Luxe Magazine - March/April 2023 Los Angeles

THE DESTINATION FOR DESIGNER LIGHTING

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AN EXPERIENCE Like No Other

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LIVE BEAUTIFULLY

What does it mean to live well? To be perfectly at ease, in comfort and style?

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The Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom is a creative and collaborative space. Chef demonstrations and interactive products will inspire you, while knowledgeable consultants will guide you through your entire kitchen project. Delicious moments, spent cooking with the ones you love, start here.

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MAR APR

Scene

54 DESIGN DISPATCH

The little black book of all things new and fabulous in the local community.

Radar

66 EVOLUTION

Leading landscape designers weigh in on the growing appeal of showcasing art in natural surroundings.

70 HUE

Gardener Ellen Ogden Ecker pens an ode to the sights of spring and the color of new beginnings.

72 INSPIRATION

Florida-based sculptor Jorge Blanco is on a mission to spark happiness through eye-catching art.

74 INNOVATION

With a line of outdoor planters and a new Miami outpost, Adam Sirak is making waves in landscape design.

Market

90 MATERIAL

Textile artists stitch one-of-a-kind creations for Luxe featuring this season’s performance fabrics.

100 TREND

Find inspiration in the jaw-dropping terrain of three U.S. National Parks.

108 SPOTLIGHT

From benches to loungers to dining chairs, herald alfresco living with colorful outdoor seating.

Living

132

KITCHEN + BATH

Hotelier Liz Lambert unveils her collection with Perennials and her charming ranch in Marfa, Texas.

144 THE REPORT

A look at how today’s pool houses are being designed as backyard vacation destinations.

CUSTOM SAUNAS

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SPA SUITES

SAUNAS | STEAM ROOMS | LOUNGERS

COLD ROOMS | SALT THERAPY

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FEATURES

180

Happy Hour

The interiors of a Montecito abode channel the locale’s unique mix of glamour and laid-back charm.

Poetry in Motion

In her Venice Beach studio, artist Melissa Herrington instills her paintings with color and life.

184

Moment of Peace

A family’s Pacific Palisades house is a one-of-a-kind experience amid verdant views.

198

Balancing Act

Unexpected hues and rich material palettes give a Seal Beach home unique, Zen-meets-modern flair.

ON

THE COVER: The living room of this Montecito abode with interiors by Penny Drue Baird is a sophisticated twist on classic California beach style. To wit, a Balsamo bamboo chandelier plays off the metal accents of an Erwan Boulloud brass-and-rock-crystal console from Glustin. Sofas by The Bright Group and Bespoke by Luigi Gentile armchairs sit atop a rug from Sacco Carpet. Page 168

Written by Grace Beuley Hunt

Photography by Trevor Tondro/OTTO

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Photography by Maria Guzmán-Aloia

Written by Kate Abney Photography by Lisa Romerein

Written by Liz Arnold

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Styling by Emily Bowser

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Historic 6,000 sq. ft. home located in the South Shore Hamlet of Islip. Coach Real Estate Associates, Inc.

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Drawn to Spring

Welcome to our March/April issue! It’s the season of renewal, green shoots and bucolic surroundings. In this issue, our editors bring fresh perspectives on landscape design and sculpture gardens, the latest in outdoor seating and incredible pool houses. We also head to a west Texas ranch that’s both laid-back and chic for a primer on alfresco entertaining. And, of course, our line-up of fabulous homes. May it all bring you endless inspiration.

Pamela Jaccarino VP, Editor in Chief @pamelajaccarino

SCENE

WRITTEN BY MAILE PINGEL | PRODUCED BY CLÉMENCE SFADJ

ONE TO WATCH

Tell us about Matter. The line is comprised of a matcha bowl, canister, cup, bowl and plate. Because landscape is something everyone can relate to, the glazes are inspired by meadows, forests and the coast.

How does your ceramics process relate to design? It’s like designing a house at a smaller scale. We have a drawing board with sketches where we discuss form, shape and finishes. No two pieces are identical, just like our architecture.

NATURAL TOUCH

LIVWELL CACTUS LEATHER

BY NATASHA BARADARAN

“My daughters are a driving force in doing what I can to make a better place for them,” says Los Angeles-based designer Natasha Baradaran, who recently launched Livwell Cactus Leather, a soft but sturdy material made from cactuses grown on an organic farm in central Mexico. “It’s durable like leather but has its own hand,” she explains, noting that it’s especially suited for performance applications. “Instead of having a flat material, we’ve added dimension through embossing and tipping, which is done here in the States.” For the designer, it’s all about creating something luxurious that’s also environmentally friendly. Livwell is nontoxic, energy-conscious (the leaves are dried in the sun), waterwise, biodegradable and cruelty-free.

“My pledge is to be at the forefront of innovation, offering high-quality materials made with sustainable alternatives,” Baradaran says. natashabaradaran.com

Amanda Gunawan, a Singapore-born architect and the cofounder of DTLA design firm OWIU, has launched Matter, the debut tableware collection from OWIU Goods. Luxe met Gunawan to learn more about this new practice, which started as a team-building exercise during the pandemic. owiu-goods.com

You describe the collection as “omakase style.” As designers, interpreting the needs of our clients can mean proposing something they never knew they needed. The same goes for our ceramics. It’s like dining at a “chef’s choice” omakase sushi meal.

AMANDA GUNAWAN & OWIU

PRETTY IN PRINT

FRANCES ELKINS Visionary American

Designer

In this long-awaited book on interior designer Frances Elkins, author Scott Powell tackles her legendary career by the decade. Elkins, whom Billy Baldwin declared “the most creative decorator we ever had, and perhaps the greatest,” got her start in Chicago, working with her brother, architect David Adler. But she quickly rose to prominence on her own, settling in Monterey, California. From her office on Fisherman’s Wharf and her historic home at Casa Amesti, Elkins maintained her roster of international social connections, single-handedly bringing the work of such luminaries as Jean-Michel Frank, Alberto Giacometti and Salvador Dalí to the West Coast. rizzoliusa.com

CHARM SCHOOL

The Schumacher Guide to Traditional Decorating for Today

Toile, scallops, checks— this book is a buzzy celebration of the “ruffled rebellion” that sparked a resurgence of oldfashioned interior design.

By Emma Bazilian and Stephanie Diaz, it highlights such 20 th -century legends as Mark Hampton, Mario Buatta and Sister Parish. But the volume also focuses on how today’s designers, including L.A.’s own Mark D. Sikes, Johnson Hartig and Rebecca de Ravenel, are giving traditional decor’s familiar attributes— skirted furniture, displays of porcelain—a more modern interpretation. “Whether the results are grand or humble, awash in bold color or more quietly elegant,” Bazilian writes, “what these rooms all share is a feeling of being inherently lived-in and, above all, well-loved.” monacellipress.com

SUZANNE RHEINSTEIN A Welcoming Elegance

Longtime L.A. designer Suzanne Rheinstein has recently retired, which makes her latest tome even more of a musthave. “These houses are the last I plan to do,” she explains in its pages. Known for creating refined but livable interiors, Rheinstein explores six new homes in the book, including residences in West Hollywood, Newport Beach and her own Montecito abode. “All of us deserve a place that adds richness and serenity to our lives and that we can happily share with friends and family,” she writes. rizzoliusa.com

JUST IN TIME FOR SPRING COMES A TRIO OF FRESH TITLES THAT CELEBRATE WELL-MANNERED STYLE.

CHECK IN

ORLI LA JOLLA

A landmark 1913 home with architecture by Irving Gill—a leading figure in California’s modernist movement—has been turned into a 13-room boutique hotel. Located near the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the property is comprised of the George Kautz House, named for its original owner, and the adjacent Kate Sessions House, dubbed after the pioneering landscape architect also known as the Mother of Balboa Park. In collaboration with local firms Axon Architecture and ML Design Co., hoteliers (and siblings) Hailey and Max Waitt created a central courtyard where guests can relax under century-old olive trees and interior spaces with a Parisian feel. Each guest room offers a different aesthetic, replete with playful historical touches like record players, typewriters and Polaroid cameras. stayorli.com

COLLABORATION

BARBARA BARRY X KRAVET OJAI COLLECTION

Barbara Barry found inspiration for her latest textile collection with Kravet in the landscape that surrounds her Ojai home—and the result perfectly encapsulates SoCal spring. “During the pandemic, I moved my office into my living room, which also became my studio where I would record my view in watercolor snapshots,” she says. These vistas (below), from wide views to the closer textures in Barry’s garden, highlight what the designer calls the “paintbox palette” of the valley. “I’ve come to love the dusky pinks that form in the light and the shadows on the gravel in my garden, the pale mustards of the hillside chaparral and the multitude of greens in the world of succulents,” she shares. “It’s the way they all live together in perfect harmony that’s so translatable into a collection.” The line’s brushwork-like patterns and nubby woven textiles come in a range of “new neutrals” that exude a subtle sophistication. “Ojai is kicked-back and easy to live with,” Barry explains. “It’s for exactly how I want to live now—with my feet up.” kravet.com

Kitchen Design: Steven Cooper

Interior Design: Pauline Moghavem

all artwork by haleh mashian, founder of mash gallery

DESIGNER: Matthew Lechowick BUIILDER: Kinetic Partners

PHOTO: Kat Alves Photography

RADAR

From boundary-pushing landscape design to alfresco art, the world of outdoor living is as dynamic as ever.

Grounds for Celebration

THE LATEST SCULPTURE GARDENS FEATURE MUSEUM-QUALITY WORKS THAT ENGAGE WITH THE ENVIRONMENT, INVITING WONDER AND INTROSPECTION.

