Mirror, Mirror on the wall...

A few months back I was introduced to Tobi Tobin via Lonny Magazine. I was not immediately familiar with who she was (designer w/ fab shop in LA), nor was I familiar with her style....

It took me about half a second worth of looking at the above image, to fall in love with her style!! These images are all from her private digs in Malibu, California. 

What this space lacks in size it makes up for in charm, style, location and plain old chic-ness!

Tobi has designed her home around the beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean, keeping this Cape Cod style house beachy, light and airy. Skillfully working her magic with mirrors, light is bounced around the space and so is the view. Every room in the home boasts several mirrors...

An avid collector of antique furniture, the home has several old tables, chairs and dressers. Some have been slip covered, others left as the are... Keeping the color pallet strict, playing up texture and the view, new and old work beautifully together.

      

The master bedroom not only has a fantastic view - imagine waking up in this bed, surrounded by a wonderful breeze off of the ocean - but the serenity of the white space has to be amazing. Toby tells Lonny that her personal retreat leaves her recharged after the weekend, and I can see why! 

My problem would be that I wouldn't want to leave :)

Natural texture is everywhere in this house; sea grass rugs and runners, straw hats and baskets, wood frame twin beds (scored at auction for a mere $250 for the set), mirrors and old frames with peeling paint, and a french inspired market basket on wheels...

Notice that while the wall color comes across as white, it's actually soft grey (probably something close to Decorators White, which has a grey tint). This guest room has a little of everything, and proves that it is ok to mix and match, high & low priced items, as well as old & new.... Old twin beds, old bedside table and mirror, new lamp, new bed linens.
Fresh flowers go without saying!!

In the kitchen, a small nook has been carved out of the corner, making breakfast an amazing experience. Quite frankly, I probably would spend a LOT of time in here, it looks so cozy :) Again, notice the restrained color pallet and the natural finishes. The two chairs were found at a flea market, cushions were reupholstered and the gilded frames were stripped, voila!

Now this is a bit unorthodox in my book, but non the less... Mirrors above the stove... I don't know, what do you think? One part of me is finding this silly, as I am thinking about the dust and cooking grease (read... impossible to keep this gleaming), and an other part of me says why not?? If you have the mirrors (or other collection) should you not display where ever you want to? Enjoy their beauty and deal with the hassle when it presents itself?? 

Hmmmmm...... something to ponder for the day :)

In this case the mirrors work with the rest of the house.

Yep, here is another example of what I have been saying in a few other posts... bring out your everyday items, display them in a beautiful manner and enjoy the simple things. I just love how this little tray brings a little texture to the kitchen shelf, and it's the oldest trick in the book, keeping items contained and grouped without chaos. Notice how Toby has incorporated not only mirrors in a very clever way into her house, but throughout the home are many sea shells, starfish and other sea creatures mixed in, adding to the relaxed feeling of the home... I am a fan, no doubt about it!

Do any of you know where to find a good set of black, bamboo handle, silver ware?? I have seen the classic natural bamboo pieces around, love how that looks, but the black ones really look chic, would LOVE to get my hands on them.

SO... mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the... coolest... of them all?

Natasha

All images by Patrick Cline for Lonny Magazine