Home II 2015 by Moon Tide Media

A publication of southbay magazine

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This Imposing Villa, with 180 degrees of Ocean View and a Merlot Vineyard is a true work of art built in 1997. The great room includes a stunning mosaic of over 15,000 pieces of hand cut stone. Amazing interiors include 5 bdrm/10 ba, a formal dining room with ceiling molds from Caesars Palace, a gourmet kitchen with 2-storied pantry, massive master suite with his and her bathrooms and closets, elevator and dumbwaiter, paneled library with secret passage, a large wine cellar and five car garage. 12,000+ Sq. Ft. sitting on over 1 acre. This is a large very private estate atop a long gated and private drive.

Custom built executive home situated on a large flat lot with 6 bdrm/7ba and approx. 6,000 sq.ft. Beautiful Queen’s necklace, sparkling city night lights, and ocean views can be enjoyed throughout. This home features an elegant formal living room and dining room, and the gourmet kitchen with topof-the-line appliances and a huge center island opens to the family room and the lush backyard. All bedrooms are en-suites and the master suite features high ceilings, a large walk-in closet, a luxurious marble bath, and French doors that open to the balcony with fantastic coastline/ocean views. Downstairs are the media room, private office and 1bdrm/gym. Enchanting resort-like backyard with a gazebo, big grassy area and a spa that flows into the large pool with a cover. Custom quality, beautiful appointments and fine details. Gr eat opportunity!

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8 Ringbit Road East, Rolling Hills

1 Clear Vista Dr., Rolling Hills Estates

Perched high on the hill on 1.2 acres in the prestigious Rolling Hills gated community. 5 bdrm + office & 6 ba home boasting an expansive master suite with wonderful views, spacious walk-in closet, large shower/jacuzzi tub and fireplace! Bright and sunny with 4,633 sq ft of living space plus a barn that is currently being used as a workshop/hobby room. Single level, great open floor plan, fantastic gourmet kitchen, high ceilings, multiple skylights, 4 fireplaces and beautiful custom cabinetry and built-ins throughout. Enjoy miles of private horse trails with the security of a 24-hr guard-gated entry. Panoramic ocean/Catalina/coastline/sunset views from all major rooms. Redesigned and renovated in 1993, great opportunity to make it your dream home.

Motivated seller, best value on the hill!!! Fantastic custom built home designed by well-known architect Russ Barto and built by West construction during 2000/2001. Featuring 6 bdrms, 7 baths with 5,766 sq ft of interior space, abundant storage, amazing two- story high beamed ceilings, a handsome stone fireplace, impressive staircase, and an open style gourmet kitchen next to the family room. Huge fully usable flat lot of approx. 20,000 sq. ft. 1 bedroom is being used as a study with all built-ins and its own bath; the master bedroom is on the ground level with walk-in closets and a huge bath. Upstairs, there are 4 bedrooms, a second family room, and a laundry room which is next to another huge storage closet. Wonderful kitchen with all top-of-lines appliances, fantastic butler’s pantry area with a wine storage. Huge wooded flat backyard with excellent privacy. Unbelievable value, you have to see to appreciate! Will not last!

$3,199,000 | www.8RingbitRoad.com

$2,599,000 | www.1ClearVista.com

LILY LIANG Executive Vice President, Strand Hill Properties 550 Silver Spur Road, Suite 240, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 (310) 373-3333 | lily@lilyliang.com www.lilyliang.com Cal BRE# 00837794

WHO IS STRAND HILL PROPERTIES? Strand Hill / Christie’s International Real Estate is a boutique real estate brokerage with offices located in Manhattan Beach and Palos Verdes. Strand Hill is an exclusive global affiliate of the Christie’s International Real Estate network.

WHAT IS CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE? Established by James Christie nearly 250 years ago, Christie’s conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it is the world’s premier auction house and sets the standard for international art sales. Supported by the esteemed art auction house, Christie’s International Real Estate is a global network offering exclusive home and luxury real estate services to buyers and sellers worldwide. The Christie’s brand is instantly recognizable to clients and distinguishes your property from others. We focus exclusively on luxury residential real estate and understand how to reach and serve discerning clientele. Along with this expertise, we offer you the tailored, trusted service that our clients have depended on for 250 years, collaboration with our auction house colleagues, and referrals from our network of the world’s top brokers. Christie’s International Real Estate built its reputation on the rigorous selection of local brokerages. Our Affiliates are selected for their success in luxury property sales and their ability to meet strict standards of excellence. When awarded Affiliate status, they gain access to our global marketing programs, worldwide network of more than 1,350 affiliate offices and 32,000 agents across more than 47 countries, and the expertise of the Christie’s International Real Estate regional management teams.

STRAND HILL PROPERTIES 1131 Morningside Drive, 2nd Fl. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 +1 310 545 0707

550 Silver Spur Road, Suite 240 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 +1 310 541 6566

info@strandhillproperties.com www.strandhillproperties.com

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Darren Elms

Publisher

Angela Akers

Editoral Director

Creative Director

Editorial Designers / Christine Georgiades, Elena Lacey Copy Editor / Laura Watts CONTRIBUTORS

Douglas Dye and Philip Nielsen each bring over 25 years of design experience to their firm

NIELSEN

Siri Berting, Kelly Dawson, Suzanna Cullen Hamilton, Amber Klinck, Chang Kyun Kim, Nicole Leone, Kate Lester, Phil Norman, Jennie Nunn, Shane O’Donnell, Erhard Pfeiffer, Lauren Pressey, Jordan Shields

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TO OUR READERS Southbay HOME Magazine welcomes your feedback and reaction to our magazine and stories. Please send your letters to: Reader Response Department, Southbay HOME Magazine, PO Box 3760, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Please include your name and address and email address in case we need to contact you. Letters may be published. We reserve the right to edit. SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe by email: info@moontidemedia.com or phone: 310-376-7800. Subscriptions are $29 per year. Single copies are available at newsstands and other magazine outlets throughout the Los Angeles area. 58 11th Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 Tel 310-376-7800 • Fax 310-376-0200 moontidemedia.com / oursouthbay.com

southbay HOME II 2015

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EDITOR’S LETTER

CONTRIBUTORS

Amber Klinck WRITER A Colorado girl turned SoCal beach bum, Amber currently works in LA as a freelance writer. With a love of the little details, she has a strong passion for story. When not chasing after her young daughter, she can be found tapping away at her computer in search of inspiration.

Siri Berting PHOTOGRAPHER With several years experience in both art direction and photography, Siri has been making imagery for quite a while, much of that time with her husband, Jeff. Sharing a brain and a love for photography is what drives them to create compelling images. Life is a journey, and they are enjoying the ride together.

One of a Kind When I first began working at Moon Tide Media, I remember my initial introduction to architect Pat Killen. Smartly dressed, with stylish spectacles and a contagious personality, this man offered presence to match his design work. Modern. Meticulous. Memorable. That was Pat Killen. We sadly lost Pat this summer, way too soon. Yet the magnificent gusto he brought to his work still lingers. I remember watching him interact with clients on a photo shoot, cracking jokes and discussing design features like they were collaborating for the first time. Pat genuinely loved the people he designed for, and I believe his projects reflect that passion. The same can be said for many architects, designers, builders and contractors who put their hearts and souls into the shelters of the South Bay. Over the last decades, Pat helped blaze a trail for contemporary design here in our community, and it’s exciting to see so many talented professionals keep up that momentum years later. And like Pat himself, every one of these peers should proudly put a personal stamp on our broader landscape. Cottage or contemporary, mid-century or Mediterranean—our neighborhoods are anything but homogenous. Let’s hope this spirit of craftsmanship, creativity and consciousness stays with us well into the future. I hope you’ll enjoy our latest collection of home features and design tips as much as we did putting it together.

– Darren Elms, Editor

southbay HOME II 2015

Suzanna Cullen Hamilton WRITER Suzanna is a writer and regular contributor to regional and national publications and websites featuring articles on lifestyle, entertainment, architecture, interior design, the arts and the environment. She is a former business owner with sales to a high net worth clientele, and she currently resides in Los Angeles.

Laura Watts COPY EDITOR As a writer and editor for the past two decades, Laura knows the power of words. She has been the copy editor for Moon Tide Media, including Southbay HOME magazine, for the past five years, and she edits the magazine’s design showcases. She shares her love of the written word with her son, with whom she’s enjoying the journey of at-home virtual school.

Jennie Nunn WRITER Lauren Pressey PHOTOGRAPHER Lauren has been photographing South Bay children and their families since 2006. She strives to capture her subjects honestly and artfully and loves the Southern California landscape she gets to work with. A resident of Hermosa Beach and mother of two, she can often be found traveling with camera in hand, documenting the craziness that is her little family.

California–based freelance writer Jennie is a former editor at magazines including 7x7, California Home+Design, and most recently Sunset. A Palos Verdes native, her work has appeared in publications including The San Francisco Chronicle, AFAR, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, C Magazine, The Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Magazine, Luxe Interiors+Design and The Hollywood Reporter.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES 36 | A NEW CENTURY Pierre Koenig’s remarkable Henbest House in Palos Verdes receives a 21st-century makeover.

48 | CREATIVE UNION A married couple blends minimalistic style with family functionality for their joyful Manhattan Beach home.

62 | RELISHED ROOTS Midwestern values and ocean-oriented aesthetics create understated elegance in Redondo Beach.

76 | LA VIE BOHÈME A passion for flea market finds and DIY creativity brings a refreshing style to a Portuguese Bend ranch house.

89 | POSTMODERN PARADIGM Seemingly dissonant parts unite for a prototypical whole in a design couple’s handsome Manhattan Beach home.

102 | BALANCING ACT

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

Traditional statements and modern elements find harmonious synergy in a gorgeous, ocean-view Hermosa Beach home.

southbay HOME III 2015

Exclusive and private, this 5 acre estate in Rolling Hills features 6 bedrooms, over 7250 square feet, and stunning, panoramic coastline and city light views. $6,500,000.

Chris Adlam 310.493.7216 www.chrisadlam.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

Werksman residence, photographed by Siri Berting

southbay HOME II 2015

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING

And… 123 DESIGN SHOWCASE The South Bay’s Top Home Professionals

SELLING THE SOUTH BAY & PALOS VERDES SINCE 2005 As the number one agent in sales volume and transactions for the Shorewood Realtors Malaga Cove Plaza office in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, you will be provided with the expertise and service and unsurpassed local market knowledge of a top professional in South Bay and Palos Verdes. Proudly serving the real estate community as the 2015 President of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Association of REALTORS速 and through the strong and established relationships I have developed in the local real estate community you will be given the advantage you need when you are ready to buy or sell your most valued asset in this highly competitive market.

EDWARD BARRIOS 16 MALAGA COVE PLAZA PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA 90274 CELL: 310-200-1507 | OFFICE: 310-698-1555 FAX: 310-698-1556 | CalBRE: 01472267

edward.barrios@shorewood.com www.edwardbarrios.com

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS

IN THE MOOD WHAT A LOCAL DESIGNER HAS ON HER FALL INSPIRATION BOARD

THE DESIGNER: Kate Lester

THE INSPIRATION: Classic menswear with a coastal twist

2. 1. 5.

4. 1. TARTAN. “This whole concept really

centers around the tartan fabric of Rogers & Goffigon. I love that instead of traditional heavier wool, it is made of really lightweight linen. That fabulous pop of blue makes it unique and perfect for a California coastal home.” ANTIQUE MIRRORS. “This sample is of a really deep, smoky version that’s perfect for tabletops, cabinet doors or a fantastic focal wall. It’s moody and has so much more character than a traditional mirror or plain glass.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

3. EARTHY, YET ELEGANT. “All of

these hand-painted color samples from Portola are spot-on for this fall palette. I

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love the greys and more complex whites. Bringing in those fantastic greens and deeper charcoals spice things up!”

4. OAK. “It’s a gorgeous wood species

with a wonderful, deep masculine quality to it. To keep it fresh and light we often use a limed or bleached version. It’s a great counterpoint to any heavier fabrics, like the wools and velvets you see here.”

FRESH PATTERN. “This graphic pattern from Thomas Callaway Patternworks helps keep things lighthearted. I think the key to a chic, fall California menswear look is making sure there is at least one unexpected pattern to balance all of the classics. It puts a clean, bright spin on the

concept and keeps it from feeling to serious or traditional.”

6. WOVEN SHADES. “In lieu of heavy

drapes, I would bring in this Conrad woven wood shade for window coverings. It allows light to pass through and adds an additional element of texture to a room. We often pair them with lightweight wool drapery panels to add more dimension.”

TOUCH OF WILD. “These Antler Melody knobs from Anthropologie are everything. The ivory is stunning paired with a charcoal grey woodwork, and adding these polished horn knobs to a chest or desk instantly gives it a stylish, masculine feel.”

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ARTISAN

STAND OUT Named after our surrounding architecture and aesthetic of El Segundo, the Bungalow House riffs off the modest, cozy and well-built style of California in the early 20th century. “Our company has followed that blueprint in making furniture that not only fits the California aesthetic but also that is well-built, timeless and fun,” says co-owner Kenny Powell. Though the business exclusively used solid domestic hardwood and traditional finishing, it recently expanded

southbay HOME II 2015 2015

capacities to use some unusual and innovative materials and techniques. The Collings Credenza (pictured) employs long-established building methods but uses 100% FSC-certified, Baltic birch plywood with the edges purposely exposed and finished with an extremely durable, low-sheen flooring finish. The credenza features removable and interchangeable storage pieces, including two shelves and one three-drawer tower perfect for all of your storage or media needs.

fine ceramics | natural stone | hardwoods | cabinetry | faucetry

3968 pacific coast hwy., torrance (310) 373-7781 • www.simplytiles.com LICENSE #904876

ICONIC SLIDING DOOR HARDWARE Barn Door Hardware | Library Ladders | Accordion Doors

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Kenny Powell and his mother, Jeanie, started the Bungalow House with a passion for working hands-on and creating one-of-a-kind furniture. Both based in El Segundo, Jeanie has a background in engineering and Kenny in fine arts—merging their talents into a small, family-run home furnishings business. For more, visit the-bungalow-house.com.

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SPECIALTY DOORS | 310-648-7601

SOUTH BAY SHOWROOM 2609 Manhattan Beach Blvd | Redondo Beach, CA 90278 | 7am — 4pm Weekdays

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southbay HOME II 2015

PIERRE KOENIG’S REMARKABLE HENBEST HOUSE IN PALOS VERDES RECEIVES A 21ST-CENTURY MAKEOVER. WRITTEN BY SUZANNA CULLEN HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHANG KYUN KIM

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he “open concept plan” is a term most commonly heard on HGTV; however, its roots extend back 70 years when mid-20th century architecture turned the tables on traditional home design. Simplicity found in postand-beam construction, flat planes and an extensive use of glass in a singlelevel, open-concept floor plan are hallmarks of mid-century modern architecture. Pierre Koenig was one of the California architects leading the charge to shift the typical two-story suburban house to a more free-flowing floor plan that better suited the Southern California lifestyle. With projects ranging all over greater Los Angeles, Koenig’s portfolio was extensive. He remains best known for his Case Study Houses that were constructed on lots that others believed unbuildable. While Palos Verdes has many beautiful houses, it does not have many homes that were designed by acclaimed architects of the mid-century. However, Koenig built the Henbest House in Rancho Palos Verdes in 1966, and at the time it was a textbook model of mid-century modern design. After a recent remodel, the house retains many of the acclaimed architect’s original design elements. When Elizabeth and Stephen Birkett contemplated investing in Palos Verdes after having lived in Hermosa Beach, they knew a property had to have significant architectural value or a great view. With the Henbest House, they got both. “The house was structurally in great shape, and the floor plan works so well for a family,” says Stephen. After living in the house for a year, the Birketts launched into a full remodel of the house with Hermosa Beach designer Robert Sweet of ras-a, inc. Although hidden behind a contemporary wood and concrete wall, the mid-century house embodies many of the signature traits of that period. The floating accordion roof is a rare preservation in today’s market—but one that immediately identifies the house as authentic. The Birketts saved the original floor plan and the post-and-beam construction. While most mid-century modern homes have steel beams, the Koenig home has wood beams due to the Palos Verdes ordinances prohibiting steel beams in the 1960s. A few architectural additions made the house more comfortable to accommodate a family. The master bedroom wing was extended to include a walk-in closet, master bathroom and

southbay HOME II 2015

INSPIRED INTERIORS Robert Sweet honored the home's original identity, and the owners incorporated furnishings true to its midcentury roots.

