Domino Executive Creative Director Kate Berry’s DIY Backsplash Is Totally Rental-Friendly

Dominika Barnes, owner of Coastal Chic Co and ModelCitizen Studio, discusses her career evolution and the strategic decisions behind her professional shifts. She initially established ModelCitizen Studio, a retouching house, 15 years prior, coinciding with the peak era of glossy fashion magazines, elaborate car advertisements, flawless beauty campaigns, and intricate special effects for movie billboards. However, the industry underwent significant changes, primarily driven by the transition to digital formats and the rise of international retouchers offering services at a fraction of the cost. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated these shifts, prompting Barnes to reassess her business model and career path. Recognizing the need for adaptation, Barnes embarked on a "remodel" of her professional endeavors. This led to the creation of Coastal Chic Co, an interior design company. She identified that her existing skills and assets, including a keen eye for design, proficiency with computer systems, tablets, and digital drawing, could be seamlessly transferred to 3D rendering. This pivot allowed her to leverage her artistic and technical capabilities in a new domain, particularly noting that on-site installations, a requirement in interior design, could not be outsourced to international competitors. Barnes also expresses an intention to explore the emerging field of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), viewing it as another avenue to utilize her skills and assets. She emphasizes that what might appear as "giving up" can, in fact, be a positive turning point, facilitating evolution and growth. Her career philosophy is characterized by a lack of fear in decision-making and a strong belief in working tirelessly and passionately once opportunities present themselves. The interview also touches upon personal recommendations for experiencing Los Angeles. Barnes suggests a Topanga Canyon hike for physical activity, dining at Cafe Gratitude for nourishment, visiting the Art Angel gallery for visual appreciation, attending a performance at the Hollywood Bowl for auditory enjoyment, and a walk on the beach for spiritual rejuvenation. Barnes acknowledges several individuals who have significantly influenced her journey. She credits Ranjit Grewal for his encouraging words, which instilled confidence and prompted her to start her initial venture. Michael Muller is recognized for his trust in her skills, leading to collaboration on major campaigns. Lyle Owerko receives appreciation for allowing her to share in the creative process for his fine art photography exhibits. Barnes attributes her current success and position to the collective encouragement, support, and trust received from these and other gifted creatives throughout her career. #DominikaBarnes #CoastalChicCo #ModelCitizenStudio #InteriorDesign #CareerEvolution #DigitalArt #NFTs #Entrepreneurship #CreativeIndustry

Remodeling a kitchen can be an expensive endeavor due to significant costs associated with cabinets, countertops, and professional contractors. However, installing a new backsplash offers a budget-friendly alternative that can dramatically refresh a kitchen's appearance. This DIY project is accessible to most novice homeowners and can typically be completed over a weekend with basic tools and materials. Many home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s provide online tutorials and webcasts to guide individuals through the process, offering essential know-how and supply checklists, though in-store workshops might be subject to pandemic restrictions. Beginning the project involves selecting the right materials. Options range from porcelain and ceramic tiles to various patterns like penny rounds and subway tile. Subway tile is often recommended for its classic and timeless appeal, ensuring it doesn't quickly look dated. The choice of grout color is also crucial, as it can either allow the tile to fade into the background or stand out with contrast. Interior designers typically suggest a 1/16- or 1/8-inch-wide grout line. For a safe approach, a neutral grout color that blends with the chosen tile is advised. When purchasing tile, it is recommended to order 10% more than the estimated square footage to account for cuts and potential mistakes, and to also acquire appropriately sized spacers. Before installation, the existing backsplash needs to be carefully removed. Any damage to the drywall underneath must be repaired with thinset mortar. Power to outlets should be shut off, and cover plates removed. The countertop should be protected using cardboard layered over a heavy canvas drop cloth. Using a flat bar and hammer, the old tile should be gently pried off, taking care not to damage the drywall. Any leftover adhesive or thinset should be scraped clean with a putty knife. The drywall then needs to be smoothed with premixed thinset mortar, allowing 30 minutes for it to dry. Planning the layout is a critical step, often starting from a focal point such as behind the sink or range. A centerline should be marked vertically at this focal point. The tiles should then be laid out on the countertop with spacers to visualize the pattern and identify where cuts will be necessary to fit the wall dimensions. It is generally advisable to begin with full tiles near the countertop and position any cut pieces higher up or towards the ends of the walls, where they are less conspicuous. Applying the adhesive is the next stage. Premixed tile adhesive is typically easier to work with than thinset mortar. It should be applied using a 3/16-inch trowel, working on one side of the layout's centerline, closest to the countertop. If the tile design spans the centerline, only part of the line should be covered with adhesive. Adhesive dries quickly, so it's important to only spread as much as can be tiled over in approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Tiling commences at the centerline, with tiles laid horizontally just above the countertop, using spacers for the first row. Tiling should continue outwards from the centerline to the nearest edge. Cuts will likely be necessary to accommodate outlets or the end of the pattern. For cutting tiles, a tile saw can be rented from a home improvement center; manual tile cutters are also an option. Hand nippers may be useful for trimming smaller pieces or mosaic tiles. Marks on tiles should be made with a wax pencil, as water from a tile saw can erase regular pencil lines. After cutting, the tile is added to the row, and the process is repeated for subsequent rows. Regular checks for straight grout lines are essential. The final steps involve grouting and caulking. A matching caulk should be purchased along with the chosen grout color. Newer premixed single-component grouts are preferred for their ease of use, eliminating the need for mixing. Grout is scooped and forced into the joints between tiles with a rubber float. After about 30 minutes, a haze will form on the tiles, which can be wiped clean with water and a sponge. This cleaning process might need to be repeated. Any grout that has entered the joint between the countertop and the backsplash, or in corner seams, should be removed with a utility knife. Finally, a bead of silicone caulk is applied to these gaps using a caulk gun and smoothed with a finger. #DIYProjects #HomeImprovement #KitchenRemodel #BacksplashInstallation #BudgetFriendly #TileWork #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation

