I was so in love with the thoughtful accessorizing and beautifully arranged spaces that designer Ohara Davies-Gaetano had created in her store, Bliss Home & Design, that I was dying to see some of the stunning homes she's worked on. Lucky me, sweet Ohara gave me some photographs of her gorgeous designs to share with you! Two Laguna Beach abodes really caught my eye - they have entirely different styles - one rests on the hillside, the other by the beach - but both relay a relaxed California style. 
Ohara originally designed this Spanish-style house five years ago for the previous owners. The new owners fell in love with the design, but unfortunately purchasing the home completely furnished wasn't an option. Instead, they enlisted Ohara's services to re-design it - she gave them a unique look that reflected their lifestyle and interests while incorporating the remaining elements from the previous owners - like off-white plaster, reclaimed wood beams and the beautiful drapery. This den is so cozy with the Baker ottomans, custom-designed sofa and Holly Hunt coffee table. I love the color combination of pale blues and warm terra cotta… gorgeous with the painting over the mantel!
These homeowners had an amazing collection of artwork for Ohara to use in this "raveled and storied" design. By blending pieces like these African tribal masks with slightly more contemporary touches like this vintage lamp from a local flea market, Ohara captured the homeowners eclectic style. "I wanted to tell a story of their life, their travels and explorations."
Here's another intriguing blend of old and new! Ohara purchased the butterfly sculpture from an artist in Belgium and situated it on this 1850s antique sculpture stand from the South of France. I love how Ohara paired these two antique elements with the contemporary art from the homeowner's collection - truly unique!
This custom-made headboard is absolutely wonderful! The Suzani pattern fabric from Donghia adds so much personality and a great pop of color.
This living room is so bright and airy! Though the design is vintage-inspired, the yellow sofa matched with the custom-made silk pillows and dark chairs is such a modern look. I love the Tibetan area rug - this room has such a beautiful blend of patterns! To frame the space, Ohara created a symmetrical feel with the table lamps made from French architectural elements purchased in Paris. The agate slab between them reminds me of the gorgeous ones I saw at Bliss Home & Design!
This close-up view of the custom-made coffee table ottoman showcases the Moroccan tray and lends a touch of the beachy feel with the coral and book. While this home has breathtaking views of the coast from high on a hill and a few hints of the beach, the next Laguna Beach house that Ohara shared is the epitome of a beach home. Purchased in 2007 by a Dallas couple, this vacation home went through an extensive remodel. To contrast their hectic lifestyle in their primary residence, Ohara "wanted their beach home to be a breath of fresh air."
Ohara selected the palette, textures, furnishings and fabrics to embrace the sense of place - the sheer magic of being at the beach! I love the open concept!!! The shelf to the right was one of the first pieces the homeowners purchased for the home - it's an art deco bookshelf that Ohara found in Paris. She now has a very similar piece in the Bliss Studio furniture collection! The dining chairs, which were custom-made, will also be added to the furniture collection soon!
This contemporary side table from Oly is such a fun, statement piece! I just adore the way that Ohara plays with contrasting elements like this table and the stunning antique chandelier and blends them together seamlessly!
The shelves of the family room are adorned with large pieces of lettuce coral! Ohara created a study in white, mixing the elements from the sea with an antique and vintage collection of plaster pieces she bought in Europe. Notice the sea foam green tone that backs the built-ins - wonderful!
In this detail shot, you can really see how the European plaster elements pair with the lettuce coral. A local artist made these interesting little bugs using vintage broaches.
This tabletop sourced from Bliss Home & Design is beautifully set with nailhead studded placemats and wonderful shell napkin rings. The styling of the wicker chairs keeps the whole look modern and casual.
The downstairs family room is the perfect hang-out for the kids with the large amount of seating provided by the custom-made sectional and chairs. Ohara integrated a large custom-made mirror on the wall which provides the illusion that the room continues forever reflecting the beauty of the daylight and the color of the sky. 
We can't leave before seeing this posh bedroom retreat! The soft color palette with hints of blue is so relaxing.
Ohara, thank you so much for sharing these two gorgeous Laguna Beach homes. It's been so fun getting to see how you integrate a wide variety of elements from different sources to design these spectacular homes! You truely have a gift!!
Oct. 17th: MAI's annual Celebration Open House! 6-9
I will be there at MAI2 along with their main event and special guest Bryan Batt at MAI, from TV's Mad Men series on Bravo. He is also an interior designer with a store in New Orleans and will be signing his book, Big Easy Style. You don't want to miss this one!! 8731 Katy Freeway.
'Til next week! xo Leslie
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