Southbay Home I 2016

A publication of southbay magazine

OURSOUTHBAY.COM

Twenty-Sixteen

T E AK

WA R EHO USE wholesalers of

GOMMAIRE

Toni & Edge

TIKI

ZAMBEZI & CHICAGO

ROPE

SOHO GRANDE

ZAMBEZI

KINGSTON

GOMMAIRE

Curve Dining

GOMMAIRE

Danielle Dining Table GOMMAIRE GOMMAIRE

Joseph Set

Toni & Sophia

MORGAN

Be inspired like many others at the designs, variety and quality of thousands of outdoor furniture pieces for your outdoor space. Go shopping for classic, eclectic, modern, or organic styles, all of which we have brought to you from our many designers and artisans around the world. Visit our website or come see the largest showroom of in-stock, fully assembled outdoor furniture in the U.S.A. which is available for immediate delivery.

www.teakwarehouse.com

WHOLESALE OUTDOOR FURNITURE go shopping

CONTEMPO

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Teak Warehouse is a wholesaler and distributer open to the public, architects and the design industry. All pieces are delivered fully assembled.

Outdoor cushions as shown on deep seating are included in the pricing, so no hidden costs. 125,000 sq. ft. of assembled in-stock outdoor furniture including dining, casual tables, chairs, sun beds, deep seating, umbrellas, benches, homeware, accessories and more.

2653 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Only 3 Miles East of the M.B. Pier

310.536.8325

Our neighborhood, your home.

DARIN DERENZIS 310.418.6210

CALBRE#01760239

RANCHO PALOS VERDES | $6,499,000 | 6 BEDS | 9 BATHS

RICK EDLER 310.827.4333

CALBRE#01113145

PALOS VERDES ESTATES | $8,695,000 | 6 BEDS | 9 BATHS

PALOS VERDES ESTATES | $2,899,000 | 4 BEDS | 4.5 BATHS

PALOS VERDES ESTATES | $2,899,000 | 4 BEDS | 4.5 BATHS

W W W. E D L E R D E R E N Z I S . C O M

THE VILLAS AT TERRANEA Exclusive collection of exquisite seaside second homes on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

PRICING FROM $1,500,000 - $3,100,000

100 Terranea way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

BRE LICENSE #1774333

Become one of the privileged few who can call Terranea their own seaside sanctuar y for ever y season. Choose from 2, 3 and 4-bedroom Ocean Golf Villas, each with its own sweeping ocean and sunset views and gracious outdoor spaces perfect for a lifetime of entertaining family, friends and colleagues.

Call 310-265-2888 to schedule a private tour

T ERRANEA R EAL E STATE.COM

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BY APPOINTMENT | 310.378.6999 Wool & Silk, Hand Knotted

Discover Your Garden

Welcome to the South Coast Botanic Garden — An enduring community treasure for the South Bay area and beyond.

The South Coast Botanic Garden is an urban refuge, encompassing 87-acres and offers a wide variety of blooming trees, shrubs, and flowers all year.

Visit SCBGF.org for details and more events.

Let’s be friends

We provide a place of beauty, serenity, and learning for thousands of visitors each year. There are also many fun things to do throughout the seasons: plant sales, community celebrations, concerts, art exhibits, movie nights and the current Nature Connects exhibit - featuring 27 nature-themed sculptures crafted from LEGO® building blocks. Ⓒ

Ask about Family Memberships | (310) 544-1948 26300 Crenshaw Blvd.

Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

ALWAYS FIRST WITH WHAT’S NEXT

The Accademia Tub in Marmo Stone Grey by Teuco

Santa Monica 1399 Olympic Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90404

Pasadena 432 S. Arroyo Pkwy.

Pasadena, CA 91105

w w w. s n y d e r d i a m o n d . c o m

North Hollywood 12825 Vanowen St. North Hollywood, CA 91605

Financial coaching for the long game.

From draft day to retirement and beyond, your financial scoreboard is just as important as the one on the field.

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Assurance, tax, and consulting offered through Moss Adams LLP. Investment advisory and personal financial planning offered through Moss Adams Wealth Advisors LLC.

Jim Schlager MS, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, Principal

Add some indoor comfort to outdoor living.

Bring indoor comfort to an outdoor space with Infratech heating systems. With customized climate control and eco-friendly comfort for patios, terraces, verandas, pool decks and other indoor/outdoor spaces, our heating systems are available in a variety of color, finish, mounting and control options – including smart home integration. So go ahead, linger outdoors longer – together.

WWW.INFRATECH-USA.COM | 800-421-9455 2-YEAR WARRANTY | PROUDLY MADE IN USA

To learn more about our capabilities or view our gallery, please visit infratech-usa.com

CHAD HEITZLER FAHLBUSCH

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Proven Marketing Plans that Will Sell Your Home Top 1% of Realtors in Los Angeles County Luxury Home Listing Specialist Selling Homes from Manhattan Beach to Palos Verdes Over $625 Million in SouthBay Property Sold Since 2003

310.600.3555 | CHAD@SOUTHBAYCHAD.COM | WWW.SOUTHBAYCHAD.COM

I’m Wendi.

Wife. Friend.

Cancer kicker x2.

See why I ride at TourdePier.com

MAY 15, 2016 | MB PIER

2

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

The South Bay Auxiliary of Harbor Interfaith Services presents

The Second Annual

Evening of Laughter & Fun(d)raising Wednesday, May 4, 2016 e Liv on! cti Au

The Comedy & Magic Club Hermosa Beach Doors open 5:30 • Dinner 6:30 • Comedy Show 8:00 TICKETS: $100 (includes dinner and show) To buy tickets, go to: HISComedyClubEvent2.bpt.me

Opp ortu Draw nity ing!

Sponsorship opportunities are available!

For sponsorship info, to make a donation or for general questions, contact us at HISComedyEvent2016@gmail.com

RY

OF

HARBOR

IN

TE

RFA CE

TH

RV I

BAY

IT H S E

AUXIL IA

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

The mission of Harbor Interfaith Services (HIS) is to empower the homeless and working poor to achieve self-sufficiency by providing services such as emergency family shelter, childcare, food pantry, job placement, transitional housing, advocacy, education and life skills training. HIS is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 charitable organization.

S

SO

U

Happy Holidays from The Inman Team!

Thank you to our clients of Rolling Hills for making The Inman Team the #1 Team in Rolling Hills out of all agents and offices

Homes for sale By tHe inman team

INES IN C 10 R D OW A Y S

tHe inman team solD oVer 115 million Dollars in sales for 2014 & 2015

Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills This architectural masterpiece features

• • • •

5 bedrooms 8 bathrooms 10,288 sq. ft. a gourmet kitchen & Butler’s kitchen

• two family rooms • 15 seat movie theatre • all on 2.75 acres with a panoramic city light & queens necklace view.

LuxuryLivinginRollingHills.com

3535 Heroic Dr$6,450,000 ., rancHo Palos VerDes Beautiful remoDeleD Home witH oPen floor Plan anD Views! tHis Home features aPProx. 2,000 sq. ft. witH 4 BeDrooms, 2 BatHrooms anD an uPDateD kitcHen. tHe great room enjoys an inDoor outDoor firePlace anD tri-folDing la cantina Doors tHat makes for great inDoor outDoor entertaining. enjoy catalina Views from tHe large yarD witH Potential for a Pool. tHis Home is moVe in reaDy.

$1,349,000

Openbrand Road, Rolling Hills This classic ranch home features

• 5 bedrooms • 3.5 bathrooms • 4100+ sq. ft.

• a family room • remodeled gourmet kitchen • a loft that can be used as an office

• 3 car garage • city light view • pool

CharmingCountryEstate.com saDDleBack roaD, rolling Hills $2,995,000

tHis cHarming country Home features 4 BeDrooms, 3.5 BatHrooms witH aPProx. 3,800 sq. ft. of liVing sPace. tHe interior is sPacious witH an oPen floorPlan anD HigH ceilings. tHe liVing sPace flows to tHe Back Deck oVerlooking tHe BackyarD. tHis Home sits on 1 acre of all usaBle sPace anD incluDes a large Pool. tHe BackyarD is a great setting for entertaining witH Plenty of grass area tHat surrounDs tHe Pool anD tHe large Deck off tHe House.

Prime location witHin rolling Hills, close to tHe main gate.

We have off market properties available in Rolling Hills, $3,140,000 offered exclusively by The Inman Team.

Call 310.944.5554 for more information!

your soutHBay sPecialist

CONTACT@INMANTEAM.COM | (310) 944-5554 WWW.INMANTEAM.COM ROLLINGHILLSHOMES.COM

SECURING YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE Serving the South Bay since 1997.

CONCIERGE WEALTH MANAGEMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT TAX PLANNING ESTATE PLANNING

About Navigoe Family owned and operated by South Bay residents Largest Fee-Only Wealth Management Firm in the South Bay

info@navigoe.com

310-697-0400

navigoe.com

LI NE ST W IN G

LI NE ST W IN G

REPRESENTING PALOS VERDES’ FINEST HOMES & ESTATES FOR OVER 30 YEARS!

2990 Twin Harbors View, Rancho Palos Verdes

1413 Via Coronel, Palos Verdes Estates

4 bdrm | 4 bath | 3,888 sq ft | Lot Size 16,186 | $2,699,000 www.1413ViaCoronel.com

R P ED R U IC C E TI O N

$4,988,000 | 4 bedrooms | 6 baths | 6,208 sq ft | Lot size 12,644 www.2990TwinHarborsView.com

3300 Palos Verdes Dr. W., Rancho Palos Verdes

525 Palos Verdes Dr. W.

$10,800,000 | www.3300PalosVerdesDrWest.com

$3,199,000 | www.525PalosVerdesDriveWest.com

717 Via Bandini, Palos Verdes Estates

28043 Lobrook Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes

$2,299,000 | www.717ViaBandini.com

LILY LIANG Executive Vice President, Strand Hill Properties 550 Silver Spur Road, Suite 240, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 (310) 373-3333 | lily@lilyliang.com | www.lilyliang.com Cal BRE# 00837794

$1,999,000 | www.28043LobrookDr.com

WHO IS STRAND HILL PROPERTIES? Strand Hill / Christie’s International Real Estate is a boutique real estate brokerage with offices located in Manhattan Beach and Palos Verdes. Strand Hill is an exclusive global affiliate of the Christie’s International Real Estate network.

WHAT IS CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE? Established by James Christie nearly 250 years ago, Christie’s conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it is the world’s premier auction house and sets the standard for international art sales.

Supported by the esteemed art auction house, Christie’s International Real Estate is a global network offering exclusive home and luxury real estate services to buyers and sellers worldwide.

The Christie’s brand is instantly recognizable to clients and distinguishes your property from others.

We focus exclusively on luxury residential real estate and understand how to reach and serve discerning clientele. Along with this expertise, we offer you the tailored, trusted service that our clients have depended on for 250 years, collaboration with our auction house colleagues, and referrals from our network of the world’s top brokers.

Christie’s International Real Estate built its reputation on the rigorous selection of local brokerages. Our Affiliates are selected for their success in luxury property sales and their ability to meet strict standards of excellence. When awarded Affiliate status, they gain access to our global marketing programs, worldwide network of more than 1,350 affiliate offices and 32,000 agents across more than 47 countries, and the expertise of the Christie’s International Real Estate regional management teams.

STRAND HILL PROPERTIES 1131 Morningside Drive, 2nd Fl. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 +1 310 545 0707

550 Silver Spur Road, Suite 240 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 +1 310 541 6566

info@strandhillproperties.com www.strandhillproperties.com

CAL BRE #01968431

Your home should be a reflection of your life’s journey.

310.372.5552 W W W. M A I S O N LU X E H O M E . C O M SALES @ MAISO N LUXEH O M E.CO M

The “Luxe” in Maison Luxe is, in part, meant to reflect the wealth of experiences, knowledge, memories, and “lives led” that we all create through the years. In that spirit, Maison Luxe is not about our own specific design style, but rather about how best we can give you the home that best reflects your lifestyle, whether that be “beach chic”, “eclectic”, “contemporary”, “bohemian”, “traditional”, etc. We hope to earn your trust by being given the opportunity to work with you in creating lasting, timeless, and thoughtful interiors for the lives you lead.

U.S. Patent Pending © CAMBRIA 2016

THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA Bring the timeless majesty of Wales into your kitchen or bath with Cambria’s stunning Marble Collection.TM Discover our full palette of 126 elegant natural stone designs, including Brittanicca™ , at CambriaUSA.com.

Find your dream kitchen or bath at Custom Design & Construction.

BRITTANICCATM Marble CollectionTM

2001 E Mariposa Ave | El Segundo, CA 90245 310-815-4815

THE COOLEST NEW PLACE IN THE SOUTH BAY IS OPEN!

Come see why professional athletes, weekend warriors and those struggling with everyday ailments are turning to WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY!

CRY0 WAVE WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY

Open 7 days a week No appointments needed!

2001 North Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach 310-545-0406 www.cryowavecenters.com

Selling the South Bay Since 1979 NW REAL ESTATE BROKERS, INC.

WWW.NWREBROKERS.COM | 310.546.3468

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | INCOME PROPERTY SALES | LEASING | DEVELOPMENT

We’re Making Loans.

Call us today.

Premier offers innovative banking solutions for business owners and real estate investors. We’re flexible, creative and open-minded in our approach to financing. Plus, we make all loan decisions locally and quickly – real estate loans, business loans, construction loans and SBA loans.

Below is a sampling of recent loans funded.

LONG BEACH

SAN JOSE

CHATSWORTH

SBA 7(a) Landmark Building

SBA 7(a) Start-Up/Medical

Commercial RE Purchase Office/Industrial Warehouse

$5,000,000

$3,000,000

$2,000,000

REDONDO BEACH

LONG BEACH

PALOS VERDES ESTATES

SBA 7(a) Retail

Real Estate Purchase 8 Unit Apartment Building

Revolving Line of Credit Real Estate Investments

$250,000

$1,000,000

$1,800,000

CAMARILLO

LOS ANGELES

RANCHO PALOS VERDES

SBA 7(a) Craft Brewery

Revolving Line of Credit Commercial RE Investments

Real Estate Loan Purchase Investment Property

$667,000

$2,500,000

$1,300,000 Downtown LA – Headquarters 213-689-4800 South Bay Loan Center 310-540-4250

SBA

We’re here to help you succeed.

Preferred Lender

Palos Verdes Branch 310-698-8400 Malaga Cove Branch Opening May 2016

ibankpremier.com

NEW LISTING FROM

LUXURIOUS BEACH LIVING 132 28TH STREET, HERMOSA BEACH

PERFECT COMBINATION OF LUXURIOUS BEACH LIVING WITH EAST COAST CHARM LOCATED IN THE HEART OF PRIME NORTH HERMOSA 3 houses from the Strand | Ocean views | 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bath + office | 3803 square feet | Built in 2008 Gourmet kitchen with Wolf range and Sub-Zero Pro 48 Top of the line amenities throughout including roof top deck, A/C and dumbwaiter

OFFERED AT $4,500,000

2015

TOP PRODUCER

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

JENNIFER CARAS Realtor ®, CalBRE#01466213

d 310.367.9129 | o 310.546.7611 x357 Jennifer.Caras@VistaSIR.com | VistaSIR.com 1144 Highland Avenue Manhattan Beach, California 90266

M A N H AT TA N B E AC H

Shop

Dine

Play

DowntownManhattanBeach.com

Stay

Residential and Commercial Design

www.nielsendye.com

info@nielsendye.com Jared Sayers GROUP PUBLISHER

Darren Elms EDITORAL DIRECTOR

Michelle Villas ART DIRECTOR

EDITORIAL DESIGNERS | Christine Georgiades, Elena Lacey COPY EDITOR | Laura Watts

Douglas Dye and Philip Nielsen each bring over 25 years of design experience to their firm

NIELSEN

DYE DESIGN, INC.

Whether you need us to design

a residential or commercial project, all will be exquisitely crafted, unique and individual with timeless relevance.

Visit us at www.nielsendye.com or call 310-546-7675

CONTRIBUTORS Joe Baker, Siri Berting, Brent Broza, Carol de Miranda, Lori Ford, Suzanna Cullen Hamilton, Amber Klinck, Manolo Langis, Jennie Nunn, Shane O’Donnell, Pam Parkinson, Noelle Parks, Gail Phinney, Lauren Pressey, Jen Siska

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Erika Carrion | 310-897-2424 | erika@moontidemedia.com Marcie Gutierrez | 310-947-5404 | marcie@moontidemedia.com Derek Poole | 310-266-3846 | derek@moontidemedia.com Victoria Vande Vegte | 760-705-7250 | victoria@moontidemedia.com

MARKETING & OPERATIONS PARTNER, BRAND PUBLISHER | Emily Stewart Baker BRAND PUBLISHER | Hannah Lee ASSOCIATE BRAND PUBLISHER | Cherice Tatum DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL | Charles Simmons MARKETING MANAGER | Rachel Gotko SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER | Danielle Price OPERATIONS MANAGER | Allison Jeackjuntra BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CONSULTANT | Karina Aguiar

Charles C. Koones MANAGING PARTNER

Todd Klawin MANAGING PARTNER

No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Moon Tide Media, LLC. Any and all submissions to this or any Moon Tide Media, LLC publication become the property of Moon Tide Media, LLC and may be used in any media. We reserve the right to edit.

TO OUR READERS Southbay HOME Magazine welcomes your feedback and reaction to our magazine and stories. Please send your letters to: Reader Response Department, Southbay HOME Magazine, PO Box 3760, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Please include your name and address and email address in case we need to contact you. Letters may be published.

We reserve the right to edit.

Downtown Los Angeles Project 2016

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe by email: info@moontidemedia.com or phone: 310-376-7800.

Subscriptions are $29 per year. Single copies are available at newsstands and other magazine outlets throughout the Los Angeles area.

200 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Suite 110 • El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel 310-376-7800 • Fax 310-376-0200 MoonTideMedia.com | OurSouthBay.com

38

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

Unobstructed, panoramic views from Malibu to DTLA and beyond! Over 10,200 square feet on 2.75 acres in Rolling Hills. $5,999,000

Chris Adlam 310.493.7216 www.chrisadlam.com

Brand NEW construction in Palos Verdes Estates with stunning, panoramic city lights, ocean and Queen’s Necklace views! Over 4,000 square feet, 5 bedrooms and a large, flat backyard too! $4,998,000.

ED ITO R ’ S L E T T ER

CO N T R I B U TO R S

LORI FORD

SIRI BERTING

AMBER KLINCK

WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHER

WRITER

Lori is a South Bay

Siri is a commercial kids

A Colorado girl turned

native with a serious

lifestyle photographer

SoCal beach bum,

case of wanderlust.

whose clients include

Amber currently works

CHANGE IS GOOD

She and her husband,

The Land of Nod and

in LA as a freelance

Will, own and operate

Mattel. She lives in Man-

writer. With a love of

Gum Tree Shop & Cafe

hattan Beach with her

the little details, she

How comfortable are you with change? Are you the type to

and Gum Tree Kids in

husband, Jeff, and their

has a strong passion

pick up and move the moment you’re feeling antsy, or do

Hermosa Beach. Lori is

two young kids. When

for story. When not

you lay down roots and stick around for the long haul? Are

passionate about her

she is not working on

chasing after her young

you more inclined to choose a room configuration and style

family, travel, beautiful

her Instagram account

daughter, she can be

and then settle in, or would you rather repaint and reuphol-

things, small business,

she can be found push-

found tapping away at

ster to the latest trend? I tend to fall into the latter category.

great food and giving

ing a stroller around

her computer in search

back. gumtreela.com

town. siriberting.com

of inspiration.

