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Editorial Designer / Anita Bilan Copy Editor / Laura Watts CONTRIBUTORS
Diane E. Barber, Jeff Berting, Siri Berting, Tracey Breshears, Jan Dennis, Lori Ford, Luke Gibson, Suzanna Cullen Hamilton, William MacCollum, Fabienne Marsh, Josette Murphy, Michael Neveux, Lauren Pressey, Kim Pritchard, Katrina Zawojski sandidesigns@sbcglobal.net sandidesigns.wix.com/gardens www.houzz.com/pro/sandidesigns
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MARKETING & OPERATIONS
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Vice President Branded Media / Emily Stewart Director of Marketing / Cherice Tatum Advertising Services Manager / Kaleena Cano Operations Manager / Allison Jaeckjuntra Business and Financial Consultant / Karina Aguiar
Charles C. Koones Managing Partner
Todd Klawin Managing Partner
No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Moon Tide Media, LLC. Any and all submissions to this or any Moon Tide Media, LLC publication become the property of Moon Tide Media, LLC and may be used in any media. We reserve the right to edit.
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TO OUR READERS Southbay HOME Magazine welcomes your feedback and reaction to our magazine and stories. Please send your letters to: Reader Response Department, Southbay HOME Magazine, PO Box 3760, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Please include your name and address and email address in case we need to contact you. Letters may be published. We reserve the right to edit.
58 11th Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 Tel 310-376-7800 • Fax 310-376-0200 moontidemedia.com / oursouthbay.com
Chris Adlam 310.493.7216 www.chrisadlam.com
Coastal Cape Cod in lower Lunada Bay. This spectacular 6 bedroom, almost 6,000 square foot home is situated on a flat, almost 1/2 acre lot. Huge, private backyard with pool, patios and large grassy areas. Gorgeous, oversized rooms in an open floor plan. This home has been completely remodeled through-out. $4,250,000
HOME
HOME
EDITOR’S LETTER
CONTRIBUTORS
Michael Neveux PHOTOGRAPHER
Decorators Anonymous My name is Darren Elms, and I have an unhealthy addiction to home décor. Before my frustrated partner stages an intervention, let me make my case. To me, the home is one of the most important investments you can make in your life … not only as real estate but also as a sanctuary for you and your family to enjoy. For someone like me who spends a fair amount of time working from home, having a comfortable, practical and stylish space definitely tops my priority list. Here’s my dilemma. Just when I think I’ve nailed the aesthetic of our home, a new look taunts me with fresh appeal. Be it from a magazine, television program, Pinterest or shelter blog, I’m surrounded by awesome design on a daily basis. Not a bad thing, necessarily. But when your trigger finger is on websites like Etsy, One Kings Lane and Overstock, the décor and the dollars start adding up. When I bought one side table too many last month, my partner put his foot down. So I turned my obsession to helping friends shop for their own spaces. A picture collage here, a productive binge trip to Home Goods there. I may not get the satisfaction of coming home to these purchases, but it does offer a needed fix now and then. Plus it’s nice spending someone else’s money for a change. One of the perks of editing a shelter magazine is curating great style right here in the South Bay. I get to live vicariously through the design instincts of our featured owners and share with our readers a variety of amazing approaches. Our eight homes in this issue are no exception, with everything from cottage chic to contemporary castle—and a bunch in between. It’s enough to keep my interest piqued for some time … or at least until we do it all over again in the fall. Enjoy! What’s your design style? Share your home at letters@moontidemedia.com. - Darren Elms, Editor
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Michael is a commercial photographer/ videographer who shoots fashion, fitness, sports, product, architecture and lifestyle. He has had a studio in the South Bay for more than 25 years. In his spare time, he enjoys cabinet-making and collecting antiques.
Suzanna Cullen Hamilton WRITER Suzanna is a writer and regular contributor to regional and national publications and websites featuring articles on lifestyle, entertainment, architecture, interior design, the arts and the environment. She is a former business owner with sales to a high net worth clientele, and she currently resides in Los Angeles.
Siri & Jeff Berting PHOTOGRAPHERS With more than 20 years collective experience in art direction and photography, Siri and Jeff have been making imagery for quite a while, half of that time as husband and wife. Sharing a brain and a love for photography is what drives them to create compelling images. Life is a journey and they are enjoying the ride together.
Katrina Zawojski WRITER Along with her singlespeed companion, Miles, Katrina can be spotted anywhere in the South Bay that’s serving a choice cup of coffee and a solid WiFi connection. A NorCal native, she has made Hermosa her home, playing professional beach volleyball, absorbing the local culture and taking a lot of notes along the way.
Laura Watts COPY EDITOR As a writer and editor for the past two decades, Laura Watts knows the power of words. She has been the copy editor for Moon Tide Media, including Southbay HOME magazine, for the past four years, and she edits the magazine’s design showcases. She shares her love of the written word with her 7-year-old son, with whom she’s enjoying the journey of at-home public virtual school.
Diane E. Barber WRITER Diane is a South Baybased lifestyle journalist, interior designer, equestrian and animal lover. Her writing is inspired by her passion for celebrating incredible people, animals and the arts. She is a construction design expert, and when not creating new living spaces or crafting new stories, she is immersed in her beloved horse world.
Classic Contemporary Home Furnishings Montego sofa $2079; Montego table $ 649; Sora stool $119; all items priced as shown. roomandboard.com | 800.952.8455
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES
35 | THE CURATORS
A seamless blend of Mid-Century modern furniture, Native American Indian artifacts and new architecture in Hermosa Beach.
42 | THE PROFESSIONAL
A local design expert gives a loving restoration to one of the oldest homes on the Peninsula.
52 | THE ESCAPISTS
The perfect intersection of architecture, art and design in a beach walk home.
61 | THE BACHELOR
A Redondo Beach home built with epic entertaining in mind.
69 | THE DREAMERS
Coastal charm in Manhattan Beach blends effortlessly with family fun and function.
76 | THE NEW NEIGHBORS
As their family grows, a Torrance couple moves next door.
83 | THE OPTIMISTS
A Rolling Hills family expands their living potential with an ambitious renovation.
90 | THE STORYTELLERS
A family’s global collection is housed in the first LEED Silver home in the South Bay.
8 HOMES. | 8 LIFESTYLES. | 100% SOUTH BAY. 30
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING
HOME
HOME
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE… 33 | FIRST IMPRESSIONS Making an entrance 40 | SHADES OF THE SOUTH BAY Sweet inspiration 48 | Q&A Architect Dean Nota talks with his first client. 58 | HOME IMPROVEMENT A family gets the kitchen of their dreams. 66 | GET ORGANIZED Shelf makeover 74 | REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP Best outdoor updates for your buck 88 | GREEN THUMB Looking up with a vertical garden And…
PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING
97 THE DESIGN SHOWCASE The South Bay’s top home professionals
ON THE COVER
Tarango residence, photographed by Siri Berting
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Lifestyle | Luxury | Community
2414Gates.com
COURTNEY & ANTHONY SELF Broker/ Owners 310-350-6205 | 310-901-1000 info@huntermason.com www.HunterMason.com
CA Real Estate Brokers License #01229263 | 01906720
Sales | Leasing Residential | Investment Property
HOME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Make an Entrance Josette Murphy of About Space, LLC in El Segundo creates a charming foyer that’s easy to duplicate no matter your design style. Keep the entrance space open and functional by utilizing opposite walls. On one side, hang a large mirror over a console table with a tray, ideal for storing keys and items you might need on the go. Add layers with a lamp and
interchangeable décor, like baskets and vases. On the other wall, offer seating: a bench or small loveseat. A collage of mounted frames and objects adds personalization and visual interest. Throw in a perfectly sized rug and a beautiful, hanging light fixture to tie the room to gether. For more on Josette, visit aboutspacestudios.com.