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southbay HOME II 2015

office. The opposing wing was extended to include a guest bedroom and garage. Because the house has a simple U shape, the minimal square footage was added to the endsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;thereby not changing the shape of the original footprint. Other structural changes included improving the radiant heat floors. Because the original house had concrete floors with only one radiant heat floor zone, designated zoned heat coils were installed with another layer of concrete poured on top for an original appearance. Yielding to 21st-century design preferences, Elizabeth and Stephen decided to remodel the home rather than restore it. They removed the original kitchen cabinets and sliding glass doors to meet contemporary design aesthetics and functionality. The kitchen is now a sleek design in grey, white and stainless steel; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open to all of the living areas. The new, energy-efficient sliding glass doors are larger than the original glass doors, and they permit a seamless view of the ocean. However, Elizabeth and Stephen had a stroke of historical preservation genius when they opted to reinstall the original globe lights in the kitchen. The existing bathrooms were renovated to accommodate a comfortable and modern lifestyle, but the design is in keeping with the original aesthetics of the house. Floating cabinets mix with both white and colorful tiles for a reference to the old with an infusion of the new. The new master bathroom includes an indoor/outdoor shower with spectacular ocean views.

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Working with designer Allison Weber, Elizabeth and Stephen furnished the house with an eclectic array of furniture. From new pieces purchased at Design Within Reach to the formal Steinway piano and classic Le Corbusier chairs, the living and dining area is a study of styles and price points. The vintage wood coffee table and 1960s Danish modern breakfast table and chairs infuse warmth and character into the house. As open and flowing as the inside of the house is, the outdoor living areas spill seamlessly into the front and backyard. The Henbest House was originally designed with a pool, but it was never installed on the property. Stephen Birkett was determined not only to have a pool on the property but that it be the exact pool that Koenig designed with the original house plans. After an exhaustive search at the Getty Center, Stephen located Koenigâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original drawings for the property and the original pool design. Robert acted as both the house designer and landscape designer and created an entire outdoor living area around Koenigâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pool plans. Although the yard was overgrown with bamboo and various plants at the time of the purchase, he managed to see through the mess.

southbay HOME II 2015

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“Robert not only got our vision of the house, but he understood our intent for the property,” says Stephen. Like the low-slung, wide profile of the house, the outdoor area keeps the same lines and proportions. Both the front and back outdoor areas now provide multiple areas that work for kids and adults. The pool is not only an entertainment area; it’s a critical element in the overall architectural and visual design of the property. Huge concrete pads float over the water, creating a walkway to the front door, while various seating areas visually expand the yard. In the backyard one entire side is designated for the children with a wooden playground area, while the opposite side offers a comfortable seating area with a commanding view of the ocean. Ranch-style homes became the rage in midcentury America. However, they were eschewed in the late-20th century in favor of more grand residences. The Henbest-Birkett House represents a blend of some of the best elements of mid-century modern architecture with the conveniences of 21st-century living. It’s comfortable, open, light-filled and provides a fluid lifestyle.

[ THE COLLABORATORS ] ROBERT SWEET, DESIGNER | DAVE VALENZUELA, GENERAL CONTRACTOR | ALLISON WEBER, INTERIOR DESIGNER | ERIC MCCULLUM, ENGINEER ROBERT SWEET, LANDSCAPE DESIGN | GABRIELLE NEWMARK, LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT | FURNISHINGS: ALLISON WEBER AND THE HOMEOWNERS

southbay HOME II 2015

TIRED OF LIVING TOO CLOSE TO YOUR NEIGHBOR?

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CHAD HEITZLER FAHLBUSCH 310.600.3555 | CHAD@SOUTHBAYCHAD.COM | WWW.SOUTHBAYCHAD.COM

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HOT HUE

THINK PINK THIS FALL, SOFTEN UP THE HOME WITH ROMANTIC, BLUSHHUED TONES. EDITED BY JENNIE NUNN

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C R E AT I V E

UNION A married couple blends minimalistic style with family functionality for their joyful Manhattan Beach home.

WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

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fter years of living on the East Coast, Sarah and Jason Ro learned the value of making the most of their space. “We moved from New York almost five years ago,” Sarah, now a South Bay resident, notes. But it was during their time at the University of Pennsylvania that the couple initially met. “We met in college, married young and spent about 15 years out East. Then we had our second [child], and I was done with apartment living. Plus we always knew we’d be back.” Originally from Palos Verdes, Sarah’s family played a big part in the couple’s relocation to Southern California. “My parents are still here, and my sister and her family live five minutes from where we grew up,“ she explains. But it would be in Manhattan Beach that the couple would purchase a single-level home, only to scrap it and start from scratch. “We tried to add a floor, but when we worked through it, it wasn’t making sense. So we took it down,” explains Jason. The family rented in Redondo Beach during the 14 months it took to build the new house. As two creatives working on their own home—Jason as the designer and Sarah as the interior guru—the couple had a distinct vision of what they wanted for their family. By the time the project was complete, they couldn’t wait to get in the door. “We moved in December 23. We had a sofa, that was it—and a little Christmas tree in the corner,” Sarah notes.

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A lot has changed since then. Merging a minimalistic style with expansive living areas and family functionality, the couple has created a clean but warm living space that serves the needs of the household while showcasing their own sophisticated style. Rich with natural light, floors of porcelain tile and white oak, this modernmeets-beach home pairs an urban feel with the necessities of an energetic family of five. Comfort and everyday livability are at the forefront, backed by an artistically cool, undeniably smart communal vibe. The lines are blurred between the kitchen, living and dining areas, with

massive glass doors leading outside—further adding to the light, airy feel of the home. Coming from New York, “we’re used to one open living space,” Sarah explains. With an outdoor fridge, grill and heat lamps over a lengthy dining table, the yard serves as an extension of their open living space—making it perfect for entertaining guests and family dinners alfresco. The kitchen, like the rest of the home, is flooded with natural light—pouring in from the windows that line the top of the cabinets. Danby marble counters and streamlined, hidden storage add a modern touch, complementing the

practicality of the kitchen’s more casual built-in eating area. The small craft room off the entry of the home serves as a go-to for Sarah’s projects. “It was either going to be a mudroom or my little study/craft room,” she explains. A peek inside shows an abundance of decorations in preparation of their daughter’s first birthday. Sarah smiles and says, “In Korean tradition [the first birthday] is kind of a big deal.” Further evidence of the youngest members of the Ro family can be found upstairs. The kids’ rooms boast huge windows and an abundance of storage. “Everything is behind doors,” Sarah

[ THE COLLABORATORS ] JASON RO & ZAC ROCKETT, RO ROCKETT DESIGN; SARAH RO INTERIORS

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notes, providing a remarkably clutterfree alternative to bins and shelves. In addition to the many incredible pieces of artwork found throughout the house, framed paintings done by the children are hung in the upstairs hallway—which also serves as another seating area in the home. “We wanted the hallway to feel like a continuation of our upstairs space,” Jason explains. A pillow-lined bench with splashes of color and printed patterns—“I’m a serious pillow person,” says Sarah—makes the area incredibly inviting. As for the kids, she continues, “Sometimes they

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play here or just run around.” Off the hall, Jason points out, is “the brain of the house,” with a sound system operable by phone, as well as a family room that doubles as a guest room with wall-to-wall storage and a guest bath. The master suite, in addition to having massive yet surprising private windows, has its own deck. “We put the master on this side so we could catch the sunset,” Jason explains. Staying consistent with the rest of the house, even the closet in Sarah and Jason’s room is filled with natural light.

The master bath has its own steam shower and stunning tub … though Sarah points out it’s usually only the kids that use it. With high ceilings (nearly 20 feet in the dining area), large doors and windows, the house is certainly expansive—but surprisingly cozy. It’s minimal without feeling empty and modern while still having warmth. It’s juxtapositions like this that make this home so unique—that along with Sarah’s and Jason’s welcoming dispositions. It’s East-Coast-meets-WestCoast, and it works.

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INCORPORATED ROOM & BOARD OFFERS SOME HELPFUL DESIGN TIPS TO BLEND A SMALL WORKSPACE INTO AN EXISTING ROOM. PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

Center the space with a large piece of art. Choose something that goes with the room’s broader palette but defines the smaller workspace area. Keep accessories to a minimum. A nice minimalist lamp, coordinated office supplies and minor décor help the desk remain appealing. Pick a desk that matches the elements of your room. Wood, metal or whatever, try for a seamless effect so the workspace doesn’t stick out unintentionally. A desk that holds files is always a great option and eliminates the need for a filing cabinet. Use a canvas bag or basket to hide a trash can or store extra supplies and magazines.

GET THE LOOK: ELLIS DESK IN WALNUT $1,799 PIKE CHAIR WITH WALNUT BASE $149 VINTAGE SCHOOL MAP $1,199 ELEMENT TABLE LAMP $419 ELSA CANVAS STORAGE BIN $149 NATURAL COWHIDE RUG $699 All available at Room & Board roomandboard.com.

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OWN A SEASIDE SANCTUARY for every season Introducing The Villas at Terranea: An exclusive collection of exquisite whole-ownership seaside second homes on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Discover how you can become one of the privileged few who can call Terranea their own seaside sanctuary for every season. Choose from 2, 3 and 4-bedroom Ocean Golf Villas, each with its own sweeping ocean and sunset views and gracious outdoor spaces perfect for a lifetime of entertaining family, friends and colleagues.

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ABOUT THE ARTIST: Paul Burns, founder and chief ceramicist, got his start at the ripe old age of 10. He first made tile with his uncle, Ross Chichester—the past president of Stonelight Tile— and learned all aspects of handmade tile production from extrusion to glaze formulating to kiln firing. In 1986 he took the leap to set out on his own and opened Fireclay Tile. For more, visit fireclaytile.com.

FIRED UP Handmade in California for almost three decades, Fireclay Tile follows one simple philosophy: Make beautiful tile for people, when they want it, the way they want it. With a passion for good design and the belief that handmade products have soul, the factory, based in Aromas, produces beautiful tiles in a variety of incarnations—from glass to brick and Mediterranean to Moroccan. Slanted toward sustainability, the company’s recycled clay body

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boasts more than 70% in recycled materials, which include postconsumer glass, granite dust and porcelain from toilets, collected to back water conservation efforts. The glass line is composed of 100% recycled glass from local window and solar panel production industries. A supporter of local business, Fireclay Tile sources raw materials nearby or within the U.S.—another reason to admire this Golden State artisan.

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ROOTS MIDWESTERN VALUES AND OCEAN- ORIENTED AESTHETICS CREATE UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE IN REDONDO BEACH. WRITTEN BY SUZANNA CULLEN HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

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ummers in the Midwest revolve around lakeside living when the days are longer, the pace of life is slower, and family and friends gather together for relaxed vacations. Lake cottages feature tongue-and-groove paneling, beamed ceilings and big porches that foster environments as inviting and down-to-earth as the residents who occupy them. Outdoor fire pits offer warmth on cool summer evenings when children catch fireflies by the lake before roasting marshmallows. Although the South Bay is far more congested than the Midwestern lake region, the two areas are united in an outdoor-oriented lifestyle. The surfboards and piers of the South Bay are replaced in the Midwest with canoes and personal boat docks on the lakes. When Melonee and Jim Patterson moved to Southern California, neither was certain it would be a permanent move. However, business opportunities and the warm Southern California climate were easy transitions for this Midwestern-raised couple. Jim received his MBA from USC and ultimately became a writer and producer of the phenomenally successful show Two and a Half Men. Melonee has had a long career in auto design, so both have professions that tap into their respective creativity. After living in the South Bay for years, the

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Pattersons determined that Redondo Beach was the right place for their family, which includes their children and dogs. Deciding to build their own home was a visionary endeavor they could share because they agreed that the house would be a merging of the best of the Midwest and the beach. “We love everything about being at the lake, and we wanted our house to remind us of where we spent our summers growing up,” says Melonee. In 2013 the couple hired Gary Lane to help them design and build their home that Melonee describes as “coastal farmhouse style.” Horizontal tongue-and-groove paneling and sliding barn doors hide Melonee’s office and the mudroom while creating a clean visual line from the front door through to the back deck. Bleached oak floors are as beautiful as they are utilitarian, while “the newel post on the stairs is reminiscent of a lighthouse tower at the lake,” says Melonee. The architectural features are

rich in quality and warm in aesthetics. A subtle but sophisticated, beachoriented color palette runs throughout the house. Sea glass greens, soft taupe and an earthy aqua tone are framed by crisp, white trim. Beautiful woods, river rock, stone and tiles add texture to the natural palette and are as soothing as the sounds of a rippling lake. Roman shades are not only practical; they add a distinctly refined element to the interior design. Every room has several textures that blend seamlessly for an understatedly elegant environment. Melonee and Jim devoted significant thought to every area of the house. Although it has a fluid, casual feeling, there are carefully considered spaces that accommodate everyone. Multiple living areas, offices, a separate guest suite for visiting relatives and a second kitchen on the ground floor near the pool ensure that every amenity is available to make the house function well for the entire family. “Gary was tremendous, and he un-

derstood what we wanted aesthetically in the house as well as how we wanted it to work,” says Melonee. The main floor includes a large kitchen, breakfast room and a huge family living room with a fabulous deck that runs the width of the house and overlooks the spectacular pool. The large center island can accommodate a crowd, but the family dines on the zinc dining table tucked under a window with views of the backyard. Outdoor upholstery fabric resembles beautiful linen but provides incredible durability on the contemporary, overscaled sofa. “Kids and dogs cannot hurt this furniture,” laughs Melonee. The master bedroom suite is an oasis that includes the bedroom, bathroom and a large private deck. “Jim and I spent a lot of time designing the master bathroom so that it would feel like a spa,” says Melonee. The double Jacuzzi tub has a small fireplace in one of the surrounding walls so the elements of fire, water and air are present in a truly soothing and harmonious

A SUBTLE BUT SOPHISTICATED, BEACHORIENTED COLOR PALETTE RUNS THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE. SEA GLASS GREENS, SOFT TAUPE AND AN EARTHY AQUA TONE ARE FRAMED BY CRISP, WHITE TRIM.

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environment. Another imaginative solution in the bathroom includes the undulating shower bench, which provides individual seats for enjoying the steam shower. Much thought and creativity went into the house, while much ingenuity went into the outdoor living area. The pool is not only stunning, but it’s an engineering feat.

