Playa Vista Direct — June/July 2020

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Design Ideas for our New Normal

SHELTERING AT HOME: JUNE - JULY 2020

D I R E C T

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SHOP ONLINE OR BY APPOINTMENT VICTORY FURNITURE I 2512 SANTA MONICA BLVD. I SANTA MONICA CA I 310.264.1046 VICTORYFURNITURE.COM

‘Staycations’ are this Summer’s Biggest Trend For 75 years Victory Furniture has provided comfort, style and quick delivery to backyards and patios in LA

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Since the COVID-19 pandemic, backyards have never been more important. Victory Furniture is watching that trend, and ready to help.

“This summer is so very important in so many ways,” says Ron Safran, Victory Furniture owner.

“For this summer, the trend is ‘staycations.’ We’re vacationing in our backyards, using the space for every important event.

We’re focused on bringing comfort and style and quick delivery to people’s backyards this summer.”

Safran would know. He’s the third-generation owner of Victory Furniture, which has showrooms peppered throughout Southern California. His grandfather established the business in 1945 as one of the first outdoor specialty stores in Southern California. He named it after the World War II victory.

“It’s been a legacy business in California since my grandfather started it,” Safran says. “I was an entrepreneur myself and involved in creative aspects of selling. It is a great platform company that my grandfather, mother and father worked in, and a great opportunity for me. I love being involved in reinventing retail, which has

changed dramatically.”

Throughout its 75 years, Victory Furniture has forged through the retail rollercoaster.

“The things we’ve seen have been pretty incredible and challenging,” Safran says.

“We’re fortunate. We’re one of the few remaining independently owned outdoor furniture companies.

“We’ve done a lot of things to understand what our niche is. We’re not trying to be everything to everybody. We sell unique and curated items.”

The showrooms feature luxurious furniture and accessories appropriate for a wide range of design tastes like TUCCI Umbrellas, Ow Lee, Brown Jordan, Gloster, Ratana and commercial umbrellas. The staff looks for items that are stylish and of the correct quality for the outdoors.

“We deliver products quickly and offer support to service it down the road,” Safran says. “We’re really focused on a high-quality niche of product and service that separates us from the online guys and the big-box guys.

“The newer products are a little more contemporary and California lifestyle pieces, from the very hip to a little more contemporary. The products we have reflect where the California lifestyle is today.”

Like the generations before, Safran brings Advertorial

his talents to Victory Furniture. Customer service is the foundation on which the company is built.

“Victory emphasizes customer service and, as a result, enjoys the patronage of a loyal, lifelong customer base,” Safran says. “Victory strives to be a recognized and respected leader in the outdoor furniture industry and our community.”

For now, he’s focused on improving the community’s entertainment in our “new normal.”

“Outdoor furniture is an important product category for the foreseeable future,” he says.

“It already was a good category, but with the pandemic and stay-at-home mandate, there’s been a greater urgency.

“It’s a very satisfying job. The outdoor space is where people have a lot of fun and entertainment. To make it an outdoor room is creatively satisfying. It’s nice to see people enjoy that space.”

Victory Furniture 2512 Santa Monica Blvd.

Santa Monica. (310) 264-1046 victoryfurniture.com

Contents

Vol. 5 | No. 3

EDITOR’S NOTE

HOME: JEWEL

6 Strange Days at Home

22 The Jewel of Silicon Beach is aspirational luxury

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

COMMUNITY

PET ADOPTION

14 The Many Masks of Playa Vista HOME: CAMDEN

FOOD 20 Alejandra Schrader shares her recipe for Delicata Squash Gnocchi

4 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020

D I R E C T

26 Sanctuary in the City a cabana-style balcony offers sunshine and privacy

30 Fight feelings of isolation with a bonded pair of cats, Michael and Dwight

16 The Glamorous Life of a single gal

JUNE - JULY 2020

SHELTERING AT HOME: Design Ideas for our New Normal.

On the cover: The Farooqui family in front of their home.

Clockwise: Shama, Owais, Mazin and Layla.

Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner Design by Arman Olivares

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12 Copywriter for Deutsch Laurenne Sala

HOME: THE COLLECTION

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10 Social Media Influencer Ahmondo Nevels

JE S S E WE INBE RG

EDITOR’S NOTE

Strange days at home

L

ife in recent months, recent weeks even, has changed. We’ve all been at home under quarantine due to COVID-19, and more recently, under a curfew.

