We're pulling for you Mike Rouse!

We here at Signature Design Center are pulling for one of OC's own, Mike Rouse #15 to make it with the Cleveland Indians opening day roster. In case you don't know Mike made a name for himself as a Titan at Cal State Fullerton and still has familial roots here in Orange County. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike on my "home field" the interior design world and this young man is an even better man off the field. We want to wish the Rouse family and their budding star the very best. However when Cleveland comes to Anaheim, I will have to cheer for Mike silently as Signature Design Center is a big part of Angel Nation!


Image courtsey of AP, (Gene J. Puskar).

Colorful Kitchen Ideas from This Old House

Remember Bob Villa and This Old House? I took many a design idea from that Saturday morning television show. These were the days before HGTV, TLC and A&E. I was browsing cnnmoney.com today when I came across a nice look at how kitchens across the country are designed. Take a look at some of these beauties.

This kitchen was built into the 2003-2004 This Old House TV project, a small converted barn in Concord, Massachusetts. Because of its size, TOH general contractor Tom Silva had the luxury to build custom cabinets, including an ingenious angled drawer (inset) created to clear the oven door handle. more

European Kitchen Design

As an American designer, it is mandated that I have a sound understanding of what is popular design in other countries, with a special interest given to European and Asian influences. While many US designers have the skills to use international influences, rarely do clients ask for such looks. The Wall Street Journal has a great article that feaures specific designs asked of various European kitchen designers for a masterpiece showroom.

The kitchen has always been the center of activity. Ready to make it the centerpiece?

We asked three of Europe's top design firms -- Universal Design Studio in London, Matteo Thun & Partners in Milan and Svenskt Tenn in Stockholm -- to spend €100,000 to create a stylish, functional and unique kitchen.

"Today's kitchen is more expensive than the living room," says Christian Witt-Dörring, the Viennese decorative-arts curator and cultural historian. "You used to sit and work in the kitchen. Today, you put the kitchen in the living room so you can be with your guests."

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Signature Design goes Hollywood!

During the midst of our major showroom expansion at 1010 Batavia I still had time to sit down for my first video shoot. For anyone that does television for a living my hat goes off to you. It is amazing what the camera can do for you in so many ways. I also have some videos of some of my recent clients which I have uploaded to youtube. Take a look at some of the videos yourself and send some feedback as you like.