ÚTHE FIND Amour Propre’s cherry almond spa gift box set ($44 to $169)
Ú GOOD TO KNOW The Mission Viejo-based brand features handmade skincare with clean ingredients. The products in this set are made with cherries, almonds, rose, and a natural preservative. Follow the brand’s Instagram @loveamourpropre for updates on pop-up events for Black History Month.
Ú WHERE amourp.com
The Huntington Beach-based brand sells vintage apparel and handmade ceramics. by Chelsea Raineri
In 2020, Riley de Encio began curating vintage clothing and accessories, including purses and shoes, and creating eye-catching ceramic pieces such as bowls, mugs, and more. “I have Hispanic roots, hence why I chose the word ‘casita,’ so pieces that are useful in your home,” de Encio says. “ ‘Curated’ fit more with the vintage clothing aspect, which is hand selected by me for you.” Customers can fi nd de Encio at pop-ups throughout O.C. Check Instagram for her schedule.
How did you get into ceramics?
I’ve always been a very crafty, artsy person. I had done ceramics in high school, and I wasn’t very good at it, but I was determined. I thought I’d just teach myself something new, so I bought a used kiln and wheel and watched a bunch of YouTube videos. As with most things in life, I learned along the way.
What inspires your ceramic designs?
I worked at Prism Boutique, and I was very inspired by the curation of clothing and brands and colors there. I pulled from that. Checkered print is one of my signature designs as well as my Balance tumbler’s (yin and yang) design. I based that o finding balance between work and play because the ceramics started as something I was doing for fun, but then it became my career. I wanted to play o something that had a dual meaning. I focus on functionality and pieces with intention, so I try and make sure that all my pieces will fit into everyone’s daily routine. That’s why I stick to cups and mugs because I think that’s what people use the most. I’ve also had a lot of people tell me they like to display them, so you can use them as decor pieces as well.
How did you decide to add in vintage items?
I was really inspired by my grandmother; she had a lot of great vintage pieces, and I wanted to go out to try and source things on my own. I also went to school for fashion and merchandising so I wanted to incorporate vintage clothing as well. I’ve always been passionate about clothes. I feel like I have two crowds of people— people who appreciate the (fashion) aspect but also people who appreciate the amount of time and e ort that goes into creating each ceramic piece.
What do you look for when sourcing vintage pieces?
I’m big on texture, so I go through racks and look for things that stand out to me, like chunky knits and textures that you can mix and match. I think that’s what makes an outfit stand out and a bit di erent as opposed to just wearing all the same material. I focus on basic everyday pieces with a little something extra from the texture. I often look for neutrals, but I do enjoy a pop of color here and there.
curatedcasita.com
Add these basics to your closet.
by
WISDOM FROM a master gardener
$5.39 MILLION
Corona del Mar
à 4,211 square feet
à 5 bedrooms
à 6 bathrooms
à The LEED Platinum home features a kitchen with biodegradable linoleum oors.
à Of note: The front yard’s drought-tolerant landscaping and low- ow drip irrigation system won first place in Roger’s Gardens’ California Friendly Garden contest.
à 703 Heliotrope Ave.
à Casey Lesher, 949-702-7047
Marianne Hugo became a Master Gardener in 2017 through the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She also tends to a drought-tolerant landscape at home (Page 74).
BEING A MASTER GARDENER…
The University of California partners with a program called Master Gardeners of Orange County. I specialize in water conversation and SmartScape landscaping. It’s a program where the university trains and teaches community volunteers to go out and help people learn about plants, water conservation, garden pests, anything having to do with nature.
VOLUNTEERING AT THE COASTKEEPER GARDEN … I loved it. I volunteered from 2015 to 2020. I helped with tours; they do a lot of tours for school groups, clubs, and all kinds of organizations. It’s really fun because you get to take a group of kids and show them around the garden and do a bunch of activities.
CREATING A DROUGHTTOLERANT LANDSCAPE … I did it before anyone knew anything about transforming their yard, in 2015. Fastforward to now: I have people knocking on my door asking me how they can do it. The drought-tolerant plants attract birds, butterfl ies, native bees, and ladybugs, and they bloom year-round.
$4,745
Turkish furniture store Lazzoni opened in Costa Mesa in May. by Chelsea Raineri
With roots dating back to 1897, Lazzoni o ers an assortment of modern furniture and decor. The brand is now run by the founding family’s fourth generation and became EPA certified in 2018.
Materials including leather, fabric, and hardware are sourced from Italy, Germany, and Austria, and the furniture is manufactured in Turkey. Each piece can be customized, from the fabric to the shape of a couch to the depth and height of a cabinet or chair.
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are LED lights, so they save energy and are best for ambient lighting.”
“They are handmade in Turkey by Sisecam Pasabahce, one of the world’s largest glassware producers.”
a nice contrast.”
engineered
Q What makes Pacific Shore Stones unique in the industry?