“We saw something similar in Vegas and asked our pool contractor to help us design it,” says Melonee. One end of the pool is below ground, while the opposite end is above ground. The above-ground portion features a stacked stone pool surround with a massive acrylic, see-through panel that links both

portions. It provides a focal point as well as a clear view to the opposite end of the pool. The ground floor of the house opens to the pool terrace to create a huge living area, and a guesthouse ensures that there’s plenty of space for overflow entertaining. “One of the great benefits of living in Redondo Beach is that the lots are larger and

[ THE COLLABORATORS ] GARY LANE, BUILDER | MELONEE PATTERSON, ZING DESIGN, INTERIOR DESIGNER | VISION AND SOUND CUSTOM SYSTEM INTEGRATORS

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provide more opportunities for outdoor living,” says Melonee. As classic as the aesthetics are in the Patterson home, the house is technologically advanced. It’s a “smart home” wherein all of the lighting, sound and cameras are controlled from three iPads. Whether monitoring electrical use or controlling lighting when not at home, smart homes have the capacity to conserve energy, cut costs and ensure safety. Although the Pattersons continue to

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visit family in the Midwest, they’ve created their own version of lakeside living at the beach. “Your own house is the most difficult to design, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” says Melonee. Finding the home interior design process so fulfilling, Melonee recently launched her own firm, Zing Design. While Melonee’s and Jim’s roots might be in the Midwest, it’s certain that this Michiganborn designer will have tremendous success in her new South Bay career.

Where we live, quality is a universal language. Innovation Intelligence Integrity Real Estate Reinvented

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HOMESPUN HUMANITY CASEY AND BROOKE COURTER CREATE A LIFESTYLE COMPANY FOR THE SOUTH BAY DWELLER AND A PHILANTHROPIC REACH BEYOND OUR BORDERS. WRITTEN BY KELLY DAWSON

Casey and Brooke Courter are used to fresh starts at a fast speed. After they graduated college, they both moved to Hawaii and met at a volunteer program. Later, when they felt restricted by traditional 9-to-5 work schedules, they thought of ways to start their own business. And once they became entrepreneurs, they got married. All of this happened in the last two years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We both have that travel bug in us,

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOEL BEAR

and we love to go around the world and volunteer,” Brooke says. “We wanted to be involved in more communities.” As quickly as they seem to move, Casey and Brooke also appreciate the beauty found in life’s slow moments. They describe these fleeting instances, such as drinking coffee from a warm mug and relaxing beneath a cozy blanket, as times when anyone can gain happiness from everyday motions. This mentality, coined by the word “perf” in Casey’s family, became the basis of their company. “It’s that place where you feel your best or you feel yourself,” Brooke says. “So we made a curated shop of home and lifestyle goods that allow you to do that.” Give Perf, the South Bay-based company they founded in 2014, has a look of lived-in comfort. Textured blankets and towels make up the majority of items for sale online— which can be seen tossed over shoulders, arms and banisters in a colorful picture display—while hats, a bag and a notebook complete the collection. But these items are ornaments in the company’s overall mission. For every item pur-

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chased, 15% of the profit goes to an established organization that has partnered with Casey and Brooke to meet an altruistic goal. “I think working toward something that has purpose, when every day you can wake up and do something that you know is for the greater good and can change someone’s life, brings a whole new aspect to work,” says Casey. At first, this organization could have been any nonprofit that struck a cord with the couple and agreed to find a mutual objective. They worked with Loving Orphans Global in Bali to make sure every orphan received a new pair of shoes. Once that was completed, they joined with Convoy of Hope to help farmers grow food that feeds children in Haiti. “We want the ‘give’ behind our company to be where our heart is,” Brooke says. “But it was really hard for us to narrow it down, because it meant we had to say no to something. How do you say who deserves help more?” After completing these projects over the course of two years, the couple felt a famil-

iar desire to seek a fresh challenge. While they both were fulfilled by the success they helped create, like seeing the smiles on kids’ faces when they wore their new shoes, they still sought a way to do more. This fall they’ve decided to recast Give Perf’s mission to focus solely on helping nonprofit organizations build homes throughout the world. “We started out with this broad idea, this need to want to give back,” says Casey. “Being able to give a family in need a home really is what we thought makes sense. I think it’s the right direction for us to go.” By using their homespun products to assist in the creation of actual homes, Brooke and Casey feel that they have found a more streamlined definition of the word “perf” and a niche that will propel their vision forward. It’s the type of realization that comes with experience, even as 20-something newlyweds running a nascent business. “This is a new venture for us, and we’re a young couple—so we’re still figuring it out,” Brooke says. “We’ll hopefully always be learning different ways to improve.” For more, visit giveperf.com.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY VICTORIA LAM

SITTING PRETTY

Based on time-honored Mayan hammock weaving technology, the Acapulco lounger chair (pictured) unifies tradition with innovation and harmonizes the function of ergonomic comfort with retro-modern aesthetic form. The Acapulco is in every way cool. The weave perfectly cradles the body within its clean lines and offers a character of casual sophistication. Plus, they’re light and easy to clean. Made by Innit Designs, this classic chair is constructed in a factory right here in Gardena. The chair is available in multiple colors and forms, including a rocker, bar stool, ottoman and junior edition. Blend some margaritas and watch the world go by in style.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Paul Yacht, the founder and principal of Innit, started in design working in Toronto’s film industry as a set decorator. In 2002 a slowed industry gave him the push to move to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, to follow a lifelong dream of learning how to surf and living easy on the beach. He opened a small bookstore/surf shop/bar/cinema on this surf-beach and used chairs similar to the Acapulco as seating. After receiving requests from people all over the world for these chairs, he decided to perfect the designs, polish them and export them, with everything handmade entirely in the U.S. and Canada. For more, visit innitdesigns.com.

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La Vie Bohème A PASSION FOR FLEA MARKET FINDS AND DIY CREATIVITY BRINGS A REFRESHING STYLE TO A PORTUGUESE BEND RANCH HOUSE.

WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING

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t’s a pretty, picturesque morning at the Wade house. With strawberry-stained fingers, 1½-year-old Remington Wade floats across the living room, her feet just barely touching the floor. A loveable French bulldog named Charlie watches her every move as mom, Vanessa, laughs and says, “I feel like I have 1.25 children,” referring to Charlie as her “firstborn.” Vanessa’s mother, Pamela, walks in from the kitchen offering hot cappuccinos and homemade oatmeal-chocolate-chip cookies. To see the dynamic between the three generations is sweet and, honestly, rather impressive. “We all benefit from [being together],” Pamela says. “It’s perfect.”

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Vanessa describes her relationship with her mother by saying, “We’re like partners in crime, and we’re both big DIY people.” This last statement is evident throughout the home. It’s hard not to feel inspired to seek out your inner creative self while walking through the Wade house—though what seems like an effortless project for Vanessa might be a bit more involved for the rest of us. As a wardrobe stylist with a great eye and a self-proclaimed “treasure hunter,” Vanessa discovers her artistry through exploration. “I shop a lot of flea markets. I go every month,” she explains. “My only motto is that I have to finish my current project before I go back. Otherwise I’ll just turn into a hoarder—a glamorous hoarder.” Following in her mother’s footsteps,

Remington comes along for the ride. “I love taking Remington to the flea market,” Vanessa explains. “It’s the only time she’ll sit in her stroller; she’s just mesmerized. It’s in her blood, she’s got a little flare from her mother and her grandmother.” Of course it’s not just at her favorite local flea markets that Vanessa loves to rummage for a good find. After tearing down what turned out to be a supporting wall in the kitchen, Vanessa jumped at the opportunity to find a creative solution. “I said, ‘Great, I love exposed beams.’ So I hustled down to Gardena and picked up this beam at a vintage lumber yard,” Vanessa explains. “It was like a treasure hunt.” The kitchen was the first major project the Wades took on after purchasing the house.

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“I’ve always loved the combination of wood and white, because I feel like you’ll never tire of it, and you can always switch out the accessories. Kind of like jeans and a white T-shirt.”

Located on the Portuguese Bend in Rancho Palos Verdes, the spacious ranch-style home originally belonged to Vanessa’s grandparents. “We bought the house when I was eight months pregnant,” Vanessa notes. “My grandparents passed away about 10 years ago. My mom had been renting it out, and we were interested in buying. We’d always kind of dreamt about living somewhere like this.” When moving day came, Vanessa’s husband, Tyler Wade, who recently became a captain for the Manhattan Beach Fire Department, enlisted the help of his co-workers. “I swear I could have sold tickets to our move-in day,” says Vanessa. “There were tons of really cute firemen moving us in. They have such a

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brotherhood; everyone stepped up to the plate to help.” The kitchen, which was originally covered in turquoise, got a major upgrade including custom, slow-closing cabinets, quartz countertops and an island with a beautifully warm walnut top and bar seating. “I’ve always loved the combination of wood and white, because I feel like you’ll never tire of it, and you can always switch out the accessories,” Vanessa says. “Kind of like jeans and a white T-shirt.” This mode of thought continues into the main living space. “Because the floor is such a bright red terra-cotta, I wanted to do the walls all white and play with pops of color that I could switch out,” Vanessa explains.

Off the main living area is a family room. “I like having the TV in there instead of the living room,” says Vanessa. It keeps the massive, 20-foot glass door the focal point of the main living space. “We love to sit here with friends over and just watch the kids play outside.” In Remington’s room, Vanessa plays with an array of accessories to create a unique juxtaposition between uber girlie-girl and rustic flare, including golden deer figurines, decorative arrows and antlers. “Her room is one of my favorite places,” Vanessa notes, though elements of Remington can be found throughout the house. In the main living space she has a teepee, made by Vanessa, and a small kitchenette.

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There’s also a mudroom-turned-playroom off the kitchen. But even with all the kid-friendly areas designated throughout the home, the family appears to spend the most of their time in the yard. With a small shaded area off the house and another large rustic dining table, there is plenty of seating to sip your morning coffee or serve dinner al fresco. “It’s just so peaceful, that’s what I love about it up here,” Vanessa says. But it’s so much more than just serene. With peach, plum, lemon and orange trees, as well as three chickens named Cinnabon, Sweet Pea and Big Mama Red, the Wades’ yard serves as a bountiful retreat away from the hustle-and-bustle of town.

“[My grandparents] were really good at growing food,” says Vanessa. “My grandmother would pickle everything, and my grandpa loved it. This yard was his sanctuary.” With Charlie the dog innocently chasing the chickens and Remington teetering around underneath the fruit trees, it’s easy to see that the yard continues to be a sanctuary for the Wades. Even though their home is only 15 minutes from town, there’s a distinct shift in energy as you make your way up the hill … a slower pace that includes waving to your neighbor on horseback as they ride past your front door. The laidback vibe is contagious, making it clear to see why the Wades have always dreamt of living “somewhere like this.”

Great Opportunity in Malaga Cove LD

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Patty Sullivan 310-541-8271 Office

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Go Wild! South Bay designer Jordan Shields turns a new leaf with her picks for botanicalinspired wallpapers.

SWEET & SUBTLE Contemporary Restyled Palm by Cole and Son, cole-and-son.com

MEAN METALLIC Lush Red by Walnut Wallpaper, walnutwallpaper.com

THE ICON Martinique, designed in 1942 for The Beverly Hills Hotel, designerwallcoverings.com

BLACK, WHITE & BOLD Feuillage by Hermes, homefabricshermes.dedar.com

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TAKE COVER THE NEW BOHEMIANS: COOL & COLLECTED HOMES By Justina Blakeney Stewart, Tabori and Chang 304 pages LA-based designer Justina Blakeney defines the New Bohemians as creative individuals who are boutique owners and bloggers, entrepreneurs and ex-pats, artists and urban farmers. They embrace free-spirited, no-rules lifestyles and apply that attitude to all areas of their existence, including their homes. With little distinction between work and play, the new boho home often includes an office, art gallery, showroom, photography studio, restaurant or even a pop-up shop. The New Bohemians explores 20 homes located primarily on the East and West coasts. Exclusive interviews with the owners, 12 DIY projects created by Blakeney and inspired by objects found in the homes, and a “Plant-O-Pedia” offer insight into achieving this aesthetic.

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Our art, design and architecture picks for your library or coffee table

HOME FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT: A LIFE By Ada Louise Huxtable Penguin Publishing Group 272 pages Renowned architecture critic Ada Louise Huxtable’s biography Frank Lloyd Wright looks at the architect and the man, from his tumultuous personal life to his long career as a master builder. Along the way she introduces Wright’s masterpieces, from the tranquil Fallingwater to Taliesin, rebuilt after tragedy and murder, not only exploring the mind of the man who drew the blueprints but also delving into the very heart of the medium, which he changed forever.

By Ellen DeGeneres Grand Central Publishing 304 pages Ellen DeGeneres has bought and renovated nearly a dozen homes over the last 25 years and has launched a design show on HGTV: Ellen’s Design Challenge. In Home, she will—for the first time—open up about her love of home design and style. DeGeneres believes, “You don’t have to have money to have good taste,” and she plans to share her secrets and design ideas, with advice on how to get high-end looks on a mid-level budget. Full of hundreds of beautiful photographs of seven of her own homes, as well as places she visits for inspiration, this book will be a treasure trove of beautiful rooms and hundreds of ideas and tips on putting together the home you’ve always wanted.

IAN SCHRAGER: WORKS By Ian Schrager Rizzoli 408 pages Long awaited, this volume spans almost 40 years of contemporary high design as masterminded by Ian Schrager. Known for being the originator of the mythical Studio 54, as well as a creator of the boutique hotel, Ian Schrager has done much more than create, design and manage hotels, restaurants, clubs, residential buildings and various real estate developments throughout the world. He has challenged and redefined the idea of luxury and glamour. These spaces are renowned destinations for evening social spaces and fabulous, memorable parties as well as restful, urban oases. This book presents many never-before-seen photographs from hotels such as the Morgans, Paramount, Delano, Mondrian and the famed Gramercy Park Hotel in New York that Schrager collaborated on with painter Julian Schnabel; residential properties, including 40 Bond Street and 50 Gramercy Park North; and the legendary club Studio 54.

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TINY HOUSE LIVING: IDEAS FOR BUILDING & LIVING WELL IN LESS THAN 400 SQUARE FEET By Ryan Mitchell Betterway Home 176 pages Tiny homes are popping up across America, captivating people with their novel approach not only to housing but to life. Once considered little more than a charming oddity, the tiny house movement continues to gain momentum among those who thirst for a simpler, “greener,” more meaningful life in the face of society’s “more is better” mindset. This book explores the philosophies behind the tiny house lifestyle, helps you determine whether it’s a good fit for you and guides you through the transition to a smaller space. For inspiration, you’ll meet tiny house pioneers and hear how they built their dwellings (and their lives) in unconventional, creative and purposeful ways. They’ll invite you in, show you around their cozy abodes and share lessons they learned along the way.

JOHN ROBSHAW PRINTS: TEXTILES, BLOCK PRINTING, GLOBAL INSPIRATIONS, AND INTERIORS By John Robshaw Chronicle Books 176 pages Design enthusiasts and armchair travelers will love circling the globe with celebrated textile designer John Robshaw. From batiks in Java to ikats in Thailand and indigo printing in India, Robshaw reveals the lush inspiration behind his signature style while highlighting step-bystep block printing techniques from local artisans and masters. Robshaw provides a rare glimpse into his creative process, wherein he blends traditional methods with his own painterly style for entirely unique creations and shares tips for incorporating textiles into any space. Brimming with beautiful photographs of covetable textiles, far-flung destinations and eyecatching interiors, this luxe, fabric-covered book is an eclectic visual tour of the rich tradition of textile printing.

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FEEL AT HOME IN YOUR SKIN.

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Pos tm od e r n Pa r a d i g m SEEMINGLY DISSONANT PARTS UNITE FOR A PROTOTYPICAL WHOLE IN A DESIGN COUPLE’S HANDSOME MANHATTAN BEACH HOME. WRITTEN BY SUZANNA CULLEN HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERHARD PFEIFFER AND LAUREN PRESSEY

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lthough postmodernism emerged in the 1950s, it did not become a popular design aesthetic for 30 years. However, by the 1980s it was a cultural movement that enveloped architecture, art, furniture, fashion and music, shattering established ideas and pushing artistic boundaries in the use of colliding styles. Complexity and contradiction are the hallmarks of postmodernism, where the juxtaposition of materials, forms and styles invoke irony and ambiguity. Vivid colors and traditional elements applied in unexpected ways break further boundaries. Renowned architects and designers such as Philip Johnson, Michael Graves, Robert Venturi, Alessi and Memphis dominated the architectural and home furnishings market. One of the most famous postmodern-designed houses in California is Frank Gehry’s Venice Beach house built in 1986. When Lisa and Marc Welch decided to build their own home in Manhattan Beach, their respective architectural backgrounds were unified in postmodernism. Marc is a graduate of the Cornell University College of Architecture, one of the most prestigious architecture schools in the country. Lisa attended the University of Michigan Architecture School, and her love of opposing design elements segued with Marc’s architectural philosophies of creating juxtapositions.

