Southbay Home II 2021 by Moon Tide Media

a publication of southbay magazine

SOUTHBAY.GOLDENSTATE.IS

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RAMI ELMINOUFI 310.947.1180 | rami@bcbestates.com |

BRE 01434630

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS

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1716 S Catalina Ave, Hollywood Riviera | 200 S PCH, Redondo Beach | 431 Main Street,

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THE CALIFORNIA MEDIA AND CONTENT COMPANY.

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

HOME SWEET, SOUTH BAY OVER $80 MILLION IN SALES

LET US HELP YOU FIND YOUR AREA Buyers & Sellers Guide

AREA | ACCARDO REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES 310.855.3557 @accardo_realestate DRE 01863340

As Seen On:

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LIS

INSIDE

FEATURES

THE RIGHT TOUCH Three home professionals bring a Manhattan Beach family’s Mediterranean abode back to life.

A WORLD AWAY A couple and their young daughter build a modern surf retreat in a secluded area along the ocean near Troncones, Mexico, fit for quiet, low-key surf days.

BLUEPRINT FOR A BEAUTIFUL LIFE Architect James Meyer moves his headquarters to El Segundo, giving his business a new eponymous identity and streamlining the scope of his agency’s work.

COINCIDING COLLABORATIONS One family, two distinctly different South Bay projects.

104

FEELS LIKE HOME AGAIN A Manhattan Beach interior designer helps refresh a residence for a family in Palos Verdes Estates that harmoniously blends the architecture and captures the personality of the home.

86 66

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

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Palos Verdes Estates Panoramic ocean and coastline views from this 3.17 acre, resort-like estate! Private and gated, this spectacular home features 13,000 square feet, tennis court, theatre, guest home, putting green, dry and wet saunas, pool, spa and more! Video at www.chrisadlam.com. $18,950,000

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INSIDE ALSO 31

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Organizer Erica Thompson

BETTER TOGETHER I love a good collaboration. That’s why we fill each issue of

ESSENTIALS

Behind the Music

100 TRAVEL

Oh Hey, Bouclé

DIY Gallery Wall

ARTISANS Jack Wood

Southbay HOME with stories of homeowners, designers, archi-

Casa Cody

138

ESSENTIALS

FEATURED PROPERTIES Caskey & Caskey

Grey Matter

brought to you by local design professionals.

FINAL OFFER

AND…

tects, contactors and more coming together on local projects. Our fall edition is no exception, with five beautiful homes

MEDIA

and Associates

I also couldn’t have been more pleased when South Bay interior designer Kate Lester agreed to partner with fine art print purveyor Driftward on a gallery wall tutorial. Her relaxed

AROUND TOWN Dining & Designing

115

DESIGN SHOWCASES The South Bay’s Top Home Professionals

coastal vibes matched perfectly with the California cool of her print selections. Palos Verdes-raised professional organizer Erica Thompson walks us through few ways to eliminate clutter and make a fresh start. Architect James Meyer brings his recalibrated practice home to El Segundo and shares his journey making that momentous decision. Plus we have a young wood artisan,

bold restaurant design, a historical getaway in Palm Springs and more. And don’t forget to check out our Design Showcases spotlighting the South Bay’s best home talent.

Darren Elms

ON THE COVER The Riley Residence Photographed by Lauren Pressey

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

PUBLISHER

Darren Elms

Amy Tetherow 424-220-6338

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

amy@thegoldenstatecompany.com

Michelle Villas ADVERTISING Director of Brand Partnerships | Marcie Gutierrez

COPY EDITOR Laura Watts

424-220-6337 marcie@thegoldenstatecompany.com

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nikki Smith

Director of Brand Partnerships | Erika Carrion

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

erika@thegoldenstatecompany.com

310-897-2424 Diane E. Barber, Michele Garber, Amber Klinck, Jennie Nunn

Director of Brand Partnerships | Jen Turquand

PHOTOGRAPHERS

jen.turquand@thegoldenstatecompany.com

424-220-6335 Jeﬀ Berting, Siri Berting, Lance Gerber, Manolo Langis, Shane O’Donnell, Lauren Pressey

SOUTHBAY IS A DIVISION OF THE GOLDEN STATE COMPANY

MANAGING PARTNERS Charlie Koones

Todd Klawin

MARKETING & OPERATIONS Partner/Brand Publisher | Emily Stewart Partner/Managing Director, Media & Analytics | Warren Schaﬀ er Director of Digital | Charles Simmons Director of Film & Video | Bryce Lowe-White Operations Director | Allison Jeackjuntra Community Manager | Melissa Hattab Accounting | Janet De La Cruz, Tanisha Holcomb To learn more about us, visit thegoldenstatecompany.com. No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from The Golden State Company, LLC. Any and all submissions to this or any of The Golden State Company, LLC publications become the property of The Golden State Company, LLC and may be used in any media. We reserve the right to edit. TO OUR READERS Southbay HOME welcomes your feedback. Please send letters to: Reader Response Department, Southbay HOME Please include your name, address and email. Edited letters may be published. SUBSCRIPTIONS Email: info@goldenstate.is or phone: 310-376-7800. Subscriptions are $29 per year. 200 N. Pacific Coast Highway., Suite 110, El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel 310-376-7800 | Fax 310-376-0200 | goldenstate.is | southbay.goldenstate.is

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

LILY LIANG

LL.COM

DEDBYVARIOUS NFORMATION.

HOME TO THE FINEST COLLECTION HOME TOESTATE THE FINEST COLLECTION OF REAL EXPERTS IN THE SOUTH BAY. OF REAL ESTATE EXPERTS IN THE SOUTH BAY.

+1 310 373 3333 | 310 902 7799 Text STRANDHILL.COM STRANDHILL.COM

STRAND HILL | CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE LICENSE #01968431. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SQUARE FOOTAGE AND/OR

STRAND HILL|CHRISTIE’S REAL ESTATELICENSE #01968431. THE INFORMATION INTHIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING, BUTNOTLIMITED TO,SQUARE FOOTAGE AND/OR ACREAGE,HAS BEENPROVIDED BYVARIOUS ACREAGE, HAS BEENINTERNATIONAL PROVIDED BY VARIOUS SOURCES WHICH MAY INCLUDE CONTAINED THE SELLER, PUBLIC RECORDS, THE MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE OR OTHER SOURCES. BROKER HAS NOT AND WILL SOURCES WHICH MAY INCLUDE THE SELLER, PUBLIC RECORDS, THE MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE OR OTHER SOURCES. BROKER HAS NOT AND WILL NOT INVESTIGATE OR VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF THIS INFORMATION.

NOT INVESTIGATE OR VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF THIS INFORMATION.

lily@lilyliang.com | www.lilyliang.com 716 Yarmouth #202, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 BRE# 00837794

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

WELLPLACED BORN AND RAISED IN THE SOUTH BAY, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER ERICA THOMPSON LINES UP A HAPPIER, CALMER AND MORE PRODUCTIVE LIFE AT HOME. EDITED BY DARREN ELMS PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

Erica Thompson started her career organizing the stockrooms and designing the window displays of New York and L.A. retail stores. She assisted busy executives and friends and family members in organizing their homes, businesses and lives. Eventually she opened Organized by Design—a business that creates joyful, peaceful environments for clients. Here we ask Erica for a few tips on creating order throughout the home. HOW DID YOU GET IN THE BUSINESS OF ORGANIZATION? I’ve always gravitated toward making wherever I live look and feel better—clean, calm and relaxing—ever since I was young. Even when I moved away from home, I would return to the South Bay to visit my parents, and my mom and I would go through the house and cut down on clutter. In the kitchen. In the living room. Everywhere. Half of my dad’s closet would be gone by the time I was hopping back on a plane. This was always a fun

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

way that my mom and I bonded. It was instilled in

by height and color is a great way to showcase

me, and it keeps her memory alive.

reading material. The key to shelves is to underfill them; leave a little empty space.

WHAT VALUE DOES A “CLEAN SLATE” BRING TO A HOUSEHOLD?

ANY EASY TIPS FOR KEEPING THE KITCHEN

Having a clean slate is healing and liberating. It’s

PANTRY IN ORDER?

literally a way for a home to shed unwanted weight.

Pantries are usually a high-traffic area, and keep-

Holding onto things is holding onto memories of

ing them running smoothly is important to making

the past. Cleaning it out is living in the present and

your life easier. A few simple steps to keeping

opening up space for the future. You can focus and

things flowing:

function, and you’re not embarrassed to have people over or open your medicine cabinet or drawers. Because I can guarantee they will. One of the biggest surprises clients find—besides how much

• Keep like items together and create zones. • Get matching bins and turntables so things are easy to access and you can see what you have. • Take inventory before you go grocery

better their home looks and feels—is how much

shopping to avoid buying duplicates or keeping

time they gain by knowing where things are.

expired products. • Store the snacks you want your kids to con-

FOR BEGINNER ORGANIZERS, WHAT PART

sume at their level and occasional ones up high

OF THE HOME DO YOU SUGGEST THEY

(“out of sight, out of mind”). Use an open bin

TACKLE FIRST?

rather than a canister if you have younger children.

Organizing can be very emotional. For this reason, I start on an easier space and move gradually toward the true hot spots. My approach is to organize homes without any judgment. And it can take clients an hour, a session, maybe two sessions, to gain that trust. If you’re doing it on your own, I suggest this approach as well. Your success will have the greatest chance of snowballing when you start easy and build to bigger clutter challenges. Go for the easy win to build confidence, then forge ahead. IS IT IMPORTANT TO “LET GO” OF SOME ITEMS? I’m not a fan of the rip-and-roar school of organizing. If something is meaningful to you, why would you throw it away? It’s not always about getting rid of things— though the more you can discard, the more breathing room you will have. Sometimes it’s a

“IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT GETTING RID OF THINGS— THOUGH THE MORE YOU CAN DISCARD, THE MORE BREATHING ROOM YOU WILL HAVE”

question of how frequently you use things and creating a system around that. Items that get used less don’t need to be front and center. But if your home is causing you stress or hindering your life in any way, it’s probably time to make

AFTER A HOMEOWNER CROSSES SOME

some changes. It doesn’t mean you have to get rid

ORGANIZATIONAL PROJECTS OFF THE LIST,

of everything or can’t keep things. They just need

ANY ADVICE FOR KEEPING THINGS TIDY?

to be organized and stored in a way that is func-

Make it easy: The less convenient it is to put some-

tional for you, so your home brings you calm.

thing away, the less likely you are to do it. Go with systems that make it simple to tidy up.