Personally, I love to mix it up … and as often as possible. While I don’t change locations nearly as often as my younger days (I’ve counted at least 10 separate address in 15 years of Los Angeles living), I do enjoy a good refresh on my space.

While I can afford to just switch out a sofa every season, I’ve learned over the years to design smarter. Instead of buying a large piece of furniture in a style or color that I’ll surely sour on in a year’s time, I steer toward quality: classic items in a neutral palette with some lasting power. Then I mix and match the throws, pillows, linens, accessories to give my spaces a fresh look every six months or so. Less money. Less guilt. More opportunities to satisfy my home

NOELLE PARKS

LAUREN PRESSEY

JENNIE NUNN

décor addiction.

STYLE CURATOR

PHOTOGRAPHER

WRITER

Noelle is among

Lauren has been

California–based free-

in the mood for an update, this issue comes packed with

Manhattan Beach’s

photographing South

lance writer Jennie is a

inspiring ideas right from the homes of locals like your-

most prominent in-

Bay children and

former editor at mag-

self. The homeowners featured on these pages all created

terior designers and

their families since

azines including 7x7,

beautiful dwellings to reflect their personal tastes and

leads one of the most

2006. She strives to

California Home+De-

styles. We love everything from the cool blue coastal vibes

successful and versa-

capture her subjects

sign and most recently

of the Manhattan Beach cottage to the funky pops of color

tile full-service design

honestly and artfully

Sunset. A Palos Verdes

and décor in one of the homes selected for this year’s Palos

firms in the South Bay.

and loves the Southern

native, her work has

Verdes Home Tour.

Specializing in custom

California landscape

appeared in publica-

How often do you change up your living space? If you’re

residential homes,

she gets to work with.

tions including The San

for spring and summer. Enjoy our sneak peek into these

“Eclectic” and “exceptional” nicely sum up our selections

Noelle delivers a

A resident of Hermosa

Francisco Chronicle,

wonderfully realized South Bay homes.

limitless range of style.

Beach and mother of

AFAR, Destination Wed-

Her glamorous, natural

two, she can often be

dings & Honeymoons, C

And if you’re properly motivated to make the design leap yourself, we hope you’ll peruse the designers, architects,

balance can be enjoyed

found traveling with

Magazine, The Houston

builders and more featured in our Design Showcases. The

daily in the Noelle Inte-

camera in hand, docu-

Chronicle, San Francis-

South Bay offers some of the top talent in the country. If your

riors Design House—a

menting the craziness

co Magazine, Luxe In-

home is a castle, make sure you’re working with the best.

lovely, seaside store-

that is her little family.

teriors+Design and The

front in downtown Manhattan Beach.

—DARREN ELMS, EDITOR

40

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

Hollywood Reporter.

Avery bed, $1699, Graham tables, $ 599 each; Profile frames, $ 89 each.

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Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (888) 789-8393 • (310) 712-2349

SEIA SIGNATURE ESTATE & INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC ®

www.SEIA.com LOS A NGEL E S • OR A NGE COU N T Y • R E DONDO BE ACH • PA SA DENA • V IRGI NI A Registered Representative/Securities offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SPIC, 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90067, (310) 712-2323.

SEIA, LLC and its investment advisory services are offers independent of Signator Investors, Inc. and any subsidiaries or affiliates. CA INS. LICENSE # 0ES5966.

INSIDE FEATURES

48

NATURAL SELECTION

An acclaimed architect helps reinvent a Manhattan Beach residence for a young couple and their two children.

62

MINDING THE GAP A Palos Verdes Estates interior designer and vintage art dealer designs the perfect home spanning three generations.

76

INSIDE OUT The busy schedule of one Manhattan Beach family inspires them to build an outdoor space that brings everyone together.

86

A CHANGE OF SCENERY A couple says goodbye to their family home and hello to the beach house they’ve always wanted.

102

THE UNEXPECTED REVEALED As the Palos Verdes Home Tour celebrates 30 years, three featured homes uncover design diversity on the Peninsula.

114

COAST TO COAST A 20-year local weaves her Northeastern style into her family’s Manhattan Beach abode.

62

114

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

43

INSIDE ALSO 47

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

98

This & that

58

SHADES OF THE SOUTH BAY

Floors ... and more floors

110 CURATED Palos Verdes Modern at

Designers’ paint picks

70 ESSENTIALS Spring gleaning

72 ARTISAN Hollywood Bowl

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Palos Verdes Art Center

112 MEDIA

Modern masters

122 TRAVEL Paris by design

bench upcycling

84 ESSENTIALS Pool party

96 ARTISANS Indian Pink Pillows

96

ON THE COVER Khurana residence, photographed by Manolo Langis

44

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

122

AND… 131 DESIGN SHOWCASE The South Bay’s Top Home Professionals

Terranea is a land unto itself. A land with its own culture and way of life.

A land where good food and good company lead to good times.

Come discover a land not far away.

For reservations, call 855.416.3928 or visit Terranea.com.

Breast Cancer & Breast Reconstruction Education Event Thursday, April 21st, 2016

6pm-8pm

Refreshments Will Be Served Awaken Aesthetics 23441 Madison St., Suite 130, Torrance, CA 90505

One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 3 minutes in the United States. For some, treatment is a full or partial mastectomy, but studies show many women are unaware of their surgical and reconstructive options.

Dennis R. Holmes, MD, FACS

Join Dr. Dennis R. Holmes (Breast Cancer Surgeon) & Dr. Perry H. Liu (Breast Reconstructive Surgeon) as they discuss the full spectrum of surgical and reconstructive options available to help women make more informed decisions about their treatment.

Perry H. Liu, MD, FACS

Please RSVP by Friday, April 15th, 2016 (310) 791-2233 or via e-mail: inquiry@awakenyoureyes.com www.awakenaesthetics.com

FI R S T I M P R E S S I O N S

THIS & THAT

Palos Verdes designer Carol de Miranda dreams up two visions of an epic entryway.

EDITED BY JENNIE NUNN PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

WELL-TRAVELED ECLECTIC “Displaying things from your travels is always a great way to give your home a personality. The mirrored elephant is a treasured piece from my trip to Thailand. I was also drawn to the silver deer heads for modern lines. The Moroccan stool adds warmth and an old-world feel for the perfect conversation starter. Pairing that with the Moroccan, a more contemporary piece makes for a unique blend of classic and modern.”

GET THE LOOK

S Y D N E Y D E S K , $ 8 9 9 , N I N A M I R R O R , $ 3 4 9 , C A P R I S E TA B L E L A M P S , $ 1 9 9 E A C H , P A R K E R N E S T I N G TA B L E S , $ 2 4 9 ; A L L AT Z G A L L E R I E AT D E L A M O F A S H I O N C E N T E R , Z G A L L E R I E . C O M . D E E R B O O K E N D S , $ 1 5 ; H O M E G O O D S AT P L A Z A E L S E G U N D O , H O M E G O O D S .

C O M . M O R O C C A N S T O O L , $ 5 0 0 ; A R H A U S AT D E L A M O F A S H I O N C E N T E R , A R H A U S . C O M . S U C C U L E N T, $ 3 5 ; P A L O S V E R D E S F L O R I S T, P A L O S V E R D E S F L O R I S T. C O M . V I N TA G E B O O K , $ 5 E A C H ; P A L O S V E R D E S T H R I F T S TO R E .

BEACH CHIC “I am always inspired by living in the South Bay, and the ocean is a constant source of beauty and innovation. I also enjoy finding vintage pieces throughout my design trips. I love the organic lines and reflective layers of the Sequoia console from Z Gallerie.

I wanted to mix in natural elements from the sea with the coral.

The abstract sailboat art was a vintage find, and I love the colors and geometric lines.”

GET THE LOOK

S E Q U O I A C O N S O L E , $ 9 9 9 , A D D I S O N L A M P, $ 2 5 0 , Q U A R T Z C R Y S TA L , $ 3 5 ; A L L AT Z G A L L E R I E AT D E L A M O F A S H I O N C E N T E R , Z G A L L E R I E . C O M . T U R Q U O I S E VA S E , $ 3 5 ; H O M E G O O D S AT P L A Z A EL SEGUNDO, HOMEGOODS.COM.

For more on Carol’s interior design work, visit demirandadesign.com.

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SELECTION

An acclaimed Los Angeles architect helps reinvent a Manhattan Beach residence for a young couple and their two children, while incorporating a Japanese display concept with her own natural spin.

WRITTEN BY JENNIE NUNN | PHOTOGRAPHED BY MANOLO LANGIS

hen Mona and Sanjay Khurana first spotted their home in Manhattan Beach 2½ years ago, it wasn’t at all what they envisioned as their dream house. “It was a Mexican contemporary style, and it was painted purple, red and yellow,” says Mona, a software engineer. “It was very compartmentalized and all closed off.”

The couple, who at the time were living in Marina del Rey, were drawn

principal of SUBU Design Architecture, whose projects include a private horse ranch in Los Olivos, a Beverly Hills residence and La Serena Villas in Palm Springs.

“It’s an urban lot, and we tried to integrate every inch,” says May of the resort-like, 6,000-square-foot home featuring a kids playroom (a converted space from the former garage), a pool house, an outdoor swimming pool, a large master suite with a living roof, and a small

to the home’s large, 0.2-acre lot, sweeping views of Malibu and down-

putting green. “It was about learning how they live as a family with two

town, and close proximity to schools for their two children.

children. Home is their haven. It’s an anchor of beauty, joy and stability,

“The bones of the home were good and it was extremely well-lit and sunny, but the home itself didn’t fit our aesthetic style. The layout of

and reflects Mona and Sanjay’s dream.”

For the major overhaul, weekly meetings were held between May,

the home wasn’t ideal for a family of four with two small children,” adds

Mona and Suzanne Ascher of Waterleaf Interiors (Sanjay was hands-

Sanjay, a spine surgeon. “We had an intuitive feeling that, with the right

on with all of the technical components such as speakers, televisions

inspiration, we could transform this home into a beachy, warm, modern,

and audio /visual) to decide on components such as an open floor plan,

well-lit and kid-friendly home.”

large windows, French oak floors, furnishings, palette and a sculptural

After a series of “designer tryouts”—design presentations from various architects—the couple hired Pacific Palisades–based architect May Sung,

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staircase that leads from downstairs to the upstairs master suite and children’s rooms.

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SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

“Before, they had this utilitarian staircase,” adds May of the large spiral

tion process. “Part of the concept is borrowed by the Japanese idea of

staircase that acts as a natural partition between the living room and

tokonoma—the idea that there is always a display area or a decorative

dining room and kitchen areas. “It’s a sculptural form that brings the eye

scene to anchor each room. Except I used natural elements such as a

up, and it tells a story.”

green wall or a green roof to infuse that idea.”

In the kitchen, May create a kid-friendly yet glamorous space with

For these natural elements, May created a master suite with a living

durable, stain-resistant quartzite for the countertops, a mercury glass

roof and an indoor/outdoor meditation room featuring a living wall, a

hood, smoky-hued glass pendant lamps, and a hammered aluminum

living roof and a large cast sculpture: Lignum Spire #3 by Seth Kaufman.

dining table paired with plaid, upholstered benches for craft projects

“I love the master,” adds Mona, who initially spotted one of Kaufman’s

prepared by the children. “At first I was like, ‘I don’t know about a mer-

similar sculptures on The Strand in Hermosa Beach and loved it so much

cury glass hood, it’s kind of 1970s, but now I love it,” adds Mona.

she told May, who was serendipitously able to procure it. “You can kind

In the living room and seating areas, a neutral, grey-and-white palette serves as a canvas for large, colorful artwork and objects and a natural-hued seafoam fan that resides above the fireplace.

May, also influenced by Japanese concept Tokonoma (display areas)

of see the Hollywood sign, and it feels like an extension of the bedroom.

It’s like going away to a hotel, and it’s so Zen.” In addition to creating a serene space that fit all of their functional needs, the couple also had other important criteria: to have plenty of

wanted to create a space at the entry to showcase the couple’s large,

space for entertaining friends, room for the kids to play and hosting

marble Ganesh commissioned and hand-carved by an L.A. sculptor.

pool parties. In the backyard, landscaped by Manhattan Beach’s Rob

“I love how she brought in herself to the house, and we must have

Jones, Astroturf replaces traditional grass and frames the rectangu-

looked at 20 different Ganeshes,” adds May, referring to Mona’s selec-

lar-shaped outdoor swimming pool.

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Adjacent to the pool is a pool house with radiant heated concrete floors, a large-screen television, sofas and pocket doors. “We have pool parties almost every weekend,” says Mona. “People who come over ask, ‘Where could you possibly go on vacation that would be better than this?’”

Now Mona and Sanjay can’t imagine living anywhere else. “Since we saw it being built, there was never that moment when you see the house for the first time,” adds Mona. “We already felt at home before we moved in, and it always felt very familiar and comfortable because for two years we saw it maturing. On weekends we used to bring the kids over, and they would play pretend like they were coming down for breakfast after sleeping in their new room or watching TV in the family room. And so when we moved in, it fit very natural for them.”

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“ We already felt at home before we moved in, and it always felt very familiar and comfortable because for two years we saw it maturing.”

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May also admits it was a true labor of love. “I miss it,” she says. “It’s like having a baby when you’re in the process and there sometimes twice a week. The whole idea is the lifestyle and creating an oasis. But there are still so many spaces where the kids can run around. Now I’m so surprised what it looked like before. When we finished and were photographing the house, a neighbor walked by and said, ‘Oh my god, I love this house. It changes the whole street.’”

“We love our new home,” adds Sanjay. “Not a day goes by where we don’t appreciate nuances that make this home warm, functional and beautiful. Every morning there is a lot of gratitude for what we have.” n

[ THE COLLABORATORS ] MAY SUNG, AIA, SUBU DESIGN | ARCHITECTURE, SUBUDA.COM SUZANNE ASCHER, WATERLEAF INTERIORS, WATERLEAFINTERIORS.COM ROB JONES, JONES LANDSCAPES, JONESLANDSCAPESLA.COM

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more

connections

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ColdwellBankerHomes.com ColdwellBankerHomes.com ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International® and the Coldwell Banker Previews International Logo, are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

S H A D E S O F T H E S O U T H BAY

PAINT THE TOWN

READY FOR A PALETTE REFRESH? SOUTH BAY INTERIOR DESIGNERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE SHADES FOR THIS SPRING/SUMMER SEASON.

PHIL NORMAN, NORMAN DESIGN GROUP ALASKAN SKIES 927 BENJAMIN MOORE

REBECCA FOSTER, REBECCA FOSTER DESIGN BORROWED LIGHT NO. 235 FARROW & BALL

“This is a great blue that works so great at the beach. It isn’t overpowering, and it changes depending on the light—just like the sky.”

BEST FOR: ceilings, cabinet and bedrooms WHITE DOVE OC-17 BENJAMIN MOORE

“This is a perfect white when you don’t want something too cool. It is a warm shade that works well next to greys, beiges and even other whites. It is my go-to when someone wants a non-stark white-white.”

BEST FOR: trim, cabinets and ceilings

“This neutral color offers warm undertones that look great with today’s coastal interiors. Pairs nicely with warm wood tones and coastal blues and greys.”

BEST FOR: family room, hallway or entry DUNE WHITE 968 BENJAMIN MOORE

“This is my go-to trim and millwork color in coastal homes where I want a fresh yet warm and inviting interior. It offers a nice balance of creamy undertones without going too yellow or becoming too stark and cold.”

BEST FOR: kitchen, hallway or entry

CAROLINE BURKE, CAROLINE BURKE DESIGNS NORTH SEA GREEN 2053-30 BENJAMIN MOORE

“This is perfect for those not afraid of color! This is a deep teal color that is sophisticated but a nice punch of rich color. This color is like being in a deep blue ocean.”

BEST FOR: powder room, art walls or guest room ST. LUCIA TEAL 683 BENJAMIN MOORE

“It’s simply a beautiful color … a sophisticated, soothing blue green. A feel-good color.”

BEST FOR: living room or master bedroom

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S H A D E S O F T H E S O U T H BAY

SHANNA SHRYNE, SHANNA SHRYNE DESIGN GREENS SW 6748 SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

NADIA ELGRABLY, NADIA DESIGNS HEAD OVER HEELS AF-250 BENJAMIN MOORE

“This soft blush color gives a flattering soft glow to a room.”

BEST FOR: powder room, guest room and ladies’ retreat MOUNT SAINT ANNE 1565 BENJAMIN MOORE

“This hue offers a coastal, elegant blend of seascape, waves and beach to envelop your senses.”

BEST FOR: master suite and guest bedroom

“Emerald green is certainly not a new color to add to a room, but each time it gets the spotlight it gets everyone excited. It’s a luxurious pop of color to add to any accent wall or a statement piece of furniture, and it seems to bring life to a room the same way a plant does. Even in abundance, this color can be very calming.”

BEST FOR: living room, entry, accent wall or on a statement piece of furniture CERISE SW 6580 SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

“This is a very bold, saturated color that is powerful and a lot more versatile than people may think.

Magenta is a great color that helps bring out personality and is a fun color that adds a lot of pep to space. Magentas or reddish-pinks can work wonders to modernize a traditional living room and can add energy to a dining room, especially in furnishings or art.”

KIMBERLY COLLETTI, KCM STUDIO CLOUD WHITE OC-130 BENJAMIN MOORE

“This color has the perfect gallery effect as a backdrop for art.

The color transforms with the lighting throughout the day.

Crisp and clean to soft and romantic at night, capturing hues from the outside.”

BEST FOR: ceilings and display walls WORSTED NO. 284 FARROW & BALL

“My new obsession.

Dreamy in an intimate space and accented with a lighter trim.”

BEST FOR: bedroom and dining room

BEST FOR: bedroom, living room and dining room

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

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Minding The Gap A Rolling Hills Estates–based interior designer and vintage art dealer designs the perfect home spanning three generations for her children and widowed father.

WRITTEN BY JENNIE NUNN | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEN SISKA & SIRI BERTING

N

early three years ago, a divorce and the loss of her mother led Palos Verdes native Anna Hackathorn—along with her two children— to join households with Anna’s father, Tom Hackathorn, a retired veterinarian.

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“My dad was retiring and was moving from our childhood home. We started talking about it, and it seemed like a really good solution and just made sense,” says Anna, a Palos Verdes High School graduate.

Anna worked for lauded designer Michael S. Smith for several years before founding a company with interior designer Schuyler Samperton. She operated that business for four years before launching her own firm and vintage art company a few years ago.

“We had really specific needs and wanted lots of space with parking and a yard. I love all of the trees, and I just love that it feels like you’re in the country here. I lived all over the place—like New Orleans, Telluride, Paris and New York—and it’s not like I always planned on coming back here. But then when I had kids, I thought, ‘This is perfect, and it’s such a nice place to raise them.’”