WRITTEN BY MICHELLE BRUNNER

JAMES DOYLE DESIGN ASSOCIATES

It would seem that Mother Nature shouldn’t need much embellishment, but in his new book, Intersection of Nature and Art, landscape architect James Doyle makes a convincing case for using world-class sculpture to enhance outdoor environments. “Once you set the right piece in a meadow, it ends up making sense; the scale is correct, and it adds whimsy and artistry to the natural surroundings,” he says. For art connoisseur clients, outdoor sculpture gardens provide an opportunity to expand their collection and experience pieces while communing with nature. “Some homeowners may want these works front and center, while others will prefer them to be more of a surprise that’s discovered as the landscape gradually unfolds,” says Justin Quinn, partner at JDDA. At a historic estate outside Philadelphia, an Antony Gormley sculpture punctuates the expansive grounds. Whether situated to inspire public awe or private contemplation, an artfully placed sculpture has the power to beguile onlookers. jdda.com

ARTERRA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

While northern California vistas take pride of place in landscape architect Gretchen Whittier’s designs, even the most breathtaking scenery can need a little coaxing. “Sometimes you have to reshape the view, and we often use sculpture to accentuate the end of a vista or create a focal point,” she says. For a Napa Valley project, finding the right location for a monumental tree sculpture by Ai Weiwei required much deliberation. Whittier ultimately landed on the entry courtyard, where it serves as a crowning centerpiece. Placing art en plein air also helps to create a dialogue between interior and exterior spaces, visually extending the living area. “When you see a piece of sculpture through a window, and it feels like part of the decor, a beautiful connection is made.” arterrasf.com

MIRADOR GROUP

For architect Jerry Hooker, using sculpture in landscape design isn’t just about creating an aesthetically pleasing composition—it’s an opportunity to craft a personal narrative. A partner with Mirador Group, Hooker has used art to enhance the grounds of many projects, including the private roof terrace of a new condominium in Houston. Hooker created three separate garden “rooms” housing a sculpture that holds special meaning to the homeowner. Providing clients with such thoughtful landscapes encourages the kind of introspection one might experience in museums, a similarity not lost on Hooker. “Every single person will have a different interpretation,” Hook er says. “That’s the purpose of art.” miradorgroup.com

top photo: cesar rubio. bottom photo: divya pande.

Green Thumb

AVID GARDENER ELLEN ECKER OGDEN REFLECTS ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GREEN HUES AS A WELCOMING OF THE SEASON AHEAD.

It’s a gardener’s spring ritual: waiting and watching for hints of green. Who knew that a color could hold so much promise and ll me with such a sense of hope. Like listening to music wafting through the air, shades of emerald and sage begin to layer through my garden the surrounding Vermont hills. I notice how fresh, minty green buds give to blooming leaves, and celadon spears of asparagus poke through the soil. Emerging plants move to a tempo all their own like a well synchronized orchestra.

Weeks ago, I went through the sacred processes symbolizing spring: cupping a handful of soil and inhaling as I put it to my nose. Healthy and organic, the mixture smelled sweet like chocolate cake and felt rich and crumbly in my palm. Preparing soil was only my rst act before pushing and sowing seeds for peas and lettuce in long, straight rows. Within a week, tiny sprouts have given way to tendrils, then so much more.

garden in a lush valley between the Green Mountains and Taconic Range, where pine, pistachio and jade tones blanket the verdant landscape like a giant tapestry of color coming together to create a rich work of art. As I follow a well-worn path from the woods, freshly punctuated with lime-colored buds peeking through the ground, back to my own garden, I pause. A medley of green hues will soon emerge to mean one thing—spring is here.

Lush illustrations showcasing Ellen Ecker Ogden’s garden depict a variety of green tones found in the flora she plants. These include pea vines, ferns, tender lettuces, dandelions, ramps and herbs.

Whether soaring 20 feet above a bustling city street or punctuating a serene park, Jorge Blanco’s vibrant, aluminum sculptures are instantly recognizable. The playful silhouettes—depicting everything from human forms in motion to fruit and abstract shapes—are his vehicle for spreading joy. “Art is communication and feeling,” says the Sarasota-based artist, whose practiced sculpture for nearly 50 years. “I always have the same intention in my work: communicate happiness, energy and enthusiasm.”

Blanco’s penchant for art began in his native Venezuela. As a child, he discovered Auguste Herbin’s colorful and geometric paintings, which had a profound impact on

Bold Strokes

ARTIST JORGE BLANCO’S SCULPTURES

CAPTURE THE DELIGHT HE FINDS IN LIFE’S SIMPLE PLEASURES.

WRITTEN BY KELLY VELOCCI JOLLIFFE

his work. While Blanco’s early sculptures portrayed darker subjects, his artistic language shifted to express a more positive point of view upon meeting his wife, Elena, in 1984. “The world has two sides,” Blanco explains. “One is sad, scary and painful, whereas the other is about beauty, smiling and comfort. I choose to focus on the latter because it is encouraging.”

Bold primary hues or bright white coloring are hallmarks of his work, which include 30 permanent public sculptures, in addition to private commissions, throughout the U.S. and abroad. His pieces directly reflect the inspiration he finds in day-to-day life, whether that be sports or the color of a piece of fruit.

Before embarking on a new sculpture, Blanco closely surveys the site where the work will live, observing shadows cast by the sun, wind conditions, vegetation and surrounding architecture. Each design originates as a humble paper sketch, evolving into a model and then a technical drawing before reaching its final machinecut, powder-coated form. “It’s important to me that people smile when they see my work,” Blanco muses. “It is a gift that encourages me to continue working.”

jorgeblancosculpture.com

Nueve a large-scale, aluminum powder-coated commission, is a tribute to life and nature that lives on the grounds of a large Caribbean estate.

photo: elena hernandez-ron.

Home Grown

BETWEEN A THRIVING LANDSCAPE AND EXTERIORS BUSINESS, A DEBUT LINE OF PLANTERS AND A NEW MIAMI OUTPOST, THERE’S NO TIME FOR MOSS TO GROW UNDER ADAM SIRAK’S FEET.

WRITTEN BY MAILE PINGEL

Inspired by the rich history of Istanbul, Orion II and Saturn III are part of Adam Sirak’s new collection of cast concrete planters with The Future Perfect.

“My practice is about telling stories,” Adam Sirak explains. Whether creating the garden at Art House of San Clemente, an artist-in-residency program outside Los Angeles, or a rooftop green oasis in West Hollywood, Sirak takes an uber-creative approach to exterior design. This approach has brought him residential projects throughout L.A., where he lives, and new hospitality work including a forthcoming hotel near Joshua Tree National Park.

His love of gardens was inherited from his parents, both of whom are landscape designers in South Florida. “I grew up in a masterpiece garden, and we were always taking trips to botanical gardens or the Everglades. It was plants, plants, plants,” he says, laughing. Now, Sirak is working with them to establish an office in Miami from which he can operate.

“Gardens are transportive, they’re living expressions of time and place. I find that endlessly inspiring.”

For his latest venture, a line of planters, the designer was inspired by an interest in classical antiquities and ancient civilizations. “I’ve used every planter under the sun and thought, where’s the one that’s really cool?” Sirak let ideas develop organically, sketching hundreds of prototypes by hand. Soon a collection developed; the drawings digitized, the molds made, and casting done at his California facility.

The made-to-order planters caught the eye of David Alhadeff, founder of The Future Perfect, who now carries the line, which takes cues from the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires of Istanbul’s history. At once ancient and modern, the designs can tell any story one might imagine. sirak.com

“I think of front yards as portals: They should welcome you into the garden and set the tone,” Sirak explains of this West Hollywood project. Although short on space, the fountain acts as a centerpiece while the sound of bubbling water adds a serene note.

“The key to the design was openness. We wanted to bring the outdoors in, especially on the main level, and allow for outdoor areas on different levels of the home.”

Adam Steiner, Cornerstone Architects

DesignBetter

DISCOVERIES

LEFROY BROOKS

The XO range of bathroom fittings, covering showers, taps and accessories, takes inspiration from designs of the 2000s. This modern, minimalist collection offers clean, straight, angular lines. Available in polished chrome and brushed nickel. lefroybrooks.com

GROTHOUSE

Grothouse crafts the ultimate in luxury wood surfaces, making gorgeous bespoke pieces for every room in the home. Designs are fully customized, like this walnut butcher-block table with brass accents. grothouse.com

J. TRIBBLE

A premier builder of custom-designed sink bases, J. Tribble’s handcrafted cabinets are a valuable asset for designers with a discerning eye, and for homeowners looking for something truly distinctive. jtribble.com

TEAK WAREHOUSE

Modern and eclectic in design, this hand-poured concrete tabletop with warm teakwood legs would make a bold statement in a clean, contemporary home or turn-of-the-century villa. teakwarehouse.com

DISCOVERIES

ARCADIA CUSTOM

THERMADOR

Your private showcase awaits at Thermador Experience & Design Centers. Explore bespoke kitchens and discover how true craftsmanship, design and innovation can bring visions to life. thermador.com/showrooms

the collection to enhance Experience

real wood can without on and unlimited

Explore the reimagined VistaWood window and door collection to enhance unique architectural style. Experience the warmth and character only real wood can provide, without compromising on today’s designs—narrow sight lines, large glass and unlimited configurations and customizations.

arcadiacustom.com

NOIR TRADING, INC.

The Mars chair is a unique statement in hand-carved walnut that features an arching back and armrests with a graded arch design on each plane of the frame. Arch reliefs are highlighted in white for a graphic emphasis. Priced at $2,607. noirfurniturela.com

STARK

A contemporary take on a traditional Moroccan design, the Lesa rug features soft neutrals and bold graphics. Stark Performance Acrylic fibers provide the perfect union of luxury and high-end performance. starkcarpet.com

Featured - Stone Fiction porcelain tile collection, responsibly made in Crossville, Tennessee

NS CERAMIC, INC.

Hidden Circles in Blue is a beautiful combination of waterjet stone. This design creates a stunning e ect when used as an interior floor or wall feature. nsceramic.com

TERRA OUTDOOR LIVING

When it comes to reclaimed teak, “What’s old is new again.” Terra Outdoor Living’s Sea Ranch Collection preserves the warmth and beauty of reclaimed teak with sustainable, clean, innovative designs. terraoutdoor.com

CHRISTOPHER GUY

A unique, contemporary-styled mirror frame encircled by multilength batons and ring clasps, “Quartz” is crafted by master carvers from select soft and hardwoods.

christopherguy.com

BARRATT RILEY & CO AT DAO

Now in residence at DAO, Barratt Riley & Co is an artisanal candle atelier known for its compendium of handcrafted botanical formulations. Explore their evolving collections at 8767 Beverly Boulevard.

daohome.com

MASH GALLERY

Vivace is a multilayered, mixed-media sculptural painting with LED backlighting that includes a variety of color settings. Artist Haleh Mashian created this forest-scape to provide whimsical, enchanting ambience that complements any interior. It measures 72"H x 72"W and is priced at $15,000. mashgallery.com

Walls

MARKET

Discover performance fabric masterpieces, America’s diverse natural terrain and must-have outdoor seating.

Common Thread

WITH SPRING RENEWAL AS THEIR PROMPT, FOUR ARTISTS CRAFT ORIGINAL WORKS OF ART USING THE LATEST PERFORMANCE FABRICS.