JAMIE YOUNG LEATHERFRAMED MIRROR | $690 “HOLLIS” LANTERN BY HUDSON VALLEY | $2,390 Both at Lightopia in Manhattan Beach, lightopiaonline.com
QUINCY LOVESEAT | $350 THROW PILLOW (18x18) | $30 Both at Cost Plus in El Segundo, worldmarket.com
NATURAL SEAGRASS/SISAL BLEND AREA RUG (8x10) | $560 Pottery Barn in Rolling Hills Estate, potterybarn.com
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THE CURATORS
HOUSE OF
Generations A SEAMLESS BLEND OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE, NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN ARTIFACTS AND NEW ARCHITECTURE IN HERMOSA BEACH WRITTEN BY SUZANNA CULLEN HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING AND TRACEY BRESHEARS /oursouthbay
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fter five years of living in their home in Hermosa Beach, Jennifer and Brent Buchsbaum decided that they loved the location but needed a floor plan that better suited the needs of their growing family. Instead of moving, they seized the opportunity to build the house they wanted. Brent grew up in Laguna Beach, and Jennifer grew up in Redondo Beach. They both knew what they wanted in a beach home architecturally. Additionally, they both inherited pieces from their families that they wanted to incorporate into their new home. When they called architect Pat Killen of Studio 9one2 and his designer, Donna Grossman, they created a successful intersection of contemporary beach design with family treasures. The top floor has an open concept living plan with expansive views toward the ocean—providing a sense of light and space. The light grey, stainedwood ceiling gives the house a rustic beach feeling. With a collection of Mid-Century modern furniture mixed with Native American Indian arts, the house exudes a relaxed but sophisticated feeling. “I was aware of their collections and wanted to give them a home that reflected both their love of the beach and their families,” says Pat. “We are a house of generations,” says Jennifer as she points out the Art Deco chest in the living room. Classic 20th-century furnishings give the living area a relaxed but carefully curated feeling. “My family liked Mid-Century modern pieces, so
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they gave us the Eames pieces, the Noguchi table and the Finn Juhl chair,” says Brent. Their collection represents some of the most internationally renowned 20th-century furniture designers. With a kilim rug and contemporary sofa, the living room is as inviting as it is comfortable. Both families were interested in Native American Indian arts ranging from the Plains to the Canadian tribes. In the dining room, early paintings by acclaimed Canadian Native American Indian artist Norval Morrisseau are framed in simple wood frames that are appropriate with the other Mid-Century modern furnishings. Acoma pottery and kachina dolls fill the bookshelves. “My family gives us a kachina doll every year, so our collection keeps growing,” says Brent. The house is longer than it is wide, and that provides for much needed work and play space. “I needed a light-filled space in which to work, and this back room has great natural light,” explains Jennifer, a jewelry designer whose pieces can be found at The Gum Tree in Hermosa Beach, as she shows her office on the back of the main floor. The room is large enough to accommodate Jennifer’s work area and function as a playroom. Relaxed furnishings make it comfortable for both adults and children. The bedrooms provide terrific views and great space. The master bedroom has a great view of the ocean and feels as rustic as the upstairs living room due to the furnishings as well as the decorating. Athabascan snowshoes fill a corner, while a huge
THE COLLABORATORS PATRICK KILLEN, AIA, STUDIO 9ONE2 BRUCE SCHARTNER, SCHARTNER CONSTRUCTION DONNA GROSSMAN, INTERIOR DESIGNER, STUDIO 9ONE2 MARIAM RAINVILLE, RAINVILLE DESIGN STUDIO FUJIMOTO LANDSCAPING INC.
/oursouthbay
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LIKE THE LOOK? WE RECOMMEND...
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dreamcatcher twirls in the window. Jennifer installed the wood paneling on the wall behind the master bedroom headboard—proving that she is as enterprising in construction as she is in jewelry making. Daughter Caitlyn’s bedroom is a dream for any young girl. Filled with books and toys, it is a haven for an active imagination. “We took a lot of design clues from owner Lori Ford at The Gum Tree, so open shelves where Caitlyn can see the front covers of the books make it more interesting to pull one down and read,” says Jennifer. Bright colors balanced by crisp white make for a fun room for her to grow into. Huge doors to the patio allow great views to the garden where Jennifer and Caitlyn grow vegetables and flowers in raised beds. “We added apple trees this year, so we hope they’ll take root and grow,” says Brent. Additionally, they were able to preserve a large tree that provides shade for the entire backyard and gives privacy from neighbors. A gas grill and built-in bench for seating provide plenty of space for cooking and relaxing outside. Blending Mid-Century modern furniture with Native American Indian decorative arts provides a calm but substantive environment for this young family. Subtle references to the arts and academia are seamlessly integrated into a beach-style family home. In a geographical area where too many new homes only offer spanking new furnishings, the Buchsbaum home is a gentle reminder that great style and perfect function do not preclude interesting historical references and documented arts. l
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ACOMA POTTERY NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN VASE $2,650 pueblodirect.com
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Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, member FDIC. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is a registered Broker/Dealer, not a bank. Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank and involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal amount invested. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services. Banking and credit products and services are provided by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. or other affiliates. All loans are subject to application and approval. These products may not be available in all jurisdictions. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. © 2013 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC576587 11/12 7376973 BLA001 11/12
HOME
SHADES OF THE SOUTH BAY
Taffy Pink
Vanilla Blush
Lime Sorbet
Graham Cracker
Sweet Inspiration A tasty treat from Manhattan Beach Creamery offers a soft and inviting summertime palette. PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF BERTING
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All these Dunn-Edwards shades are available at Dunn-Edwards Paints in Torrance. 310-378-0740, dunnedwards.com
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THE PROFESSIONAL
Old Bones,
FRESH APPROACH ONE OF THE OLDEST HOMES ON THE PENINSULA GETS A LOVING RESTORATION FROM A LOCAL DESIGN EXPERT. WRITTEN BY DIANE E. BARBER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING /oursouthbay
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pon arriving at the Spanish-style Palos Verdes home of Gina Quatrine, guests are greeted by a specially commissioned bronze mermaid fountain. Just as a European-style entry door (a “door-inside-a-door”) promises that what lies behind it is extraordinary, this petite sea siren beckons visitors to take a peek. History alone speaks to the home’s unique character. Built in 1924, it was the third residence constructed in Palos Verdes Estates. There is an added touch of Hollywood’s golden era with archived building permits that bear the name of preservationist, conservationist and actor Leo Carrillo (best remembered for his television role as Pancho, the sidekick to The Cisco Kid). As fate would have it, today the house is once again in the hands of another creative preservationist. As a successful businesswoman and single mother of three, Gina purchased it in 2005. While looking for the perfect abode where she could raise her children close to family, she was also on a passionate quest to find a home that spoke to her affinity for Spain. “I moved to Spain in the ‘80s and opened a seaside restaurant. Two years later, I opened an antiques store in a beautiful, small, seaside Mediterranean town in the region of Alicante. When I grew homesick and returned to the South Bay, I always wanted to recreate the relaxed, elegant lifestyle that I had become accustomed to there. This house was perfect for that.” Taking the artistic, visionary lead, Gina worked alongside general contractor Rudy Rocco and his talented team. They added 1,000 square feet of living space for another bedroom and to enlarge the kitchen, while meticulously maintaining the look of the original house with plaster walls, wooden floors, generous 10-inch baseboards, solid wood doors and antique hardware.
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DESIGNER GINA QUATRINE, QUATRINE CUSTOM FURNITURE
Three grand fireplaces were installed—two dating back to the 1800s from France and one from Mexico. In-suite sinks common in Europe were installed in the kids’ bedrooms with just a shower and toilet in their bathrooms. Plumbing fixtures, stone, tiles, lighting and cabinetry in all of the bathrooms complement the old-world style of the home. Reminiscent of a European kitchen, Carrera marble etched with memories of shared meals and wine gives character to the expansive countertops. To maintain a spacious feeling, alder wood cabinets with an antique painted finish and metal grill detailing were installed at counter level only. All upper cabinets were placed in the adjacent pantry/mudroom, with lower cabinets set atop beautifully hand-painted Brazilian tiles. The stones on the wall behind the Lacanche French range (which friends regularly come to cook on) extend out to the adjoining outdoor dining room. They were repurposed from the Palos Verdes Golf Course remodel project— three truckloads to be exact. As you meander throughout the rest of the home (and meander you must, for there is much to marvel at), it emulates a museum-like essence—particularly in the living room, where an antique saint of the sea statue from a Catholic church stands guard. A table from Valencia, Spain (circa 1770) serves as an altar for some of Gina’s most prized collectibles: auction house and European flea market finds that include a Mongolian antique tunic, military ribbons from the Napoleon era and a wooden Indian textile press, to name just a few.
