atop an antique credenza. Is that a run on sentence? It IS isn't it? Lawdy, Im rambling Im so excited!

Clearly, the Martinez's have a special affinity for an Old World Style. This CAN BE a very, what the word, BORING genre. BUT, by punching contemporary pops here and there (i.e.: brass drum lamp) they've kept things fresh and currentlooking and avoided that grandma's house or museum feel.

Although there are lots of differing colors and textures, LOTS, pieces have been meticulously grouped to display and spotlight- you really can see and appreciate everything! Lets sigh in adoring awe together... le... sighhhh... me likey :)

Again, a careful balance of contemporary (cut glass mirror) and

old world (antique Buddha) keep things feeling relatable and honest.

Alright, so the nine foot long, Spanish antique dining table is not something most of us would

happen to have, but the lesson is not about what they have, but how it's been combined...

Upholstered benches (calm down, they're scotch guarded!) cozy up table side in the Dining Room. Beyond their obvious function, they help to lighten the heaviness of the table and color palette in this space.

Now yes I know, ery-body loves a dome- nothing new there.

But, group them in varying heights for more emphasis and statement making power!

Ah a tower of mirrors- heaven! Ok, one thing to know- please do not attempt a tower of mirrors in a room with eight foot ceilings! Be sensible! Maybe a train of mirrors in that sort of space might be better... or a... ugh(!!) tangent! Point being, utilize wall space appropriately.

So now, wasn't that fantastic!?!?!?! I know. I loved it too. Anyway, go back and look at how a passive approach to Holiday decor was perfect for what is already a very stimulating space. Some pumpkins on the mantle, a few on the table, an arrangement here, an autumn colored pillow there... AND PRESTO- FALL TIME DONE A LA FILTHY GORGEOUS! Yay!