After settling on a 2,600-square-foot, 1950s ranchstyle house situated along a bridle path in Rolling Hills Estates, Anna came up with the design ideas and enlisted builder/contractor Jeffrey W. Lewis as well as Keith Johnson of Pritzkat & Johnson Architects to help with the structural details. To make the four-bedroom house their own, Anna revamped the kitchen with a light, sage-green hue—Mizzle by Farrow & Ball—and a large, butcher-block island.

They revamped the outdoor deck and converted the garage into her art studio and warehouse, where she keeps more than 500 pieces (some framed and some unframed)—spanning 1800s traditional art to 20th-century contemporary modern paintings. “I buy stuff that catches my eye,” says Anna, who is now focusing more on one-hour design consultations and has done several Tastemaker Tag Sales for One Kings Lane.

“I don’t think that that many people know that it’s an option to have a one-hour consultation, and it’s so beneficial and people get so much good information. It’s such a great way to get jumpstarted,” she says. “I want my art and design process to feel approachable for people who are either scared of making design mistakes or spending too much money and end up doing nothing because they are paralyzed. I try to do blog tutorials about how to hang all different kinds of art in all different kinds of rooms.”

For the large, cozy living room, Anna selected a large coffee table from Restoration Hardware, two dark blue sofas ideal for the family’s two black Labrador retrievers, Archie and Wiki, and family heirlooms. “We really mixed stuff from my house in Redondo Beach and antiques from my parents’ house that my parents had been

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“I want my art and design process to feel approachable for people who are either scared of making design mistakes or spending too much money and end up doing nothing because they are paralyzed.�

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collecting for years. We just kind of blended stuff that I have collected

In her own bedroom, Anna incorporated her favorite colors: blue and

over time from flea markets and their European antiques with my beach,

green with orange accents. “I usually lean toward blues and greens,

bamboo, tropical kind of stuff,” says Anna.

and I like patterns and have always been drawn to beachy, islandy

Now the house has her personal stamp with sentimental pieces from her late mother, family photos and a chalkboard wall for doodling and drawing in the hallway between her son’s and daughter’s rooms.

In her daughter’s room, cheerful orange, blush pink and hot pink

seascapes,” she says. She points to 12 of her favorite flea market finds: framed watercolors by artist Lisbeth “Bet” Reed.

Her bed is upholstered in a global-inspired, deep blue and emerald Blue 4 fabric by Muriel Brandolini and topped with Kantha quilts from

paper lanterns and bunting are festooned from the ceiling, while two

India. A built-in desk is paired with a bamboo chair. “I’ve always like

twin beds with hot pink upholstered headboards reside alongside a

bamboo and the California, beachy vibe mixed with antiques,” she adds.

bamboo side table and a large, handmade painting with pink and blue

It’s evident after almost three years that Anna, along with her father

paint made with friends on her 7th birthday. “She always wanted a pink

and children, have all settled right in. “My dad loves cooking for the kids

bedroom, and she’s an owl fan,” adds Anna of the original owl painting

[her daughter’s favorite is his pancakes], and as a working mom, it’s so

found at a flea market.

nice to have extra helping hands. We’re really a team with the kids,” she

Down the hall in her son’s room is a framed three hockey jerseys worn

says. “I think it’s a good influence on the kids to be around their grand-

by Anna’s great-grandfather Norman Alexander Dutton. She used an

father—to have an older generation and to have that layered experience.

old, industrial-style desk culled from the Chelsea Flea Market and that

I kind of feel like the multigenerational thing is how it should be, and it’s

was once in her apartment in New York.

nice. It made a lot of sense, and for now it works.” n

[ THE COLLABORATORS ] ANNA HACKATHORN, INTERIOR DESIGNER, ARTSANDHOMES.COM JEFFREY LEWIS, BUILDER AND CONTRACTOR, JEFFREYWLEWIS.COM KEITH JOHNSON, PRITZKAT & JOHNSON ARCHITECTS, PJAINC.COM

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2. Mandarin Duck paddle, $300; Derek Billings Designs, derekbillings.com 3. The Pyramid Mirror by Bower, $1,275;

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Lawson-Fenning, lawsonfenning.com 4. Hex Crossroads heavy tile, price upon request; Popham Tile, pophamdesign.com 5. Green Thumb Pure Linen tea towel, $30; Sir/ Madam, shopsirmadam.com

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6. Large hanging plant pot in coral/blue, $37; Sunnylife, sunnylife.com 7. Trowel in green /orange, $26, Sunnylife, sunnylife.com 8. Portola Bargello orange pillow, $150, Trina Turk, trinaturk.com 7

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A RT I SA N

BOWLED OVER

TORRANCE-BASED JULIE HIRTZEL GIVES RECLAIMED BENCH LUMBER FROM THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL A SECOND CHANCE AT STARDOM. INTERVIEWED BY DARREN ELMS PHOTOGRAPHED BY PAM PARKINSON & JULIE HIRTZEL

How did you get access to all this amazing wood from the Hollywood Bowl?

Sometimes everything just falls into place at the right time. My brother Neal’s construction company, Elliott / Drinkward Construction, Inc., landed the job to replace the iconic bench seats at the Hollywood Bowl in 2014. At this time I was working in the construction office, and my boys were working at the Bowl taking out the old seats. As the wood piled up in the parking lot, my brother’s wife suggested it might have historic value. After a few twists and turns, the construction company was allowed to purchase the lumber.

Load after load was trucked away and stored. Elliott / Drinkward Construction researched different avenues to take with wood and finally decided to sell it to a reclaimed lumber distributor. He showed up with a different payment than negotiated, and the deal did not go through.

Meanwhile my son and I had been crafting some furniture that generated quite a bit of interest from friends and family. Neal asked if I would like to be part owner and president of a furniture company. The perfect adventure was handed to me, and I gratefully accepted. The rest is history.

So glad it fell into your hands. What inspired you to create furniture pieces out of this historic lumber?

My youngest son, who loves product design JULIE AT WORK ON A NEW PIECE

of all types, crafted a coffee tabletop one day.

We ordered some legs for it, and our New Angeleno line was born. Next I made a desk and

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A RT I SA N

bench for myself. Soon friends were asking for pieces, and it grew from there.

Did you have a background in furniture design prior to this project?

Not unless you call reading design magazines, window-shopping in off-the-grid furniture stores and perusing Pinterest a background in furniture design! My road to furniture design has been slow and meandering.

When I was little my dad was a carpenter and my mom refinished antiques. They were resourceful and innovative people. I was freely allowed and encouraged to use tools, paints— anything I wanted—from a very young age.

When I needed a desk, I made it. I took wood shop and made my mom a telephone table.

After marrying, I began restyling and repurposing furniture with gusto. More pieces of furniture have been painted white by my hands than I care to admit! Changing out furniture is a pastime in my house.

This past year has found me diving deeper into the world of design. Because of my lack

GET THE LOOK

of formal training, I liken my furniture to folk art—utilitarian art created by laboring tradespeople. Honestly, I can’t think of a job I would

C O N TA C T J U L I E AT H B A R T I S A N @ YA H O O . C O M O R V I S I T O N L I N E AT H B A R T I S A N . C O M .

enjoy more than this one. tight-knot, old-growth Alaskan yellow cedar

fond memories of nights spent under the stars.

How much time does it take to create one of

is covered in pollution, wine and so, so much

Douglas fir from your local do-it-yourself

these pieces?

gum. Through much trial and error, I was able

store just can’t claim that. In short, upcycling

It depends. Usually about two weeks. I have

to develop a process where we leave about

is good for the economy, great for the earth,

three young, local adults working for me now.

70% of the original patina. To do this we must

aesthetically pleasing and, well, fun.

Orlando meticulously builds, Eden artfully fin-

wash the wood, chisel off the pounds of gum

ishes and Eli adeptly helps with multiple areas of

(sometimes we can smell the flavor!), sand the

Agreed. Can you request a special order?

the business. In addition I have a local steel fab-

stains, chemically age the sanded area and

Yes!

ricator who crafts legs and bases for HB Artisan.

apply a very light faux finish over the sanded,

All of them are quite talented at what they do.

aged area. Finally, we use a wipe-on poly to

You grew up in the South Bay, right?

It is very important to me that our pieces

seal the wood from future stains and to give

I had the privilege of growing up in Redondo

achieve a level of craftsmanship that is difficult

it a finished look. So it takes a lot of work to

Beach and living in Torrance for the past 20

to achieve with reclaimed lumber. Working

make our wood just right!

years. The South Bay is my home. I love wan-

with reclaimed lumber is a dance and a war.

dering the world, but truly there is nowhere

The process never goes completely as expect-

Shows in your work. Why is it important

like the South Bay. I am thankful to be from

ed. I don’t want the pieces to look unfinished

to upcycle?

this wonderful place

or über-rustic, so it takes some work. We have

It’s just better. Really. Take my company for

a detailed, partly secret process to make our

example. Old wood is better—not only be-

wood look as it does in its natural state with its

cause of the beautiful patina but because it

of attending the Hollywood Bowl.

stunning patina.

was allowed to grow to maturity, which makes

Like many Angelenos, I have had some great

it stronger. It grew in the U.S.; it was used by

nights at the Bowl. More than any particular

that ages to grey. I decided early on that it is

countless people at the Bowl for many years.

concert, I would have to say what stands out

important for the wood to look like it does at

And now it is being repurposed into furniture

to me is the design. The way it sits on the

the Bowl, which means we cannot sand it all

that will last for many years to come.

hillside—under the stars, surrounded by wealth

Alaskan yellow cedar is one of the few woods

down. When sanded, the wood is yellow. When

Being local, you must have special memories

No trees are being cut down. No landfills

and poverty and freeways and hiking trails and

stained, it picks up a lot of black in the yellow,

are being inundated. The lumber is not being

everything that is Los Angeles—intrigues me to

reminiscent of burned wood in the ‘70s. So why

shipped thousands of miles. This wood is pro-

no end. I have come to appreciate and love the

not just leave the wood as it is?

viding jobs for our local economy. The history

fact that, unlike many places, the Bowl is for

of it brings joy to the consumer as they recall

everyone. n

Well, most of this beautifully aged, historic,

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

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The busy schedule of one Manhattan Beach family inspires them to build an outdoor space that brings everyone together.

WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING

When Larisa and John Plaga purchased their

and games, and weekdays with practice and

hang out, so we’d have everyone over here, eat

Manhattan Beach home in 2006, they asked

schoolwork. “I have a junior King and a junior

lunch and they’d swim some more. But first they

their neighbor to keep them in mind if she ever

Duck right now,” Larisa notes, “so our weekends

could rinse the sand off.”

wanted to sell. In 2013 she did, and the couple

are totally crazy. We basically wanted to have

got to work creating the perfect outdoor space

a place where, when we had the free time, the

alfresco, the outdoor gas fireplace surrounded

for their busy family of four.

kids could have friends over and hang out.”

with lounge seating and the fully functional grill

“When the opportunity presented itself, we

With a full-size heated pool, hot tub, basket-

The long dining table for dinner parties

station, however, make for prime adult enter-

jumped on it,” Larisa says. “We really didn’t do

ball court (with a hockey net off to the side)

tainment as well. “We have people over a lot,

too much to the house itself, but we merged the

and an outdoor shower for post-Junior Guard

and many times it’s impromptu,” says Larisa.

properties together.”

afternoons, the yard is kid-friendly to the max.

“Everyone just brings something over.”

As the parents of two boys—both of whom play hockey, weekends are filled with travel

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“The shower was key,” Larisa explains. “They

Equally beneficial for all the age groups in

would get done at the beach but still want to

the home is the pool house. Lined with doors

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

79

and windows that, when opened, blur

less. “We’re really happy with the way it

gate serves as the main entrance to the

the line between inside and out, the pool

all came out,” Larisa says.

space. “When you walk up to the house,

house boasts a kitchen that faces the

With a relatively low-maintenance lev-

it’s such a focal point,” Larisa explains.

grill station for easy meal prep, refrig-

el, the yard is truly meant to be enjoyed

“So I wanted to put in something pretty

erator drawers stocked with cold drinks

rather than fussed over. Other than a

to look at.”

and a wine cabinet. The vaulted ceilings

lime tree and a lemon tree and a few

are high, the seating is ample and there’s

simple plants, not much gardening or

little work has been done to the main

even a full bathroom designed by Larisa

watering are required. The pool equip-

house—other than the addition of a few

and tiled by Rick Hutson.

ment is all enclosed in the pool house,

new doors in the main family room, as

minimizing the noise for the Plagas and

well as the installation of dark, cherry

their neighbors.

wood floors. The home has a classic

The architectural design and the construction of the outdoor space as a whole took about a year and was head-

With people constantly in and out of

With all the energy put into the yard,

Mediterranean style with five bedrooms

ed by Louie Tomaro and Rick Tomaro of

the yard, not everyone enters through

and four bathrooms (not including the

Tomaro Design Group. The collaboration

the front door of the house to get to

one in the pool house).

between the team and family was seam-

the back. A large, reclaimed wooden

The kitchen opens to the family room

[ THE COLLABORATORS ] LOUIE TOMARO, AIA, AND RICK TOMARO, TOMARO DESIGN GROUP, TOMARO.COM RICK HUTSON, HUTSON TILE & STONE NANCY RUSSERT, LESBEAUX, CUSTOM SOFA

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81

with added seating around the

“My husband grew up watching

island and a large breakfast nook in

them. His dad had season tickets on

the corner … though Larisa says the

the glass.”

family usually opts to eat outside,

One of the many fireplaces found

adding that her husband’s “great on

throughout the home can be found

the BBQ.” The formal dining room

in the master bedroom. In the mas-

mirrors the formal living room, with

ter bath there are his-and-hers sinks,

each space used less frequently

as well as an added vanity area. Liv-

than their more casual counterparts.

ing in a house with three boys, the

Sharing the first level is a play-

master suite doubles as a getaway

room for the boys. “This room’s

for Mom, with subtle feminine touch-

in transition,” Larisa notes. “We’re

es including a chandelier hanging

eventually turning this into a

above the tub. “I had to have a little

study room.”

girlie in a house with three boys.”

The second level of the home has

With the kids growing up so

a large office for John, with a Jack-

quickly around them and life, in gen-

and-Jill bathroom that connects to

eral, moving at a nonstop pace, it’s

the guestroom. The boys also have a

easy to see why the Plagas would

bathroom connecting their rooms

want to create a space that every-

Both of the boys’ bedrooms are

one could enjoy together in the

covered from floor to ceiling with

limited free time they have. Living

their respective hockey team’s col-

in Southern California, where the

lectibles, as well as a tribute to the

weather is about as good as it gets,

Los Angeles Kings. “We’re kind of

it only makes sense that they would

a Kings family,” Larisa points out.

opt to create that space outside. ¢

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SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

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SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

Quaint and Private Home in Lunada Bay 1541 Palos Verdes Drive West 3 Bedroom, 1-3/4 Bath with Den $1,199,000 1739 sq. ft. house | 8858 Sq. ft. lot | Long driveway | Wood Casement double pane windows | Original Wood Floors

www.1541PVDriveWest.com

Karen Anderson 310-251-2883 karen@prestigeteamhomes.com

A CHANGE OF

Scenery A South Bay couple says goodbye to their family home and hello to the beach house they’ve always wanted.

WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK | PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

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T

wo perky blondes with wet noses excitedly greet their new houseguest at the door. “Are you OK with dogs?” Kathryn and Gary Lane ask as they nudge past Kylie and Kevin, two ridiculously adorable golden retrievers. The Lanes live in a newly remodeled home on a hillside in the Hollywood Riviera area.

At first glance the home is charming—to say the least. Ba-

nana trees grow in the friendly, well-groomed yard at the front of the house. Behind a yellow front door, light grey French oak floors and white walls set the tone for the beach-inspired abode. “We liked the driftwood look,” Kathryn notes.

Little details add immediate appeal, with panel molding in the entryway and tongue-and-groove vaulted ceilings in the family room. But as you walk a little further into the home, there’s a dramatic shift from charming … to wow.

Through the massive retractable doors that open the entire back wall of the great room are sweeping views of blue. “Yeah, that’s why we moved here,” Gary notes.

Make your way outside, and the horizon expands to include the Hollywood sign, Downtown Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Pier and Point Dume. “I wanted a view; I wanted to see the waves break,” Gary says. “We can even see the whales,” Kathryn adds.

Added features include a grill area, lounge seating, a fire pit and an infinity-edged hot tub. “We made it a little deeper so you can stand and look over the side,” Gary notes. This backyard is geared for hours of seascape appreciation.

But it wasn’t always like that. “You couldn’t even see the ocean from the house,” explains Kathryn, referring to the initial property, which was built in 1953.

At roughly 1,400 square feet, the original house—to put it mildly—“was a fixer-upper,” Gary says. As president, designer and general contractor of Lane Design + Build, the condition of the existing home was not a factor for him. “I didn’t care what the house looked like because that’s what I do; that’s my business. All I needed was a great location.”

Although many of their friends and family were shocked by their decision to leave their 4,500-square-foot Redondo Beach home, Kathryn and Gary were set on building their dream house by the sea. Growing up in Hermosa, Gary “always liked the Hollywood Riviera, because it’s elevated and you’ve got the views.”

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“HE HAD a vision, AND I JUST WENT WITH IT BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT HE CAN DO AND I trusted him.”

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

89

For Kathryn, it all came down to the faith she had in her husband. “He had a vision, and I just went with it because I know what he can do and I trusted him,” she explains. “He saw everything finished in his head before we moved in.”

The project was extensive. Gary moved the front door and the entryway, turned the driveway into the family room, turned the garage door to face the street, opened the ceilings and built a master suite. The kitchen, living room and dining area became a great room with airy vaulted ceilings, tons of natural light and ocean breezes coming from every angle.

The kitchen has a panel-ready refrigerator, freezer and warming oven, two sinks, quartzite countertops and a clear tile backsplash that picks up the tonal blues from the ocean. “We’re very casual,” Gary says. “We wanted a casual elegance.”

Off the garage is a mud room with a dog door and ample storage. Next to that is the wine cellar. “When we have parties, everyone comes in here. It’s the hangout spot,” Gary says.

The space is small but oh-so-cool. With a tin ceiling, chalkboard wall full of messages from fellow wine

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I was terribly concerned with the condition my neck was in by the time I met Dr Wolf.

Dr Wolf explained to me the diagnosis of cervical myelopathy and drop neck syndrome. He made the complex subject relating to my spine understandable.

He also explained the surgery in detail as well as the numerous risks and benefits.

In August I underwent a 2 stage, front/back, procedure.

I entered the hospital on a Tuesday and left the hospital walking on a Friday. The procedure was as expected based on the description Dr Wolf provided in advance.

Now just 5 months out from surgery I am in recovery much more able to function normally and my future looks bright!

S portS & S pine

orthopaedicS

CHRIS F. WOLF, MD CERVICAL, THORACIC AND LUMBAR SPINE SPECIALIST

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

EL SEGUNDO

TORRANCE

2361 ROSECRANS AVE. SUITE #165

23456 HAWTHORNE BLVD., SUITE #200

310-775-2331

310-375-8700

“I DIDN’T CARE WHAT THE HOUSE LOOKED LIKE BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT I DO; THAT’S MY BUSINESS. ALL I NEEDED WAS a great location.”

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aficionados, a fully stocked bar and a chandelier, it’s easy to see how the space could quickly fill with partygoers.