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LIKE THE LOOK? WE RECOMMEND...
BOSWORTH SCONCE $540 Quatrine, quatrine.com
Hallway walls boast what Gina fondly refers to as her pride and joy: a framed British land contract from 1772 she found in Italy and crystal sconces from the Ford mansion in Michigan acquired through an auction house. “Things that are precious should be used and enjoyed,” says Gina. Art, Italian mirrors and other collectibles are on touchable display in every room. An exquisite chandelier made of shells illuminating the foyer and a living room Venetian handpainted silk chandelier draw artful attention to the ceilings. Sconces that once cast light from an old, French, horse-drawn carriage were electrified and now accent Gina’s master bedroom walls adjacent to her French-style replica bed. An inviting blend of old and new furnishings feature comfortable, slipcovered, upholstered pieces made locally by Gina’s furniture company, aptly named Quatrine. “In homes in Spain, you feel like you can go in, put your feet up, and eat anywhere you want to while enjoying good quality and good company,” she says. “That was important for me to create not only in my home but also for others.” With a merchandising background gleaned from experience working for Hermes in London, I. Magnin and Bonwit Teller, Gina borrowed from her mother to open a 900-squarefoot storefront on Manhattan Beach Boulevard, which is still there today. She now has six stores, 72 employees and a 60,000-square-foot factory nearby. Not surprising, the original pieces of her furniture collection are named after Spanish cities: Malaga, Sevilla, Capri, Madrid and Cadiz. At Gina’s beautiful home, time seems to stop as her relaxed charm, ocean breezes and rooms that whisper of her Old World heritage and world travels take visitors along with her to faraway places. “I love looking at beautiful things,” she says with a smile. l
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BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGS MORE THAN TWO DECADES AFTER HE COMPLETED HIS FIRST SOLO RESIDENTIAL PROJECT IN THE SOUTH BAY, ESTEEMED ARCHITECT DEAN NOTA REVISITS HIS CLIENT AND THEIR SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION. INTERVIEWED BY FABIENNE MARSH | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING
Q:
Dean Nota’s 1988 Modernist project, the Marsh studioresidence, garnered awards and set the bar for his subsequent work. At once functional and luminous, Nota’s 1,200-square-foot gem captures a joyous, almost sacred light reminiscent of Matisse’s tiny, exquisite Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence, France. Dean recently sat down with his client, Peggy Marsh, at the house he built, which she’s enjoyed for the past 26 years. Peggy, how did you pick your architect? Peggy Marsh: I saw his Volkswagen bus and asked him what color paint it was. At one time I had three Volkswagen buses. Dean Nota: I had it painted a pastel grey, which was a Mercedes color that I liked. PM: It was a warm grey, probably similar to the one we used in this house on the stucco. I asked him what he did. At the time, Dean, did you have a portfolio? DN: I was teaching at SCI-Arc [Southern California Institute of Architecture], and all the work I had done was tied to Raymond Kappe, who’s had a huge influence on me. Peggy, at what point did you say to Dean, “I own this lot. I’ve got 1,200 square feet. What can you do with it?” PM: I had seen architects who had portfolios, and Dean did not. I’d been to Berkeley. My husband had been an architect, and I knew that I wanted it to be both a place to live and a place to work. I was terrified to think of building a house. I was by myself. I had just finished supporting four children, and I didn’t have much money. But I intuitively felt that Dean was the person to do the job.
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Dean, when or how did you decide you were going to be an architect? DN: In teaching, I would ask students the same question. Some would say they wanted to be an architect since kindergarten. Sometimes I would not understand their motivation. I never thought about being an architect until I was two years into college. I was studying aerospace engineering, and they would take us a room with 500 guys sitting at drafting tables at TRW or General Dynamics and say, “This is where you’re going to work when you graduate.” And I really didn’t want to go back to engineering school. Looking back, I realized I had been preparing to be an architect my entire life. My dad was a steel contractor, and when I was 8, he started showing me the architects’ plans. In middle school, I took drafting classes. In high school, I continued with all the college prep classes like calculus, but I always took the shop classes too. I liked building things. I started out grinding welds in my dad’s shop to make money, and he figured out that I could read plans. After two years in engineering school at Cal Poly, my dad got a contract to build a new architecture building on that campus. In the San Gabriel Valley in the summer it’s really hot, and I was standing down in this hole, sweating, while we installed the steel. I looked up and saw this guy standing at the top, wearing a tie and his coat with a roll of plans under his arm, like a scene in a movie. I asked, “Who’s that guy? I want his job.”
categories, and I think that’s true of art in general. There has to be an openness. I was interested in how Dean saw things, and I felt like it was his call because he was the artist on the project. You very generously exhibit other people’s work in your home, but why is there not a single item of your own work as an artist? PM: I don’t like to put up my own work and look at it and live with it. It’s a private
“It’s like living inside a work of art. It needs to be cared for. I feel responsible to the architect.”
Was this designed as Peggy’s artist studio? PM: It’s a live and work space. I knew I needed a place to sit, to cook, eat, work and sleep. It was that simple. I don’t have
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at the pinnacle of their work, was extraordinary—the craft, the sequence of spaces. With The Gamble House, there was perhaps too much money. As an architect, I can tell that there are details and spaces the Greenes would not have done, which were controlled by the client. There’s a more modest house they did in Pasadena that’s in private hands and is totally original, with all their furniture and frescoes. You chose Modernism. How do you relate to Greene and Greene? DN: I think the Greenes were part of this California tradition of Modernism. I think Modernism goes back to the pyramids, because there are design principles that are inherited in all periods of architecture. PM: That’s what Louis Kahn thought too. DN: Exactly. And Kappe was influenced by Kahn, so it all came together for me.