“Together we are inspired by design components that are in opposition to each other; static versus dynamic elements; public versus private spaces; light versus dark; and how these ideas play with our senses.”

MODERN MIX Warm wood tones, sleek glass and plenty of clean lines throughout combine for a minimalist masterpiece with a stylish soul.

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The inverted, off-center roof is the first indication of the postmodern style of the house. A scupper drain runs the depth of the house, and rain trickles down heavy chains anchored to the ground. The dark grey stucco of the house lends a further industrial feel. Upon entering the front door, one is immediately confronted with various elements of the complex design philosophy. Marc and Lisa’s shared appreciation of feng shui reveals a wood screen wall in front of the stairs to block energy from flowing out of the house. A bathroom constructed of laminated glass juts out near the front door into the living space, thrusting anyone using it into the possibly awkward feeling of being watched. However, Mark guarantees that the room “is private and soundproof and serves as a bold design move that creates a ‘light beacon’ that speaks to the desire to consciously play with one’s senses.” If the house aesthetic seems rooted in conflicting ideologies, it’s appropriate for the history of the property. “We closed on the original, dilapidated, 1940s bungalow in September 2001 and proceeded with the design and subsequent building of our home,” says Marc. In 2006 Lisa launched Welch Design Studio—combining her love of art and design. “I’ve always been inspired by the ‘raw’ nature of industrial-type spaces and being able to see how a building is constructed,” she says. Blending those more commercial materials with art comes easily for Lisa. Her family owns the Belian Art Center in Troy, Michigan, which represents 20th-century international art of various genres, mediums and periods. Her appreciation of that background is evidenced in the art that populates the house. Pieces range from realism to postmodernism; from European to

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;We brought what people think of as industrial design elements down to a human scale and infused warmth through other materials and art.â&#x20AC;?

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MUSEUM WORTHY Not unlike a modern art gallery, the home instinctually plays host to a collection of vibrant paintings and engaging sculptures.

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sub-Saharan. It’s an eclectic range that echoes the house in diversity and contrast. From the bright pops of color in the furnishings to the Vasarely and Hunt pieces that accent the spaces, Lisa’s love of color and texture fills the house. Warm bamboo floors and off-white walls provide a counterpoint to the exposed steel beams and support angles that evoke a factory feel. “We brought what people think of as industrial design elements down to a human scale and infused warmth through other materials and art,” says Lisa. Her home office is filled with blueprints, books and objects that inspire design, and light floods into the second floor space where she focuses on creating custom interiors. A Le Corbusier pony skin chaise floats in front of bookshelves, and the entire vignette is visible through the glass balcony walls overlooking the foyer and living area. Custom built-ins through the hallway create further vignettes for the paintings hanging above each floating console. The master bathroom provided a place to leave a distinctly personal embellishment. The diamond from Lisa’s engagement ring is echoed in the protruding geometric forms that hang from the bathroom ceiling like large contemporary stalactites. The main living area of the house is comprised of the kitchen and family room that open up onto the expansive backyard via a wall of glass doors. Casual, comfortable and user-friendly are the key words

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Lisa employs in her own home with their two daughters. From cooking meals together to watching movies to hanging outside by the fire pit, Lisa and Marc have made their home a place to relax and enjoy their children and friends. Although Marc practiced for 24 years with the esteemed firm of Landry Design Group in Los Angeles, he joined Lisa’s firm in 2015. Their new venture promises to bridge all aspects of the design process with a diverse portfolio. Like their dining room that features a B&B Italia red dining table surrounded by African fertility deities, Lisa and Marc appreciate a range of styles and genres.

Marc is a licensed architect, and Lisa’s long career in design combines with his skills to create a full-service company in Welch Design Studio. “We are comfortable designing any style of home where we challenge ourselves on a daily basis in developing fresh ideas while looking at problems in new ways,“ says Marc. Architecture can dominate or recede; design can embellish or envelop. In the home of Lisa and Marc Welch, materials, ideas and art collide to create a distinctly individual home. However, it is both the individual parts and the unification of the whole that make their home a prototypical postmodern house.

[ THE COLLABORATOR ] LISA WELCH AND MARC WELCH, AIA, WELCH DESIGN STUDIO

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SALES | LEASING | RESIDENTIAL | INVESTMENT PROPERTY

COURTNEY SELF Broker / Owner Director of Relocation 310.350.6205 info@huntermason.com BRE 01229263

SOUTH BAY LONG BEACH WESTSIDE HunterMason.com

HOME

ARTISAN

GLASS MENAGERIE Sculpted in meticulous detail and bright colors, the glass designs of Chris Ahalt depict visually strong animals made fragile by delicately balancing or floating above wire. His balloon-like creations of hollow glass include African and Asian elephants, black and white rhinos, giraffes, hippos, sharks and whales, just to name a few. Hours of intensive work result in deceptively simple animal balloons. Each sculpture is sandblasted for a frosted finish, strung up on copper wire with hand-forged ridges emulating real ribbon, and tethered to small weights. The flexibility of the wire enhances the illusion of real balloons slightly swaying back and forth. “Balloons, to me, suggest celebration, children and wonder,” shares Chris. “The iconic animals that I pick appeal to those childlike sensibilities as well.”

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Chris Ahalt was first introduced to the world of flame working by good friend, Bob Heise (aka Minnesota Bob), in 1998. “There weren’t but a handful of flame workers in our city at the time, so being given that opportunity at such a burgeoning point will be something that I’ll always be thankful for,” he shares. Despite a temperamental process and plenty of broken glass, Chris says he still loves getting lost in the creative process. For more, visit chrisahalt.com.

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HOME

ROOM MAKEOVER

SWEET DREAMS Mixing nightstands creates interest and can provide functional storage for books.

Beautiful neutral colors and textures create dimension to bring this bed to life.

A Portuguese four-poster bed adds contrast and draws your eyes upward.

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An alluring and delicate chandelier gives a warm glow.

Designer Phil Norman offers a few helpful tips for turning a ho-hum bedroom into a beautiful sanctuary. ILLUSTRATED BY ELENA LACEY

The layering of a gorgeous, handwoven area rug over wood floors adds some coziness while walking barefoot.

One of the fastest growing real estate brokerages in the South Bay. Give us a call to see how Manhattan Pacific Realty can help you.

Max Fitzgerald Chief Operating Officer 323-578-2485 Max@manhattanpacificrealty.com BRE: 01968956

Richard Haynes Owner / Broker 310-756-5588 Richard@manhattanpacificrealty.com BRE: 01779425

g n i c n a bal

T C A Traditional statements and modern elements find harmonious synergy in a gorgeous, ocean-view Hermosa Beach home.

WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING

lending traditional elements with contemporary designs, custom pieces and an impressive assortment of artwork, Leslie Werksman— along with some serious South Bay talent—has created a truly unique space with functionality and fearless originality at the base of every detail. The house, built by Kim Komick of KKC Fine Homes, was in the framing stages when Leslie and her family purchased it. “I knew she was a great builder, and I loved the location,” Leslie notes. On top of Kim’s excellent reputation as a builder and the home’s killer locale, the stunning ocean views from not one but two outdoor decks catapult the property into another level of amazing. “The whole reasoning behind building this house was to create a destination resort for my kids,” says Leslie. With a large deck on the fourth level—complete with pool, hot tub

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and a high glass wall to block the wind—the Werksman home most certainly provides a kid-centric environment for its youngest family members. Also located on the forth level is an office, bathroom and wet bar area. While walking through the office, Leslie smiles and says, “My husband earned the best view.” While heading down the stairs to the third level, Leslie points out that the railings are stainless steel. “Most of what I was trying to do in the house was minimize refinishing,”

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she says. “The floors throughout the house were originally going to be wood, but we have two dogs, so we did porcelain tile. It doesn’t scratch, and you don’t have to seal it.” This practicality continues as Leslie calls attention to the floor-to-ceiling tile in the bathrooms: “That way we don’t have to worry about mold.” The baseboards along the stairs have cutouts for easier cleaning. Of course for every practicality there’s a display of creativity that trumps it. For exam-

ple, if you opted to take the elevator rather than the stairs, you’d find yourself surrounded by wallpaper made solely from the covers of The New Yorker magazine. “I’ve been collecting covers since 1985,” Leslie says. In another office, this one located on the first level of the home, Leslie has fun with patterns and fabrics. A large houndstooth sofa with a pullout queen-size bed sits next to a chair upholstered in burlap. “I love houndstooth … there’s just something about it,” she says.

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y l e v i s n e t x e d “I worke by r e n g i s e d a h wit elly the name of Ksays Teddy. Kelly e yin h it’s all about t .” and yang In one of the bedrooms also located on the first floor, Leslie turns old Chinese school desks into bedside tables. The second-level powder room comes equipped with antique lights. “These are from the early 1900s. We had them electrified about three houses ago, and I’ve taken them with me everywhere,” she says. Of course she’s had some guidance along the way. “I worked extensively with a designer by the name of Kelly Teddy,” Leslie explains. “Kelly says it’s all about the yin and yang.” This balancing act is noticeable throughout the house, with authentic Persian rugs surrounded by modern pieces, chunky stainless steel handles juxtaposed with streamlined cabinetry, exposed beams and reclaimed wood ceilings. Leslie is quick to point out, “My son gets credit for the ceilings.” It was his idea to add the wood as a contrast to the contemporary kitchen. The master suite, bath and his-and-her closets are located on the second level of the house. The bath has walls of basket-weave skyline marble. “We wanted to achieve texture without adding color throughout the house,” Leslie says. Converting a bedroom into her own boutique-style closet, Leslie makes the most of her space with three levels of clothing racks, the highest rack with a mechanism that allows the rack to lower to shoulder

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[ THE COLLABORATORS ] KIM KOMICK/KKC FINE HOMES, BUILDER | KELLY TEDDY, INTERIOR DESIGNER BRUCE MOLER, DESIGN SUPPORT | JEFF FREEMAN, SUPERINTENDENT | CAMBRIA USA

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level. Her shoes and bags are stored in premeasured compartments and displayed for easy accessibility. But for accessory lovers, it’s her jewelry storage that takes the cake. “I wanted a place for everything, and I wanted it built-in. I had them build 2x2s for my rings and earrings, 4x4s for my bracelets and watches, and 4x8s for my belts and sunglasses,” she says. The heart of the home—the main living space—is located on the third level. With seating for 32 people, a large deck and a kitchen designed to encourage congregation, this area

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is the social hub of the house. The counters, in the kitchen and throughout the house, are Cambria. “I was drawn to the character and spectrum of their countertops … simple and wildly dynamic,” Leslie says. In the middle of the kitchen is a massive island and chairs. “In our old house, this is where my kids lived while I was cooking, so I wanted to create an island in this kitchen where they could do that,” Leslie explains. Walking through the kitchen, she points out the custom details that streamline her family’s day-to-day needs. In addition to two

recycling compartments, there’s a trash compactor, which Leslie explains keeps her “from having to go up and down a million stairs everyday.” There are hidden towel racks, two dishwashers and a 4-foot appliance garage with everything plugged in and ready to go, which she says “keeps my family a little less messy in the morning.” The pantry was pre-measured in advance “so we wouldn’t have a corner wasted,” Leslie notes. There are designated spaces for cutting boards, pots and pans—every drawer serves a specific purpose. “Kelly, Bruce Moler

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eve i h c a o t d e t n “We wa ut o h t i w e r u t x e t adding color se.” e hou h t t u o h g u o r th

from Design Support and I designed everything in this kitchen. It was important that the space worked for me and my family.” Another key player in the creation of the Werksman home was “the superintendent on the project, Jeff Freeman,” Leslie says. “He’s truly remarkable. He’s great about utilizing the space that you have. He was almost like an invisible hand, anticipating what I needed

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throughout the house before I needed it.” When asked whether the house serves as a creative outlet for the mother of three, Leslie smiles and says, “I love it, and I love working with Kelly. She has a genius about her.” With so much creativity paired with such well-executed practicality, it’s easy to see how much Leslie enjoyed working on this project alongside such an incredible team.

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HOME TRAVEL

No Reservations FOUR OF OUR FAVORITE HOME PROFESSIONALS SELECT THE HOTELS AND RESORTS THAT EXCEEDED THEIR DESIGN EXPECTATIONS. EDITED BY DARREN ELMS

AMANGIRI CANYON POINT, UTAH “This organically designed oasis in Southern Utah offers jaw-dropping views of the Grand Staircase. Nestled into a dramatic plateau, the resort has a terrific natural spa, quiet suites that feel one with nature and access to world-class hiking. You will feel worlds away from the South Bay and at one with nature in a matter of a couple of hours.” Daniel Salzman South Bay Green

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RAFFLES ISTANBUL, TURKEY â&#x20AC;&#x153;In a city of such rich history at the juncture of two continents, there are a myriad of excellent hotel choices right in the heart of the old town. But just outside of the action, this new hotel is part of an exciting, modern complex that respects the Turkish history but paints a picture of its future. And the killer view of the Bosphorus is icing on the cake.â&#x20AC;? Grant Kirkpatrick Kirkpatrick Architects

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After

HOME TRAVEL

VICEROY SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA “It has the quintessential cool California vibe. Kelly Wearstler designed it, after all! I love the bold accent of color. It’s playful and sophisticated without being too serious—my favorite type of design.” Shanna Shryne Shanna Shryne Design, LLC

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HOME TRAVEL

POST RANCH INN, COAST HOUSE BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA “Nestled into the forests of Big Sur, the Coast homes at Post Ranch Inn remain my absolute favorites to spend a weekend. The surrounding redwoods inspire the circular design, one that allows you to feel as if you never left the outdoors. The tree houses are also spectacular if you want to really immerse yourself in nature. My California go-to place when I really want to get away from it all.” Gina Quatrine Quatrine Furniture, Inc.

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PUT ON YOUR BEST smile EVERYDAY

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310.378.9241 WWW.DOCHOPKINS.COM Looking for a dentist close to home? Dr. Hopkins & Dr. Kane offer dentistry for the whole family! From cleanings and exams to natural looking fillings, one day CEREC crowns, whitening and more. With convenient hours and a clean modern office, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll feel completely comfortable! Athletic Guards Bondings Bridges CEREC Crowns Composite Fillings

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Milgard and Alpine Door & Trim offer so much variety in home windows-from vinyl and aluminum, to fiberglass and wood home windows for any architectural style. All specifications at no extra charge or extended lead time. Contact the experts at Alpine Door & trim to find out more about Milgard windows.

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FIND US SOCIALLY

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Relationships, Respect, Results Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation and Restraining Orders

424-332-9079 120

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The Power of a

Perfect Smile Metlox Plaza 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Ste. D-224 Manhattan Beach, California 90266 310.545.0770 Summer Blake DDS, MS

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Boutique Floral Design Studio specializing in corporate events + south bay celebrations

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HOME

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2015 DESIGN SHOWCASE THE ARCHITECTS

THE BUILDERS

154 Grace Home Furnishings

124 Pritzkat & Johnson Architects, Inc.

142 Zigrang Construction Inc.

156 Artistic Habitat 158 Noelle Interiors

126 Michael Lee Architects, Inc. 128 EnviroTechno Architecture Incorporated

AUDIO/VISUAL

160 Nadia Designs LLC

144 Vision And Sound

162 Diane Barber Designery 164 edenLA Interiors

DESIGN/BUILD

THE OUTSIDERS

166 Lavish Gift + Home

130 ras-a, inc.