The article details the interior design process undertaken by Jason Martin of Martin & Brockett for three actors from the HBO series 'Veep': Tony Hale, Clea DuVall, and Timothy Simons. It highlights Martin's philosophy of creating living spaces that authentically reflect the personalities and lifestyles of their inhabitants, moving beyond a generic 'designer home' aesthetic. The connection between the actors and Martin & Brockett began through Martin's husband, Jon Brockett, who grew up with Tony Hale. When Tony and his wife, Martel Hale, moved to Los Angeles, their friendship with Brockett and Martin flourished, leading the Hales to entrust Martin with the design of their first home in Los Feliz. Tony Hale emphasizes Martin's attentiveness to their living habits and the specific use of each room, while Martel Hale notes Martin's commitment to ensuring both partners were equally satisfied with the outcome. This collaboration continued when the Hales purchased a second home in Studio City in 2019. For this residence, Martin blended Southern hospitality, East Coast beachy vibes, and L.A. contemporary elements, incorporating wide-plank flooring, mouldings, and a mix of antiques with comfortable, upholstered seating. Many of these upholstered pieces are from Martin & Brockett's own locally made line, which includes the tufted Anne chairs and the bright orange, nailhead-trimmed Hale dining chairs, named after the couple. These products, along with vintage finds and artisanal items, are available through the firm's website and their Mid-City showroom. Timothy Simons and his wife, Annie, also sought Martin's expertise after Simons joined the cast of 'Veep.' Martin notes that Timothy's personality is a stark contrast to his character Jonah Ryan. The Simons, who acquired their Silver Lake home in early 2020, desired a vibrant, family-friendly environment suitable for their active twin children. Timothy Simons expressed confidence in Martin, citing his high-quality work for the Hales, his trustworthiness, and his collaborative artistic approach. The Simons' home features electric colors and a prominent built-in plywood bookcase, designed by Jason Martin with a slanted shelf idea from Timothy, filled with books, reflecting their love for reading. Clea DuVall, who joined 'Veep' as Marjorie Palmiotti, and her wife, Mia Weier, also enlisted Martin's help when they bought a home in 2020 during the Los Angeles lockdown. Their property, located on a hillside in a leafy east-side enclave, offers scenic views and soft, diffused natural light. Martin drew inspiration from DuVall's preference for a 'partly cloudy' climate, akin to Point Reyes, to craft a soothing color palette dominated by muted blues and grays, evocative of late fall. Martin reiterates his design philosophy, stating that his goal is for a space to feel inherently connected to its occupants, as if they had designed it themselves, only executed with a superior level of refinement. The article underscores the personal and collaborative approach Martin takes, resulting in distinct yet deeply personal interiors for each client. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #CelebrityHomes #VeepCast #MartinAndBrockett #LosAngelesDesign #PersonalizedDesign #EntertainmentIndustry