Ellen DeGeneres Just Dropped The Price on Her Santa Barbara Villa

Athena Calderone, the founder of EyeSwoon, is selling 14 unique furniture pieces from her former Brooklyn townhouse. This comes two years after she and her family relocated to a Tribeca apartment. The collection includes items that were prominently featured in her previous Instagram-worthy home, notably her iconic Camaleonda sofa. The sale offers enthusiasts and collectors an opportunity to acquire high-end, one-of-a-kind design elements that previously graced her acclaimed residence. Among the items available is a Jacques Adnet credenza, crafted from solid oak around 1946, which Calderone acquired at an estate sale in France, priced at $26,000. Its intricate detailing on the doors suggests minimal additional styling is needed. Another significant offering is a set of F815 lounge chairs by Theo Ruth, reupholstered in a cream nubby fabric, priced at $10,000. These chairs are presented as suitable companions for a marble coffee table and a neutral sofa. A more contemporary piece, a plaster-coated chandelier by Atelier Demiurge, is also for sale at $2,200, designed to create an illusion of timelessness when paired with elaborate ceiling molding. For bedroom accents, a 1950s velvet bench, priced at $3,500, is part of the collection, reflecting Calderone's appreciation for chic seating at the foot of a bed. The sale also includes a Murano glass bathroom light fixture, a 1930s glass and gold leaf chandelier available for $7,500, intended to elevate a freestanding tub into a spa-like setting. An entryway accent piece, a Giulia Guglielmo Veronesi Perla Chair, reupholstered in green mohair and priced at $5,500, is offered as a welcoming element for guests. Additionally, four mid-century wall lamps, previously mounted above a long marble shelf in Calderone's kitchen, are being sold as a set for $6,500. These sconces contributed to the breezy aesthetic of her highly photographed kitchen, known for its lack of upper cabinets. The full list of items is available on EyeSwoon's blog, and interested buyers are directed to contact [email protected]. The article specifies that these are collectible pieces, and only serious inquiries are welcomed, with buyers responsible for local NYC pickup or shipping. In addition to these exclusive pieces, Calderone plans to host a studio sale on June 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 291 Broadway, Unit 1105, New York City, featuring archive props, decorative items, and pre-loved objects at more accessible price points. #AthenaCalderone #BrooklynTownhouse #FurnitureSale #HomeDecor #LuxuryDesign #VintageFurniture #InteriorDesign #CollectiblePieces

The "Nirvana" estate, a mansion designed as a Zen-like paradise, has been listed for $25 million in Manalapan, Florida, within Palm Beach county. This oceanfront property seamlessly blends Zen and Buddhist influences with luxurious amenities, reflecting an "East-meets-West" theme, as described by Senada Adzem, director of luxury sales at Douglas Elliman real estate. The residence spans 12,244 square feet, with every detail curated to create an atmosphere of tranquility and opulence. Upon entering, the interior showcases tasteful details and muted color palettes, contributing to a relaxed ambiance. Luxurious touches are evident throughout, such as the cross-beamed ceiling in the family room. The kitchen is a focal point, featuring unique light fixtures above the island and intricately carved cabinetry. A sizable saltwater aquarium overlooks the shadowboxed dining room, adding a distinctive element to the space. The formal living room offers a commanding view of the ocean, complemented by a newly constructed seawall, and is adorned with a crystal chandelier and sconces mounted on a carved stone fireplace. The mansion includes several specialized rooms, such as a Buddhist prayer room, underscoring its Zen inspiration, and a sophisticated cinema room designed to replicate the grandeur of a classic art-house movie theatre. The master bathroom is appointed with custom cabinetry, a freestanding tub, and a walk-in glass shower, with the tub specifically positioned to offer an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean. Outside, the estate features private, grotto-like garden paths that are meticulously landscaped, creating a serene environment ideal for meditation. These paths provide a scenic route to the ocean, evoking an "Alice in Wonderland" aesthetic. From the rear of the house, the Spanish tile roof is a noticeable architectural detail. The outdoor area also boasts artful columns and arches overlooking an infinity-edge pool, along with an open-air sitting area designed to provide comfort away from the Florida sun. A straw hut covers an additional poolside seating area, offering another cozy spot with a stunning view. Beyond the main residence, the property includes a dock on Lake Worth Inlet, capable of accommodating a 130-foot yacht, and a full-size tennis court. The Nirvana estate is presented as a harmonious fusion of modern design, spiritual elements, and lavish comforts, offering a unique living experience in a prime oceanfront location. #Mansion #PalmBeachRealEstate #LuxuryHomes #ZenInspiredDesign #OceanfrontProperty #FloridaRealEstate #ArchitecturalDesign #HighEndLiving #NirvanaEstate