The home’s original three bedrooms remain. “We just re-did the closets and got rid of the popcorn ceilings,” Kathryn says. But the master suite is completely new.

“When I was doing the bedroom I knew that when I woke up, I wanted to look down and see the beach,” Gary notes.

Mission accomplished.

The room sits catty-corner with the bed overlooking a wall of windows that face the water. Above the bed is a window to the shower for a peekaboo view of the beach below. The rest of the bathroom is a compilation of design elements the couple picked up over their years of travel.

And a dream tub. “I am huge bath-taker,” Kathryn says.

“Have you been to Lush?”

With a steep hillside and small lower lot included on the property, Kathryn and Gary went to work on maximizing their outdoor space. What was once an empty dirt lot is now a guesthouse with a two-car garage, a full bath and a putting green. Along the pathway heading down from

home has a welcoming energy that has everything

the main house is a garden that grows avocados, apricots,

to do with its residents. With more than 30 years of

plums, pears, tangerines and veggies.

experience building homes in the South Bay, Gary

Though Kathryn and Gary are technically empty-nest-

exudes the excitement and enthusiasm of a profes-

ers—“Our kids are all off to college; it’s just us and the two

sional who is truly passionate about what he does.

dogs,” Gary notes—there are rooms allocated for both their son and daughter.

Together Kathryn and Gary have created a home that is as equally beautiful as it is inviting. And a

Stunning views and master craftsmanship aside, the

space to enjoy with loved ones for years to come. n

[ THE COLLABORATORS ] GARY LANE, LANE DESIGN + BUILD, LANEDESIGNBUILD.COM LAUREN KISTEMAKER, STAGED RIGHT, STAGEDRIGHTONLINE.COM STYLING BY KATE LESTER, KATE LESTER INTERIORS, KATELESTERINTERIORS.COM

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A RT I SA N

PRETTY BEDFELLOWS

SOUTH BAY COUPLE TAMARA AND JP CAJUSTE COMBINE AESTHETIC ASPIRATIONS TO FORM INDIAN PINK PILLOWS. INTERVIEWED BY DARREN ELMS PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRENT BROZA

GET THE LOOK

C O N TA C T J P A N D TA M A R A AT I N D I A N P I N K P I L L O W S @ YA H O O . C O M O R V I S I T T H E M AT I N D I A N P I N K P I L LOWS . B I G C A RT E L .C O M .

Your pillows have such a radiant energy.

our one-of-kind pillows at the Santa Monica

Where do most of the textiles originate?

Where does that inspiration come from?

flea market, where we met talented interi-

Our vintage textiles are from around the world

Tamara was born and raised here in Manhat-

or decorators and design shop owners. We

but mostly from Asia, Africa and India. We

tan Beach. She studied for two years in Paris

quickly became a flea market favorite. In 2011

absolutely love the different tribal colorful fab-

at Parsons Art & Design, where she began

we opened a small pop-up retail shop /show-

rics. We travel quite a bit to the flea markets in

collecting vintage textiles and fabrics from

room in the old John Post Gallery building in

China, the incredible marketplaces of India, the

the legendary Marches aux Puces flea market

Manhattan Beach. We create one-of-kind vin-

bazaars of Morocco and Africa. Our small, tal-

along and around the Rue de Bretagne on her

tage textiles, chairs, ottomans, print fabric for

ented team of sewers help us design, cut and

weekend jaunts. After graduation she decided

outdoor pillows and furniture and are launch-

create our pillows right here in Los Angeles.

to see the world and took a job with American

ing a new bedding line this spring.

What do you say to people who are appre-

Airlines as a flight attendant. She began to fly to India, where she fell in love with their culture

Since closing the store outlet in Manhattan

hensive about color?

and their colorful textiles.

Beach, where can locals find your products?

We both love color—pink, red, especially indi-

We are currently operating in Manhattan Beach

go. We find it brings life and soul into a home.

Haiti, until junior high school and was always

in a small studio. We’re in the process of finding

Much of the coastal beach town architecture,

inspired by the vibrant colors of the Caribbean.

the right larger space for our production and

especially in the South Bay, has changed with

I was born in NYC and raised in Port-au-Prince,

showroom here in the South Bay. The majority

more Cape Cod and Caribbean plantation-style

When did you and Tamara decide to launch

of our clients are interior decorators, stylists

homes. Blue is a great classic, timeless color,

the business?

and home design shop owners. We do have a

but we do always try to add or encourage a

Indian Pink Pillows was created out of our

few direct-to-consumers customers who find

touch of pink, hence the name. For the most

love and passion for vintage textiles. In 2005

us through social media, design magazine

part even the husbands love it.

Tamara was sewing her own pillows for our

editorials and referrals. We are fine-tuning our

home, and when friends visited they left with

new website, which should be up and running

a handful. We started creating and selling

by March or April.

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Real men love pink. n

SALES | LEASING | RESIDENTIAL | INVESTMENT PROPERTY

COURTNEY SELF Broker / Owner Director of Relocation 310.350.6205 info@huntermason.com BRE 01229263

SOUTH BAY LONG BEACH WESTSIDE HunterMason.com

H O M E I M P R OV EM EN T

WHERE DO YOU FLOORING IS AN IMPORTANT DESIGN DECISION, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT CAN

“A carpet is the soul of the apartment,” wrote Edgar Allan Poe in his famous essay The Philosophy of Furniture. However, Poe wrote that piece long before wall-to-wall carpet existed and “carpets” referred to beautiful wool, silk and linen one-of-a-kind antique rugs that were imported from Asia and Africa.

Floors remain a critical part of the design process, though contemporary tastes with ease-of-use predominate the South Bay mindset when selecting flooring. Many local homeowners are gravitating toward one type of flooring throughout—creating a seamless and uniform appearance that ties all of the spaces together for a larger effect. There can also be significant savings when using one type of flooring due to ease of installation.

Here are some pros and cons to a handful of popular floor options, including aesthetic, installation and cost.

HARDWOOD FLOORS PROS: The most classic type of flooring, hardwood provides the best long-term investment due to its universal appeal, strength and durability. It is also among the healthiest floor surfaces because it’s easy to quickly clean with a broom or vacuum. A variety of woods and stains present tremendous options for any aesthetic, and this ageless solution is guaranteed to increase the value of any home.

CONS: Expense. Real hardwoods are significantly pricier than their laminate counterparts. Whereas laminate only lasts about seven years, real hardwoods will last for generations—provided they are properly cared for. However, they are susceptible to scratching and often sensitive to water. They should be refinished or rebuffed every seven to 10 years, or as needed.

TILE PROS: One of the lowest maintenance flooring surfaces available, tile choices abound in both ceramic and porcelain. While some people prefer the terra cotta tiles found in Spanish and Mediterranean homes, there are also extraordinary options that resemble limestone, travertine or even hardwoods.

Tile is one of the most durable surfaces and will last for decades even in high-traffic areas, and it’s also easy to clean.

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H O M E I M P R OV EM EN T

STAND?

REACH THE CEILING OF A DECORATING BUDGET. WRITTEN BY SUZANNA CULLEN HAMILTON

CONS: Tiles are heavy and thus require a strong sub-floor. The installation is critical for a polished, uniform look, so it’s important to have an experienced company measure and properly install tile. Grout color is also aesthetically important, so make sure to choose wisely when selecting. Samples of both tile and grout are available so they can be seen in the home before installation.

CARPET PROS: A traditional favorite that offers low cost and high comfort. It’s also one of the safest options under bare feet. Carpet is a good insulator from both temperatures and noise, so it’s frequently a go-to material for apartments and bedrooms. Carpet comes in a myriad of colors, patterns and materials, so it’s likely there’s something to appeal to everyone in this category.

CONS: It’s an extremely unhealthy option, a downside that far outweighs any pros to this flooring surface. It traps dirt and moisture and stains very easily. Dust mites, mildew, mold, pollen and dust love carpets—even those that are frequently vacuumed or pet- and shoe-free. Surprisingly, even the most expensive carpets can be toxic with an abundance of chemicals. And carpets do not last long.

After just a few years, even the most luxurious and highest-quality carpets show signs of wear in the high-traffic areas and at seams. The abundance of evidence against carpet is overwhelming, and it should not be considered a good investment for any home.

CONCRETE PROS: A frequently requested floor material due to its durability, concrete enjoys the ease of both maintenance and longevity. Most often seen in commercial settings or contemporary lofts, concrete has evolved in many residential applications.

It’s also one of the more environmentally friendly products out there because of a minute carbon footprint. In fact, it’s become so popular, the tough, resilient surface now comes in a variety of colors and textures.

CONS: It’s hard … really hard. People, particularly small children, can be easily hurt falling on this unyielding surface, and if anything is dropped on it, it’s likely to shatter beyond repair. Concrete is susceptible to moisture, so a proper installation is imperative, and it requires resealing every five to nine months. Also it can be cold, so area rugs are a good option where furniture might otherwise slide or feet get chilly. n

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»DESIGN SHOWCASE 2016

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THE UNEXPECTED

REVEALED As the Palos Verdes Home Tour celebrates 30 years, three featured homes uncover design diversity on the Peninsula.

WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK | PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

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alking into a person’s home for the first time is like walking through a stylized narrative of their life. “My house is a story,” explains Sandra Caryl.

“It’s a reflection of who we are.”

As owner of one of the properties featured in this year’s Palos Verdes Home Tour (their 30th!), Sandra has certainly created a space worth seeing. Transforming the property she purchased into the home she loves today, however, was not an easy endeavor.

“We bought the house online; we literally had never seen it,” she notes. “It was awful. It was totally different and rundown—I walked in the front door and cried.”

But after the initial shock wore off, Sandra got to work. “I tore five walls out, every bathroom, the kitchen and all the carpet,” she says. With an incredible amount of ingenuity and patience, she turned a nearly 1,800-square-foot disaster into a 2,000+-square-foot, urban-inspired abode with an abundance of art, period pieces and personalized design that hold your attention and guide you through the space.

“It all started with our Shepard Fairey collection,” Sandra

points out. Fairey, who began his artistic career as a street artist, is perhaps most widely known for his Barack Obama “Hope” poster.

The walls in the main living space are painted a high-gloss red to complement the Harley Davidson Aermacchi displayed in the entryway. “It’s a handmade bike from 1972,” Sandra notes. “I tried to match the color, and then finally I just mixed my own red.”

With splashes of bold pigments juxtaposed with ornate, antique pieces, mid-century modern furniture, family heirlooms and years of acquired artwork, Sandra’s home manages to merge the feel of a gallery with the functionality needed for her family of three. “I’m really practical and OCD; I love being a hands-on mom with the kids running amuck, hence the concrete floor,” she says. “But at the same time, I love my pretty things.”

With four floors—including a hideaway on the garage level, which Sandra calls a “New York-style tree house” designed for her 7-year-old son, Max, and a fourth-level office/storage space with ladder access from the master bedroom—every inch of the home is utilized. “It’s a fun house,” she says. “I’m never moving.”

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Of course not every house requires a complete overhaul. In fact it was the original state of Ann Taylor’s 1947, Spanish-style home that drew her to purchase the property. “I just liked the bones of it,” she says. “I guess I could see what it could be.”

The home has had its share of renovations, including a second-level addition, as well as Ann’s remodel of the bathrooms and kitchen. There were also a number of design elements incorporated in the remodel, including arched doorways, refinished woodworking and pops of colored tile—only adding to the existing charm of the home.

High vaulted ceilings add a touch of formality to the otherwise intimate feel of the space. “I like the smaller rooms,” says Ann. “It’s cozier.”

French doors line the house for easy access and visibility to a quaint outdoor patio, with pathways leading through the garden to the guesthouse.

“That’s the kids’ hangout area,” she points out.

The floors are the original hardwood—dark and rich—with tile accents on the stairs headed to the second level. The master bath boasts a gorgeous claw-foot tub and is drenched in sunlight.

The master bedroom, also flooded with light, has one of the home’s three fireplaces and a private deck overlooking the patio. Also on the second level is a library converted into an extra bedroom lined with built-in bookshelves and an additional private deck.

With two floors, three bedrooms and four bathrooms to play with, Ann found she greatly enjoyed the remodeling process. Helping her bring her vision to life were the folks at Lenders Construction.

“It was really fun to do,” she says. “I loved working with the contractors too; they were such a nice group of people.”

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For Karen Mabli, cofounder of Peninsula Homes Group, it wasn’t a house that caught her attention; it was a location. “There was an existing home here,” explains Karen.

“We purchased the home and tore it down completely.”

Well, almost completely. There’s one small trace of the original property resting in what is now Karen’s home office. “The only thing we kept from the old house was this fireplace,” she explains, “because you can’t replace wood-burning fireplaces in the state of California.”

With expansive views of the Palos Verdes Golf Club from every massive window and glass door lining the front of the residence, it’s clear to see what drew Karen to the location. But perhaps even more stunning is the view from the entryway looking in.

The main living space—open and airy with its dramatically high vaulted ceilings—opens to a large outdoor space with a glass tile-lined pool and three water features at the center.

Ideal for entertaining, the great room boasts ample seating with a sunken lounge and bar area equipped with pullout refrigerator drawers and a wine cabinet.

Off the great room—but not at all detached from it—are the kitchen and dining

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areas. “We didn’t want a formal dining room because nobody uses them

on the island, countertops and backsplash with views of the golf greens.

any more,” Karen notes. Hanging above the large, circular dining table is

Wanting each of the three bedrooms in the 4,100+-square-foot home

a custom-made, handblown glass fixture from John Pomp Studios.

to have visibility and access to the pool, outdoor kitchen and fire pits,

The kitchen is a dream for those who love to cook but hate the mess.

“This is a completely organized kitchen, because I cook a lot,” Karen

Karen and her husband designed the home in a U shape.

Karen and her business partner, Tom Frederiksen, “built the home and

says. With a panel-ready refrigerator and subzero freezer, three ovens,

collaborated on the finish details.” Outside, carefully positioned lighting

refrigerated drawers and an induction cooktop, Karen has everything

creates an ethereal ambience that translates well into quiet evenings

she could ever need—and right at her fingertips.

with the family or dinner alfresco with friends.

To map it out, Karen took the space her architect, Jeffrey Dahl, allocated and designed it the way she wanted it. “If we were building for a

Each one of these homes is incredibly unique, making this year’s tour an experience not to miss. n

client, we would do the same thing,” Karen explains. “I would sit down with them and build their kitchen based on what they want.”

Functionality aside, the kitchen is gorgeous with light, Italian quartzite

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The Palos Verdes Home Tour will take place April 8–9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For tickets and information, visit pvhomestour.org.

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MY MANY FACES

BY CAROL BRYAN

I have had many faces. Growing up, my physical appearance became an asset that opened many doors and became my main source of income. I started modeling at the age of sixteen and also worked in the beauty industry. I had a beautiful daughter, a successful husband, and a loving and supportive family. From the outside looking in, it must have seemed like I had it all, but looking back now I see that my life was lacking so much. I have come to realize how truly deceiving looks can be and how precious every moment of life is. This realization took time and perseverance, but now I see that I was rescued and given new life, and I am certain that God was my hero.

In late 2009 fillers, intended as preventative aging measures, were injected into areas of my face. These procedures resulted in my face expanding, contracting, and becoming distorted. Once the initial damage was done, I was no longer able to go out in public. Corrective procedures worsened the damage, until one day, it was so bad I needed to hide my face - not only from the world, but also from my family and friends.

After four frightening years of isolation and emotional and physical pain, in 2013, my daughter finally had enough of the secrecy, and brought me back to the world to get help. She and a friend reached out to teaching hospitals all over the country, but only one would take my case. Dr. Reza Jarrahy, Co-director of the UCLA Craniofacial Clinic, of the UCLA Face Transplant Program, and Associate Professor at UCLA, with amazing compassion, assured me that he would help, but made me fully aware that there were unknown risks. My case was unprecedented.

I quickly realized I had to put my trust in him. Dr. Jarrahy made me feel safe, at a time when I was so scared, felt so isolated and was extremely

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CAROL’S STORY AT MY-PLASTIC-SURGEON.COM

tired. He consulted with a panel of doctors, sharing my story and seeking assistance with the required surgeries. Only a single doctor was up for the challenge: one of the country’s most renowned microvascular surgeons, United States and Canada Board Certified plastic surgeon, Dr. J. Brian Boyd. Dr. Boyd is a Professor of Surgery with the David Geffen School of Medicine at U.C.L.A. and Chief of Plastic Surgery at HarborU.C.L.A. Medical Center. Dr. Boyd is a highly skilled expert and has over 25 years experience in microsurgery. He specializes in breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgery, as well. Dr. Boyd is compassionate and goes above and beyond to help others, even against all odds! That is what makes Dr. Boyd extraordinary. This team of surgeons truly worked miracles. If it weren’t for their vast knowledge and expertise, I would still be wearing head scarves and holding the skin of my forehead up in order to see out of my left eye. I would still be afraid to leave my home. Despite all their most careful efforts, however, the initial surgery left me blind in my right eye; there could have been worse complications, so ultimately I am lucky to have only lost half my vision.

My road to recovery has been an extremely bumpy road, filled with unknown risks, anxiety, and fear. Somehow, in facing these challenges, I was able to find within myself a courage and tenacity I never knew I had.

I realize how unsatisfied I was. I was lonely. I was weak. I was unhappy.

I had no idea what my purpose was in life. How is it that I feel better about myself now, than I ever did then? I learned how to open up and ask for help, and appreciate the love and support of my family and the many trauma therapists, the mental health professionals, and alternative therapies that have been made available to me. And it has taught me lessons about what beauty is and how important it is to show one’s true inner self to the world. Sadly, it wasn’t until I couldn’t recognize myself that I realized true beauty begins on the inside.

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C U R AT ED

The story of the development of the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the mid-20th century mirrors that of many post-war communities in America. A rising middle class sought suburban refuge and a leisure lifestyle. The growth of the aerospace industry brought an influx of workers to the South Bay. Boasting a scenic landscape, clean air, ocean views and proximity to Hughes Aircraft Company and Northrup Corporation, the Palos Verdes Peninsula became a desirable destination.

Between 1950 and 1970, the population of Palos Verdes Estates grew from 2,000 to 13,300. Along with the demand for affordable

PALOS VERDES MODERN

A NEW EXHIBIT AT THE PALOS VERDES ART CENTER EXPLORES THE ARCHITECTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF ICONIC MODERN MASTERS RIGHT HERE IN THE SOUTH BAY. WRITTEN BY GAIL PHINNEY AND JOE BAKER PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE PALOS VERDES LIBRARY

housing came the need for amenities such as shopping centers, schools, libraries and cultural centers.

The resulting building boom was fertile ground for the architecture superstars of the era: Pierre Koenitg, Richard Neutra, A. Quincy Jones and Paul Revere Williams. Palos Verdes Art Center celebrates the contributions to the Peninsula of these mid-century masters with a special exhibition running through May 29.

Best known for his Case Study Houses #21 (the Bailey House) and #22 (the Stahl House), Koenig completed the Henbest House in Rancho Palos Verdes in 1966. Like its iconic predecessors, this property is distinguished by its open plan, spectacular views and blurring of indoor/outdoor spaces.

