Renovation Sneak Peek

Day three of homeownership and my husband and I (with some major help from my father-in-law) have almost completely gutted our Cliff May rancho. Take one look at these photos and you'll see why I've only had a couple of posts this week. Yes, that IS the bathroom sink in the (now non-existent) kitchen!

Top to Bottom: The first two photos are the kitchen (or what's left of it!), [#3] shows one of the bedrooms with the original black VCT tile, [#4] the soon-to-be repainted purple master bath no longer has a sink, toilet, or floor, and the last photo shows our big discovery of day two!  The original Myselite glass divider between the bedrooms was still in tact had been dry-walled over.  Thank goodness there's at least one thing we won't need to replace.  I'll be back next week to regular blog posts and more photos of the renovations.  See you then!

Let the Remodeling Begin!

I didn't get a chance to post yesterday, but there's a very good reason.  My husband and I closed escrow on our 1954 Cliff May Rancho!  We bought a bottle of our favorite champagne to celebrate, but couldn't even finish a glass before we were tearing into the place.  There's lots and lots and lots of work to be done, but we have high hopes of bringing back our Cliff May to it's original glory.  We started by removing the classical columns that had been installed over the posts in the living room.  Yikes!  I will share photos of our place very soon, but in the mean time, here's some eye candy from Rancho Style.  This house is the same floor plan as ours, but has been lovingly restored and updated.

For a full gallery of Cliff May homes and other wonderful mid-century properties, visit So Cal Modern or Rancho Style and for more on Cliff May, check out this book. I also encourage you to check out Rancho Rehab to see a renovation currently underway a few blocks away from our new house.  There are so many people in our neighborhood who are taking wonderful care in restoring and preserving these homes and we're happy to join the effort!

Great Moments From Lonny's Premiere

I can't resist pouring over the pages of new online design magazine, Lonny, over and over again. I find something new and captivating each time.  In their recently-launched premiere issue, Lonny Magazine gives readers the opportunity to explore the homes of some of our favorite behind-the-scenes design stars.  Kate Simpson, former Senior Market Editor and Deborah Needleman, former Editor and Chief of now-defunct and dearly missed Domino Magazine, and Grace Bonney from Design*Sponge grace the pages of issue one.  Plus, Eddie Ross, who you no doubt remember from Bravo's last season of Top Design has established his own company and opens the doors to the country retreat he calls home with boyfriend and business partner, Jaithan Kochar.  I can't wait to see what they have in store for next month!  In the mean time, here are some of my favorite moments from the premiere issue.  

From top to bottom: Featured in the first issue are the homes of Ron Marvin, Deborah Needleman, Leonora Mable and Laurent Girard, Eddie Ross, Kate Simpson, Grace Bonney, and last but not least, one more from Ron Marvin.

When Seafoam Green Is In Fashion

According to Incubus, "it's so much easier when seafoam green is in fashion".  Not sure David McCandless can back up this statement, but he can tell you when this or any other color in the rainbow has been trendy.  His new book, Visual Miscellaneum, aims to "explore a whole range of subjects as visually and beautifully as possible, with the minimum of text." The results include this color chart that organizes popularity of color by year. For someone like me, who gets a high just from flipping through a paint deck, this is fascinating!

For more images from the book, visit David's website and pre-order the book or pick up your copy when it's released in the U.S. on November 10th.   Just four more days!

Holiday Exclusive

Excited about the holidays yet?  Okay, I know Halloween is barely behind us, but to accomplish a less stressful stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, it's smart to begin your holiday prep now.  Hygge and West has made it easy to get started. Known for their great selection of art, ceramics and wallcoverings from talented artists such as Julia Rothman and Ferm Living, they have just lauched a special Holiday website to make gift giving a no-brainer. From cozy slippers and wraps, stationary, jewelry, and adorable items for the littlest gift recipients, your cart is sure to fill up fast! Don't forget to also treat your home to new items like these amazing 100% wool pillows with hand-cut flower embellishments from Isolyn.

