Good Shepherd Center Interview: Jenifer Porter

Chic Living LA is a full service interior design firm based moments from the beach in Santa Monica, CA. Headed by designer Jenifer Porter, Chic Living LA is all about bringing a certain "chic-ness" into her clients' lives. Specializing in designer fabrics and furniture and an impeccable taste for art and fashion, her goal is to make her clients happy and comfortable in a house they can call a home. If it's pounding the pavement to find the perfect art piece or designing her own special furniture for a client, she makes sure that her clients are 100% satisfied with their areas!

Jenifer has over 20 years of interior design experience. Between her husbands Design/Build company (Porter Development Corporation) and her own Chic Living LA, together they have everything to design, build, and perfect interiors to make the perfect home.

How did you hear about the GS Design Project? 
I stumbled up on the project while looking for charitable design projects online! My endless Google searching really payed off on this one.
 
Why did you choose to design a room? 
I have wanted to donate my services for some time now, and this project just spoke to me. It is just as incredible for me as it will be for the women and children getting a fresh start from Good Shepard. I'm so excited that we get so much creative freedom. I wanted something that not only myself but also my family could be involved in, so this really was a great match!

What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be? (i.e., Time, Donations, Room Size, etc) 
The biggest challenge for me will definitely be the room size. I'm used to decorating really large, open spaces, but I'm looking forward to the challenge of doing something different. It's going to be a great experience for me!

Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?  
I don't necessarily have a photo. I really go off feeling. My inspiration comes from the the soothing colors of the sea and the warm feeling that makes a house a home.

What are you most looking forward to with the project? 
The thing I'm looking forward to the most is the feeling all of the designers will get when we see the entire project complete. I can't wait to see the excitement on everyones faces as we get together and share the experience of giving.

All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small?  
As I've been thinking about designing a small space, I think my tip would have to be stay simple. Too much clutter and patterns will give someone a panic attack in a space so small! Storage has also been huge for me. Really take advantage of vertical spaces (without being too busy!), and think of other creative ways that the women and children will be able to store their belongings. 

Save the Date! Party for Good Shepherd July 23th & 24th

Save the date! Our Good Shepherd Charity Design Project Party/Open House - July 23/24 (Sat/Sun) in Downtown LA! All 30 rooms will be available to preview including our large Living Room area. Come meet all the talented designers who have put their love and energy into each of these rooms. We are so proud of all the designers and cannot thank all the vendors enough that have donated to our Charity Design Project.

If you would like to receive an invite please contact Vanessa De Vargas turquoise.la@gmail.com

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Vanessa De Vargas

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Vanessa De Vargas

This is the second shelter project I have worked on with Vanessa and her dedication to giving back to the community can be seen in each one. I was very interested in finding out how she got involved with the Good Shepherd Center and what she is most looking forward to while coordinating her latest charitable endeavor.  

TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project?  
VDV: Last year I project managed and participated as a designer on my first homeless shelter for Upward Bound House in Culver City. This year I wanted to give back again so I looked to Vanessa Kogevinas my business partner and dear friend to see if she could help me organize another project. Turns out she had a fantastic contact at Good Shepherd and the timing could have not have been more perfect to make this all work.

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
VDV: Because of my experience of giving back and providing beautiful spaces for the last project, I realized that what I decorated was a vision I created for a family was based solely on my donations. For this project the room is for single woman. So I am exploring (again based on my donations) the type of resident that would live there. It could be someone 25 or 70? I also want to play with colors that I normally don't use and patterns that might seem unexpected together. So lets just say, there is going to be a lot going on.

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?
VDV: Time, nope. Donations, nope. Room size, nope. Its making the person staying in my room happy. That is why I am a designer I am hired to create happy and inviting spaces for clients. It’s my unknown client, who I HOPE will like it. And most importantly be happy.

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
VDV: I have a fabric sample. And this it for now. Not sure how it’s going to be used. But I will find a fun way to use it. I am not a fan of orange. NOT AT ALL. But guess what I’m making an “orange” come back. Watch out.

TP: Why did you choose it?
VDV: I honestly chose it to challenge myself. I want to do use colors and patterns that are not familiar to me. I want to experiment. This is a project where I can take advantage of that.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
VDV: Working with everyone and laughing and having fun all the way through the process. I am so incredibly lucky to have all these talented designers as my friends too. Everyone is so willing to share, help and chip in. We are all there to work together and make this project one that we never forget. We will create memories and be rewarded in our own way of giving back.

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small?
VDV: My advice is: I always tell people go with your gut, don't change your mind about things because you might be setting yourself up for possibly making bad choices. Small spaces can be creative too, so limit areas as you see fit like a dressing area (hang hooks, mirrors, add trays to a dresser), a work area (great lamp, holders for pens and files for organization), the bed area (a water pitcher, good lighting- a DIMMER, books and magazines, large comfy pillows). Make the room cozy and always make it reflect who you are.