146 Cutting Edge Landscape

168 Sara Balough Designs

132 Lane Design+Build

and Design, Inc.

134 C&C Partners Design/Build Firm 136 Boudreau Construction & About:Space, LLC

170 KCM Interiors 172 West Coast Living Thomasville

THE DESIGNERS

174 von Hemert Interiors

148 Caroline Burke Designs

176 Rebecca Foster Design

138 Lunada Consulting & Design, Inc.

150 Norman Design Group

178 Laurels Fine Furniture

140 LuAnn Development

152 Kate Lester Interiors

180 Konni Tanaka Design Group

EDITED BY LAURA WATTS | PHOTOS BY NICOLE LEONE, SHANE Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;DONNELL AND LAUREN PRESSEY /oursouthbay

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY PETER MCMENAMIN

»DESIGN SHOWCASE 2015

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THE ARCHITECTS

{

MILES PRITZKAT & KEITH JOHNSON

Pritzkat & Johnson Architects, Inc.

306 Vista del Mar, Suite A, Redondo Beach 310-375-7700 | info@pritzkatjohnson.com pritzkatjohnson.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

This project was designed to maximize the potential of the lot, which includes a 775-square-foot roof terrace. By utilizing the topography of the lot, we were able to create a fourth level Club Room that opens onto the spacious roof terrace with its stunning ocean and city lights views. It is set behind the front elevation and synthesizes the elements of a relaxed, coastal streetscape found in the South Bay Beach Cities. Although the majority of our projects are for private homeowners, this project was developed with Titan & Co., which approached the project as if it were a custom home for themselves. The home sits near the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Four Cornersâ&#x20AC;? intersection in Hermosa Beach and is 4,660 square feet. The home includes a large master suite complete with a den/library, three other bedrooms, an office, gym, three separate gathering spaces each with their own unique characteristics and views, inviting entry court and a two-story entry that is well lit with large skylights.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE INTERESTING PROJECTS YOU ARE WORKING ON? We are in the process of renovating two separate projects by two well-known architects: Cliff May and Richard Neutra. We have two new Spanish colonial revival homes that recently received planning department approvals from the city of Palos Verdes Estates and the city of Torrance.

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Construction was recently completed on a large-scale remodel for a walk street home in Manhattan, and another new construction project is nearing completion on a different Manhattan Beach walk street home.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU OFFER TO CLIENTS? While much of the industry relies exclusively on computer-aided drafting, we still provide preliminary drawings done by hand for our first presentation to our clients. These sketches convey many of the intangible qualities that the finished project will possess, making it easier for our clients to envision their completed home. In addition, we provide a preliminary budget for the holistic project (including construction costs, city fees, school taxes, professional fees, etc.) upfront, which gives our clients complete transparency, allows for open communication going forward and helps both parties maintain control of the financial side of the design and build process.

DESCRIBE THE VERNACULAR OF YOUR PRACTICE. Architectural styles, like clothing, cars or music, vary by the individual. We believe that any style can be designed well as long as the finished design follows the universal language of architecture. We pride ourselves in distilling the timeless design elements to create a completed project that looks beautiful and exceeds the expectations of our clients.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM MACCULLUM

»DESIGN SHOWCASE 2015

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THE ARCHITECTS

{

MICHAEL LEE, AIA Michael Lee Architects, Inc.

2200 Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach 310-545-5771 | info@MLeeArchitects.com MLeeArchitects.com

DESCRIBE THE PROJECT YOU FEATURED.

This 3,400-square-foot, single-family residence sits on a small corner lot in the Sand Section of north Manhattan Beach. Its four levels are organized with the primary living spaces (kitchen/dining/living) on the top floor, the garage and the bedrooms on the middle levels, and a dramatic two-story family room at the basement level. The top floor has sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay through large pocketing sliding doors, which when opened make the entire floor an indoor/outdoor room. The family room, at the lowest level, is open to the entry level and to the front patio, making what would have been an out-of-the-way room a fun, focal and architecturally striking space. The material palette for the house consists of concrete and stucco base, accented by a wall of deep charcoal ribbon tile that intentionally contrasts with the floating cedar roof of the top floor. The interior spaces are warmed by the use of open-grain oak flooring and rift walnut doors.

DESCRIBE THE VERNACULAR OF YOUR PRACTICE. We are primarily a custom residential design firm. We specialize in private homes throughout the LA Basin and Southern California, with some of our newer projects in Temecula, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Topanga and throughout the Hollywood Hills. Our belief in the basics of good design enables us to design successfully in a range of styles. We also do multi-family residential, small commercial and

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restaurant work, along with interior design and construction management. Design/build has been a very successful formula for us on numerous projects.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU? Working in architecture is challenging, given the huge range of skills and responsibilities that an architect must take on. However, this is what makes being an architect so rewarding. An architect must solve problems in an aesthetic way, engineer projects cost-effectively, guide them through the byzantine municipal approval processes, and then coordinate the construction and finishes of those projects. Having an understanding of all aspects of the design process and a deep appreciation for good architecture and all of its various components gives us great satisfaction.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? We look at every project with fresh eyes and as a chance to design a unique and exciting building that will enhance the lives of its inhabitants. We carry this enthusiasm forward through the design and construction process, and we work diligently to ensure our projects exceed our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; expectations.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU OFFER TO CLIENTS? Our belief in good design and our understanding of what it takes to create lasting quality architecture.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY LUX PHOTOGRAPHY

»DESIGN SHOWCASE 2015

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{

THE ARCHITECTS

LUIS DE MORAES AIA-ASID LEED AP BD+C

EnviroTechno Architecture Incorporated

220 South Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 105 Redondo Beach | 310-216-0844 design@envirotechno.com envirotechno.com

WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THIS INDUSTRY?

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. The upcoming Yamaguchi residence will be located in the Palos Verdes Peninsula above the Trump National Golf Course. The design represents the synergy between nature, art and architecture in a very exclusive setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. The house is two stories plus a basement, approximately 7,000 square feet. The proposed Zen style combines modern elements with the warmth of natural materials such as water, wood and stone. The linear configuration respects the natural topography—maximizing the view from most interior spaces. The elegant but casual design offers several entertaining areas while maintaining the programmatic requirements of a modern family’s lifestyle. The “observation/floating outdoor room” contains a transparent glass floor, creating a wonderful connection with nature and the environment.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. I have been practicing architecture and interior design for the last 30 years and have been a design instructor since 1990. I believe one of our firm’s greatest assets is the fact that I am a licensed architect and a licensed interior designer with many years of experience in both disciplines. The design solutions proposed by our office represent the integration of unique, elegant architecture with functional spaces that excite and wonder. I am also LEED AP B+D credentialed—trained in sustainable approaches for environmentally conscious design.

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I was raised in a family of designers and architects. I travelled all over the world and had always been interested in a variety of architectural styles and culture.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CLIENTS HAPPY FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION? Attention to detail, customer service, efficiency and great relationships with local contractors and building officials.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DETAIL ON YOUR PROJECTS? I personally work on all my company’s projects and go through extensive experiments to come up with the best alternatives.

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? The Beach Cities afford a variety of different styles with many creative approaches in design and technology.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU? I enjoy the constant changes in the industry expectations, regulations and social requirements, which demand that designers keep up with innovative and creative design concepts.

DESCRIBE YOUR CLIENTS. Our clients become lifelong friends. We make our clients part of the design team, and together we develop solutions that make sense both from an aesthetic and economic viewpoint.

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ROBERT SWEET

ras-a, inc.

2507 W. 190th St. Redondo Beach 310-937-1760 | ras-a.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. Located on a long and narrow lot in Manhattan Beach, the solution is a long and slender building that is arranged around a courtyard. Carved out of the southern interior side of the lot, the courtyard becomes a large outdoor living space, which brings sunlight into the core of the house and allows the interiors to spill outdoors. The original house on the site, built in 1927, was hand-demolished to the foundations. Its footprint and silhouette are recycled into the new design as a smooth, troweled, white, stucco box that contains the home’s public spaces. It is in sharp contrast to the dark, charred cedar that clads the private portions of the house. Bricks from an old patio on the property are repurposed into an outdoor fireplace and grill. The interiors have concrete flooring, maple stairs, walnut casework and ceilings of hemlock, which match the sauna. A passive solar design, consisting of operable windows and ventilating light wells arranged to take advantage of constant ocean breezes, keeps the house cool in the summer without the need for an A/C unit. A hydronic radiant floor system provides clean heat for the house, including the outdoor patio—allowing year-round use of the courtyard.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. We are a boutique design and build studio

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that believes in good design and getting our hands dirty. With backgrounds in architecture, design and construction, our team is capable of taking a project from conception through completion.

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? We love working on projects in the Beach Cities because it is the perfect setting to explore the relationship of light, space and a connection to the outdoors. Our climate allows us the opportunity to create buildings that truly blur the boundary between the inside and outside, which exemplifies California modern living.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTURAL STYLE? Aside from being a modernist at heart, I try not to have any preconceived notions of style or a particular formal quality when I design—rather, I define a problem and then design a specific solution to that problem. The end product is a holistic result that relates to the project’s site (physical constraints, existing structures, zoning, sunlight, etc.), the client’s program and the context or locale of the project.

DESCRIBE YOUR CLIENTS. Our clients tend to have a common creative thread and share in our design approach. The design process really becomes a collaboration influenced by the uniqueness of each client.

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GARY LANE Lane Design+Build

2122 Pacific Coast Highway Hermosa Beach 310-937-8081 info@lanedesignbuild.com lanedesignbuild.com

outdoor amenities through fully retractable doors. One of the highlights of the project was installing a clear viewing wall in the pool at basement level.

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. This stunning coastal plantation home custom built for the Patterson family was truly a team effort. Jim and Melonee are both amazingly creative people, which made this a fun collaboration. They came to me with their vision even before they found a location for their dream home. They eventually settled on a large lot located in a family friendly South Redondo neighborhood. The Challenge: Design a resort-like property that incorporated the theme “vacation at home” while retaining functionality and flow. The backyard was to be accessible from the large basement and main living areas. The elements of fire and water were to be key design components in the house as well. The Result: The house has a happy and inviting vibe as you walk through the front Dutch door. Coastal colors and materials imbue the home with a beachy feel. The floors were custom stained to look like smooth driftwood in colors of grey, white and blue. Reclaimed wood was used for the office “barn doors” and hallway walls. The gorgeous quartz countertop in the kitchen has veins of blue and green running through the white stone, with glass on the backsplash for a water-like look. We used glass on the backsplash for a water-like look. All the main living areas offer beautiful views and easy access to the resort-like

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WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN YOUR INDUSTRY? The “Smart Home” is now a standard in all of my remodels and new homes. Technology is sophisticated yet more user-friendly, allowing wireless control at a client’s fingertips. We install touch screen tablets throughout the home to control lighting, temperature, music, appliances, spa and security. By using apps on their smartphones, my clients can now control their homes remotely from any location.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. Lane Design Build has been a staple in the South Bay for more than 30 years. Known for our distinctive LANE red logo, we were one of the first firms to offer cohesive design and construction services to our clients. We have continued to add value over the years by becoming a one-stop shop for South Bay home building. Located in our new office on PCH in Hermosa Beach, we offer lot acquisitions, real estate consultancy, architectural design, interior design, remodeling, custom home construction, landscape design and real estate development all under one roof. A key to our success has been our ability to create timeless yet creative environments for our clients to enjoy for a lifetime.

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PATRICK CUNNINGHAM & MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

C&C Partners Design/Build Firm

1601 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 160, Hermosa Beach 310-322-0803 | Patrick@candcpartners.com candcpartners.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

We designed and built this beautiful, 4,523-squarefoot Spanish revival home with a finished basement and attached garage that had plenty of space to entertain friends and family. Upon first entering the door, this beautiful home welcomes you with a perfect open plan. The formal living room flows to the family room and kitchen with island and high-end appliances. This home features Spanish-style tile work, hardwood floors, beam ceilings and masterfully crafted wrought iron railing. Vanishing sliding doors blur the line between the inside and outside of this home. The backyard design includes a covered patio/outdoor living area, pool and spa with built-in barbeque that is perfect to beat the LA summer heat.

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOUR COMPANY? C&C Partners designs and builds award-winning homes that reflect each client’s own unique style and the best in innovative design. The company’s trademark is its unparalleled customer satisfaction and customer-focused homebuilding process. From the first design meeting through construction and beyond, C&C Partners’ proven 15-Step Design-Build Process ensures that every phase of a project goes smoothly and that each client gets exactly what they desire in their new custom residence. While Patrick heads the design phase, ensuring that every detail reflects the client’s individual preferences, Michael leads a group of seasoned building professionals, resulting in a seamless transition from design

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to construction. The entire C&C Partners team understands their role—to optimize each client’s experience and produce a one-of-a-kind home that truly manifests their unique vision.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? C&C Partners is a design-build firm for custom homes in the South Bay’s most established and exclusive neighborhoods. Founded in 1987 by Patrick and Michael, C&C Partners has been recognized by the National Association of Home Builders and Custom Home magazine as one of the top custom homebuilders in the United States. We are one of the few firms in the area that can offer our prospective clients diversity in design styles that ranges from traditional to modern and Spanish/Mediterranean to Tuscan or French chateau.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BENEFIT YOUR CLIENTS GAIN FROM WORKING WITH YOU? For our custom-home clients, they become integral members of the C&C Partners design/build team. Making design decisions that reflect their own personal style, selecting features and observing work in progress, they witness first-hand the effectiveness of the design/build process that C&C Partners has perfected. Additionally, our clients need to use only one phone number to reach our team. C&C Partners enjoys the benefit of assembling a team of “A” rated players who add to their success.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICOLE LEONE

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JEAN-LOUIS BOUDREAU & JOSETTE MURPHY Boudreau Construction & About:Space, LLC

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. This client, a bachelor who loves to entertain, purchased a home close to the eateries and nightlife of Downtown Manhattan Beach. The house was the right size, but the layout was a series of small rooms with awkward access to the rear family room and backyard. Working within the original footprint, we changed the flow and access within and dramatically improved the indoor-outdoor connection. By removing the wall separating the small galley kitchen from the front living room, we created one large gathering space with an island and communal dining table with comfortable curved-bench seating. The rear family room was reoriented to provide a restful seating group opposite a new bifolding door that now opens onto a deck overlooking a courtyard with a lap pool, BBQ and seating/TV pavilion. This is now the go-to party house on a cul-de-sac of very social neighbors!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. Jean-Louis is an experienced general contractor and custom cabinet craftsman. Josette is a seasoned, professional interior designer. Both maintain thriving businesses on their own, each having started their practice many years before marrying in 2007. They also share many mutual projects for clients who appreciate the unique, complementary services of their design-build collaboration. After all, who wouldn’t love knowing their designer and contractor will continue to work design details on a napkin sketch during weekly date night?

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THIS INDUSTRY? Jean-Louis has been building cabinets and remodeling homes for 27 years. Josette’s design career spans 21 years, and they have loved every moment of working together for the past 11 years.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR SIGNATURE TOUCHES THAT MAKE YOUR FIRM STAND OUT FROM THE REST? We both pay close attention to the details! And Jean-Louis personally crafts all the wood elements—framing, finish carpentry and custom cabinets—for his projects. By understanding the framing, as well as the finished visible layer of wood, he is able to think through what the project will require from all the subcontractors who will precede and follow his work. The end result is that everything is “tight”!