HOPEFUL JOURNEY

“It’s like a bouquet of flowers,” says Atlanta-based Jamele Wright Sr. of his colorful creation drifting, 01 The piece was made with Pierre Frey’s newest performance lines—Outdoor Prints, Guethary and Enchantee—as well as objets trouvés like copper wire, broaches and driftwood from nearby Lake Lanier. “I’m always bringing found materials into fine art,” says the multidisciplinary artist. Wright’s hanging

pouches are reminiscent of gris-gris bags carried by African Americans during the 20th century’s Great Migration from southern states to northern and western cities (Wright’s own grandparents were among the millions who uprooted, moving from Alabama to Ohio). The pouches held good luck charms and tokens for those in search of a better quality of life. septembergrayart.com; pierrefrey.com

WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY KATHRYN GIVEN AND SARAH SHELTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FRANCES

Designed by Nina Magon

BLOSSOMING BEAUTY

Textile artist Maggie Dillon specializes in portraiture, and while her color palette is usually more subdued, the saturated hues and bold prints of Sunbrella’s new Perspectives collection led her to compose the stunning portrait, You Belong Among the Wildflowers

“I seek a feeling of calm in my work, and the title felt like a deep breath of fresh air,” says the

Sarasota resident. The collection’s orangey red fabrics inspired the striking scene featuring a woman surrounded by poppies (a fitting choice as the flower blossoms in springtime).

“I toyed with the idea of a woman smelling the flower,” says Dillon, “but came up with a more playful version with her hiding behind the bloom.” maggiedillondesigns.com; sunbrella.com

LIGHT TOUCH

Dana De Ano starts each piece with an examination of the materials. “I hear what they have to say,” says the Chicago-based visual artist. “We have a conversation and then I play.” In this case, De Ano listened to the colors and textures of Donghia’s Lake Hill Performance/Outdoor collection. She was particularly drawn to the neutral colors and textural feel of its rich boucle and chenille designs.

For Front Lawn, the artist was inspired by Chicagoan’s determination to regrow their surrounding landscapes after the long winter months. An alumna of the Art Institute of Chicago, she categorizes the piece—and her work as a whole— as drawings that use untraditional materials, whether that be paint, fabrics or found objects. danadeano.com; kravet.com

BLUE PERIOD

“I love working with textiles because there is such a wide range of possibility and freedom to experiment,” says Liz Collins, a Brooklyn artist and designer who conceived Blue Window No stranger to performance fabrics, Collins recently launched a capsule collection with Pollack which she used here alongside standouts from the brand’s latest line, Art School. Collins relied on her years of

textile experience to create this graphic arrangement featuring layers of rectangular cuttings in an echo chamber-like framework that successfully aligns with her selfdescribed “vibrant, electric, textured and contrasting” style. When it came to color, Dynamic Expansion on the outer frame (a personal favorite) guided her selection of blue patterns that followed. lizcollins.com; pollackassociates.com

LLOYD FLANDERS

lloydflanders.com

Today’s elevated outdoor lifestyles demand furnishings that offer elegant design, and enduring quality and ease. Since 1906, Lloyd Flanders has been crafting superior furniture that takes outdoor living to new heights. “The outdoor environment can be harsh, so designing products that withstand the elements while providing beauty and comfort drives our design team daily,” says CEO and creative director, Jess Flanders. “To achieve this, we use

all-aluminum frames, the highest-quality vinyl and our unique loom material.” Patented in 1916, Lloyd Loom is the firm’s proprietary process for creating wicker furnishings. “And our special loom material comes in 20 different finishes to meet the aesthetic wants and needs of our clients,” says Warren Juliano, president of Lloyd Flanders. “We’re proud to be the only manufacturer of woven outdoor furniture made entirely in the United States.”

EXTERIOR INSIGHTS

Bryan Echols, senior vice president of sales and marketing, shares the ins and outs of outdoor excellence.

Name some unique places that have included your designs. We’ve seen our furnishings on cruise ships, high-rise condominium balconies, in outdoor seating areas at restaurants and breweries, at landmark locations like New York’s Waldorf Astoria and The Breakers in Palm Beach, in films like The Green Mile, TV series like Revenge, as well as music videos like Kenny Chesney’s Old Blue Chair

How do you include clients in the creative process? We offer Lloyd Loom Lounge Galleries with a dedicated Lloyd specialist to our retail partners to showcase our multitude of design, material and color options. Digitally, clients and salespeople can build their own look online and collaborate with us virtually to achieve a final custom design.

How are you responding to the increased demand for sustainability? We pay careful attention to the availability and sustainability of the materials we use, the energy resources required during the manufacturing process and the impact our products have on the environment.

What’s new and next? While neutrals will always be important aesthetically, we’re seeing significant growth in our brightly-colored finishes and fabrics. Our Sea Glass, Denim Blue and Woodland Green are all extremely popular right now.

Top From the Southport Modular Seating Collection, this sofa, lounge chair and square end table boast an ebony frame finish with Peacock color panel inserts. Bottom An All Seasons settee, settee swing and end table in ivory are the perfect complement to these high-back porch rockers and ottoman in a charcoal finish.

Photography Top by Alan Cresto; Bottom by Dustin Halleck

“We design and create outdoor furnishings that deliver exceptional durability, style and comfort right here in the U.S.”

PARKS & REC

From sea to shining sea, get to know the latest landscapes to join the National Park Service.

Sandy Spectacle

New Mexico’s ethereal White Sands marks state’s second addition to the National Park name hails from the rolling gypsum dunes 275 square miles, earning it bragging rights world’s largest gypsum dune field. Not your beach sand, gypsum is a hydrous, soft mineral that’s used in a wide range of applications, including architecture and art. The otherworldly terrain is a popular backdrop for commercials, music videos and films. nps.gov/whsa

the to list. Its name hails from the gypsum dunes covering 275 square it as the world’s gypsum dune field. Not your typical beach sand, gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral that’s used in a wide range of architecture and art. The terrain is a for commercials,

WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY SARAH SHELTON

Clockwise from top right: Junit To ee and Junit Fruta Lamp by Julia Jessen for Schneid / $473 each / stillfried.com Pecosa Wallpaper in Air / $375 per roll / eskayel.com Rhythmic Bold Mask Sunglasses in Rainbow / $260 / zimmermann.com X Chair in Lavender by Sun at Six / $660 / foromshop.com Ru e Co ee Table / Price upon request

Desk by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Glas Italia / $6,550 / artemest.com Addled Tall Glass in Strawberry / $191 / shoprira.com

DeCamp

Lune

Sofa from McKinnon & Harris in Cestino. Pillows in Saraband and Kaia Stripe.

Mountains Majesty

The origin of California’s Pinnacles National Park traces back some 23 million years after volcanos erupted and formed the unparalleled landscape that exists today. From caves and foot trails to woodlands and canyons, the park’s extraordinary reddish rock formations are particularly noteworthy. Located east of the Salinas Valley in Central California, near the infamous San Andreas Fault, and just 40 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the climate is as diverse as the land, with cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. nps.gov/pinn

Clockwise from top right: Lapis Lazuli Square Clock / $645 / seamanschepps.com Sedona Travertine / Price upon request

Marmo Footed Glass Bowl by Vetrerie di Empoli / $1,800 / lustare.com

Bambole Two-Seater Sofa in Ochre Boulée by Mario Bellini / Price upon request / bebitalia.com Ombrelle Pedestal Table by Cristián Mohaded / $2,265 / roche-bobois.com

Rug / Price upon request / samad.com Fireleaf Golden Coral Necklace / $28,800 / mishfinejewelry.com

Bridge the Gap

Don’t be fooled by its name: Though West Virginia’s New River Gorge was recently added to the National Park Service, the New River is one of the oldest rivers in North America. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the park covers 70,000 acres of forestland which provides visitors plentiful opportunities for hiking, whitewater rafting and rock climbing. This postcardworthy destination is also home to the New River Gorge Bridge—the third highest in the country. nps.gov/neri

Clockwise The shinola.com Claret Dolomite / Price upon request / demurodas.com Petrova Fire Screen / $1,495 / arteriorshome.com Chair Price Tura Seeded Glass Low Voltage Sconce / Price upon request / hubbardtonforge.com Ombré Fog

Clockwise from top right: The Runwell Shoulder Bag / $650 / . Gem Cabinet in Claret Dolomite / Price upon request / . Cleo Chair by Marcel Wanders Studio / Price upon request / fendicasa.com . Tura Seeded Glass Low Sconce / Price upon / Ombré Table Runner in Fog / $80 / stfrank.com

Sourcing the highest quality marble, quartzite, quartz, granite, and soapstone for a meticulously curated collection to ensure your search for surfaces ends with Architectural Surfaces. Visit a showroom today.

Three Generations of Design

LILLIAN AUGUST DESIGN DEITY CONFESSIONS of a

Some say that three is a magic number. For Lillian August, it certainly is. For more than three decades she has been a leading figure in the world of high-end interior and lifestyle design. With her son and co-founder, Dan Weiss, and now the addition of her granddaughter and marketing director, Eliza Weiss, by her side, August’s world-renowned brand boasts three generations of talent, skill and expertise that continues to bring traditional elegance and innovative ideas to her celebrated lines of fine indoor and outdoor home furnishings, textiles, wallcoverings, lighting, wall décor and rugs. In the following interview, August shares insights into her history, design aesthetic and unique eye for quality, detail and color, as well as the 15-year partnership she shares with Sherrill Furniture– all of which has made both Lillian August the woman and Lillian August the brand truly legendary.

Share a bit of your brand’s history and evolution. I began designing textiles in the 1970s with a line of English country house-inspired quilts and crafts. This allowed me to expand into licensed collections of fabrics, wallcoverings, and later, furniture with outstanding makers like Sherrill Furniture. With my granddaughter joining, we are reaching younger lifestyle customers with fresh designs and creative expressions like our recent outdoor fabric license with Tempo Fabrics and exciting new wallcovering designs with Wallquest.

Describe your aesthetic. Whether it is historic or fresh from the Paris runways, color, patterns and textures have always inspired me.

What are the hallmarks of your brand’s personality? Lillian August is a go-to brand for interior designers wanting to achieve unique lifestyle looks with exceptional quality and classic design.

We work in a wide variety of styles because our customers live in different parts of the country and have different wants, needs, tastes and visions. And the fact that we offer so many fabrics, finishes, colorways and customization options allows our pieces to adapt to any fresh design ideal our clients can dream up.