Meleana Estes, a jewelry designer and author of 'Lei Aloha,' along with her family of three, downsized from a large, renovation-needing home to a 1,000-square-foot turnkey beach bungalow on Honolulu’s south shore. The move necessitated a strategic approach to organization to accommodate Estes' extensive vintage collection. Key elements of her collection, such as an antique Indonesian dresser and original artworks by Allen Akina, were successfully integrated into the smaller space. A significant aspect of the transition was converting a small back cottage into a "muumuu sanctuary," ensuring her fashion collection was preserved. Heirloom furniture, large casegoods, and a collection of surfboards also made the move. Estes' design philosophy is heavily influenced by her Hawaiian heritage, which she describes as an inclination towards adornment, layering, and embracing the "extra." This is evident in the vibrant color palette throughout her home, particularly her fondness for pink, which she integrates in various areas, allowing different elements to complement each other. Her approach suggests that if something brings joy and feels right, it is meant to work together. The 1926 bungalow, already tastefully updated with a light touch, provided an ideal backdrop without requiring additional renovations. The white walls and black double-hung windows establish an elegant foundation, with matching shades offering both light control and architectural definition. Incorporating sufficient storage was a priority for Estes. She implemented open shelving in the kitchen and freestanding cabinetry, including a large glass-front piece in the living room acquired from a friend's shop. Her son's bedroom features a green hutch, offering an organized solution for his monster trucks, books, and trinkets. Estes also collaborated with local design studio Woven to create a blue bar cart for the kitchen, which serves a dual purpose for drinks and storage of books and seashells. Woven also fabricated the coffee table in the living room's sitting area. The home seamlessly blends vintage finds with modern furniture. Inherited pieces form the core of the design, reflecting Hawaii's historical practice of crafting furniture from local materials and passing them through generations. The rattan sofa and chair set in the living room, belonging to Estes’ grandmother, were updated with new upholstery. A pedestal dining table made from Koa wood, indigenous to Hawaii, is another cherished family heirloom. Estes encourages mixing styles and eras, emphasizing trust in one's personal taste, stating that if you love something, there's a reason it belongs. Although the bungalow is not intended as a permanent residence, it currently perfectly suits their lifestyle. The home has become a central hub for social activity, often resembling a "surf club." Estes' husband keeps his boat in the garage, and friends frequently visit to rinse off after surfing. Her son's friends also pass through between beach volleyball games. Their expanding collection of colorful surfboards doubles as decorative elements when not in use. This communal atmosphere, combined with the beautiful water and frequent gatherings with food and drinks, encapsulates what Estes describes as the "best of Honolulu life." #HomeTours #DesignInspiration #HawaiianDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #VintageDecor #MaximalistStyle #InteriorDesign #HonoluluHome

