Event Designer + Blogger Myka's Stylish San Francisco Loft
Monday, February 7, 2011 at 5:00AM Photography by Edyta Szyszlo
Left: Myka blogs from a Design Within Reach table and Panton chair in the living area. She wears a Forever 21 blouse, H&M lace shorts, black tights from Target and Kimchi Blue metallic jazz shoes from Urban Outfitters. Right: A tray full of pretty cupcake fixings is ready for an afternoon of baking.
Revered in the California wedding world for her chic and playful style, Myka Haddad is one half of the event design company Sitting in a Tree. The Lake Tahoe native now calls San Francisco home, while her best friend and business partner Tori Hendrix lives and works in San Diego. Before their foray in weddings, both girls had stints in the interior design industry, working in showrooms and throwing fabulous events for designers and architects. "We both super-duper loved it!" she says. "We feel like our homes are an expression of us, and have always wanted our events and parties to reflect our personal style, too." Once they began to plan the details of their own weddings, devising clever ways to infuse design elements into the reception décor, it just clicked. "We knew it was time to start designing and styling events for other people," Myka says. And that's how Sitting in a Tree was born.
We scored an invite into Myka's drool-worthy San Francisco apartment that she shares with her husband Georges. Editorial and event photographer Edyta Szyszlo was behind the lens. 
In the living area, "we wanted to keep it as bright as possible so we incorporated a lot of whites," Myka says. "Our place is modern with a fun twist. We like to mix in some quirky items with fresh flowers in pretty vases."
Let’s talk about the blog. How has it changed and evolved since the onset?
When we first started the blog, Tori and I posted a lot of inspiration boards and photos of weddings that we were obsessed with. While we still do that, we are now able to feature more and more of our own work on the blog. We love showing our readers the inspiration and ideas that go into the initial planning of an event, and then how those become a reality. I love that we get to show our creative process and how it evolves.
The seafoam blue sofa, a hand-me-down from Myka's in-laws, adds a dash of color to the monochromatic space. She says, "Georges and I loved it, so we took it!"
Even though Tori lives in San Diego and I’m in San Francisco, it’s like we’re in the same place; evident by our 10,000 phone calls to each other every day. It’s amazing because we get to work hands on with clients all over California. We love the fact that in the same day I can be doing a tasting with clients in Napa while she’s doing a site visit in Palm Springs. Being together on the day of the event and watching all of our hard work come to life is seriously the best feeling. And being able to share that with your friend just makes it that much better.
Left: The painting "Dreamers Awake" by artist Kelli Murray was part of the couple's wedding gift registry. "And that crazy elephant stool was a holiday gift from Vitra— it's actually a piece from the children's furniture line." Myka says. Right: "I found that piece a million years ago in Spain at a random flea market. I can't believe I still have it!" she says.
What five wedding + design elements are you currently obsessed with?
1. Clean lines with a single quirky décor element. Think…a sleek white table with a gold animal figurine as a place card.
2. I love, love, love confetti systems. Anything that sparkles is OK by me.
3. Ribbons! The more the better.
4. Food trucks. We catered a wedding with MIHO Gastrotruck and guests were talking about it for months afterwards.
5. Outdoor receptions with picnic baskets and blankets.
More original artwork by Kelli Murray hangs above the fireplace. "Vows in the Valley" (on the left) was a wedding gift from Tori. The title was lifted from Myka and Georges' wedding invitation as they wed in Carmel Valley. Tori commissioned "Little Italy" for Myka's going-away party to pay tribute to her friend's old neighborhood. Myka says, "I'm basically in love with all of Kelli's work... she's amazing."
What other bloggers do you stalk (in a good way)?
There are so many blogs that I stalk on a daily basis. Just to name a few…Of course, I love the wedding blogs Forget Me Knot Weddings, Green Wedding Shoes, 100 Layer Cake, Style Me Pretty and Once Wed. I also love home design and lifestyle blogs like Apartment Therapy, Design*Sponge, and Oh Joy!. My fashion blog favorites are The Sartorialist and Cupcakes & Cashmere. 
Myka and her man make good use of the photobooth at Ace Hotel, Palm Springs. The creative couple was gifted the painting, "Duet Arrangement" by Shop Girl and the Love Bird.
Any great events and projects you’re excited about in 2011?
We have lots of super fun weddings booked for 2011 with the most amazing couples. That’s what makes our job so much fun. We plan these events with insanely cute couples and they end up becoming our friends afterwards. It’s awesome! We’re also designing and styling photo shoots with some pretty rad photographers. I honestly can’t wait to see what 2011 will bring, but so far, it’s off to a pretty good start.
Cupcake decorations are presented in a row of ceremic bowls etched in 24 karat gold from Rosanna Inc. The gold cupcake liners are from Bake It Pretty.
You’ve pretty much seen it all— any most-loved weddings ever?
I seriously can’t pick a number one most loved wedding, but I will say this— I love weddings with a killer dance party. Seeing everyone’s guests out on the dance floor, smiling along with the bride and groom makes the end of the night that much sweeter for Tori and I.
Left: The "XO" in front of the fireplace is simply letters from a craft store that Myka spray-painted gold. Right: A lucite Design Within Reach lamp with a stack of fashion hardcovers.
Tomorrow we will take a peek into Myka's coveted closet and hear the story behind her gorgeous custom wedding ring! A special thank you to Edyta for capturing all of this loveliness! Say hello to her on Facebook and Twitter. xoxo
Reader Comments (13)
looks snazzy!!! super fun to photograph all the light and airy!
What great photos.
Nice post! It's always fun to see a designer's living space and this one is so bright and beautiful. Looking forward to your follow up!
I absolutely ADORE this space! So beautiful! Great post!
I LOVE your place! It is so fresh, clean, airy and fun. I love your chairs! I have that Eames rocker in orange. ;)
freelance writer
freelance writer
I like your stylish loft. Great job on it. The photography has been amazing as well.
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What a lovely loft by this stylish blogger! Those interior designs are very classy and chic!
Carrie
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