You know when you’re young (I was 23) and you meet a really super cool “it girl” that talks how you want to talk, walks how you want to walk, dresses how you want to dress…. I’ve always called this kind of thing a “girl crush” and when I met Christina Smith this is exactly what it was for me. She was the bees knees. She took me under her wing and introduced me to her friends and colleagues. She gave me the idea to start my business which is now almost ten years old. She introduced me to my husband and spoke at our wedding. I’ve stayed at her NYC apartment countless times. She introduced me to many clients in New York City that I still have today and even hosted my baby shower for Scarlett in NYC. She has been a super hero to me for many many years and will always hold a very dear place in my heart.
Recently, we lived just down the street from one another at the beach. What fun memories made at this home as her sister lived there before she did. I’ve spent many a holiday on this porch from the time when Kyle and I first started dating until this past 4th of July- wild with Newport Beach boardwalkers.
Without further ado… get to know one of my favorite women – Christina Smith.
WHAT DOES THE “ART” OF BEING FEMALE MEAN TO YOU?
It’s means self awareness for me… continually recalibrating, centering and grounding yourself in order to balance strength, vulnerability and purpose.
USING ONE WORD, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE AESTHETIC OF YOUR HOME?
Eclectic.
HOW DO YOU CREATE THE RIGHT AMBIENCE IN THE HOME?
Music, scent, candles, air plants and flowers. I have home scents stashed everywhere. Fresh flowers and airplants are in every nook and I burn a LOT of candles.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEACH LIVING IN NEWPORT BEACH?
I love waking up to the sound of the waves… whether they are crashing on shore or slightly rolling in, it reminds me of the rhythm of life and keeps me grounded.
DO YOU PLAY MUSIC IN YOUR HOME?
I constantly have music playing on Pandora… my favorite channel is called “Bonobos.”
WHICH ARE YOUR FAVORITE CANDLES?
I love the ones from Anthropology and Voluspa Baltic Amber.
DO YOU HAVE ANY DESIGN SECRETS OR HACKS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE FOR A HOME ON A BUDGET?
I love air plants, but they can get expensive… my dirty little secret is to buy them through Amazon. You can get a flat of different types for $20.
WHERE ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP FOR THE HOME?
Brimfield flea market, ABC Carpet and Home, Gilt, and Zara Home.
DO YOU HAVE ANY INVESTMENT PIECES THAT YOU DON’T REGRET ONE BIT?
My art and artifacts from all over the world.
WHICH ITEMS IN THE HOUSE BRING YOU THE MOST HAPPINESS?
That’s tough. I’m not sure there is an item… it’s a combination of smells, that make me know I’m home.
WHAT SOURCES DO YOU USE FOR INSPIRATION?
I love looking through magazines.
WHAT’S YOUR PHILOSOPHY WHEN IT COMES TO DECORATING?
Less is more.
PHOTOGRAPHS OR ARTWORK?
Mostly artwork, but both are important anchors.