What is exciting you creatively right now? Our latest designs are leaning into three unique lifestyles. First is Hollywood Regency, which blends maximalist glamour with bold, bright colors and patterns. Next is New Traditional, which will expand into indoor and outdoor textile collections that combine a traditional coastal concept with a fun, youthful twist. Finally, our Vintage Roundtop mixes natural materials and relaxed finishes for a masculine, mountain house feel that represents Dan’s aesthetic point of view.

What constitutes good design? Timelessness, great taste and an original mix of colors, materials and creature comforts.

“I am so proud to be celebrating 30 years and 3 generations of hard work and success with our family, friends, colleagues and fans of great design.”

LILLIAN AUGUST

Outdoor Invitational

TAKE A SEAT ON ONE OF THESE FABULOUS ALFRESCO FINDS AND SAVOR A MOMENT IN THE SUN.

WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY KATHRYN GIVEN AND SARAH SHELTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FRANCES

EN MASSE

Los Angeles-based Bend Goods takes cues from modern architecture and midcentury design to craft their wide range of wire furniture. The sleek powdercoated Rachel Chair, shown in Peacock Blue, White and Yellow, features grated construction that allows air to easily filter and water to drain from the seat, making it an ultra-practical outdoor option. On the floor, Chilewich’s Boucle Woven Floor Mat in Tangerine and Bamboo Woven Floor Mat in Spring Green are fitting en plein air accompaniments. bendgoods.com; chilewich.com

FLEXIBLE FORM

Silicone rubber is Philadelphia-based designer Nick Missel’s material of choice. For his Cube series—exclusive to Frampton Co. in New York City—Missel devised perfectly imperfect textured perches that begin as a mold made from discarded cardboard and layered with silicon until the ideal shape and size are achieved. The gel-like surface of each one-of-a-kind piece comfortably cradles the sitter, allowing them to ever so slightly sink into its surface. shop.framptonco.com

LANGUID LOUNGER

Meet the Sloth Chair, the latest debut from Maximilian Eicke’s studio Max ID NY. Portable, foldable, stackable and handwoven of a synthetic fiber, the dramatic curves of the chaise mimic the shape of waves and sand dunes. Available in six colors, this uniquely cool take on the classic sun chair remains lightweight for toting to the beach yet stylish enough to be a permanent poolside fixture. maxidnystore.com

JARDIN DELIGHT

French flair is synonymous with Fermob, the chic outdoor furniture and accessory company whose work can be found scattered across Paris’ parks and green spaces. Fermob tapped Frédéric Sofia to rethink legendary designs in their Luxembourg collection (shown), which are inspired by the iconic garden of the same name and its original furniture from 1923. The low-back, aluminum Compact Bench (in foreground) is Sofia’s latest interpretation. The 57" Bench in Ice Mint, 2/3-Seater Bench in Frosted Lemon and 2-Seater Garden Bench in Opaline Green—their newest hue—round out the colorful offerings. fermob.com; chilewich.com

STACK ‘EM UP

Quincy Ellis is the color guru behind Facture’s molded resin furniture and objects. Working out of a large Brooklyn warehouse, he brings designs to life that push the boundaries of color to realize striking combinations and gradation shifts that appear simple to the eye but require complex construction. Featuring smooth, matte finishes with gradual hue variations, the Meld Stool, Scale Pyramid and Meld Side Table (from top), can function as compact outdoor perches or bold tabletop surfaces. Custom shapes and colors are available. tulestefactory.com; chilewich.com

FORTINA for

Fortina is an exceptional architectural system that deceives the senses by mimicking the appearance of wood slats and louvers using lightweight aluminum with hyper-realistic nonPVC surfaces.

This system was the ideal choice for this luxury residential home as it not only provides the same organic feel and warmth of real wood, but also offers several advantages such as lower cost, reduced environmental impact, ease of installation, fire rated, and consistent color and finish. The Fortina Louvers offers the perfect solution for emulating the look of wood without any of the limitations.

ICON REIMAGINED

On the cusp of their 20th

anniversary, Danish design brand HAY was approached by American legacy manufacturer Herman Miller to reimagine a selection of Eames mid-century furnishings and accessories, including the classic Wire Chairs, shown here in Powder Yellow, Black Blue, Mint Green and Iron Red. With HAY’s fresh take on color and Eames’ world-famous designs, the collaboration bridges the past and present to excite modern-day collectors and vintage enthusiasts alike. hermanmiller.com

2023 KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN COMPETITION

BEST OVERALL BATH

FIRST PLACE | PRIMARY BATH

Mary Maney, CKBD

Crystal Kitchen + Bath

crystalkitchen.com | crystalkitchenbath

Photography Rob Grosse of Spacecrafting

The Serene Luxury primary bath by designer Mary Maney, CKBD, of Crystal Kitchen + Bath in Crystal, Minnesota, won Best Overall Bath due to an elegant design that overcame myriad structural challenges. Marble is incorporated throughout the bath to add a feeling of luxury, while a rug pattern with a mosaic inlay centered in front of the freestanding tub creates interest. The resulting space, with its minimalistic style and fluid lines, combines a mix of tradition and modernism for a truly compelling bath.

Mary Maney CKBD

There are many different rooms and moments that make up a home. But it is an undeniable truth that the kitchen and bath are at the center of it all. They bring the function every household must have, but they’ve also become the hub of the home in another way: they often serve as a design foundation, setting the tone for everything else. Each year, the National Kitchen and Bath Association celebrates the very best of these all-important spaces in its Kitchen & Bath Design Competition. Keep reading to explore the iconic concepts that are taking their place in NKBA history in 2023. nkba.org/designcompetition

BEST OVERALL KITCHEN FIRST PLACE | SMALL KITCHEN

Sarah Robertson, AKBD Studio Dearborn studiodearborn.com | studiodearborn

The Creek Lane Kitchen by Sarah Robertson, AKBD, founder and principal of Studio Dearborn in Mamaroneck, New York, was designed for privacy, serenity and a connection to nature. It was also a kitchen that had to effectively accommodate the homeowners’ five cats, hence the “must-have” floor drain for the pets’ watering station. The beautiful mix of materials and integrated details combined with the practical storage and functionality of this kitchen made it a clear winner.

Photography Adam Kane Macchia Photography

Sarah Robertson AKBD

FIRST PLACE

Crystal Kitchen + Bath Crystal, Minnesota crystalkitchen.com | crystalkitchenbath

Photography Rob Grosse of Spacecrafting

PRIMARY BATH

FIRST PLACE

D’Amore Interiors Denver, Colorado damoreinteriors.com | damoreinteriors

Photography Tim Gormley of TG Image

SECOND PLACE

Kendall Ansell Interiors Coquitlam, British Columbia kendallansell.com | ka_interiors

Photography Janis Nicolay Photography

Kendall Ansell Principal Co-designer: Katelyn Woods, Senior Interior Designer

SECONDARY BATH

THIRD PLACE

EOLO A&I Design Miami, Florida eolodesigns.com | eolodesign

Photography Eugenio Willman of Emotion Works

Sandra Diaz-Velasco Principal Architect

SECOND PLACE

Henrietta Heisler Interiors Inc. Lancaster, Pennsylvania henriettaheislerinteriors.com

henriettaheislerinteriors

Photography Justin Tearney Photography

THIRD PLACE DeMane Design Gig Harbor, Washington demanedesign.com

Photography Tammy Dwight Architectural Photography

Mary Maney CKBD, Designer

Gina D’Amore Bauerle Owner

Nichol Hollinger CKBD, Senior Interior Designer

Nancy Finneson CKBD, Interior Designer

FIRST PLACE

Lori Carroll & Associates

Tucson, Arizona loricarroll.com | lori_carroll

Photography Jon Mancuso

Lori Carroll

Interior Designer

Co-designer: Kat Saucedo, Designer

POWDER ROOM

FIRST PLACE

Welton Design Group Surrey, British Columbia

welton_design_group

Photography Tracey Ayton Photography

SECOND

PLACE

Jaque Bethke Design

Scottsdale, Arizona jaque.design | jaquebethke

Photography Edward Zak Photography

Jaque Bethke Interior Designer and Architect

SPECIALTY KITCHEN

THIRD

PLACE

Jaque Bethke Design

Scottsdale, Arizona

jaque.design | jaquebethke

Photography Phil Johnson of Provisuals Media

Jaque Bethke Interior Designer and Architect

SECOND

PLACE

Doug Walter Architects Denver, Colorado | dougwalterarchitects.com dougwalterarchitects

Photography Justin Tearney Photography

THIRD

PLACE

Studio Stratton

San Diego, California studiostratton.com | Studio Stratton Inc.

Photography Martin Mann Photography

Lance Stratton

Residential Designer

Co-designers: Kate LeCount and Tom King

Rebecca Foster Director of Design

Douglas Walter CMKBD, Architect

FIRST PLACE

Bluebell Kitchens Wayne, Pennsylvania | bluebellkitchens.com bluebell_kitchens

Photography Christian Garibaldi

LARGE KITCHEN

FIRST PLACE

Studio Dearborn Westchester, New York studiodearborn.com | studiodearborn

Photography Adam Kane Macchia, Macchia Photography

SECOND PLACE

Marla Nazzicone Designs Toronto, Ontario mndesign.ca | marlanazzicone

Photography Mike Chajecki

THIRD PLACE

Bluebell Kitchens Wayne, Pennsylvania | bluebellkitchens.com bluebell_kitchens

Rebecca McAlpin

SMALL KITCHEN

SECOND PLACE

Estee Design Interiors

Toronto, Ontario esteedesign.com | esteedesigns

Photography Mike Chajecki and Victoria Malanowski, Mike Chajecki Photography

THIRD PLACE

Nar Design Group Sacramento, California nardesigngroup.com | nardesign

Photography Fred Donham, PhotographerLink

Photography

Lori Kurnitsky Designer

Marla Nazzicone Integrative Designer Lori Kurnitsky Designer

Sarah Robertson AKBD, Founder and Principal

Svetlana Tryaskina Co-Founder

Nar Bustamante President and Principal Designer

NKBA’s 2024 Kitchen & Bath Design Competition opens for submissions on April 1, 2023. All entries are welcome, including non-member submissions. Cash prizes of $100,000 will be given out to award winners, with Best Overall Kitchen and Best Overall Bath each taking home $20,000. For more information and to enter, please go to nkba.org/designcompetition.