struggle. I have no problem giving my paintings to other people to exhibit. I’m very critical of it, and I don’t want to live with that. Dean, what was your initial response to the site? DN: I remember thinking it was a unique opportunity because the site was basically a right triangle, which is five feet across in the back. Many of the Hermosa Beach lots are narrow, usually 25 by 30 feet—an almost urban, row house proportion. Peggy’s frontage was about 50% wider. I knew that we were going to have to build something up high to capture the maximum view. It was also quite public; it had an alley, a side street and a front street, so I felt the most amount of light would come from the top, from a skylight. You lived around the corner, so did you visit the site at all times of day, kind of like Monet who painted his cathedral in Rouen at different times of day? DN: I understood the way the light worked because I lived so close. The challenge of working on small lots is to create an illusion that the building is bigger, so that it feels as if it extends beyond its physical
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boundaries—which is why I feel a Modernist approach is appropriate. You’re trying to open the house as much as possible to let in the view and light. Do you think in square feet? DN: No. PM: I remember Dean standing in the stairwell, looking down and saying, “Look at the light.” I think it was pleasing that he had thought it through. DN: I can’t take 100% credit for that. And this is the part I like the most. If you set things up in the right way, you’re going to get some surprises. Peggy, what have been the most surprising or even challenging things about living here? PM: It’s like living inside a work of art. It needs to be cared for. I feel responsible to the architect. It deserves to be preserved. People and architecture students stop by and ask to see the house. I’m very protective of it. Dean, I have to ask you about The Gamble House in Pasadena. DN: I have a love-hate relationship with The Gamble House. Greene and Greene,
Other than your mentor, Raymond Kappe, and Louis Kahn, which artists have informed your aesthetic? DN: Donald Judd’s work in Marfa, Texas. Walter De Maria’s installation The Lightning Field in Alamogordo, New Mexico. And James Turrell. Their work is all very architectural. They’re just dealing with it on a more abstract level, which inspires me. PM: Like the pyramids. They’re great thinkers, making something so essential, which is what this house is—with nothing extra in it. DN: There’s nothing fancy about the finishes in this house. It’s very bare-bones. PM: Formica counters in the kitchen. DN: This is not a house that services the building industry. It set a standard for me that I have to live up to. I was very encouraged when it was validated by other architects. It’s the essential minimalist example and a perfection that I’m not sure I’ve achieved in any other house. PM: What I wanted from the house was poetry. I wanted light. I wanted to be surprised. I wanted inspiration from the light at different times of day. I feel well-served and very considered in our collaboration. Building this house was a totally intense, creative project that was one of the high points of my life. l
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THE ESCAPISTS
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WRITTEN BY SUZANNA CULLEN HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM MACCOLLUM AND SIRI BERTING
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T
he great 20th-century decorator Billy Baldwin said, “Scale and proportion provide everlasting satisfaction that cannot be achieved by only icing the cake.” The brilliant arbiter of style whose designs have stood the test of time would be most impressed by the Manhattan Beach home of Jane and George Kallis. Created by architect Michael Lee, beautiful lines with perfect scale and proportion combine with layered, confident interiors—reminiscent of the East but infrequently found in the South Bay—to make the home a rare gem. The walk street home appears to be a simple, Nantucket-style cottage from the outside; however, subtle clues give way to the sophistication that unfolds inside. Clean lines, bold furniture and carefully selected garden elements send a message that it is better to have a few high-quality pieces rather than a garden of mediocrity. The very balanced and exactly proportioned exterior echoes the same elegance and sophistication that exists on the inside. “We wanted to retain the original beach cottage charm and historical references but open it up for more contemporary, relaxed entertaining,” says Michael. The Dutch door opens to reveal a living room with perfect architectural details. Working with contractor Jeff Strnad, the ceilings and doorways of the original cottage were raised to create better flow for an open contemporary plan. From the large bay window, created by Window Concepts in El Segundo, to the wainscoting and mouldings, the room is balanced in architectural elements and light. While rooted in historical references, the gutsy scale but simple designs of the architectural features gracefully usher it into the 21st century. “I’ve always designed my own homes, and this one is a mix of things we’ve inherited, other things we’ve had for years and still some that
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THE COLLABORATORS MICHAEL LEE, AIA, MICHAEL LEE ARCHITECTS JEFFREY STRNAD, PRINCIPAL, BEACH HOUSE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT WINDOW CONCEPTS, INC. | JANE KALLIS
we’ve recently purchased,” says Jane. Living room lamps owned by her mother have been updated with new, contemporary shades for a fresh look, while an outdoor statue from her mother’s garden now rests peacefully in the light of the bay window. “We are frequently in Palm Desert, and we buy most of our paintings there,” says George. A large, bold, contemporary painting over the sofa balances the more traditional oriental and kilim rugs. With an open concept ground floor, the house flows beautifully for entertaining. The kitchen is large, but like the rest of the house it is very sophisticated and simple. Leathered granite provides a rich but subtle matte texture for the countertops. The long, galley kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances with ample prep and cooking space, but the Ceasarstone breakfast bar blocks the view of any possible mess and makes a great serving area and bar when entertaining. “We’ve got children and grandchildren in Manhattan Beach, so Sunday family dinners are a busy time,” says George. Two additional dining areas provide ample space for everyone to have a seat in a relaxed environment. However, in a flip-flop of design that arrives with the assurance of confidence, age and need, Jane had to switch the furniture of the indoor and outdoor areas. “The iron dining table and chairs have been in my family for as long as I can remember, so I had to incorporate them into the house,” says Jane. When they started to rust outside, she simply had them cleaned and added zippy cushions to integrate them into the dining room. By moving the original large wood dining table to the outdoor dining area, they have created two dining rooms. Glass doors slide open so
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824 Via del Monte, Palos Verdes Estates Unbelievable ocean, coastline and Queen’s Necklace views. Rare custom built Villa with about 10,000 sq ft of interior space, 5bd/6.5ba, versatile floor plan, one indoor and one outdoor pool/spa, guest house, and multiple courtyards/outdoor entertaining areas.
Es In cr ow
Representing Palos Verdes’ Finest Homes & Estates for over 30 years! 1100 Via Mirabel, Palos Verdes Estates Fantastic ocean/Queen’s necklace view, newly remodeled, 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, appx. 4,300 sq ft on a beautifully landscaped lot of about an acre, with pool/spa. In the most exclusive area of Palos Verdes.
$4,499,000
$4,995,000
www.1100ViaMirabel.com
www.ParadiseFoundPVE.com
5 Santa Rosa, Rolling Hills Estates
916 Via del Monte, Palos Verdes Estates
Presenting this exceptional 5,772 sq ft home with 5 bd, an office, 5 ba and 2 powder rooms on a sprawling lot of more than 22,000 sq ft. Resort style backyard. Located on one of the very few lots with such a huge flat and usable area and having the awesome ocean, Santa Monica through Malibu coastline and mountain views!
City views. 4,443 sq ft, 4bd/4ba, Multiple balconies, and pool/spa. Street-to-street lot stretches over 17,000 sq ft.
$2,550,000
www.916ViadelMonte.com
$3,799,000
30824 Cartier Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes Stunning estate located high up on a hill in the prestigious Monaco area of Rancho Palos Verdes. This 5 bedroom / 4.5 bathroom home offers panoramic ocean and Catalina Island views. The second level has a huge family /entertainment room with expansive views, a large master suite with spacious bath room, walk-in closet and a spectacular deck perfect for watching sunsets. Lovely private back yard with pool, spa.
2656 Via Valdez, Palos Verdes Estates Remodeled within the past 2 years, like new! Ocean views can be enjoyed from most of all living areas including the master retreat with fireplace and walk-in closet, which was taken from another bedroom to make a huge master suite. 4 large bedrooms, family room and a 3-car garage with extra working room. All bathrooms and kitchen are fully updated. Lovely professionally landscaped backyard with many fruit trees and dog friendly turf.
$2,398,000
$1,899,000
30344 Rhone Drive, Palos Verdes Estates
30916 Marne Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes
Wow! What a view! Fabulous panoramic ocean views from Catalina to Malibu from almost all living areas. 4 beds, 4.5 bath on a large lot. Living room with view balcony and high ceilings, formal dining room with sky light, family room with wet bar and fireplace located next to the kitchen, also, a second family room/media room on the end of wing.
Commanding one the best views of the Ocean/Catalina Island/PV golf course/Coastline/Cove. This lovely 3,308 sq. ft. home has a bright & open floor plan on a lot of 15, 724 sq. ft. With marble entrance, 3 bdrms upstairs, plus a study downstairs that can easily be converted to a 4th bdrm, and 3 fireplaces. Low maintenance yard leaves you plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent views. This is your opportunity to live in the distinguished Monaco area of Rancho Palos Verdes!
www.30824Cartier.com
Es In cr ow
Es In cr ow
www.5SantaRosa.com
$1,799,000
www.30344Rhone.com
www.2656ViaValdez.com
$1,799,000
Lis New tin g
www.30916Marne.com
1608 Chelsea Rd., Palos Verdes Estates
High-End Lease in Palos Verdes
Charming 2,200 sq ft Lunada Bay home positioned on one of the most sought after streets in Palos Verdes Estates! One of the larger lots with 10,068 sq ft, almost double the width of the other homes on the frontage. 2 of the 3 large bdrms are with ocean & sunset views. Kitchen has been updated and opens to the great room with a huge fireplace that also opens to the living room. Spacious backyard, huge patio & salt-water pool. Great potential for add-on or remodeling!
In the Exclusive Vantage Point, 24 hr guarded & gated community. Lovely ocean views from both levels. Excellent floor plan, 4,511 sq ft with library & guest suite at the ground level & the other bedrooms are located upstairs. Master suite has been enlarged to a big suite. Lovely garden with big grass area, pool & spa, & 4-car garage. Great opportunity to live in this wonderful neighborhood!