A Pacific Shore Stones is a distributor of exotic natural stones, quartz, and premium surfaces. First and foremost, we aim to provide our customers with the highest quality materials and service. We have developed joint ventures with quarries across the world, built on strong relationships, giving us access to the finest blocks which are hand selected by us. We are located from coast to coast, through multiple company-owned showrooms across the U.S., all of which have a large selection of natural and engineered stones with a vast inventory of various colors and finishes, plus dedicated staff to assist customers with their needs, supporting fabricators, consumers, architects, builders and interior designers in selecting the best slabs for their projects. Our mission is to offer a wide choice of carefully hand-selected stone and surface products and to provide great value for our customers at every price point. Our vision is to continue to grow our business and develop into new markets, expanding our reach so that more people can experience our quality products. As our growth continues, our goal is to further develop our connection on a local level and strive to give back to those communities.
Q What makes natural stone such a beautiful addition to any interior?
Adriana Doberstein Manager, Pacific Shore Stones Irvine
2200 Alton Pkwy. Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 536-5055
pacificshorestones.com
A The word NATURAL says it all, it comes from nature! With all its character and irregularities, it is unique and one-of-a-kind, no two are alike. Natural stone’s beauty is like wine, it is ageless and only gets better with time. From the gorgeous marble to the amazing quartzite, there is a perfect stone for each area of the home; may it be the kitchen countertops and backsplashes, bathroom vanities and shower walls, flooring and fireplace surrounds, there are endless ways to add its lasting elegance to the space. Variations of color and texture such as polished, leathered, honed, and brushed, provide an amazing array of options to consider, the possibilities are endless.
Q What design trends are influencing your industry now?
A There has been a RENAISSANCE, a comeback of sorts, when it comes to using natural materials in recent years. The new array of colors, such as the light and soft Mont Blanc and the colorful and exuberant Cristallo Tiffany quartzites, which are strong as granite with the feel of marble, has created renewed interest in the Design Community due to their sustainability, durability, uniqueness and beauty. Also, the new Antolini’s Azerocare line; a stone treatment which is the first ever of its kind to offer polished marbles, onyxes and more delicate stones full protection from etching and staining caused by contact with acid-based food elements, has enticed a new movement in the industry.
Q How do you help customers find the perfect stone product for their project?
A “BRINGING THE JOURNEY TO YOU” is our motto. From the moment the client steps into our showroom we treat them as family, bringing them into a personal experience like no other. One that embraces their needs and concerns and makes them our own. We are proud of our selection and stand by our products because getting the best product requires knowledge, time, expertise and understanding. It is important to make sure the materials at our stores are of the utmost quality and beauty. At Pacific Shore Stones, we really believe in bringing the journey to you, our customer. Our showroom is as cozy as a coffee shop and the service will make you smile. Come get an espresso with us!
The Maya Collection
Make the Maya your "go-to" place when you need to sit with a friend, gather with family, or be alone. A place for serious conversation or serene contemplation. Your spot to stretch your legs, read a good book, think, power nap, or simply ... do nothing at all!
844.446.0001
westminsterteak.com
We offer highly personalized and collaborative designs for the entire home that enriches interior life.
Showcase your style with our beautiful frame doors with glass insets. Create some drama by mixing dark hardware with our light finishes.
714.899.4905
CaliforniaClosets.com
Instagram @CaliforniaClosetsOC
1 Westminster Teak
We like to call this look industrial farmhouse! We combine the edgy rugged lines of iron with traditional white oak treads. The open stair tread creates a modern twist to the traditional staircase.
714.536.6942
gaetanoinc.com
You've heard about Sub-Zero refrigerators for years - 78 to be exact. Back in 1945, Westye Bakke started this refrigerator company introducing the first system for preserving food at ultra-low temps - literally sub-zero. They have been the undisputed leader in refrigeration ever since. Go to our website to learn more about Sub-Zero or see them firsthand in any of our Orange County showrooms.
pirch.com/brands/sub-zero
Costa Mesa | 949.429.0800
Mission Viejo | 949.220.0656
Laguna Design Center | 949.704.0050 Pirch.com
Unique kitchen island!
Not only does the kitchen island add efficiency and storage to the space, but it also acts as a hub for gatherings of friends and family. Create a focal point making it a statement piece with its unique flair, using contrasting cabinet and stone selections that enhance its look and feel.
949.536.5055
pacificshorestones.com
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Sheltering Shade
Mature trees add greatly to the beauty of your property, giving it solid character and quiet charm. When it comes to the health and beauty of your trees, call on a company you can trust.
714.502.0226
superiortreecare.net
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The VERGOLA® opening and closing roof system gives you control over your environment. With smart rain sensor technology and double skin aerofoil louvers for better insulation, the VERGOLA® lets you relax or entertain outdoors, rain or shine.
855.949.8374 vergola.com
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Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the colorful shops at Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town San Diego are brimming with one-of-a-kind women’s fashions and accessories, including handcrafted jewelry, handmade purses and handbags and designer clothing. Now celebrating more than 52 years in business, owner-operator Diane Powers and her dedicated staff continue to carefully curate Bazaar del Mundo’s selection of treasures that pays homage to the globe’s most distinctive cultures – including vibrant home décor, authentic folk art, handwoven textiles and more. No matter who your Valentine is this year, you’re sure to find the stylish and tasteful gift that’s perfect at Bazaar del Mundo!
619.296.3161
BazaarDelMundo.com
