SoCal Design Spring 2023

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S PREMIER DESIGN MAGAZINE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S PREMIER DESIGN MAGAZINE

GLOW UP

SPRING STYLE IS IN THE AIR

APRIL/MAY 2023

| SOCALDESIGNMAG.COM VOLUME 1 | NUMBER 3

In-store interior design & 3D modeling services. (1) Quick Ship program available.(2)

Bubble 2. Curved 3-4 seat-sofa, designed by Sacha Lakic.

Astréa. Armchair, designed by Sacha Lakic.

Triolet. Cocktail table, end tables and occasional table, designed by Julie Figueroa Zafiro.

Up. Floor lamp and table lamps, designed by Marcel Wanders.

Made in Europe.

Zafiro.

French Art de Vivre Photos by Flavien Carlod, Baptiste Le Quiniou, for advertising purposes only. TASCHEN. Zulma Editions. (1)Conditions apply, contact store for details. (2)Quick Ship Program available on select products in stock, subject to availability.

Images are for reference only and models, sizes, colors and finishes may vary. Please contact your local store for more information.

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[ CONTENTS ] SPRING 2023

4 6 | The kitchen in this Rancho Santa Fe home is flooded with natural light

F E ATU R E S

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SUNSHINE

ESCAPE

BLUES

THE POT

On the edge of Griffith Park, a couple of British transplants fell in love with a modernist house that they made their own

In Rancho Santa Fe, the cofounders of San Diegobased SD Design Studio have created their dream getaway, combining midcentury California influences with Nordic touches

A young entrepreneur gets the bachelor pad of his dreams in coastal Orange County

From top to bottom, a San Diego-area home receives a glamorous makeover, right down to the casino-like lounge

INTERIOR DESIGN: HELENA BRANA OF BRANA DESIGNS

INTERIOR DESIGN: ANITA DAWSON, DAWSON DESIGN GROUP ARCHITECT OF RECORD: MARK MORRIS OF OASIS ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN CONTRACTOR: STEIGERWALDDOUGHERTY

HELLO,

THE GREAT

INTERIOR DESIGN: SD DESIGN STUDIO 6

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MOODY

SWEETENING

[ CONTENTS ] SPRING 2023

3 8 | The luxe main bath of a Hollywood Hills renovation

D E PA R TME N TS

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Celebrating the past—and future—of SoCal’s vibrant design community

A look at the talent that fuels the SoCal design scene

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The incredible power of creativity

Golden State destinations and the world beyond

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

ST R I K E G O LD

with Soho Home’s Garret Armchair in velvet

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EDITOR'S NOTE

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DETAILS

New finds, hot trends, our picks

20 HOME

Design inspiration, curated style, new discoveries

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REAL ESTATE

Southern California's housing hot spots 8

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CREATORS

GOING PLACES

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DINE + DESIGN

Form, function, and food

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RESOURCES

72

GREATER GOOD

Care, serve, contribute

neolith.com

[ P UBL I SHE R ' S N OT E ]

Behind every great brand is a strong team, and I am thrilled to be joining the stellar group at Engine Vision Media.

Along with being a part of iconic titles like Los Angeles, Orange Coast, and Pasadena magazines, I am delighted to work with the SoCal Design team and our amazing editorial director Nichol Nelson. Together, we will continue to deliver this unique, beautifully crafted publication for design experts and enthusiasts, both in print and digitally.

Home design has always been my passion, and when I began my media career back in 2000, I was the guy exploring our region’s most influential design locales: Robertson, La Cienega, and Beverly Boulevards, La Brea Avenue, the Pacific Design Center, Stonemill Design Center, SOCO, Laguna Design Center, and more. I cherish getting to meet and know the many faces that kept SoCal at the forefront of design—people like Gary Gibson, Michael Berman, Michael Ostrow, Roger Stoker, Jamie Adler, Rose Tarlow, Martyn Bullard, Oliver Furth, and the late Suzanne Rheinstein, to name a few. We were younger then, of course, but most of that era’s powerhouse designers are still going strong today.

So, welcome to our Spring Issue of SoCal Design. We are the lucky ones that get to live here, where the weather warrants great backyard barbecues, pool parties, and outdoor get-togethers. And now that the rain is behind us (hopefully), it’s time to entertain! Check out our latest edition and get inspired.

President and Publisher cgialanella@lamag.com @socaldesignmag @christophergia

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IMAGE: YVES BRIGHT

Christopher Gialanella

Poolside Gossip, Photo by Slim Aarons/Getty Images Gallery

elegance, comfort, style & Grace.

g ra ce home F

BRENTWOOD VILLAGE 11632 barrington court los angeles, ca 90049 310-476-7176

U R N I S H I N G interior design & home collections introducing Grace III, the newest canine of couture home furnishings www.gracehomefurnishings.com

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UPTOWN DESIGN DISTRICT 1001 n. palm canyon drive palm springs, ca 92262 760-904-6337

[ E D I TO R'S NOT E ]

The incredible power of creativity No matter how specific a client’s needs, every designer brings their own imagination to the table. Finding the right balance of ideas is a dance, and when it’s performed well, the result is a triumph.

The artists at EFC Art Centers in downtown L.A. (Greater Good, page 72) are likewise tapping into their well of creativity. More than 500 painters, woodworkers, ceramists, and printmakers with a wide range of developmental disabilities work out of this studio space each year to express themselves.

Here, their creative energy is celebrated—and in some cases, showcased in galleries across SoCal. Spring feels like the perfect time to celebrate the idea of creativity, as the landscape explodes with the colors and fragrances brought to life by this winter’s heavy rainfall. We decided to celebrate the season by highlighting yellow—the color of sunshine—as well as floral textiles reminiscent of a verdant field of wildflowers in Details, page 15.

I’m inspired to explore more creative outlets—maybe this is the year I’ll finally take a stab at painting the iconic orange poppies blanketing the hillsides near my home. After all, no one will care if my artwork isn’t perfect. The point is to find joy

Nichol Nelson Editorial Director nnelson@socaldesignmag.com

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IMAGES: LAUREN WADE; HENRY BE ON UNSPLASH

in the process.

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL

Christopher Gialanella | cgialanella@lamag.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Nichol Nelson | nnelson@socaldesignmag.com VICE PRESIDENT, CUSTOM CONTENT

Mitch Getz | mgetz@lamag.com

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DIRECTOR OF SALES

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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3. SoCal Design is published quarterly by Los Angeles Magazine, LLC. Principal office: 644 S. Figueroa St., 3rd Fl., Los Angeles, CA 90017.

Postage paid at Los Angeles, CA, and additional mailing offices. The one-year domestic subscription price is $19.95. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SoCal Design, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. Not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or other materials, which must be accompanied by return postage. SUBSCRIBERS: If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year. Copyright © 2022 Los Angeles Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. SoCal Design® is a registered trademark of Los Angeles Magazine, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. SUBSCRIBER SERVICE: 866-660-6247. GST #R133004424. PRINTED IN THE USA.

Plura 46” pendant

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Fresh perspective

IMAGE COURTESY OF MANUFACTURER

THE CROFT HOUSE SIERRA CHAIR, REDESIGNED

A DE C ADE AGO, AN ICO N WAS B O RN. Croft House released the Sierra Chair to great fanfare 10 years ago, and to mark the anniversary, the company asked 10 incredible interior designers to put their own spin on the classic.