$1,599,900
$8,500/mo
www.LilyLiang.com
www.1608Chelsea.com
LILY I LIANG www.lilyliang.com
Direct: (310) 373-3333 lily@lilyliang.com DRE # 00837794
LIKE THE LOOK? WE RECOMMEND...
there is no obstruction to the exterior. Additionally, since the outdoor dining area is partially roofed and has overhead heaters, not only is it usable year-round, it visually appears as an extension of the interior. The upstairs of the house has been updated to accommodate guest bedrooms for the other grandchildren who live farther away. Mementoes from travels in Asia and Africa line the walls to give an international yet artistic flair to the rooms. “We spent ages finding just the right pale grey for the walls up here, but the final color gives a light, ethereal sense to the space,” says Jane. Like the rest of the house, the fabrics, rugs and art yield pops of color in the neutral architectural space. An office and library have been creatively carved out of the upstairs landing. Skylights and a vaulted ceiling create the illusion of more space in this comfortable, cozy nook of the house where more of Jane’s mother’s oriental rugs hug the floor. The otherwise quiet area is dominated by a fantastic bright tetraptych by David Hockney, thereby merging antique with contemporary, small scale with grand design. The master bedroom was added onto the back before Jane and George purchased the house, and like many quirky older homes, it has the charming attributes of stairs and a vaulted ceiling that give it the feeling of a hidden atelier. More paintings line the master bedroom walls, while fantastic African necklaces are displayed in the pristine master bathroom. There is always one element in any established home that reflects the humor of the homeowner. It takes time for collectors to reach the stage that they are confident to mix the high and the low, the expensive and the camp. For Jane Kallis, that piece rests on her dresser, and it is one that anyone growing up in the ‘70s or ‘80s would covet: a huge porcelain tube of Bain de Soleil Orange Gelee. For this well-traveled international collector and owner of a historically referenced home, a funky shop in Palm Desert provided her biggest laugh and great balance to otherwise serious—and fantastic—design. l
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TURKISH RUNNER RUG $750 kilim.com
BAXTER TABLE LAMP $398 Maison Luxe in Hermosa maisonluxehome.com
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FAMILY FUNCTION A MANHATTAN BEACH FIREFIGHTER AND HIS WIFE FINALLY GET THE KITCHEN OF THEIR DREAMS. PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING
Homeowners Jennifer and David Shenbaum had three requirements for a new kitchen: streamlined function for their family of five, multiple ocean and city views, and an overall appealing aesthetic. To accomplish these goals, they hired Robyn Manger of Beach Kitchens in Redondo Beach. “To create an open, coastal feel, we eliminated the dropped ceilings and removed a wall, which allowed space for an island with under-counter refrigerator drawers,” says Robyn. This move not only gave the couples’ three girls an area to make lunch and snacks but also maximized the view from their Torrance home’s perch. Functional storage for the juicer, espresso maker and mixer allows appliances to be hidden away yet convenient when needed. The “wood” plank floor tile in a driftwood hue, Brookhaven white custom cabinetry and custom hood from Modern-Aire add to the beachy ambiance. For more on Beach Kitchens, visit beachkitchendesign.com.
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Charles Spenler, MD, FACS • Michael Newman, MD, FACS • Lisa Jewell, MD, FACS
THE BACHELOR
SINGLE
IN REDONDO A SOUTH BAY HOME BUILT WITH EPIC ENTERTAINING IN MIND WRITTEN BY SUZANNA CULLEN HAMILTON PHOTOGRAHED BY KIM PRITCHARD AND WILLIAM MACCOLLUM; OWEN BY MICHAEL NEVEUX /oursouthbay
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T
he contemporary style and spacious, sleek vibe of Vegas is what 3ten Development managing partner Owen Hanson wanted in his Redondo Beach home. “I go to Vegas a few times each month, and I wanted my house to feel like some of my favorite hotels there,” says Owen. With a monochromatic, black-and-white palate, colorful pop art and shiny finishes, the house oozes the stylish attitude of an urban hot spot. “My dad purchased the original house on this lot in 1985, and we lived in it until I decided to tear it down and build this one,” says Owen. Desiring a house for entertaining, Owen turned to architect Michael Lee to completely reconfigure the space. Michael utilized the entire lot to accommodate an expansive house and lap pool, and it was deemed so well designed that it won a 2013 AIA Citation Award for Excellence in Design. Working with his business partner, Charlie D’Agostino of 3Ten Development, Owen integrated every fixture and finish that reflected his ideal of contemporary style. As soon as the front door opens, it’s clear that this house was built for impressing guests. The two-story living room is minimal in design, but the architectural features are maximized. Porcelain tiled floors and charcoal-colored bricks imported from Australia give clean lines and strong texture to the space. Light floods into the living room from the floor-toceiling windows on both sides of the room. However, the real party takes place in the room adjacent to the living area. Housed behind clear glass walls and outfitted with Lucite shelves and purple-infused lights, the tequila room is homage to the famed beverage of Mexico. A veritable stable of tequila lines the shelves, from the everyday brand used in a frozen margarita to rare, international selections that rival any collector’s bar. The phrase “baptism by fire” is an appropriate description for the single pedestal that serves as the bar for tequila shots—yet closely resembles a baptismal font. The chef’s kitchen is outfitted beautifully—but never used. “I don’t like to cook, but I do like to entertain,” says Owen. Massive glass doors slide fully open to the courtyard and pool. When the party starts, it flows seamlessly between indoors and out with no evident boundaries. The lap pool is long enough for a rigorous workout, but it’s perfectly proportioned to the house so that it creates a striking balance with the lines of the house Owen spent years studying every detail of his favorite Vegas hotels. “I love the bathrooms at the Aria hotel, so I modeled my bathrooms on them,” says Owen. With a cool
THE COLLABORATORS MICHAEL LEE, AIA, MICHAEL LEE ARCHITECTS 3TEN DEVELOPMENT
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LIKE THE LOOK? WE RECOMMEND...
grey-and-white palate, large spaces and good lighting, the bathrooms are a peaceful respite. A former USC football player under Pete Carroll, Owen spends his weekends with friends in his media room watching games. A true man cave, the room is designed in shades of black. “I wanted the chairs to be super comfortable, so instead of buying regular chairs, I bought manicure reclining chairs and had them reupholstered with fabric so they don’t appear so commercial,” says Owen. Paintings and photographs of some of the most famous faces associated with Vegas line the walls. The downstairs bathroom walls might be wallpapered, but the highly creative surfaces make one want to reach out and feel them. “I wanted to find wallpapers that don’t look like wallpaper, so they look more like stone or tile,” says Owen. The iridescent surfaces add to the lustrous appearance of the walls. In the upstairs of the house, the floors transition to French cut oak and a softer palate of dark grey and white for a more somber affect. “I built a suite with a separate entrance for my dad at the back of the house,” says Owen. A staircase off the back leads to the apartment that opens to the main house if needed. With an open concept living and dining area and small kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, the suite is not only fully
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equipped, but it has great views of Redondo and Torrance. For his own master bedroom area, Owen again looked to Vegas for inspiration. “The bedrooms at the Palms Casino Resort are my favorite,” he says, so his master bedroom reflects the same sexy attitude. An austere, white bed floats in the middle of the room, while a long, laminated mural of a woman’s big eyes and full eyelashes with pops of bright yellow exactly replicates the premier rooms at the luxury Vegas hotel. Owen’s office is adjacent to his bedroom, and though small, it encapsulates everything about the entrepreneur. A sleek glass desk with oversized computer monitor housed in a cocoon of black and steel sends a message of cool, calculated design. Throughout the house are artistic references to Louis Vuitton. From the silverplated AK-47 with a Vuitton signature mark in Owen’s office to the fluorescent painting above the staircase, references to the famed design house abound. While Vuitton might be a $30 billion revenue stream for LVMH and one of the most easily recognizable brands on the planet, the fashion house is a powerhouse because of the quality of the construction of its products. It seems that Vuitton, Vegas and 3ten Development are a royal flush in that regard. l
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DETACHED LIVING WITH A ROOFTOP LIFESTYLE.
THERE’S NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT IN THE SOUTH BAY. Innovative designs infused with the light, open spaces of Art Deco and Classical Modern architecture. Stunning third-level decks and private
A P P R O X I M AT E LY 1,716 - 2,508 SQ. FT.
2 - 4 BEDROOMS
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exterior yards to bask in the coastal breezes. It’s detached living in the South Bay with a modern twist. And simply spectacular.