Chosen by a panel of NKBA-Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designers, these distinguished projects and their creators represent the best and brightest in the industry.”

- BILL DARCY, CEO

POLAR Armchair

LIVING

Elevated entertaining in west Texas and a round-up of next-level pool houses have Luxe yearning for sunny days ahead.

Home on the Ranch

THE MARFA, TEXAS, RETREAT OF HOSPITALITY MAVEN LIZ LAMBERT SPEAKS THE LANGUAGE OF PLACE.

WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY KATHRYN GIVEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BUFF STRICKLAND

STYLING BY LAUREN SANDERS

“I strongly believe that a home should feel of a place,” Liz Lambert explains of her Marfa, Texas, abode, which is a true reflection of the surrounding area’s distinct culture. For the Austin-based hotelier, who made her mark designing some of the country’s top hospitality destinations, far west Texas inspires everything from materiality and building techniques, to the items she uses for decorating and entertaining.

Lambert’s residence is situated on her family’s sprawling cattle ranch located between

the Chinati and Davis Mountains. When she returned home to Texas after a stint in New York City, Lambert set out to find a home near where she grew up. Fortunately, she didn’t have to search far after realizing an existing bunk house structure on the property could be transformed with a few tweaks. Soon, a screened-in porch and section of the kitchen were built using traditional adobe masonry and outfitted with regionally sourced furniture. “A lot of friends helped me put this house

together,” Lambert explains. “Most of what you see in here is local and really speaks to where we are.”

Whether guests prefer lounging by the water tank or escaping the Texas heat with a dip in the alfresco bathtub, the ranch celebrates life outdoors and the natural beauty found in this corner of the country. When it comes to the interiors, there is an honest purity to the space that allows for an easy, laid-back lifestyle in which friends

At Liz Lambert’s home in Marfa, the screened-in porch acts as a gathering spot for relaxing and entertaining. On the table are terra-cotta plates collected in Mexico and textiles from Lambert’s collection, Perennials by Far West, including pillows in Serape Stripe and placemats in Baja Stripe.

Captra Pendant

With a view that stretches for miles across far west Texas, the porch features a Playa Stripe runner along with a dog bed upholstered in Baja Stripe and pillows in Campo Stripe.

come and go with ease. Most meals are served family style by Lambert’s brother, acclaimed chef Lou Lambert, who uses the Wolf Range for pinto beans as much as he does the campfire for grilling dinner.

For the table, Lambert gathers pared down native flora and fauna along with objects collected from the land. Place settings feature beautiful terra-cotta plates and bowls made in neighboring Mexico. “I think simplicity is beautiful,” Lambert notes.“I gravitate towards places where things fall away; the simpler a place is, the more you feel at home.”

One motif the aesthete does collect in abundance, though, is stripes. The classic print was the starting point for her new textile collection, Perennials by Far West, made in collaboration with the performance fabric and rug company. “I’ve had a history with stripes,” Lambert explains. “From using them in projects to collecting hand-woven Peruvian

textiles and Nepalese saddle blankets. So we began by examining each of these patterns.” And what evolved was a colorful, bohemian-inspired line comprising five fabric and three rug designs that work just as well indoors as they do outside.

Lambert, a partner at MML Hospitality, and her team at Lambert McGuire Design, put their heads together with Ann Sutherland at Perennials—bonding over Texas and tequila— to dream up patterns fitting in any number of applications while still evoking the place for which they were inspired: far west Texas. “T he idea was to start with stripes and put together a collection where each pattern could live on its own while also complementing one another,” she says. The line is already right at home on the ranch: Lambert’s used it for upholstering vibrant throw pillows, dog beds and even a camper van. At home indeed. perennialsfabrics.com; farwestcollective.com

The open-air bathtub behind the bunkhouse becomes essential during dusty, dry summers on the ranch. Hanging is a striped robe used at El Cosmico, Lambert’s hotel at the southern edge of the city.

Detail Flexible brass arms

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Sweet Escape

TODAY’S HAUTE POOL HOUSES ARE BEING DESIGNED AS DESTINATIONS UNTO THEMSELVES.

WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY GRACE BEULEY HUNT

The louvred façade of this South Carolina retreat creates a shaded dining terrace. Designer Elly Poston Cooper lined the pool deck with crisp white chaises to echo the symmetry of the architecture by McAlpine.

DAILY SANCTUARY

Elly Poston Cooper’s clients would have loved a vacation house, but there simply wasn’t time for one. The solution? Transform their South Carolina property into a getaway. “They wanted to create the magic of taking a holiday in their own backyard,” elaborates Poston Cooper, who joined forces with McAlpine on the design of an enchanting pool house boasting a chef’s kitchen, bunk room and lofted lounge. “We wanted it to feel like a destination,” she adds, pointing to kicky flourishes like the rattan drums, shuffleboard table and Peter Dunham Fig Leaf fabric on the lounge chairs and pillows. “It plays off the grounds and feels great for summer, but fresh and funky the rest of the year,” the designer notes. Meanwhile, beanbag chairs in Heather Chadduck’s Little Bamboo print can easily move to the pool deck or lawn, where the thoughtful addition of a white stone wall caters to movie screenings. While the outbuilding has hosted fundraisers, birthday parties, and even a wedding, the everyday delights are what assure Poston Cooper of a mission accomplished. “On Sunday nights, they’ll order pizza to the pool house and have family dinner,” she says. “It’s where they go to unplug.” ellyposton.com

RUSTIC RAUCOUS

“It truly is a catchall,” shares Julie Massucco Kleiner of the souped-up pool house she designed for a sports-loving family of entertainers. Kleiner’s clients sought to create a party HQ on their new San Juan Island, Washington, property, and an existing storage barn at the edge of the forest was just the answer. In collaboration with Studio AM Architecture & Interiors and Wygal Builders, Kleiner revamped the structure from head-to-toe, refinishing the exterior with a dramatic charcoal stain. Inside, the team implemented a world-class entertaining program tailored to large gatherings that includes a full kitchen and bar (replete with beer keg and wine systems), “the world’s largest sectional,” per Kleiner, and rolling pool and ping-pong tables wi th hard-top covers that can easily be pushed together to create a makeshift 60-person dinner table. Carrying the space’s blue-and-white scheme through to the exterior living areas, Kleiner selected an Ann Sacks tile with “a retro, Slim Aarons feel,” to rim the pool, complemented by striped chaises and scalloped umbrellas. From its flexible, fun-first amenities to the preppy palette that nods to the family’s east coast roots, the finished result is “very atypical,” Kleiner admits. Just as intended. massuccowarner.com

GANGS ALL HERE

It’s not often that clients buy a house specifically because its acreage is perfect for erecting the pool house of their dreams. But that’s exactly why a young family purchased their Scarsdale, New York, abode, tasking Alisberg Parker Architects and Lucy Harris Studio with rendering an entertainer’s paradise on its outskirts. “It was our job to design something that belongs with the landscape and aligns with the architecture of the main house,” says principal Ed Parker, who echoed the existing structure’s palette and stonework while spinning things in a decidedly modern, laid-back direction. “It really feels like a retreat—almost like having a weekend home in the backyard,” reflects director of architecture, Shaun Gotterbarn.

“They wanted a place to relax, k ick back with friends and feel like they’re getting away from it all,” adds designer Lucy Harris who, aided by team members Kelley Roach, Jaclyn Doherty and Stephanie Saltzman, channeled the hospitable, hard-living chic of a boutique hotel for the interiors. Custom furnishings in sinuous shapes, natural material details and a fresh palette of blues and neutrals energized with red accents lend an off-duty vibe that’s “still elegant, but less buttoned up,” Harris notes.

While boasting plentiful amenities (including guest quarters and a semisubterranean basketball court), the beating heart is the pool-level lounge with its showstopping wet bar backed in book-matched marble. “It’s a little bit show business and a little bit sculpture,” muses director of interior architectural design, Will Jameson. “We got to play with some fun ideas, like the wooden slats on the front that shimmer as you move like a Bridget Riley painting.” The swank space merges seamlessly to the outdoor living areas, aided by bifold glass doors and garage-style windows. “You can have 30 people over at the drop of a hat with all the different seating areas,” notes Parker—and the clients often do. The husband hosts a basketball league, the wife runs a tennis group, and the kids’ entourage lives in the pool come summer. Concludes Harris, “It really is a playhouse for everyone.” alisbergparker.com; lucyharrisstudio.com

SMITH DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION COMPANY I PHOTOGRAPHY MILES MINNO

INDOOR + OUTDOOR LIVING

Indoor-outdoor living is undergoing a true renaissance right now. As more people embrace working, playing and entertaining from home, pursuing a rich and varied lifestyle—both inside and out—has become essential. That is precisely why today’s homeowners are demanding that their interior and exterior spaces provide them with the same flexibility, luxury, highly-personal style and gratifying creature comforts. In response, designers, brands, makers, manufacturers, artisans and craftspeople are conceiving and producing innovative goods, services and designs that deliver on these wants and needs, while allowing homeowners and their families to move seamlessly between the two environments. Turn the page to meet these creators and learn how their talents and skills are taking the indoor-outdoor lifestyle to new and greater heights.

Stephen Billings Landscape Architecture

ALDIK HOME

818.988.5970 | aldikhome.com | aldikhome

When shopping for outdoor furniture, there are so many options that it can be difficult to know where to get started. The experts at Aldik Home aim to help clients narrow the search down to Summer Classics. “As the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces continue to blur, there is a growing need for outdoor furniture that seamlessly fits with the interior in terms of style and comfort,” owner Larry Gold says. “We feel that no brand of outdoor furniture is as well-made, comfortable or stylish as Summer Classics.” Hence, it’s the only brand Aldik Home carries—a fact that showcases just how passionately the company believes in the products. It also makes the team unparalleled pros in the nuances of the collection. “This is the only brand that meets our high standards,” Gold says. “We feel it should be at the top of the list for anyone who values comfort, durability and style.”

SUMMER CLASSICS: THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Summer Classics outdoor furniture is luxury furniture built to last. While trendy and fashionable, the line is meticulously crafted from premium materials using both age-old building methods and state-of-the-art finishing processes to ensure the furniture will last for years to come. “Summer Classics is that rare, luxury outdoor furniture line that hits every note,” Gold says. “It is stylish and sophisticated, as comfortable and luxurious as indoor furniture, and meticulously crafted with premium materials giving it class-leading durability.”

