Letter from Location 3 Editor

by Rita Goldberg

In 1870 the first trading ship made its way into our community. Perhaps because it was a newly discovered port, Newport sprung to mind as a name for this locale. It took another 36 years, with only 206 residents, for the city to be formally incorporated as Newport Beach. More than a century later, this fortuitous name is still appropriate. Newport Beach at 101 years of age seems newer than ever. Local residents continue to embrace everything new.

While local residents, myself included, enjoy attending anything new, we enjoy creating something new even more. No wonder this town is a breeding ground for entrepreneurs launching new businesses. Nicole Collins is an example of an entrepreneur who knows how to satisfy the need for newly furnished homes. Read about her business—Designed Living International, which she just started, offering clients the opportunity to move right into their new, fully furnished vacation homes on the Mexican coast.

Turn key decorating service
lets the Vacation Begin

Summer may be over but sandy beaches and ocean breezes will continue to lure us year round. Our coastal climate gives us an extra half season of summer fun but eventually we are struck with thoughts of migrating south of the border. Cabo San Lucas, Puerta Vallarta, the Coast of Baja! Our nearby Mexican Riviera is so easily accessible. No wonder locals are scrambling to purchase the beachfront residences that are springing up along our neighboring seaside towns. Residences that are a natural fit for a nearby vacation destination but offer world away get-away.

Furniture, furnishings, electronic items and household necessities all need to be selected and purchased. A year long process at least, especially in a foreign country where owners are unfamiliar with local resources. New homeowners have always reconciled themselves to this time consuming task—a necessary evil to enjoy a new found paradise.

Now those wanting to begin enjoying their vacation homes much sooner can. Nicole Collins with 10 years of sophisticated decorating experience has come up with a way to simplify and expedite the task of furnishing these new properties. Her newly launched business, Designed Living International, addresses the needs of clients who want to start their vacation lifestyle as soon as possible.

“It’s a turn-key concept for clients who are purchasing vacation homes in Mexico and want it quickly furnished, right down to the cooking utensils,” Collins explains. “We cater to clients who buy international beachfront properties but don’t want to spend their precious vacation time shopping for furniture and household supplies such as towels, mops or clothing hangers.

To set up a new household, a homeowner will typically have to purchase100 or more different items. By utilizing our service, they are freed up from the chore of hunting for merchandise and then having to sit indoors day after day waiting for the delivery persons and technicians.”

Also impressive is Collins’ product knowledge which she incorporates into her choices. Many of the fabrics and materials are selected on the basis of their durability and ability to withstand spills or other mishaps that are common in a vacation home.

“I love using ultra suede for my collections because it is such a low maintenance and livable fabric,” shares Collins. For the patios, she favors Sunbrella, a brand of fabric known to withstand the outdoor elements. The overall effect of the furnishings is also impressive.

Collins has a creative flair for decorating. With years of upscale home design experience, Collins intrinsically knew how to develop a comprehensive array of popular “decorator” looks. To satisfy tastes while being able to deliver the complete package quickly and efficiently she developed five specific and highly desirable collections available for clients.

Collins has carefully considered the predicament of the international vacation home buyer. Her business ensures that second home in a Mexican beach town is decorator perfect, with every item of furniture in its intended place. When the homeowner arrives, flat screen televisions have been mounted with cable ready hook up, artwork hangs on the walls, and even the beds have been made. Nothing left to do but open up a nice bottle of wine. Designed Living International’s professional staff has even thought of the corkscrew and wine glasses needed to toast the new residence. Clients will find the attention to these small details impressive.

Designed Living International offers five separate furnishing collections.

The Bali Collection, in the popular Tommy Bahama style, utilizes rattan, woven seagrass, coconut wood and leather. Creamy toned fabrics adorned with palms in green and beige hues add to the “island feel” of this décor. The effect is truly resort-like and will appeal to clients who love the tropical aspect of a Mexican beach home.

The Mediterranean Collection blends Italian, Spanish and South of France influences. Birch solids, knotty veneers, resin and metal components with patina finishes give the furnishings a dramatic and rich flair.

The Contemporary Collection, in keeping with progressive living, features environmentally friendly woods in modern and art-deco style. Free flowing solid cherry woods and Asian inspired reed paneling add a trendy eclectic element.

The Country Club Collection is the furnishings package for golf and tennis lovers and those who enjoy elements of leisure living. This club-themed grouping cleverly uses accents and accessories to remind homeowners that they are truly on vacation.

The Welcome Guest Collection is a practical grouping designed to meet the needs of homeowners who frequently entertain visitors or plan to offer their homes to renters. The result offers high-end decorator aesthetics combined with forgiving fabrics and durable materials.

For those who want to make modifications to the standard collections, a customized component can be woven into any of the offerings. Clients can mix and match furnishings from the different collections. They can also request different fabrics or different colors to help give their home the more specific look they seek. Collins’ main objective is to provide clients with the look they want in the most convenient, customer service oriented way. When it comes to readying the new home, Designed Living does all the work. After all, this service is for clients who are on vacation.

Contact Nicole Collins of Designed Living International at 949-723-7432 or visit their website at DesignedLivingInternational.com Click here for complete printed article in pdf format.