Another Case Study architect, Austrianborn Neutra, came to Los Angeles seeking freedom, innovation and “an idyllic tropical island where one does not have to fear the winter.” Of his 10 residential designs on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the earliest are the 1940 Beckstrand House and the 1950 Coe House— both relatively modest in scale but exquisitely detailed and site-responsive. His largest area commission was the sprawling Palos Verdes High School campus situated on 37 acres, designed with Robert Evans Alexander in 1961.

Following his success with the master plan of California State University, Dominguez Hills and the University of California, Riverside, Jones was chosen to design the Peninsula Center Library with partner Frederick E. Emmons in 1967. A pioneer of “green” design, the architect included vertical wood louvers to control sunlight in the courtyard reading room.

Jones had previously worked for Williams, a renowned architect who was responsible for the distinctive mid-century modern project SeaView Palos Verdes. The developers of

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C U R AT ED

SeaView capitalized on Williams’ winning reputation as architect to the Hollywood elite of the period. The 190-unit tract offered eight different models and was marketed in 1960 to veterans on the G.I. Bill seeking luxury living at affordable prices.

Founded in 1931 as the cultural arm of the newly formed Palos Verdes Estates, the Palos Verdes Community Arts Association (now Palos Verdes Art Center) was woven into the fabric of the mid-century modern community with the opening of the Lowell Lusk-designed building in 1974. The center’s new exhibit, Palos Verdes Modern, celebrates this important period in our collective history.

Palos Verdes Art Center is grateful to the Palos Verdes Library District, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, Palos Verdes Homes Association and the individual homeowners who generously lent them the materials to tell this story. n

Palos Verdes Modern will be on view through May 29 at Palos Verdes Art Center, 5504 West Crestridge Road in Rancho Palos Verdes. A companion exhibit, Crafted: Rugs from the Amani Collection & Architectural Pottery, will be on view through April 24. The Henbest Home (1966, revised 2011) by Pierre Koenig, featured recently in Southbay HOME, will be the grand prize of the center’s Palos Verdes Dream Home Raffle on May 17. For more information on winning this piece of architecture history, visit pvartcenter.org.

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

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M ED I A

MODERN MASTERS

NOW THAT YOU’VE SEEN THE EXHIBIT, TAKE HOME THE WORK OF THESE ARCHITECTURAL GREATS IN THESE HANDSOME TOMES.

CALIFORNIA DESIGN, 1930-1965: LIVING IN A MODERN WAY

BY WENDY KAPLAN 360 PAGES | MIT PRESS The heart of California Design is the modern California home, famously characterized by open plans conducive to outdoor living. The layouts of modernist homes by Pierre Koenig, Craig Ellwood and Raphael Soriano, for NEUTRA: COMPLETE WORKS

example, were intended to blur the distinc-

BY PETER GÖSSEL, BARBARA

tion between indoors and out. Homes were

LAMPRECHT, JULIUS SHULMAN

furnished with products from Heath Ceramics,

464 PAGES | TASCHEN AMERICA, LLC

Van Keppel-Green and Architectural Pottery as well as other, previously unheralded companies

PIERRE KEONIG

Originally from Vienna, Richard Neutra

and designers. Many objects were designed

BY JAMES STEELE

came to America early in his career, set-

to be multifunctional: pool and patio furniture

180 PAGES | PHAIDON PRESS

tling in California. His influence on post-

that was equally suitable indoors, lighting that

war architecture is undisputed—the sunny

was both task and ambient, bookshelves that

Pierre Koenig was a leading figure of the

climate and rich landscape being particu-

served as room dividers, and bathing suits

Modern movement in America. As the

larly suited to his cool, sleek, modern style.

that would turn into ensembles appropriate

architect of some of Los Angeles’ most

Neutra had a keen appreciation for the

for indoor entertainment. California Design in-

admired houses, Koenig was a guiding

relationship between people and nature;

cludes 350 images, most in color, of furniture,

influence on the famous Case Study House

his trademark plate glass walls and ceilings

ceramics, metalwork, architecture, graphic

Program. This monograph, the first to

that turn into deep overhangs have the

and industrial design, film, textiles and fashion,

compile his pioneering work, provides an

effect of connecting the indoors with the

and 10 incisive essays that trace the rise of the

insight into the evolution of Modernism

outdoors. His ability to incorporate tech-

California design aesthetic.

on the West Coast. This book, a complete

nology, aesthetic, science and nature into

study of Koenig’s career, examines his ded-

his designs brought him to the forefront

icated application of specific design and

of Modernist architecture. In this volume,

structural principles, his interest in indus-

all of Neutra’s works (nearly 300 private

trialization and his belief in environmentally

homes, schools and public buildings) are

and socially responsible design. Photo-

gathered together, illustrated by more

graphs of Koenig’s work, together with the

than 1,000 photographs, including those

architect’s original sketches and drawings,

of Julius Shulman and other prominent

provide a comprehensive visual document

photographers.

of his refined and dramatic architecture.

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SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

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Coast to Coast A 20-year local weaves her Northeastern style into her family’s Manhattan Beach abode.

WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

A

s Sarah Evans prepares dinner for her 6-year-old daughter, the family’s pup, Monkey, meanders around her feet. The kitchen faces a large family room with an entire wall of doors opening to an outside patio and upper deck. “This is probably my favorite room,” Sarah says.

“I spend so much time in the kitchen. My daughter can sit and do her artwork, or she and the

dog can go outside.”

The kitchen, white with layered greys and modern-traditional cabinetry, “works well in an open space that shares the family living area rather than a dedicated kitchen,” explains Wendy Word of Wendy Word Design.

“The cabinets feel more like furniture.” A large island topped with white, Italian marble serves as a prep station, coloring surface or congregating area.

The family room is both polished and inviting. “I wanted it to look a certain way,” Sarah notes. “But I also wanted it to be really comfortable and livable.” Adding to the charm of the room is a large, antique Louis Vuitton trunk—a family heirloom passed down to Sarah. “That trunk has been around the world and back again,” she says.

European oak floors, chocolate in color and with a custom-fumed finish, add to the sophistication of the space. “If it weren’t for Wendy, they’d be purple,” Sarah says with a smile.

The stone floors outside on the patio are Pennsylvania blue. The lower patio has seating with an outdoor gas fireplace and grill area. The upper deck serves as a shaded lounge area.

Also sharing the main level of the house are a formal dining room, reading room and large office. The dining room boasts a stunning, Egyptian blown-glass chandelier over the table, with seating chosen both for its esthetic value and comfort level.

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“I wanted it to look a certain way, but I also wanted it to be really comfortable and livable.”

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

117

“I wanted to create a formal but inviting space,” Sarah notes. “I don’t want to go to a steak house and feel like it’s more comfortable than my own dining room.”

The reading room is filled with vintage books resting on built-in bookcases that frame the fireplace and the large painting above it. “These books are all from her family, many with inscriptions,” says Wendy. “There’s a lot of sentimental value here, so we wanted to create a quiet space with an open floor plan.”

Double doors open to another outdoor patio, fire pit and infinity edge, glass-tiled spa. The office is adorned with family pictures and has patio access and a full bathroom. Nearby is a small but charming powder room with whimsical wallpaper and a mother-of-pearl inlay mirror.

Make your way up the spiral staircase to the second floor, and you’ll find a master suite with a chandelier hanging from the vaulted ceilings and French doors leading to another private patio. The bathroom has his-and-hers vanities, a lowered makeup table, rainfall shower and a colossal claw-foot tub.

On the other side of the hall is a wing dedicated to the youngest member of the Evans family.

Her room showcases pops of color, including a pink bed, yellow dresser and sea-blue walls. The room has a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, but because there’s no Jack, “she’s got the Jack and the Jill,” Sarah explains.

Instead, “Jack’s” room has been converted into a play area, additionally splashed with color, a day bed, ample storage space, and a tiny table and chairs sitting on top of a pink striped rug.

Serving as the home’s third level is a finished basement. “It’s nice because when we have people come and stay, they have their own space,” Sarah notes. With peekaboo natural light coming from cleverly placed windows, built-ins and even a live tree, the space is as comfortable and polished as the rest of the house.

The Evans family has now lived in their Manhattan Beach residence for three years, but they’ve owned it for five. Two years prior to the home’s completion, they rented while the property was under construction. But it’s been nearly 20 years that Sandra and her husband have lived in South Bay. Sandra’s goal with this project was to create a space that not only met the needs of her family and fit into her new Southern California lifestyle, but

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that spoke to her Northeastern sensibilities. “I grew up in Maryland, but I also realized that I’m in Manhattan Beach and didn’t want to put something here that didn’t belong,” she explains. “I wanted to incorporate myself and the way that I had been brought up, but I didn’t know how to do it.”

That’s where Wendy Word comes in.

“Sarah brought us in at the beginning to take the finish work and the custom elements to the next level,” Wendy says. “We worked with her for the majority of the project, doing walk-throughs at least weekly.”

With Wendy’s help, Sarah was able to merge the design elements she loved without competing against the West Coast style she was surrounded by. “I really entrusted her; she had the vision I wanted,” Sarah says.

The result: an elegant alliance of formality and comfort, traditional elements and beach-friendly ease. “There’s a timelessness to the house,” Wendy says. “There are many things that are on trend, but nothing feels trendy.”

And it’s true—the house beautifully pairs traditional design while keeping an element of surprise. The look is classic but fresh, serving as an excellent representation of its residents’ East-meets-West Coast style. But most importantly, it’s everything that Sandra and her family wanted. n

[ THE DESIGNER ] WENDY WORD, WENDY WORD DESIGN, WENDYWORDDESIGN.COM

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husband along for the ride. What better café inspiration is there in the world, right? And it’s Paris!

I should mention that I’ve been to Paris a few

L

times, but Will had not. He’s been all over the world, but Southeast Asia is more his jam. He et me start by saying: I love my job. It’s

says he just never felt the desire to go to Paris.

been just over seven years since I took a

I thought, “Who doesn’t want to go to Paris?” I

chance on a lifelong dream of opening

hoped to change his tune.

my own shop. Gum Tree is a home and gift shop

Lori Ford of Hermosa Beach’s Gum Tree journals her stylish guide to the City of Lights … and amazing style.

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY LORI FORD

plus Aussie café here in Hermosa Beach. The

DAY 1, Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Aussie is my husband, Will, who grew up Down

We took a direct flight overnight to Paris on Air

Under and runs our café.

France. Easy, peasy. We are big fans of good

With two small kids and a new puppy, our life

public transport, and Paris has one of the very

is full. On top of that, small business is not for the

best systems in the world. We hopped on the

faint of heart. It can feel like you never have a

train from the airport, and 25 minutes later got

minute off, let alone a day. But it is also incredibly

off right in the heart of the city and also my fa-

rewarding, and sometimes it allows us to travel

vorite neighborhood: Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

for work.

I booked us an apartment through Airbnb, a

The mix of things we carry and how we display them keeps our customers coming in, so conse-

200-year-old building with a teeny-tiny elevator

quently I’m on a never-ending hunt for inspi-

and views of the rooftops of Paris and the church

ration. Remember when I said I love my job? The hunt is the reason … and it never gets old. Which brings me to Paris. Every January, Europe’s premiere home and gift trade show, MAISON&OBJET, takes place in the magical French

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

of Saint-Sulpice. We met the owner, dropped our bags and hit the streets to find a cup of coffee and something to do to keep us up till bedtime.

It was about 2:30 in the afternoon and only 35º outside. January in Paris is chillier that I had imagined—but just as beautiful as Paris in spring.

We decided to stroll our neighborhood to get our bearings, starting with a quick cappuccino and quiche lorraine.

capital. I usually

Then it was all about shopping. This is not

hit the shows

my husband’s favorite activity, but this trip he

on my own, but

was really game for seeing what my life is like

this seemed

on my work adventures. So he tolerated it and,

like a great

dare I say, even began to enjoy it toward the

opportunity

end of the trip.

to bring my

122

sweet little one-bedroom on the top floor of a

There are two darling shops I love on Rue

Mabillon: Sandra Serraf for women’s clothing and Laurette for the kids.

The tiny, handmade dream catchers at Laurette were my favorite find, and I always love the well-curated jewelry selection

today… or was it the wine? Anyway, around noon

L’Indochine (French-Viet-

we headed out to another favorite neighbor-

namese) we walked home in

hood: Le Marais. We took the Metro and exited

the chilly night, passing the

at Filles du Calvaire, which is a very short walk to

glowing pyramid at the Lou-

one of my favorite stores in the world: Merci.

vre, crossing the river Seine

Merci is a mix of housewares, fashion, art sup-

and marveling at the architec-

plies and décor, with excellent coffee! It is basi-

ture at every turn. Finally we hit

cally every good thing under one roof. Speaking

the Boulevard Saint-Germain,

Then on to Rue Saint-Sulpice

of the roof, a giant skylight in the center bathes

where we made a stop for a

for more dreamy women’s clothing

the whole place in amazing light. There are also

nightcap at the famous Café De

three different cafes inside, and the Used Book

Flore. Hot chocolate for me and

Café is where we sat for a lunch of sublimely

a glass of Moët for Will. We sat

Vanessa Bruno for that sleek French girl

creamy pureed vegetable soup; a salad of burra-

amongst some beautiful people

look, American Vintage for great basic tees

ta, tomato confit and prosciutto; and a perfectly

and wished we spoke French so

chewy-meets-crunchy baguette.

we could properly eavesdrop.

at Sandra Serraf.

shops including Antik Batik for the ultimate in boho embroidered pieces,

and sweaters, and Mes Demoiselles for overthe-top feminine bohemian fashion.

Standouts of the store include a section of

By this point Will was getting antsy, so

bedding in a rainbow’s worth of washed linen,

DAY 3, MAISON&OBJET

I spared him any more clothing stores and

the perfectly “Frenchy” women’s clothing sec-

This is the reason I came, to walk the

took him someplace I knew he would love: Le

tion, the kitchen section full of beautiful black-

MAISON&OBJET show. We started

Grande Épicerie. Whenever we travel we make

and-white enamel, and the art supply section (I

with a quick and supremely delicious

it a point to seek out a really good grocery

am always a sucker for tiny notebooks, colored

quiche with goat cheese, a pain au chocolate and

store; food is key to understanding another

pencils and washi tape).

a couple of cappuccinos at the beautiful little

culture. Le Grande Épicerie is like no other grocery store you’ve ever seen.

If there were a kids version of Merci, it would

bakery Gérard Mulot. Sitting in the window, we

be Bonton just up the block. It’s three floors of

watched everyone from chic Parisian grand-

The cheese section of this food emporium

gorgeous, from kids décor to toys and clothing.

mothers to construction workers pop in to grab

is larger than our house and smells like heav-

There’s even a vintage photo booth on the main

a baguette wrapped in paper for breakfast. How

en. There were aisles of foie gras, charcuterie,

floor. We had a few favorites here: the pops of

do they all stay so thin?

fresh seafood and chocolate—among other

neon on neutrals in clothing and décor, the gold-

things. In the center sits a beautiful fresh fruit

en stars and neon sign on the wall downstairs

convention center near the airport on the out-

and veggie section, and just down the steps

and the whimsical party goods section. All of

skirts of town. It’s about a 25-minute train ride,

you’ll find an entire basement full of French

these things inspired lots of new arrivals to Gum

which I always love because of the opportunity

wine and Champagne.

Tree Kids for spring.

to gaze out the windows at some incredible

DAY 2, Le Marais

the tiny, charming streets on our way to dinner

entire way, and the riot of color makes me happy

The jet lag got to us, and we slept a bit late

with a friend at L’Indochine. We popped in and

and hopeful. On the train back I catch up with

out of many little jewelry stores, wondered

my journaling. It’s refreshing not to have to think

how there could be so many shops full of only

about traffic—or driving at all, for that matter.

The rest of the day was spent wandering

sunglasses or tea, and bought my mom jars of tapenade and mustard in a gorgeous little épicerie. She’s a fantastic cook and she was home with our kiddos, so we picked up gifts for her and our beloved sitter, Rianna, all along the way.

If we had more time in the day I would have loved to pop into The

MAISON&OBJET takes place in a very large

graffiti. It lines the tunnels and train tracks the

This is a trade show, so it’s not open to the public but rather designers and shop owners like me who go there to place orders. These vendors are way ahead of the trends here in the States.

It’s endlessly inspiring to see how they set up their booths and to get a sneak peak of what’s to come in home décor.

I was struck by all of the beautiful natural materials we saw—a lot of wicker in furniture and

Picasso Museum. This is also a

lighting. My favorite treatment was the multitude

wonderful neighborhood to

of hanging basket lamps: black and white, mixed

walk on a Sunday, as it’s one of the only areas where shops stay open.

After a delicious dinner at

with natural wood and marble. It felt so clean and fresh and would work well for our casual lifestyle in the South Bay. For color direction I loved the range of blues, from indigo to aqua, a

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

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PA R I S BY D E S I G N

bit of fresh mint green and the pale, peachy pink of the sky during sunrise.

I placed orders for rugs, storage trunks, pillows, ceramics, baskets, beach towels and more. I only regret not ordering any of the hanging lamps. They are exactly what I want for our newly renovated shop, and I assumed after seeing literally hundreds of them that I would find at least one the following week in New York, but it was not to be.

After a long day of show walking, we hightailed it back into the center of town for a dinner that was without a doubt the most memorable of the trip.

We landed at Chez Julien in Le Marais

rants. I don’t understand why many

after a lovely walk across the Île de la Cité. I don’t

restaurateurs in the South Bay ignore the

think I’ve ever had better steak frites in my life.

opportunity to bring their aesthetic into the

Here

Will had the lamb, and we topped that off with

bathroom; it’s such an easy thing to do and

I placed

plenty of Côtes du Rhône and a superb cheese

can make such an impact.

orders for some

plate. This restaurant was the perfect mix of very

This one was perfection: black lacquered walls,

gorgeous scarves from

old Parisian space, excellent friendly service,

a clean white pedestal sink, excellent lighting and

Denmark and India, embroidered

great modern music, a fashionable crowd and

a single white rose in a glass vase. I didn’t know I

clutches for the upcoming spring season

perfectly prepared food.

needed a black-and-white bathroom until I saw

and lots of new jewelry from a selection of

this one. Now I know.

French designers.

DAY 4, Montmartre

headed off to meet Will in a neighborhood I’d

I began this day early and on my own at an-

never explored before: Montmartre. This was

other trade show called Premiere Classe. This

an absolute treat. I think next time I’ll stay in this

show focuses on jewelry and accessories and

gorgeous area so I can more fully explore it. We

I should mention that this place had the most striking bathroom of the trip. I have a thing about bathrooms in restau-

Around noon I popped on the Metro and

was an absolute treasure. A Perrier-Jouët Champagne lounge perched itself right in the middle of the show floor. Vive la France!

began at the Metro stop Jules Joffrin and walked up the back way to the famous Sacré-Coeur— the giant white basilica on top of the hill with the very best views of the city below.

But first, lunch. We lucked out with a fantastic classic French bistro, Café Francoeur—chosen when I was stopped in my tracks at the sight of their exquisite bistro chairs and red awning outside. I have a thing for French café chairs.

Inside was even better: all-white subway tiles, old mirrors and the best onion soup and stuffed mussels one could ask for on a winter’s day.

Did I mention the stairs? After lunch we traipsed up what felt like thousands of stairs, past immaculate white stone buildings with black railings and their classic blue tin house numbers. Finally at the top, we came upon the back of the Sacré-Coeur. I think this was key to our enjoyment, as we were able to wander through a gorgeous, quiet neighborhood before entering the plaza full of touts peddling selfie sticks.

