This month has been a busy one. We're in the final stretch of a project in Folsom, while also spending a lot of time planning and designing several projects that will begin taking shape over the coming months. All in all, it definitely feels like everyone is ready for a refresh and we're excited to watch these projects come to life. Outside of projects, I finally made it to the Designer Showcase Home and the East Sacramento Garden Tour for a little inspiration, escaped to Mexico for a long weekend, and found some time over Memorial Day weekend to work on our own house before the summer busy season fully arrives.

For the Home

Looking ahead to June, we have a couple projects moving into the finish selection phase. While fixtures often take up a lot of the conversation because they affect functionality so much, finishes are what truly define the overall feel of a home and what can set things apart. They make up the largest visual surfaces and establish much of the color, texture, and character of a space. This is often where I encourage clients to step just slightly outside of their comfort zone and invest a little more to create something that feels a personal and distinctive while still remaining timeless, calm, and functional. I am loving plaster, glass wall partitions, unique millwork and brown painted cabinets.

In the Garden

We've been enjoying a lot of growth in the garden this month, while also fighting an ongoing battle with the slugs, who seem convinced that every seedling was planted specifically for them. One highlight has been finally finding success with Canterbury Bells, which are one of my favorite spring flowers. The tomatoes and dahlias are taking off, and I'm hopeful for a big year from both. On the other hand, not a single zinnia has germinated for me this season—which is particularly humbling considering they're supposedly one of the easiest flowers to grow.