The result is an beautiful collection of unique chairs in a range of dynamic colors and fabrics. (Even better, they're all manufactured in Los Angeles.) The Signature Sierra Chair series, including the chair pictured above by Noz Nozawa of Noz Design, will be available June 1st. ■

N OZ N OZAWA paired Donghia daydream sky fabric with Schumacher fringe for a fresh look

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[ D ETA I L S ] 1

Golden glow YELLOW IS WONDERFULLY EXUBERANT, WHICH MAKES IT PERFECT FOR SPRING. THESE FINDS REPRESENT THE SPECTRUM OF YELLOW'S CHARM, FROM SUNNY LEMON TO DEEP OCHRE. A CHEERFUL POP OF COLOR THAT EVOKES JOY? YES PLEASE

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1. B LU DOT Decade Lounge Chair bludot.com $2 95 2. ROCHE B OB OI S Bilboquet Pedestal Table roche-bobois.com $1, 990 3 . WEST EL M Diego Olivero Cotton Double Striped Pillow Cover westelm.com $60

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5. S OHO HOME Garret Armchair, Velvet sohohome.com $2 , 2 95

6 5

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6. L L A DRO Sparrows Vase in yellow. lladro.com $2 , 4 05

IMAGES: COURTESY OF MANUFACTURERS

4 . SOPHI E LOU JACOB SEN Wave Pitcher sophieloujacobsen. com $195

HAY Crate Lounge Chair us.hay.com $445

MUUTO Linear Steel Armchair muuto.com $395

MCKI N N ON A N D HA RRI S Yves Table mckinnon harris.com F rom $2 , 495

SOHO

HOME Arden Planter sohohome.com $3 8 5

Patio playmates

B LU DOT Ridge Outdoor Lounge Chair bluedot.com $2,495

THE SUN IS BACK AND THE FLOWERS ARE BLOOMING, WHICH MEANS IT'S TIME TO SPRUCE UP YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES. FROM SLEEK LOUNGE CHAIRS TO PRETTY PLANTERS, WE'VE GOT SOMETHING TO ADD CHARM TO ANY PATIO, PORCH, BALCONY, OR DECK

IMAGES: COURTESY OF MANUFACTURERS

SKA R GAA R DEN Saltholm Lounge Chairs skargaarden.com $3 ,900

SER EN A

& LI LLY Boonville Coffee Table serenaandlily.com $3 ,298

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[ D ETA I L S ]

In bloom

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! CELEBRATE WITH LUSH TEXTILES AND VERDANT WALLCOVERING DEDICATED TO ALL THINGS BOTANICAL

T EMPERL EY

X ROMO Lavinia 50cm Cushion romo.com Pricing upon request

C M O PA RIS Raphia Wallcovering 2, Raphia Rosace Polaire cmoparis.com Pricing upon request GRAHAM &

B R OWN Glasshouse Flora Wallpaper grahambrown..com $1 6 0/ro ll

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HO L LY HUN T Great Plains Collection, Botanica: Natural hollyhunt.com Pricing upon request

IMAGES: COURTESY OF MANUFACTURERS

MOKUM Lotus by Mokum jamesdunlop textiles.com Pricing upon request

MADELEINE PEREZ As a top realtor in Los Angeles, Madeleine’s business is built on honesty and integrity—where passion for real estate leads to unparalleled success for her clients.

Named one of the “Top 25 Realtors at Compass Los Angeles” in 2021 and 2022!

Madeleine has cultivated strong relationships over the years and is known for her tenacity, savvy, and unmatched caliber of market knowledge. Client focused and results driven, Madeleine takes real estate to a higher standard.

818.318.7353 maddypproperties.com madeleine.perez@compass.com DRE# 01985156

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01985156, 01824888. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. License Number 01991628, 01527235, 1527365

PHOTO CREDIT: STEPHANIE HELGUERA

[ HOME ] DE SI GN

I N SP I RATI ON

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C UR AT E D

ST Y LE

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WOL F 30” Outdoor Gas Grill subzero-wolf.com $5,540

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[ OUTD O OR K I TCH E N ] DA N VER Urbane Collection danver.com Pricing upon request

A LFA B RI O Pizza Oven pirch.com Pricing upon request

H E STAN Campania Pizza Oven pirch.com Pricing upon request

KA LA MA ZOO Shokunin Kamado Grill kalamazoogourmet.com St art s at $11,225

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WOLF 54" Outdoor Gas Grill subzero-wolf.com $10,015

COYOTE Asado Cooker pirch.com Pricing upon request

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IMAGES: COURTESY OF MANUFACTURERS

Dome Outdoor Oven us.gozney.com $1,999

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[ R E A L E S TAT E ] SOUTHERN

CA LIF O R NIA'S

HO US ING

HOT

S P OTS

What are some of the area’s best natural attractions?

Malibu has the most magnificent nature — not only the beautiful beaches but the canyons and hills with waterfalls and hiking. Malibu "Surfrider" Beach is one of the most famous surfing spots in the world and is right next to the pier. There's also Big Dume Beach at Point Dume, which is a popular whale watching spot during the gray whale migration. For hiking, Solstice Canyon is beautiful, and there's also a two-hour hike deep into the mountain canyons to Escondido Falls.

How would you differentiate Malibu’s communities for potential homebuyers, and which communities are the most exclusive?

The most exclusive communities in Malibu include Paradise Cove, Malibu Colony, Carbon Beach, Malibu Road, and Serra Retreat.

Seaside sanctuary

How have rising interest rates affected the local luxury real estate market?

We’re seeing a lot of ultra high-net-worth individuals take their money out of the MALIBU REAL ESTATE EXPERT IRENE DAZZAN-PALMER volatile stock and crypto PROVIDES AN INSIDER’S LOOK AT LUXURY MARKET TRENDS markets and park their IN THE COASTAL ENCLAVE | BY LOTUS ABRAMS wealth in real estate. These deals are mostly all-cash, so the rising interest rates haven’t affected the luxury market. Luxury real estate is still BLESSED WITH STUNNING considered the safest long-term investment one can add to stretches of coastline and lush, verdant their portfolio. hills, it’s no surprise that Malibu is one The three most recent notable high sales in Malibu are of the most sought-after areas in all of a 7,450-square-foot contemporary villa overlooking El Sol Southern California. Hollywood heavy Beach, which sold for $70.4 million, and two sales in exclusive hitters value the privacy and small-town Paradise Cove. One is a Mediterranean oceanfront estate, feeling the coastal hideaway offers, which sold for $91 million, and the other is a secluded 10,698driving the median home sales price in square-foot oceanfront property purchased by a well-known the area to a whopping $4.5 million. We asked Irene Dazzanproducer for $100 million.

Palmer, who has 30 years of experience buying and selling

QA

properties in Malibu, for some insight on what’s happening in the luxury market.

How has Malibu changed over the past decade?

With the arrival of Nobu and Soho House, Malibu has become a global destination. Our restaurants and high-end shopping attract people from all over the world.

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Can you share any tips for potential homebuyers interested in purchasing a home in Malibu?

Hire local representation. Relationships and market knowledge continue to be the most important factors in our current market. With tight inventory, only a top agent in-the-know can bring buyers deals that don't exist on the market. ■

PHOTO: CARLOS BASTIAS/UNSPLASH

&

BLACK ONYX FANTASTICO NATURAL SUPREME ONYX

Designed by: Amy Simonyan

[ CREA TORS ] TA L EN T

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[ ART ISANS ]

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COLLABORATION IS A NEW DRIVING FORCE AT KALON STUDIOS, ONE OF SOCAL'S MOST INNOVATIVE DESIGN COMPANIES | BY MAILE PINGEL

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FO R FIFT E E N YE ARS , furnishings company Kalon Studios has been creating American-made furnishings that blur the line between handmade and machine. By working with virtuoso craftsmen who embrace traditional methods and new waste-reducing technologies, the studio, founded by husband-and-wife team Michaele Simmering and Johannes Pauwen, has become known for simple, ethereal pieces that emphasize the beauty of natural materials that are even designed to be biodegradable.