Because of the changes in our world, our homes have suddenly become much more than a place to shower and sleep. They have become our schoolrooms as our children have been distance learning in the living room or at the center island in the kitchen. Our homes have also become our work place, with many of us, myself included, now working from home, attending Zoom meetings, barefoot, in our pajama bottoms. Some of us find ourselves not working, anxious about our careers, or small businesses, weighing the pros and cons of reopening our economy. Our homes have also become our gyms, our restaurants, our bars, our movie theaters and our spiritual centers.

On one hand, we’re very lucky to have the technology to connect us to each other and be able to keep some semblance of our lives going. On the other hand, some of us feel isolated. While this is the time of the novel coronavirus, it’s also a time of novel uncertainty.

The good news is that the people of Playa Vista are resilient. None of us just ended up here by accident. Every single one of us forged a path here so we might have a career, create a startup or a family, or both.

The people of Playa Vista support each other and care deeply about the wellbeing of those in the community. The group Playa Vista Angels have organized a Facebook page and are volunteering to help anyone in the community, especially the vulnerable and elderly. If you need something send an email to playavistaangels@gmail.com or call (917) 865-0963.

In honor of the homes we’ve ruthlessly “MacGyvered” to fit our new normal, I decided to create the first-ever Playa Vista Direct “Home” issue – to celebrate and remember this unique time at home. As always, I’m thrilled to be a small part of this community and hope you all stay safe and healthy.

MANAGING EDITOR Shanee Edwards GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Arman Olivares Kate Doll CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lara J. Altunian · Christina Campodonico Jessica Koslow · Brian Marks · Robyn Paris Andrew Dubbins · Andy Vasoyan Kellie Chudzinski CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Erica Allen · Inae Bloom Courtnay Robbins · Maria Martin · Shilah Montiel · Zsuszi Steiner Emily Hart Roth ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kay Christy Denine Gentilella EXECUTIVE EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Rebecca Bermudez

CONTACT US EDITORIAL shanee@playavistadirect.com ADVERTISING Rebecca Bermudez rbermudez@timespublications.com

(310) 822-1629

161 S. Pasadena Ave., Suite B, South Pasadena CA 91030 Playa Vista Direct is direct-mailed every other month to homes and businesses in the 90094 area code, with additional distribution to multiple office and retail locations throughout the Playa Vista area.

Shanee Edwards Managing Editor · shanee@playavistadirect.com VICE PRESIDENT: Michael Hiatt PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine

PlayaVistaDirect.com

6 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020

THE WORLD HAS CHANGED, HAVE YOUR INVESTMENTS?

GET A FREE PORTFOLIO REVIEW Gerber Kawasaki is a Fiduciary 1.1 Billion in AUM Comprehensive Financial Planning Independent Investment Advice Featured on

Hatem Dhiab

Gerber Kawasaki Managing Partner Playa Vista Resident hatem@gerberkawasaki.com 310.441.9393 Investment advice offered through Gerber Kawasaki Inc, a registered investment advisor. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All investments have risk of loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Tax advantages of qualified accounts vary based on many factors, please see a CPA or Financial Advisor to determine if a qualified plan may be appropriate for you. Gerber Kawasaki, 2716 Ocean Park Blvd. #2022 Santa Monica, CA 90405. Contact us at (310) 441-9393 info@gerberkawasaki.com

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8 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

AHMONDO NEVELS,

Social Media Influencer and Skateboarder Mondo, as he likes to be called, has been skateboarding for 22 years. He promotes five brands and describes himself as, “A YouTuber, an artist, an entertainer, a creative director – I’m a workaholic, man!” Like a true millennial, he enjoys every aspect of social media. “Video making, video editing, graphic design, filmmaking, I love it.”

