Long before cat and dog gifts were on the shelves of "big box" stores and features in high-end boutiques in Hollywood, AristoKatz in Palm Springs was paving the way for specialized pet manufacturers everywhere. The shop originally opened in the Desert Fashion Plaza in downtown Palm Springs, much to the dismay of other business professionals who thought Diane "must be crazy" for opening such a narrowly-themed store. Fifteen years later in its last location, in the historic Oasis Center, AristoKatz experienced huge success, watching and benefiting from the growth of a multi-million dollar pet-retail industry.

Quite possibly Diane's biggest design challenge was a rustic, off-the-grid cabin on a remote island in Alaska. Accessible only by boat or plane, with no docks or runways, no paved roads, no cars, no shopping centers, finding "what" she wanted was often not as difficult as "how" to get it there. Furniture and accessories that were not left by the previous owner or found in the natural terrain were transported via a 45-minute private boat ride, then on a small all-terrain vehicle and finally to the cabin. In one example of UPCYCLING, Diane disassembled old cracked, vinyl dining room chair seats and backs left by the previous owner, packed them in duffle bags and took them to the "lower 48" to be recovered in a durable grey tweed fabric before transporting them back.

Whenever possible, Diane incorporated materials found on the island. Bases for a coffee table and end tables were created from large pieces of driftwood that she discovered on the rugged beach. Picture, art and mirror frames were also made from found driftwood. Naturally tumbled beach pebbles were used on the kitchen backsplash. Rusted tin salvaged from a shed was used on accent walls to create a look of an old coastal cannery, adding to the overall theme of all things "naturally" found or used in Alaska.

A complete interior paint job and new flooring freshened the tired and dated cabin (no professionals to hire here - it was a do-it-yourself or it will not get done at all job). The end result of this four-bedroom cabin used by many as a base to explore the natural wonders of the region was a funky-functional design. Although the style required functionality and durability, first and foremost, unexpected touches like luxurious linens create a comfort in this rugged, off-grid living that blend with the environment of "America's Serengeti" - Alaska.

For two years Diane worked as a design consultant for Coachella Valley Developers, LLC on a community that was a perfect blend of old and new world design. Customizing seven floorplans for twenty homes took Diane on extensive trips to Guadalajara, Mexico, where she cultivated personal relationships with artisans and business owners who helped her achieve the distinct look for the development in the heart of historic Palm Springs.

Nearly all the materials used in the homes were authentic and hand-crafted to the custom specs derived by Diane and the builder. Mesquite doors and gates, Spanish two-piece clay tile roofing and flooring, hand-forged iron hardware and gates, hand-forged copper sinks, Talavera fountains, ceramic tile and murals, even fireplace mantels and wood beams from a dismantled 1890s casita, were carefully and painstakingly transported from the interior of Mexico to Palm Springs.

By extending formal dining rooms onto terraces, enhancing pools and incorporating outdoor kitchens, fire and fountain features, Diane not only expanded and diversified the living space of these homes, but she also incorporated the natural surroundings - a signature of Diane's work.

A unique characteristic of the community was the "neighborhood within a neighborhood" concept. Each cul-de-sac and its serene, native landscape were deliberately separated to provide private retreats only minutes away from downtown Palm Springs and walking distance to Ruth Hardy Park and the famous Movie Colony.

Prior to restoration, this triplex in the Warm Sands neighborhood of Palm Springs had chickens in the backyard! Previously these dirty little box units were a disgrace to the resort town. With vision and drudgery, Diane transformed a simple building into a contemporary classic with stained concrete floors, high-end cabinetry and mod lighting. The original stone and brick fireplaces were refurbished and finishing touches of glass accents and mosaic tiles throughout the complex resulted in a profitable "flip" sale.

Built in 1974, this non-descript house was overused as a beach rental. The 2,400 sq. ft., three-bedroom home was transformed into a custom contemporary showpiece of Diane's imagination by using organic shapes and natural materials to reflect the beauty and tranquility of the Pacific Northwest Coast. The dated, brown shag carpet was replaced with limestone and cork flooring throughout. The kitchen went from 70s bleak to modern-day sheik with energy-efficient appliances and upgrades homeowners have grown accustomed to, like concrete countertops and custom cabinetry. A non-functioning darkroom became a wellness retreat including a sauna and steam room. The home was extended with floating terraces of concrete and cedar as if to claim the breathtaking views of Haystack Rock. Firepits and cedar hot tubs make this home an unmatched entertainment haven.