If we had come up the magnificent front steps, my husband may have turned around.

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PA R I S BY D E S I G N

He has an aversion to anything even slightly touristy, despite being a tourist himself … but that’s another story.

nightstand at home.

This time we struck gold at my favorite art

the stunning color in the stained glass windows of Notre-Dame. Take some time here to marvel

vendor. We were captivated by the work of

at the way they must have built this incredible

Raymond Debiève and came home with three of

structure before heavy machinery, elevators

nificent cathedral. Sacré-Coeur is stunningly

his pieces. I’m in a black-and-white mood these

or electricity.

beautiful. The brilliant blue in the mosaic on the

days, so I cannot wait to frame these beauties.

Don’t let this stop you from seeing this mag-

interior dome must be how the color name “French blue” originated.

We also had to have some fabulous turquoise-

We walked back to Le Marais in search of what we heard was

handled knives, circa 1980—yep, that’s antique

the best falafel in Paris,

now. We would have come home with a vintage

and we were not dis-

toward the heart of the

motorcycle helmet if it had fit my husband’s

appointed at L’As

village and glance back up

head. I’m a bit sad we didn’t bring it back; it

du Fallafel.

Wander down the front steps

at the basilica’s grandeur.

You’ll find a gorgeous carousel at the base of the steps.

Turn right here and onto Rue des Abbesses for a walk down a charming street full of exquisite independent shops—be they fashion, décor or food.

would have looked great on a shelf in our son’s room. Here’s my flea market tip to you: Just buy it. You’re never going to see it again if you don’t.

After the market we hit another trade show— this one for kids, called Playtime Paris. The color inspiration here was fantastic.

It’s no wonder all the children you see on the streets of Paris

We lucked out big-time here. It

look more fashionable than me

turns out there was an oyster festival

on my best day. These clothes

going on this evening. Vendors set up

were stunning. We placed

tents on the street in front of the lovely

orders for some amazing rugs,

cafés, where they shucked fresh oysters

sweet handmade mobiles, fine

and served them on a paper plate with some lemon. Will was in heaven.

By the way, again the bathroom in the café we

knit baby blankets and more.

After four straight days of French food, we decided on Indian

chose was sublime—all pale green and grey tile,

for dinner. A friend recommended a

a mix of mosaic for the walls and ceramic on the

place called Ravi in our neighborhood,

floor. So pretty.

and it was such a treat. It was tiny, all of 10 tables, with one jovial server, beautiful

DAY 5, The Flea Market

carved wood walls and absolutely delicious

Whenever I plan a Paris trip, I make sure to

spicy food. We even skipped the wine in favor

include a Sunday stay. My experience would not

of a crisp, cold Kingfisher beer.

be complete without a trip to my favorite little

After dinner we took a trip to the Eiffel Tower,

flea market at the Porte de Vanves. In a non-

because no matter how touristy it is, there is

descript neighborhood, just a quick Metro ride

nothing more magical than watching the lights

away from the city center, this is a small market

twinkle on the tower at the top of every hour

full of little treasures.

after the sun goes down.

There are many markets in Paris selling gorgeous, big, fancy antiques, but I can’t fit these

DAY 6, Au Revoir

in my suitcase. So I come to this little market in

We wandered down charming Rue de Buci in

But perhaps even better than this sublime falafel

search of beautiful artwork and unique bits and

search of our last Parisian breakfast and found

from the decidedly no-frills walk-up counter was

it at The Smiths. The name is the only thing

the tiny macaroon shop next door, Damyel. Not

that’s not French about this little place. We sat

just the best macaroons we’ve ever had, but the

outside—just as we did this whole trip—under

prettiest space I think I’ve ever seen. Every detail,

pieces that will remind me of Paris when I set them on my

heaters, bundled up in 40º weath-

from the aqua in the floor tiles to the exposed

er with everyone else.

beams, soft white paint, graphic wallpaper, sim-

After plenty of espresso, a baguette with salmon and cucumber for Will, and a chicken curry

ple industrial lighting and the aged bent wood chairs … it was just beautiful.

We took our time strolling back to the apart-

quiche for me, we headed to the

ment, savoring every last minute of our time to-

cathedral of Notre-Dame—be-

gether in the City of Lights. This time we hopped

cause if you are in Paris, you must

in an Uber to the airport, because our luggage

see it. If French blue didn’t originate

had somehow grown far too heavy to drag into

from the mosaic on the ceiling of

the Metro.

Sacré-Coeur, then it came from

Until next time Paris, je t’adore. 

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2016

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2016 DESIGN SHOWCASES THE ARCHITECTS

132 MICHAEL LEE ARCHITECTS, INC.

Michael Lee

154 ARCHER BUILDING GROUP, INC.

Ben Archer

156 CUSTOM DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

134 PRITZKAT & JOHNSON

ARCHITECTS, INC.

Miles Pritzkat & Keith Johnson

136 JOYCE FLOOD + ASSOCIATES 138 JOSEPH SPIERER ARCHITECTS, INC.

Joseph Spierer

140 STUDIO SYNERGY

Nuné Nitsiotis

THE DESIGNERS

158 SRL CONSTRUCTION

160 KATE LESTER INTERIORS

142 C&C PARTNERS DESIGN/BUILD FIRM

Patrick Cunningham & Michael Cunningham

144 RAS-A, INC.

Robert Sweet

146 LANE DESIGN + BUILD

Gary Lane

148 BLANCHARD FUENTES DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

Deborah Fuentes & Erik Blanchard

Phil Norman

Sara Balough

170 NADIA DESIGNS

Nadia Elgrably

172 EDENLA FURNITURE & INTERIORS Jamie Roddy

174 KCM STUDIO

152 KKC FINE HOMES

Noelle Parks

168 FREIGHTHOUSE

LuAnn Fabian

Caroline Burke

166 NORMAN DESIGN GROUP

150 LUANN DEVELOPMENT

AND ASSOCIATES INC.

164 NOELLE INTERIORS

THE BUILDERS

Kate Lester

162 CAROLINE BURKE DESIGNS

DESIGN/BUILD

Steve Larkin

Kimberly Colletti

176 VON HEMERT INTERIORS

Gregory Towle, Kamaren Henson-Uhls & Floyd Elwell

Kim Komick

EDITED BY LAURA WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

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THE ARCHITECTS

MICHAEL LEE ARCHITECTS, INC. MICHAEL LEE, AIA 2200 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach 310-545-5771 info@MLeeArchitects.com MLeeArchitects.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

management. Design / build has been a very suc-

McKniff Feinberg Residence: This remodel was

cessful formula for us on numerous projects.

generated by the need to update and enlarge an existing small, dark kitchen. A full height wall was removed to connect the new kitchen with the existing living room and dining room, and a large new skylight was added at the peak of the roof, over the new kitchen island. Though the new kitchen is not substantially larger than the original, the now conjoined kitchen, dining and living feel more spacious and have bountiful natural light throughout the day.

The house was originally a 1940s-era military barracks, and its existing wood trusses were structurally reinforced and kept in place. The original O’Keefe & Merritt kitchen stove was refurbished and kept as well. The dining room and living room, which were previously separated and were unused, are now the center of the family life in the house.

DESCRIBE THE VERNACULAR OF YOUR PRACTICE. We are primarily a custom residential design firm. We specialize in private homes through-

PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARK LOHMAN

out the LA Basin and Southern California, with some of our newer projects in Temecula, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Topanga and through-

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU? Working in architecture is challenging, given the huge range of skills and responsibilities that an architect must take on. However, this is what makes being an architect so rewarding. An architect must solve problems in an aesthetic way, engineer projects cost-effectively, guide them through the byzantine municipal approval processes, and then coordinate the construction and finishes of those projects. Having an understanding of all aspects of the design process and a deep appreciation for good architecture and all of its various components gives us great satisfaction.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? We look at every project with fresh eyes and as a chance to design a unique and exciting building that will enhance the lives of its inhabitants.

We carry this enthusiasm forward through the design and construction process, and we work diligently to ensure our projects exceed our clients’ expectations.

of good design enables us to design successfully

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU OFFER TO CLIENTS?

in a range of styles. We also do multi-family resi-

Our belief in good design and our under-

dential, small commercial and restaurant work,

standing of what it takes to create lasting

along with interior design and construction

quality architecture.

out the Hollywood Hills. Our belief in the basics

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THE ARCHITECTS

PRITZKAT & JOHNSON ARCHITECTS, INC.

level. Our interpretation of a West Indies style in

that the finished project will possess, making it

Manhattan Beach is accentuated by the wooden

easier for our clients to envision their completed

louvered railings and the tongue-and-groove

home. In addition, we provide a preliminary bud-

detailing at the front elevation and the ceilings.

get for the holistic project (including construction

Although the majority of our projects are for

costs, city fees, school taxes, professional fees,

private homeowners, this project was developed

etc.) upfront, which gives our clients complete

with Titan & Co., who approached the project as if

transparency, allows for open communication

MILES PRITZKAT & KEITH JOHNSON

it were a custom home for themselves.

going forward and helps both parties maintain

306 Vista del Mar, Suite A, Redondo Beach 310-375-7700 info@pritzkatjohnson.com pritzkatjohnson.com

THIS INDUSTRY?

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN The firm’s partners are two experienced, licensed architects. Both of us are involved in some aspect of every project from start to finish. We think this is the best way to maintain the integrity of the design.

control of the financial side of the design-andbuild process.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU? When our clients decide to start the design process, it signals the beginning of one of the most unique endeavors in the human experience: the

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU

shaping and customizing of your own surround-

This project was designed to capture views of

OFFER TO CLIENTS?

ings. Going on that journey with our clients by

the snow-capped mountains, the Palos Verdes

In addition to the 3D modeling that we do, we

designing and delivering distinguished homes

Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. The large, open

can still provide preliminary drawings done by

that combine a high level of artistry and func-

plan gives vistas of all these locations from almost

hand for initial presentations to our clients. These

tionality no matter the style or scale is a truly

every point on the 1,500-square-foot upper

sketches convey many of the intangible qualities

gratifying experience.

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JOYCE FLOOD + ASSOCIATES AIA 505 N. Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 4, Manhattan Beach 310-376-4797 joyceflood@aol.com joycefloodarchitect.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

that fits the client’s lifestyle. The design

This custom-designed, classic Cape Cod

process starts when I initially talk to them.

style home, built by Mike Woodcock (MRW

Sometimes clients don’t know what they

Design Development), is in the hill section of

want, and I guide them through the process.

Manhattan Beach and sits on an extra-wide

My job is to make this a pleasant experience

lot. The owners like to entertain, so I created an L-shape floor plan with French doors that open to the yard—giving the house an indoor /outdoor flow and taking advantage of the afternoon sun and ocean breeze.

The main living areas are in one large open

for the homeowners.

I’m old-school when it comes to presenting schematic designs. I think freely when I’m sketching. That’s why I come up with so many options for every scenario, which I

space on the ground floor. The swimming

present to clients. Most of the time, sche-

pool can be enjoyed visually from any part

matic designs are presented in freehand. To

of the main living areas. The owners have a

me it’s the end product that counts.

beautiful art collection, so I created a foyer/ gallery to accommodate these.

Most of the bedrooms on the second floor have a view of the yard. The ocean and sunsets can also be enjoyed privately in the master suite and its private deck.

The media room is located in the basement for sound isolation. Even with an open plan concept, I provided some nooks and retreats throughout the house and outdoor

During construction, I’m always available for the builder and homeowners. I love walking through the jobsite and like the smell of wood and paint!

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? The beach lifestyle is very laid-back. Everybody appreciates and enjoys the coastal

areas for quiet times. Since the backyard

weather we have year-round. Therefore the

is also designed for entertaining, the rear

outdoor area is always a part of the floor

design of the house is made interesting by

plan, where indoor space always flows out

providing a lot of modulation and balance.

to the outdoors. Part of living closer to the

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE

beach is dealing with the density. The homes

SERVICES YOU OFFER.

are very close to each other, and providing

Being a sole proprietor, I work closely with

privacy is always a challenge as much as pro-

clients and builders in achieving the design

viding for light and ventilation.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY HERMOSAWAVE

THE ARCHITECTS

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THE ARCHITECTS

JOSEPH SPIERER ARCHITECTS, INC.

folds open to create one unified interior/exterior

where spaces should be located and how they

space. The material choices amplify this open-

should look. While designing we have all that in

ness and unity.

mind so we can achieve the ultimate creation for

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM. We are a Redondo Beach-based architecture

JOSEPH SPIERER

firm consisting of seven full-time architects

707 Torrance Blvd., Suite 100 Redondo Beach 310-876-8761 joe@calarchitect.com calarchitect.com

and growing. We specialize in high-end custom residential and commercial architecture. Our new homes span Southern California with projects as far south as San Diego and as far north as Pismo Beach. We offer design, documentation and consulting services.

our clients.

HOW DOES BEING DETAIL-ORIENTED ENHANCE YOUR WORK? After the initial vision is established, the details become the most important part of a design. We pride ourselves on consistently producing a welldetailed set of documents. If properly detailed, the contractors bidding the project will be able to base their pricing on the same scope, and the client can compare apples to apples. As a result, the selected contractor is much more likely to

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY?

This project is a 2,000-square-foot contempo-

Our clients often ask us to describe our favorite

dreaded “change order.” The more detailed the

rary Manhattan Beach home. To the client, the

architectural style. The answer is always, “Our

plans, the more smoothly bidding and construc-

picturesque beach view was the most important

favorite style is your favorite style.” Even if our

tion will go, and the better the design will turn out.

aspect of the site, so everything relating to the

clients do not have a specific approach in mind

design points toward that goal. As you ascend

when they begin, our highly personalized process

complete the project without an excess of the

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE

helps them identify their style.

YOU OFFER CLIENTS?

and massive to light and open. On the top floor,

DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF AN ARTIST?

before the pencil even touches the paper. We en-

the ceiling opens toward the view, drawing your

I do. Architecture is an equal blend of art and sci-

courage our clients to approach us during escrow

eye outward. The top floor is filled with glass so

ence, as one informs the other. A well thought-out

or in the very early stages of project discussion.

that there is light streaming down the walls, and

floor plan creates the forms that will direct the

Pre-Design can save clients a great deal of time

the entire wall on the ocean side of the home

aesthetics, and a particular style may help dictate

and money.

to the third floor, the stairs transition from solid

The process we call Pre-Design, which occurs

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»DESIGN SHOWCASE 2016

STUDIO SYNERGY NUNÉ NITSIOTIS 137 Via Sego, Studio A, Redondo Beach 310-792-9500 mail@studiosynergy.co studiosynergy.co

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

rity system. The home also integrates energy-con-

Studio Synergy was approached to design a home

scious systems such as solar panels that provide

that could be shared by three generations of one

electricity for the home’s energy demands and an

family. The husband and wife envisioned a com-

advanced geothermal heating and cooling system

fortable home for both their parents and children;

that utilizes heat exchangers between the home

one they could both relate to and be inspired by.

and its pool to maintain comfortable temperatures

with today’s lifestyles in mind. Halison Place was conceived as an extension of what is important to our clients.

Situated on a lot with city lights and mountain views, this 7,200-square-foot home features warm, contemporary details. On approach, surrounded by an impeccably detailed landscape, a drive court with garages for four cars and workshops welcomes visitors. At the entrance, the home begins to slowly reveal itself along a sweeping curved wall and two-story foyer with a sculptural stair that is designed in steel, wood and glass.

The main living areas are on the ground floor and overlook the property’s grounds, which in-

throughout the year.

The home’s material palette was selected to be both sustainable and environmentally responsible.

FSC-certified wood, along with locally provided materials and craftsmanship, were a top consideration. On the exterior, warm tones of smooth plaster are used in combination with mahogany siding, bronze anodized aluminum and low-e III curtain walls of glass. On the interior, custom-sourced hardwood floors were used throughout, as well as a variety of hand-selected wood veneers that were used for interior doors and custom cabinetry.

Additionally, recycled quartz countertops were chosen with complementary stone, glass and tile accents throughout the home’s kitchen, baths and laundry room.

clude a shaded bar area with barbeque, a tranquil

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE

pool and spa, a welcoming fire feature and several

SERVICES YOU OFFER.

surrounding private gardens. The second floor

As a South Bay native and graduate of USC’s

features intimate spaces that include a family

School of Architecture, the firm’s founder, Nuné

room loft, thoughtfully appointed bedrooms and a full master bedroom suite.

Nitsiotis, established Studio Synergy as a full-service design firm that assists clients in all aspects of design and construction. Each of our projects

DESCRIBE THE PROJECT’S SPECIAL

incorporates our expertise in the buildings, the

FEATURES AND FINISHES.

landscapes and the interiors that we create. We

At the heart of this new construction is a sophisti-

provide leadership in site selection, planning,

cated home automation system that controls solar

design, consultant coordination, agency approvals

shading, lighting, audio/video and the home secu-

and construction observation.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY NUNÉ NITSIOTIS & REMY HAYNES

As with all of our projects, the home is designed

THE ARCHITECTS

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DESIGN/BUILD

C&C PARTNERS DESIGN/BUILD FIRM PATRICK CUNNINGHAM, AIA & MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM 1601 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite #160, Hermosa Beach 310-322-0803 | Patrick@candcpartners.com | candcpartners.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

moment when our clients first step foot inside

This 8,000-square-foot, modern home was de-

their new home and experience the aesthetics and

signed and built by the brother team of Architect

fine-tuned details that our homes embody. We

Patrick Cunningham and General Contractor

take pride in every home we design and build as

Michael Cunningham. High ceilings and multiple

if it were our own. The idea behind our strategy is

sliding doors open to views of the ocean. The

to encourage the client to broaden their creative

master retreat, den and living rooms are equipped

horizons, push a little further past the edge of their

with Fleetwood doors that disappear into the

limits and really strive to accomplish something

walls, opening to stylish and expansive outdoor

that even their dreams could not fathom.

entertainment areas including dramatic views, an indoor/outdoor bar, lounge area with TV, built-in BBQ, infinity pool, spa and fire feature.

The gourmet Poliform kitchen blends aesthetic vision and functionally and is equipped with Wolf/ Sub-Zero appliances and center island. A state-ofthe-art Vantage system controls every aspect of the home. Outstanding features include a home theater, three bars, two waterfalls, wine cellar, steam shower, three-car garage and a guest unit with a separate entrance.

TELL US ABOUT THE RISE OF MODERN

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? In the South Bay, we are fortunate to be situated in an area that offers beautiful beach views, cool ocean breezes, ample sunshine and breathtaking scenic landscapes, and we encourage our clients to take full advantage of this opportunity—strategizing and brainstorming ways to capture the South Bay’s natural beauty and integrating these elements in the home design that fits our clients’ own unique style.

ARCHITECTURE IN THE SOUTH BAY.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE POTENTIAL

To say the desire for modern custom home

CLIENTS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR FIRM?

design-and-build is trending, or on the rise, in the

At C&C Partners, we take great pride in the homes

South Bay is an understatement. The industry is

we’ve designed and built. We are encouraged by

experiencing a hard-hitting surge that we are so

our clients’ creativity and desire for more. Our mis-

excited to partner with you and partake in. This

sion is for every homeowner that walks through

ever-rising boom reiterates that there is some-

the doors of their new home to think, “I never

thing to be said about the feeling you have once

thought this was possible”—only to realize that

your custom home is completed … the memorable

with the C&C Partners Team, it is.