WHAT COMPONENTS MAKE FOR A WELL-DESIGNED SHELF OR BOOKCASE?

labels give spaces visual symmetry and make

A bookcase is a perfect example of a hybrid

things easier to find.

between design and function. It can display plants,

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

Make it visible: Trays, baskets, clear bins and

Be flexible: The only constant is change.

candles, things you’ve picked up traveling, senti-

Marriage/divorce, new job/retirement, moving/

mental and decorative and functional items all at

remodeling, expanding families/empty nesters.

once. A pretty basket can house keys, sunglasses,

What worked before might not work now; adapt

a dog leash or other necessities and add to the

your space to accommodate your needs and

overall look. If you have books, organizing them

current lifestyle. ¢

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

The Right Touch

THREE HOME PROFESSIONALS BRING A MANHATTAN BEACH FAMILY’S MEDITERRANEAN ABODE BACK TO LIFE. WRITTEN BY DIANE E. BARBER PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

hen Ben and Tara Riley planned to partially remodel their Mediterranean-style home in Manhattan Beach, they envisioned

a modern spin on Spanish design with more open living spaces for their young family. After they enlisted the talents of Torrance-based architect Joe Spierer, he took their dream home vision to the next level with a greatly expanded scope of work. “We purchased the house in 2018 and planned to replace all of the floors and windows and remodel the kitchen,” shares Tara. “We were also interested in minimizing the three different floor levels on the first floor, eliminating some of the interior columns and opening the back of the house. Once we spoke to Joe and got some preliminary construction costs, the project snowballed because there wasn’t any easy place to draw the line if we wanted to complete all the desired tasks.” The architectural transformation by Joe was beautifully realized with a redesign that included numerous arches and timeless detailing. The espresso-colored exterior wood finishes (including riveted garage doors, entry gate and dark rafter tails) added grounding visual interest against the vast white stucco backdrop capped with a traditional Spanish-style tile roof. “Classic Spanish architecture is usually heavy,” says Joe. “Modern Spanish style is less weighty with an updated contemporary feel to bring it into current times, which is what the Rileys wanted. Instead of the traditionally heavy architectural detailing, we kept it simpler and lighter with clean lines, smooth stucco installed right up to the window frames, and minimalized dark metalwork at the windows and railings.” Ben Archer of Archer Building Group embraced the spirit of the project and was at the construction helm. “This is a remodel on paper, but it is really a new home for all intents and purposes,” says Ben.

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

“The footprint of the house remained largely the

The front entrance echoes the overall style

same, but we stripped everything down to the

with a defining statement that is refined and not

studs on both floors and built everything back

too heavy. Upon entering the home, visitors are

brand new. We opened the downstairs by remov-

welcomed by a continuation of fresh white walls,

ing several walls and columns between the formal

wide-plank oak floors, vaulted ceilings, a show-

living room and the dining room, and we also

stopper custom light fixture and an abundance of

raised and lowered the floors to make the flow of

natural light. The expansive open space at the back

the home seamless. The floor plan upstairs basi-

of the home (also repeated on the second floor)

cally remained the same.”

pulls the outdoors in and beckons curiosity—a feat

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

“OUR FAMILY SPENDS MUCH MORE TIME TOGETHER SINCE REMODELING THE HOME.”

that was Ben’s greatest building challenge on the project, albeit a rewarding one. “In order to open up the entire back of the house to allow for the multi-slide La Cantina doors, we needed a lot of steel,” he notes. The largest beam was just over 40 feet long and weighed almost 6,000 pounds—roughly the weight of a small elephant. Typically, we use a crane to hoist and lower large beams like this into place, but this project had power lines in front of the building that blocked crane access. All of the massive beams had to be muscled into place by hand with carts, dollies, jacks and a lot of elbow grease.” According to Tara, the family’s favorite rooms in the house—the master bedroom and great room—are the results of those efforts, and both open to the outside. “The master bedroom’s opening provides a wonderful breeze when getting ready in the morning, and the great room’s opening makes the backyard and loggia feel like they are still part of the house,” she says. “While cooking in the kitchen or having a drink in the family room, we can see the kids playing in the backyard from every corner of the back of the house.” Interior designer Bianca Ecklund rounded out the team and was involved from start to finish. She guided the interior design details during construction and created a soothing color palette of dark blues, sage greens and warm grey to complement the predominantly white, warm neutrals, and terra-cotta materials and finishes. She thoughtfully repeated the use of the palette in every room of the house, beginning with the entry door halo and staircase risers.

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

“The clients wanted a dark blue island, so the palette started there,” says Bianca. “Next we selected tiles from BattagliaStile that complemented and played with the island color. Pops of blues and greens were also added to the neutral textural fabric selections. Being kid-friendly was a priority, so I incorporated washable slipcovers and durable fabrics where possible.”

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

The island was part of the extensive cabinetry throughout the house by Coastal Cabinets, finished in

cozy conversation indoors and outdoors. “Our family spends much more time together

stained white oak and paint. The meticulous work-

since remodeling the home,” says Tara. “The living

manship included custom-made ventilation grills

room, kitchen and backyard used to feel like three

built into the upper kitchen cabinets. Smart-home

separate spaces, and we couldn’t see the kids out-

Control4 technology was installed to control the

side when we were inside. Now all three spaces feel

lighting, music, climate and window shades with the

like one big room.” ¢

touch of a single phone app. Five fireplaces invite

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

E S S EN T I A L S

OH HEY, BOUCLÉ CREATE TEXTURAL INTEREST WITH THIS WOVEN, LOOPY FABRIC WITH A SOFT, NUBBY APPEARANCE. CURATED BY JENNIE NUNN

1. Cozy bouclé pillow in neutral, $48 for 14-by-20-inch; $68 for 22-by-22-inch, Anthropologie at Manhattan Village in Manhattan Beach and Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance; anthropologie.com

2. Beaumont bench, $595; burkedecor.com 3. Brace Bloce cream sofa, $2,099; cb2.com 4. Heathered bouclé throw, $49; Pottery Barn at Manhattan Village; potterybarn.com

5. Stature black chair, $329; cb2.com 6. Beaufort bouclé storage ottoman, $428; Anthropologie; anthropologie.com 7. Ivan chair, $1,495; jaysonhome.com 8. Bouclé Jonah daybed, $1,198; Anthropologie; anthropologie.com

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

DIY

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

SOUTH BAY DESIGNER KATE LESTER TEAMS UP WITH FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY PURVEYOR DRIFTWARD TO IMAGINE THE PERFECT CALIFORNIA-INSPIRED GALLERY WALL. PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

THE RIGHT SPACE

when I am working on a gallery wall, I like to cut

I think spaces like long hallways, entryways and

pieces of brown craft paper to the size of each

stairways are always natural candidates for a

piece I want to incorporate. I label them and then

gallery wall because they have multiple focal point

tape them on the wall with blue painter’s tape.

areas and allow many pieces to be appreciated at

This way it’s super easy to move them around and

the same time.

rearrange everything until you get the look and

layout you like.

PERFECT PRINTS

I wanted to create a “California cool” aesthetic

FRAME GAME

with a little edge, so I gravitated toward pieces

If you are going for a more streamlined, tailored

from Driftward that felt quintessentially California

look, keep mats and frames somewhat consistent.

but were maybe not so literal. The black-and-

If you want a more curated or “collected over

white pieces create a nice juxtaposition to the

time” look, mixing mats and frames is the best way

landscape pieces. I also think it’s important to

to achieve that vibe.

not get too literal and “themey” when selecting

prints and pieces for a gallery wall. If you are

HOW’S IT HANGING?

leaning toward a certain aesthetic, it’s OK to

I am partial to a traditional wire and nail or screw

branch out a little. For me, that meant incorpo-

to keep things simple. Also, when installing a gal-

rating the piece of the California desert because,

lery wall, make sure you have a level on hand.

as we all know, the beauty of California is not just

in its miles of coastline.

HAVE FUN!

Sometimes our best and most-loved gallery walls

MIX IT UP

have been the ones that were the least symmetri-

People tend to stick to the 8x10 or 11x14 realm

cal or balanced. Incorporate things that are mean-

because that is comfortable. But to create a visu-

ingful and that speak to you. A perfectly curated

ally stunning gallery wall, it’s important to have

gallery wall is all about soul and telling a story

a mix of sizes and shapes. Include at least one

about the people who live there! ¢

large anchor piece and complement that with

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

smaller pieces.

Are you a design professional like Kate? Join the

Driftward Trade Program for 20% off. You can

MAP IT OUT

explore the entire collection of transportive art

Use brown paper. I know this sounds crazy, but

pieces at driftward.com.

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

FEATURED PROPERTIES

DISTINGUISHED TUSCAN IN THE HEART OF THE TREE SECTION 2504 PINE AVE., MANHATTAN BEACH $3,579,000

Stone, stucco and custom millwork grace the façade of this elegant 5-bedroom, 4½-bath home in the coveted Tree Section of Manhattan Beach, encompassing 3,600 square feet on a 4,477-square-foot lot. A winding stone pathway borders the front yard and invites you into the graceful foyer and two-story living room, complete with soaring ceilings and a welcoming fireplace. Plank walnut hardwood floors add style, while crown moldings and arched doorways lend an easy sophistication throughout. Close to the Greenbelt and award-winning Pacific and American Martyrs schools, this lovely home presents a golden opportunity to live

Dave & Jennifer Caskey Caskey & Caskey and Associates 310-200-5900 caskeyandcaskey.com jen@caskeyandcaskey.com DRE #01075946

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHRIS SALDIVAR | TEA TREE PRODUCTIONS

among the trees in Manhattan Beach.

A COUPLE AND THEIR YOUNG DAUGHTER BUILD A MODERN SURF RETREAT IN A SECLUDED AREA ALONG THE OCEAN NEAR TRONCONES, MEXICO, FIT FOR QUIET, LOW-KEY SURF DAYS. WRITTEN BY JENNIE NUNN | PHOTOGRAPHED BY MANOLO LANGIS

rading the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles for a quieter life in Mexico was exactly what one couple yearned for. After relocating with

their young daughter, they ultimately settled on San Miguel de Allende for the summers and a remote seaside spot near Troncones— about 20 miles northwest of Zihuatanejo— for the winter months. Motivated by the husband’s dream of building an oceanfront refuge and his iteration of a modern surf shack for his passion for surfing, they found the perfect spot. “My wife and I found the lot on a visit to an area just north of Zihuatanejo we had heard so much about,” says the owner, an engineer and private cinema designer. “It was an area where there were some very large old Manzanillo trees not typically found on the beach. It was very beautiful and unique.”

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Together with his longtime friend and architect Steve Straughan, the owner set out to construct a 2,500-square-foot modern residence comprised primarily of polished concrete and glass. “Most of the design and size was determined by the physical size of the lot,” he says of the home that resembles two pristinely stacked boxes with floor-toceiling glass windows serving as picture frames for assessing surf conditions and waves. “The rocky points near the beach paint a beautiful view all day and particularly at sunset.” After 18 months of construction comprised of long days and hard work, the residence— aptly named Casa Los Árboles—was finally nearing completion. It was appointed with floors clad in aqua blue clay tile culled from Léon, Mexico, and woodwork for stairs and cabinets designed by XAM Interiorismo. Still, the couple knew they needed some design help for finishing touches to make it their own. Steve recommended colleague and friend Manolo Langis (an architect, designer, photographer and cofounder of Langoworks), along with Manolo’s wife, KB Kim (an interior designer and stylist). “Pairing us was a no-brainer, for our love of remote, top-level surf destinations and modern architecture,” says Manolo. “It was a longtime dream of his. There’s this perfect little surf break right by the house, and it stays uncrowded. The main drive for us was to bring his love for surf into a modern home while keeping it grounded in its setting in Mexico.”

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“IT’S A SPACE THAT JUST CAME TOGETHER MAGICALLY IN A MAGICAL PLACE.”