"While in the process of the remodel of my 1960s ranch-style home in Corona, Diane stepped in with suggestions that the contractor implemented to further enhance the work in progress. She maximized and transformed non-practicable, unused areas of the house into more livable, functional and thoughtfully designed spaces. In addition to lending her talents as a designer, her beautifully appointed decorator touches highlighted my personal tastes, which further assisted me in turning the project from a house to a home."

The 8,800 square foot CORNERSTONE retail center located on the corner of Palm Canyon Dr. and Amado was aptly named as it anchors the 'north end' of the historic, downtown shopping area. Materials of slate, concrete, steel, and glass were incorporated into a sweeping radius and angled storefronts. The design elements were created to blend with the San Jacinto mountains in the backdrop in addition to complimenting the modern architecture that Palm Springs is internationally recognized for.

The project was completed in the first quarter of 2000, fully leased. To commensurate the occasion a 'Millennium Palm Tree' and time capsule were placed on the property.

After years of abuse and finally abandonment, this 900 sq. ft. home and the five acres surrounding it was rescued by Diane and her husband. Rehabilitation of the site, situated near the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, began with a major cleanup - removing dumped debris and restoring the natural landscape.

The remodel of the home included all aspects of construction and design as the slab and a few walls were all that were salvageable. Reminiscing what it once was as they revel in what it became, the Matzners affectionately call it "The Tin Can Shack." New, understated wood bat and board and a highly-insulated corrugated tin roof disguise the modern home within. With a desire to live off-grid and an abundance of sun, a 100-percent renewable solar energy system was "a given." Exterior roll-down security shutters keep the house perfectly climate controlled. The interior is sleek, contemporary with a rustic, retro, desert-chic twist. State-of-the-art, energy-efficient appliances, cabinetry and fixtures compliment the solar-living lifestyle with no compromises made for luxury.

To enhance the desert experience, which is just as much about the outside as it is about the inside, the property boasts a large wood-burning fire pit, barbeque and dining area, plus a queen-size brick bed platform - ideal for warm desert nights under an immense blanket of stars. To complete the winter retreat, a 1940s teardrop trailer serves as guest quarters.

Diane opened her first retail store in downtown Palm Springs in 1984. The boutique captivated savvy shoppers with one-of-a-kind "art to wear" and accessories. Many described shopping at La Mariposa as "an experience," bringing back loyal customers again and again. The store itself, which Diane continually reinvented as it moved and grew, had a global design with beams, lighting, flooring and window displays featuring rustic materials and antiques.

This traditional 1928 California-Spanish home had so many hidden treasures beneath the overgrown yard and interior paint that Diane had to see it back to its original splendor. Hardwood floors, built-in cabinets and colorful mosaic tile throughout the quaint two-bedroom home with detached suite were all refurbished. Outside, the original stucco-walled courtyard and landscape were tamed to reveal a cascading stone fountain among topiary trees, bougainvilleas and yuccas. Upgrading plumbing and electrical was the finishing touch to bring this historic home up to today's standards.

Diane opened the "Emporium of Gifts" in 1999, while simultaneously running two other distinct boutiques in downtown Palm Springs. As a local business owner, she noticed the downtown area was lacking an upscale, hip gift and stationery shop. Once the doors of Mosaic were opened, it did not take long for it to become a local and visitor favorite. Diane was recognized by the City of Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce as Entrepreneur of the Year and Small Business of the Year, respectively.

The dream home Diane and her husband constructed in the Little Tuscany neighborhood of Palm Springs was built as if it would be their last home, with personal elements that told tales of their lives and explorations.