But it was COVID-19, perhaps counteractively, that sparked an expansion of thought at the Atwater Village studio. “It felt impossible to execute anything normally, so we found ourselves making things with our own community of creatives,” explains Simmering. Without the pressure of market deadlines, designing also took on a renewed energy of fun.

“Our recent collaborations are the manifestation of that,” she says.

IMAGES: CLAURE JOLIET

Michaele Simmering (right) and Johannes Pauwen (middle) of Kalon and Frances Merrill of Reath Design collaborated to create the Kalon x Reath collection

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For their work with Frances Merrill of Reath, they invited the interior designer to reinterpret their pieces with the addition of textiles inspired by Alexander Girard and Rose Cumming, creating a raucous juxtaposition of minimalist form and maximalist pattern. “A lot of Frances’s work is about storytelling, and the collection captures the way a house evolves over time,” Simmering notes.

The couple has also welcomed Paris-based homewares brand Trame to the studio with the first U.S.-showing of the company’s Seminara masks, grotesque faces designed to ward off evil spirits.

“Trame’s handmade masks resonate with our ethos,” she says. “We’re interested in work that invites dialogue with the user and evokes particular experiences. There’s a call and response between object and user that elicits a connection. As designers, that’s what we’re striving for, connections.” A forthcoming rug collaboration with Trame will further those explorations.

“I love the way that working with others pierces bubbles of process and perspective,” Simmering continues. “For a creative, they’re a powerful reminder of why you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place.” kalonstudios.com ■

KA LO N X REAT H

Rugosa Daybed $6,900

KA LO N X REAT H

IMAGES: CLAURE JOLIET

Rugosa Chair $6,500

The showroom will feature an installation of homeware brand Trame's ceramic masks of Seminara

SOCALDESIGNMAG.COM

[ A RC HI TECTS ]

Sheth’s design for Retool’s San Francisco headquarters fosters interaction as well as reflection

IMAGES: HAMILTON-SCHULTE

A fresh perspective

Retool’s roof deck was meant as a place for entertaining guests

G ROW I N G U P I N T H E S O U T H B AY, Anand Sheth saw the world through the disparate perspectives around him: the traditional Indian culture of his immigrant parents, the school he attended in Redondo Beach, and the realities his friends in South L.A. encountered every day. “I got to see firsthand how the built environment affects people,” he says.

Itching for something different, at age 17 he set out for San Francisco. There, he enrolled at the California College of the Arts, earning a degree in architecture and interning at nonprofits like Architecture for Humanity and Public Architecture. The experience, he says, galvanized his belief that architecture hasn’t traditionally reflected the needs of the end user.

“We want to believe that everything that’s built around us is a direct representation of who we are and what we need as humans,” he says. “But it’s really a projection, because so many decisions are made before a building is even built. There’s a fiction we all subscribe to in order to understand buildings.”

In 2021, after a decade at awardwinning Studio BBA, where he ultimately served as design director and worked on such projects as the Manufactory in downtown L.A, Sheth opened his own firm. His design proj.ects have been 28

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remarkably diverse, ranging from the creation of a dynamic headquarters in the Mission District for technology company Retool to the transformation of an abandoned dive bar into a natural wine bar/vinyl-driven dance hall called Bar Part Time. Along the way he designed a two-level home and studio for himself in an 1885 building that displays his flair for experimentation.

Sheth can add three new projects to the list: Popi’s Oysterette oyster bar in the Marina District, a natural wine bar/strip bar on Folsom Street called Sluts, and a satellite headquarters in New York for Retool. Nearing completion is a flagship location for a mental health clinic in Berkeley and a home for art collectors in Noe Valley.

"It’s exciting to see all the ways residential design is different and also the same as my other projects,” he says. “Since a lot of my residential clients are building environments for gathering and hosting, I get to use a hospitality approach.”

Reflecting the “nimble” quality of his practice, he’s also expanding with satellite offices in L.A. and Brooklyn. “In some ways, my design studio is an art practice in disguise,” he says. “Though I’m deeply motivated by the end product, I want to honor the power of the process to make an impact, like how a human feels when they develop their own surroundings. I’m here for that. My licensed architect cap doesn’t sit on my head all day long.” anandsheth.com ■

IMAGES: NICHOLAS RUIZ/COURTESY ANAND SHETH

WHETHER HE’S DESIGNING HOMES, BARS, OR OFFICES, ANAND SHETH SEEKS TO CREATE SPACES THAT REFLECT THE PEOPLE WHO USE THEM | BY KELLY VENCILL SANCHEZ

[ DESIGNER S ]

Spatial odyssey

IMAGES: NICHOLAS RUIZ/COURTESY ANAND SHETH

IMAGES: HAMILTON-SCHULTE

MULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGNER ADI GOODRICH'S WORLDVIEW AND WORK ARE IMPACTFUL AT ALL SCALES | BY JESSICA RITZ W HE N SHE E N T E R S C ANT E R ’S DE L I on Fairfax Avenue, Adi Goodrich is specific about where she wants to sit. She picks a booth positioned beneath the iconic illuminated ceiling emblazoned with images of fall foliage.

This feature also happens to be the inspiration behind a key element at Dreams, the eclectic boutique that the spatial designer created in Atwater Village. "I'm going to have the memory of this soft light, this conversation, and the music in the background," she observes about the setting. The beloved restaurant's immersive vibe and storied history resonates, too, since Goodrich's primary interest "is to build worlds, big or small," she explains.

The Illinois native, who condenses her early biography into "farm girl, grew up in a wood shop, went to art school," has pursued this endeavor at all scales. After arriving in L.A. with a degree in painting from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, her impressively multidisciplinary resumé began with a job dressing windows in Beverly Hills department stores.

She then started building sets with filmmaker friends. As her own production industry clientele grew, she used her skills to custom fabricate everything "from the floor to the walls to the

Goodrich recently launched the Frunchroom furniture collection under her Sing-Thing brand, creating a pleasing mix of functionality and whimsy

ceiling, although there's rarely a ceiling," she laughs about the surreal nature of sets and other ephemeral installations.

Goodrich's transition to interiors from production, in which she was mostly focused on commercials and marketing campaigns, is a result of new ambitions that came into focus during the pandemic. In a sense, she's unwittingly part of an entertainment-to-interior-design trajectory and tradition that includes legendary figures such as Billy Haines and Don Loper.

She also collaborates with her husband, director Sean Pecknold, on various multimedia projects at their Sing-Sing Studio.

