This month, I have a wonderful surprise for you. I decided to do things a little differently for this month's Cottage of the Month page...I have featured the breathtaking Pom Pom Interiors in Los Angeles.

Featured in the 2007 February issue of Romantic Homes magazine, Pom Pom is the sort of place that you walk into, and think to yourself this must be the place where dreams are born. Upon entering this delightful boutique, you are greeted with absolutely elegant furnishings and luxurious home decor. There are all sorts of delightful treats cleverly tucked into just about every little nook and cranny one can imagine. Huge glistening beaded crystal chandeliers and lovely table lamps beckon to you, while their ambiance casts a feeling of divine romance to each thoughtfully decorated room.

Hilde Leiaghat, born and raised in Belgium and owner of Pom Pom, brings her European influence into the look of her classic, signature style. She enjoys scouring local flea markets, such as the Rose Bowl, and also travels abroad to Paris and Brussells in search of unique treasures. Many of the items found on her buying trips become what Hilde likes to call "Pom-panized". Each piece is skillfully hand restored and completely refinished to add her signature look. Hilde refers to her style as "French European, with a feeling of casual elegance. It's easy living that is comfortable and relaxed".

Some of Pom Pom's best sellers are their signature gardenia scented candles, which come in various shades. They had pink ones on the shelves for Valentines Day when I last visited for this photo shoot. They also have an exclusive bedding line called Pom Pom Maison Linens. I imagine it must feel like sleeping on clouds. Very luxurious indeed.

Quite the buzz all over Los Angeles, Pom Pom has become known as the place where all the celebrities shop to decorate their multi-million dollar homes. Barbra Streisand stopped in there recently, buying furniture for her new Malibu home. While Jessica Simpson, Kelly Preston and Cheryl Crow can be found at Pom Pom, nesting their homes as well. (And of course the day I showed up at Pom Pom to do this photo shoot, not a single celebrity dropped by for a visit...guess it's a hit or miss thing). One thing that Hilde shared with me, that I found most curious was practically every celebrity that purchases items at Pom Pom's asks Hilde for a better price...guess they try to save their pennies too! You can visit their website at Pom Pom Interiors and be sure to tell them I sent you! -JG

(Photographs and article by Jennifer Grey, owner of The Old Painted Cottage)