Above New for 2023, Summer Classics’ line of Vesta fire tables are all-weather and simply stunning. Top With the most realistic and extensive UV-resistant protocol in the industry, Summer Classics’ resin wicker is truly the best on the market. Bottom The all-new Pointe collection combines gorgeous, hand-carved teak with incredibly realistic resin wicker that gives it a timeless and durable beauty.

Photography Courtesy of Summer Classics

“Summer Classics is that rare, luxury outdoor furniture line that hits every note.”

FLEXFORM | 33SIXTY

310.424.5460 | 33sixty.com | 33sixty.sf.la

Slowing down, reclaiming time and embracing green spaces results in exceptional outdoor lifestyles. “With this in mind, Flexform has created an exciting new collection of outdoor furnishings,” says Gregory Herman, principal at Flexform-33SIXTY. “Designed for year-round outdoor living, these pieces revel in the beauty of the changing seasons.” For nearly a decade, Herman and his expert staff have been bringing the artistry and elegance of Flexform’s Italianmade furnishings to their discerning clientele from their showrooms in Los Angeles and San Francisco. And with the arrival of Spring, they are proud to present this breathtaking new collection. “This line of furnishings weds elegance with functionality and durability,” Herman adds. “While a sophisticated blend of nature-inspired colors and materials marries culture, tradition and innovation that complements the perfection of the natural world.”

SYLVAN STYLE

Gregory Herman shares his unique indoor and outdoor insights.

• What makes your offerings truly unique? There is a focus on organic materials like iroko wood, Cardoso stone and lava and woven synthetic cords that look and feel strikingly natural.

• Share some of your clients’ most popular requests. They are demanding materials that are low maintenance and offer longevity. Our new metal outdoor collection, Camargue, has all of this. Made of aluminum, Camargue performs beautifully and stacks easily for winter storage.

• Talk about your collaborative approach with clients. We offer complimentary design services to help our clients evaluate and decide how best to include indoor design details in their outdoor spaces.

• What are your favorite ways to connect the indoors with the out? Flexform has taken a design approach where the majority of their furnishings can be used in both indoor and outdoor spaces to create seamless interior and exterior beauty and luxury.

Top Designed by Antonio Citterio, the Atlante Light daybed provides comfort and style, naturally. Bottom This chic and inviting grouping designed by Antonio Citterio consists of Atlante Light daybeds and a sofa and armchairs from the Camargue collection.

“Known for incredibly comfortable sofas, we bring Flexform’s cozy, soft and welcoming feeling to the great outdoors.”

SHOP THE SYCO.

310.526.5079 | shopthesyco.com | shop.thesyco

When it comes to choosing pieces for one’s home, people are often disheartened that everyone seems to sell the same things. This is not the case with shop The SyCo. “We are a well-curated shop that crosses industry niches,” says Jhoiey Ramirez, the company’s creative marketing director. “You could say, if you will, that we are collecting our favorite things and making them available to design-conscious individuals who demand the phenomenal. Some of our products are there because they are created sustainably or give a feel-good vibe, while others are pure eye candy. Of course, they all function magnificently.” If customers need help choosing which furnishings work best for their space and individual design, the shop The SyCo. team is on it. “We take time getting to know you,” Jhoiey says. “This deeper connection with our clients enables us to really clue in on how we can assist them.”

FUNCTION, FLOW, GOOD FINDS

Jhoiey shares a few thoughts on everything indoors and out.

• Top tip: Knowledge of materials and their durability is key. The choice you make for surfaces should not only be for the visuals, but function and comfort as well.

• Where to focus: With regard to indooroutdoor cohesion, consider good airflow, whether through bringing plants inside or strategically locating fenestration.

• Fresh resource: Our new showroom is almost here, and we can’t wait to serve our clients even better because of it!

BALANCE TO PERFECTION

What do homeowners crave for their open-air oases? Jhoiey fills in the gaps. “Most of them seek to represent all elements of nature: earth, water, fire and air. They want each sense to be intrigued: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. They desire a place that is great for entertaining and yet, provides a meditative peacefulness when they enjoy it by themselves.”

Above Artfully-repurposed old-cut wood with outdoor upholstery creates comfortable sofas for enjoying the magnificent views in style. Top Refining the outdoor pool area with a custom-made, 14-foot wood bench paired with a 15-foot solid steel table is the way to go. Left Practical, versatile and well-designed, the Cocoa stainless-steel outdoor kitchen is truly a piece of engineered art. Innovative features allow for precise control.

“The outdoors are not simply an extension of the indoor spaces, but an integral part of them.”

STEPHEN BILLINGS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

310.310.8438 | sblastudio.com | stephenbillings.la

Once considered a way of framing a home beautifully, landscape architecture has become so much more. Just ask Stephen Billings. “Our landscapes entice clients to be within the garden, immersed in nature. We often design meandering paths that weave through the property. We imagine it to be meditative and relaxing, but when busy, it can also serve as a walk on which to conduct business on the phone, for example.” That last part has been on the minds of Billings and the team at his namesake firm, Stephen Billings Landscape Architecture. “More than ever, the outdoors is playing an essential role in the well-being of our clients by shaping so much of their environment,” he shares. “More clients are working from home, and they’ve become obsessed with their landscape because they interact with nature more. They appreciate how much movement, color and seasonal beauty we’ve designed in their gardens.”

RETREATS + RECREATION

Asked to discuss some of the most unusual and popular requests SBLA receives, Billings says, “We recently designed an ayahuasca pavilion in a garden. It doubles as a bunkhouse for the children and their friends. We help our clients to see the full potential of their properties by adding fun elements like meandering walks, secret gardens, yoga platforms and pool slides that descend through planted hillsides.”

WILD WONDERS

Billings talks projects.

• We’ve been designing sustainable landscapes using native plants since the beginning of our practice. We love the seasonality of these rather wild-looking gardens, and the way the plants evolve with color and personality.

• Courtyards are a favorite for us because they bring light, air and plants into the deepest part of the home. We work with local artisans and nurseries to select specimen plantings and unique planters it all comes together like beautiful sculpture.

Top Steps are integrated into planted terraces with bespoke fire and water features. Far left Making the most of a hillside high above Bel Air, this design features pathways and seating areas among low-water plantings, and citrus and olive trees. Left An entrance walk is lined with bold, colorful plantings that complement the architecture.

Photography Top by Miranda Flores; Far left by Ben Wheeler; Left by Millicent Harvey

Photo: Marion Brenner

Let our expert team make your dreams come true.

Happy Hour

WRITTEN BY GRACE BEULEY

| PHOTOGRAPHY BY TREVOR TONDRO/OTTO

Interior Design: Penny Drue Baird, Dessins LLC

The sublime natural setting of her clients’ Montecito home inspired designer Penny Drue Baird’s “relaxed California style with a sophisticated twist” vision. On the pool deck, RH chaises provide a leisurely spot to enjoy the views.

Sweeping views of the water and Channel Islands. Big, open rooms that act as conduits for sea breezes. Leafy oaks to harbor hawks and ravens. A garden with milkweed for butterflies, bougainvillea for hummingbirds and citrus trees for homemade margaritas. It was this quintessentially Montecito wish list that led Penny Drue Baird’s clients—a couple with deep ties to the area—to purchase a vacation home discreetly nestled in the hills. They named it Pabellón (or “canopy” in Spanish) for its perch within the trees, and tasked Baird with crafting interiors that would defer to the spectacular setting.

“I’m a big believer that interior design should respect a building’s architecture,” Baird muses. And so, taking stock of the newly constructed dwelling’s cathedral ceilings and material palette of stone, wood and plaster, she imagined a modern riff on classic Santa Barbara style: a home designed with ease, entertaining and indoor-outdoor living top of mind, yet peppered with artistic conversation pieces. “We wanted comfort, a relaxed mood and a neutral backdrop to let the trees and ocean shine,” the homeowner adds.

The designer began by tackling the home’s greatest design challenge: its scale. To bring a sense of intimacy to the cavernous living room, she situated a seating area up to the travertine fireplace, arranging a pair of extra-deep, canvascovered sofas in an L-shaped configuration that echoes the volume of a sectional but with a more formal feel. Adding notes of warmth, a large wicker pendant hangs above while a diamond pattern sisal rug grounds the milieu. Facing a similar abundance of square footage in the primary bedroom, she convinced her clients to select a four-poster bed to “take up some volume,” then carved out a spot by the windows for enjoying morning coffee while soaking up the best views in the house. And to bring a sense of coziness to the lower-level family room, she covered the walls and ceiling in a Porter Teleo

wallpaper featuring large-scale, hand-painted squiggles in a custom champagne colorway. Conversely, in smaller rooms, carefully considered pieces create a sense of balance and grandeur in keeping with the rest of the residence. The dining area offers a particularly creative example. Since the as-delivered floor plan lacked a formal dining room—and the clients are avid hosts with a large brood of children and grandchildren—Baird “shopped the house” for usable space, landing on an errant hallway which she then turned into dinner party HQ. To balance the space’s narrow footprint, she anchored it with two towering wicker urns replete with alocasia plants. Drawing the eye further vertically and horizontally, she commissioned lighting designer Andrea Claire to create a mobile-like bamboo chandelier that spans the length of the dining table.

Amid a sea of calming neutral tones and natural textures, Baird’s talent for sourcing one-of-akind pieces shines extra bright. Many items were purchased on designer-client shopping trips to Paris, including such showstoppers as the living room’s cantilevered Fabrice Ausset marble coffee table or the same area’s brass-and-rock-crystal Erwan Boulloud sideboard. Both read in context like fabulous jewels against a timeless outfit. “That piece will always remind us of a wonderful trip to France together,” the client notes of the latter. “Penny has an eye for finding incredible pieces that pull a room together in ways I could never imagine.” Her ability to build environments with pleasing variety and a sense of tension is a point of pride for the designer. Baird’s one rule for a successful room? “Everywhere you look, there should be something to talk about,” she says.

From far-flung treasures to comfortable nooks perfect for sipping a fresh-squeezed cocktail, this home’s waltz between casual and elevated befits a dreamy California locale beloved in equal measure for its rustic and glamorous accents.

“Saying the name ‘Montecito’ immediately gives you a vibe to work with,” Baird reflects. “And here, that was half of the story.”

“I’m a big believer that interior design should respect a building’s architecture.”