But most of all, Mondo loves skateboarding. “I love the training, the martial arts. I get to be a kid while being a grown man. I get to connect, give back, I get to teach. I get to be involved in one of the greatest subindustries in the world. I get to create prod-

10 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020

ucts, have fun. I could talk about it for hours. It’s beautiful. I’m getting emotional.” Though he said he’s currently healing from an injury, he did demonstrate a couple of skateboard moves. A quick YouTube search reveals Mondo doing a more complicated move called a fakie shroom flip tail slide. To fuel his exciting stunts on wheels, and his fierce work ethic, he says he’s a health enthusiast. “I was a Chinese tonic herbalist for many years, so I’m into natural foods, organic.” Mondo lives in Westchester.

EXPANDING CARE IN PLAYA VISTA. Access to quality care has never been more important. Kaiser Permanente is making it easier to help you get the care you need, by moving into a larger, state-of-the-art facility nearby in Playa Vista, scheduled to open early Summer 2020. Visit kp.org/playavista to learn more.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

LAURENNE SALA, Copywriter for Deutsch Laurenne says she wanted to work in advertising ever since she was a kid.

“I think it’s because I saw Uncle Joey and Uncle Jesse on [the sitcom] ‘Full House,’” she says with a laugh. She attended the famous Miami Ad School and currently works for Deutsch LA, where she’s worked on campaigns for clients such as Kia, Target and Jack in the Box. Currently, she’s working on a pitch for a big client but couldn’t share the details. When she’s not pitching new business, she writes picture books for children, ages 3 to 8. The first two are, “You Made Me a Mother,” and “You Made Me a Dad.” Both

are available on Amazon.com. Her third book, “Mi Casa is My Home,” is forthcoming. She also likes to write personal essays on a variety of topics from Hollywood’s Magic Castle to dissecting cadavers. As exciting (and often stressful) as the advertising biz is, she hopes to retire soon. Until then, she enjoys the one block trek from Deutsch to the Whole Foods at Runway. “I’m here every day, I like the healthy aspect, the people are nice.

I like watching the birds and all the dogs are cute.”

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©2020 Highland Premiere and Society. All rights reserved. DRE License #01967160/#02014153. All material presented here in is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omission, changes or withdrawal without notice. If your property is currently listed with another real estate broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.

COMMUNITY

THE MANY MASKS OF PLAYA VISTA

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HOME: CAMDEN

Top: Contrasting textures please the eye and exude luxury in this bedroom Bottom: Straight lines balance organic shapes in this living room

16 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020

HOME: CAMDEN

THE GLAMOROUS LIFE Luxury meets comfort in this posh Camden home STORY BY SHANEE EDWARDS | PHOTOS BY DRICHARDS INTERIORS

L

ifestyle is everything in Los Angeles. People from all over the world move here for the sunshine, healthy culture and beach days. With Hollywood nearby, actors, celebrities and sports figures add an alluring shimmer to the city. So when radiologist Sandhya Reddy bought her first home in Playa Vista, she was excited about its potential.

Single and in her early 30s, Reddy wanted her Camden home to exude the glamor LA is famous for, but she knew her home also needed to be welcoming when her family visited. “My sisters have kids and I wanted it to be comfortable for them, too. I wanted single girl-glamorous but comfortable,” Reddy said. To achieve her goal, she turned to the team at DRichards Interiors for guidance.

“The client was pretty specific with us,” said Denise Richards, founder of DRichards Interiors. “She wanted it to be modern, a little glam but not overly so. That was what we went for,” Richards said.

The Living Room One of the challenges with Playa Vista homes is that if you squint, they tend to all look alike. Richards knew there was a simple fix for that.

“There were no wallcoverings,” said Richards, “so her place looked like every other condo in Playa Vista and that was what [Reddy] wanted to get away from. Wallcoverings have been the hottest trend. People want things that are textural – at least textural looking, as opposed to a plain wall. There really aren’t any white walls in this project. There’s white trim, but not walls.”

But not any wallcoverings would do. They had to be sophisticated and pass the test of time. The specific colors in the home would set the stage for

Neutral colors in shades of grey and taupe add sophistication

comfortable glam. “[Reddy] requested we stay in a neutral color palate, so we went into greys and taupes. Taupes are a little warmer, greys are a little more severe. We wanted to meet her requests, but still give her something very modern and timely but not trendy.”

The design team that included Jila Parva chose a wall covering from Tri Kes that has a wolf-grey background and a silvery, plant-like pattern. Silver art and accents throughout the room complement the wallcovering and add tasteful glitter.