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DESIGN/BUILD

RAS-A, INC. ROBERT SWEET 2507 W. 190th St. Redondo Beach 310-937-1760 ras-a.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

dirty. Having a multidisciplinary team of archi-

Located on a long and narrow lot in Manhattan

tects, designers and contractors, we are capable

Beach, the solution is a long and slender build-

of providing complete services—taking a project

ing that is arranged around a courtyard. Carved

from conception through construction.

out of the southern interior side of the lot, the courtyard becomes a large outdoor living space, which brings sunlight into the core of the house and allows the interiors to spill outdoors.

The original house, a nondescript stucco box, was hand-demolished to the foundations and external framing. Its footprint and silhouette are recycled into the new design and finished in smooth troweled white stucco, which is in sharp contrast to the dark, charred cedar that clads the new portions of the house. Bricks from an

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? We love working on projects in the Beach Cities because it is the perfect setting to explore the relationship of light, space and a connection to the outdoors. Our climate allows us the opportunity to create buildings that truly blur the boundary between the inside and outside, which exemplifies California modern living.

old patio on the property are repurposed into

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTURAL STYLE?

an outdoor fireplace and grill. The interiors have

Aside from being modernists at heart, we try not

concrete flooring, maple stairs, walnut casework

to have any preconceived notions of style or a

and ceilings of hemlock, which match the sauna.

A passive solar design, consisting of operable windows and ventilating light wells arranged to take advantage of constant ocean breezes, keeps the house cool in the summer without the need for an A/C unit. A hydronic radiant floor system provides clean heat for the house, including the outdoor patio—allowing year-round use of the courtyard.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER.

particular formal quality when designing—rather, we define a problem and then design a specific solution to that problem. The end product is a holistic result that relates to the project’s site (physical constraints, existing structures, zoning, sunlight, etc.), the client’s program and the context or locale of the project.

DESCRIBE YOUR CLIENTS. Our clients tend to have a common creative thread and share in our design approach. The

We are a boutique design-and-build studio that

design process really becomes a collaboration

believes in good design and getting our hands

influenced by the uniqueness of each client.

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LANE DESIGN + BUILD GARY LANE 2212 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach 310-937-8081 Gary@LaneDesignBuild.com LaneDesignBuild.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

BBQ area and infinity Jacuzzi provide a central

The featured project is my own home. My wife

gathering area. My family is enjoying the simplic-

and I downsized when our kids went to college.

ity of our new home, and we feel like we are on a

We found a 1,400-square-foot fixer-upper in the

permanent vacation.

Hollywood Riviera and decided to completely transform it. This coastal home is built with an expansive design to showcase the stunning view of the entire South Bay. My vision was to create a one-story home that feels like you are on a vacation getaway at the

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THIS INDUSTRY? I feel so fortunate to have been born and raised in Hermosa Beach. I first started working summers in the construction industry at the age of 10 for my

beach. With the addition of a master suite and

neighbor’s firm. From pouring foundations to fin-

living room, we added around 1,000 square feet to

ish carpentry, I learned how to build a home from

the remodeled space. The style is a colorful island /

the ground up. In 1983, I opened Lane Building

plantation look complete with banana palms,

Design in Manhattan Beach, and my firm has now

wood shutters and a metal roof.

designed, built or developed close to 400 homes,

We went with a grey stain on French oak flooring for a driftwood look. All the walls, ceilings and kitchen cabinets are painted white to keep the focus on the blues of ocean and sky. The sea pearl quartzite on the kitchen island and countertops, along with clear glass tiles, continue the beach theme in a simple, clean design.

The great room features a vaulted ceiling, white-

townhomes, condos and commercial properties throughout our beach communities.

WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE SERVICES YOU OFFER CLIENTS? Our clients tend to come to us knowing we are an established firm with a creative, experienced and trustworthy staff. I make it a priority to spend time

washed brick fireplace and siding on an interior

truly getting to know our clients on a personal

wall to mimic the home’s exterior and to blur the

level in order to design a home that specifically ca-

lines from interior to exterior. To fully embrace the

ters to their needs. Recently our firm has added a

breathtaking view, I installed retractable glass-

real estate division and interior design services so

paned doors that open to the expansive backyard.

that we are even better able to take our clients on

We mixed seashells into the grey concrete for a

the journey from conceptual design to completion

modern, beachy hardscape. The brick firepit and

of their dream home.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY LUKE GIBSON PHOTOGRAPHY

DESIGN/BUILD

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DESIGN/BUILD

BLANCHARD FUENTES DESIGN DEBORAH FUENTES & ERIK BLANCHARD, ASSOC. AIA 4064 Via Valmonte, Palos Verdes Estates 310-750-6733 info@blafudesign.com blanchardfuentes.design

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

from free-association sketchwork to specialty

Our design solution to a ‘70s-era, nonde-

fabrication knowledge, we are well-suited for

script, single-family residence on a half-lot in

the challenges of custom delivery.

Hermosa Beach. This 1,800-square-foot remodel emerged from a simple question: What can we do with it?

The Offering: three bedrooms, two baths, a choppy living room on the second floor and a two-car garage with a ceiling height more suitable for parking excavators than passenger vehicles.

The Desire: four bedrooms, three baths, an integrated living space and kitchen for entertaining, roof deck for viewing and a two-car garage—modest ceiling height, please.

The Vision: Preserve what works (30%).

Carefully remove what doesn’t (70%). Split in elevation new spaces 3½ feet upwards from

PROJECTS YOU’VE COMPLETED? One of our first projects was an invitation to design a garden bench for an art exhibit commenting on Los Angeles’s relationship with urban infill and green space. We used the opportunity to explore the possibilities of software-derived design and how that could align with the handcrafting of something. In addition to a unique furniture piece came an emerging interest in geometric expression, light and shadow and the nuances of material transition. We completed a retail building shortly afterwards inspired by this new level of understanding.

the existing ones, design the stair as artwork

HOW DOES BEING DETAIL-ORIENTED

to elegantly access the levels, then put it all

ENHANCE YOUR WORK?

on display through a bold expression of steel

Paying attention and maintaining a healthy level

and glass.

of engagement with the work on a daily basis is

The Soul: A generous use of plate glass

a necessity of a project’s success. This encom-

throughout the project affords a feeling of light-

passes many things, from the subtleties of a

ness especially between the roof deck and living

line drawing to the field solution of a complex

room, where a glazed volume breaches the ceil-

assemblage detail.

ing plane and materializes as a decked stair and PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEBORAH FUENTES

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST EXCITING

landing assembly. A rich millwork selection from maple to hickory softens the living layer and balances the exposed steel work of the stair.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU OFFER TO CLIENTS? Personalized service, a full commitment to the process and working toward a mutual objective

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE

no matter how limited the progress nor how

SERVICES YOU OFFER.

distant the solution. It has been our experience

We are a design firm specializing in luxury resi-

that the design process, by nature, is non-

dential and retail projects. We prefer to build the

linear—with steps forward often coming about

things we design. Accessing a full range of skills,

from one or two backwards.

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THE BUILDERS

LUANN DEVELOPMENT LUANN FABIAN Redondo Beach 310-428-3578 lfabian@luanndev.com luanndev.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

business, but that doesn’t mean that every gen-

This home achieves an innovative “coastal con-

eral contractor is good at it. One of the practices

temporary” style with luxe fixtures combined

our company has embraced is that we have

with reclaimed wood and artistry concrete tiles.

another member of our team back up every

The open floor plan with oceanfront views in-

project supervisor. With so many details going

spired a neutral color palette in greys and blues

into building a home, sometimes focusing on the

set against beautiful vaulted white wood ceilings

decision at hand allows for something to go un-

and wainscoting. This home truly captures our

noticed. But when you have a support system in

South Bay lifestyle with timeless characteristics.

place like we do, the team is supporting a team.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY?

WHAT TYPES OF PERSONAL ASSISTANCE DOES YOUR COMPANY PROVIDE YOUR CLIENTS?

In addition to being a general contractor, our company has design insight to guide homeowners on the aesthetics of each project. We bring various ideas to the table as a launch point to collaborate and create uniquely custom homes.

Collaboration with our clients is key; we focus on creating a house distinctly built for each owner and their lifestyle, their needs and their desires.

Once we truly understand those, everything after that seems to fall into place. Through meet-

TELL US ABOUT A TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR INDUSTRY.

ings with clients, we establish their preferences

Our days begin early in the morning and end

features along the way. Our goal is to ensure

late at night. We start each day by checking

that their vision comes to light.

into each and every one of our projects, to ensure that our crews have a plan of action for the day and have the answers they need before they get started. We are in constant contact with our clients and subcontractors throughout the day. There is not much down time, and it is ever-changing.

and provide several ideas and potential design

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? There is an exceptional style to living in the in Beach Cities. The homes are built to enjoy the coastal climate. With the scenery as the focal point, the goal is to bring as much of the ocean views into the house as possible. With great

HOW DOES BEING DETAIL-ORIENTED ENHANCE YOUR WORK?

rooms that lead right onto a wraparound deck,

Being detail-oriented is a must in the

entertaining and relaxing.

we create a big, open and friendly space for

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THE BUILDERS

KKC FINE HOMES KIM KOMICK

3216 Manhattan Avenue, Suite E Hermosa Beach 310-372-6027 info@kkcfinehomes.com kkcfinehomes.com

than 150 of the South Bay’s finest homes. I also do high-end commercial such as banks, office buildings, and retail and restaurant developments. We strive for a level of quality and experience that is very hard to find in this industry.

HOW DO YOU FIND BUSINESS? My business has flourished mostly from wordof-mouth: client referrals as well as referrals from architects, Realtors and others in the industry. I like the team approach—collaborating with the client, the architect and often interior

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. This North Hermosa home started as a spec home. I worked with the late architect Patrick Killen, who designed this and another project we did together, until he was finally overcome with cancer. He loved to stay busy instead of dwelling in his pain, so we forged ahead. This home was sold in the framing stages, so the new client joined us in the interior design phase. Together with Fogel Interiors, we created this masterpiece. It features panoramic views from three decks, an open floor plan for entertaining, along

PHOTOGRAPHED BY GREMLY MEDIA

with a striking wet bar and a glass wine cellar.

See my website for more photos.

designers and brokers. Another way I get business to create it. I find a great lot, design with a talented architect, build a home and wait for the perfect buyer. Most of the time the buyer comes before I get a chance to finish the home, but this allows the client to join in the process and make the home their own.

WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON FOR KKC? We will continue what we do best. We are building two townhomes near Downtown Manhattan at 814 Highland Avenue that were designed by Dough Leach, and a new home designed by Jon Starr at 216 28th Street that has the best views of any home I have built (besides The Strand).

WHAT IS KKC FINE HOMES?

These will be for sale in the summer. We are also

Also known by KKC Development, Inc., we are

building a new state-of-the-art office building

a full-service general contractor specializing in

that will feature solar panels, a green roof, roof

high-end homes in the coastal area (Sand Sec-

deck and lots of parking. This landmark building

tion) of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. I

was also designed by Patrick Killen. For more

started the company in 1991 and have built more

upcoming projects, visit kkcfinehomes.com.

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THE BUILDERS

ARCHER BUILDING GROUP, INC. BEN ARCHER 707 Torrance Blvd. #100, Redondo Beach 310-602-1492 ben@archerbuilding.com archerbuilding.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

finishes, etc.—is exemplary. Archer Building

This Manhattan Beach project was the result of a

Group’s attention to detail extends to our office

great collaboration between the homeowners, the

operations as well. Every detail, from door hinge

architect and our construction team. The home-

finishes to tile thickness, is discussed and planned

owners had impeccable taste in design and a very

in advance to streamline our schedule.

clear vision. They were looking for a complete interior overhaul, two downstairs additions and a second-story addition. The goal with the new second story was to seamlessly integrate it into the existing structure and keep the single-story “bungalow” look from the street. The owners also wanted to entertain their huge family for the holidays. To accomplish this, we installed stackable doors that allowed them to define interior space or bring the outdoors inside. We gutted the entire interior (kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and living spaces) and installed new shingle siding to the exterior. We imported reclaimed lumber to install new ceiling beams, plastered each interior wall and created a master suite. It was essentially a new home. This finished project is one of our favorites.

YOU PRIDE YOURSELVES ON BEING

WHAT TYPES OF PERSONAL ASSISTANCE DOES YOUR COMPANY PROVIDE CLIENTS? It is our job to ensure that each detail of a homeowner’s vision is executed with quality, precision and efficiency. In order to do that, we have to coordinate and communicate … a lot. We specialize in project management where our job is to bring together various trades like architects, engineers, designers, subcontractors and materialmen. Clients receive constant updates about their project and access to the entire Archer Building team.

We also invested in a smartphone application that allows clients instant access to photos, specifications, schedule updates and design requests.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU OFFER CLIENTS?

DETAIL-ORIENTED. HOW DOES THAT

Communication and more communication. I

ENHANCE YOUR WORK?

graduated from USC with a bachelor’s degree

Attention to detail in construction makes or breaks

in English. That education taught me the value

a build. Meeting code requirements and ensuring

of both written and oral communication with

safe construction is only the first step. We ensure

clients. Phone calls, emails, texts and in-person

that each of our homes is built with quality materi-

meetings are key to keeping clients in the loop

als by capable tradespeople with an eye toward

about the progression of the job and the schedule.

precision. Someone from our team walks through

Our value shines through when problems arise.

each job on a daily basis to ensure that construc-

We face issues head-on by talking with our clients

tion—foundation, framing, roofing, woodwork,

early and often.

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THE BUILDERS

CUSTOM DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION 2001 E. Mariposa Avenue, El Segundo | 310-815-4815 info@VisitCustomDesign.com | VisitCustomDesign.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. This design/build project encompassed the complete remodel of a medium kitchen (approximately 280 square feet) and great room. Although the home was built in 2007, the homeowners were motivated to remodel because they did not feel the space was utilized in the most efficient manner, nor did it reflect their style and tastes. The clients wanted to create a transitional space that

refer to as “livable remodeling.”

WHAT IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE SERVICE? One of the largest differentiators between us and the other design / build firms in the South Bay is that we are able to offer in-house financing. Many of our clients have found this to be beneficial, as oftentimes it allows them to complete their entire project at once instead of in phases.

allowed for better flow and use, as well as creating

DESCRIBE YOUR CLIENTS.

an elegant yet inviting feel in the room for enter-

Our clients are busy professionals who don’t

taining guests.

have the time or energy to manage every de-

Wallpapering the breakfast area and adding

tail involved in a major home remodel. They are

wall sconces help define the space and create an

people who want to work with a trusted profes-

aura of sophistication, along with the pendant

sional company that is capable of guiding them

light fixtures over the center island. The island

through the process and helping them make well-

allows for ample seating and storage, and the use

informed decisions about creating the home of

of refrigerated drawers maximizes the storage

their dreams. What matters most to us is that our

space in the kitchen for large gatherings. Since the

clients Love Their Home Again!

couple is heavily involved in the community and entertains often, the homeowners wanted a space that was elegant, warm and clean—an accurate representation of their tastes and style.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THIS INDUSTRY? Manhattan Beach resident Bill Simone is the president of Custom Design & Construction. He

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR YOUR FIRM?

founded the company in 1986 and quickly built

The #1 complaint people normally have about

a reputation of integrity and exceeding client

their remodeling experience is the amount of

expectations. Bill was one of the first innovators

dust created by the project. With that in mind,

to apply the design / build concept to residential

over the past year we have started utilizing a

remodeling. We facilitate the design, the financ-

product that eliminates up to 90% of airborne

ing, the engineering, the project management, the

dust as the result of remodeling. Utilizing our

material selection and the construction all under

proprietary process results in an environment we

one roof.

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SRL CONSTRUCTION STEVE LARKIN

643 Cypress Ave. Hermosa Beach 310-505-6541 steve@srl-construction.com srl-construction.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

a level of perfectionism in every aspect of our

This stunning, modern home designed by Starr

jobs. We have carpenters and electricians on

Design Group (formerly a traditional Cape Cod)

staff to also ensure the quality of the project. We

was created to capture the sweeping views of-

specialize in custom high-end homes; however

fered in the Hill Section of Manhattan Beach and

we are very comfortable with renovations and

maximize indoor and outdoor space for enter-

commercial projects.

taining. This family-of-six home is equipped to entertain large parties while maintaining an intimate family ambience.

Twelve-foot ceilings guide visitors through the living area and kitchen. The use of wood, stone and metal makes each room unique and at the same time provides a natural flow in the space. The courtyard makes great use of a smaller outdoor space, located directly off

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? I love how each house takes on its own identity and becomes its own home. With one eye on the passing trends of elite home-building, we always find new and inventive ways of making each home special for the homeowner. Building is a process and a collaborative effort between

the kitchen and dining room. The backyard is

the client, the designer and us. There are always

equipped with a full bar, swimming pool and

challenges, but with that we are pushed to find

circular bench around a fire pit, making it the

creative solutions that ultimately lead to a better

perfect gathering place for family and friends.

home. I also deeply appreciate becoming friends with my clients.

We are a full-service general contractor provid-

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU

ing turnkey operations. A South Bay resident

OFFER TO CLIENTS?

since 1971, I have great insight into the unique

Insight. Knowing how to take a drawing and,

and modern beach lifestyle that is sought after

over the course of construction, be able to stand

in the South Bay. A tradesman for nearly 20

back and see a sketch come to life. Working as a

years—beginning in the yard at Learned Lumber

finish carpenter, I have come across a wide array

and apprenticing with a few trades—I am very

of how homes can be built. With this expertise

hands-on and ensure each build comes together

we know what to look for when an idea is on pa-

with a cohesive finished product. I have worked

per. This enables us to make adjustments before

my way through the ranks and craftsman trades

something becomes a problem, creating a more

over the decades, and that helps me provide

efficient, high-quality build.

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM.

THE DESIGNERS

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THE DESIGNERS

KATE LESTER INTERIORS KATE LESTER 2212 Pacific Coast Hwy., Hermosa Beach 310-316-3167 info@katelesterinteriors.com katelesterinteriors.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

Unique Homes, Kitchens & Baths, Southbay

This is a really chic, coastal-inspired home in

HOME and many others. It’s been a wonderful

Manhattan Beach. Our clients wanted a home

journey so far, and last year we opened our new

that was transitional, filled with light and a

studio space in Hermosa Beach!

reflection of their fun, family-oriented lifestyle.

This project was even more rewarding because the clients were really involved in everything from start to finish. It’s so fulfilling to see people invest in the process and add those personal touches that mean so much to them!

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? One of the most interesting (and sometimes challenging) things about creating spaces in the Beach Cities is that people really want beautiful a home they can LIVE in. They want a home

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM.

that is luxurious and unique but also want mate-

Kate Lester Interiors is a completely full-service

rials, fabrics and furniture that will enable them

interior design firm. We specialize in custom home design and are involved in the design/ build process from framing to furniture installation. Our architectural and construction knowledge enables us to work seamlessly with all trades and has helped create a brand that is

to enjoy an active coastal lifestyle with their families and pets. At KLI we provide our clients with “livable luxury,” and oftentimes this means our gorgeous designs holding up to sand, sun and lots of family entertaining indoors and out!

synonymous with luxury, comfort and a direct

HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOURSELF

reflection of every client.