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large-scale pieces by New Jersey–based artist

neighbors and friends for dinners and gatherings,

and KB helped with some key final elements: exte-

Though the shell of the home was done, Manolo

Scott Szegeski, who produces gyotaku art and

so having ample, clean-lined counter space and

rior lighting, outdoor furniture, and art and acces-

surf-inspired interpretations of Japanese print-

a commercial-grade stove and appliances was

sories for the living room and dining rooms. This

ing. The pieces were framed locally in Ixtapa by

crucial. To round out the space, a built-in shelving

included dining chairs, pillows, a pouf, Mexican

the same cabinetmaker used for the kitchen and

unit lines one wall artfully displaying books, glass

throws and collected masks, and a short board

dining cabinetry to closely match parota, a local

vessels, collected figurines and decorative objects

belonging to the husband. They spent a week

sustainable hardwood.

from travels.

shopping with the couple and wanted to infuse

Apart from surfing, the husband’s other main

The completed home with final design touches

the minimal surf vibe throughout with a well-

passion is cooking—including making freshly

is exactly what the homeowners envisioned. “It

edited mix of locally sourced wares from artisans

squeezed fruit juices with his juicer. He sources

was so rewarding in the long run,” says the owner.

and stores in nearby Zihuatanejo while being

fresh goods from a crop of local purveyors, some

“It’s a space that just came together magically in a

mindful not to over-accessorize.

of whom might deliver items by horseback.

magical place.” ¢

For the walls in the front hall, they chose four

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He also loves to host a close-knit group of

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A RT I SA N S

THE YOUNG ARTISAN CURIOSITY AND CREATIVITY COME TOGETHER FOR A TEENAGE MANHATTAN BEACH CRAFTSMAN. WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF BERTING

Jack Wood is a 16-year-old sophomore in high

coffee maker, and he was like, ‘Can I take that

school. During spring break this year he got bored,

apart?’ He’s interested in how things work.”

so he decided to build a boat. Jack had never built

Jack dabbles in a number of creative modalities,

a boat before, but he’s not the kind of guy to let a

but it’s building and woodworking that he’s most

thing like that get in the way of inspiration.

passionate about. “I like the feeling … like, I made

“Since I was little, I always liked building stuff,” he explains. “My dad, since he’s a carpenter, has all the tools for it.” As a fifth grader, Jack saw a YouTube video of a guy building a camper designed to be towed behind a bike. Jack was intrigued and decided to

this. It’s kind of hard to describe.” When asked if there’s a piece he’s most proud of or that’s most unique to him as an artist, Jack calls out his abstract planter box. It’s listed on his website as the Abstract Living Wall. He builds primarily from a workbench with

build one himself. “I never figured out how to hook

wheels that he pulls into his backyard and then

it up to my bike,” he notes.

utilizes a wide range of tools. If you’re interested in

But it didn’t matter. Jack had discovered an

a behind-the-scenes peek at his work, Jack has a

aptitude for woodworking. “It just went from

YouTube channel you can access directly from his

there,” he says.

website with DIY tutorials. He showcases wood-

Today he creates mostly home décor and

working and also instructional videos on how to

abstract art pieces. He sometimes posts his work

make string art, abstract and modern wall art, even

on social media—but rarely. He does have a web-

a boat constructed of 150 empty water bottles.

site (jtwoodworks.org) that allows customers to

Jack took on that project to bring attention to the

shop online, though most people find him through

amount of plastic currently polluting our oceans,

word of mouth.

and to emphasize the importance of recycling.

According to Jack’s mom, Janette Wood, his

He views his projects as hobbies. “For a career,

interest in building began long before fifth grade.

I’m gravitating toward mechanical engineering,”

“He’s been doing this since he was little, when he

he says.

was 3 or 4. I remember throwing away this cheap

What’s really remarkable about Jack—his artistic

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A RT I SA N S

ability aside—is his curious nature. Whether he’s trying to understand how something works or how to build something new, or learning about a different artistic approach, his mind is always busy—and so is he. Which brings us back to this boat he’s building in his backyard. “It’s a 15-foot sailboat,” Jack says. “My friends and I wanted to get a boat for fishing. But then we decided to build one since my dad has all the tools and I have the space. I would say I’ve spent like two or three weeks just researching what type of boat. And then all the materials, like the fiberglass. I’m still researching how to make it work.” He has photos of the sailboat’s progress posted on his website, including an image with a 20-foot-tall mast. He’s hoping to complete the project by Halloween. Whatever path Jack decides to take—or continue—with his woodworking, his creative and curious mind will serve him well in any endeavor he pursues. ¢

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238 First Street

6529 Abbottswood Drive

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BLUEPRINT FOR A BEAUTIFUL LIFE YOU MAY NOT KNOW THE MAN, BUT YOU LIKELY KNOW HIS WORK. LOCAL ARCHITECT JAMES MEYER HAS DESIGNED SOME OF L.A.’S MOST STRIKING HOMES AND BUILDINGS, AND HIS EXCEPTIONAL ARTISTRY FREQUENTLY GRACES THE PAGES OF PRESTIGIOUS ART AND ARCHITECTURE PUBLICATIONS WORLDWIDE—INCLUDING OURS. JAMES RECENTLY MADE MOMENTOUS CHANGES TO HIS SOLO ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE AND MOVED HIS HEADQUARTERS TO EL SEGUNDO, GIVING HIS FIRM A NEW EPONYMOUS IDENTITY AND STREAMLINING THE SCOPE OF HIS AGENCY’S WORK. WRITTEN BY MICHELE GARBER | JAMES PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF BERTING

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hat James Meyer is the creative force behind some of the Los Angeles area’s most beautiful homes and spectacular commercial developments is enough to make him a fascinating subject. Yet after

spending just a few moments with him, it’s clear that what makes his story compelling goes far deeper than merely the sum of his work. James is a talented designer and builder, to be sure. Yet he is also a creative spirit, a mentor, a loyal colleague and a devoted family man. He is direct, gentlemanly and magnanimous. His depth and sincerity permeate all his interactions. He is candid and unafraid to let his sensitive side show. A consummate professional with integrity, an unrivaled work ethic, meticulous attention to detail and an ability to lead and make tough decisions, James embodies the essential character needed in someone entrusted with multimillions of dollars and time-sensitive projects. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 18, 1969, James takes pride in being born in the ’60s—albeit in its last two weeks. He admires the decade for what was happening “culturally, artistically and musically” and views it as a time of self-expression, freedom and creativity—hallmarks of his character. James has many other creative interests beyond design and architecture. He is a burgeoning chef, a writer and a musician. So he is equally proud that he shares his birthdate with the incomparable Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. When James was a toddler, the Meyers moved from Cleveland to Torrance. Growing up a native Angeleno greatly influenced him. “I was shaped by the Southern California lifestyle and wild freedoms that came to define my generation,” he says. “I cannot imagine a more impactful place to grow up than in L.A.” The tight-knit Meyer family shared a common sense of adventure, kindled by James’ parents, Jeanne and Jim. The family fully embraced their cross-country move and together experienced all that California had to offer.

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RENDERING BY J R M / A

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James’ father had served on a Naval aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean in the early ’60s and developed an unquenchable curiosity for travel,

survival. My parents weren’t into camping, so my

exact moment, the die was cast.

whole experience in being connected to the out-

“That afternoon I had decided not only that I would attend college, but I knew exactly where I

and his siblings all over the southland to experi-

would be going and that nothing would be getting

Robert, who was an Eagle Scout in the 1930s

ence the character and delicacies of L.A.’s diverse

in my way,” James explains.

and always carried a 1932 official Boy Scouts of

Indeed James would earn his degree in archi-

Even when he was young, James had a height-

James was close to his paternal grandfather,

America pocketknife that James admired. One

tecture from Cal Poly SLO. But years before that

day his Grandpa Bob told him that if he too

ened aesthetic sensibility, and many around him

achievement, he pursued another challenging

became an Eagle Scout, he would give him his

noticed his discerning eye for design. Among

goal with a level of commitment and tenacity that

coveted pocketknife.

those was Maren Blyth, the mother of James’

sheds brilliant light on his true character.

“My grandfather was this awesome guy. He

close friend Jesse. Maren, a

really lived life, he was a pilot,

collector of contemporary art

traveled the world, did all kinds

and mid-century furnishings,

of cool things. I admired him,”

had strong connections in the

says James. “When he offered

art world. The stylish decor of the Blyth’s Hermosa home made an impression on James, and the precocious adolescent let Maren know that he admired her “exquisite” taste. Wanting to encourage his blossoming artistic inclinations, Maren auspiciously took Jesse and James to a party at the Santa Monica home of architect Clelio Boccato. Clelio was an associate of revered architect Ray Kappe, who was both the original founding chair of the Department of Architecture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and founding director of the esteemed Southern California Institute of Architecture. Maren must have primed the artists and architects in attendance that day, as they not only welcomed young James with open arms but also initiated him into their world by giving him a tour of the handsomely appointed mid-century mod-

“I FIND THAT SOMETIMES THE LESS YOU TRY AT SOMETHING, THE MORE IT COMES TO YOU. THE MORE OPEN-MINDED I BECOME ABOUT MY WORK AND THE THINGS I LOVE TO DO, THE MORE (POSITIVITY) I ATTRACT AS AN ARCHITECT.”

ern home Clelio had designed.

an Eagle Scout, the same way I committed to going to architecture school, I became obsessed and focused on becoming an Eagle Scout.” James achieved that goal in 1986, a year after his grandfather suffered a stroke and became reliant on a wheelchair. But that didn’t stop his grandfather from flying out for the ceremony. “My grandfather got up on the stage in his wheelchair, then he got out of the wheelchair and presented me with the pocketknife … there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It was incredible, and I will always remember that.” James adds, “At an early age I made a decision to commit to something and to make it happen. I still to this day pursue everything with the same vigor. Once I get my teeth onto something, it’s hard to yank it out of my mouth,” jokingly he adds, “like an old dog.” that led James to become an

changed the trajectory of James’ life came when he met Clelio’s brother, Peter

to give me the knife if I became

Ironically, the grit and tenacity

The precise moment that truly

Eagle Scout and pursue a Throughout his youth, James participated in

degree in architecture at Cal Poly didn’t directly

Boccato, a well-respected architect in his own right.

Scouting. Even today, the 12 points of the Scout

translate into him becoming an architect. He read-

Peter said to 13-year-old James, “I understand

Law roll easily off his tongue and have served as

ily admits that when he graduated from Cal Poly

guideposts for how he has conducted his life.

SLO—one of the country’s preeminent architecture

that you would like to be an architect someday.” PHOTOGRAPHED BY CLAUDIO SANTINI

doors was all through Scouting.”

culture and international cuisine. He ferried James

tapestry of international neighborhoods.

LEFT: RENDERING BY J R M / A

California Polytechnic in San Luis Obispo.” At that

Though James knew virtually nothing about

“I always had an immense respect for the mil-

programs—he wasn’t intent on becoming an archi-

architecture nor was he thinking about his future

itary and the veterans in our country. And I was

tect. What he did know was that he’s always had

career or whether he would attend a university, he

the first one in my family’s history that didn’t serve

a fiercely independent streak, always liked to build

enthusiastically replied, “Yes I would.”

in the military,” James explains. “My time in the

things and wanted to build those things himself so

Scouts was an opportunity to learn things outside

he could do so his own way.

Peter then suggested that if James was serious about becoming an architect, “he must attend the

of what I was learning in school. I embraced out-

College of Architecture & Environmental Design at

doorsmanship, backpacking, camping, wilderness

He landed a position at one of the premier architecture firms in the U.S.: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

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in New York City. It was there that his design talent flourished and he fully realized his passion. James’ architectural style is eclectic and closely

Yet when pressed, James shares that one stands out as particularly challenging and noteworthy— not merely for its design but also for its associa-

the design and execution of projects with context, scale and sustainability. A few years into owning LEAN ARCH, James

tied to each site and project. “With each project,

tion with Julius Shulman, an artist whom James

earned his general contractor license, enabling

you are trying to explore new ideas and trying to

greatly admired. The home built on Wild Oak Drive

him to actively build as well as design architec-

push the envelope,” he says. “If you were to look

in the Hollywood Hills was completed about a year

tural projects. In addition to the Wild Oak project,

at all of our work, you will see common threads

before the famed photographer passed away, and

under the LEAN ARCH mantle James designed

throughout the projects. Each is unique and

James had the good fortune of meeting, working

the award-winning Kuhlhaus 01 and Kuhlhaus 02,

different, but they’re all coming from the same

with and becoming friends with Julius, who photo-

both in Manhattan Beach.

head and the process is the same. There are just

graphed the Wild Oak property.

different results—which there should be. There

Before establishing his current practice,

Some of his notable commercial projects include the State Bar of California in DTLA, Uber’s

are different sites and different personalities and

J R M / A: The Studio For Architecture, James

Santa Monica office and the headquarters for

different clients. So I’ve never been one who has

helmed his architectural design-build practice

72andSunny in Playa Vista. That project is of

embraced a specific style for myself.”