THE TERRACES THREESIXTY AT SOUTH BAY
FROM THE LOW $700,000s
424-297-0538 LYONHOMES.COM/THE-TERRACES
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SHELF– RELIANCE MORE THAN JUST PRACTICAL STORAGE, SHELVES TAKE ON A LIFE OF THEIR OWN WITH SOME PERSONAL TOUCHES. GUM TREE’S LORI FORD OFFERS HER TIPS FOR CREATIVE STAGING. PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF BERTING
1. Always arrange your books by color and then pull in any accessories to work back to that color. 2. Stack books both horizontally and vertically. This gives the shelf more interest. 3. Populate your shelves with things you love; then you’ll never go wrong. 4. Adding fresh flowers to a bookshelf always livens things up. (top shelf) Chevron 4x6 frame, $34, and circle 3x3 frame, $32; both at Gum Tree in Hermosa Beach, gumtreela.com. Turquoise ceramic crown, $28; Curious in Hermosa Beach, curiousworkshop.com. Assorted books at Curious and Gum Tree. (middle shelf) Recycled glass jar (handmade in Spain), $18.95; Wicked+ in Hermosa Beach, wicked.is. Jonathan Adler fish sculpture, $50, and pyramid glass sea box, $38; both at Gum Tree. Assorted books at Wicked+ and Gum Tree. (bottom shelf) Carved wood whale, $49; Maison Luxe in Hermosa Beach, maisonluxehome.com. Letter and “&” bookends (vintage Reader’s Digest books cut up), $17; Curious. Assorted books at Wicked+ and Gum Tree. l
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I began seeing Dr. Pete Borden, M.D. for shoulder problems approximately 13 years ago. Having been involved in many outdoor sports for most of my life, I was ultimately diagnosed with osteoarthritis of both shoulders. After several years of gradual worsening of symptoms, I eventually required total shoulder replacements for both of my shoulders. Thanks to Dr. Borden’s surgical skills and the intense rehab performed by his excellent physical therapists, I continue to enjoy most activities that I had performed prior to developing osteoarthritis. At 62 years old, I am currently able to weight train, climb, and surf just to name a few. Without Dr. Borden’s careful, but assertive care, it would have eventually handicapped me for the rest of my life. Thanks Pete for bringing me back. Rory O’Brien
Shoulder & Knee Specialist Orthopedic Sports Medicine Diplomate American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons
23456 Hawthorne Blvd. Ste. 200 Torrance, CA 90505 www.sportsandspineortho.com
Phone: 310-375-8700 Fax: 310-375-8776
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ProBATE, GrEEn, rEloCATion, SEniorS, CoMMErCiAl lEASinG, rESTAurAnTS, DESiGn
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Full House COASTAL CHARM BLENDS EFFORTLESSLY WITH FAMILY FUN AND FUNCTION IN MANHATTAN BEACH.
WRITTEN BY KATRINA ZAWOJSKI PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING AND LUKE GIBSON
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hen Jeff and Jessica Tarango decided to update their Manhattan Beach cottage, creating just enough space for quality family time was a top priority. “Large enough for a family of seven yet not too large where anyone would feel separated from the pack,” explains Jeff of their ideal home size. With a modest 2,000 square feet of space to work with, uniting the “pack” of five kids ages 3 to 16 seemed like a tall order to fill. Yet with a little creativity, they were able to achieve their vision. Working closely with architect David Watson and interior designer Lorena Pulichino, Jeff and Jessica maximized every square inch of their corner lot, favoring clarity over clutter whenever possible. This is why you encounter a Harry Potter closet built within the entry staircase and accordion doors that open onto the patio from the second-story office. Even their built-in breakfast nook, which can handle a hearty Thanksgiving feast, features pull-out drawers for extra storage space. The kitchen, or “hive” of the home, always buzzes with morning chatter, afternoon schoolwork and evening mealtimes. It succeeds in reflecting the couple’s appreciation for streamlined design, like the cupboard and appliance flushed together to create a clean, uniform look. Thick slabs of Carrera gold marble grace the countertops and a large center island, where on any given night you might dine with Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Chewbacca instead of three boys. This is nothing out of the ordinary for the Tarango family, who hoped for a creative space for everyone to dream, play and unwind together. For imaginations to truly run wild, David Watson designed a bunk room made especially for sleepovers. Each of the four individual beds is equipped with its own night-light, and the top level features two small windows resembling the inside of
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THE COLLABORATORS DAVID WATSON, ARCHITECT ANDREW IGLOI, STF CONSTRUCTION LORENA PULICHINO
a ship (for the kids’ imaginary long journeys at sea). With the children and their friends all nestled in the bunks and additional teepees sprawled across the floor, you’ll likely have to address this crew as the Lost Boys. Just around the corner is another tailor-made space. By converting one of the smaller bedrooms into a playroom, the boys can hide in their “office,” playing PS3 and using the adjacent desk area for crafts and computer work. “They can re-imagine their space into a faraway land with the safety of Mom and Dad right down the hall,” explains the couple. “Some nights they even invite us adults inside to play.” Throughout the home, dark hardwood floors and finishes contrast beautifully with a whitewashed interior. Coffered ceilings grace the kitchen and living room, where the family usually bonds over a movie or board game, while decorative trim inside and out adds elegance to the relaxed aesthetic. “Both Jeff and I love the feeling you have when you walk into a house or building that has been lived in for centuries,” shares Jessica. “We wanted to emulate part of that feeling in our own home.” Jessica also finds ways to add a touch of glamour to her beach cottage. The subtle glossiness of the wallpaper used in the dining room, the mirrored bedside tables in the master
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suite and the wealth of chandeliers that play with light invite a sense of enchantment into the home. Off the foyer is a two-story staircase that creates drama for anyone coming down, especially if that someone happens to be one of their daughters on their way to a school dance. When the sunset hour approaches, one might want to be soaking in the free-floating tub of the master bath, surrounded by beautiful marble and a flat-screen television. “As light pours into the room from the window, it reflects off of everything—the tiles, chandelier, vanity mirrors—reminding me of what it’s like to watch the sunset on the beach, its shimmery reflection dancing on the water’s surface,” explains Jessica. However, the best seat in the house may in fact be higher still. Only by ascending a spiral staircase do you meet the most evocative architectural element of the home. “‘The Crow’s Nest’ is observation deck meets Zen garden,” describes Jeff, who likes to point out that the egg chair suspended from the center provides the best view. It’s here, sitting in the chair’s comforting embrace, where the entire sky opens up before your eyes. Outfitted with a sound system and a telescope, feelings of peacefulness and wanderlust take full flight, and you may just find yourself in a land far from Manhattan Beach. l
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HOME
REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP
TAKE IT OUTSIDE
HOME VALUE ADVICE FROM THE PROS
We asked top agents and brokers in the South Bay, in terms adding home value, which outdoor upgrade gives you the most bang for your buck and why? COURTNEY SELF Hunter Mason Realty “In Southern California we are lucky to have exceptional weather year-round. So one of the best outdoor upgrades is an entertainment area such as a deck, patio, outdoor kitchen or living area with fire pit. It can provide additional living space at a minimal cost.”
CHAD HEITZLER FAHLBUSCH NW Real Estate Brokers “The best bang for your buck is to have the exterior painted and the yard professionally landscaped. First impressions are everything in real estate!”
MOLLY HOBIN WILLIAMS The Hobin Company “Upgrading an area of your yard to create an entertaining/living area, including a built-in BBQ, fireplace and outdoor TV, gives you the most bang for your buck, as living in the South Bay is all about indoor/outdoor living!”
DARIN DERENZIS
CHRIS ADLAM Vista|Sotheby’s International Realty “Sprucing up the landscaping is the most cost-effective improvement you can make to a house. Green grass and freshly planted flowers go a long way toward making the house look well cared for and inviting.”
Vista|Sotheby’s International Realty “I have found that sellers who create an outdoor entertaining area in whatever space they have add great value to their home. Whether it be an outdoor family room or an outdoor gourmet kitchen, people who live in the South Bay want to be outside—and what better place is there to entertain than outside? Over the years, I have seen some especially creative use of space that effectively adds square footage to otherwise small houses, and that is just invaluable.”