From top to bottom: Big Daisy $45, Big Daisy (detail), English Rose - Red $60, English Rose - Red (Detail), English Rose - Black $60

New Lighting, Vintage Look

Have you been combing vintage stores looking for an affordable period light fixture that suits your mid-century modern interior? Find yourself intimidated by the work to rewire/repair and would just rather have something shiny and new? Check out Rejuvenation for a range of classic styles, including streamline and atomic age fixtures that are quite a steal!  You can even customize finishes and change colorways for the some of the shades.  Below are just a few examples, so be sure to check out their site to see all the options and - hint, hint - this is also a great source for mid-century cabinet and door hardware.

From top to bottom: Skyport Chandelier (Choose from 12 finishes) , Jantzen semi-indirect chandelier (Also 12 finishes), Otis sconce: Approved for outdoor use and can be mounted as a ceiling lamp (Tip: This style of fixture was a popular choice for post-war ranch homes), and Corona Tri pendant w/ yellow shades (available in 8 colors)

Modern Family Trees

My grandfather was a genealogist and I didn't fall very far from the tree when it comes to a love for history, but I've always been more into the history of architecture and design than genealogy (not that I'm unaware of my family's history.  My grandfather made sure that I memorized a couple of centuries worth of family members...)  I was thrilled when I came across Jenn O'Neill's modern genealogy charts which merge my grandfather's passion with my love of modern design and allow me to proudly display my family history in a way that still meshes with my aesthetic.

Not only do I want one for myself, but these would make great gifts too!  A very unique option for a baby shower or wedding present, or even a birthday.  Don't know the person well enough to do some digging about relatives?  Opt for a gift certificate or the DIY version of a chart where the recipient can fill in the names.  Visit My Tree and Me to purchase.

Tomorrow Night: Toshiko Mori

Tomorrow night, don't miss Toshiko Mori speak as part of the Sci-Arc Lecture Series.  This wonder woman was the architect for the recently completed Greatbatch Pavilion, part of Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin Martin House Complex and is the former Chair of the Department of Architecture at Harvard Graduate School of Design.  Currently, she is a Robert P. Hubbard Professor in the Practice of Architecture and is working on a new exhibition, Textile Tectonic in Architecture.

Above is the Greatbatch Pavilion at the Darwin Martin House.  I visited the complex last year, before Toshiko Mori's building opened, and the tour guide had some interesting details to share about the design.  The roof of the building is actually the inverse of the Martin House roof, merging the historic structure with Mori's 21st-century design.

I'm very much looking forward to hear Mori discuss this project, as well as her other endeavors and approach to architecture.  All Sci-Arc Lectures are free, open to the public, and broadcast live right here.  So, if you can't make it in person, be sure to tune in.

Things To Do In L.A.

I just had to share this upcoming event at the Craft and Folk Art Museum.  Truly unique and sounds like it will be a lot of fun!

The Art of Protest: A Poster Making Workshop 
Thursday | November 19
7 pm - 9 pm
$30 | $25 CAFAM Members
Instructor: Kristian Henson

Fed up with elected officials and Byzantine policy debates? Express yourself loud and clear by creating protest posters on a subject you believe in. Led by award-winning designer Kristian Henson, this thought-provoking workshop will teach you how to communicate effectively through graphic design and create change in the world.

ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED by November 15th.

Amenity Sample Sale

I recently posted Amenity's new Arroyo Collection, so I was thrilled when a message landed in my inbox that they are having a party to celebrate their new studio space, where I can pick up a few pieces from the Arroyo Collection, and that's not all!  They are also having their annual sample sale with great deals to be had, starting on Nov. 13th.  Below are the full dates and times.  Mark your calendars!

Sample Sale Dates and Times:
November 13 from 10-5

November 14 from 10-4 and Studio Party from 4-6

November 15 from 12-2

Location: 453 Spring St Studio 918 (Corner of 5th and Spring)

Can't make it to the sale?  Here's a hint to still save big on Amenity. Sign up for their mailing list and receive coupon codes for their monthly 'Sweet Deals' for up to 40% off some of their most popular items.