LEAN ARCH based in Downtown Los Angeles

special significance as it transformed the Bauhaus-

for more than 20 years. He believes strongly in

style historic campus of aerospace maverick

question of whether he has a favorite project, he

When asked the inevitable and slightly annoying

the art of making “places not spaces,” which

Howard Hughes where the infamous “Spruce

answers the way most artists would: “It’s very hard

was reflected in LEAN ARCH’s motto “We Build

Goose” was designed. Among its noteworthy

to nail down. They’re all great. They’re all my kids.”

Places.” The firm’s core principle centered around

features is the use of recycled wood from UCLA’s

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LEFT: RENDERING BY J R M / A; RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHED BY CLAUDIO SANTINI

72andSunny

Wild Oak

Pauley Pavilion to build bleachers that form a central meeting area large enough to host the ad agency’s whole team. So why would James, who is clearly at the top of his game, shake up his architectural practice with a cross-city move and name change? His bold decision to refocus his brand was inspired by a confluence of factors. Near the end of 2019, James was approaching age 50 and found himself reevaluating his priorities as many do when reaching that milestone age. Years earlier, a longtime friend and fellow architect told him something that still resonates. “I’ve been reflecting a lot on words of wisdom from a friend of mine, Pat Killen, who was also an architect in the South Bay,” James explains. “He was a brilliant guy, and I really admired him. We had a good friendship and understanding of

one another. We always had great conversations.

is you need and want to do. I’ll always think about

me to step out from behind the anonymity of the

He passed away seven or eight years ago from

what Pat told me. He said, ‘No, I’m not going to

LEAN ARCH and introduce myself as an architect

cancer. He told me that at one time he had a large

do this anymore. I’m going to wind all this down.’

in a more personal way,” he shares.

firm, 30 or 40 people in DTLA, and when he got

He started a new practice in the South Bay and

to be 50 he asked himself, ‘What am I doing? Am I

focused on residential work. It was more about

James lost both his mother and his sister within

getting everything that I want out of this?’”

him enjoying the work and enjoying his life. That

the same month. The passing of his younger sister

was really solid advice.”

Diana hit him particularly hard and brought to a boil

James continues, “I used to be obsessive: ‘I have to do this by the time I’m 30, or do this by the time

Just months after James turned 50, the pan-

Then earlier this year the unthinkable happened.

the thoughts of refocusing his architecture practice

I’m 40.’ Now as I’ve matured as an architect, my

demic hit. His agency already had a smaller satel-

attitude has changed. I’d always heard that archi-

lite office in Manhattan Beach since 2010. When

tects are simmering for a long time; most don’t hit

his team was forced to work remotely, the idea of

clinched his decision. He is a devoted family man,

their stride until they’re in their 50s. Usually it takes

relocating the practice to the South Bay began to

and one of the considerations leading him to make

that long to truly have an understanding of what it

take shape. “It seemed to me that it was time for

these changes was his desire to be nearer to home

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that had been simmering for well over a year. James’ wife, Wimberly, said something that

and have more time with Wimberly and their two children. For him, being a good husband and

been so wonderful.”

all the marrow of life” in his book Walden. “I want

Reflecting on the passing of his mother and

to be that person. I don’t think I’m there yet, but

sister he adds, “Losing a parent is inevitable, but

I want to wake up every day and have an experi-

losing a younger sibling forced me to pause and

ence that I can be truly proud of when I go to bed

self into a mindset that allows positive energy to

think about my own mortality, my legacy—espe-

at night—whether taking the dog for a walk, enjoy-

flow into your body,” he shares. “She said, ‘Knock

cially where my children are concerned. The

ing the sunshine, enjoying the sounds and smells

those chips off and be unapologetic for who you

bigger things that you don’t usually think about.

around us. The COVID-19 lockdown denied us

are as a person. The good and the bad. Get your-

It contributed to this notion of not ever being a

essential life experiences that we need as human

self into a positive mindset.’”

bystander, not ever letting a day go by without

beings: hugs, seeing each other’s smiles.”

father takes precedence over everything. “My wife taught me that you need to put your-

Visibly moved, James tears up as he continues, “It was such profound advice coming from the woman who I love and have the most

out of everything you do.” James likens it to author Henry David Thoreau’s words about wanting to “live deep and suck out

James believes his mom and sister are looking down and encouraging him to make the most of things. With J R M / A, he’s certainly striving to do exactly that. ¢

RENDERING BY J R M / A

respect for out of anybody … and her advice has

taking full advantage of that day, getting the most

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E S S EN T I A L S

GREY MATTER

CHARCOAL MAKES A BIG ENTRANCE AT HOME THIS SEASON. CURATED BY JENNIE NUNN

1 7

1. Juju Papers Mixed Signals hand-printed

4. Native Trails Avalon 62” NativeStone

6. Tom three-legged coffee table in charcoal,

wallpaper, “Gunmetal on White,” $230;

freestanding bathtub in charcoal finish with center

$1,699; Crate & Barrel in Manhattan Village;

Anthropologie in Del Amo Fashion Center,

drain, $6,218; Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting

crateandbarrel.com

Torrance; anthropologie.com

Gallery, Redondo Beach; fergusonshowrooms.com and build.com

2. Penelope settee, $2,622; jaysonhome.com

Manhattan Beach; dachainteriors.com 5. Etta votives in grey, starting at $15;

3. Ursa lamp in charcoal, $395; jaysonhome.com

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7. Luella throw blanket, $149; Dacha Interiors in

jaysonhome.com

#4 - PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIVE TRAILS AT FERGUSON BATH, KITCHEN & LIGHTING GALLERY

SOLD 5326 VALLEY VIEW ROAD RANCHO PALOS VERDES 5 BEDS | 4 BATHS | 4,244 SF SOLD FOR $2,650,000

SOLD Seller Represented By Meg Puccinelli DRE 01928661 Buyer Represented By Michelle Nishide Tadashi Kondo DRE 01958495 | DRE 01438455

SOLD 94 BUCKSKIN LANE ROLLING HILLS ESTATES 4 BEDS | 3.5 BATHS | 3,048 SF SOLD FOR $2,570,000

1821 VIA ARRIBA PALOS VERDES ESTATES

Buyer Represented By Tadashi Kondo DRE 01438455

5 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 4,723 SF SOLD FOR $2,825,000

IN ESCROW Seller Represented By Chrissy Karasavas DRE 01953697

8 BUCKSKIN LANE ROLLING HILLS ESTATES

Seller Represented By Chrissy Karasavas DRE 01953697

3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 2,182 SF LISTED FOR $2,590,000

Your Palos Verdes Real Estate Team

Top 100 Team in California by Real Trends in 2020 310.740.5742 REALTOR ® thekondogroup.com hello@thekondogroup.com DRE 01438455 Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

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2615 CREST DRIVE, MANHATTAN BEACH 3 Bed | 4 Bath | 3,216 sq ft | $5,900,000 | Represented the Buyer Architectural gem with stunning ocean views

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5541 E. EL PARQUE, LONG BEACH 5 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,782 sq ft Sold Over Asking | Multiple Offers Received | Represented the Seller Beautiful mid-century modern home located in the highly desirable Park Estates neighborhood

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STRAND HILL | CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE LICENSE #01968431. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SQUARE FOOTAGE AND/OR ACREAGE, HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY VARIOUS SOURCES WHICH MAY INCLUDE THE SELLER, PUBLIC RECORDS, THE MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE OR OTHER SOURCES. BROKER HAS NOT AND WILL NOT INVESTIGATE OR VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF THIS INFORMATION.

A R O U N D TOW N

DINING & DESIGNING THREE DESIGNERS REINVENT THREE SOUTH BAY RESTAURANTS—FROM A MODERN, TIKI-INSPIRED HIDEOUT TO A MEXICAN RESORT-STYLE SPACE WITH HINTS OF THE SEA OF CORTEZ. WRITTEN BY JENNIE NUNN

SandBar 66, Manhattan Beach

wanted to create an experience that felt like an extension of the beach. He was heart-set on a

Designer: Noelle Parks, owner of Noelle Interiors

Polynesian tiki bar, and it was my goal to create that essence in an upscale way. I combined his

Mood: Modern tiki lounge

inspiration with my own, which was geared more toward chic Mediterranean beach clubs. A hybrid

The Transformation: “Architecturally, the space

of the styles ultimately created the fun-loving

was dark and felt crowded because of the low

atmosphere we were both after and a ‘just off the

ceilings and small footprint. It needed more than

beach’ vibe. We wanted the space to be an exten-

a facelift of finishes. It also needed more natural

sion of what Manhattan Beach is all about.”

light, so we decided to raise the window headers. The new windows are actually louvered teak

Interior All-Stars: La Palma wallpaper by

shutters that are removable—creating a direct

Catherine Martin by Mokum; custom barstools and

connection to the outside.”

tables by Noelle Interiors; louvered teak shutters

Vision: “The owner, Dave Rohrbacher, really

Two Words: “Fun and inspiring”

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Esperanza Cocina de la Playa, Manhattan Beach

Vision: “The inspiration comes from the beauti-

Mexico, by local artisans and cast a wonderful

ful, off-white sand dune beaches of Los Cabos,

shade of light and shadow throughout the space.”

Mexico. We wanted splendor to meet elegance Designer: Gulla Jónsdóttir, Principal, Gulla

where the hues of bronze, marble and white plas-

Proudest Moment? “The façade. Usually I am

Jonsdottir Design

ter exaggerate the grandeur of a villa in an azure

known for interior spaces, but what most people

sky beach town by the Sea of Cortez.”

don’t know is that my background of education is

Mood: Dreamy Mexican resort

in architecture. So to be able to design both the Design Details: “The voluptuous bronze back

exterior and interiors for Esperanza was a unique

The Transformation: “The space was completely

bar is one of my favorite features, as well as the

opportunity. I love how peaceful and welcoming it

different in the sense that we completely reimag-

engraved white plaster wall blurring the lines

turned out.”

ined the façade and opened up the interiors to

between art and design. I love the yellow leather

the exterior. There is nothing left of the original

and bronze dining chairs made by Luteca in

Vacation Mode: “My wish is for guests to feel like

space except for the footprint and location of

Mexico City. We selected a lemon-yellow color

they have been whisked away on a vacation by the

outer walls, kitchen and bathrooms. We had some

contrasting with the bronze structure of the chair.

Sea of Cortez and enjoy the moment.”

structural challenges with column locations, but

The white clay pendant lights are custom-made

everything got solved with curving out walls in

and a collaboration between myself, my team

correct locations.”

and L’aviva home. They are handmade in Oaxaca,

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Fox & Farrow, Hermosa Beach

Ely Bulnes; artwork culled from the Long Beach Flea Market in frames by 2 For 1 Frames; floral

Designer: Sage Gracie, Sage Gracie Design

Graham & Brown wallpaper; bronze sconces from Shades of Light; Benjamin Moore’s Rainforest

Mood: Elegant hunting lodge

Foliage paint

The Transformation: “It used to be Chelsea Pub

Designer’s Favorite: “The two different entries and

adjacent to the Underground Pub & Grill. It had

the feeling of excitement I get walking through

some great existing bones, but it was a very dark

them. They were both perceived as negatives at

bar with an exposed brick wall. The Underground

the beginning of the project because they were so

is British, so I thought, ‘Let’s make it this cool gen-

hidden, badly lit and very drab. I focused on mak-

tleman’s club with feminine details and textures

ing them feel a lot more luxurious and turning that

and fabrics.’ My inspiration was The Crown and

‘hidden-negative’ into more of a mysterious ‘if you

Peaky Blinders, and creating this secret society

know, you know’ kind of entry. I think they each set

club in the middle of Hermosa Beach.”

the tone for the whole space beautifully.”