Touching Story

Please take a look at this sweet message that Irene Lovett from DesignStiles received from her the new resident that moved into the room she decorated. How incredibly sweet is this? This makes giving back so rewarding. Thank you Irene for creating such a warm and inviting space, we are all so proud! You can read Irene's post here.

From her new resident: My name is Destiny Coleman. I have been a resident at the Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women & Children since February of this year and recently moved from #305 into my new room, #312. Please allow me to extend my utmost gratitude for giving not only of your time, talent, and money, but of your hearts. It takes a lot for someone to put their passion into filling someone else’s life with joy. And with a grateful heart I say thank you. I love the color scheme, the sophisticated Victorian Theme, and the modern Twitter Twist to my room, all done with a touch of class. It fits me! Only one thing….Can I take the designers with me when I move into my own apartment???? No, really :-)

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Mollie Ranize

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Mollie Ranize

Prior to opening her own design company, dmar interiors, in the heart of L.A., Mollie had the opportunity to hone her creative skills with some of California’s top design firms on highly publicized projects such as the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood and the Thompson Hotel in Beverly Hills.  Her exposure to high-end residential, commercial and hospitality interiors broadened her knowledge base and ignited her drive to create uniquely tailored spaces for each of her clients.  Mollie graduated with highest honors from the Interior Design program at the University of Florida, College of Design Construction and Planning. She is an NCIDQ certified designer and has earned Professional Accreditation from LEED.

Mollie makes sure to stay connected with the design community through her professional memberships with ASID, NKBA and USBGC.  She is also a regular contributor to many environmental, animal and human welfare organizations.

Her interior design studio ranges from large scale residential renovations, exclusive photography and production studios, restaurants and lounges to highly publicized health and fitness centers. dmar interiors is a well versed design company with impeccable attention to detail, respect for budget and belief that customer service is what makes the most positive outcome on a project.

With Mollie’s vast and amazing background in design we can’t wait to see what she creates for the Good Shepherd Center Project. In the mean time here is what she has to say about being part of GSCDP.

TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project?
MR: DNG (Designers Networking Group)

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
MR: After a few grueling years with a slam packed schedule, crunched budgets and a few demanding clients, I was in desperate need of some creative relief.  I've also volunteered (or made donations whenever my schedule hasn't allowed volunteer time) consistently since I was 12 years old.  My experiences volunteering have single handedly changed the course of my life, so the opportunity to give back in my field of expertise was obvious and welcomed.  I hope to gain as much emotionally as the deserving users that will enjoy my completed space.

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?
MR: The biggest challenge on this project will be getting enough donations that fit the aesthetics I'm striving for. Like any project, I only provide high quality, thoughtfully produced end products. The fact that I have to work with free to nearly free items makes no difference to me.  I'm approaching this the same way I would be if the woman moving into the room were my highest paying client.

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
MR: I don't have any inspiration images for this project, but I've seen a completed space in my head since I agreed to do the job.  I usually only pull specific inspiration sheets to communicate what is in my head to clients since I (unfortunately) can't let them inside.  I know the feeling I want to produce, so every piece and every decision has to reflect that.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
MR: Reveal time! But I'm also really looking forward to the process of pulling it all together. I've been very impressed with the amount of people that have pitched in and I'm looking forward to sharing the impact they have each made.  Hopefully it will inspire them to do even more in the future.

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small?
MR: Think big! Even though it's compact, it can still be completely functional and inspiring.  Some items may have to do double duty, but I would apply the same goals for the emotional outcome to a small space as I would a large one.  There is also something comforting about having everything you need in one contained place... So long as it's organized.

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.

Marcia Zia/Paul Priven: Good Shepherd Interview

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Marcia Zia / Paul Priven

Marcia Zia, formerly an Emmy nominated set decorator and Paul Priven, a former first assistant director, met each other and started their careers in the entertainment industry.  Since 1999, the husband and wife team—through their namesake company Zia•Priven have created extraordinary lighting for the interior design trade. Known for a sleek, modern aesthetic and the use of luxurious materials, their lighting is featured internationally in, among others, the Grand Hotel Stockholm, the Fontainebleau Hotel & Resort, and Four Seasons Santa Barbara. Their client list includes top designers such as Jamie Drake, Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, Roderick Shade and Mark Zeff and their work has been published internationally over 200 times.

This power couple is always on the go and is always a pleasure to hang out with. We are so happy they are participating as designers for the Good Shepherd Charity Design Project.

TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project?
MZ & PP: We heard about this fantastic project through the Designers Networking Group, headed by Vanessa De Vargas.

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
MZ & PP: There are several reasons we chose to design a room. First and foremost, we look for ways to give back to the community when we can.  Secondly, we realize that designing and manufacturing lighting doesn’t save the world, so we try to do our part.  Also, Marcia, who’s a former Emmy-nominated set decorator, was excited at the thought of taking on an interior design project, and Paul has had an increased desire to try his hand at interiors as well.

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be? (i.e., Time,
Donations, Room Size, etc)
MZ & PP: The room size is quite a challenge as we want to make sure the occupant will have all the necessities to feel relaxed and comfortable and truly enjoy the space.