"I want to interact with the daily life of the public," Goodrich states. "People should be able to enter spaces and feel something conceptually. It should feel like a composition or a painting." She devised a colorful, joyful scheme for the independent neighborhood grocery store Wine + Eggs, and extended a similarly simpatico playful ethos at Dreams for the same owner, Monica Navarro. Other interior design clients include lifestyle brand Flamingo Estate and indie clothing shop Lisa Says Gah. This past fall, Goodrich's Sing-Thing brand debuted the Frunchroom, a furniture collection that advances multiple design principles. The cherry wood and laminate tables, seating, and mirror—plus lighting pieces that are an outgrowth of custom work at Wine + Eggs—marry fabrication efficiency and readily available materials with a decidedly human touch and humor. Goodrich and her small team of all-female makers start with pre-cut 4' x 8' sheets and work within the limitations of a compact workspace. This undertaking is further proof how modest resources can have a sizable impact. "If someone can afford a lamp and it makes their room more beautiful, let them have that little dash of salt," she says. adigoodrich.com ■

[ GOING PLACES ] DESTINATIONS IN THE GOLDEN STATE AND THE WORLD BEYOND

Each of Naviva’s 15 tented lodgings has its own private deck and plunge pool

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[ O U T-O F-STATE TRAV EL ]

Nature goes nextlevel FOUR SEASONS NAVIVA OFFERS A LUXURIOUSLY SUSTAINABLE WAY TO COMMUNE WITH NATURE IN PUNTA MITA, MEXICO

BY KELLY VENCILL SANCHEZ

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[ OUT- O F - STAT E T R AV E L ]

Cumaru floors and zapote columns and beams lend a rustic air to Copal’s lounge

T H E R E ’S C A MP I N G, there’s glamping, and then there’s Naviva, the new Four Seasons resort in Punta Mita, Mexico. The all-inclusive, adults-only property, which opened in December 2022, offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience in luxury tents on 48 forested acres overlooking the Bahía de Banderas.

Drawing inspiration from the site, Luxury Frontiers took a biophilic approach to designing Naviva, ensuring that guests are immersed in nature from the moment they arrive. Once on the property, they cross a cocoon-like pedestrian bridge crafted of woven bamboo and timber and trimmed with copper shingles. Curving stone paths lead to Copal, the resort’s central indoor-outdoor gathering space, restaurant, and bar.

“All building forms, interior designs, and guest narratives can be tied back to a form or natural phenomenon found in the surrounding context, thus creating a design concept that is fully derived from nature,” says Graeme Labe, Luxury Frontiers’ head of design and development.

The connection to nature continues in Naviva’s 15 standalone guest suites, which range in size from 1,250 to 1,700 square feet. Each features an airy living room with roll-up canvas panels 32

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along with an air-conditioned bedroom and a bathroom whose walls are finished by hand in environmentallyfriendly, lime-based tadelakt. And each “tent” has a private deck outfitted with a plunge pool and an outdoor shower.

Tapping into local traditions was key to Naviva’s design says senior interior designer Idalina Silva Grech-Cumbo, who collaborated with area firms to fabricate everything from the vanities to the chaises.

“This not only supported local businesses but also gave us insight into local traditions and materials used in Mexican culture,” she says. The design team also incorporated pieces from Onora Casa and Rasttro and artwork by Emma Boomkamp.

The daily activities menu invites guests to look inward with yoga and meditation sessions and Shamanic sound healing. They can take a dip in the main pool, which is actually three connected pools, each on its own level, or head down to Naviva’s private beach. There’s even a traditional temazcal, or sweat lodge, and two spa pods, each with a private garden, outdoor shower, and timber soaking tub.

Guests have their choice of activities, from shore fishing and hiking to meditation

IMAGES: COURTESY OF NAVIVA

Enjoy incredible views while luxuriating in the deep soaking tub

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[ OUT- O F - STAT E T R AV E L ]

Emphasizing the ”unscripted” experience at Naviva, on any given day there may be classes in smallbatch Mexican spirits or street corn tasting, as well as hiking and shore fishing. That individualized approach is reflected in the resort’s dining options. Whether guests opt for meals in their tents or at Copal, there are no set menus. Instead, the staff offers There are views customized suggestions based on for miles from a each guest’s mood, preferences, seating area and and dietary restrictions. firepit overlooking the Pacific With an eye to sustainability, Naviva, which describes itself as a “zero-plastics” property, relies largely on solar power, while rainwater is channeled to on-site water treatment plants. Clean water is also extracted from the air using hydropanels from SOURCE, the world’s first renewable drinking water system.

With rates starting at $3,950 a night, such luxury doesn’t come cheap. But it includes all meals and drinks, some

activities, and a complimentary spa treatment. And Naviva guests also have full access to the neighboring Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, its 10 restaurants and bars, three pools, two golf courses, and two beaches. fourseasons.com/naviva ■

Top to bottom: Centrally located main pools open at sunrise; a traditional temazcal encourages visitors to travel inward 34

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IMAGES: COURTESY OF NAVIVA

The individualized menu served at Risco Terrace comes with a sunset panorama

[ DINE + DESIGN ] FORM ,

F UNC T IO N,

AND

F O O D

Cocktail tables and fex seating lend an informal vibe to the Marine Room’s new lounge

green to deep turquoise.

As in the restaurant, the lounge’s window tables are first-come, first-served, but guests can also take in the view from one of the velvety swivel chairs at the wave-shaped bar, which Studio UNLTD accented with a soffit clad in ribbed white oak.

Completing the convivial scene are innovative craft cocktails, like a kelp martini and a wagyu-infused old fashioned, and seafoodforward small plates whipped up by Executive Chef Mike Minor.

STUDIO UNLTD UPDATES LA JOLLA’S MARINE ROOM RESTAURANT “We’re excited to offer TO CREATE SEAWORTHY NEW LOUNGE | BY KELLY VENCILL SANCHEZ our guests an exclusive experience to match our incomparable views of La Jolla OV ERLOO K I N G A P OSTC AR D-WO R T H Y stretch cove and shores,” Minor said. “It’s all about luxury and of coast at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, the Marine Room indulgence in an atmosphere that’s refined but with a vibe restaurant has long been a favorite spot to enjoy the seaside that’s more relaxed than diners have known in the past.” panorama, particularly when high tides bring waves crashing marineroom.com. ■ against the west-facing windows. The venerable eatery, which opened in 1941, has undergone a major refresh by Los Studio UNLTD kept things Angeles-based Studio UNLTD that includes an expanded bar dynamic by pairing the area and lounge. bar with a curved soffit The hospitality design firm behind such restaurants as of ribbed white oak.

Callie in San Diego’s East Village and Bar Moruno and Otium in L.A. was given just two weeks to update the restaurant and transform what was once part of the dining room into the more informal Lounge at the Marine Room. Reflecting its waterfront location, the 30-seat space features curving banquettes upholstered in a bone-colored chenille flecked with gold and iridescent mosaic-topped cocktail tables by Ornella Pisano of Ercole Home that resemble abalone shells.

Throughout the space, blond wood flooring is paired with a new swirl-patterned carpet in shades ranging from seafoam

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IMAGES: HALEY HILL PHOTOGRAPHY

Making waves

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SO UT HE RN

CA LI FO RN

WINTER WHITES

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MA GA ZI NE MARCH 20

A PLAYFU APPROAC L TO MODERH LUXURY N

SOU THER N CAL IFOR NIA'

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CALIFORNIA COOL

A BREATHTAKING MAKEOVER FOR A WATERFRONT GEM

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY

2023

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WORDS: KARINE MONIÉ | IMAGES: YOSHIHIRO MAKINO

A COUPLE OF BRITISH TRANSPLANTS FELL IN LOVE WITH A MODERNIST HOUSE ON THE EDGE OF GRIFFITH PARK, MAKING IT THEIR OWN WITH SCULPTURAL INTERIORS AND INVITING OUTDOOR HANGOUT SPACES

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oth originally from the U.K., James Williams and Jonno Burden now call California home.

After a move from San Francisco to Hollywood Hills, they found this architectural masterpiece after visiting 50 different properties. (Yes, you read that correctly.)

