LIVING LIFE by DESIGN

We are all designed as unique, original, and gifted human beings created in God’s image—as one of a kind. When you see yourself on those terms, that you are a work of art, you begin to understand you are qualified to reach your destiny in life. No one else can fulfill and achieve your destinies better than you can. In a world filled with 7,942,645,086 people, if we really understood how special each and every one of us is, we would celebrate ourselves and others with so much more intention, purpose, and even joy.

Life isn’t easy. I am not negating that fact, but living a full life requires absolutely everything you’ve got—determination, passion, love, commitment, desire, and an unbridled tenacity to finish what you started. I included love as one of the key ingredients as, over time, I have learned that even if you have everything else, if you don’t have a love for yourself and others, you don’t have much.

Curiosity, problem-solving, altruism, hope, and faith have been part of my DNA since childhood. I did not make myself like this; it’s just who I am. Along the road toward my Damascus, through maturing and naturally evolving, I have grown a deeper faith with each passing year that good things are always around the corner. At times, I’ve felt like my life was so surreal I was watching it as if it were a movie. I’ve had endless moments that I am so grateful to have experienced with others along the journey—it’s been filled with so much joy, even in times when there was so much sadness. That, too, is part of life. If I didn’t choose to follow my heart and my dreams, I would have missed out on so much. It has taken much courage and faith to walk on the water put before me, and I thank God that he equipped me with courage. I would never have accomplished anything without God as my constant companion, the author and finisher of my faith.

What does all this have to do with home, design, and living our best life? It’s to know that beauty in our surroundings is lovely, but we know that without happiness, friends, family, and community, there would be an emptiness in place of a rich life. So in this issue, we celebrate life by design—to live and walk out our own stories with a purpose and resolve to become all that we were made to be in this world.

It’s time for us to write our next chapter in our individual stories of life and seize this moment in time with gusto and excitement.

To Your Story!

—Lisa Marie CEO/Editor-in-Chief

lazy beach days. summer sunsets. vacation vibes.

We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.

IN THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPACE IN YOUR HOME OR RENTAL PROPERTY, AND WHY DO YOU LOVE IT?

MILA MORRIS

Owner & Designer, Le Chacuel

@lechacuel

It’s hard to choose just one favorite space in Le Chacuel, as each area has a unique charm and purpose. However, if I had to choose, I would say that my favorite space is probably the outdoor shower. What I love most about this space is the feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation it provides. The water pressure is just right, and the temperature is always perfect, which makes it easy to let go of stress and tension. Plus, the views of the surrounding landscape from the shower are absolutely breathtaking, which adds to the overall sense of tranquility and peace.

I LOVE BEING IN THE BACKYARD, WORKING ON ALL THE VINES WHILE LISTENING TO THE SOUNDS OF THE WATER AND BIRDS. THE HUMMINGBIRDS ARE MY FAVORITE; THEY LOVE THE CANOPY ABOVE THE POOL.

I would have to say the exterior. It’s always changing. The growth of all the landscaping from the day The Brexley opened—January 1, 2018—to today is incredible; almost a different house on the exterior now, with vines almost covering the home and enveloping the entry. I love being in the backyard, working on all the vines while listening to the sounds of the water and birds. The hummingbirds are my favorite; they love the canopy above the pool. One of my favorite times of year is summer at The Brexley, with a full backyard misting system that keeps the temps up to 30 degrees cooler. You can hang out all day in and out of the pool. It is so relaxing like you’re in your own private resort.

Owner & Designer, Marie Leoni Jewelry & Gifts

@marieleoni.jewelry

It’s almost dinner time, and everyone is coming home. “Ooh, something smells good,” my husband and daughters say, walking into the house. The kitchen is by far my favorite space in my home. It’s a place where everyone can hang out and catch up. I can spend hours browsing through the cookbooks I have collected over the years. Creating and perfecting recipes and cooking with my family bring me joy. They each have their favorite meal, and mine is Mother’s Day breakfast cooked by my kids.

KATIE LABOURDETTE-MARTINEZ & OLIVIA WAHLER

Owners & Designers, Hearth Homes Interiors @hearthhomesinteriors

Katie: Because Santa Barbara, California, has such beautiful weather most of the year, our family loves to spend time outside in our backyard. We have a huge table to host guests for dinner, a fire pit with ample seating, and a fun play structure for the kids to hang around while the adults can sit back and relax.

Olivia: We love entertaining, which works really well with our open-concept layout. When we host guests, and even at home on our own, we love to sit in our dining space to enjoy long dinners and a glass of wine (or two). We have a smooth venetian plaster fireplace on one side and a huge pocket door to our backyard on the other, so it’s really nice to open that up in the summer months for the most epic indoor-outdoor living experience.