CREG 09.27.24 by Times Media Group

LAGUNA BEACH & NEWPORT BEACH COMMUNITIES

Meital Taub stands as the embodiment of Orange County luxury real estate, where her remarkable influence is defined by a combination of candid sincerity, meticulous transactional precision, and an unwavering commitment to prioritizing the best interests of her clients. With a stellar track record surpassing $1 billion in sales, Meital has garnered national recognition, notably ranking in the top 0.01% of the 1.5 million real estate agents in the United States, as acknowledged by esteemed publications such as The Wall Street Journal.

As the founder of the Meital Taub Luxury Group within a distinguished brokerage, Meital has earned the prestigious Founder’s Award three times and secured her place in the Hall of Fame. In 2023 alone, and in a challenging marketplace, her team achieved sales exceeding $200 million. Meital launched Livel Real Estate

me for off-market opportunities.

in 2022—a consultancy aimed at inspiring and serving buyers, sellers, investors, and fellow agents at the highest echelons of excellence. Meital’s prowess is exemplified through her representation of iconic properties, including the notable 24 Lagunita Drive, a $15 million Laguna Beach residence featured on HGTV’s “Ultimate House Hunt 2018.”

Meital’s portfolio also encompasses the representation of the historic 40 North La Senda Drive in Laguna Beach, known as “The Lighthouse Estate,” as well as securing a $10 million estate for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County—a transaction that saw her donate her commission back to the foundation after selling the property above its appraised value.

Meital’s commitment to community involvement is equally commendable. As a long-standing resident of Laguna

Beach, she actively supports the local public schools through organizations like SchoolPower, where her contributions have earned her the Hall of Fame Award in 2021. Additionally, Meital dedicates her talents and resources to various local events and sits on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire. Whether navigating intricate contracts for her clients or contributing to her community, Meital Taub’s goal is to make a lasting impact, building the kind of wealth that leaves a lasting legacy.

Meital Taub can be reached at 949.922.9552. Please text for a con dential consultation. Meital@Livelrealestate.com; Livelrealestate.com

“Meital assisted us with a recent new home purchase and sale of our old primary residence in Laguna Beach. e current market is very tricky and Meital’s experience proved to be a valuable resource in helping us accomplish our goals and get us in to what we truly consider our dream home. When it comes to buying and selling, it really can’t be stressed enough how important it is to work with a team that takes the time at all hours of the day to make sure that you are comfortable and happy.” -Travis W.

Kelly Perkins

Real

Aleks Korfanty

Chris Tebbutt

Meital Taub

Livel Real Estate is the #1 Team in Laguna Beach

Mid-Century Coastal Classic in Laguna

Step through the doors of 394 Pinecrest and be transported back to the golden days of Laguna Beach, where the coastal charm of yesteryear meets timeless mid-century design. Crafted by renowned modernist Knowlton Fernald, this home evokes an immediate sense of excitement and invites you to relive an era when Laguna was the secret hideaway of artists, dreamers, and visionaries. Perched above the iconic Laguna Beach coastline, this home offers postcard-perfect white-water views stretching from the shores of Main Beach to the distant Dana Point Headlands, and every point and cove along the way. As you walk in, floor-to-ceiling glass walls allow natural light to flood the open-concept living space, blurring the line between indoors and the untamed beauty outside. You have your choice of three outdoor spaces—a shaded front patio, a side patio perfect for Zen relaxation, and an expansive ocean-facing deck that wraps around the front of the home and is perfect for outdoor dining and hosted gatherings. Nestled in a private enclave, yet minutes from the heart of Lagunas art galleries, beaches, and renowned restaurants, 394 Pinecrest offers not just a home but an experience one where time seems to slow, and the magic of Laguna Beach’s storied past is ever-present.

NEWPORT BEACH | SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

MJ GROUP FEATURED LISTINGS

520 Oak Street | Laguna Beach Laguna Village Charmer | Offered at $2,995,000

2423 Miseno Way | Costa Mesa Short Walk to the Back Bay | Offered

Happy Hour at Home

STYLE AND FUNCTION GO HAND IN HAND WHEN CREATING YOUR OWN BAR

COURTESY OF NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE / BY ASHLEY RYAN

Whether you desire a place to sip cocktails before heading out on the town or a space in which to unwind with a nightcap before bed, incorporating a bar into your home’s design can have plenty of pros.

“Home bars are a nice place to casually convene, socialize before the night begins and, most importantly, they offer a sense of circulation to gather in different environments,” notes Denise Morrison, founder and principal designer at

Morrison Interiors.

The first step is always deciding on the perfect locale, and Morrison says you can’t go wrong if you choose a spot that is near the other socializing areas of the home.

Once you’ve settled on where the bar will be, it’s time to consider which materials will be used in the build. She recommends incorporating elements that are durable, such as quartzite, metals or human-made options, as she says, “You never want to tell a guest, ‘Careful, don’t put that drink on the bar.’ ” Morrison adds that you should also avoid selecting

materials that you have to worry about ruining, as you’ll often be using acidic elements like lemons and limes on a bar.

When you’re determining the color palette for the space, it’s best to embrace the hues used elsewhere in the home. “Whether that be cooler or warmer, you want the space to feel cohesive. For example, choose a slab on the louder end but tone it down with subtle wood,” Morrison says, noting that darker colors have been trending as of late to create a more moody aesthetic.

Morrison says that one reason these spaces have been gaining popularity is

because people like the look and feel of restaurant bars, and are trying to re-create that in the comfort of their own homes.

As such, the mood of the space is pivotal. Use lighting to introduce added ambiance in your home bar, with a small lamp or hanging pendant lights.

Another element that you simply must include is furniture—namely, bar stools.

While Morrison says it’s crucial that they are comfortable so your guests have a pleasant visit, style is key. “The bigger the statement, the better—as long as you can sit comfortably,” she adds.

Some other essentials may be an ice maker, with many types to choose from, allowing you to customize the size and shape of the ice you serve, plus a beverage or wine fridge. “This helps chill all mixers and garnishes before your guests arrive as well as provide the perfect temperature wine,” Morrison notes.

Of course all of the things you need to serve drinks will be top of the list as well, from shakers and stirrers to decanters and glasses in a variety of shapes and sizes.

One special trend that has been popping up as of late is displaying rare collections of spirits, showcasing unique tequila or whiskey bottles or even wine. And even if they aren’t rare, this trend can be twisted to display whatever liquor and mixer options you have available in your home bar.

But don’t forget to add a touch of character to the space and really make it your own. “Accessorizing adds character to a space,” Morrison says. “We always love to add a touch of vintage. Whether that be a rustic bowl for your limes, or an antique cutting board for prep, it brings a casualness to the space.” Vessels and art can also go a long way, she adds.

Those that don’t have room for a full bar should consider investing in a cart on which to organize their beverage basics. Many are able to hold glasses, garnishes and more in addition to liquor bottles, and some have added functions that make them even more ideal for entertaining, such as removable trays up top.

Most of all, Morrison says, remember to place your cart or bar in an area where you’d want to gather. “This is a space to have fun,” she emphasizes. “Give it a restaurant feel, get creative and go for it.”

A dark counter is balanced by lighter wood in this home bar designed by Morrison Interiors. PHOTO BY SHADE DEGGES