The project began several years prior to owning the property as Diane hiked the picturesque hills above Palm Springs. Reflecting and resting on one of the thousands of boulders on the site, a strong visualizing process began and a dream emerged to develop and own a home in this historic neighborhood. Years later, vision became reality. Working as a team, Evan began the daunting task of preparing the site and carefully preserving the natural landscape, tucking the structures into boulder enclaves. Much time was spent positioning doors, windows, pools, fireplaces and more to capture the ambiance and light of sunrise and sunset and to maximize views of Mount San Jacinto and the city lights below.

A beautiful iron entry gate from Rajasthan, India was the first piece to inspire the divine design of Casa Luz de la Montana, as the Matzners named their paradise. But while on global buying trips for her three retail stores, Diane collected many more eclectic items that were incorporated into the classic Spanish architecture of this four-bedroom, 3,000 sq. ft. home.

Using her amazing ability to see things beyond their practical use and incorporate found items in unexpected ways, Diane created a masterpiece of style. An armoire from Tlaquepaque, Mexico became a "secret" entrance to a wine room after removing the back of the piece and securing it to the wall. Boulders from the site were made into sinks and shower benches. An iron-shutter window from Morocco was used as a romantic dining room divider. The cook-top hood was made from a massive iron planter - cut in half and mounted upside down to accommodate hammered copper pots. Hand-punched tin panels were oxidized in the desert sun and cut to fit commercial appliances. Textiles including embroidered antique shawls and vintage velvets were used for window coverings and upholstery fabric to complete custom furniture pieces also created by Diane. Each artistic element in the home comes with a story, like the heart-shaped rocks collected on beaches around the world that were mortared into the massive outdoor fireplace overlooking the salt-water pool.

Artful details are at the core of Diane's designs, and in this house it was no holds barred. Sculpted concrete countertops, seven fireplaces, including one that was an exact reproduction of the grand fireplace in Scotty's Castle in Death Valley, Calif., were created by local artisans and craftsman. Every inch of the home was meticulously and thoughtfully executed.

On the .63 acre site, the tranquility of the desert's raw beauty extends seamlessly into the richly textured, global interior design and décor of the main house and guest casita. The result is true organic living. It was a sanctuary like nowhere else, but the Matzners ultimately made the difficult decision to let this piece of them go. Fortunately, the haven was captured in amazing ways through the lenses of countless photographers shooting on property for Escada, Missoni, Prada, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana and Getty Images.

While serving as the chairperson of the Hospitality Committee for the City of Palm Springs, Diane was instrumental in redesigning the (original) Palm Springs Visitor Center.

The multi-faceted plan involved sharing the space with the Aqua Caliente Cultural Museum. This not only broadened the scope of history and attractions for visitors, but also created a much-needed sub-lease revenue to the city that reduced its overhead expenses. In addition, the overall floorplan of the center was revised to introduce a gift shop and capitalize on the retail opportunities from the hundreds of visitors passing through.

The new layout, cultural displays, gift shop and merchandising resulted in a 40-percent increase in sales revenue to the city. In order to attract drive-by traffic, a very effective "art in public places" bench was commissioned and positioned in the parking area.

A 1934 Spanish Casa located in the Ruth Hardy Park neighborhood of Palm Springs was refurbished to match the upscale homes nearby, once occupied by the likes of Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra. When Diane began the painstaking remodel, the home was hidden beneath inferior and outdated building materials of the 1970s, including linoleum on original terra cotta tile, wallpaper covering block walls and paint coated on handcrafted wood window frames. New cabinetry, fountains and firepits were added to enhance the traditional architecture. A sixty-year-old cactus garden, heirloom roses and fruit trees were nursed back to health.

A pebble-tech and saltwater pool, one of the first completed in the desert, was a crowning feature, so much so, that television host Huell Howser featured the new technology on his long-running show, "California Gold," on Los Angeles' PBS affiliate, KCET. Because of its authenticity, the house is registered with location scouts. It was even featured in a made-for-TV movie starring Terri Garr and Sam Elliot.

Working with her developer husband, Evan, and his partners, Diane created five color pallets to be used in 15 custom hillside homes in the upscale resort of Palm Springs. Diane's artist's eye combined everything from paint, flooring, tile, countertops and cabinets to fixtures, appliances, fireplaces, lighting and landscape to create a cohesive design in each distinct home.

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