“As a Brit, sunshine is almost all you need, but the indoor-outdoor nature of our home really brings us joy. From the poolside cabin to the supersized dining table where we can—and do— squeeze as many friends as possible around for dinners,” says Burden, who is a tech executive.

Nestled into the woodland of Beachwood Canyon and located directly below the Hollywood sign, the modernist villa originally designed by Jay Vanos from Vanos Architects was once owned by celebrity photographer Tony Duran and most recently pop star Halsey.

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The soft color palette in the home creates a relaxing atmosphere

“AS A BRIT, SUNSHINE IS ALMOST ALL YOU NEED, BUT THE INDOOR-OUTDOOR NATURE OF OUR HOME REALLY BRINGS US JOY. FROM THE POOLSIDE CABIN TO THE SUPERSIZED DINING TABLE WHERE WE CAN—AND DO—SQUEEZE AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE AROUND FOR DINNERS,” SAYS BURDEN

“THE HOME IS A STUDY IN COMPLEX GEOMETRY AND ITS EXTENSION. THE FOCUS IS A SEVEN-SIDED FLARING VOLUME WHOSE WALLS EXTEND INTO THE ADJACENT FORMS, TYING THEM TOGETHER,” SAYS WILLIAMS

The couple, who are in their 30s, love to entertain friends in the home’s lush green surroundings, and their location also gives them close proximity to L.A.’s restaurants and culture. “This house has such a history with those that love to celebrate, so why not lean in—which is where our little club ‘Tiempos’ came from,” says Williams.

With its steep amphitheater shape, the lot occupies a tight interior corner of the street, providing privacy to the inhabitants. The three-bedroom, V-shaped home comprises two wings connected by a two-level bridge.

“The slope of the site allowed us to create two exterior yard areas: the upper one in the shape of a small amphitheater and the lower one, 12 feet below, shaped as its mirror,” describes Williams. “The home is a study in complex geometry and its extension. The focus is a seven-sided flaring volume whose walls extend into the adjacent forms, tying them together. This central volume is a prominent component of the entry, kitchen, dining, and living areas.”

Williams and Burden built a cocktail bar, lounge, and club for entertaining accented with pops of color, velvet, marble, and brass to create a vibrant spirit. In the rest of the living spaces, neutral tones prevail to reflect a relaxed atmosphere with treasures in every corner: from a bowl by Arno Declercq and a vessel by Jojo Corväiá to sculptures

by Rrres Studio and a vase by Kate Hume, among others.

Williams is the American CEO of ATRA, a furniture brand produced by ATRA Form, a Mexico

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The main living room is filled with natural light thanks to high ceilings

The elegant kitchen is adorned with dark tones

Most of

the furniture in the home is by ATRA

The main

bathroom serves as a peaceful refuge

The owners,

Jonno Burden (left) and James Williams (right)

City-based, high-end production facility that also houses the architecture and design studio of the founder and creative director, Alexander Díaz Andersson. Many of the furnishings in the home were selected from ATRA’s collections.

“The home construction has a raw wabi-sabi nature to it, with polished concrete floors, granite kitchen counters and being swathed in glass,” says Williams. “The furniture selection materials both complement the clean lines and also contrast with comfort through the use of thick mohair, wool boucle and the travertine and Shou Sugi Ban dining table.”

A mix of American and Mexican design characterizes the interiors of what the couple describes as “a post-modern spaceship of a villa [that has] landed in the heart of the canyon.”

After years in the relative gloom of England, the couple never take the SoCal sun for granted. “The dining area is completely outdoors,” says Williams. “It’s an indulgence of being California transplants.” ■

SO UR C E S K I TC H E N Artwork: ceramic vessel vase - Jojo Corväiá (Berlin, Germany) Furniture: redo bar stools - ATRA (Juárez, CDMX, Mexico) LIVING ROOM Accessories: “rock” vase - Kate Hume (katehume. com) Artwork: triptych, quadriptych by Andres

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Diaz Andersson - ATRA (Juárez, CDMX, Mexico) Furniture: Beluga curved sofa and mini chairs, teardrop coffee table and side table ATRA (Juárez, CDMX, Mexico) Rug - Mehraban (Los Angeles, CA) LO UNGE AREA Artwork: stoneware vessel - Jeffrey Loura (New York, NY) Furniture: Ala chair,

Nerthus sofa, travertine cubes - ATRA (Juárez, CDMX, Mexico) MA IN BATHR OOM Accessories: small, large nose pitchers by Aldo Bakker - Thomas Eych (Easternijtsjerk, Netherlands) Artwork: goblet bowl - Arno Declercq (Zaventem, Belgium) Furniture: George stool - Bogus Studio (Juárez, CDMX, Mexico)

The exterior areas allow the couple and their friends to enjoy the sunny weather of Los Angeles

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THE GREAT ESCAPE

In Rancho Santa Fe, the cofounders of San Diego-based SD Design Studio have created their dream getaway, combining midcentury California influences with Nordic touches

g

WORDS: KARINE MONIÉ IMAGES: SAMANTHA GOH INTERIOR DESIGN: SD DESIGN STUDIO SDDESIGNSTUDIO.COM

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Thanks to the large windows in the great room, the house is bathed in natural light

S

ometimes, luck is on your side.

ranch-style residence has been transformed with a nod

Architect Salomon Daniel and inte-

to midcentury modernism as well as Nordic touches. It’s

rior designer Dalia Feldman—the hus-

the ideal weekend destination for the couple, their one-

band and wife duo behind SD Design

year-old son Abbie, and their boxer Paco.

Studio—were on the hunt for a weekend getaway

Daniel and Feldman are originally from Mexico City

when a realtor friend suggested they take a look at a

but relocated to California, where they founded their San

property. The home was located in the highly sought-

Diego studio in 2016. The Rancho Santa Fe home gives

after community The Covenant in Rancho Santa Fe,

them the chance to disconnect from city living and focus

about 20 miles from San Diego. The previous owners

on their family. Spread over 5,200 square feet (including

had started a full renovation but gave up a few weeks

the detached guest house), the five-bedroom main home

after the initial demolition.

features an open great room with high vaulted ceilings,

When the couple went to check it out, they were

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expansive floor-to-ceiling doors and windows, a cozy

able to look beyond the debris to see the incredible

wood burning fireplace, and a chef’s kitchen for Daniel,

potential. Perched on a 2.11-acre secluded hilltop, the

who loves to cook. Downstairs, a second suite features a

house boasts 270-degree views and abundant natural

large deck and an attached en suite casita with its own

light from every room. The original 1960s California

private entrance.

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“WE WANTED THIS GETAWAY TO FEEL OPEN, AIRY, COMFORTABLE, CALM, AND RELAXING”

Neutral tones to keep the spaces clean and crisp

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Daniel enjoys cooking in the home's light and airy kitchen

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“WE WERE ADAMANT ABOUT RESPECTING THE ORIGINAL MIDCENTURY/CALIFORNIA RANCH VIBES”

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“We wanted this getaway to feel open, airy, comfortable, calm, and relaxing,” says Daniel. The couple opted for a palette of neutral tones alongside white walls

styles could work in harmony,” says Daniel.

and ceilings complemented by touches of warmer tones and slightly cooler grays.