The clean lines add sophistication, while the snow-colored sectional brightens up the room while inviting comfort.

Powder Room

very special. The idea was to make it rich and dramatic.”

The wallcovering from Nina Campbell Wallpapers has a cerulean blue background with sea urchin-like shapes.

The gorgeous star-shaped mirror hanging above the sink reflects that pattern.

Reddy says that she never would have picked the wallcovering on her own, but, “Jila [Parva] mentioned to me that the powder room is really a place where you can go a little bit louder and bolder.

Jila understood my taste and what I was about very quickly. She would show me things and I would love them immediately and I’m a quick decision maker. So we went for it and I especially loved putting it on the ceiling. It just gave me that bolder, glamorous feel that I wanted as a single girl at the time,” Reddy says.

The powder room, a fancy name for a half bath, offered a unique opportunity The Master Bedroom for the designers to be adventurous. An underwater adventure to be more specific.

The neutral greys and taupes make “An ocean feel is something [Reddy] their return in this elegantly styled wanted to obtain,” said Richards, adding, (Continued on page 18) “We really like to make the powder rooms PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020 17

HOME: CAMDEN

(Continued from page 17)

Clockwise: This exotic wallcovering by Nina Campbell adds a sense of adventure to the powder room A silver chandelier and eggshell chairs make the perfect upscale setting for a multi-course dinner party This entryway is another bold example of mixing angular shapes with a glammed up driftwood side table

master bedroom. The metal cork wallcovering by Scalamandre gives this room subtle texture, while the oversized wall mirror reinforces the overall glam feel. The Egg Chair by Phillips Collection brings a fun, unique shape to the room and delights the eye.

Reddy said the bedroom was one of her favorite places. “I spent a lot of time in the evenings reading a book or relaxing watching a TV show. So I wanted the same vibe as in the rest of the house cozy, but a little glam. And that was added with the chandelier and full-length mirror and the Egg Chair on the side,” she said.

When all the rooms were finished, 18 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020

Reddy was thrilled with her home. However, what she didn’t know was that her glamorous single-girl lifestyle was about to change. She fell in love, had a beautiful wedding and soon moved to Northern California to start a family.

For Reddy, leaving her stylish home behind was bittersweet. “I finished it, but within the year I moved. I thought, ‘Oh my god, I spent all this money on this place and now I’m going to rent it out.

It’s expensive to do and then you’re not spending that much time there, so, yeah, it was a little bit sad.”

But Reddy wouldn’t change a thing. “It was my first design experience in my first

home purchase and I was able to express myself through my personal design for who I was at that time. I’m very proud of that home. Now I’ve moved onto designing and updating our home in the Bay Area to make it kid friendly for my 13-month-old daughter and for myself working from home while adding masculine touches for my husband.”

To quote the lyrics in the song “The Glamorous Life,” by Sheila E., “Love is forever and that’s all your life. Love is heaven-sent. It’s glamorous.”

For more information on Denise Richards and her design team, visit drichardsinteriors.com.

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310-305-9600 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020 19

DELICATA SQUASH GNOCCHI (gluten-free, vegan)

INGREDIENTS 1 delicata squash, seeded, cooked, peeled (about 1 3/4 cup of cubed squash) 1/2 cup gluten free flour + 3 tbsp to flour working surface* Flaxseed mixture** 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt Pinch of ground nutmeg METHOD

M

ix all ingredients (except for reserved flour for working surface) in a food processor until they’re well incorporated. Remove dough and form a ball; set on a small tray and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, flour your working surface.

Break dough into 4 pieces and shape into thick ropes at about 1” thickness.

Cut ropes into 2/3” pieces and flatten down the middle using a wooden skewer (or the end of a spoon).

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in delicata squash gnocchi and cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until gnocchi have risen to the top. Drain and serve with radish green pesto (recipe below) or pasta sauce of your preference.

You may accompany with sautéed vegetables and/or hearty greens. I used purple kale and romanesco broccoli. * I used Trader Joe’s gluten-free flour which is made with a combination of tapioca, almond, and brown rice flours.

RADISH GREEN PESTO Radish greens, stems removed and cut in strips, about 1 packed cup

** Flaxseed mixture

METHOD

•1 tbsp finely ground flaxseed •3 tbsp hot water

Mix well in small bowl. Let rest for 10 to 20 min. in the refrigerator, until mixture thickens and becomes gelatinous.