Design Details: An original hand-drawn charcoal

Three Words: “Cozy, sophisticated, hideout” ¢

portrait of Thomas Shelby by Tel Aviv–based artist

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73 Buckskin Lane 5 bed, 6 bath 3,359 Sq. Ft.

$2,799,000 A must-see, turnkey property located in the heart of the Lanes in Rolling Hills Estates! A gorgeous vaulted stone entryway welcomes you into this modern Spanish ranch style home. Custom touches fill the home with a rustic luxury, from the high beamed ceilings in the great room to the rich cabinetry and copper farmhouse sink in the gourmet kitchen. All 5 bedrooms have ample closet space with a large walk-in and spacious dual vanity bathroom in the master suite. As you step onto the back patio, with a full outdoor kitchen and sweeping canyon views, you will see what truly makes this house special. A magical backyard designed for entertaining and family fun extends all the way to the horse trails. Thoughtfully designed hardscaping allows for multiple seating areas and garden spaces. Enjoy a cozy night around the firepit or create a full home gym in the detached casita. Grassy terraces lead you through lush landscaping to the barn conveniently located just steps from the community riding ring. Don’t let the opportunity to own this unique piece of rural paradise pass you by!

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Coinciding Collaborations ONE FAMILY, TWO DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT PROJECTS WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

urchasing a property in Palos Verdes had only recently

were distracted, and the listing wasn’t getting a lot of attention.

become a consideration for Karly and Peter Bonfante

Karly and Peter decided to go for it. They made an offer, and

when they looked at a home in the Valmonte neighbor-

just like that, the house was theirs.

hood. “If there was anywhere in Palos Verdes I’d want to

be, it’s around here,” Karly notes. It was 2016 and the week of the presidential election. People

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Karly’s parents, Deborah and Jim Deutsch, were also in the market for a new home. Their search, however, had been going on a bit longer. “We had been looking for a house for seven

years,” Deborah says. “But we had quite a laundry list of things that we wanted.” One of the things on their list was a view. So when they found

after we saw the house, we made an offer,” Deborah says. The house itself had quirks, but “the lot was fantastic,” explains Miles Pritzkat, architect and principal of Pritzkat &

a home on a large Palos Verdes lot overlooking the 10th hole

Johnson. “The nice thing about this property is it’s pretty much

of the adjacent golf course—and Downtown Los Angeles on a

level,” he adds.

clear day—they jumped at the opportunity. “Literally the day

Miles had done the remodel of Deborah and Jim’s

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neighbor’s home—who coincidentally was a childhood friend of Deborah’s—back in 2014. Appreciating his work and his familiarity with the neighborhood, Deborah and Jim reached out to Miles about taking on their project. The general contractor was Dale Kuester with Alpine Development. “Calm, quiet, peaceful—that’s the feeling I was going for,” Deborah says. “And light,” Jim adds. For Miles, that translates into flow and organization. “There’s a sort of calmness in the layout, which is simple but elegant,” Miles explains. “Everything is working in harmony from a design standpoint.” Josette Murphy, principal designer and owner of About:Space, describes adding balance to the home’s design with a less-is-more approach. “When we made choices we chose intentionally, and the result is very grounded,” she shares. “With the doors the hardware is hefty, and the doors are really tall. We made those decisions and were confident about them. And we repeated [that] throughout the house. That simplicity

The Deutsch and Bonfante homes are, in many ways, very different from one another. But each space feels warm and bright while equally reflecting their owners’ unique styles.

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and confidence and the slightly bigger scale make everything

have a house devoid of color, you want to combine tones and

feel secure and comforting.”

textures.” Which they do masterfully.

This minimalist mentality expands to the home’s neutral color

trusted guide and valued collaborator during the project. “You

Deborah notes.

get addicted to Josette,” Jim notes. “It gets to the point where

“She’s somewhat allergic to color,” Josette teases. “When you

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Staying true to Deborah and Jim’s vision, Josette served as a

palette. “It’s not for everybody. Most people like more; I like less,”

you can’t make a decision about a plug, about a doorway, about

anything. It’s like, ‘Well, I guess we better check with Josette.’” As an added bonus, Miles and Josette have collaborated in

When Karly and Peter first purchased their home, they lived in it for a year as is. “It was painful to live in our house during

the past. “We have a great relationship,” Miles notes. So there

version one,” Karly says. “It was like the money pit and beyond.

was a synergy from the onset of the project. From a timing per-

But I’m grateful that we did and that we were able to then

spective, the alignment of the Deutsch and Bonfante remodels

reimagine what this space could be and build it.”

was nothing short of serendipitous.

When they began their remodel, they lived in the home

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Deborah and Jim had purchased before they began their own renovations. Karly and Peter welcomed the arrival of their youngest child, Luci, while they were there. “I can’t even believe how the timing worked out like that,” Karly notes. “They called me one day after they had their second baby,” says Moeie Kreag, general contractor and builder with Kreag Custom Homes. Moeie also lives in the Valmonte neighborhood and had just finished building his own home six months prior. “I live literally 10 houses away, so I was there 24-7,” he says. “Moeie did an excellent job of keeping things moving and grooving,” Karly adds. The design of the home was a collaborative effort with Josette creating the architectural plans and Karly taking on the interior design. Dramatic, 17-foot pitched ceilings give the modest-sized home a much larger and open feel. Despite being completely renovated, the home also feels ageless. “I feel like that’s my signature. I love new and fresh and clean, but I want it to look like it’s been here for years, Karly says. “She has kind of an unforced cool design about her,” Moeie points out. “Just cool without trying. And that’s how she dresses and cooks and carries herself. That’s just how she is.” Arthur Alaniz of SEED Group Landscape Architecture only added to the home’s charm with a gorgeous assortment of roses, lavender and rosemary. Arthur is also the landscape architect who helped Deborah and Jim realize their creative vision. “He’s a great guy, and he helped me bring this to life,” Karly says. “Like having that olive tree right in front of the door and having that circular moment there.” The Deutsch and Bonfante homes are, in many ways, very different from one another. But each space feels warm and bright while equally reflecting their owners’ unique styles. ¢

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M ED I A

BEHIND THE MUSIC

TURNING THE VOLUME UP ON YOUR COFFEE TABLE

BOB MARLEY: PORTRAIT

THE LYRICS: 1956 TO THE PRESENT

BEASTIE BOYS BOOK

OF THE LEGEND

BY PAUL MCCARTNEY

BY MICHAEL DIAMOND

CURATED BY ZIGGY MARLEY

AND PAUL MULDOON (EDITOR)

AND ADAM HOROVITZ

In honor of Bob Marley’s 75th birthday, this

A work of unparalleled candor and splendor-

Formed as a New York City hardcore band

glorious oversize book collects more than

ous beauty, The Lyrics celebrates the creative

in 1981, Beastie Boys struck an unlikely

150 photographs that celebrate the life and

life and the musical genius of Paul McCartney

path to global hip-hop superstardom.

influence of the forefather of reggae and one

through 154 of his most meaningful songs.

Here is their story, told for the first time

of the greatest musical and sociopolitical

From his early Liverpool days through the

in the words of the band. With a style as

icons of 20th-century pop culture. Drawing

historic decade of The Beatles to Wings

distinctive and eclectic as a Beastie Boys

exclusively on photos in the Marley family

and his long solo career, The Lyrics pairs the

album, Beastie Boys Book upends the

archives, the book mixes the iconic and the

definitive texts of his songs with first-person

typical music memoir. Alongside the band

intimate—bringing together striking images

commentaries on his life and music. Spanning

narrative you will find rare photos, original

of Marley as a performer onstage with unseen

two alphabetically arranged volumes, these

illustrations, a cookbook by chef Roy Choi, a

glimpses into his creative process in and out

commentaries reveal how the songs came to

graphic novel, a map of Beastie Boys’ New

of the studio and his family life in Jamaica.

be and the people who inspired them.

York, mixtape playlists, pieces by guest con-

Making the most of its large pages, the book is designed as a monument to his influence.

tributors and many more surprises. $100 at {pages} a bookstore, pagesabookstore.com

$55 at Gum Tree in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach, gumtreela.com

SOUTHBAY HOME I 2021

$50 at Gum Tree in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach, gumtreela.com

Jenny Morant was named to Wall Street Journal’s Real Trends America’s 2020 Best Real Estate Professionals List. She has been helping buyers and sellers negotiate the best deals in the South Bay for the past 11 years. Contact her today for a home value report. JENNY MORANT 424.409.8976 DRE 01874517 hello@jennymorant.com IG: @jenny_morant jennymorant.com Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been veriﬁed. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

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T R AV EL

A TIME AND A PLACE

THE OLDEST OPERATING HOTEL IN PALM SPRINGS OFFERS A GLIMPSE OF DESERT LIFE BEFORE THE MID-CENTURY MAKEOVER. WRITTEN BY DARREN ELMS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY LANCE GERBER

It’s easy to miss Casa Cody while walking through the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood a couple blocks west of the main drag in downtown Palm Springs. Hidden behind walls of colorful bougainvillea and citrus trees, the tranquil compound could be mistaken for a private home. Well, that’s because it was … In the early 1900s, Hollywood pioneer Harriet Cody—cousin of the illustrious William “Buffalo Bill” Cody—arrived in Palm Springs by wagon, settled in this spot and built a home with architect husband Harold Bryant Cody. By the 1920s, Casa Cody had become established as a hotel frequented by legends of the arts community including Charlie Chaplin, American opera singer Lawrence Tibbett and French-born novelist Anaïs Nin. And while it recently received a major renovation under the supervision of Casetta Group, the Spanish Colonial Revival heritage and adobe hacienda architecture endure—offering new generations an opportunity to bask in the romance of Palm Springs past. “We specialize in the revival of small boutique hotels and decidedly unique buildings with a story, breathing new life into structures with great bones layered with our philosophy of sustainability without compromising style,” says Carolyn Schneider, president and partner of Casetta Group. “We fell in love with the remarkable history and timeless soul of Casa Cody. We are proud to continue its legacy through the preservation of its essence and character while elevating the guest experience through unmatched service, design and amenities.” Thirty accommodations can be found on the 1.5-acre property, connected by winding paths and native gardens in the shadows of the San Jacinto Mountains. A designated Class 1 historic

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site by the Palm Springs City Council, Casa Cody

one of a handful of remaining adobes documented

to achieve harmony between the property’s

is comprised of notable structures including four

in Palm Springs. Additional guest accommoda-

historic façade and its contemporary interiors.

freestanding homes complete with one or two

tions range from standard studios to suites and

“With warm coral velvet, textured blue-green

bedrooms, full kitchen, dining room and/or living

are available in the 1950s Apache Lodge built by

accents and Otomi-patterned pillows, the rooms

room, outdoor patio space and outdoor soaking

actress Polly Bergen, and units transplanted from

are imbued with depth to enliven the exist-

tub or shower.

the estate of Francis Crocker, the “Father of the

ing plaster interior,” says Cayley Lambur and

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.”