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR YOUR FIRM? We love to collaborate on remodels with a significant custom woodwork scope: kitchens, bathrooms, media rooms, libraries, home offices or lots of lovely paneling! Josette and her team create beautiful, detailed drawings, and Jean-Louis makes these dreams real. We are looking for a few lucky clients who will reap immense benefit from the symbiotic working relationship between these two passionate, experienced professionals.

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JANE BIGGELN

Lunada Consulting & Design, Inc.

2441 Chelsea Road, Palos Verdes Estates 310-544-1895 | lunada@cox.net lunadaconsulting.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

Situated along a popular Strand-side location in Redondo Beach, this site was originally two adjacent townhomes, which we integrated into a single-family home to allow for an open floor plan that maximizes the livability and stunning ocean views. The modern design style combines both form and function, with the top priority of providing an open floor plan with an airy, spacious feel. The completed design reflects the homeowner’s individual style and also creates an inviting space where entertainment for business or pleasure is a breeze. By addressing the homeowner’s desires, we were able to resolve the challenges that had existed in the original layout and provide them with the home they now love.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? No detail is too small to be documented and included onto the CAD drawings during the design, build and installation stages. As the design principal, I have taken an alternative path to arrive at this point in my career. I began as a structural engineer in aerospace before pursuing my passion for design with a degree in interior architecture, then later earning a general contractor’s license and developing my company. All along, I have found my engineering background invaluable to my varying design projects. I feel that this combination of technical expertise, design ability and construction knowledge provides a solid foundation for my firm.

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WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU? I enjoy having the opportunity to address design challenges in innovative and creative ways. Design, to me, is problem-solving by necessity and passion. Each individual client is unique, and I feel that I have achieved success when there is no doubt in my client’s mind that their newly designed home not just meets their personal wants and needs but exceeds their vision of what was possible for their home.

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOUR COMPANY? Lunada Consulting & Design, Inc. is a fullservice design/build firm with more than 10 years of experience practicing in the South Bay. We offer a variety of services ranging from in-home consultations to full-home renovations and new construction, while bringing in unique and high-quality finishes to create a personal style for each project. With that said, I realize that no single person accomplishes the task of designing and building a home alone; it is achieved through continual listening, detailed planning, focused actions, constant patience and teamwork. I believe that creating a team environment on each jobsite allows us to produce the most extraordinary homes. It is the collaboration of all parties involved that will synergistically create the true value for the client. I love the process, and through the experience many of my clients and associates are now included among my friends.

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LUANN FABIAN LuAnn Development

P.O. Box 1911, Redondo Beach 310-428-3578 lfabian@luanndev.com luanndev.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. One of my favorite homes to date for multiple reasons, this home designed by Douglas Leach and inspired by our clients’ travels has details that are quite unique to the South Bay. I think this home really exemplifies our strengths as a custom homebuilder. The original interior finishes were planned months in advance. After our clients came back from a trip to Hawaii, they decided to change everything they originally selected and traveled to Bali for many of their interior finishes. Solid teak doors, cabinetry, tile and sinks all were part of our new design. The scheduling challenges were handled with ease, and our flexibility working with a design change turned out a finished home that is truly client-inspired.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CLIENTS HAPPY FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION? We have some fundamental beliefs that we employ throughout the process that we believe are strong cornerstones in keeping our clients happy. Communication is key to happy clients—understanding their goals and truly hearing them. Recently a client shared with us, “We always feel that we are the only client you have.” That is a huge compliment! We strive for transparency in an industry that is not known for it. Information is power—so the more information we provide to our clients about what is involved through-

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out the process, the happier they are along the way.

HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOUR FIRM FROM THE COMPETITION? In my opinion, while it may be important to distinguish yourself from the competition in this industry, it is not as necessary here in the South Bay. Our community is fortunate to have some of the finest homebuilders in Southern California. Choosing who builds your home is more of a personal choice of whom you feel you can work with side-byside to bring your dream home to reality. Having said that, I believe we are extremely approachable. We focus on what is important to our clients, and we build beautiful homes unique to each owner, with quality and comfort in mind.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU? Every day, every client, every home is different; there is no boredom when it comes to being a custom homebuilder. Regardless of how much pre-planning goes into building a custom home, our work is unique by the minute. We take something from paper and make it become someone’s home where they will make memories that will last a lifetime. We are beyond blessed and honored to build quality, high-end homes for our amazing clients in this gorgeous South Bay area. How can that not be CAPTIVATING?

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THE BUILDERS

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TIM ZIGRANG Zigrang Construction Inc.

2550 Via Tejon, Palos Verdes Estates 310-375-3626 timzigrang@gmail.com zigrangcostruction.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. This home has a special place in my heart because it is the one and only home I designed and built for my family. All three of my daughters grew up in this house when it was a single-story, 2,500-square-foot, ranch style. I completely gutted the home, added a second story and created a one-of-a-kind design that was classic but eclectic. From the custom handrail to the hand-split stone to the custom moldings, interesting and creative touches are everywhere. Each of my children gave me input that helped guide me in developing spaces that not only were functional but fun. I like to think I bring the same passion to my clients’ homes as I did my own.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST EXCITING PROJECTS YOU’VE COMPLETED?

We primarily are a construction company, but we help clients create a team by recommending architects or designers who will fit well with the owners’ desires. With a team approach, we can better manage costs, schedule and desires for our clients. We also have many of the needed trades in-house, so there is no need to wait for a subcontractor to have an opening in their schedule to get to our job.

We have had the opportunity to work with some great architects and designers on many styles of architecture. The home at 141 Rocky Point Road in Palos Verdes Estates sits on the bluff above Lunada Bay and was built for a client from London. This home was featured in House & Garden magazine. We recently completed a project on The Strand in Hermosa for a TV executive from New York. This project had a very clean, traditional beach design and is featured on the cover and inside Coastal Living magazine’s September 2015 issue.

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SOUTH BAY? I started my company in 1981 while a business

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student at USC. Doing small jobs through college helped pay for tuition. After school I worked in the private sector for a few years, but I always yearned to be working for myself doing something creative. In 1988 I started Zigrang Construction by myself. Over the years as we grew, we took on more and more employees. Some of these people are still with us after all these years. We are proud that we have created an environment where our employees care as much as I do how our projects run and completed. We believe each project is special, and these buildings are going to be around for a long time with our name attached.

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AUDIO/VISUAL

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VISION AND SOUND

2617 N. Sepulveda, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach 310-545-6500 | sales@visionandsound.tv | visionandsound.tv

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. The automation system from Savant for this beautiful smart home was designed with simplicity in mind. The homeowners can interact with TVs, music, lighting, air conditioning, the pool, fire bowls, security and cameras from their iPads and iPhones. Music is a natural complement to outdoor entertainment, and by swiping to the Savant audio page on an iPad, they can play music in their backyard as well as inside their amazing pool, which has an underwater speaker constructed into the pool wall. Following their favorite sports team is very important to the homeowners, so with that in mind we designed a video distribution system that allows the family to access games on any of their indoor or outdoor TVs.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? Our attention to detail and unparalleled customer service are definitely the main reasons why we have such a good reputation. We also have a unique internal operations structure that allows us to provide a very personal touch to each project by having a single point of contact from beginning to end—as opposed to one person handing it off to another at different stages.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. Vision and Sound is a California C7

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licensed low-voltage contractor who specializes in high-end new construction and major remodels to provide a complete turnkey solution of A/V, automation, custom theaters, security, motorized window coverings, networking, phone and intercom systems. We handle the design, engineering, project management, acquisition of products, installation, programming, customer training and service.

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? Though the always-desirable Beach City homes tend to be smaller in size than a typical home we design and service, most of our projects in the South Bay request most or all of the services and products that we offer.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU? The possibilities are endless, and technology is always advancing at an incredibly fast pace—which makes every day exciting, as we’re often working on something for the first time and always looking to push the boundaries of creativity to meet all of our clients’ needs and desires.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU OFFER TO CLIENTS? Personal service. Every client has our personal cell phone numbers; they can reach us any time of the day, any day of the week. We are always available for their needs.

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THE OUTSIDERS

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MATT PREUSS Cutting Edge Landscape and Design, Inc.

2711 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach 310-406-2251 matt@thecuttingedgelandscape.com thecuttingedgelandscape.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. We specialize in creating outdoor living spaces for homeowners. This project was challenging because of the space and how the homeowner was going to use it. They wanted an outdoor kitchen/eating area but needed to make sure it was covered. They also wanted to have an outdoor fire pit area for evening cocktails with friends and family.

HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOUR FIRM FROM THE COMPETITION? We pride ourselves on customer service. Each client has their own idea of what a perfect outdoor living area is to them. We take their vision and blend it with what will work for the space and setting. We start with our design work, which allows the homeowner a 3-D image of what their project will look like, even before a shovel is ever put in the ground! It’s a great new tool for the homeowner. This attention to detail and customer input is an important part of our design and build process.

WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THIS INDUSTRY? I went to college in landscape architecture to study residential design and build. I wanted to work for clients who wanted the very best for the home and lifestyle.

WHAT AREA OF THE SOUTH BAY DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN? Mostly the Beach Cities: Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, Playa Vista, Palos Verdes.

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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST EXCITING PROJECTS YOU’VE COMPLETED? We have worked with a variety of general contractors, architects, real estate agents and many great homeowners. All of my projects have a unique element that make each one exciting in their own way.

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? The space is really limited, so a keen eye for design and space is important.

WHAT SIGNATURE TOUCHES MAKE YOUR FIRM STAND OUT? Our design and build approach to a project is unique because we can change things literally while we are working in the yard. Also communication is the key; we listen to the wants and needs of clients. We design toward what is practical and also affordable. We like to provide the latest products in outdoor living.

WHICH LANDSCAPING PRACTICES WORK BEST IN OUR CLIMATE? California native plantings (succulents, drought-tolerant plantings).

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THIS INDUSTRY? I went to school at Ball State University in Indiana. I graduated with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 2002 and have been in the business since 2003. I moved to California when I graduated and wanted to be in business for myself by designing and building for homeowners in the South Bay.

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THE DESIGNERS

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CAROLINE BURKE Caroline Burke Designs

1020 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Suite #210 in Manhattan Beach 310-546-6862 | carolineburkedesigns.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

This project was a very creative and exciting commission. Our clients are fun and enthusiastic, and we wanted to design a bathroom that reflected their personalities. We gutted two smaller bathrooms and created one large bathroom. The floor pattern and mosaic wave was a custom design. We used beautiful stone materials and various glass colors to create a dramatic impact. The shower flooring has a beautiful, multicolored pebble stone that represents the bottom of the ocean. The bench has a cool “live edge” detail. There is a starfish drain that adds a touch of fun. The beautiful cabinetry was custom designed, and we applied a unique lime washed and distressed finish to achieve a driftwood look. The detail on the starfish hardware and the octopus sink is whimsical and was designed and handmade by an artist. We added hanging pendants wrapped in fish net to enhance the look. The starfish flush mount was a fun detail that we found and added to the ceiling as an unexpected detail. There is a vinyl grass cloth on all walls for added texture representing sand. This bathroom is an art piece designed for adults and children to enjoy.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. Caroline Burke Designs (CBD) is a full-service interior design and decorating firm located in Manhattan Beach. We

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offer interior design packages for new builds, which includes all the drawings a builder requires to build out the interior spaces of a home, as well as all the material, plumbing and appliance selections. We work hand-in-hand with the architects and builders. We also offer interior decorating that includes the design and feel of a home, furnishings, fabrics, window treatments, area rugs, paint schemes, art and accessories. Quality is very important to me, so I am extremely familiar with the available furniture lines. We make all of our upholstery locally so I can control the quality and the design of each piece.

WHAT BENEFITS DO YOUR CLIENTS GAIN FROM WORKING WITH YOU? My clients get a design family when they work with my team. Everyone on my team works hard and is extremely detailoriented, efficient and organized. We care about our clients and take pride in the outcome of every client’s home. In order to project manage and design an interior of a home, I believe you must have a strong team behind you. It is always our goal to design a home that is a reflection of the client’s personality and lifestyle. It is our job to make the process enjoyable and interesting for clients. I love to educate so my clients get a little of that to!

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THE DESIGNERS

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PHIL NORMAN & ELIF KARACAY Norman Design Group

23824 Hawthorne Blvd., Studio. 200, Torrance 310-378-1111 | phil@normandesigngroup.com normandesigngroup.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

This Spanish coastal-inspired home was designed from the ground up and fully furnished to be both comfortable and functional for this young and active family. Our clients wanted their new home to be spacious enough for family reunions yet cozy and relaxing for Friday movie nights with the kids. NDG designed a calm and relaxing atmosphere with simple, unique detailing. The master bedroom is an oasis of serenity, with flowing draperies, crisp bedding and warm wood finishes. There are understated Spanish touches, as shown in the plaster detailing of the niches and the limestone fireplace. The view of eucalyptus trees sets the tone of the home office. We designed the room with warm tones and neutral fabrics to create a peaceful space without clutter. The kitchen and nook are the center of this home. The clients spend the majority of their time preparing and sharing meals here. We used a combination of paint-grade and stained cabinetry to give the space some warmth and character.

WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THIS INDUSTRY? A little unknown fact about me, I will sometimes joke that I was born and raised in the design capital of the world: Iowa! But growing up in the Midwest had its benefits because it offered many weekend estate sales my mom would drag me to. She used to buy old armoires, dressers, side tables and strip and

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refinish them in our garage to be placed in our home. I was fascinated with the before-andafter transformations she crafted and how they looked so different in our house when she was finished. The interior design industry offers so many creative transformations, and that is why I believe I am so passionate about my career.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? First, we offer a very approachable and uncomplicated process to what sometimes can be a very intimidating journey for our clients. Second, we hold to a very high standard the knowledge of all interior products and quality of work. Whether in the built-ins or the furnishings, we want the highest quality and detailing for our clients.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU OFFER TO CLIENTS? We make sure there is a fluid connection between architectural detailing and the interior decoration. No one wants to design an entire home and not have it flow seamlessly. We design and draw all of the molding and architectural details, and then complete the home with furnishings and the final touches. With this approach we are able to capture both key elements that make a home successful. Along with all the technical aspects, we certainly understand first-hand how a young family lives in a home. They have a busy everyday lifestyle, and we try to make their experience along with their home easy and enjoyable.

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THE DESIGNERS

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KATE LESTER Kate Lester Interiors

2212 Pacific Coast Hwy. Hermosa Beach 310-316-3167 info@katelesterinteriors.com katelesterinteriors.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. This home is a charming new construction project in Hermosa Beach. Our one rule of thumb for this project was to break all of the rules! Deep blue cabinetry in the kitchen creates a dramatic focal point, while the stone and wood elements keep it luxurious and chic. The kids’ bathrooms showcase simple tile designs in classic hues, with pops of color to keep them from feeling too serious. Perhaps my favorite part of this home was the small coat closet turned powder room we designed and embellished with a patterned wallpaper for guests to enjoy.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM. Kate Lester Interiors is a completely full-service interior design firm. We specialize in custom home design and are involved in the design/build process from framing to furniture installation. Our architectural and construction knowledge enables us to work seamlessly with all trades and has helped create a brand that is synonymous with luxury, comfort and a direct reflection of every client.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THIS INDUSTRY? Ten years ago, after leaving a job in finance, I started my journey in interior design. I began in the sample library of a celebrity design firm in Hollywood and soon became the senior project manager. I opened Kate Lester Interiors in 2010 in Redondo Beach, and have had projects featured in Ocean Home, DailyCandy, Romantic Homes, Unique

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Homes, Kitchens & Baths, Southbay HOME and many others. It’s been a wonderful journey so far, and this year we opened our new studio space in Hermosa Beach!

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? As a graduate of USC Marshall School of Business and Otis Design School, I have a unique background in business and design. My previous experience in the financial sector allows us to provide our clientele detailed budgets, monthly status updates and project timeline spreadsheets for every job. It’s just another way to show our clients that we are staying on target and being good stewards of their money from concept to completion.

HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOURSELF FROM THE COMPETITION? We really push our clients to step outside their comfort zone! Too often, our clients (and people in general) are afraid to take risks because everyone who visits their home may not love them. That’s OK. The only people who need to love them are the people who live there! Our design motto is that all of the spaces we design are “a unique reflection of each and every client.” Be confident in your design selections even if others don’t agree. I want people to come away from a kitchen or powder room saying something, because at least it has evoked a response. A reaction to the design is always better than the spaces being so mainstream that they go unnoticed altogether.

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GRACE HOME FURNISHINGS

11632 Barrington Court, Los Angeles 310-476-7176 1001 N. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs 760-904-6337 info@gracehomefurnishings.com gracehomefurnishings.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

Located in the Indian Canyons neighborhood of Palm Springs, this mid-century home was built in 1962. The owners purchased the home as a desert retreat from their busy bicoastal professional lives in Manhattan and Los Angeles. Staying true to the home’s architecture, designers Michael Ostrow and Roger Stoker feature the design motifs of the 1960s throughout the home: teak Danish modern pieces, bright colors and shag rugs. The color palette of the home is inspired by a single piece of geometric David Hicks fabric that is used on the cushions by the fireplace. From this fabric, each room was assigned a color—the orange room, green room, blue room, etc.—and designed accordingly. Vintage and new furniture is mixed throughout the home. The larger upholstery pieces are inspired by vintage 1960s furniture but newly constructed for comfort and scale. The main living space of the home is the large lounge area, which combines the kitchen, living and dining areas. The objective was to create a space accommodating today’s more informal lifestyle of relaxation and fun. The curved sectional and geometric print swivel chairs give the room movement and the ability to transition from a conversation space to home theater seamlessly.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. Grace Home Furnishings, founded in 2000, has two beautifully appointed showrooms. Both locations feature vibrant, inviting atmospheres where you can shop, place a custom order or

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get personalized decorating advice from a team of in-house designers. Whether you are looking for a unique piece of furniture or full-scale interior design services, we can turn that vision into a reality that is classic and refined, elegant yet comfortable.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? We produce the Grace Home Collection©, our own upholstery, case good and fabric line. All of our furniture is manufactured in Southern California, built to order and can be customized in any way. Our fabric line is also printed locally on Belgian linen and features bold geometrics and graphic floral prints.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CLIENTS HAPPY FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION? We believe the key to keeping clients happy is communication. Our first step in any design project is to meet with our clients in their home and discuss the vision they have for their space. Our goal is create spaces our clients can relax in, entertain in and most importantly, call home.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DETAIL ON YOUR PROJECTS? We pride ourselves on designing down to the smallest detail. From lampshade trim to custom pillows, we make sure that each of our projects is unique and tailored specifically to each client’s taste.

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ARTISTIC HABITAT

705 N. Pacific Coast Highway Redondo Beach 310-937-2000 sales@artistichabitat.com artistichabitat.com

DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS. Artistic Habitat is a Southern California family business that manufactures and sources environmentally and socially responsible products of the best quality. Our products include meticulously hand-crafted furniture and flooring, each finished by master artisans who have spent years perfecting their trade, custom kitchens made in Italy, unique lighting and décor, glass art and upholstery. It gives us great pride to be invited into your home, and our goal is to help create your personal habitat with the help of our assortment of creative and oneof-a-kind products.

TELL US ABOUT THE PROCESS OF MAKING YOUR FURNITURE AND FLOORS. Crafting our furniture requires a unique approach from the very first steps. Our trees are carefully selected and examined in order to define their potential. From the moment the first cut is made, the design of the finished piece has already been envisioned. Ultimately, the natural beauty of the tree is what dictates the final product. Once the wood is prepared for production, it is transported directly to the wood artisans. The color of the wood is achieved using a variety of different techniques, and then it is hand-finished.

AS A “GREEN” COMPANY, WHERE DOES YOUR WOOD COME FROM? All of our woods are either recovered, reclaimed and repurposed, or originate from our reforested plantations and responsibly managed forests across Latin America. Our

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recovered woods generally come to us from fallen trees found across Latin American forests and jungles and sometimes even urban settings. Our reclaimed and repurposed woods are salvaged from vintage factories, haciendas and old buildings. Our plantation wood is also responsibly obtained. Our trees are planted in Southern Mexico and Costa Rica, in areas that are in need of reforestation.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FLOORS UNIQUE? The Artisan Collection floors we offer are our interpretation of colonial influence in the Americas. Furniture artisans who specialize in the art of hand-distressing intricately process one board at a time using traditional methods including: handmade carvings, pressure distressing and usage accents. These century-old European techniques replicate the appearance that the floors would naturally obtain after generations of use. Our Parquet floors can be used as an accent piece in a landing or entry or can be installed throughout your home to create show-stopping effect. The Lavender Collection exemplifies quintessential French white oak flooring at its finest. French oak is distinguished for its finer tighter grain when compared to other oaks and its soft neutral white tone that distinctively receives color treatments.

TELL US ABOUT THE KITCHENS YOU OFFER. Our custom kitchens are Italian made with German hardware and designed with your every need taken into consideration. These kitchens redefine the open space floor plan and their clean lines fit the easy South Bay lifestyle.

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NOELLE PARKS Noelle Interiors

815 Manhattan Avenue, Ste. C Manhattan Beach 310-937-7777 info@noelleinteriors.com noelleinteriors.com @noelleinteriors

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

This Tree Section house strikes a balance between East Coast Cottage and South Pacific Islander. With elegant porcelain tiles, reclaimed woods and soft linens, this inviting space represents a style that is inherent to Manhattan Beach.

HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOUR FIRM FROM THE COMPETITION? I was very fortunate to apprentice with an incredibly talented architect for more than three years, and I believe that additional insight into the structural integrity is a key point of differentiation from other designers. Designs must be beautiful and creative but also functional to succeed.

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SOUTH BAY? I’ve been a designer since 2009 but opened Noelle Interiors Design House in June of 2014. We have a breadth of influence that spans from residential and commercial interior design to curated collections of furniture, lighting, wall coverings, rugs, luxe bedding and decorative home accessories. And our design team works with an enviable roster of developers,

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architects, contractors and vendors who share the same irreverent creative philosophy and maintain the highest standards for quality.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CLIENTS HAPPY FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION? We are involved in every aspect of the design process from day one. Our role is to act as the primary liaison between the architect, builder and homeowner to carry out the vision through architectural details, fixtures, finishes and furnishing.

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? I love working on homes for local clients because I care so much about our community, and I’m obviously invested in its development. The Beach Plantation style has been a trend for the past few years, and I think it is not only beautiful but also fresh because of the Nantucket influence. I’m originally from the East Coast, so this style has given me a chance to incorporate my heritage into my design here in the South Bay.

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NADIA ELGRABLY Nadia Designs LLC

1601 N. Sepulveda Blvd #383 Manhattan Beach 310-892-1799 | nadia.tidg@gmail.com nadiadesigns.org

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. I began the 18-month project pre-construction, working closely with the homeowners, contractor and architect. With three teenage daughters and two dogs, spacial planning was critical. We explored all the options and features, blended into the luxurious selections of comfortable, modern style. It was important there was lots of room for casual entertaining. He needed a room for his wine collection; she wanted a studio to paint in. Both wanted a smart home with solar power. The end results surpassed expectations, providing the family with a home they enjoy together.

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SOUTH BAY? Design work with a firm in Boston sent me to manage projects in amazing locations. I would live in the area from pre-construction through completion, embracing all my surroundings—from Cape Cod to New Orleans, Miami, Dallas and Scottsdale. I loved the adventure of exploring each area. Eventually my travels and a project landed me in Southern California. The South Bay was a natural fit, so I opened Nadia Designs in 2008, based in Manhattan Beach.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? Collaboration, planning and management. Good interior design is a symphony of elements. We believe your home should reflect you. A critical concept is functionality, so we work to provide you with cutting-edge tech-

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nology and the latest in available products and furniture. Our project styles include coastal, traditional, Mediterranean and modern. Every project is as unique as the clients themselves— that is what captivates and drives each project, whether large or small. From our initial meeting through to completion, we cater to what our clients’ specific needs are. The team we work with plays critical roles; the best projects are the combined efforts of a talented team.

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOUR COMPANY, AND HOW DOES THAT INFLUENCE THE WAY YOU PRACTICE YOUR CRAFT? I believe in the value of personalized customer service; a warm greeting, a handshake and eye contact go a long way with me. Every project tells a story that is personal and individual to the wants and needs of the client. It is my hope that you remember Nadia Designs not just for the quality of the design work you see but also for the philosophy and work ethic we bring to each project.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU? Interior design offers a unique mix of elements that each project dictates as the industry continuously evolves: part fashion, part technology, mixed with architectural fundamentals, spacial balance, a passion for color, textures and use of light.

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DIANE BARBER Diane Barber Designery

Rolling Hills Estates 310-544-4798 dbarberinc@aol.com dianebarberdesigns.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. This beautiful remodeled home in Rolling Hills was formerly a dark and rundown 1960s ranch-style house. The brilliant new architectural design included visually interesting raised ceilings, open spaces and an abundance of natural light, which was a wonderful, creative canvas for interior design detailing and finishes. The clients wanted an inviting and fun “soft modern” family home, so we contrasted greys, whites and sharp lines with winecolored accent walls, rich warm dark woods and organic shapes in the stone, furnishings and light fixtures (including a custom crystal fixture that I co-designed with a company in Australia). One of my favorite finishing touches is a large, acrylic-encased family photo from a photo shoot that I arranged to capture a great shot of mom, dad and the kids jumping into the pool holding hands— in their clothes, of course, for extra fun.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. We specialize in redesign, remodels and new construction with an environmental eye on repurposing. From initial planning through installation, clients are an integral part of the process to ensure that the completed project mirrors their personality and unique lifestyle. With great attention to detail and a reputation for excellence at interfacing with architects, builders, subcontractors and suppliers, I oversee the entire design process from start to finish. I tip my hat to the many talented industry professionals who work alongside me to

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transform my creative visions into beautiful timeless designs.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE COMPETITION? In addition to a degree from the prestigious design school FIDM, Los Angeles (which included architectural drafting), I have an international business background. So contrary to most artists, my design expertise is complemented by my strong business acumen. I also grew up working in my family’s Pennsylvania construction business, so I understand building at a core level and love getting my hands dirty while blending the beauty of design with the building trades.

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOUR COMPANY, AND HOW DOES THAT INFLUENCE THE WAY YOU PRACTICE YOUR CRAFT? “Challenge the ordinary and lead with your heart.” With this approach to my projects, I enjoy a spirited heart connection with my designs and the people I work with.

DESCRIBE YOUR CLIENTS. I have been fortunate to work with extraordinary clients over the years with diverse lifestyles, backgrounds, cultures and project styles, including traditional, transitional, contemporary, earth-friendly and equestrian properties. From young families, aging-in-place adults, clients with multiple residences to single professionals, each one has provided me with a unique design adventure. My greatest compliment is when a client becomes a friend, as many have.

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JAMIE RODDY edenLA Interiors

350 N. Sepulveda Manhattan Beach 310-376-0033 edenLA@edenLA.com edenLA.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

This client had a large, Spanish-style home. She wanted some updating to add some contemporary and glamorous touches in the décor without compromising the architectural features inherent in the Spanish manse. We, as usual, focused on the details to add a “touch of luxe” everywhere in the home. From beaded chandeliers to bamboo silk rugs to metallic seagrass wallpapers, the client was eager to contemporize and glamorize every corner of the home. There’s even a fun faux fur lounger in the family room. The finalized product was a comfortable and family-friendly home, ready for entertaining and brimming with unique touches that the residents (and guests) adore.

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? Moving our headquarters recently from Brentwood, we have noticed some uniqueness to the South Bay. From a design perspective, “family-friendly” is mentioned in every single new client questionnaire our clients fill out. We have vast experience in making family-friendly look high-end and elegant. We love the relaxed and well-traveled people who populate this area. They’re proud of their community, and they love where they live. It’s rewarding to work for clients with such mindsets.

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WHAT ARE SOME SIGNATURE TOUCHES THAT MAKE YOUR FIRM STAND OUT FROM THE REST? Clients come to us when they want an updated look that is unique from their neighbors. Without being trendy, we are able to transform a home (or new build) into a uniquely elegant space that reflects the clients’ ideals of beauty, and beyond. We have a vast network of custom furniture artisans we work with to create truly custom pieces for our design clients. We stay updated with all of the interior finishes (tiles, floors, paints, wallpapers, etc.) that come out so our clients can always have the benefit of our knowledge of all the great new materials that are available at the time.

WHAT INFLUENCES DO YOU DRAW ON IN THE DECORATION AND AESTHETICS OF A HOME? I spend a great deal of time trying to get “inside my clients’ heads” before agreeing to start on a project. I ask them a lot of questions that would seem innocuous but that help me truly understand what their most perfect home would look like if they had our expertise and experience. We design for the client’s idea of beauty, as opposed to imposing any one particular style. Inspiration can be found everywhere from a piece of treasured art to the clients’ wardrobes to their vacation styles and more. I love discovering each client’s unique vision for their home and then helping them not only to achieve it but take it beyond what they’d known was possible.

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ALECIA CALDER & STACY CARLSON Lavish Gift + Home

507 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach 310-379-5999 info@lavishgifthome.com lavishgifthome.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

Our featured project is located in the Sand Section of Hermosa Beach. Our clients were looking for a refresh of their Tuscanstyle home. After the first meeting at their home we concluded the interior needed a lighter, more sophisticated coastal feel. Their ocean-view loft was converted into a chic and functional home office with exquisite built-ins. Hardwood floors were carried throughout the home, including the master bedroom, which was originally carpeted. From the ground up, including all new furnishings, the master bedroom was transformed into a serene escape for the young couple.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. Lavish Gift + Home offers interior design services specializing in residential homes with emphasis on style and sophistication. We offer services that range from only a few hours of consulting to generating full-scope design projects. It is our priority to help our clients carefully select unique pieces that are a reflection of luxury and comfort— making the process easy and effortless. We create beautiful spaces that stand the test of time.

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HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOURSELF FROM THE COMPETITION? We offer affordable interior design services that tailor to a client’s specific tastes, needs and budget. We work oneon-one with our clients, overseeing each project from beginning to end. Customer service is key to any successful business, and we strive to ensure that we listen to our clients—making them feel important and appreciated. We work hard to shape your visions into reality, creating an environment that is as unique and individual as you are.

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNATURE TOUCHES THAT MAKE YOUR FIRM STAND OUT FROM THE REST? We love to bring a touch of the outdoors inside. Our faux succulent and orchid arrangements add a perfect amount of elegant greenery to your space. An orchid or succulent in the right container can be the finishing touch that completes a room. Choose from one of the many selections in our store or bring in your favorite container and let us create a custom arrangement for you.

ARE YOU OFFERING ANY SPECIAL CLIENT PROMOTIONS? We will extend 10% off your purchase if you mention this ad in Southbay magazine.

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SARA BALOUGH Sara Balough Designs

Palos Verdes 310-251-1968 sarabalough@gmail.com sarabaloughdesigns.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

This bathroom remodel makes me smile because the clients were the most reluctant clients I have ever worked with. We’d done fun things in their house before, but they viewed this master bath project as pure drudgery. The clients have a busy, happy life, and they simply didn’t want the disruption of a remodel. They were not interested in any changes to the exterior footprint, and the glass block window had to stay. So the challenge for me was to integrate the existing elements into a fresh new design that would thrill them and make it worth the hassles.

