A Modern L.A. Home Mixes California Mediterranean With Art Deco Vibes

Interior designer Kate Lester embarked on a project to redefine the perception of traditional design within a Cape Cod-style home in Manhattan Beach, CA. The common understanding of traditional interiors often includes heavy floral patterns, antique timepieces, tasseled ottomans, and elaborate window treatments, which can deter individuals from incorporating these elements. Lester's approach demonstrates how traditional components can be integrated into a contemporary setting without creating an outdated aesthetic. The design philosophy centered on using traditional elements in a novel manner, aiming to transform a conventional space into one filled with playful details and personality. Lester's methodology involved introducing comfort and clean lines, often considered divergent from traditional design principles. This was achieved through the careful selection of softer paint colors and comfortable furniture pieces. These modern touches were then contrasted with distinctive wallpaper and unique artwork, creating a balanced and visually interesting environment. The designer's work underscores the idea that "Trad is rad," advocating for a refreshed perspective on traditional decor. The project successfully blends classic architectural styles with modern interior sensibilities, providing a blueprint for homeowners looking to update their traditional residences while maintaining their inherent character. The article highlights specific elements and products that contribute to this updated traditional style. For instance, it features a Campion hanging light fixture from The Urban Electric Co., a Julia Low Profile Three Hole Deck Mounted Lavatory Faucet from Waterworks, and a Stoneware Pitcher w/ Rattan Handle from Kate Lester's own collection. Other items include Fig Leaves I artwork from Juniper Print Shop and a Marigold Metal Candle Holder, also from Kate Lester Home. These selections collectively demonstrate how individual pieces can contribute to a cohesive design that feels both classic and contemporary. The integration of such items showcases a thoughtful curation process, where each object plays a role in enhancing the overall aesthetic and functional appeal of the home. Through this project, Lester illustrates how a traditional home can be transformed into a comfortable, stylish, and personal space. The emphasis is on reimagining traditional aesthetics rather than abandoning them, proving that classic styles can indeed evolve to meet modern tastes and preferences. The design effectively challenges conventional notions of traditional decor, offering a fresh and inviting interpretation that appeals to a contemporary audience while respecting the architectural heritage of the home. This blend of old and new creates an environment that is both familiar and surprising, inviting residents to experience traditional design in an entirely new light. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ManhattanBeach #KateLesterInteriors #TraditionalModern #CapeCodStyle #HomeRenovation #InteriorStyling