The Lido Key home of Dan Denton, founder of Sarasota Magazine, is currently on the market for $4.95 million. This four-bedroom, four-bathroom residence at 117 S. Polk Drive exemplifies the Sarasota modern style, a significant architectural movement that gained international recognition from the mid-1940s through the 1960s. Denton, 71, recognized the enduring appeal of this style long before it was formally categorized as the “Sarasota School of Architecture.” He attended the 1982 American Institute of Architects convention where Gene Leedy, one of the movement's pioneers, officially coined the term. Denton, who admires architects like Paul Rudolph and Victor Lundy, acquired the home in 1989. At that time, the Sarasota School was a niche interest, with Mediterranean Revival being the predominant style. Denton was drawn to the home's flat roof, wide overhangs, terrazzo floors, and other midcentury characteristics, viewing it as a hidden gem reflecting the Sarasota School aesthetic, similar to a ranch version of the Umbrella House. Over 35 years, Denton undertook three significant renovations to transform the property into a pure embodiment of the Sarasota modern style. While the specific costs of these renovations are not disclosed, each decision was meticulously considered, with numerous architectural drawings and plans, including an idea for a second floor, ultimately not implemented. The initial layout, with rooms concentrated at one end, was reconfigured to a split floor plan. The guest wing is now arranged in a U-shape, creating a private courtyard at the back, mirroring another courtyard at the front, thereby maximizing outdoor living spaces. The backyard features a pool, spa, and fire pit, and a guest house is accessible via the kitchen in the main house's other wing. Architectural features include floating overhangs for shade and extensive use of windows and glass sliders, designed to enhance cross-ventilation and views. The first renovation in 1990, led by designer Robert Beardsworth, introduced a new pool and kitchen. Ten years later, Beardsworth’s partner, Robert Neal, and architect Michael Epstein of Seibert Architects (a firm founded by Tim Seibert, another Sarasota School leader and former draftsman for Paul Rudolph) collaborated on the second phase. The most recent renovation, completed in 2021, added an open pavilion to the garden, further integrating indoor and outdoor living. The front wall of the living and dining area was replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows, and screen-holding beams on the screened porch were removed to create unobstructed views of the pool. This renovation earned the home a Florida AIA Design Award in 2022. The home is adorned with Denton’s art collection and midcentury furniture, though these will accompany him to his new residence. Notable exceptions include a copper sculpture by Jack Cartlidge in the front yard and a colorful PVC pipe cylinder sculpture by James Renfro in the backyard, both of which will remain. The property does not have historical designation, offering flexibility for future modifications, but Denton hopes the next owner will share his appreciation for the home's unique style, expressing a desire to avoid a buyer who might consider demolition. He notes the challenge and interest in balancing replacements while maintaining the vintage aesthetic, exemplified by his decision to preserve the original pink tile in one of the bathrooms. Denton is downsizing but remaining in the local area. Kim Ogilvie of Michael Saunders & Company is handling the listing, emphasizing the home's prime location, offering access to the beach, boating, and dining without requiring a car, and highlighting the rarity of such expertly remodeled midcentury-modern homes on the market. #SarasotaModern #LidoKeyRealEstate #MidcenturyArchitecture #SarasotaSchoolOfArchitecture #HomeRenovation #LuxuryHomes #DanDenton #ArchitecturalDesign #FloridaAIAAward

The Metropolitan Opera's Patron Lounge, now known as the Keebler J. Straz Lounge, underwent a significant redesign by ELLE DECOR A-Listers Christine and John Gachot of Gachot Studios. This renovation marks a new chapter for the storied space, originally decorated by Billy Baldwin when the opera house opened in 1966. The Gachots, longtime fans of the Met Opera, were tasked with refreshing the lounge to reflect contemporary luxury while honoring its rich history and the grand aesthetics of the opera house. The original lounge, characterized by its wall-to-wall windows and domed ceiling, was designed by Baldwin to offer practical, flexible seating areas for guests. However, after decades, the space required a modern update. The Gachots were selected for their expertise in warm, sophisticated interiors, demonstrated in previous luxury hospitality projects like the Pendry Manhattan West and Detroit’s Shinola Hotel. Their approach to the Met Opera lounge involved a deep dive into the Met’s extensive archives, studying original sketches and photographs to reinterpret Baldwin's vision while introducing a fresh perspective. Inspired by Baldwin's initial layout, the Gachots divided the lounge into distinct zones for various activities, including a bar area, comfortable sofas, and tables for gathering. This zoning strategy ensures that the space remains versatile and inviting. The design seamlessly integrates with the opera's iconic common areas, such as the lobby with its red carpeting and travertine accents. The chosen color palette of blush, red, and camel complements these existing elements, creating a cohesive aesthetic throughout the venue. One of the standout features of the redesigned lounge is a glittering gold custom carpet by Creative Matters, which evokes the effervescence of freshly popped Champagne, serving as a luxurious counterpoint to the lobby's famous red carpet. Other custom elements include a brass Amuneal bar, screens upholstered in Clarence House fabric, and all furniture supplied by Roche Bobois. The bathrooms feature fixtures by Waterworks from the Bond collection, designed in collaboration with Gachot, alongside Waterworks sinks, mirrors, and stone. The lounge's new name, the Keebler J. Straz Lounge, honors a managing director on the Met Opera’s board who generously funded the renovation. Access to this exclusive space is reserved for Metropolitan Opera sponsor members. The redesign is intended to symbolize a renewed commitment to attracting and nurturing a new generation of opera enthusiasts and patrons, a sentiment echoed by both Straz and the Gachots. The project underscores the importance of cultural institutions and the role of design in preserving and evolving these significant spaces. #MetropolitanOpera #LoungeRedesign #GachotStudios #LuxuryInteriorDesign #CulturalRenovation #HospitalityDesign #NewYorkDesign #OperaHouse #InteriorDecor