Thank you Liz Gordon from Liz's Hardware

Last week Liz Gordon opened her store Liz's Hardware and Gallery at The Loft of Liz's for a special luncheon and the curator from the"Frostig Collection" talked about the sculptures from various artists to benefit children with Autism.

Liz then had the designers from our Good Shepherd Project pick from bins and discontinued items for our project. It was such a wonderful day and all the designers walked away with some amazing products for their rooms. Thank you Liz, we wish more store owners could learn from your example. We are all truly thankful for your generosity!

Thank you Seeshopeatdo

Thank you Whitney at Seeshopeatdo for the post today on the Good Shepherd Charity Design Project press that Vanessa Kogevinas and I received from TradHome Magazine. Super appreciate it! Vanessa De Vargas

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Susie Ho

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Susie Ho

Susie Ho is an interior designer and owner of Mend, a boutique design studio located in Long Beach. A local to Los Angeles, Susie has always had a passion for design and has worked professionally as an interior designer for over six years. Her boutique design studio offers a wide range of interior design services along with re-loved furniture & accessories. She believes that your environment should make you happy, reflect your personal style and inspire you. Susie and her design studio are here to provide creative solutions while enhancing your life through design. Mend... heart, soul and home.

We cannot wait to see Susie’s design philosophy come to life in her GSDCP room. Her eagerness to enhance the lives of the Good Shepherd residents can be seen in her interview below.

TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project?
SH: I was catching up on my blog reading one day and happened to catch Vanessa De Vargas' post about the women's shelter and the call for designers. I was really excited to hear that Vanessa and Vanessa Kogevinas were organizing a shelter project together.

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
SH: I had attended the open house for Upward Bound House last year and was really impressed with the work from the participating designers as well as all the support for the cause. Getting to do what you love is pretty gratifying, but getting to do it while also helping others is even greater.

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?
SH: I think the biggest challenge will probably be donations. I think individuals and companies are still experiencing financial hardships, but I have faith that everyone will be able to achieve great design with the donations that we've received so far. I think this is a very creative group involved in this project and I know we're all reaching out to as many people as we can to make this project successful.



TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
SH: I do! I love all things vintage and this is my inspirational photo because it draws from the past, it's architectural, graphic, feminine and there is a touch of glamour. Everything I love! Through my design I enjoy giving nod to the past, but updating it for the present and future.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
SH: I'm really looking forward to working with the shelter and sharing in the design process with the other designers. (Did anyone measure the elevator?!?) I'm also excited to see how the women will react to the newly designed rooms. I know everyone wants to achieve the best possible design for the women living at the shelter.

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small? 
SH: I think there are the "standard rules for decorating small spaces", but I don't always like to follow rules and frankly some rules are meant to be broken. I'm not afraid of color and I'm definitely not afraid of pattern, so I say use those two with abandon if that is what you want. When working with smaller spaces, I think it's really important to designate areas of the room for different tasks so get creative with the furniture layout. I believe creating small pockets for different activities in a small space will make the space seem larger than it really is.

Thank you California Home + Design Magazine

Thank you so much California Home and Design for featuring our Good Shepherd Project on the blog. We really appreciate the shout out! (Vanessa De Vargas and Vanessa Kogevinas)

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Michelle Workman

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Michelle Workman

As one of Hollywood's most sought-after interior designers, Michelle Workman possesses a client roster that includes such esteemed and influential individuals as Jennifer Lopez, John Travolta & Kelly Preston, Kirstie Alley and Leah Remini.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Michelle's penchant for the craft was almost immediately apparent. Some of her fondest childhood memories were of her mother chauffeuring her about the neighborhoods to take in the endless array of visually arresting homes. As a budding young designer, Michelle frequently took pleasure in envisioning and fashioning her very own custom designed forts.

Michelle's engaging personality, calming demeanor and exquisite attention-to-detail continually instill confidence in her clients as she brings into being for them their one-of-a-kind dream home. These qualities, along with Michelle's professional discretion, have made her one of the top interior-designing choices for celebrities and other high-profile individuals alike.

We were very happy when we got a chance to ask Michelle a few questions about why she chose to join the project and what she is most looking forward to.

TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project?
MW: From Vanessa De Vargas

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
MW: I love the idea of helping women and families.  It gives them a safe, comfortable and happy place to live until they get back on their feet, and ultimately my hope is to inspire them to reach for their goals.

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?
MW: Probably time and donations.  My company is super busy and we are a small firm, so finding the time to work on the design has been difficult.  But the fact that it is a small space helps with that.  I do still need to find several items to be donated so wish me luck!



TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
MW: No but I have an inspirational fabric... I chose this fabric because it is happy!

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
MW: Seeing the faces of the women when they see the rooms. I'm expecting to cry.

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small? 
MK: Use a riot of analogous colors to achieve visual stimulation rather than many pieces of furniture.

Thank you Get Milkshake

Thank you Get Milkshake for posting our charity project on your site. If you would like to help out our Charity purchase from Pip and Estella please use code "milkshake" so that 100% of all store profits go towards Good Shepherd through 5/13/11. Click here for products from Pip And Estella. Thank you again and happy shopping everyone! Vanessa De Vargas

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Irene Lovett

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Irene Lovett

Irene Lovett started designstILes as a hobby while working at Kahi Lee Lifestyle. Initially a forum showcasing the designs of her new home, the site began to grow in both scope and followers. DesignstILes soon became an independent business, focusing on clientele with limited budget but unlimited imagination. Inspired by vintage design and harmonic pops of color, Irene leaves an indelible stamp on each project, and a personal feel within every home. Additionally, Irene's talents and passion for cuisine have inspired her to create a vast array of tablescapes, ranging from picnic chic to Christmas swank. 

Irene is thrilled to be a part of the GSCDP, which is easy to see based on her responses during our interview.

TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project?
IL: I follow Vanessa De Vargas on twitter and when she tweeted about it, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
IL: I started assisting Vanessa in her design business, hoping to help her out with her room and then one day she asked if I'd be interested in doing a room myself. Um, yeah! I was actually really nervous about getting on board because I wasn't sure if I'd be able to handle this type of project. I realized I need to let go of that fear and go for it. And now, I'm pumped. Game on.

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?
IL: Definitely the donations. I'm a newbie in the design business and don't have as many contacts as say, some of the other designers may have, so I'm hitting up my friends. So far, it's been less of a challenge than I anticipated. Fingers crossed that I continue to receive more donations. Hint, hint.

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
IL: No, not yet. I have a mental picture, though.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
IL: Creating an inspiring space for women who aren't necessarily familiar with Interior Design. I'd like for these women to say, "Oh wow, this is nice. I want this to be my room."

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small? 
IL: Don't feel restrained by the size and have fun with it. Sometimes a small space allows you to be more creative.

TP: What do you think are some of the challenges of doing a project like this?
IL: Because this is my first time doing something like this, finding someone to help me paint and hang things up will be a challenge. Plus getting all my furniture down to the location will be a multiple trip process. I hope several of these items will fit in my car.