Have a question for one of our South Bay real estate professionals? Send us an email at letters@moontidemedia.com.
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1230 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 100, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 ©2014 Banc of California, National Association, dba Banc Home Loans. All rights reserved. Not all applicants will qualify. Some products offered by Banc Home Loans include modified documentation requirements and may have a higher interest rate, more points or more fees than other products requiring documentation. Minimum FICO, reserve, and other requirements apply. Contact your Loan Officer for additional program guidelines, restrictions, and eligibility requirements. Rates, points, APR’s and programs are subject to change at any time until locked-in. NMLS #530611
THE NEW NEIGHBORS
SMART
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AS THEIR FAMILY GROWS, A TORRANCE COUPLE MOVES NEXT DOOR. WRITTEN BY SUZANNA CULLEN HAMILTON | PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL NEVEUX
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G
racie Jiu-Jitsu Academy has been teaching the techniques of ancient martial arts to thousands of South Bay residents since 1925. With more than 40 family members of the Gracie family forming the organization, the family is as entrenched in the business as they are in the community. So when Rener Gracie and Eve Torres decided to build their first home, they didn’t look farther than the house next door to his childhood home in Torrance. “We called him Uncle Keith, and I knew him my whole life,” says Rener of the man who lived next door to his mother, who had lived in the house since 1955 and been a lifelong friend and neighbor of the Gracie family. When the neighbor died, Rener’s mom, Suzanne Gracie of Keller Williams Realty, called to let Eve and Rener know. It didn’t take them long to decide that the lot was fabulous and living next door to Suzanne would provide constant babysitting for the family they want to have. Not many people can live next door to their mother or mother-in-law, but for Rener and Eve the decision was easy. “She’s so great, and we love being with family—and Rener has such great memories of his childhood home and this neighborhood,” says Eve. With a large lot providing a huge, private backyard, Rener and Eve had plenty of space to accommodate the house of their dreams. Bob Vanderhoof created a two-story family home with everything they wanted, including preserving the large backyard for entertaining. Dave Cordone of Absolute Custom Landscapes created a large pergola that anchors one end of the yard. With an outdoor living area and an outdoor kitchen, it’s perfect for entertaining. The rest of the yard is an expanse of grass for new puppy, Chokie, to play. Builder David Powers constructed the house in an incredible six months, but Eve was on-site every day to make decisions and keep the process moving. The traditional foyer welcomes guests to the home and provides views to the wide backyard. The living, dining and kitchen areas are open, allowing for easy entertaining and a casual lifestyle. “I had four requests for the house, and I left the rest up to Eve,” says Rener. His first two requests were in the kitchen. Part of the Gracie mission addresses healthy foods, and juicing comprises a big part of their diet. Rener wanted to make the juicing easy to access and even easier to clean up. A carefully crafted cabinet holds the juicer and blender. The appliances slide out on rollers when needed, and a hole in the granite countertop makes for easy composting and cleanup when the juicing is complete. Rener got his juicing station with easy composting all housed in the granite he selected for the kitchen. A side wing of the house includes two guest bedrooms with a shared bath, a laundry and mudroom. A large office is hidden off the foyer but provides a great space for Rener and Eve to each have space to work.
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THE COLLABORATORS BOB VANDERHOOF, VANDERHOOF BURCHFIELD ASSOCIATES DAVID POWERS, DAVE POWERS CONSTRUCTION DAVE CORDONE, ABSOLUTE CUSTOM LANDSCAPE EVE TORRES
“The first floor powder room is my homage to Santa Fe,” says Eve. She carefully selected stone, iron, candles and crosses that are reminiscent of the spiritual town. Upstairs provides a very soothing atmosphere for bedrooms. The master bedroom is decorated in tones of wheat and a calm slate blue. Ample closets provide plenty of space for Rener and Eve. Rener’s final two requests were for the master bathroom. “I absolutely wanted a walk-in shower room because I’m so tall, and my other request was for our Toto Washlet toilet,” says Rener. The master bathroom shower is as large as a walk-in closet and includes a window for natural daylight. Additionally, the showerhead is placed high enough that he can stand under the stream of water. The Toto toilet is state-of-the-art both in design and water conservation. Eve and Rener both teach at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, so they lead busy lives. However Eve managed to oversee both the construction of the house and the interior design. “I did most of the decorating online because it’s so easy now with so many websites from which to choose, and we selected a lot through Pottery Barn,” says Eve. With a palate of soft colors, the house exudes quiet warmth. “We have more that we want to do to the house, but we’re going to approach it slowly and make decisions as we live in it,” says Eve. The house-decorating is going to take a back seat for a little while as Eve and Rener prepare for their April wedding. Rener smiles at her with his renowned enthusiasm and says, “She did a great job, and all the credit goes to her for making our dream come true with this house.” With impending nuptials and a built-in babysitter next door, Eve and Rener’s next decorating project will most likely include a visit to the Pottery Barn Kids website. l
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Gracious Traditional Two-Story Home in the Heart of Valmonte Designed by favorite Palos Verdes Architect, Russ Barto the spacious rooms feature high ceilings, crown molding, and wood floors throughout. The formal living room and family room have wood-burning fireplaces, and there is a bedroom suite on the lower level – perfect for guests, in-laws, or grandchildren’s playroom.
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RAISING
THE OPTIMISTS
THE ROOF
A ROLLING HILLS FAMILY OF FIVE EXPANDS THEIR LIVING POTENTIAL WITH AN AMBITIOUS RENOVATION. WRITTEN BY DIANE E. BARBER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL NEVEUX
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ocation. Location. Location. Before John and Laurie Ayoob moved with their three children from South Redondo to Rolling Hills Estates in 1998, John was taking the long way home from work via the Palos Verdes Peninsula in search of a perfect property for the family. They set their sites on one neighborhood in particular, and their quest subsequently included sending letters to homeowners in an attempt to reach potential sellers. Optimistic persistence for more than one year yielded a “for sale” sign at their current California ranch-style home. Though the Ayoobs were delighted with their purchase, a remodel was unquestionably imminent. Built in the ‘50s, the chopped-up floor plan and low ceilings were dated and not compatible with their active family lifestyle. Newly partnered architects Miles Pritzkat and Keith Johnson were soon on board. After plans were approved and construction commenced with South Bay general contractor Jack Nelson, all that remained of the original design were the fireplace and the dining room bay window. The main ceiling was vaulted from eight feet to 17 feet high, and the master bedroom ceiling was raised to 13 feet to create more inviting and open living spaces. Joined by a two-story catwalk that looks down into the newly created great room, two dormer rooms (an office and a hang-out room for the kids called the “barn room”) were added
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to break up an otherwise all-horizontal feel of the interior. “From a plan standpoint, the great room links both the kitchen and the outdoors with indoor family activities and unifies the core of the home both functionally and architecturally,” says Miles. “The mezzanine was a means to emphasize the new vertical volume and to pull light in from both the front and the rear of the house. The staircase’s picketed railing visually draws attention to the higher elements of the room by tracing the path of the stairs along the length of the walkway, culminating in the two-story hearth/fireplace.” According to Miles’ partner Keith, some of the key features in the new design were done ahead of their time. “We designed a trench drain in the bathroom shower and put a sliding barn door in the loft room upstairs, which seems to be done a lot lately. Lighting controls were also installed, which was relatively new back then.” Bringing the outdoors in was important to the family. Before window companies were offering their own glass bi-fold exterior door systems as they do today, custom doors were made for the project. Marvin window panels were shipped to the site, and folding hardware was purchased and added to them. “John had the idea for the doors that open out to the patio and worked with the window company to make them. They accordion-open all the way on both sides—connecting the whole patio to the house like another room, which is really great in the summer,” says Laurie. Interior designer Suzy Moore of Fowler & Moore in Redondo
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THE COLLABORATORS PRITZKAT AND JOHNSON ARCHITECTS | JACK NELSON, GENERAL CONTRACTOR SUZY MOORE, FOWLER & MOORE | LUCAS DESIGN STUDIOS
