I usually try to specify a chaise for some place in a client’s home; ideally it is an element in everyone’s lifestyle.  A chaise in the bedroom or secluded corner of the living room says, “Slow down  and relax.”  A pair of chaise lounges is great in the media room for a couple.

I like to create custom designs with different shapes and sizes.  I add an arm or two if it’s for reading; no arms if for napping.   -  San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles magazine   March 2012

For an office setup, I love using a Partner’s Desk; it has wonderful visual appeal, and is a great space-saving arrangement for two people who spend most of their time interacting with their computers and each other.  However, if you’re both on the phone a lot, you might prefer the more isolated spaces of a parallel work station.

In the pictured office, most of the storage space is against the back wall, where each work station enjoys its own.  If storage is shared, make sure it can be accessed without anybody getting disturbed.

Windows are obviously your most valuable lighting resource.  You can direct your task lighting to specific work spaces quite readily with swing arm desk lamps.  Ambient lighting effects are easily achieved with under counter rope lighting, which always adds distinctive character to your spaces.

Invest wisely in your chairs; make sure they satisfy comfort and function in equal measure!

The signature piece to Adriana Hoyos’ latest Grafito Collection is this Grafito Chair, in seike wood with mink finish. Check out the dramatic, ornate pattern in the back – this is a truly distinctive piece of merchandise! And the roomy seat is scaled for maximum comfort.

You can learn more about the Grafito Chair and see other furniture by Adriana Hoyos at our design studio in University Heights.

My oversized Nest Chair is essentially a self-contained retreat: perfect for reading, relaxing, and regrouping. Okay, you can check in with a friend or two if you insist, but keep your distance from news and work; a Home Retreat is primarily a place for you to peacefully reconnect with yourself.

The October cover of San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles magazine features my project at The Electra in San Diego.  My client had completely rebooted his life by relocating downtown, and we decided to explore a mid-century modern theme for a classic, comfortable, masculine retreat.

I designed the sofa, ottoman, and coffee table with clean lines in order to mix easily with iconic furniture like the Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and the Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair.  Inspired by bay views and evening sunsets, I splashed vibrant accents of dark crimson and deep blue against elegant but subdued backgrounds.

I accomodated the angles of this room’s challenging shape by designing a custom sized area rug.

San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles March 2011

My clients wanted to bring the sensations of Hawaii’s Four Seasons Hualalia back with them to Rancho Santa Fe. Colors and tile materials are reminiscent of white sand, sedimentary layering, obsidian lava, and beach pebbles.

A private outdoor shower is surrounded by a lava rock wall with a glass ceiling, creating a climate-controlled garden where tiny tree frogs frolic in the foliage.

We are pleased to announce that San Diego interior designer Jim Walters of J.P.Walters Design was awarded First Place Best Residential Design and Best in Show at the annual ASID Design Excellence Awards on May 12th 2010.

Jim was recognized with top honors  for the townhouse of Jonni Johnson and Charlie Huxford in the Bayside at the Embarcadero, in downtown San Diego.  This three level / three bedroom / three bath urban family home is featured in the June 2010 issue of San Diego Magazine.

Jim Walters is the proud recipient of three previous ASID Design Excellence Awards.