bliss

What is it about the California-based Bliss Interior and Home Design that I'm drawn to? Is it the soft, cool, color palettes of their coastal chic designs that are so California to me? Or is it Ohara Davies-Gaetano's (lead designer) respect for the past, while looking toward and being excited about the future of interior design, evident in all her work? When I found Bliss Design on my visit to California last winter, I had no idea that I'd already fallen in love with their work via my blog header (see the upper left image).  So, finding their store front in the idyllic little town of Corona Del Mar, and marveling at their fantastic space filled with delights at every turn was, dare I say, pure 'bliss'?  Enjoy!

images above courtesy of http://www.blissdesignfirm.com/ 







 Last (13) images are from my iphone within Bliss Design in Corona Del Mar, CA. 

jewel boxes

I couldn't resist returning to Corona Del Mar one more time before leaving Southern California this past week.  Walking through the neighborhood at the beach, I was amazed at how much the owners did with so very little.  These amazing homes on their little tiny lots were simply, jewels.  Attention to detail is what made these jewel boxes so spectacular and the direct view of the ocean didn't hurt either.  There was rarely a spot or patch of dirt that wasn't lovingly attended to or planted with some bit of color.  The front yard spaces were usually turned into entertaining areas with tables, chairs, or small settees and fireplaces.  This is a town that enjoys the outdoors and its neighbors! Absolutely beautiful.  Enjoy!

corona del mar - OC's jewel

How pleased was I to find Corona del Mar today on our family vacation to California?  It made my day to see the beautiful little town that I had been looking for since arriving in Cali.  Lining the small, character filled streets were the perfect combination of dining, interiors, art, landscaping and other wonderful little jewels that every small village should have.  The Hearthstone, Jackson-Newman Interiors, Jacqueline Nicholas Architectural Hardware, Bliss Home & Design were just a few of the wondeful places to visit.  Bliss Home & Design has been California's premier source for unique luxury furnishings and award winning interior design services since 1972 -- and it is amazing.  A must see.  The Hearthstone has carried Orange County's largest selection of modern, classic--and ESPECIALLY antique, "period piece" fireplace accessories since 1967.  Just beautiful.  For over 43 years, Frank Jank and his son, Mike have meticulously handpicked these one of a kind items from countries like Italy, France and Great Britain as well as America.  Jackson Newman Interiors caught my eye immediately, as did Jacqueline Nicholas Architectural Hardware.  Jacqueline Nicolas founded J. Nicolas in 1987, after several of her residential design clients needed to add some magical charm to their custom homes. When visiting Jacqueline's studio you can capture a trip down a quaint boulevard in France. Weathered shutters and windows are stylishly dressed in her imported hardware. If you ever get the chance to visit Corona del Mar - do so.  Don't forget to give yourself several hours to enjoy the beauty of this small jewel in OC.  Enjoy!

image via Bliss Home & Design

image via Bliss Home & Design

image via Bliss Home & Design

image via Bliss Home & Design

image via Bliss Home & Design

image via The Hearthstone

image via Jackson Newman Interiors

image via Jackson Newman Interiors

image via Jackson Newman Interiors

image via Jackson Newman Interiors

image via Jackson Newman Interiors