Beach was consulted for materials, finishes and lighting. “I know what I like, but I can’t visualize it on my own, which is why we hired Suzy,” Laurie says. Clear-coated, beautiful black walnut floors were installed throughout the home. The heart of the kitchen boasts an Italian Carrara marble-topped island, which is unusually complemented by deep green (almost black) soapstone on the perimeter countertops for its durability qualities. The Craftsman-inspired kitchen cabinetry crafted by Classic Woodworks in Gardena houses Fisher & Paykel dishwasher drawers and Thermador appliances. John and Laurie liked the Roman Colosseum-inspired Carrara marble so much in the kitchen that it was repeated in the master bathroom in a bricked tile pattern on the walls and a mosaic pattern on the shower floor. With a creative eye for design of his own, John masterminded the whimsical yet practical pool bathroom in celebration of the family’s collective passion for the ocean and watersports. All three kids (son, Mike, and twin daughters, Dana and Kari) played water polo. John is a self-proclaimed wannabe surfer, and Laurie is a former AllAmerican swimmer. With a local Torrance beach shower as his inspiration, the surfboard countertop was specially made by a surfboard shaper in Malibu, a foot shower was added and a reclaimed Thermador wall heater was installed—extra touches that exemplify the “life at the beach” feeling of the room. After 18 months of planning, designing and construction, the Ayoob home was ready for furniture installation and the finishing touches. Lucas Design Studio in West Hollywood created a comfortable and relaxed living ambience—selecting, purchasing and installing all furnishings (everything except the paint on the walls, according to Laurie). A close collaboration of the owners, architects, contractors, subcontractors and designers on the entire project was key to achieving the timeless design that the Ayoobs are still enjoying today. “Those team-effort elements in our house are our favorites,” says John. l
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HOME
GREEN THUMB
LIVING ARCHITECTURE SHORT ON LANDSCAPING SPACE? GARDENS GO VERTICAL WITH SOME HELPFUL TIPS FROM THE PROS. WRITTEN BY KATRINA ZAWOJSKI
From poolside to bedside, the office to the kitchen, gardening is on the rise—literally. Thanks to vertical gardening, a trend that focuses on building up as opposed to building out, gone are the days of restricting your perennials and annuals to a finite piece of land. Wool pockets and other hanging planters make the task a snap. “With vertical gardening, you can turn any nook into an extension of the outdoors,” says local resident and garden designer Miguel Nelson, who founded Woolly Pocket. Why do vertical gardens come out on top? • Having your plants at eye level creates an entirely new perspective for enjoying and
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appreciating them. Most people have more wall space than floor space, so it’s a practical choice as well. • The maintenance required is similar to that of your traditional terra-cotta plant: soil, water and sunshine. The process can get as advanced as you desire, like adding an automatic drip irrigation system. • In addition to calming effects, plants have acoustic and energy-saving qualities that help insulate walls and cool a space. • Vertical gardening is a great way to enhance the design of your home. They look ravishing as a centerpiece, soften a “hard” environment and create an invigorating tapestry of color and texture in any living area.
GETTING STARTED All you need is one square foot of indoor or outdoor vertical space— be it a wall, fence or post—to create your lush garden.
1.
2. Visit your local nursery for the best in-season selection. Whether you want a robust houseplant or dainty decorative flower, make the same considerations you normally would (climate, proximity of sunlight). Note that herbs are the easiest edibles to grow. If planting outdoors, Miguel suggests the asparagus fern, as it stays green year-round and really fills a space nicely. 3. Once you’ve gathered your plants and soil, follow the simple steps to attaching and hanging your “pockets” to the designated surface.
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NATURAL
INSTINCTS A FAMILY’S GLOBAL COLLECTION IS HOUSED IN THE FIRST LEED SILVER HOME IN THE SOUTH BAY. WRITTEN BY SUZANNA CULLEN HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING
S
heri and Rob Leitzow live in Manhattan Beach, but the interior of their home reveals a lifetime of international travel. After working in many government positions in Washington, D.C. that took her around the globe, Sheri relocated to the Los Angeles area to attend graduate school at USC. When she met Rob, a UCLA graduate, they found a bond through travel. Their house now tells the story of the life they created together as they traveled around the world. Although the exterior of the Lietzow house appears to be a traditional Hamptons-style home, it is actually the first LEED Silver-certified home in the South Bay. Upon entering the house, a sweeping staircase, beautiful mouldings and great sunlight give the house a classic feeling. “All of the materials are either reclaimed or recycled and comply with LEED certification standards,” says design-builder Daniel Salzman of Evergreen Design Build, Inc. The richly stained, dark-wood, wide-plank floors have been culled from sustainable forests, while honed black lava stone accentuates floors and the fireplace surround. From countertops composed of various recycled components—including beer bottles, concrete and sunflower seeds—to others made from compressed paper, every surface was carefully considered for both aesthetic applications and best sustainable practices. While the Leitzow home sets a standard for the South Bay’s environmentally-conscious construction, it was not the impetus for the purchase. Rob remarks, “We bought the house after it was built because we loved the architecture and the space. It was an added benefit that there are so many environmental assets to the house.”
THE STORYTELLERS
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THE COLLABORATORS DANIEL SALZMAN, EVERGREEN DESIGN BUILD, INC. | SHERI LEITZOW
The grand formal foyer sets the international tone of the house, where a chandelier that Sheri and Rob purchased in Fès, Morocco hangs from the two-story ceiling. A Dale Chihuly blown-glass bowl in a kaleidoscope of colors rests on the French-style inlaid entrance table—thereby merging cultures, textures and mediums. “I’ve decorated the house so that it reflects not only our taste but also reminds us of all the places we’ve been in the world,” says Sheri. The living room has a more rustic feeling; a beamed ceiling and stone fireplace create a cozy environment. However, the global influences continue in the decorating. The painting above the mantel was purchased in Australia and painted by prolific Aboriginal artist Barney Daniels Tjungurrayi. The delicate inlaid coffee table is a custom piece from India reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. The French-style side tables and armoire add a formal flair opposing the huge turned Cook pine vase by Hawaiian artist Elmer Adams. The massive gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream. No one would guess that the countertops are made from a LEEDcertified composite of recycled granite, marble and concrete. The kitchen opens to the expansive family room that is decorated with photos of Sheri’s and Rob’s travels and paintings purchased along the way. The entire area spills outside onto a large backyard complete with an outdoor fireplace, living area and a huge pool.
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More 24/7. /OurSouthbay
@OurSouthbay
Fashion | Contests | Real Estate | Party Pics | Arts & Culture | Travel | Eat & Drink See this issue at oursouthbay.com
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Mature landscaping and beautiful stonework give an established feel to the area. The landscaping includes plants that are hearty to the marine conditions and require little water. When water is used, a greywater system recycles water throughout the home for landscaping use. The upstairs bedrooms each have fabulous windows permitting sunlight to flood in, while ample closets and beautiful bathrooms make each room feel like a suite. The navy blue master bedroom could have felt heavy and closed in, but with dark wood furniture, crisp white trim and bright white fabrics, it feels more like a country club retreat. “The painters were skeptical when I gave them this saturated color, but this proves that darker wall colors can work in large spaces when balanced with clean lines and bright white accents,” says Sheri. As fabulous as it might be to have the first certified LEED Silver home in the South Bay, and as much as they love living with their international treasures, the Leitzow family most values their ground floor. At 2,500 square feet and with 9-foot ceilings, this is no ordinary basement. Multiple areas offer a myriad of choices for entertainment, particularly for their twin sons, Derick and Steve. A huge game room offers areas to play ping-pong and foosball and watch up to three sports events at one time. “The boys love the theatre lights and sound effects when playing video games in the media room,” notes Rob. For the adults, a creatively crafted wine cellar door is comprised of corks, while the bar is constructed from sunflower seeds. “When most people hear the words ‘sustainable’ and ‘LEED-certified,’ they frequently think ‘modern and uncomfortable,’” says Daniel. The Leitzow home is a testament to the fact that green living can be incorporated into traditional home styles using beautifully crafted products for seamless integration. By decorating with treasured items they’ve collected from around the globe, Sheri and Rob Leitzow are setting examples for their children to appreciate other cultures while preserving their environment and living comfortably in a time-honored way. l
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