The kitchen was completely remodeled using Caesarstone countertops and glass tile on the walls. The glass cabinet doors give more openness to the small area. The Asian motif pulls on the cabinet doors completes the Zen feel.

We continued the Asian theme in the small bathroom, replacing the typical sliding door on the shower to a stationary bamboo etched glass panel. The sink sits on a small Asian chest.

The bedcovering in the bedroom is custom made from antique kimono fabric and the red antique armoire houses the TV and stereo equipment. We enlarged the closet for the client and removed the existing doors, replacing them with authentic Japanese shoji screen doors.

All the doors in the condo were replaced with new single light doors with the same bamboo motif as the bathroom panel. The glass in the doors left the rooms light and airy and open, even when a door was shut.

I first encountered Joani Stewart's work at a Pasadena Arts Showcase Design House.  She had done the entryway of an old Spanish-style home in the foothills of Altadena, a lovely romantic setting. Joani's design of the entryway was captivating, and in complete harmony with the house and its setting.  I picked up one of her business cards, and kept it knowing one day I would call her to design something for me.

Fast forward five years.  I had just bought as a getaway a small one-bedroom condominium in Pasadena, an old apartment with a drab bathroom, boring kitchen, and unserviceable closet, but a beautiful view of the mountains and good "bones."  I thought of Joani, who was a logical choice for my project. Joani came to view the apartment and immediately, with great spirit and enthusiasm, began to outline her design visions of an Asian theme.  It was as if she had read my mind....

Several months later, after an incredibly enjoyable period working with Joani selecting fabrics, appliances, tile and paint, the project was done. The apartment incorporates beautifully a calm, Asian aesthetic, which works well with my collection of antique Japanese and Chinese prints.  Every weekend I am at my condominium, I marvel and how beautiful it is and the tremendous amount of work and talent Joani put into the project.  I miss working with her and wish I had a bottomless pocketbook!  She is knowledgeable, talented, energetic, and has a wonderful attention to detail that assures each project will be done to its fullest potential.

Zen Condo
Santa Monica Zen Condo

Challenge - very small, 560 sf. Condo, old, outdated and run down. The client and I decided on a zen style home, for simplicity of design and adaptation of space limitations.

To maximize the space we incorporated a day bed in the living room, to double as a sofa and an additional sleep space, should a guest want to spend the night.