1/3 cup crushed walnuts 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp nutritional yeast 1 garlic clove, minced 1/8 tsp coarse sea salt + more to taste 1-2 tbsp cold water, if needed

C

ombine all ingredients, except for the water, in a high-powered blender. Process on high for at least 1 minute, until sauce is smooth. Add water, if needed, to thin up sauce slightly.

RECIPE BY ALEJANDRA SCHRADER Alejandra Schrader’s culinary career began after becoming a top finalist and fan-favorite on FOX’s MasterChef with Gordon Ramsay. For recipes and more visit alejandraschrader.com.

Alejandra lives in Playa Vista.

20 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020

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21

HOME: JEWEL This model Jewel home offers high ceilings and plenty of indoor and outdoor living space

22 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020

HOME: JEWEL

THE JEWEL OF SILICON BEACH One designer shares her secrets behind creating the most luxurious home in Playa Vista STORY BY SHANEE EDWARDS | PHOTOS BY DESIGN LINE INTERIORS

I

nterior designer, Dawn Davidson, founder of Design Line Interiors, was thrilled when her team was asked to design the Jewel model homes about three years ago.

“The assignment,” says the awardwinning designer, “was to create the highest-end, most luxurious product being built in Playa Vista. A home that reflects the Los Angeles lifestyle, that was contemporary and yet still warm and inviting.”

While the assignment may sound daunting, Davidson says the challenges were few. “When you have a great builder who is relentless when it comes to designing floorplans and designing the buildings and making sure they are well done with the utmost quality and that they live and are functional, the interior design is the icing on the cake.

The Jewel builders thrive on collaboration and together, we choose cabinets, flooring, colors, theme and schemes.

They selected very nice upgraded appliances, railings, cabinetry and the best of the best building products.”

Now completely sold out, the Jewel homes are three-story detached residences, each over 4,000 square feet.

With high ceilings, spacious living areas, chef ’s kitchens and indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, these homes are Silicon Beach’s most brilliantly sparkling gems. Let’s take a closer look at the kitchen and the home office.

Modern Kitchen Whether it’s in the morning before work or at a holiday party, the kitchen is the place where everyone likes to gather.

It’s a lifeline to sustenance and socializing. Davidson began with a subdued color palette of beige, champagne and

Interior designer Dawn Davisdon calls the kitchen island the ‘chameleon’ in the home because of its versatility

bisque to create a modern aesthetic, saying she was going for “peacefulness with very little distraction. Cooking is an art and the less distraction, the better.”

While the kitchen needed to be very functional, Davidson also says she wanted to create a romantic cooking vibe and took inspiration from design master Mick De Giulio, adding, “His kitchens are fabulous – and SieMatic [a German kitchen manufacturer] as well.”

Adding natural wood accents like the beverage tray, tiered stand, and the cutting board helped to add warmth to the space. “Warmth is what creates the heart of the home,” she says.

Davidson purposefully mixed curves (the faucet and padded chairs) with sleek, straight lines (the drawer handles and the blocky marble island) to balance the space, saying, “They flow with each other in contrast. Like a man and woman doing a tango.”

The Calacatta Oro Polished Chevron Marble Mosaic backsplash is stunningly beautiful, adding sophistication and detail without overpowering the design.

But the real star of this kitchen is the Calacatta Gold Marble Waterfall Island from Arizona Tile. Instead of the marble stopping at the edge of the island, it drops vertically down the sides, creating a continuous flow from the cabinetry to the floor adding elegance.

Whether used for chopping vegetables, a breakfast bar or simply doing homework, this island is the dramatic focal point of the room.

Davidson, refers to the kitchen island as the “chameleon” in the home because it’s so versatile, making it one of the most important spaces where function and form truly intersect.

(Continued on page 24) PLAYA PLAYAVISTA VISTADIRECT DIRECT || JUNE JUNE -- JULY JULY 2020 2020 23 23

HOME: JEWEL

(Continued from page 23)

Home Office While stylish, this home office offers a sense of focus

Davidson calls the room, “A big burly hug of a room. It’s sturdy, strong and bold.”