Next up: the backyard, which is

“Some hints of black help it all tie together, contrasting with the changing colors of

designed with multiple patios and

the natural landscape outside and creating a soothing aesthetic,” he says.

bench seating for entertaining. Now

They deliberately used neutral tones to keep the spaces clean and crisp with

that the interiors have been trans-

minimal clutter. Natural wood floors, Italian marble slabs in the kitchen, and con-

formed, it’s time to remodel the pool

crete tile for the fireplace were chosen for the same reason, Daniel says.

and spa. No doubt the project will be

“We were adamant about respecting the original midcentury/California ranch vibes, while drawing inspiration from Scandinavian design and making sure both

as thoughtfully designed as the rest of the remodel. ■

“HINTS OF BLACK HELP IT ALL TIE TOGETHER, CONTRASTING WITH THE CHANGING COLORS OF THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE OUTSIDE AND CREATING A SOOTHING AESTHETIC” DIN IN G R OOM Furniture: crescent wishbone dining chair, sideboard, Terra dining table Crate & Barrel (San Diego, CA); Mistana counter stools - Wayfair.com Rug: vintage EXTER IOR DECK Furniture: Gladom side table - IKEA (San Diego, CA); Miami club chair, Newport cushion sofa and coffee table - Sunset West (Vista, CA) FA MILY R OOM Furniture: George Nelson platform bench for Knoll, black - vintage; Lara Acacia low dresser - CB2 (San Diego, CA) Rug: vintage FIR EPLACE SITTIN G ROOM Furniture: The 45 Chair, black leather - House of Finn Juhl (Copenhagen, Denmark); Ryla Rattan stool - Urban Outfitters (San Diego, CA) LIVIN G R OOM Furniture: status accent chair - Old Bones Co (Costa Mesa, CA); Chelsea sofa - Joybird (Los Angeles, CA); coffee table; optic ines side table - Urban Outfitters (San Diego, CA) Lighting - director floor lamp, natural wood - Adesso (Los Angeles, CA) OFFICE Furniture: Tyler armchair - Four Hands (Austin, TX); printmaker’s desk Restoration Hardware (San Diego, CA) Lighting: Leanne Ford desk lamp Project 62 at Target (San Diego, CA); etagere - IKEA (San Diego, CA) The main bath features a large shower as well as a deep soaking tub

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PR IMA RY B EDR OOM Furniture: Dean bed - Living Spaces (San Diego, CA); Circulus 7-drawer dresser - Crate & Barrel (San Diego, CA); cue white chair, tux nightstand - CB2 (San Diego, CA); Miami armless club chair - Sunset West (Vista, CA)

Dramatic splashes of black offset the softer palette elsewhere in the home

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BY J E S S I C A R I TZ | I M AG E S BY B R A N D O N B E E C H L E R

INTERIOR DESIGNER HELENA BRANA GIVES A YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR THE BACHELOR PAD OF HIS DREAMS IN COASTAL ORANGE COUNTY 54

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Sometimes an iterative, extended decisionmaking process is necessary, and other times efficient choices can lead to considered, cohesive design outcomes.

The latter proved to be the case for designer Helena Brana of BRANA Designs when entrepreneur Pete Abramsky commissioned her to envision an unconventional bachelor pad in a quiet pocket of Corona del Mar. "It was absolutely new to me," Brana says about the project brief.

"He was one of the best clients in terms of being decisive."

Charcoal gray

venetian plaster walls add depth in the living room area. The television is connected to a state-of-the-art audio system

The fourbedroom home Abramsky purchased in summer 2021 had more or less the right open-concept floor plan that suited his

lifestyle and entertaining, but stylistically it called for a major identity shift. Abramsky wanted to transform his modern farmhouse into a tastefully tricked-out contemporary crib.

"I needed to find a designer that shared that vision I had," he

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The preexisting explains. He also preferred to work with a designer closer to his own age. Online research led him to Brana, whose crisp yet judicious use of color and statement pieces immediately inspired confidence that she'd be right for the job. It was somewhat of a departure from her usual projects—her portfolio of Southern California residences often showcase a feminine flair—but she was excited to take on the challenge.

open plan was further modified so the pool area outdoors is always easily accessible.

A flexible On the Rocks sofa by Edra allows guests to lounge and watch TV

Abramsky had a very clear vision, pointing to basketball legend Kobe Bryant as a guiding inspiration. Brana leaned into the blue and gray shades her client requested, exploring this palette via different textures and materials. In the main room, Brana transformed one wall with charcoal gray venetian plaster, and an ebonized oak wood panel contains a white marble-clad fireplace and one of the multiple televisions strategically placed for group viewing throughout the home. Dark polished concrete floors replaced the wood floors. Luxurious custom pieces from BRANA Designs’ rug collection add depth and color through the designer’s experiments with abstraction, gradients, and pattern.

A Bloom swivel chair by Kenneth Cobonpue in black adds a dramatic flourish to the seating

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area, while a two-sided On the Rocks modular sofa manufactured by Edra anchors the space with a lounge-like feel. This piece also activates the part of the room that holds another unorthodox accessory. In lieu of a dining table, Brana designed a custom black-topped billiards table on a tiered pedestal illuminated by a Dew Drops pendant from Bomma. "Crystal lighting helps to make that space exciting, contemporary and elevated, but not heavy," Brana observes. Feathr wallpaper by L.A. artist Stacy Solodkin with a delicate, billowing gray-hued graphic adds a subtle distinction to the niche that holds the billiards equipment, appearing like smoke gently wafting through.

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Feathr wallpaper

by L.A. artist Stacy Solodkin creates a bespoke and intriguing backdrop for storing the gaming equipment, and the Dew Drops pendant from Czech maker BOMMA lends an ethereal touch

In the kitchen that bookends the great room, Brana retained the existing cabinets but swapped in new surfaces such as dark Emperador marble on the vent hood and island. Adding a glass extension to the island and outfitting the kitchen with plenty of comfortable, swiveling leather stools is a practical solution for Abramsky's preference to entertain casually rather than maintain a traditional dining table setup.

The hallway makes an ideal backdrop for the wall-mounted, multicolored stainless steel and acrylic sculptures by L.A.-based artist Brad Howe to play off the twisted profile of the Tobia wall sconces from Foscarini. In the home's private spaces, Brana sets moodier scenes. A pair of Togo sofa seats by Ligne Roset are irresistible cozy icons of modern

Glass lighting helps to make that space exciting, contemporary and elevated, but not heavy,” Brana observes.

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Classic Togo

seating pieces from Ligne Roset sit atop one of the multiple custom rugs

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furniture design and add to the comfort of the restful

Santorini marble tiles in the steam shower and dark

primary bedroom awash in more shades of purplish

Emperador marble on the vanity top.

gray and an asymmetrical rug.

The den is Abramsky's true escape and refuge,

Naturally, the yard and the pool are essential to how Abramsky lives and hosts in his home. The

which Brana describes as "masculine but playful,"

team added a wall with a TV that connects with new

featuring custom wallpaper embellished with copper-

state-of-the-art smart tech and AV systems, updated

shade accents that appear to be asymmetrical patterns

lighting, plus a fire pit. Outdoor lounge furnishings

found in nature (think tree bark or reptile skin) and

from makers such as Brazilian brand Tidelli add to the

the ultimate childhood fantasy amenity: a candy

vibe. "When I have people over, they're open 24/7,"

bar. In the primary bathroom, Brana upgraded the

Abramsky says about the fully pocketing doors, which

lighting, plumbing fixtures, and materials, opting for

mark the ultimate hallmark of the SoCal lifestyle. ■

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Stainless

steel and acrylic sculptures by artist Brad Howe in the hallway are visible from the den

The den is Abramsky's true escape and refuge.

Brana describes it as “masculine but playful.”