Los Angeles is experiencing a vibrant surge in its home design retail landscape, with numerous new shops and pop-ups offering a diverse array of styles and unique finds. These establishments cater to a wide range of tastes, from minimalist modern and industrial chic to coastal elegance and vintage aesthetics, attracting both celebrity clientele and design enthusiasts. Cassina, an Italian furniture manufacturer, has opened its largest store to date in Los Angeles. This three-level space, designed by art director Patricia Urquiola, showcases modular works by Virgil Abloh and features its iMastri Collection, which includes timeless pieces resulting from collaborations with significant architects and designers such as Charlotte Perriand and Gaetano Pesce. The showroom is located at 145 N. Robertson Blvd. Olive Ateliers, a shop that has gained popularity through TikTok and Instagram, has become a favorite for home accessories, even attracting celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Elsa Hosk. Co-founded by Kendall Knox, Ben Knox, and Laura Sotelo, Olive Ateliers specializes in “objects with old souls,” such as worn Turkish vases and vintage Chinese elm benches. The store is situated at 1210 Mateo St. Inner Gardens, a long-established garden emporium known for landscape designer Stephen Block’s global finds and reproduction pots, has relocated to a former bank building in Culver City. The store's unique and serendipitous inventory appeals to high-profile clients including Spago, Soho House, Kelly Wearstler, Elton John, and Ellen Pompeo. Its new address is 4444 Sepulveda Blvd. Habitat Home & Garden, a family business with its third outpost in Malibu, emphasizes unique furnishings and one-of-a-kind designs that reflect the laid-back luxury of coastal California. The store, which includes rustic wood furniture, vintage rugs, and sun-bleached accessories, counts the Duke and Duchess of Sussex among its customers. It is located at 21249 Pacific Coast Highway. LDV, an establishment co-founded by Guido Callarelli and Birta Ólafsdóttir, now has a pop-up store near the West Hollywood Design District, allowing in-person viewing of its impeccably restored Art Deco and 1970s-era furniture. Previously, its inventory was available exclusively through an invite-only online platform. The pop-up is at 156 S. Robertson Blvd. Pop-Up Home, a furniture shop previously known for its roving nature, has found a permanent location in Melrose Hill. Founder Tricia Benitez Beanum curates a diverse collection that includes sculptural vintage furniture, 1970s studio pottery, and contemporary art from UNREPD, a gallery co-founded by Beanum that focuses on emerging artists. The store is located at 642 N. Western Ave. NB Shop, run by interior designer Natasha Baradaran, offers an experiential retail space that reflects her tactile approach to home and life, appealing to clients such as Heather and Christopher McQuarrie, Luis Miguel, and Kate Hudson. The shop, located at 725 N. La Cienega Blvd., features her Persian Garden textile collection, inspired by her Iranian heritage. The Expert, a design consultation platform co-founded by John Legend and Chrissy Teigen's interior designer Jake Arnold, has expanded with an e-commerce arm, Showroom, and a by-appointment warehouse in West Adams. The Showroom offers vintage pieces alongside Arnold's made-to-order furniture line. Appointments can be made via email. Flora Grubb Gardens, a well-regarded San Francisco garden shop known for its focus on sustainability and drought-tolerant plants, has opened a new location in Los Angeles, taking over the Marina Del Rey Garden Center at 13198 Mindanao Way. The Future Perfect, led by David Alhadeff, continues to elevate the concept of blending residence and retail with its fourth Los Angeles iteration. Now housed in a historic Beaux-Arts neoclassical home, newly landscaped by Art Luna, the space offers collectible contemporary design by appointment. House of Leon and Tappan Collective, run by siblings Jordan, Steven, and Chelse Neman Nassib, occupy adjacent shops on Melrose Avenue. House of Leon provides stylish and accessible furniture, while Tappan Collective showcases art from emerging talent, demonstrating how to integrate furniture and art seamlessly into residential spaces. They are located at 8200 Melrose Ave. Kalon Studios, known for its minimalist wood furniture favored by Kylie Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, has opened its first space at 3559½ Casitas Ave., Atwater Village, featuring a landscaped roof deck designed by Teremoto. Pierce & Ward, the interior design duo behind homes for celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Dakota Johnson, has opened their first shop at 1956 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz, featuring their maximalist aesthetic softened by sage green walls. Maquette, a collective formed by interior designers Caitlin Scanlon, Abby Wolf-Weiss, and Julie Goldman, has transformed a bungalow into a retail and co-working space. Located at 507 N. Larchmont Blvd., the shop attracts clients like UTA’s Blair Kohan and CAA’s Risa Gertner. Cooper Reynolds Gross has partnered with Fred Segal to launch his first commercial furniture collection, “Feels Right, Feels Good,” at Fred Segal on 8500 Sunset Boulevard. Coup D’Etat, a San Francisco-based gallery, is opening a new location on Robertson Boulevard. It will offer high-end furniture, exclusive artist collaborations, curated vintage pieces, and a dynamic visual program, attracting renowned designers. Gilded Owl, a decorative arts gallery from Hudson Valley, has established a presence on Beverly Boulevard at 7282 Beverly Blvd., showcasing mid-century Italian furniture and collaborations like “The Pool Table Series,” appealing to patrons such as Kirsten Dunst. Seventh House LA, located at 7001 Melrose Ave. in a building designed by Frank Gehry, presents a collection of early 20th-century Art Deco, postmodern, and contemporary art furniture. Albertz Benda | Friedman Benda, a New York gallery, has an L.A. outpost at 8260 Marmont Lane, aiming to broaden the concept of art and design by incorporating craft, architecture, and technology. This addition is significant for the L.A. design scene, as noted by interior designer Oliver M. Furth. Studio Balestra, Adriano Balestra’s shop at 767 N. La Cienega Blvd., blends his Italian heritage with Japanese antiquities to create a unique wabi-sabi aesthetic. This compilation provides an overview of the burgeoning home design scene in Los Angeles, highlighting various styles, celebrity endorsements, and key figures driving the industry. #LosAngeles #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryFurniture #VintageDecor #Lifestyle #Retail #ArtAndDesign #CelebrityStyle

The El Mirador estate in Montecito, California, a sprawling 12,000-square-foot property developed in the 1800s, served as the focus of a significant two-year renovation project undertaken by Rails founder and creative director, Jeff Abrams. Initially visiting the estate without an intention to purchase, Abrams was captivated by its lush greenscapes and historical interiors, ultimately deciding to acquire the property. The estate is set on 15 acres of land, featuring extensive gardens, varied foliage, and ponds. Beyond the main residence, it includes a pool house, a guest house, and a gatehouse, the latter of which was undergoing renovation to be transformed into an artist's retreat during Abrams' ownership. Abrams' primary goal for the renovation was to preserve the estate's existing European architectural grandeur while integrating elements that reflected a Californian aesthetic of effortless living. He consciously left much of the original architecture intact, focusing instead on subtle modifications to create a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. The interior design choices, such as the introduction of soft white walls and simple wooden furniture, were instrumental in achieving this balance. These elements were chosen to complement the traditional aspects of the estate without overshadowing its historical character, aiming for an atmosphere that felt both timeless and contemporary. The renovation process was described as meticulous and unhurried, reflecting Abrams' desire to craft a personalized experience within the historic framework of the home. This methodical approach allowed him to make deliberate design decisions that ensured the final outcome aligned precisely with his vision for the estate. The careful consideration given to every detail underscored a commitment to quality and a deep respect for the property's heritage. The result was a captivating transformation that seamlessly married the estate’s original majesty with a refreshed, California-inspired sensibility. Abrams shared insights into the renovation, highlighting the careful balancing act required to modernize the estate while preserving its inherent historical value. This involved a thoughtful selection of materials, colors, and furnishings that would honor the past while meeting contemporary standards of comfort and style. The project demonstrated how a historic property can be updated to suit modern living without losing its soul, creating a unique living space that tells a story of both its origins and its new chapter. The Montecito estate, under Abrams' stewardship, became an exemplar of how thoughtful design can bridge centuries, offering a living environment that is both grand and inviting. #MontecitoEstate #MediterraneanStyle #HomeRenovation #JeffAbrams #RailsFounder #InteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #CaliforniaLiving

