Altering our Minds for Creativity (or whatever!)

Carolina Maldonado O'Brien

How encouraging is it to know we can train our brains to be more creative (or more of whatever you would like.)  We don't have to be "stuck" with what was handed down via our genes; we can actually train our "natural" traits to be what we need them to be.  It's not something that just happens to us or rather, it doesn't have to be.  On occasion, our minds are not in the shape we may prefer them to be.  ...segueing into a conversation   that I recently had over dinner with a wonderful girlfriend of mine, Carolina Maldonado O'Brien. She is not only sweet, caring and fun but extremely business savvy as well. (She is the only female executive for male dominant global Kingston Technologies.) She shared some news with me that was quite interesting... of how we can train our brains. Her young daughter was recently taken to the The Drake Institute of Behavioral Medicine for EEG Biofeedback. The doctor informed her that the brain can actually be trained to think and feel differently than we have been all our lives.  For instance, anyone with ADD, ADHD, Anxiety or Depression (for instance -who doesn't have at least one of these today :- ) can improve and strengthen their brainwave patterns via a special learning process (neurofeedback training - vs drugs) towards a better "you"! HOW INCREDIBLE is THAT? It leads me to believe that we can train our brains in many productive, loving and positive ways as well. In design, I often try to improve my creativity by training my brain to be patient; actually imagining each piece, each texture, the lighting, the scale, each proportion and the overall design of a room (in its entirety) before I place ANY new element into the design... It takes a lot of patience (and took a long time to gain this patience - something I still continuously work on) but I find it REALLY helps take the design from good to great! You will be surprised how much this will help your end product (if you have the patience to piece it all together PRIOR to building one thing!) How do you nurture your brain and creativity?

Artist Hair Stylist; Think Big, Act Small

 Image  via |                                                                  Image via Noah Hatton/Babydoll; hair by Noah

On our recent trip to New York it was so great seeing my wonderful friend of 14 years, Noah Hatton, an amazing hairstylist featured on the runways and magazines of Milan, Paris and NY. He is a great guy, not only with a big heart and amazing fashion sense, but also extremely business savvy. The book he recommended Think Big Act Small by Jason Jennings has been not only a GREAT read for business but it has me thinking this is a good way for me to be in life in general. We should all definitely fully utilize and share our talents; while at the same time, I am much happier acting "small" rather than trying to be some overly confident "big" person (and it's so much easier : - ). It especially relates to designing...It's the big picture that gets the "wow" but it's all the small steps that patiently have to be taken to get it there! What are some things you can suggest in how business or our world could be better by Thinking Big and Acting Small?

Noah Hatton

Modern Transformation

A sneak peak into a project we are working on at Fashion Island. This is a vacation home with views of the ocean and private tennis courts so the family is all about entertaining! We are transforming the living area to include a quick service small “bar” concept via the floating console and a wine wall! Add large pieces of art; layer with white lightweight drapery to frame the view & soften the room; ground the seating with a small rug & tables and voila - a welcoming, entertaining atmosphere! 

 

Fortune Design | Concept Board | Fashion Island Residence 

Art in Food & Giving; Being Present & a Sense of Community

Initially, I was hesitant to blog because I felt I didn't have enough time (and I prefer being private) but it has ended up being a blessing as I am led to being present / where I take time to add value to what is happening in my life at that moment.  One thing I THOUGHT was missing here in Newport Beach was a sense of community but I think I'm quickly realizing that has to do with me... so maybe it's not so good to be so private...I had the opportunity to meet with a man that IS present in his life and in the community - Paul Taddeo of Haute Cakes.  I was very touched by his warm demeanor and how his soul is expressed through his business. I believe his new logo on the store front speaks for itself.  It's a treat to dine in their vintage inspired interiors (which his artistic wife in in the process of transforming.)

I was happy to introduce Paul to my lovely friend Mango (Debbie Leedom Holmsen) who is a HUGE supporter of Farm Aid (and was just at the festival where she was able to collaborate with Mr. hottie Dave Matthews.) They are all doing their part in their community by bringing awareness and efforts of Farm to Table. What can we all do more during this time of so much technology and me, me, me to be more present in our lives and our community? 

Left: Paul Taddeo | Right: A great style of French/ Early American (Storefront)

Love the farmhouse industrial feel of the interiors! Photo Courtesy of  Taco Asylum, another supporter of Farm to Table (along with Haute Cakes) of The Positive Plate.

Sweet Mango (Debbie Leedom Holmsem) and, need I say? Mr hottie himself, Dave Matthews at Farm Aid 2012

A Great Community of Resources

It's something we sometimes take for granted... being a part of a community where you can rely on others so much. As all designers know, we are nothing without our vendors and fabricators. Thank you to the people in our community for your wonderful work. Below is a gamehouse in the mountains we recently finished.  Thanks to my photographer husband for taking these photos - it always takes so  long - what patience he has! 

AFTER

BEFORE

   I love stopping by Vintageweave for authentic french linens 
(pillows)  and Mecox Gardens where I found this wonderful 
leather tote for the logs.

    We have the most wonderful clients! Mrs. P has a treasure trove of 

vintage pieces  in her attic - included here are The Head's Up toilet 

(which she had been saving for more than 40 years for "just the right

place") as well as the claw foot tub which we had custom painted. 

Another original piece - a sink pulled from an early 1900's railroad car.
Thanks to Scott at Normandy Refinishers for bringing the luster back
to the nickel! The Arteriors mirror from Bassman Blaine worked
perfectly for this setting!

Art in Jewelry; Hope, Confidence and Non Worry

For the people that know me or my father's family know that Fortune (family) and worry seem to go hand in hand. What inspired me was my very good friend Lynda Wieland of Trae Jewels. During the recent debut of her exquisite hand made jewelry she was as cool as a cucumber - a designer with a calm soul and quiet confidence - much sexier than being over the top worried about everything being perfect (which is what I would have been!)  Interestingly enough, the more we worry, the worse things get… leading to avoidance, anxiety or depression. On the other hand constructive thinking with positive expectations and hope can get us to all the places we need and want to be. Worry is something that only our minds can give power to / in which  we have a choice so I hope next time I realize what I am doing and remember to take back the power to think constructively  - confidently analyzing the issue at hand.  Worry not only stifles creativity and good business decisions, it is also extremely unhealthy. Lynda is a good reminder to do our best and then just let go, relax, enjoy and trust. How do you successfully handle a situation when you begin to worry? We would love to know!

Trae Jewels   Refresh Model  & Picnic Basket

Belgian Farmhouse Corona del Mar

We're currently working on a great project, transforming a 1960's Corona Del Mar ranch house into a Belgian farmhouse.

The client loved this photo so we started with this as the inspiration for the exterior. Image via

Our concept board for the Master Bath

      We've been working with a great local architect GB Architecture  to update the exterior of the house to create a timeless Belgian farmhouse feel that will showcase its modern farmhouse interior.         

The original exterior that we are beginning with - oh boy, lots of work!