–PENNY DRUE BAIRD

A rug from Sacco Carpet grounds the living room, which features sofas from The Bright Group, Bespoke by Luigi Gentile lounge chairs and an Erwan Boulloud sideboard. The sconces are Hervé Van der Straeten and the pendant is from Balsamo Antiques.

Right: Venetian plaster adorns the walls of a hallway-turned-dining room. A bamboo chandelier by Andrea Claire Studio and Atelier Vime wicker urns bring beachy texture to the milieu. The travertine bench is Giobagnara.

Opposite: The home’s as-delivered white kitchen fits seamlessly into Baird’s breezy design scheme. A roman shade in a floral Romo textile fabricated by Alvaccaro Inc. adds a dash of romanticism.

Blue-lacquered bookshelves from Dennis Miller New York add a fun pop of color to the family room. Porter Teleo wallpaper lends an artistic element to the space, which includes a Philippe Hurel chair, Cassina coffee table and Dragonette Private Label floor lamp.

“Saying the name ‘Montecito’ immediately gives you a vibe to work with. And here, that was half of the story.”

–PENNY DRUE BAIRD

Above: “When you’re in the tub of the primary bathroom, you really feel the water surrounding the house,” Baird notes. Drapes of embroidered Romo linen add warmth while gently framing the panoramic ocean views.

Opposite: The primary bedroom’s four-poster Holly Hunt bed was chosen to balance the space’s imposing mantel and high ceilings. Studio Van den Akker swivel chairs sit atop a wool rug from Sacco Carpet and the plaster light fixture is handmade by Profiles.

Poetr y in Motion

The dynamic gestural forms in artist Melissa Herrington’s abstract paintings bristle with life.

WRITTEN BY MONIQUE MCINTOSH PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARISA GUZMÁN-ALOIA

Artist Melissa Herrington never stays still for long. Step into her luminous Venice Beach home studio, where sunlight pours through reclaimed antique factory windows, and you will find the painter flitting from canvases tacked to the walls to others laid on the floor. There is poetic choreography behind her movements and in the broad strokes of color she applies with thick brushes or her own hands. And then there are the delicate motions she marks in graphite and charcoal, creating ghostly outlines enveloped in atmospheric hues. This daily waltz imbues energy into her abstract paintings, fusing color and shape through tactile gestures. “I want to evoke a sense of wonder as shapes emerge from abstraction,” Herrington says.

The artist gravitated towards abstract painting while honing her style at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. Yet, however loose in form, her pieces remain rooted in the corporeal as they channel visceral movements and sensations. Penciled female silhouettes meander through her compositions, their lines breaking apart into chaos and joining again. “I see these deconstructed figures in flux, caught in the act of becoming and full of boundless possibilities,” she explains. Their life-sized scale “allows the viewer to feel part of the painting, like they can step into this world.”

Herrington uses color to conjure an immersive landscape with hues that “evoke certain types of memories and associations,” she notes. Blending acrylics, oils and loose pigments together, the artist superimposes layers of paint that shift from gossamer clouds to opaque stains depending on the light streaming into her studio, and carefully carves out breathing room by leaving portions of the canvas raw.

Though she sketches some ideas beforehand, much of Herrington’s work centers on spontaneous strokes and on witnessing how new elements interact with each other as she paints. “I’m never trying to be too precious when I work,” the artist explains. “I want to expose the process, the actual mark on the canvas.”

For her upcoming spring solo exhibition at Maddox Gallery in L.A., she plans to further “investigate color and form in large formats, and how my abstracted female forms move within the compositions,” Herrington muses. “I’ve always thought of my work as writing a book. Each exhibition is just another chapter to keep pushing the boundaries.”

In her Venice Beach studio (opposite page), painter Melissa Herrington adds gestural swaths of color to a canvas (bottom), while another work in progress awaits by her side. Her ethereal artworks are the result of several layers of paint and other materials such as pastels (below).

Moment of Peace

A family’s charming new home in Pacific Palisades conjures a European ambience amid elements of wonder.

WRITTEN BY KATE ABNEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA ROMEREIN

Architecture: Bobby McAlpine, McAlpine Interior Design: Ray Booth, McAlpine

Home Builder: Ron Udall and Tyler Udall, Tyler Development Corporation Landscape Architecture: Christine London, Christine London Ltd.

Rose Tarlow Melrose House’s Lugano mohair velvet covers BDDW’s Edmund sofa in the family room, where designer Ray Booth placed vintage Furniture Marolles chairs by Carneros Studios beside a custom Stave table by Blackcreek Mercantile & Trading Co. Flooring throughout the house is reclaimed chevron-patterned oak from Chateau Domingue.

os Angeles is not exactly known for its sweeping countryside. But homeowners Mario and Chantal Spanicciati, who had spent significant time in England, did not let that deter them from dreaming up a serene dwelling for their young family.

“I’m half Swiss and grew up hiking in the Alps,” shares Chantal, who runs a mental well-being practice based on sophrology. Prioritizing wellness for her family was key to the project, as was providing a peaceful refuge from Mario’s fast-paced career. The pair found the perfect plot of land near a protected stretch of the Santa Monica Mountains that would allow them to create a connection to the natural world amid Will Rogers State Historic Park’s powerful views.

A former designer herself, she turned with confidence to Bobby McAlpine to create a warm and receptive environment for loved ones. “I understood they wanted a romantic house, not a showplace,” the architect shares. “A home that would be resonant and traditional, but also youthful, fresh and modern.”

Taking stock of the site, McAlpine devised an unorthodox concept: orienting the public spaces toward views along the back of the property, while placing service areas street-side. “It is not intended to be a trophy or a temple,” he notes. “It’s an experiential house and a place for this family to live in an authentic way.” To wit, entering the residence at the center of the complex is an intentionally disorienting experience intended to “make you lose the street,” McAlpine says, and guide visitors into a new realm. Connected by long axes, the architect’s symphony of structures “does not ramble,” Chantal assures. “He keeps it very succinct.”

While another architect from McAlpine’s firm, J. Allen Harris II, served as project architect, it was his colleague Ryan Moss—acting as project manager on the architecture side—who handled the daily coordination of endeavors on site.

Spearheading construction was the father-and-son duo of general contractors Ron and Tyler Udall.

The completed compound is bookended by a green clapboard carriage house and guest cottage—the latter complete with a home theater aerie—while a façade of mortar-slathered tumbled stone evocative of the Cotswolds covers the main buildings. The result is a poetic combination of

provincial-meets-sleek, particularly in the pool pavilion capped with a roof of artificial thatch. “Texture is so befriending—especially in a house with steel windows,” McAlpine notes. This much is evident in the home’s proliferation of hand-carved mantels and paneled walls. “And imperfection is how a new house gains humility.”

Appointing the interiors was a collaborative exercise that tapped into Chantal’s deep well of design knowledge. “She and Mario wanted to show evidence of all they had learned and lived together,” shares McAlpine firm partner Ray Booth, whose first move was to place a foundational layer of Old World-inspired herringbone flooring throughout. Working with fellow designer Molly White, Booth appointed McAlpine’s masterful enfilade of rooms with a reverberating procession of furnishings: patinated reproduction pieces and antiques, upholstery with English proportions, sculptural elements that surprise and unassuming window treatments that do not compete with the vistas.

“For a place as populated as Los Angeles, the view is truly extraordinary,” says Booth, whose textile selections with White was directly inspired by the landscape and light. Mindful of the many months the owners would be spending outdoors, he placed an extended farm table beneath the silver leaves of 125-year-old Barouni olive trees installed on the property by landscape designer Christine London.

From the pollinator-friendly plantings to the kitchen garden, London’s knack for storytelling proved as impactful as McAlpine’s architecture, balancing elements of earthy wildness with appeasing symmetries. Sweeping shrub drifts follow the flow between buildings, “meandering between light and shade on the exterior terraces,” adds the England native, who buffered the buildings from the street by way of a walled containment, thus making space for the children to play among wispy tufts of drought-tolerant native grasses.

Beyond the numerous ways it hints at the heart of who they are, the Spanicciati estate is a place for their four children to grow up immersed in beauty: to decorate cookies on the kitchen’s double islands, to paint, craft and arrange flowers in the stone room off the garden. It’s a home designed to host the chorus of laughter emanating from a children’s wing outfitted for respite, schoolwork and play. As McAlpine sums it: “This house is a secret garden. It’s an invitation. A mystery that must be unfolded and experienced.”

Above: The family room features a 17th-century Spanish trestle console from Chateau Domingue supporting Rose Tarlow Melrose House’s Cylindre Moderne lamps. A broad steel window by Albertini makes for a dramatic focal point.

Opposite: Texture reigns in the salon, where white oak millwork by Bellisi Design graces the walls. Sheer panels of Holly Hunt linen define the room’s seating groups. In one, a Howe London Lurcher sofa teams with Domingos Tótora’s Leiras chair from Sossego and a cocktail table from Balsamo Antiques.

Right: Steel Albertini French doors lead from the library to the patio for enjoying moments of reprieve. Belgian Bluestone pavers and a pea gravel courtyard converge among plantings of pieris and karo by landscape designer Christine London.

Opposite: The study features bookshelves painted SherwinWilliams’ Iron Ore and punctuated by an Andreas Eriksson canvas. Soane’s Clifton Library Shelf Light illuminates a Dmitriy sofa donning Fortuny’s Bacan velvet from Grizzel & Mann, Inc.

“I understood they wanted a romantic house , not a showplace.”

–BOBBY MCALPINE

A Tudor-style arch frames the English-inspired kitchen. Twin stilted islands and perimeter cabinetry crafted by Expression in Wood are topped with Pietra del Cardoso and Calacatta Viola marble, respectively, while Van Cronenburg hardware accents both. The faucets are Easton by Waterworks.

Above: The kids’ library delights with lively color, as seen on books within Bellisi Design’s built-ins and on Windsor-style Ercol Heritage chairs. Vintage brass Afra & Tobia Scarpa pendants suspend above a circa-1820 English plank table from Randall Tysinger Antiques.

Opposite: The petite motif of Cole & Son’s Hummingbirds Icons wallpaper wraps the adjoining daughters’ bedroom, where McAlpine’s built-in bunks boast decorative corbels. Booth’s furnishings sweetly follow suit with a pair of John Derian’s Baronet chairs for Cisco Home set around Nickey Kehoe’s Round Hassock ottoman beneath a lantern by Coleen & Company. Below lies RH’s Malta rug.

Liaigre’s folding Folio chairs from R Hughes line a streamlined waterfall table by Michael Del Piero Good Design. String lights illuminate London’s artfully composed olive grove, an ideal setting for alfresco meals.