WHAT MAKES THIS PROJECT SPECIAL? I used the glass block to add natural light to the water closet and continued the grid as a design element in the shower. The gorgeous mosaic tile was the first choice for the shower and set the palette for the room. I chose a fresh, beautiful, silver-grey paint for the new vanity, which complemented the Carrera marble countertop. Combining contemporary with traditional for an eclectic look reflects the personality and sophistication of my clients.

WHAT’S NEW IN THIS DESIGN? One of the elements we chose was lighted mirrors by Electric Mirror. They open like a medicine cabinet with built-in shelving and plugs but are still full-size with the lighting built into the mirror. No need

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for sconces or a chandelier in the vanity, which kept the space clean and uncluttered. We also put radiant heat under the stone floor for comfortable winter mornings on bare feet.

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOUR COMPANY? I only take on the projects that I can handle personally rather than hand off to junior partners. I do rely on great craftsmen and contractors, and I’ve lived in Los Angeles long enough to have assembled a reliable and professional team. I collaborate with my clients so the design reflects their taste and lifestyle. I am not interested in plopping a cookie-cutter design into someone’s home, then moving on to sell it again. As I recently told one client, “I’m not going to stop until you tell me, ‘I LOVE it.’”

WHAT DO YOU SEE ON THE HORIZON? I am seeing an increase of color in design but a move toward clean, open spaces. My traditional clients are liking a cooler palette. Geometric prints are hot, although the reps are telling me chintz is also coming back. Millennials want clean, fresh, useful spaces and don’t want to reproduce Mom’s house. In my art business, I’m seeing sales as strong in nonrepresentational contemporary art as I do in landscapes. Here in the South Bay, beach scenes continue to be hugely popular.

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KIMBERLY COLLETTI KCM Interiors

715 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. Redondo Beach 310-735-1991 | 602-330-7818 (cell) Kimberly@studiokcm.com kimberlycolletti.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

Many of my clients have multiple residences throughout the United States and Europe. This particular residence is a getaway for our clients to decompress and recharge so they may again jump full-speed ahead into their busy and colorful world. We purposefully used a neutral palette with touches of green, orange and black as accents. It is an uncomplicated design aesthetic—not always the easiest to achieve. I love the, “less is more,” approach that was articulated into the home. The result is chic and sophisticated—designed around an orchestra of neutrals. Avid art collectors, they have pieces like the Cy Twombly hanging in the dining room, which create the simplistic drama. By using natural fibers in the linens, cottons, velvets and jute, layers of sumptuous yet natural texture create the sophisticated, pulled-together ambience for this residence. Another goal was to create a bridge between modern and traditional, which we achieved to the delight of our clients!

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR YOUR FIRM? We are excited to introduce the opening of our new South Bay Interior and Lifestyle showroom. Upon entering, you will feel as though you have been welcomed into a stunning residence curated with global brands. Take a few steps fur-

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ther to experience our foliage-covered veranda. In the near distance you will see our design studio, where a lot of the magic happens! We are excited about our partnership with Neff Cabinetry as well as our Signature custom lines— bringing kitchen and bath design to a whole new level. Creating partnerships with sought-after architects, builders and designers in Southern California, KCM is truly a full-service interior design firm.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU? Design is constantly evolving. It is never stagnant or boring, and it is always a challenge. The desire to create timeless yet innovative home designs that are comfortable and reflect the lifestyle of the client is what drives me! Good design is a process, not a style. We can do it all. It’s about the connection with the client, great communication and then allowing the creativity to flow.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU OFFER TO CLIENTS? We are an “open-book” design firm. All aspects of our client files are meticulously organized, accessible and include the financial records for each project. Many firms are non-disclosure regarding their vendors and pricing. At Studio KCM, we are transparent regarding all areas of our design. This puts the clients at ease by establishing a solid foundation of trust.

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LESLIE RAGUSE, LEANNA RAMSEY & LAURI-ANN HOOD

West Coast Living Thomasville

23036 Hawthorne Blvd. Torrance 877-415-6892 westcoastliving@octhomasville.com westcoastlivingoc.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

This classic, 1946 mid-century colonial is situated in the exclusive Pacific Palisades and walking distance to the quaint downtown Palisades Village. Though fabulously located, the home failed to suit the needs of a bustling, modern family of five. The clients were looking for a contemporary departure from the interior design of their previous Palisades property and enlisted our help to re-imagine this 3,500-squarefoot home. We spent a lot of time with the family and really listened to their needs in order to create a warm, inviting, indooroutdoor living design. Simple forms in neutral tones are the overarching theme with artwork, hand-knotted rugs, accessories and plants infusing the space with bursts of color. We custom-designed 95% of this project in order to realize the goal of a fun, classy and modern home.

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depending on your own specific needs.

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOUR COMPANY, AND HOW DOES THAT INFLUENCE THE WAY YOU PRACTICE YOUR CRAFT? No project is too big or too small. It’s all about you and what works for your lifestyle, budget and personal aesthetic. We are committed to providing our clients with unparalleled customer service. Our designers put a priority on forming close relationships with our clients and trying to understand their needs. Our expert, fully-trained delivery team prepares all items with special package protection and handles the goods with an extra level of attention to detail. We set up, assemble and install the items in your room of choice and remove all packing materials.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY.

WHAT MAKES YOUR COMPANY UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY?

West Coast Living, a family owned and operated business, was created to offer Southern California the largest selection of America’s most renowned furniture brands. We offer an unparalleled selection of high-quality furnishings, fabrics, floor coverings, bedding and accessories from hundreds of reputable brands available to touch and feel in our five showrooms. With an experienced and knowledgeable team of more than 30 in-house interior designers, we ensure that you work with a designer who gets your aesthetic, your personality and your budget. We offer different levels of interior design service

West Coast Living maintains the largest in-stock inventory of high-end, competitively priced furniture, mattresses and accessories in Orange County, South Bay and Southern California. Many of our clients have just purchased a new home and don’t have a bed to sleep on. It is not uncommon for our talented designers to walk through a new client’s empty home, quickly execute a beautiful design and floor plan and deliver with our highly trained in-house delivery team within a week. Whether it’s one piece or an entire home, our designers help you create the home you have always dreamed of at a price you can afford.

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VON HEMERT INTERIORS

23649 Hawthorne Boulevard Torrance 310-373-0442 kamarenh@vonhemertinteriors.com vonhemertinteriors.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. We are featuring two very unique clients with distinctly different tastes. Our first client wanted unique pieces that represented a traditional je ne sais quoi that evokes understated elegance. Our second client embraced an urban-style-meets-upscale-menswear, with inspirations coming from men’s cuff links and crocodile loafers. As these individual styles vary, so do our fabulous design projects!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. von Hemert Interiors has been consistent with bringing a reputable level of interior design services and high-end, brand-name home furnishings for nearly a century. Since 1920, we have offered a distinct selection of domestic furniture manufacturers such as: Stickley, Century, Hickory Chair, Hickory White, Hancock & Moore, Councill, Theodore Alexander, Maitland-Smith, Marge Carson and Lexington. Our accredited interior designers— Gregory Towle, Floyd Elwell and Kamaren Henson-Uhls—are a group of individuals with a remarkable breadth of design knowledge, experience and, most of all, passion. Each of these designers has a discerning sense of style when it comes to approaching your design project. After discussing your needs and wishes for your space, they will put together a design concept, floor plan and color boards to help you visualize the kind of interiors that will complement your style. From selecting fabrics to custom drapery to designing and furnishing everything in your entire home down to the china, rugs, art and other accents, our design-

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ers can ease you through this creative journey.

HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOUR FIRM FROM THE COMPETITION? We are the only design firm and home furnishings location in South Bay that has a full range of vendors, suppliers and materials, as well as the knowledge of worldwide textiles that are available for a given project. We also have great purchasing power, support and longstanding relationships with the best workrooms in the area so as to bring you the most stylish custom treatments and highly supervised installations.

WHAT ARE SOME EXCITING | PROJECTS YOU’VE COMPLETED? We have worked on residential and commercial installations from Yokohama, Japan to Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, as well as great local projects in Palm Springs/Desert, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pacific Palisades, Manhattan Beach and Malibu. Gregory, Kamaren and Floyd each carry their own portfolio of stunning projects in diverse styles.

DESCRIBE YOUR CLIENTS. Our interior designers enjoy working with clients on individual rooms as well as turnkey projects. Getting to know their customers and how they aspire to live is the best part of the creative process. It is not uncommon for many of our clients to come back to us time and time again when new and exciting space changes or opportunities present themselves. It is this lasting bond that is a truly wonderful part of our business.

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REBECCA FOSTER Rebecca Foster Design

Manhattan Beach 415-336-6405 rebeccafosterdesign@gmail.com rebeccafoster.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

In the era of complete teardowns, this family decided to do an extensive remodel and still ended up with the home of their dreams. They wanted a family-friendly concept (from the aspect of spending time together and minimizing the anxiety of needing to keep everything too clean!) We updated the style and quality of the house in several ways. They worked with an architect to add an upstairs bathroom to better accommodate their family of five. They made a few additional changes to the layout by closing off an existing Jack-and-Jill bathroom so the daughter (who was smashed between two brothers) could have the most luxurious child’s bedroom of the three. They beautified the long master bedroom to create a more serene and functional space. They chose to add beautiful finishing touches such as a marble fireplace surround, a square groove, whitewashed focal wall in the hallway, and a gorgeous laundry floor tile. They finished it all with a pretty, yet durable, furnishing style suitable for a young family living near the beach.

WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THIS INDUSTRY? I love helping people find furniture for

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their homes from great sources that make a quality product at a great price. With so many catalogs coming to our mailboxes everyday, the average homeowner doesn’t realize there are so many more options for getting the look you want at a great price. And in the end, you have something your friend or neighbor doesn’t have. I love helping people discover new places to shop and explore.

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? I think that despite the rising costs to own real estate in our towns, space is still an issue. I love helping people make their spaces equally as pretty as they are functional. When every inch counts, the design of a cabinet or the right piece of furniture can make a big difference in how people are able to fully use their home.

WHAT INFLUENCES DO YOU DRAW ON IN THE DECORATION AND AESTHETICS OF A CLIENT’S HOME? I always want to give my clients what they want. I don’t view my job as taking my style to others, but instead I like to help my clients bring their style to life.

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THE DESIGNERS

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(L TO R): Karen Murphy, Sharon Konek, Young Tanaka, Demetra Kavoulakis

KAREN MURPHY, SHARON KONEK, YOUNG TANAKA & DEMETRA KAVOULAKIS

Laurels Fine Furniture

2606 W. Sepuldeva Blvd. Torrance, CA | 310-534-5800 | laurels2005@yahoo.com | laurelsfurniture.com

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. Serving the South Bay since 1998, Laurels Fine Furniture features more than 13,000 square feet of high-quality, unique furnishings ranging from traditional to modern at competitive prices. The owners’ European heritage and generations of experience in the furniture industry is reflected in the eclectic styles Laurels carries. We have a friendly and experienced staff of interior designers to help our clients find their distinct style and pull together designs customized for their spaces.

HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOUR FIRM FROM THE COMPETITION? Laurels is dedicated to providing extraordinary service and selection, and we are proud to offer luxurious looks for a fantastic value. We have more than 30 brand-name manufacturers represented in our showroom and are proud to be exclusive dealers in the South Bay for several of our brands. Our clients crave personal service, and that is how we set ourselves apart from our competition. We have in-house refinishers and our own white-glove delivery crew.

Recliners & Vari-Tilts

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CLIENTS HAPPY FROM START TO FINISH? Because we are an independent, family- owned showroom, we have all the resources we need to keep our clients happy. “Can this be touched up prior to delivery?” Absolutely. “Can the delivery guys move my old dresser when you deliver my new one?” Of course! We accommodate our clients

whenever we can, as we are not beholden to any corporate policy coming from an office hundreds of miles away. Our clients also love that we offer interest–free financing so they can get their whole project done at once instead of in phases.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BENEFIT CLIENTS GAIN WORKING WITH YOU? Big savings! Not only in their wallets but in time and energy. Laurels is virtually one-stop shopping for interiors—floor to ceiling. In addition to fine furnishings, we carry broad-loom, rugs, wall decor, bedding, accessories, and an incredible assortment of lamps—all at incredible prices. The fact that our interior design services are free is the icing on the cake.

WHAT INFLUENCES DO YOU DRAW ON IN THE DECORATION AND AESTHETICS OF A CLIENT’S HOME? The client’s personality and lifestyle are primary considerations when starting any design. Also the architectural style and location of the home are a big influence on the design direction of a project. While some clients want their homes to have a consistent style—be it Mediterranean, Cape Cod or modernist—other clients enjoy the juxtaposition of traditional décor inside a modern home, or modern furnishings in a classic Spanish-style home. It’s all about an eclectic mix of modern and classic so we don’t have a room that feels trendy or straight out of a catalog. We can sometimes design for a client just based on inspiration from their outfit!

Vesta Style No. 4023 Recliner bradington-young.com

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THE DESIGNERS

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KONNI TANAKA, CID

Konni Tanaka Design Group

Redondo Beach | 310-265-3632 | konni@konnitanaka.com | konnitanaka.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. The time had come to update the artful custom home, which the clients had built 17 years ago. A sunken family room leading to a sunny patio had originally housed a large, natural maple entertainment unit and a free-form concrete fireplace. For this remodel, we gave the room a sophisticated personality. A slim TV wall replaced the large built-in cabinets, and the free-form fireplace was faced with patinaed metal panels—crisp, but retaining an organic feel. We used the original maple wood mantle along with wood trim so the new design would flow seamlessly into the adjoining natural maple kitchen.

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WHAT MAKES YOUR DESIGNS UNIQUE?

WHAT SPECIAL BENEFITS DO YOU GIVE YOUR CLIENTS?

We aim to create uniquely personalized environments that rejuvenate and inspire. Our design process begins by articulating the concepts and materials to be incorporated. Then we design circulation and lighting. To achieve visually unique spaces, specialty finishes and materials are used, such as custom digitally printed wallpaper, various metals and specialty plasters. We custom-design architectural details, cabinetry, furniture and window treatments to create the space, and place artwork and accessories to give the final touches.

Energy can contribute to the success of a space. For interested clients, we use traditional Chinese feng shui in the design to optimize the energy. Feng shui enhances the flow of energy in each space, balances negative and positive energies, and determines the best areas for sleeping or working. To balance energy, we use natural elements incorporated into the design. For example, in this featured project metal was used to balance the energy of the room. The overall result is a space that feels fresh and uplifting, optimized to support the client’s health and aspirations.

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HOME

FINAL OFFER

Patrick Killen, AIA | 1953-2015 The South Bay lost one of its most admired and prolific home designers in August at a very young 61. Patrick Killen came to California as a bright, talented architect in 1980 and quickly left his mark on the Beach Cities landscape, experimenting with a modern, progressive design that is now prevalent from The Strand in Manhattan to the hills of Palos Verdes. Patrick founded his firm, Studio9one2—named after his office address in Manhattan Beach—in a market that at the time didn’t seem to have a taste for his contemporary vision. Yet he stuck to his experimental roots and soon began erecting his steel, wood and glass homes with pride and gusto. His work inspired new architects and designers throughout the South Bay, not to mention the respect of his peers, making him one the original influencers of a broader design movement over the last couple decades. His work was widely published, in books like his own The Modern California Beach House and California Cool, and magazines including several editions of Southbay and Southbay HOME. His service extended way beyond the drafting table. He served as Kiwanis Club president, Manhattan Beach’s Cultural Arts Commission and other positions. He was also influential in the reshaping efforts of Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach that finally materialized a few years ago. While Pat may be gone, his legacy lives on in the buildings and projects he put all his passion behind. He was a friend to us at Moon Tide Media and will be greatly missed. We’ll miss his infectious energy, his wit, his loyalty and his many incredible talents. Godspeed.

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