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D I R E C T

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SHELTERING AT HOME: Design Ideas for our New

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To learn more about Dawn Davidson and Design Line Interiors, visit designlineinteriors.com.

Normal.

*****ECRWSSEDDM***** POSTAL CUSTOMER

Davidson admits the home office was her “favorite room in the project.”

She especially loved the lux, polished, zebrawood walls. Zebrawood is a tropical, decorative hard wood with an exotic stripe-like grain.

As a whole, she says the office design is, “Sophisticated. It has heart, it’s a room that I think anyone would feel warm and comfortable in.”

Balancing the inherent linear look of the zebrawood is the softness of the unusual 9’ by 12’ handmade Surya wool rug that looks like fluffy cobblestones, making the room rife with distinguished textures that comfort the eye and body.

“It’s also a soothing room, especially now with the COVID-19, we all have to work in our home offices and if they’re not comfortable and they don’t give you that sense of focus, it’s hard to get anything done – The decor and feel of this office literally inspires a sense of focus.”

With masculine touches like the black and white custom-made drapes,

For more information, please call (310) 574-7655 or email Rebecca: rbermudez@timespublications.com

From Football to Waterfall Countertops Arizona Tile scores a touchdown when it comes to creating beautiful homes

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Chad Raymond

After 10 years of playing football at the collegiate and professional levels, Heisman Trophy winner John Huarte called an audible.

He decided to focus his leadership and team-building skills on a new venture — Arizona Tile — in 1977 San Diego.

Now the company has more than 25 stores in seven Western states with hundreds of employees, according to Chad Raymond, Arizona Tile’s regional sales manager.

“John Huarte started selling tile in the offseason,” recalls Raymond, one of the company’s long-time employees of 18 years.

“He’s such a charming man. He did very, very well.”

Arizona Tile has become one of the leading tile and slab distributors in the United States, offering more than 300 varieties of granite, marble, quartzite, limestone and travertine, and more than 65 colors of Della Terra Quartz. Its products also include unique glass mosaics, porcelain tile and other design creations.

Being on the cutting edge also means making life easier for their customers. Recently, Arizona Tile updated the Arizona Tile mobile app, which

is available on tablets and smartphones in the App Store and Google Play. It mirrors the online experience.

The app enables users to access the newest web content while on the go, with categories like “products,” “gallery,” “locations,” “search,” “product finder,” “favorites” and “share.”

The ideal place to peruse samples is Arizona Tile’s many showrooms, all of which are beautiful and fully stocked.

“It’s really amazing what can be done with tile.”

Arizona Tile Sun Valley 11308 Penrose St. Sun Valley, Ca. 91352 818-742-4750 Arizona Tile Anaheim Tile Showroom 1620 S. Lewis St. Anaheim, Ca 92805 714-978-6403 Arizona Tile Slab showroom 700 E. Katella Ave Anaheim, Ca. 92805 714-602-3515 www.arizonatile.com

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PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020 25

HOME: THE COLLECTION This cabana-style balcony was inspired by a visit to the Greek isles

26 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020

HOME: THE COLLECTION

SANCTUARY IN THE CITY

One interior designer creates beautiful spaces for the entire family STORY BY SHANEE EDWARDS | PHOTOS BY AK DESIGNS

W

hen a young family asked Anu Kainth, founder of fullservice interior design firm AK Designs, to help turn their brandnew home into a sanctuary for their family, Kainth was up for the challenge.

The wife is a doctor and the husband runs his own business, so not only did the space need to look professional, it also had to be practical and comfortable for two small children. The home’s balcony and the kids’ rooms were the perfect places to begin.

Kainth started the project when The Collection home was still being built.

She went in, took some measurements, and once the family got their keys she went to work starting in October of 2018 and didn’t finish until June of 2019. “We took a few breaks in between, but that’s the nature of Interior design, there’s backorders on furniture and things, but it turned out really beautiful and they loved it,” says Kainth.

The Cabana-Style Balcony Possibly the most beautiful, practical and surprisingly private space in the home is the balcony. This sublime outdoor space doubles as a spot to entertain adults on warm evenings with cocktails at sunset, as well as a place for the children to play on sunny or rainy days.