Lucia Bartholomew, Electric Bowery’s founders,

These include the one-bedroom Olympic Cottage, which formerly housed athletes during

Guided by the old-world charm and opulence

designers and architects. “Each room features

the Los Angeles 1932 Summer Olympics; Harriet’s

of Palm Springs along with the vibrant colors of

richly colored zellige tile and deep blue millwork

Cottage, a quaint and cozy stand-alone house with

coastal Spain and a modernist mindset, archi-

in the bathrooms and bar areas, reflecting the

one bedroom; Winter’s House, an original 1930s

tecture and interior design firm Electric Bowery

Mediterranean influence in a modern design.

California Ranch House and spacious bungalow;

instilled the interiors of Casa Cody with a rich pal-

We custom-designed upholstered elements and

and the two-bedroom, one-bathroom Adobe

ette of color and texture that strikes a delicate bal-

cabinetry in the space for an inviting, residential

House, a true adobe built in the early 1900s and

ance of sophistication and a sense of playfulness

feel. The dark wood tones balance the rich pops of

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color, creating a classic yet modern aesthetic that is unlike any other in Palm Springs.”

OTHER EARLY PALM SPRINGS DELIGHTS:

Soon the property will welcome a charming market concept that will double as the hotel’s

COPLEY’S RESTAURANT

Garland, Katharine Hepburn, Lena Horne and Gene

reception desk. Guests will not only be able to

The former guest home of Cary Grant in the ’40s,

Autry. Leonardo DiCaprio now owns Dinah Shore’s

check in here but also delight in produce grown

this longtime Palm Springs dining spot serves a

former residence.

on-site, retail merchandise, and food and beverage

tempting menu of contemporary American cuisine

to be enjoyed on the outdoor patio or delivered

with both indoor and outdoor seating options.

anywhere on property—from in-room to poolside

TRUSS & TWINE The cocktail bar may be new, but the Spanish

OLD LAS PALMAS NEIGHBORHOOD

Eclectic El Paseo Building that houses it was built in

So this season, when your travels take you to

A former citrus grove, this enclave of homes from

the mid-’20s.

the desert for a stylish getaway, put the mid-cen-

the ’20s and ’30s housed celebrities such as Judy

to an idyllic spot on the peaceful lawns.

tury on momentary mute and submerge yourself in another side of Palm Springs history. ¢

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Feels Like Home Again A MANHATTAN BEACH INTERIOR DESIGNER HELPS REFRESH A RESIDENCE FOR A FAMILY IN PALOS VERDES ESTATES THAT HARMONIOUSLY BLENDS THE ARCHITECTURE AND CAPTURES THE PERSONALITY OF THE HOME. WRITTEN BY JENNIE NUNN PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

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wenty years ago, when Mark and Joycelyn Harrigian

indoor-outdoor space and a view. “I was really wanting more

were living in Manhattan Beach, they needed help with

space, something similar to what I had growing up in Dallas,

linens for their newborn baby son’s room. “I couldn’t find

Texas,” says Joycelyn. “We spent a lot of time looking at poten-

anything that I liked, and someone said, ‘Oh you should

tial houses in Manhattan Beach and just couldn’t find something

call Nancy Russert [of Les Beaux Interiors in Manhattan Beach].

that checked all the boxes, so we extended our search to Palos

She’s great with fabrics and could customize bedding for

Verdes. When we saw the house in Palos Verdes Estates for

you,’” recalls Joycelyn. “So I did, and she created exactly what I

the first time, we were in love with the view of the golf course,

wanted and had not been able to find.”

mountains, water and city lights.”

Later the couple, with two children at the time, realized they needed a larger home for their growing family, with additional

Though they loved the site, the home—originally built in the 1970s—just wasn’t quite right and had an awkward flow and

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kitchen with no connection to the family room. After contemplating a major renovation, they ultimately decided to rebuild. “It took three years to build this house, and by the time it was

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When Nancy, owner of both Les Beaux Interiors and Twist Custom in Gardena, initially arrived on property, she was struck

finished and we needed to furnish it, we were all a little done,”

by the ocean view, the wood-beamed and arched ceilings, and

says Joycelyn of the 8,978-square-foot residence poised on

the ironwork. “To me the interiors didn’t represent the potential

more than a half-acre. “We just wanted furniture and didn’t put

of the house, and it felt heavy with a lot of carved woods, very

much thought into how the rooms and outdoor areas could be

elaborate fabrics and it was very formal,” she explains of the

used or the importance of scale.”

velvets, drapes and wallpaper. “Before, the décor was hiding the

After living in the home for a while, they longed for a redesign

108

welcoming, comfortable and fit who we were.”

house. We wanted to open it up.”

that accentuated both the Spanish-influenced architecture and

Working in phases over the next few years, Nancy began

their family’s lifestyle (now including three children.) “I wanted

with the family room off the kitchen before moving to the kids’

someone to come in and freshen up the outdated décor,”

rooms (two are now away in college, and one is at home in mid-

explains Joycelyn. “And once again, Nancy’s name came up. So

dle school). Next up was the formal living room followed by the

I immediately reached out. We wanted the house to feel more

dining room, master bedroom, powder room and the “cabana

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“We wanted the house to feel more welcoming, comfortable and fit with who we were.”

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room” off the pool. Some of the biggest transformations include the living room, once awash in dated, golden walls and now appointed with a limestone fireplace, a coffee table and an oatmeal-hued sofa

high-performance fabrics for wet bathing suits,” says Nancy, who also selected two Slim Aarons photographs, El Venero and Poolside Glamour. “It’s completely different than anything I would have chosen

and swivel chairs by Twist Custom; a powder room with Agate

on my own, and I love them,” says Joycelyn of the photographs.

wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries, a brass pendant lamp and mirror by

“They make me happy every time I walk past them.”

Arteriors; and the master bedroom with a custom-upholstered bed and chairs by Twist Custom and a rug by Konstrukt. “We wanted it to be calming, serene and pretty,” says Nancy.

Nancy, who has formed a strong friendship with the Harrigians, acknowledges that the final, clean, coastal design wholeheartedly complements the home. “When I visit this

“We kept the existing wooden nightstands, and we painted

property now, it’s somewhere I want to be,” she says. “It feels

them a light grey.”

completely right and comfortable and inviting.”

One of the main family hangouts is the outdoor dining room

And the family couldn’t be more pleased with the trans-

with chairs by Essentials For Living and a woven chandelier

formation. “Originally the furniture details and fabrics felt so

from Palecek, and the cabana room just off the pool, which

much older and fussy and just didn’t feel like who we are,” says

once contained wall-to-wall dark brown carpet and dark brown

Joycelyn. “The home really feels like it has our family’s personal-

walls. “We painted it and changed the flooring and chose

ity back.” ¢

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HOME FILMS

C R E AT I N G V I D E O F O R YO U R L I S T I N G S I S O N LY E X P E N S I V E I F N O O N E I S W AT C H I N G . H o m e F i l m s i s a f u l l y i n t e g ra t e d , re a l e s t a t e v i d e o p ro d u c t i o n a n d d i g i t a l d i s t r i b u t i o n p a c ka g e . O u r t a l e n t e d f i l m m a k i n g t e a m a r t i s t i c a l l y t e l l s t h e s t o r y o f w h a t m a ke s y o u r l i s t i n g u n i q u e . A n d o u r t a rg e t e d d i g i t a l d i s t r i b u t i o n e n s u re s t h a t t h e r i g h t p o t e n t i a l b u y e r s a re s e e i n g y o u r p ro p e r t y i n t h e m o s t b e a u t i f u l l i g h t.

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SMART DISTRIBUTION

Fo r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n : M a rc i e G u t i e r re z a t m a rc i e @ t h e g o l d e n s t a t e c o m p a n y.c o m

2021 DESIGN SHOWCASES 116 MAISON LUXE

CARRIE QUINN

118 EDEN LA INTERIORS

JAMIE RODDY

120 KONNI TANAKA

INTERIOR DESIGN KONNI TANAKA

122 ODOYA DESIGN

ANA DIAS

EDITED BY LAURA L. WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

124 MICHAEL LEE

132 ARCHER BUILDING

126 LANEY LA

134 RAS-A STUDIO

128 ARCHEMY.LA

136 LANE DESIGN

ARCHITECTS, INC. MICHAEL LEE

ASIA ZDZIARSKA

130 C&C PARTNERS

DESIGN BUILD FIRM PATRICK CUNNINGHAM & MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

GROUP, INC. BEN ARCHER

+ BUILD GARY LANE

MAISON LUXE Carrie Quinn 138 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach sales@maisonluxehome.com maisonluxehome.com Instagram: @maisonluxehb

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

fabric library, sit on our upholstery and purchase

This charming Spanish home is nestled under the

candles and gifts. We are constantly updating

eucalyptus trees on Via La Selva in Palos Verdes

the products on our website and will be adding

Estates. Our clients had recently downsized and

to our furniture collection this coming year. We

hired us to help them tie together some of their

have adjusted our hours of operation and are

existing furnishings with some new acquisitions.

currently open seven days a week.

They had recently purchased the supersized floral painting by Los Angeles-based artist

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU

Michael Harnish. This bright, cheery painting

DISCUSS WITH YOUR CLIENTS AT AN INITIAL

became the inspiration for the color palette and

DESIGN CONSULTATION?

the rest of the furnishings in what was originally

We like to be very transparent with our potential

a somewhat dark house.

clients about how our process works, since many

We brought in the two oversized iron lanterns

people have not worked with an interior designer

and French return iron drapery rods to keep with

before and it can be a daunting process. We

the authentic Spanish style. The drapes with

discuss the scope of the project, the budget,

green detail are handwoven blankets made in

timing and the client’s lifestyle with kids and

Turkey; we had a local seamstress convert them

pets. We then give an estimate of hours we think

into drapes. We added a burnt sienna wash to

it will take to present a comprehensive design of

the beautiful antique armoire in the dining room.

their project. We include a digital design board,

Two apple-green sofas sitting on a beautiful

floor plan (if necessary), shopping list of items

antique rug add a brightness to the living room,

with dimensions and prices, and fabric and finish

and the large iron cabinet provides a ton of extra

samples. We love to see our clients’ ideas if they

storage. The antique table in the entryway was

have collected photos from magazines or Pinter-

found at a local flea market.

est boards.

WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE READERS TO

that is tailor-made for each client. We don’t do

KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?

“cookie-cutter” designs since our philosophy is

What makes us unique is our retail and online

that the homes we design should be a reflection

e-commerce store, while clients still really enjoy

of the lives of the people who live in the home.

visiting our Hermosa Beach store to look at our

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PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

We take a lot of pride in offering a design

DESIGN SHOWCASES 2021

EDEN LA INTERIORS Jamie Roddy 350 N. Sepulveda #4, Manhattan Beach | 310-376-0033 edenLA@edenLA.com | edenLA.com | @edenLAInteriors

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

SINCE WE’RE NOT TRAVELING AS MUCH,

These wonderful clients came to us with archi-

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO ADD

tecture plans in hand, and we worked with Lane

TOUCHES FROM FARAWAY PLACES TO

Design Build to create a home even beyond their

OUR LIVING SPACES?

dreams. The clients are a joyfully retired couple

I never run out of ideas for adding touches from

who have many treasures from their travels. I was

travels to the homes. They’re so important for

eager to incorporate as many of those personal

creating a space that truly reflects the inhabit-

details as possible into their walk street house

ants. I love a tasteful gallery wall of family travels.

in Hermosa Beach. Their style isn’t your typical

I’ve framed textiles as oversized art pieces. I’ve

beach look as they’ve lived in many different

commissioned art based on travel photos. Of

places through the years. But the outcome is

course we accessorize the home with clients’

undeniably them, and we all are supremely satis-

existing souvenirs when possible. I even recently

fied with the end results. These are clients who

took a clients’ ornate dragon door handle that

became great friends and remain so today, so

was framed in a shadow box and used it for the

this is a personal one for me. Enjoy!

actual front door handle. It looks so great!