The den

contains the ultimate fantasy wish fulfillment of a candy bar

S O UR C E S GAME ROOM Furniture: billiard, custom - BRANA Designs (Newport Beach, CA) Lighting: dew drops, crystal with leather - BOMMA (Prague, Czech Republic) Wallcovering: L.A. artist Stacy Solodkin - Feathr (feathr.com) HALL Lighting: Tobia wall sconces Foscarini (Marcon, VE, Italy) K I TC H E N Lighting: soap pendants, crystal BOMMA (Prague, Czech Republic) Furniture: kitchen bar stools, leather - KFF (Lemgo, NW, Germany) LIVING ROOM Furniture: On the Rocks sofa - Edra (Perignano, PI, Italy); Bloom swivel chair - Kenneth Cobonpue (New York, NY); soda side table with Murano blown glass - Miniforms (Meolo, VE, Italy) Lighting: Tuareg floor lamp Foscarini (Marcon, VE, Italy) P R I M A RY B E D RO O M Furniture: Togo sofa - Ligne Roset (Briord, France) THROUGHOUT Rugs: custom - BRANA Designs (Newport Beach, CA)

Materials including a dark Emperador marble vanity top and Santorini tiles in the steam shower transform the primary bathroom into a contemporary sanctuary

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SWEETENING the POT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, A SAN DIEGO-AREA HOME RECEIVES A GLAMOROUS MAKEOVER, RIGHT DOWN TO A NEW CASINO-LIKE LOUNGE.

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B Y M A I L E PI N G E L INTERIOR DESIGN: ANITA DAWSON, DAWSON DESIGN GROUP ARCHITECT OF RECORD: MARK MORRIS OF OASIS ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN CONTRACTOR: STEIGERWALD-DOUGHERTY PHOTOGRAPHER: JIM BRADY, BRADY ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

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A handy pass-through window now connects the new kitchen with the patio

S

tepping through the front door of this hilltop home overlooking San Diego Bay, one might think they’ve been transported to a luxury hotel on the French Riviera. Its vivacious glamorous spirit matches the vibrant personalities of the homeowners, who, like happy hoteliers, now welcome their friends to an impeccable destination.

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“This home belongs to a couple who love travel,

scheme and wanted to refresh everything,” she explains, noting the help of local architect Mark Morris. Work began with photographic renderings so that the clients could “see” what the rooms would look like. “It’s an expensive process and it takes time, but it helps you find opportunities, and it’s fun to envision everything early on.”

The living room and dining room, which flank a marble-floored hallway that flows from the front door to the rear of the house (and those extraordinary ocean views), were given a new palette of soft, warm reds and gold tones. Dawson repurposed many of the clients’ traditional furnishings but brought in modern accents for a more contemporary feel. She also opted for a trio of big, overscale chandeliers above the dining table to add drama. “One fixture wouldn’t have been as interesting,” she says. “These clients like showstopper pieces.”

Dawson also transformed the blackpainted kitchen into an airy, eat-in space, opening one wall with retractable

The main-

floor wine room houses the owners’ collection of American wines

music, fine wines, and games,” says designer Anita Dawson. “They’d been living in the home for some time, but maintenance issues facilitated a renovation, which gave them the chance to make this house their own.”

With a wish list that included redoing nearly twothirds of the home (only the guest wing remained untouched), Dawson set about rethinking the main floor’s public spaces. “The clients were tired of the dated SOCALDESIGNMAG.COM

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windows to create a pass-through to the patio. “All of the

bronzy grays, with gold accents that create a visual tie

main spaces really needed to be opened up and to take

to the downstairs spaces. “Gold runs through the whole

better advantage of natural light,” she adds. The own-

house,” says Dawson, who brought contrast to the suite

ers also requested a nearby wine room that they could

with dark and light furnishings and “fluffy and silky”

devote solely to American wines.

textiles. Crystal lighting pieces “add to the hotel look,”

Upstairs, Dawson gutted the couple’s bedroom suite,

But it’s the home’s lower level that pushed Dawson to

“Now it reflects their outlook: bright and elegant,” she

think outside the norm. “It was an underused area with

says. The room, as well as its newly redone bathroom,

just a television and a really dark, scary wine area, so

his-and-hers closets, and hair salon (“I’d never done a

the homeowners let us go wild—and it was such a blast!”

salon before,” she says) features a palette of creams and

she says. The challenge was to make the 8-foot-ceilinged

The bedroom suite features a palette of creams and bronzy grays with gold accents

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she notes.

which, like much of the home, had been painted black.

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Natural

stone lines the countertops in the couple’s new bathroom

A chandelier above the tub adds glamour

“

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT WITH YOUR HOME, DON’T HESITATE TO EXPLORE IDEAS—HOMEOWNERS WHO ARE UNAFRAID ALWAYS END UP BEING MY HAPPIEST CLIENTS, SAYS DAWSON

”

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S O UR C E S DINING ROOM Furniture: dining chairs - A. Rudin (PDC, West Hollywood, CA)

P RI M ARY BAT H Lighting: chandelier Zia Priven at A. Rudin (PDC, West Hollywood, CA); vanity - Boyd Lighting (San Francisco, CA)

K I TC H E N Appliances: cooktop, warming drawers, microwave (subzerowolf.com); dishwasher, coffee system - Miele (mieleusa.com) Furniture: counter stools - Century Furniture (Hickory, NC)

P RI M ARY CLOS ET Cabinetry: custom - Clyde Turner (San Diego, CA) Lighting: ceiling fixture - Best & Lloyd (Smethwick, England)

PIANO ROOM Furniture: chairs, sofa, ottomans - A. Rudin (PDC, West Hollywood, CA) Rug: Kravet (PDC, West Hollywood, CA)

P OWD E R RO O M Fixtures: vanity, custom Jean de Merry (PDC, West Hollywood, CA)

P R I M A RY B E D RO O M Furniture: accent tables, chairs, ottomans - Baker (PDC, West Hollywood, CA) Lighting: sconces - Boyd Lighting (San Francisco, CA)

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GAM E RO O M Furniture: armchairs A. Rudin (PDC, West Hollywood, CA)

THEATRE & CANDY BAR Appliances: refrigeration Sub-Zero (subzero-wolf.com); cooktop - Wolf (subzero-wolf. com); dishwasher - Miele (meileusa.com) Furniture: seating - CINEAK (Hollywood, CA) Lighting: ceiling light Apparatus (Los Angeles, CA); optic ceiling StarryNight

A candy bar and pool table occupy the area adjacent to the theater

BASEMEN T LOU N GE A R EAS Appliances: ice machine - Scotsman (scotsmanhomeice.com); beer dispenser - Perlick (perlick.com) Lighting: bar lamps - Felix Lighting (La Mirada, CA); specialist - LightWorks (Los Angeles, CA) Furniture: barstools A. Rudin (PDC, West Hollywood, CA); wine room chairs - Eric Brand (Burlingame, CA)

space feel inviting, which Dawson

BASEMEN T POWDER R OOM Fixtures: vanity Neo-Metro (Industry, CA) Glasswork: walls - Pulp Studio (Gardena, CA)

custom fit to the space.

resolved with barrel-vaulting that gives the illusion of greater height. She also divided the space into focused areas: a theater with a candy station, a billiards table, a wine cellar (this one for the couple’s collection of European wines), glass humidor cases, a spirits bar (“It’s a commercial bar—another first for me!”), and the husband’s music room. Adding to the historic European feel are redvelvet draperies and antique wood floors “If you’re looking to do something different with your home, don’t hesitate to explore ideas—homeowners who are unafraid always end up being my happiest clients,” says Dawson. “This house is all about entertaining and how much this couple truly enjoys having fun with their friends.” ■

lncuded on

the home’s lower level is a cellar solely for European wines

The powder

room’s illuminated vanity furthers the floor’s clublike feel

Comfortable

lounge chairs and a commercial bar make entertaining easy

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BILLINGS

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

BILLINGS offers live in-house auctions of modern art and design at its brick-and-mortar space in the heart of downtown L.A.’s Arts District. Representing a wide range of American and international art and design, its catalog is often heavily weighted in mid-century modern selections with offerings from the 1960s through the early 2000s. Those unable to attend in person can bid online by registering at liveauctioneers.com.