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
MZ & PP: There’s not a particular photo we’re using for inspiration, but there are colors, fabrics and textures we’re excited to work with.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
MZ & PP: We really look forward to creating a warm, welcoming home for the woman who will be living there for the next couple years.  We want her to feel special every time she walks through the door. 

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small? 
MZ & PP: Choose pieces that are multi-functional, such as seating that doubles as storage.  Another good tip would be to keep your color palette limited.  Fewer colors will keep the room feeling cohesive.

TP: Do you have a partner for this project, if so, who is it?
MZ & PP: We’re working together—Marcia Zia and Paul Priven, husband and wife and the creative team behind Zia-Priven Extraordinary Lighting.

TP: What made you decide to partner up for this project?
MZ & PP: We’ve enjoyed doing the interior design of the homes we’ve lived in as well as for friends and family, but when this project came around we jumped at the chance to work together because not only could we do something we loved we could also give back.

TP: How will you split the design responsibilities of the project?
MZ & PP: Since we work so well together as a team, we’re going to go with the flow.  If one of us conks out, the other will be there to save them.

TP: Do you think it will be harder or easier having a partner for this project? Why?
MZ & PP: It will definitely be easier to work together.  We have each other to bounce ideas off of and if we’re going to paint, Paul gets the trim and Marcia gets the walls…

TP: Have you ever participated in a project like this before?
MZ & PP: We’ve donated lighting to numerous projects similar to the Good Shepard.  Two that come to mind immediately are the Domino Design Project in New York and more recently, the Upward Bound House in Culver City, but we’ve never had a chance to design a room.

TP: What are some of the challenges in doing a project like this?
MZ & PP: The biggest challenge for us would be time management. We run Zia-Priven, we’re completing a new collection and we want to create an ultra-chic, ultra-luxurious home for the soon-to-be resident. 

TP: What have you learned, not only about design but about yourself from doing a project like this?
MZ & PP: We’ve learned how fortunate a lot of us in this world are and how we, as a people in this day and age, tend to take too much for granted.  We also learned that we’re willing to beg, borrow and almost steal to make this room as beautiful as possible!

Laura Clayton Baker: Good Shepherd Interview

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Laura Clayton Baker

Laura Clayton Baker grew up in Boston.She received her BFA from Parsons School of Design in New York. Since moving to Los Angeles, she has spent many years designing an eclectic group of homes and offices, creating spaces which her clients tell her are a pleasure to live in and to work in. What unites all these spaces is a desire for simplicity and clarity, enriched by warm textures such as heavy linens, soft velvets, and rich woods, compelling colors both subtle and highly saturated, and the sculptural interaction of forms that the right furniture and accessories provide. Her many years of close collaboration with clients have taught her to find beauty in an environment well suited to its function, as well as in the happiness it brings to all the senses. Laura and her husband Steven live in a mid-century Craig Ellwood house in Santa Monica Canyon, with their children Jed and Lucie and their dog Domino, not far from Laura’s office in Brentwood.

With Laura’s artistic take on design we can’t wait to see the room she creates for the GSCDP. We also couldn’t wait to ask her about why she became involved in the Good Shepherd Charity Design Project.

TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project?
LB: About a year ago I was researching a philanthropic way to use my design skills. I thought about organizing a show house kind of project that could turn into low income housing, but I never found the perfect way to get it going. About that time Sasha Emerson told me about the project Vanessa De Vargas organized last year for transitional homeless housing with Upward Bound, and we took a tour of the beautiful rooms. I was really sorry not to have been able to participate in that one, and joined DNG right away, letting Vanessa know I’d be up for the next project. I was thrilled to see this one turn up, and am excited to be able to take on a room.

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
LB: I’m a strong believer in the ability for environment to be a catalyst for personal change. Having a chance to create a space that can give a homeless woman a sense that she’s cared for, that she’s important, and that life can be joyful, is an incredible opportunity. I find colors can give enormous pleasure, so that will a focus for me. By my choices I hope to help this woman find a place of calm and order while creating excitement about future possibilities. I hope to help instill a feeling of pride and self respect. I want to do this with materials that are very inexpensive so that she might carry some of the ideas into her next home. 

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?
LB: In my work I design a lot of custom built in furniture, which works well in a small space. For budget reasons I can’t turn to that, so I need to find other creative solutions. It’s a compelling challenge!

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
LB: There are inspirational artists, but not one photo… artists like Maira Kalman who use color in a joyful way which I plan to make a part of my approach.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
LB: I love the process…seeing the room come together, and working on it in a very hands on way. Being fully responsible is exciting; as of course normally I work with a client… this time it’s all up to me. I’d love to be there when the first woman to make herself at home there first sees the space.

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small? 
LB: Clean lines are important, to create an ordered space. There should be places to put everything so that the room feels restful. You can create architecture in a small space through the use of paint and pattern. There shouldn’t be too many objects around as it will feel busy, just a few favorite things.