TELL US WHAT YOU’D LIKE READERS TO

WHAT ARE SOME UNUSUAL OUTDOOR

KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.

ELEMENTS CLIENTS ARE REQUESTING?

We pride ourselves on taking extra time to

I’m getting a lot more requests for statement

understand the unique aspects of our clients’

outdoor lighting. People are no longer content to

personalities and lifestyles. People often seek us

“play it safe” with chandeliers and exterior light-

out because they enjoy the eclectic portfolio on

ing. Everyone is starting to realize how much of a

our website. We’ve got modern houses, Mediter-

visual impact it makes on your home, and we are

ranean homes and of course the classic Califor-

here for it.

118

Bay community. But we’re not limited to that! We

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPACTFUL

enjoy finding what is unique about every client

WAYS THAT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN MAKES

who comes to us and creating a home or busi-

A DIFFERENCE IN HOW WE LIVE?

ness that reflects that.

Flow and light. Flow. And. Light. Full stop.

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

PHOTOGRAPHED BY KIM PRITCHARD PHOTOGRAPHY

nia casual beach look so beloved in our South

DESIGN SHOWCASES 2021

KONNI TANAKA INTERIOR DESIGN Konni Tanaka 2325 Palos Verdes Dr. West, Suite 207 Palos Verdes Estates 310-265-3632 info@konnitanaka.com konnitanaka.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

capture them. Fewer furniture pieces allow their

My clients and I were undertaking a major renova-

unique styles and materials to stand out. For

tion of a Rolling Hills house when they decided to

high-energy rooms, use a wall finish or furniture

seek a larger home for their family. Persistence

piece with an avant-garde shape, bold colors or

prevailed, and they purchased a nearby 3-acre

patterns to create an electrifying space. On the

property with spectacular 180º ocean views span-

other hand, a serene room can be mesmerizing

ning Catalina Island to the Malibu mountains. They

when interior details or furniture are made of

were so enthralled with the property and eager to

beautiful, organic materials and superb crafts-

move in, they gave our team only four months to

manship. Minimal color palettes let each color

remodel the sprawling ranch home.

stand alone. Coordinate three to five colors for a

We mixed original details, such as large ceiling

sensational look.

beams, with contemporary furnishings and lighting. We transformed the library and living room

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?

with a floor-to-ceiling burnished steel fireplace

For creating the interior space, we provide space

and dark walnut flooring. Custom furnishings

planning, interior detailing, millwork design and

include a stunning live-edge English walnut desk,

finish specification. We use 3D CAD so clients

the master bedroom set and a 10-foot curved

can visualize their space plan and designs.

mohair sofa, all fabricated locally. Throughout

For furnishings and décor, we work with many

the house, lights from Italy lend a sophisticated

vendors and fabricators for bespoke furnishings,

contemporary vibe. The kitchen’s lily-pad geo-

lighting, rugs and window treatments.

metric backsplash and vibrant powder room In addition to our wonderful clients, I’m grate-

WHAT GUIDES YOUR DESIGNS? Many of our clients desire rejuvenating and

ful to the general contractor, our custom furni-

harmonious homes. To achieve this, we design

ture, lighting and window treatment workrooms,

around our clients’ aesthetics and interests,

and vendors for their efforts to recreate this

which we uncover in our new-client onboarding

home in a very short time!

process. Equally important as aesthetics, we plan spaces that flow easily. They feel comfortable

HOW DO YOU KEEP A MINIMALIST

and functional for gatherings and for work. Na-

APPROACH FROM BEING BORING?

ture has a magical way of grounding us. We inte-

My design tips for minimalist style are: sunlight,

grate nature throughout the house by optimizing

shapes and colors! Sunlight and window views

natural sunlight and window views and employ-

add positive energy, so create space plans to

ing natural materials in finishes and furnishings.

120

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAVID WILLIAM PHOTOGRAPHY

reflect the owners’ energetic personalities.

DESIGN SHOWCASES 2021

ODOYA DESIGN Ana Dias 1151 8th St., Hermosa Beach | 424-254-6710 anadias@odoyadesign.com | odoyadesign.com | @odoya_design

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

WHAT DO YOUR CLIENTS APPRECIATE

Natural and warm, the Franklin home was

ABOUT YOU?

designed to merge the lives of two families.

My clients appreciate my enthusiasm for design,

Incorporating organic materials and textures

my work ethic and my kindness. I believe in

with a soft palette produced a contemporary,

thorough and consistent communication with

coastal, family home.

my clients so that their vision is reflected in my

The client’s requirements were to create a

final output. Design is my life’s passion, and it’s

family home at a rental property with a cost-

evident in my relationship with clients, contrac-

effective budget. The challenge was to combine

tors, vendors and the project’s end result.

existing furniture pieces with the desire to create a fresh background for a restart on life. Design-

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START?

ing within the constraints of an existing home

After graduating from architecture school—

with furnishings and a tight budget presents

Universidade Santa Úrsula in Rio de Janeiro—I

challenges, wherein creativity and flexibility are

worked for a Rio-based interior design company.

the key elements for success.

Subsequently, I was employed at other architecstateside when I partnered for a Hermosa Beach

contemporary approach. It is a harmonious,

company, JDS Outdoor Designs, where I worked

meaningful home that reflects one’s soul and

for seven years before branching out on my own

lifestyle—something Odoya strongly advocates.

and launching Odoya.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.

DESCRIBE HOW YOUR EXPERIENCE IN

Odoya is a residential interior and outdoor de-

INTERIOR AND OUTDOOR DESIGN CAN

sign and contracting firm. We focus on all levels

BENEFIT YOUR CLIENTS.

of design and build from a single room to new

I see the home and its outdoor space as one

construction. Our approach is rooted in mini-

cohesive unit. Interiors and exteriors are spaces

malist, modern, natural aesthetics. We believe

that should be connected and therefore de-

in making design affordable and attainable for

signed by the same team. Presently there is a

all. We are champions in fighting the culture of

shift in lifestyle, wherein clients seek to experi-

disposability and strive for reclaimed materials

ence serenity and integration with their indoor

whenever possible. Odoya believes that even the

and outdoor spaces and their natural elements.

most humble dwellings host beauty within.

122

ture firms in Rio and Paris. I established myself

original furniture integrated with a fresh and

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY @ERICCOOKART

The end result evokes familiarity from the

DESIGN SHOWCASES 2021

MICHAEL LEE ARCHITECTS, INC. Michael Lee, AIA 2200 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach 310-545-5771 info@mleearchitects.com mleearchitects.com @mleearchitects

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

spatial volume interact with each other. Thank

This three-story home in Hermosa Beach sits at

you to our frequent collaborators, Baldwin Con-

the intersection of a busy neighborhood walk

struction and Tim Clarke Design, and especially

street and beachfront alley. The design of the

to our wonderful clients.

house—with its courtyard, front patio and decks— allows the affable owners to engage with locals

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU

on quiet weekdays but also to enjoy the bustle of

OFFER CLIENTS?

busy beach weekends. The design aspires to be

Our belief in good design and understanding of

sculptural during the day, lantern-like at night and,

how to create lasting, quality architecture along

with the shades down, a private cocoon.

with 30+ years of architectural practice in the

The decks and the roof are cantilevered as-

South Bay.

sertively into the south-facing yards both to create shade and also to create tangible outdoor

DESCRIBE THE VERNACULAR OF YOUR FIRM.

spaces for cooking, eating and lounging. These

We are primarily a custom residential design

decks create horizontal bands in the façade that

firm. Our belief in the basics of good design

organize the house according to levels of privacy.

enables us to design successfully in a range of

The entry level is composed of a family room

styles. We also do multifamily residential, small

that opens to the walk street yard and a small

commercial and restaurant work, along with

courtyard with a private spa. On the next level

interior design and construction management.

up, the kitchen, dining and living rooms open to

Design-build has been a very successful formula

a large deck and overlook the walk street and

for us on numerous projects.

closest volleyball court. Additional large sliding doors open to a calmer view of the courtyard

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT

off the alley.

CAPTIVATES YOU?

around the elevator and leaves one at a central

huge range of skills and responsibilities that an

point on the balcony overlooking the double-

architect must take on. However, this is what

height dining room and art wall. To the left, a

makes being an architect so rewarding. Having

bridge-like balcony leads to the master bed-

an understanding of all aspects of the design

room. To the right are secondary bedrooms.

process and a deep appreciation for good archi-

The spirit of the house is one of playfulness, discovery, invention, art and the appreciation of the ways materials, textures, color, light and

124

Working in architecture is challenging, given the

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

tecture and all of its various components gives us great satisfaction.

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY NOAH WEBB

To reach the top private floor, a stair winds

DESIGN SHOWCASES 2021

LANEY LA 725 Cypress Ave., Hermosa Beach 310-870-7175 yes@laney.la | laney.la | @laneylainc

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

HOW DO PASSIVE HOUSES CONTRIBUTE

In most markets, real estate best practice tradi-

TO IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND QUALITY

tionally dictates that bigger is better. However,

OF LIFE OF THOSE WHO DWELL THERE?

this 1,400-square-foot residence began with

This home capitalizes on all the benefits of pas-

the polemic belief in the power of living with a

sive ventilation. Leveraging an “Energy Recov-

smaller footprint. Featuring both a full-size lap

ery Ventilator,” this system dehumidifies the air

pool and passive ventilation, every decision of

and pulls fresh air from the coolest rooms in the

the process was calibrated to challenge con-

home. The result is a temperate home year-

vention and promote a simplified lifestyle.

round and a more holistic, efficient approach to

While the exterior materials showcase a

a home’s performance.

calm, minimal palette with the sleek lines of the gabled silhouette, the interior spaces em-

WHICH HOME OR GARDEN FEATURES

body a playful, artistic spirit. From the hand-

DO YOU INCLUDE TO INCREASE A SENSE

painted de Gournay wallpaper in the wet bar

OF SERENITY?

niche to the shingled loft in the kid’s room, this

There is both great opportunity and responsi-

home is an experience that is both delightful

bility to elevate the integration of nature into

and timeless.

the design of every project. Rather than pregarden without assumption. This residence, in

KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.

particular, placed disproportionate emphasis

We are an award-winning architecture prac-

on its yard due to the smaller footprint. Wheth-

tice dedicated to creating meaningful work.

er transforming the side yard into a whimsical

Based in Hermosa Beach, our passion is to

journey to the entry door or employing car-

create work that speaks powerfully—sparking

penters to protect the existing vegetation by

a dialogue between enduring architecture and

scribing branches and roots through the fence,

its evolving environment. Our goal on every

our goal was to craft a serene experience that

project is to accomplish collaboration that

blurs the boundaries between what is inside

embraces generosity, design that transcends

and outside.

aesthetics and spatial experiences anchored by a strong sense of meaning.