Founded in 1978, California Closets is the leader and design authority in premium space management, delivering customdesigned organizational solutions and exceptional service. The company believes home is more than just a place—it should be a source of creativity, comfort, and connection. From beautiful walk-in closets and entertainment centers to versatile pantries and home offices, California Closets designs custom storage solutions that add value to your life and home by making space for what belongs.

CERNO

PACIFIC SHORE STONES

1919 Bay St., Los Angeles 213.947.3784 billingsauction.com

22892 Glenwood Dr., Aliso Viejo 949.715.1534 cernogroup.com Cerno designs and builds original lighting products in California with the finest craftsmanship, authentic materials, and an aesthetic that intersects modernism and contemporary design.

To make this possible, Cerno advocates for creativity and ingenuity in every step of the process—a philosophy grounded in the utmost respect for the materials, the craftsmanship, and their entire team.

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Multiple locations 888.336.9707 californiaclosets.com

2200 Alton Pkwy., Irvine 949-536-5055 pacificshorestones.com

Pacific Shore Stones aims to provide its customers with the highest quality materials and service. By developing joint ventures with quarries globally, built by strong relationships, it has access to the finest blocks in the world. Pacific Shore Stones offers a wide choice of carefully hand-selected stone and surface products with great value, and is committed to expand its reach further so that more people can experience the best products.

PIRCH

28341 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo 949.220.0656 pirch.com PIRCH brings you the best in kitchen, bath, and outdoor design from the world’s most coveted brands. Their showrooms allow you to fully experience a vast array of products, so you can be sure you make the right choices. With the guidance of expert sales consultants, you can discover kitchen appliances, plumbing, hardware, and outdoor appliances that stretch your imagination.

SUB-ZERO, WOLF, AND COVE SHOWROOM 655 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa 657.269.5874 subzero-wolf.com

Begin at a Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove showroom: Sub-Zero, the preservation specialist; Wolf, the cooking specialist; and Cove, the dishwashing specialist. You will be paired with a dedicated consultant to help you through every phase of your project— from gathering initial inspiration to getting the most out of your carefully selected appliances once they are home. The showroom will provide everything you need to start, ensuring the entire experience is catered specifically to you.

VERGOLA®

WESTMINSTER TEAK

The VERGOLA® opening and closing roof system gives you control over your environment. With smart rain sensor technology and double skin aerofoil louvers for better insulation, the VERGOLA® lets you relax or entertain outdoors, rain or shine.

For over 27 years, Westminster Teak has been the embodiment of the finest in teak furniture for its design, materials, and craftsmanship. The company's unrelenting commitment to quality, passion for timeless design, and exceptional service have been the narrative and hallmark driving the company forward. Westminster Teak furniture is seen in some of the finest hotels, resorts, private clubs, and residences throughout the world, including Camp David, the President’s country retreat.

13800 Crenshaw Blvd., Hawthorne 855.949.8374 vergola.com

1350 S. State College Blvd., Anaheim 888-592-8325 westminsterteak.com

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IMAGES: COURTESY ECF ART CENTERS

The artist's way

I T ’S L AT E MO RNING O N A FRIDAY, and there’s a steady hum of activity at ECF Art Centers’ studio and gallery in downtown L.A. Jazz plays in the background as Jose Hernandez sits at his work station, intently putting the finishing touches on an acrylic of a yucca in bloom, one of several meticulously rendered paintings of desert plants. Across the high-ceilinged main room, Thomas Birdsong mulls over what to add to his series of bold portraits of musicians like Ray Charles and George Harrison. And in a space facing South Broadway, Christina Yoo has arrived ready to work on one of her impressionistic landscapes, assisted by resident instructor Barry Bridgwood.

The studio, one of five in the greater L.A. area, is driven by a singular ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL mission: to offer adults with developmental disabilities like autism, DISABILITIES FIND cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and intellectual challenges a supportive SPACE FOR CREATIVITY place to explore creative pursuits. The more than 200 artists that ECF AT ECF ART CENTERS serves annually aren't defined by their disabilities here—at this studio,

BY KELLY VENCILL SANCHEZ it’s all about the art. “People come to us because they’re interested in art or because they have a drive to make things,” says program director Adriane Mota. “We support their art regardless of what their abilities are.”

When the ECF Art Centers launched in 1968 as an offshoot of the nonprofit Exceptional Children’s Foundation in collaboration with the Otis Art Institute, there were no spaces where adults with developmental disabilities could receive art training. Now, some 50 years later, ECF’s studios open their doors for periodic “art crawls,” and artists can exhibit and sell their work in dedicated galleries. A number of ECF artists have appeared in local shows. In 2021, painter Vanessa McConnell, who’s been with ECF since 1983, was featured in a show at L.A. Municipal Art Gallery. “She wasn’t chosen because she’s an artist with a disability,” Mota emphasizes. “She was chosen because she’s an amazing artist.”

Each center operates like an open studio, providing work spaces, materials, instruction, and mentoring in all manner of creative expression, including drawing, painting, printmaking, woodworking, and ceramics to artists who range in age from 18 to 80. Some require support, such as help mixing paint colors or setting up their work areas, while others work independently. But Clockwise from upper left: Josh all are encouraged to follow and expand their Burwell teaches interests. Hernandez comes to ECF a couple of days screen painting to a week in addition to taking courses at L.A. Trade Cindy Miyashiro and Vanessa McConnell; Tech and interning at a fashion business. Of his work Jose Hernandez with at ECF, he says, “I do heavy research on what I want his acrylic of yucca to draw. I don’t just do plants. I also like to study in the downtown L.A. studio; painting scientific things and historical events,” he adds, by artist Willie taking a break from the yucca painting to show off Walls showcasing an illustrated sci-fi book he plans to update. his signature checkerboard “Everyone has their own ideas about what a patterns; and Darren good artist is,” says Mota. “We want people to Daughty holding open their minds about who can be an artist and artwork of a classic Nike sneaker what art can be.” artecf.org ■

8687 Melrose Avenue • West Hollywood, CA 90069

www.pacificdesigncenter.com

THE WEST COAST DESTINATION FOR GLOBAL DESIGN

A N EW GR I L L TA K E S F L I GH T With years of experience developing outdoor appliances for some of the top brands in the industry, Twin Eagles is now out on their own. This brand is driven by a pursuit of perfection: in stylish design, precision engineering, and unrivaled performance. They’re manufactured right here in Southern California. We’re excited to welcome Twin Eagles into our family of premium brands. See them in any of our 7 Southern California showrooms.

KITCHEN. BATH. OUTDOOR. www.pirch.com

JOLLA | SOLANABEACH BEACH || COSTA LA LA JOLLA | SOLANA COSTAMESA MESA| GLENDALE | GLENDALE RANCHO MIRAGE | MISSION VIEJO | LAGUNA DESIGN CENTER

RANCHO MIRAGE | MISSION VIEJO | LAGUNA DESIGN CENTER