This article highlights Janea Brown's decision to forgo downsizing after discovering a Spanish-Revival rental in Los Angeles. Brown, a creative professional, initially intended to move into a smaller space but was captivated by the unique charm and architectural details of the 1920s-era home. The property's distinctive features, such as arched doorways, original tiles, and built-in elements, presented an opportunity to blend her personal style with the historical character of the residence. Her design philosophy revolves around integrating her vibrant artistic sensibilities with the existing structure, creating a space that feels both personal and respectful of its heritage. Brown's design approach emphasizes layering textures, colors, and vintage finds to achieve a lived-in, eclectic aesthetic. She strategically incorporates a mix of new and antique furniture, artwork, and decorative objects to add depth and personality to each room. Her use of bold patterns and rich hues complements the home's warm, inviting atmosphere, moving away from a minimalist aesthetic in favor of a more maximalist and expressive design. The article details how she managed to furnish and decorate the larger space effectively, utilizing clever storage solutions and versatile pieces to maximize both form and function. A significant aspect of Brown's home is its ability to serve as both a sanctuary and a source of inspiration for her creative work. The natural light and architectural details of the Spanish-Revival style provide an ideal backdrop for her projects, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish. She prioritizes comfort and functionality, ensuring that the home is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical for everyday living. This balance is achieved through careful selection of materials and thoughtful arrangement of furnishings, making each area purposeful and inviting. Her rental transformation also showcases the potential for personalizing a temporary living space without undertaking major renovations. Brown demonstrates how strategic decorating choices, such as removable wallpaper, textiles, and curated accessories, can significantly impact a home's look and feel. The article provides insights into how she navigated the challenges of decorating a rental, including working within landlord guidelines while still achieving a highly personalized result. This adaptability highlights her resourcefulness and commitment to creating a space that truly reflects her identity. Ultimately, Brown's experience underscores the importance of finding a home that resonates on a personal level, even if it means altering original plans. The Spanish-Revival rental became more than just a place to live; it transformed into a canvas for her creativity and a testament to her ability to infuse any space with character and warmth. Her story offers inspiration for others looking to create a distinctive home environment, proving that thoughtful design can elevate a rental into a cherished personal retreat. #SpanishRevival #RentalDecor #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #CreativeLiving #VintageDecor #EclecticStyle #LosAngelesHomes

The article details the transformation of a Chicago apartment's living room by professional stager Molly Marino, owner of Molly Marino Design & Staging, with the assistance of her marketing director, Mike Pickett. The apartment, located in the West Loop neighborhood, was a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit owned by a client seeking to sell it quickly. The primary challenge was the apartment's sterile, white-box aesthetic, which lacked personality and warmth, making it difficult for prospective buyers to envision living there. Marino and Pickett aimed to infuse the space with an eclectic, maximalist style while maintaining a calming atmosphere through color. They opted for a strategy that involved using a mix of patterns, textures, and colors to create visual interest. For instance, the main wall was painted a deep emerald green, contrasting with the existing white walls and serving as a focal point. This color choice was complemented by a mustard yellow sofa, adding a bold pop of color and unexpected warmth to the room. The designers incorporated various decor elements to enhance the eclectic feel. A key piece was a round, dark wood coffee table that brought a vintage touch and grounded the space. Above the sofa, two abstract art prints in black frames were hung, providing a sophisticated and modern element. The use of different textiles, such as a black and white patterned rug, velvet pillows, and a throw blanket, added layers of texture and visual softness. Greenery, in the form of plants, was strategically placed to bring life and freshness into the room. Lighting played a crucial role in the design. Marino selected a sculptural floor lamp with multiple arms and spherical shades, which not only illuminated the space but also acted as an art piece. This choice contributed to the overall modern yet artistic vibe. The existing built-in shelving was styled with a collection of books, decorative objects, and framed photos, further personalizing the space and making it appear lived-in and inviting. Before the staging, the living room featured minimal furniture, including a small, neutral sofa, a glass coffee table, and a basic TV stand. The walls were uniformly white, and the space felt cold and uninspired. The transformation highlights the significant impact of professional staging on a property's appeal, especially for potential buyers looking for a home with character. The objective was to create a memorable and aspirational environment that would help the apartment stand out in the competitive real estate market. #HomeStaging #InteriorDesign #EclecticStyle #LivingRoomDecor #ChicagoRealEstate #PropertyTransformation #HomeDecor #MollyMarino #RealEstateMarketing