BALANCING ACT

European modernism meets Zen and natural elements in a harmonious Seal Beach home.

WRITTEN BY LIZ ARNOLD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA LIGORRIA-TRAMP STYLING BY EMILY BOWSER

Interior Design: Linette Dai, Soko Dai Home Builder: Patrick O’Connell, DLC Builders Inc.

For her clients’ new Seal Beach home, Linette Dai conceived sophisticated interiors imbued with texture. To wit, polished-concrete floors and Benjamin Moore’s Simply White on the walls give the entry corridor a chic presence.

alance is a word that designer Linette Dai uses often when describing the interiors of this Seal Beach home: the balance of bold and serene, industrial and natural, calm and glamour. Her clients, a family of six, pretty much gave her carte blanche, which is “the best gift you can give a designer,” she says. But Dai was mindful to meet their need for a beautiful respite that expressed their personality while still being comfortable and kid friendly. The result is equal parts earthy and modern, organic and fresh, with surprising color combinations and European pop art influences that inject the space with vibrancy and verve.

The project called for an exacting vision from the outset. As a new, two-story, 4,000-square-foot build consuming most of a corner lot that previously contained a small single-story residence, it required some painstaking planning in collaboration with builder Patrick O’Connell and project manager Tom Black, along with architect Paul Geijer.

The couple came to the table with a few specifics in mind. “The wife wanted a space all her own,” Dai explains, referring to the sumptuous, cognac-hued den where her client likes to read. In addition, because the owners were set on making this abode their forever home, they looked to the future and requested ADA-compliant bathrooms, including a curbless shower. Their wish list also encompassed a ground-floor bedroom that could potentially be transformed into a primary down the road.

A long, narrow structure was constructed to optimize the lot’s square footage, with halls of gallery space running the length of the house, both upstairs and down. And, with its clean-lined execution, the central stair, which features wood treads and a glass railing, is both functional and design-forward. “It was a special part of the

project,” O’Connell comments. “We cut the glass in a sawtooth pattern so it would look like it’s disappearing into the treads.”

The main level’s polished-concrete floors are “another standout feature of this home,” the builder adds. Here, too, Dai balanced this outstanding element with just the right materials. Their industrial quality lends an edge to the interiors’ earthier notes, such as the Japanese-inspired slatted-wood accent walls in the living room, primary bath and kitchen cabinetry. Layering in more texture, natural stone appears in every space. “I’m passionate about marble,” shares Dai, who selected Arabescato Corchia with dramatic veining for the kitchen’s countertops and backsplash. In the primary bath, a green Verde Alpi “reminiscent of ocean waves” fosters a serene, spa-like feel.

For the common areas, Dai conceived a palette of potently rich yet natural hues tempered by soft neutrals like beige, gray or ivory. Strategic pops of color can be found in the kitchen’s mustard bar chairs or the den’s coppery cognac-upholstered built-in sofa. The living room, meanwhile, balances textures and shapes by mixing a sloping ivory bouclé sofa with a curved armchair and angular wood-and-rattan chaise. The primary bedroom’s scheme takes a bolder turn with an upholstered bed frame which, depending on the light, can read anywhere from aubergine to merlot. But the room’s pièce de résistance are dramatic cut-stone triangular bedside tables Dai designed using leftover White Beauty marble from the family room’s dry bar.

“The wife was so adventurous, we didn’t want to limit ourselves,” Dai recalls. And this risktaking attitude was the perfect match for her own bold approach to design. “We always embrace the challenge of merging seemingly opposing themes or concepts and finding that delicate balance to make it look effortless.”

–LINETTE DAI

“WE ALWAYS EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE OF MERGING SEEMINGLY OPPOSING THEMES AND FINDING THAT DELICATE BALANCE TO MAKE IT LOOK EFFORTLESS.”

In the dining room, black wishbone chairs from HD Buttercup encircle a gray-lacquered pedestal table from Modloft above which hangs an Arteriors chandelier. The custom wine cabinet features a marble backsplash and ebonized-oak cabinets.

Right: The pantry injects a touch of graphic, European influence to the mix. The glazed-porcelain tiles on its backsplash are Wow through Saxum Tile Design Studio. Opposite: Earthy elements in the kitchen, such as a slatted-wood hood cover by DLC Builders Inc., balance the abundance of marble. Verpan counter stools from the Danish Design Store in a Kvadrat fabric sit below a brass-and-whiteleather pendant by Katy Skelton.

Right: A secondary bathroom features a black penny tile which contrasts with Icera sinks and white faucets by Phylrich. The vanity cabinet is a Soko Dai design realized by DLC Builders Inc. and the floor tile is Wow.

Opposite: In the family room, built-ins by Soko Dai were crafted by Cabinets & Beyond and upholstered by Form + Function. Warm-hued throw pillows in Larsen textiles from Cowtan & Tout create a welcoming vibe. The Roman shades are from The Shade Store.

Above: Organic themes appear throughout the house, including in this downstairs bathroom. Brass faucets by Graff complement tan marble, while opal Edie sconces by Lightmaker Studio, artwork by Joshua Dai and an assortment of ceramics by Linette Dai lend artisanal touches.

Opposite: The primary bedroom pops with bold, aubergine bed upholstery by Form + Function. Mustard Parachute sheets are paired with a checkered quilt by Transition State. The marble side table is a Soko Dai design made from remnants of a slab used elsewhere in the house. The pendant is by Kelly Wearstler for Visual Comfort.

PORTFOLIO

ESCAPE THE ORDINARY

181 FREMONT

Escape the ordinary at San Francisco’s 181 Fremont, an unparalleled condominium with Platinum LEED certification. Each corner home offers spectacular views and hand-selected materials from around the world. Additional amenities include a private Residents’ Club and direct access to Salesforce Park. Priced from $2,500,000.

181fremont.com | 628.200.0530

START THE JOURNEY TO LUXURIOUS SECURITY

CASORO JEWELRY SAFES

Securing valuable jewelry and watches in an elegant safe provides true peace of mind. Casoro’s ready-to-ship and custom-designed safes combine maximum burglar and fire protection, convenient organization, programmable watch winders and exotic woods with expert design assistance and white-glove delivery.

casorojewelrysafes.com | 714.550.4123

INSPIRATIONAL ABSTRACT ART

LETICIA DEMEUSE

Reflecting her extensive travels and the beauty of Southern California living, Leticia Demeuse is a Brazilian-born, SoCal artist whose celebrated works are found in private collections across the U.S., Europe and South America. Fascinated by Brazilian modernist architecture, she loves to deconstruct its forms and find them later in her work. Visit Demeuse’s online gallery to explore her paintings and bespoke abstract art.

CONSUMMATE KITCHEN CREATIONS

LUXURY DESIGNER

The kitchen has evolved from a utilitarian space to the most important designed room in the home.

Donna Johnson designs amazing kitchens that are a primary gathering spot for family and friends, and the true heart of the home. So why not let her create another great “no ordinary kitchen?”

luxury-designer.com | 949.697.5869

DESIGN FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE

DORA BRIGHAM INTERIORS

After 26 years in the interior design industry in Orange County, Dora Brigham Interiors continues to provide unique and functional spaces for its clients. The team’s experience spans from contemporary to traditional, custom new builds to remodels, with every design reflecting the client’s look and lifestyle. dorabrighaminteriors.com

PORTFOLIO

BEAUTIFY EVERYDAY LIFE

NADDOUR’S CUSTOM METALWORKS

Luxury and function go hand-in-hand in every piece crafted by Naddour’s Custom Metalworks. From stair railings to doors, gates and custom iron pieces, the Naddour team is ready to help design dreams.

LUXURY REAL ESTATE EXPERTS

RANCHO REAL ESTATE GROUP

CATRYN FOWLER TEAM

Rancho Real Estate Group specializes in representing clients in a diverse range of real estate transactions throughout San Diego, including private gated golf communities, oceanfront properties, luxury high-rise condominiums, resort real estate, luxury leases and land for custom homes. ranchorealestategroup.com | 619.850.6978

AN ATMOSPHERE OF UNOBTRUSIVE BEAUTY STUDIO

BALESTRA

STUDIO BALESTRA evokes an atmosphere of unobtrusive beauty. Based in Los Angeles, their carefully-curated collection brings beauty, simplicity and authenticity to any living space. Each rare antique piece is a unique work of art that reveals natural textures and old-world patina.

MODERN BESPOKE LUXURY

JILL LEWIS ARCHITECTURE

Jill Lewis Architecture is a boutique studio specializing in contemporary residential architecture, with offices in San Francisco and Palm Springs. Through a highly-collaborative and thoughtful process with the client and builder, they create a bespoke piece of architecture uniquely suited to the site and the client.

BUILDING FAMILY DREAMS

CAVANAUGH CONSTRUCTION

As the father-son team behind Cavanaugh Construction, Dana and Mac Cavanaugh have built an award-winning team that brings more than 20 years of outstanding expertise, old-world artistry, cutting-edge innovation, exceptional detail and a true collaborative spirit to the luxury homes they create for their discerning clientele.

cavanaughconstruct.com | 619.435.6155

CUSTOM GLASS AND SHOWERS

CUSTOM GLASS SPECIALTIES, INC.

Specializing in custom glass partitions and full frameless shower doors that fit any specific opening, as well as bifold doors and mirrors, the experts at Custom Glass Specialties work hard to make homes and businesses more beautiful, luxurious and expansive.

TEXTILE WALLCOVERINGS

FURNITURE

Anees Furniture

Elan Atelier

Erinn V.

Lithos Design

Matthew Studios

Quintus

LIGHTING

Boyd Lighting

Elan Atelier

Hersh Design Matthew Studios

McEwen Lighting

Studio Bel Vetro

TEXTILES

Chase Erwin

Elworthy Studio

Filippo Uecher

John Boyd Textiles

Kohro

Korla Home

Maple Jude & Co.

Mariaflora

Paper Mills

Peter Fasano

Rubelli

Taffard

Townsend Leather

The Sign

Westbury Textiles

WALLCOVERING

Elworthy Studio Kohro

Lithos Design

Maya Romanoff

Paper Mills

Peter Fasano

Rubelli

The Sign

FLOOR COVERING

Divya Living

ACCESSORIES/ART

Cecil Humphreys Bronzework

Elan Atelier

Fresh Paint Art

Lusso Misto Cashmere

Spirale Collection

HARDWARE

Matthew Studios