126

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE FLETCHER

scribe a feature, we approach each home and TELL US WHAT YOU’D LIKE READERS TO

DESIGN SHOWCASES 2021

ARCHEMY.LA Asia Zdziarska, AIA, NCARB 323-989-2724 yo@archemy.la archemy.la @archemy.LA

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

TELL US WHAT YOU’D LIKE READERS TO

If you didn’t know any better, it would be hard to

KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.

imagine that this bright, light-filled, spacious and

It’s our ability to step into our clients’ shoes

contemporary home was a tired, small beach

that gives us an edge. That, and the fact that

bungalow just two years ago. The process of

we design our projects and then we get to

transformation involved chopping off the exist-

build them. We are there from the very begin-

ing gabled roof and adding a third story that

ning to the very end, helping our clients navi-

now has vistas of the ocean from the kitchen,

gate their way through the whole design and

living room and roof deck. The strategic use of

construction process.

windows, colors and textures and the maxim of

I am an architect, and we have a great team of

a place for everything and everything in its place

architects, builders, subcontractors and clients.

make the home feel considerably larger than its

It’s very important to work with like-minded

modest 1,892 square feet.

people because when you embark on the journey

The two large metal barn doors—the heroes of this story—are visible on the exterior southwest corner and tuck away out of sight when viewed

of building a home together, you commit to each other for a long time. And we pride ourselves on being a woman-

from the dining room to create an alfresco

owned and operated business. We feel this

experience. A kitchen island on castor wheels

gives us an edge and insight. Women are great

can be moved aside to make space for morning

project managers—ideal candidates for the

yoga. The vibrant red outdoor roof deck with an

construction industry.

designed rear yard extend the indoor spaces

HOW DO YOU KEEP A MINIMALIST

to the outdoors. The home is playful in its use

APPROACH FROM BEING BORING?

of color and pattern, using repetitive geometric

A successfully designed minimalist space is

shapes throughout.

one where you get to clear your mind but have

There isn’t a space in the entire home that

enough visual interest to titillate your senses at

hasn’t been thoughtfully considered … and it

the same time. People often feel compelled to

shows. Why would you want to go anywhere

add more, but taking away from the clutter cre-

when you can just stay home? Aaaaaah!

ates opportunities and allows one to play with natural light, color, shape, texture and contrast.

128

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY IVAN FEIGN & RICHARD HAMMOND

amazing ocean view and a small but thoughtfully

DESIGN SHOWCASES 2021

C&C PARTNERS DESIGN BUILD FIRM Patrick Cunningham, AIA, & Michael Cunningham, GC 508 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach | 310-322-0803 info@candcpartners.com | candcpartners.com | @candcpartners

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

netry and trim add to the sleek elegance that

This 6-bedroom, 9-bath transitional Cape Cod-

flows into the 280-square-foot walk-in closet.

style home is the result of a 20+-year relationship

The cozy living room has an open, airy feel.

between the clients and their interior designer

Champagne-colored furnishings are paired with

Sandy Weinstock; an architectural collaboration

pale blue accents and framed by the classic

between Lauri Morrison and Patrick Cunning-

lines of a custom poplar wood mantel and the

ham, AIA; and the construction skill and experi-

three-dimensional coffered ceiling. Boldly hold-

ence of Michael Cunningham, GC. Patrick Cun-

ing center stage is a vibrant butterfly created by

ningham and Michael Cunningham have been

artist Punk Me Tender. The backyard pool and

owner-operators of C&C Partners Design Build

raised gardens were carefully preserved from the

Firm for more than 30 years.

original property during construction.

The 5,500-square-foot dwelling began life as the owner’s childhood home, and many of the

HOW DO I KEEP A MINIMALIST APPROACH

current furniture pieces are from the original

FROM BEING BORING?

structure. A desire for more space and an up-

Whether you are building a contemporary-style

dated look prompted a complete renovation. The

home or one with a more traditional design,

existing structure was taken down to the studs,

minimalist elements are popular—and for good

a basement was added, and the whole-house

reason. Simple, uncluttered spaces with clean

reconstruction resulted in a new home design

lines and a monochromatic palette bring light

with modern appointments for the clients.

and a sense of openness to an interior that generates feelings of calm and serenity. Furnishings that are well-built and comfortable in a

lighter-toned finishes, chosen to complement the

light tone—with matching colored accents such

latte-colored wood flooring that extends through-

as small throw pillows, a rug and the trim on

out. The kitchen has a clean, simple design with

window treatments—add interest without being

white Craftsman-style cabinets and porcelain slab

overwhelming. Combine different shades, tints

countertops, accented by an intricate tile back-

and textures and consider a simple architectural

splash and picture-frame ceiling molding.

feature, such as a coffered ceiling, to spice up

The master bath features a matching porcelain

your “fifth wall.” A pop of color such as a piece of

slab tub, countertop and glass-enclosed shower

art or floral arrangement adds excitement with-

with a contrasting porcelain tile floor. White cabi-

out the clutter of too many accessories.

130

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

Inside, the home is always bright and sunny, courtesy of multiple well-placed windows and

DESIGN SHOWCASES 2021

ARCHER BUILDING GROUP, INC. Ben Archer 707 Torrance Blvd., Suite 100, Redondo Beach 310-602-1492 ben@archerbuilding.com | archerbuilding.com Facebook: Archer Building Group, Inc. Instagram: @archerbuilding

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

“You’re so organized!” from clients, and a lot of

This Manhattan Beach whole-house remodel

that has to do with the way we present informa-

was a fun project! The process was a joy with a

tion. It never takes the place of person-to-person

strong design and build team, and the finished

contact, which is essential in construction, but it

product is extremely gratifying. We took it down

does streamline the process and make every-

to the studs, rearranged the entire first floor, and

thing easy to find at the touch of a button.

opened the floor plan to create warmth and flow.

In particular, when clients are out of town or

The early ’90s “Manhattan-Terranean” home was

are not local, they love checking on our progress

dated, disjointed and begging for a complete

through the app and the various streaming cam-

overhaul. The original Mediterranean style had

eras we set up on-site. It’s a fun and functional

the right bones and structure to shift to modern-

way to keep everyone involved.

Spanish easily. The teams at Joseph Spierer Architects and Bianca Designs put together a

WHAT ARE THE MAIN THINGS CLIENTS ARE

phenomenal new design for us to execute.

LOOKING FOR WITH HOME AUTOMATION? The main components people are looking to au-

indoor-outdoor living. We installed two sets of

tomate are the lights, window treatments, ther-

multi-slide doors by La Cantina with the first-

mostat, and TV and media. The most important

floor doors disappearing completely into a wall

feature in any home automation system is that it

pocket. This created a 30-foot-wide opening to

is user-friendly. The key in deciding how much of

connect the kitchen-living area with the outdoor

your home to automate is to consider your daily

covered logia. It is a spectacular home for every-

lifestyle. Some like to talk to their smartphone,

day living and entertaining.

and others prefer manual controls through their phone. Some want lights and curtains to move

132

TELL US WHAT YOU’D LIKE READERS TO

automatically at certain times every day, and

KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.

others want to push a button on wall. There are a

We are very user-friendly and communicative.

lot of comprehensive systems out there like Con-

We have a personalized app that provides real-

trol4, Crestron, Lutron, Ring, Nest and Alexa that

time updates to clients regarding all aspects

are becoming standard installations for most of

of their projects. Over and over again we hear

our new homes.

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY (INTERIOR) & DAN SOLOMON (EXTERIOR)

The homeowners were focused on seamless

DESIGN SHOWCASES 2021

RAS-A STUDIO 310-937-1760 | 2507 W. 190th St., Redondo Beach ras-a.studio | @ras_a.studio

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

heating is installed throughout. A solar water

This project is located two blocks from the

collector on the south roof provides the domes-

Pacific Ocean in Hermosa Beach. The challenge

tic hot water and supplements the boiler for the

was the home’s tight 30’ x 70’ lot flanked on

in-floor radiant system.

one end by a walk street and on the other with a narrow alley. Our clients wanted an open

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.

concept on the ground floor that leads to natural

We are a boutique design-build studio that

grade and outdoor areas, but zoning mandates a

believes in good design and getting our hands

large two-car garage that would otherwise force

dirty. With a multidisciplinary team of architects,

the living spaces of the small footprint to be

designers and contractors, we provide complete

split between multiple levels. The solution was a

services—taking a project from conception

mechanical parking lift that fits two cars stacked

through construction.

in the footprint of one. A front deck doubles as an outdoor rec

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START?

room. White masonry blocks form an entry

At a small architecture firm in Beverly Hills

wall that screens interior living areas from

almost 20 years ago. Wanting to be closer to

the front porch. A 27-foot-long pocket sliding

the beach, I then went on to work at Dean Nota

door opens the living, dining and kitchen to

Architect in Hermosa for about seven years

a patio running the length of the lot and al-

before eventually branching out on my own.

lows the interior to borrow 6½ feet from the required side yard, making the modest-sized

HOW MUCH OF YOUR JOB IS ACTUALLY

footprint live larger than its square footage.

SOLVING CLIENTS’ PROBLEMS?

The bedrooms and study are located on the

We look at every project as a problem to solve

second floor, where a balcony offers access to

and come up with a specific solution to that

a private roof terrace.

problem. The end product is a holistic result de-

134

riving from the site (physical constraints,

doors and windows give the home passive cool-

existing structures, zoning, sunlight, etc.), the

ing that eliminates the need for an air condition-

client’s program, budget and the context or

ing system. For warmth, in-floor hydronic radiant

locale of the project.

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE FLETCHER

The ocean breeze and abundance of operable

DESIGN SHOWCASES 2021

LANE DESIGN + BUILD Gary Lane & Team 2212 Pacific Coast Hwy., Hermosa Beach 310-937-8081 lola@lanedesignbuild.com lanedesignbuild.com @lanedesign_build

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

ted to making them more beautiful, efficient,

This 5,000-square-foot home on a cul-de-sac

comfortable and fun. From confusing new zon-

in Manhattan Beach evokes a classic farmhouse

ing laws to lengthy delays from city planning de-

feel that is complemented with cleaner lines and

partments, we were a reassuring voice of stabil-

a more sophisticated palette. The deep charcoal

ity. We have been designing and building houses

exterior was balanced with a standing seam

in the South Bay for 40 years and have survived

metal roof, copper accents, tumbled stone and

several recessions and housing downturns. Our

a beautiful wood garage door. From the Dutch

reputation for knowledge, honesty and depend-

front doors to the inviting interior spaces, we

ability will continue to serve our clients well in

combined a variety of woods, metals, glass and

years to come.

stone for a fresh look. We also utilized texture in the tile selections and wallcoverings to warm up

SINCE WE’RE NOT TRAVELING AS

the modern features.

MUCH, WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO ADD

One of the standout features of the kitchen is

TOUCHES FROM FARAWAY PLACES

an oversized banquette with a beautiful wood

TO OUR LIVING SPACES?

inset ceiling. This space opens to the rear yard

It’s always fun to ask our clients about their favor-

and is one of several separate indoor-outdoor

ite travel destinations. Hand-painted azulejo blue

spaces in this home. The large basement also has

and yellow tiles on the kitchen backsplash can

outdoor access along with a full kitchen, penin-

bring back memories of a beautiful trip to Lisbon.

sula bar, wine cellar and bedroom with en suite

Dreaming of Bali? Why not create that Zen feel-

bathroom. Throughout the home we incorpo-

ing with clean lines, minimalistic design, soothing

rated the best of modern and rustic aesthetics to

color schemes and natural materials. One client’s

create a comfortable yet refined family home.

love of New York City inspired a glamourous

136

TELL US WHAT YOU’D LIKE READERS TO

and a custom seat. On a personal note, we once

KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.

stayed in a hotel in Oregon, and the shower had

It’s been a tough year, and Lane Design Build has

a window overlooking the bedroom and out to

been a valuable resource for our clients during all

the view. We ended up using this idea in our own

of the uncertainty of the pandemic. Our homes

master bedroom. Personal travel memories are a

became our sanctuaries, and we were commit-

great inspiration for home design.

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAN SOLOMON PHOTO

elevator design complete with wallpaper, mirrors

DESIGN SHOWCASES 2021

FI N A L O F F ER

“HOME IS THE NICEST WORD THERE IS.”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

— LAURA INGALLS WILDER

138

SOUTHBAY HOME II 2021

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