“They obviously don’t have a backyard in this kind of home, so this was their substitute,” says Kainth. Apparently, the family went on vacation to Greece once and wanted the patio area to have that vacation vibe.

“They wanted it to be open, airy; they wanted to entertain up there and barbeque. There’s a sliding glass door that opens up into their indoor space,” she says.

Kainth chose a Mediterranean color

Drapes fully close to provide complete privacy when needed

palate with greens, blues and whites, much like the houses on Greece’s many islands with whitewashed, volcanic stone buildings and bright blue rooftops. She first chose the rug, then added pillows and greenery.

“It just brought out the colors they were hoping for,” says Kainth. “They were specific about the couch they wanted so I built the design from there. They had seen an abstract-chic coffee table at a retail store and wanted something similar. We exchanged a lot of ideas,” she says.

The outdoor drapes came with the home. “That’s something they did with the builder and that really makes it look cool, too. When you close them, you have all that privacy and it looks like a cabana,” says Kainth.

Nothing makes you feel like you’re on an island more than a cabana. But instead of messy sand, there’s a soft rug under your feet with a pattern inspired by the letter Delta from the Greek alphabet. The

flowy, driftwood coffee table evokes the sea and is a sturdy fixture around small children. Drapes –– open or shut –– create a space that provides an escape from the city for the entire family.

The Jack and Jill Bedroom Suite The challenge here, according to Kainth, was to keep the furniture minimal yet functional and fun. “Both rooms are quite small, so the mom was saying she just wanted them to have a little bit of space to play on the floor if they wanted to. She didn’t want the bed to eat up the whole room so that’s why I decided to push them up against the walls,” says Kainth.

Boy’s Room Like many little boys, this youngster (Continued on page 28) PLAYA PLAYAVISTA VISTADIRECT DIRECT || JUNE JUNE -- JULY JULY 2020 2020 27 27

HOME: THE COLLECTION

(Continued from page 27)

Clockwise: In the boy’s room, a double-tiered work station is perfect for coloring, doing homework or hiding clutter A book shelf that nestles into the corner saves space In the girl’s room, cute llamas adorn the walls This dove grey daybed complements the dusty rose wallcovering

is obsessed with “Star Wars.” “It was my client who found the wall art. It’s an ABC chart and each letter has its own ‘Star Wars’ character. It was a child’s version of the characters. It’s cute and playful.”

Since both brother and sister love to read, it was important to include a bookcase, along with a small play table with chairs so he had a place to color and do his homework. “He had a lot of little toys, so we added the wooden display shelf as well. Because the room is small 28 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020

and carpeted, it felt really playful,” she says.

Girl’s Room To add a feminine touch, Kainth added a dusty-rose wallcovering with a subtle zig-zag design. “From far away it just looks pink, but up close you can see the texture and the pattern.”

Because her client loved the dove grey daybed with gentle curves, Kainth, used it for inspiration for the rest of the room.

“I chose the bedding, the nightstand and that cute little lamp – it all came together.”

It was also Kainth’s idea to add the adorable framed llamas. As spirit animals, the pack animals represent strength and endurance and are also symbols of hard work and responsibility. On top of all that, they are weirdly cute and are a fun addition to the room.

If you’d like to know more about AK Designs, visit anukdesigns.com, or instagram.com/anukdesigns/.

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Join us for a fun and engaging one-week experience designed for animal lovers ages 8-11.

Your camper will learn about the human-animal bond, pet adoption, veterinary care, animal behavior, and more.

Register for July sessions now!

PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020 29

PET ADOPTION

Adoptable Pets

FROM ANNENBERG PETSPACE The coolest buddies in Playa Vista are waiting for their new forever homes

MICHAEL

CHURRO

Hi, I’m Michael and I’m the regional meownager of Annenberg PetSpace. I’m part of a bonded pair with the assistant to the regional meownager, Dwight. I’m pretty much his mentor. I know you’ll be afraid of how much you love me. Come meet me ASAP as possible.

Hi, my name is Churro! I am seeking a calm and quiet home where I can be someone’s regular companion. I truly flourish when I’m with my person.

Maybe we can do some positive reinforcement training too?

Let’s meet soon so we can start getting to know each other.