FROM THE COMPETITION?

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THIS INDUSTRY? Twelve years ago, after leaving a job in finance,

We believe that spaces can be functional and luxurious. We strive to put our clients first. We answer the phone, return emails and visit the

I started my journey in interior design. I began

job site. We practice fiscal responsibility and

in the sample library of a celebrity design firm

stay true to our budgeting. By doing this, we

in Hollywood and soon became the senior proj-

build trust. We are good stewards of time and

ect manager.

money throughout the design/build process.

I opened Kate Lester Interiors in 2010 in

Most importantly, we work hard to create a

Redondo Beach and have had projects featured

lasting positive experience for our clients and a

in Ocean Home, DailyCandy, Romantic Homes,

home they will enjoy for years to come.

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CAROLINE BURKE DESIGNS AND ASSOCIATES INC. CAROLINE BURKE 1020 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Suite 210, Manhattan Beach 310-546-6862 info@carolineburkedesigns.com carolineburkedesigns.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

rooms properly. I love when my clients say: “I love

This contemporary home was designed for

it; I can’t believe this is MY home!” Happiness is

sophisticated beach living. Art and color and

everything in a home, and that is what we create.

this family home. Every room is creative, elegant and alive. Their guests have repeatedly said that they feel like they are staying at a five-star hotel!

My clients simply love their home.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. Caroline Burke Designs is a full-service interior design and decorating firm located in Manhattan Beach. We offer interior design packages

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON

for new builds, which includes all the drawings a

HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES?

builder requires to build out the interior spaces of

Working on homes in the Beach Cities is

a home as well as all the material, plumbing and

interesting because of the variety of styles

appliance selections. We work hand-in-hand with

and the variety of sizes. We can be working

the architects and builders.

on a 1,500-square-foot beach bungalow, a

We also offer interior decorating that includes

6,000-square-foot French country chateau and

the design and feel of a home, furnishings,

a 14,000-square-foot Bali modern—all within

fabrics, window treatments, area rugs, paint

minutes of each other!

schemes, art and accessories.

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOUR COMPANY, AND HOW DOES THAT AFFECT THE WAY YOU PRACTICE INTERIOR DESIGN?

TELL US ABOUT YOUR OWN HOME.

My philosophy is that beautiful interior design

I live and breathe interior design. Six years ago I purchased a small, English cottage-style home

supports a happy, healthy lifestyle, and I treat ev-

on a double lot in Palos Verdes overlooking the

ery client’s house as if it’s my own home. There-

ocean. It needed a lot of TLC. I gutted the house

fore, there are two things that make my company

down to the studs, reworked the rooms and

special. First, I am very client-focused. I take the

rebuilt the cottage with new everything. I wanted

time to get to know my clients and their lifestyle

to keep the integrity of the home and the cozi-

so their homes represent them. I want my clients

ness. I spent a lot of time designing the gardens.

to have interiors that are beautiful, comfortable

I added a brook, pathways through the different

and durable. Second, quality and construction

levels of gardens, citrus trees and raised planters

of furniture is important to me. We manufacture

where I grow all my herbs and tomatoes. It’s an

all of our upholstered pieces locally, and that

awesome space where I love to go at the end of

allows me to make custom, quality pieces that fit

every day.

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pattern all played a significant role in designing

THE DESIGNERS

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NOELLE INTERIORS

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE

I care so much about our community, and I’m

SERVICES YOU OFFER.

obviously invested in its development. The coastal

Noelle Interiors Design House is renowned for its distinctive designs and sophisticated seaside vibe.

NOELLE PARKS

We specialize in residential interior design to curat-

815 Manhattan Avenue, Ste. C, Manhattan Beach 310-937-7777 info@noelleinteriors.com noelleinteriors.com @noelleinteriors

ed collections of furniture, lighting, wall coverings,

under one roof to create an avant-garde com-

proach with a Nantucket influence. I’m originally from the East Coast, so this style has given me a

ries. We are proud to work with an enviable roster

chance to incorporate my heritage into my design

of developers, architects, contractors and vendors

here in the South Bay.

who share the same irreverent creative philosophy

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE HOME DESIGN /

It is my signature style to blend diverse designs

years, and I think it is an innovative and fresh ap-

rugs, luxe bedding and decorative home accesso-

and maintain the highest standards for quality.

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

modern style has been a trend for the past few

RENOVATION TV SHOW?

WHAT IS ONE THING YOUR CLIENTS WOULD BE SHOCKED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I spent part of my life growing up in a solar-

HGTV’s House Hunters Renovation. I recently

powered house in the mountains. I learned at a

finished filming an episode remodeling a kitchen

young age how much I appreciate nature and the

and great room. The home had breathtaking views

fundamentals of preservation.

position for every project. This home achieves

that were incredibly inspiring to work with. I was

an innovative coastal contemporary style with

able to create a design using new and innovative

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

luxe fixtures combined with reclaimed wood

materials that I hadn’t used on any other project.

Having the freedom to create and be inspired

and artistry concrete tiles. The oceanfront views

The episode will air mid-summer!

in a new way with each client. My clients enable

inspired a neutral color palette in greys and

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING

me to explore ideas that bring the design to

blues set against beautiful white wood ceilings

ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES?

life and create a stunning home unique to each

and wainscoting.

I love working on homes for local clients because

family or individual.

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NORMAN DESIGN GROUP PHIL NORMAN, ASID, CID 310-378-1111 phil@normandesigngroup.com normandesigngroup.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

furnishings, we want the highest quality and

We were lucky enough to be brought into this

detailing for our clients.

project from the ground up. It is a fantastic home that demonstrates our firm’s ability to design a project from start to finish. The clients travel the Pacific Rim and Europe extensively and wanted a sophisticated, classic and cosmopolitan feel. We achieved this look by working in a mix of materials such as honed black marbles, Calcutta marbles, polished chrome, warm walnut woods and dry brush glazes to add softness. The furnishings were done in our signature style of mixing styles and periods, resulting in a very unique interior.

Pictured to the far left is the lacquered library with a traditional, long library table centered in the room that functions as both a work and study table. The library bath, pic-

WHY DO SOUTH BAY RESIDENTS NEED YOUR SERVICES? The home and design market is really taking off, and I think South Bay residents are looking for unique designers to bring extra style into their homes. Without having to go to West Los Angeles to find your designer, Norman Design Group brings incredible talent and professionalism to the area. We are right here in your backyard, resourcing throughout the city and beyond on a daily basis to keep current with products available for your home. Norman Design Group offers beautiful designs and emphasizes a reflection of your personality and taste in the final product.

tured in the middle, is equally handsome with

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE

its tile details, stone work and walnut vanity

YOU OFFER TO CLIENTS?

overlaid with polished chrome strapping.

I make sure there is a fluid connection be-

Captured in the bottom image is an amazing

tween architectural detailing and the interior

master closet we designed, backdropped by

decoration. We design and draw all of the

Ashley Hicks wallcovering that would even

molding and architectural details, and then

make Carrie Bradshaw jealous.

complete the home with furnishings and the

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY?

final touches. With this approach we are able to capture both key elements that make a

First, I offer a very approachable and un-

home successful. Along with all the technical

complicated process to what sometimes can

aspects, we understand very well first-hand

be very intimidating journey for our clients.

how a young family lives in a home. They

Secondly, we hold to a very high standard

have a busy everyday life, and we try to make

the knowledge of all interior products and

their experience along with their home easy

quality of work. Whether in the builtins or the

and enjoyable.

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THE DESIGNERS

FREIGHTHOUSE SARA BALOUGH 1260 Cabrillo Ave., Torrance 310-251-1968 sarabalough@gmail.com sarabaloughdesigns.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

add a contemporary feel to the living room. At

My client made a major life change due to

the same time, we found a Baker inlayed side

family demands. She sold her home overseas

table, which added elegance. We focused on

and arrived here with a spirit of adventure and

clean lines and interesting pieces, adding many

a few special treasures. She purchased a com-

of the Asian pieces she brought with her.

fortable but dated townhome and hired me to

AT THE END OF THE PROJECT, DID YOU FEEL

furnish and decorate it. Her goal was to set up

YOU HAD ACHIEVED ALL YOU WANTED?

her new life quickly. Her only requirement was

I surpassed my expectations in some ways. I’m

that it be “serene and uncluttered.”

really proud of what we accomplished—I think it

HOW DID YOU APPROACH THIS PROJECT?

is chic and eclectic and meets my client’s goals.

Fresh paint and carpet, a new mantel in the liv-

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR FIRM?

ing room, new lighting and all new furniture. We

I do have something exciting to announce—I am

started in October and were done by February.

opening a store called the Freighthouse at 1260

In the world of design, a major overhaul with all

Cabrillo Avenue, Torrance. It is right next door

new furniture in four months (over the holidays)

to Michael Schafer’s fantastic restaurant, the De-

is something that I’m pretty proud of.

pot. I realized from this project and a few others that we need a way to recycle interesting, qual-

DOESN’T FURNITURE USUALLY TAKE MONTHS TO ORDER AND RECEIVE?

ity pieces—furniture, artwork and accessories.

So Freighthouse will be a consignment space

It does—especially custom, quality, interesting

open to the public. My clients and the public can

pieces. So my client and I hit the consignment

sell items that are too wonderful to abandon and

shops and did a lot of reupholstering. My client

might be just that special piece that someone

bought a really special contemporary rug that

else is looking for. Pop in and check us out—we

grounded the living room.

should be open by mid-April, and I expect you

I scoured for accent pieces and found an original Adrian Pearsall Jax table at auction to

will be impressed with the antiques, collectibles and deals we have to offer.

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NADIA DESIGNS NADIA ELGRABLY ALLIED ASID

1601 N. Sepulveda Blvd #383 Manhattan Beach 310-892-1799 nadia.tidg@gmail.com nadiadesigns.org

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

amazing locations. I would live in the area

This project was a collaboration with Na-

where the project was from preconstruc-

dia Designs and the homeowner/builder.

tion through completion, and I embraced

It is new construction designed to take

all my surroundings during that time—

advantage of the city and ocean views.

from Cape Cod to New Orleans, Miami,

The home was built with three floors of

Dallas and Scottsdale. I loved the adven-

living space and designed for indoor and

ture of exploring each area and seeking

outdoor living. Features of the six-bed-

out local artists and artisans. Eventually

room, seven-bathroom home include

my travels and a project landed me in

Smart Home technology, custom cabine-

Southern California. The South Bay was

try, a wine room and a media room.

a natural fit. It felt like home. I opened

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN

Nadia Designs in 2008.

THIS INDUSTRY?

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST EXCIT-

We work in partnership with our clients.

ING PROJECTS YOU’VE COMPLETED?

I believe in the value of personalized

A vacation home on Maui, a complete

service. Every project tells a unique

remodel in Pacific Palisades, new

story. We use collaboration, planning and

construction in Venice Beach and The

management to achieve results. Great

Consulate of Angola.

interior design is a symphony of elements.

I believe your home should reflect your unique personality. We challenge the norm. Functionality is critical. We provide design options and selections utilizing cutting-edge technology, expert craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and the latest in available features and products.

DESCRIBE YOUR CLIENTS. The designer/client process is an exceptional honor. I work to surpass expectations. I have been blessed with extraordinary clients and projects. They are unique with regard to lifestyles and desired architectural features. We share a passion for functionality and great design, with

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS

a responsibility and respect for environ-

IN THE SOUTH BAY?

mental challenges. I am humbled by the

I did design work with a firm in Boston,

many returning clients who I have worked

and they sent me to manage projects in

with on multiple projects.

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THE DESIGNERS

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EDENLA FURNITURE & INTERIORS JAMIE RODDY

350 N. Sepulveda, Manhattan Beach 310-376-0033 edenLA@edenLA.com edenLA.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

enjoy decorating in many different genres, but

This Manhattan Beach home was really fun to

we seem to be doing a lot of transitional elegance

co-create with the owners. She wanted lots of

with some touches of glamour these days.

crystals and silver, and I was happy to oblige! A

What we’re most excited about is a return to the

custom silver cowhide ottoman with Greek key

traditional sense of decorating (think plush and

designs, Murano glass chandeliers, an antique

comfortable with lots of attention to detail)—but

mirror and silverleaf coffee tables all mix with

with decidedly updated and contemporary fab-

a subtly coastal feel. It’s beach glamour! Really

rics and finishes.

great, easygoing clients (and incredible views too) made this project one of our favorites.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM. Our firm offers full-scale interior design services, as well as smaller-scale requests for custom or ready-made furniture. Half of our business is servicing our design clients, and the other half is helping interior designers find and procure the furniture, lighting and accessories they need for their clients.

Because we have more than 200 vendors for furnishings and the ability to make whatever

DESCRIBE YOUR CLIENTS. Our clients are the world’s most wonderful people. They want and deserve dedicated attention to their unique desires and needs while creating interiors that WOW. They also enjoy life, are usually pretty happy, and enjoy working with like-minded professionals. (Like us!) They are people who like to have fun while maintaining integrity, and we are very blessed to know so many of them.

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOUR COMPANY, AND HOW DOES THAT

we need here in Los Angeles County, we are

INFLUENCE YOUR CRAFT?

never limited. Our clients, both interior design-

We operate in all areas of life with a level

ers and design clients, really benefit from that—

of integrity that flows into our business. I truly

whether they’re shopping on our extensive and

believe the reason for our success has been our

growing e-commerce website or in person with

ability to treat every situation with the utmost

us in the studio.

integrity to the clients’ needs. That’s why they

We also have excellent logistics and quality control personnel to make sure our clients’ expectations are met and exceeded. Every time.

become addicted to working with us. We make the entire process about as free as it can be.

WHAT’S NEW IN YOUR BUSINESS?

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNATURE TOUCHES

Our new Manhattan Beach studio! We are be-

THAT MAKE YOUR FIRM STAND OUT ?

yond excited to be headquartered in our own

Our clients seem to come to us when they want

community. We’ll be better able to serve the

luxury touches ... a more glamorous update. We

entire South Bay.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY SOULS IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY (KIMBERLY) & BAXTER IMAGING (KITCHEN)

»DESIGN SHOWCASE 2016

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THE DESIGNERS

KCM STUDIO KIMBERLY COLLETTI 715 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach 310-735.1991 kimberly@studiokcm.com kimberlycolletti.com

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? Celebrating the opening of our showroom in June. We will be bringing the best of LA Design resources to the South Bay. We look forward to partnering with our community.

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR YOUR FIRM? With decades of award-winning interior design and custom cabinetry experience, we are excited

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

to introduce Neff custom cabinetry, Wood-Mode,

This featured project was so much fun because

Brookhaven and our signature KCM series of

my client is passionate and an avid collector of

unique, functional and beautiful kitchens and

exotic sports cars. He wanted a colorful kitchen,

bathrooms. If you are looking to remodel or you

so color we did!!! In this Neff custom kitchen I cre-

are building a custom residence, our products and

ated a color match to Ferrari red in a high-gloss

services will surpass your expectations.

automotive finish. The custom backsplash includes a mixture of graphite, titanium and stainless steel.

The Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances finish this chef and car enthusiast’s dream.

The coastal master bath was purposely mono-

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU? Design is constantly evolving. It is never stagnant or boring, and it is always a challenge. The desire

chromatic to create a retreat for relaxation. A

to create timeless yet innovative home designs

Caesarstone countertop with a waterfall edge

that are comfortable and reflect the lifestyle of the

frames the Wood-Mode custom cabinetry. Lime-

client is what drives me! Good design is a process,

stone flooring with bands of blended mosaic tiles

not a style. We can do it all. It’s about the connec-

complete the geometry of the clean and contem-

tion with the client, great communication and then

porary walls of the wet area.

allowing the creativity to flow.

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VON HEMERT INTERIORS GREGORY TOWLE, KAMAREN HENSON-UHLS & FLOYD ELWELL 23649 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance 310-373-0442 info@vonhemertinteriors.com vonhemertinteriors.com

your needs and wishes for your space, they will put together a design concept and floor plans to help you visualize the kind of interiors that will complement your style. From selecting fabrics to custom drapery to designing and furnishing everything in your entire home down to the china, rugs, art and other accents, our designers can ease you through this creative journey.

HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOUR FIRM FROM THE COMPETITION? We are the only design firm and home furnishings location in South Bay that has a full range

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. We are featuring two very unique clients

of vendors, suppliers and materials, as well as the knowledge of worldwide textiles that are available for a given project. We also have great

with distinctly different tastes. Our first

purchasing power, support and longstanding

client wanted unique pieces that represented

relationships with the best work- rooms in the

a traditional je ne sais quoi that evokes under-

area so as to bring you the most stylish custom

stated elegance. Our second client embraced

treatments and highly supervised installations.

an urban-style-meets-upscale-menswear, with inspirations coming from men’s cuff links and crocodile loafers. As these individual styles vary, so do our fabulous design projects!

WHAT ARE SOME EXCITING PROJECTS YOU’VE COMPLETED? We have worked on residential and commercial installations from Yokohama, Japan

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER.

to Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia,

von Hemert Interiors has been consistent with

projects in Palm Springs / Desert, Los Ange-

bringing a reputable level of interior design ser-

les, Long Beach, Pacific Palisades, Manhattan

vices and high-end, brand-name home furnish-

Beach and Malibu. Gregory, Kamaren and

ings for nearly a century. Since 1920, we have

Floyd each carry their own portfolio of stun-

offered a distinct selection of domestic furni-

ning projects in diverse styles.

ture manufacturers such as: American Leather,

Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, as well as great local

DESCRIBE YOUR CLIENTS.

Theodore Alexander, Stressless, Maitland-Smith,

Our interior designers enjoy working with clients

Marge Carson, Hickory White and Lexington.

on individual rooms as well as turnkey projects.

Our accredited interior designers— Gregory

Getting to know their customers and how they

Towle, Floyd Elwell and Kamaren Henson-Uhls—

aspire to live is the best part of the creative pro-

are a group of individuals with a remarkable

cess. It is not uncommon for many of our clients

breadth of design knowledge, experience and,

to come back to us time and time again when

most of all, passion. Each of these designers has

new and exciting space changes or opportuni-

a discerning sense of style when it comes to ap-

ties present themselves. It is this lasting bond

proaching your design project. After discussing

that is a truly wonderful part of our business.

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FI N A L O F F ER

A Home for

HOME

For many of us, the office is a second home … it’s where we create, collaborate and cultivate our professional lives most days of the year. It’s no surprise that businesses have caught on to the benefits of a “lifestyle” office—one where employees not only work but also play.

After several years occupying two neighboring cottages just south of Hermosa pier, Moon Tide Media, creator of Southbay HOME, packed up shop and headed to its new home in El Segundo on the lobby floor of the Sepulveda Boulevard PCT building. With the help of a talented design team—including James Meyer and Jason Alm of LeanArch, contractor Mike McGregor and CBRE project manager Mark Hansen—we now populate a beautiful, open-concept workspace splashed with rich woods, floor-to-ceiling windows and home-worthy modern fixtures. Highlights include a full open kitchen with working beer tap and a shuffleboard table for happy hour antics.

If our bosses were hoping we’d spend more time at the office, they’ve succeeded. We couldn’t be happier with our new home.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

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