Tips from the Trainer

entertained if they’re cooped up for longer than usual periods of time. Luckily there are hundreds of options for keeping your pet’s mind busy, from do-it-yourself crafts to enrichment items you can purchase online. Keeping your pet mentally stimulated (as opposed

By Eleasha Gall, CPDT-KA It may seem like a big challenge to keep your pet

DWIGHT

Hello, my name is Dwight and I’m the assistant regional meownager here. I’m part of a bonded pair with Michael.

What can I say, he trusts me to get things done. How would I describe myself? Three words: cute, cuddly, sweet, friendly, playful.

to physical exercise) can keep your pet calm and relaxed during your time together.

Dedicating about 30 minutes to your pet’s “homeschooling” or mental stimulation will do wonders for your pet’s relaxation for the rest of the day.

To learn more about pet adoption, or to see other available pets, visit annenbergpetspace.org 30 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020

Integrity. Experience. Service.

For 19 years, I’ve been helping clients in the Los Angeles area achieve their home financing goals. Whether you’re just starting out, self-employed or thinking about retirement, I’ll take the time to understand your unique situation, explain your options, and help you find the home loan that’s right for you.

As a Bank of America® lending specialist, I can offer you: • Jumbo loans up to $5 million on owner-occupied properties, up to $3 million on second homes, and up to $1 million on investment homes3 • Prequalification by phone or in person to help you find out how much you may be able to borrow3 • Integrity, experience and personalized service so you can feel confident throughout the home loan process

I’m here to help. Contact me today.

Trust me with your home loan

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1 Minimum down payment requirements vary by property type and location. Loan amount, interest-only payment option, loan-to-value percentage, property and/or occupancy type may require a higher level of reserves and/or post-closing liquidity. Two separate full appraisals may be required. Excellent credit required, including proof of recent consistent housing payment history. Not available on all loan programs. Other restrictions apply, ask for details.

2 Prequalification is neither preapproval nor a commitment to lend, borrower must submit additional information for review and approval.

| JUNE - JULY 2020 31 Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without PLAYA VISTA DIRECTnotice.

Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. ©2019 Bank of America Corporation. AD-09-19-0473 | ARDT8XHM | HL-416-AD | 11/2019

When Only the VERY BEST Will Do Trust Your Eyes to Assil Eye Institute

Please see what we are doing to comply with CDC recommendations to keep our facilities clean and safe for our staff and patients at www.assileye.com Our world-class LASIK, cataract, & retinal surgeons provide compassionate care, and cutting edge procedures in ophthalmology, including these conditions:

ABOUT DR. AVNEET K. SODHI GAUR • Local resident of Playa Vista with her husband and two boys

DR. JOHN MAY, DR. AVNEET K. SODHI GAUR, DR. KERRY ASSIL, DR. LINDSAY HARRIS

ABOUT THE ASSIL EYE INSTITUTE • The Assil Eye Institute is nationally recognized for its compassionate patient-centric care, its commitment to pioneering advances in ophthalmology and its dedication to supporting the health and well-being of not just its patients, but also of their community.

• Dr. Assil’s life-long commitment to advancing the field of ophthalmology is evident in his body of work developing new surgical techniques and advances in laser surgery.

• Dr. Assil lectures internationally and has taught state-of-the art surgical skills to well over 10,000 thousand ophthalmologists worldwide.

• The Assil Eye Institute has participated in dozens of FDA clinical trials, either as lead investigator or as a member of a multi-center team, testing new ophthalmological devices and surgical techniques.

• She is the Director of Glaucoma at Assil Eye Institute Board Certified, Fellowship trained Cataract, LASIK, and Glaucoma Specialist, with training and experience developed at nationally renowned ophthalmic institutions • She has performed thousands of surgeries including EAGLE vision LASIK, PRK, ICL as well as Laser-Assisted Cataract surgery.

• She has extensive experience in conventional glaucoma surgical procedures as well as in minimally invasive glaucoma procedures including iStent, iStent inject, Hydrus, endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP), OMNI 360, Xen gel stent • She speaks English, Hindi, Punjabi and is proficient in basic Spanish.

assileye.com Beverly Hills 310-651-2300 | 450 N. Roxbury Dr., 3rd Floor | Beverly Hills 90210 Santa Monica 310-382-5050 | 2222 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 107 | Santa Monica 90404

32 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2020