Renovating Our Happy Place
As the rain trickles down in LA, I am taking a minute to make some final design decisions about our construction project. And I realized that I haven’t really shared an update with you all! The demo has been fast and furious and now we are in plumbing and electric ‘roughs’ and I’m PATIENTLY awaiting windows and doors. I’m starting to work with our carpenter to customize our kitchen and other cabinetry and I am starting to taste what it really will feel like to LIVE in this house.
One of the things I loved about this property was how green and intimate it was. Set on over an acre of land, but not all ‘usable’, the home sits enveloped by enormous pine trees and greenery everywhere. We have views of the canyon from the front of the house and a totally private backyard surrounded by nature.
This house, and our surrounding communities, spoke to me for many reasons. I saw the potential immediately. It felt cozy and warm and I knew we would use every inch of it. Coming from our 100 year old ‘formal’ home in Hancock Park, this was a total change of pace. I have always said I have a huge appreciation for all types of architectural and interior design. I was enamored with the formal spaces and original molding of our historic home. But when I got the urge to throw myself into a new project I was feeling the need to be tucked away a bit more. And to be surrounded by nature. When I told Nick about my idea of starting from scratch and moving up the hill, he thought I was nuts. But ultimately he was excited to truly put some custom touches on our family home and this process has been so fun.
As a jumping off point, I decided to start by choosing a color palette that felt organic to the home. I have mostly gravitated to warm tones. The white that is just a little less white, with a dash of blush here and there.
And rich earth tones and deep blue hues for some gravity.
The main living spaces are still coming together. Limestone fireplaces and some custom cabinetry will serve as beautiful work horses for our very busy home. But lately I have been fixated on some of the smaller spaces.
I have been dreaming of the plans for the onyx powder room with brass fixtures and delicate sconces. It’s tiny, but I intend for it to hold a lot of drama.
I can’t wait to pepper the home with vintage and sculptural lighting. And I’m having a bit of a love affair with pieces that can be adjusted and manipulated according to the time of day or ‘scene’ that we are looking to set.
And the hard surfaces will be grounded with light oak flooring (that I’m pretty sure is one of the great loves of my life and I never seem to tire of) and Calacatta marble in our master bath.
I always have to balance the VERY practical side of my personality with the part of me that gets fixated on the look and feel of something. Our kitchen is always the hub for almost every part of our home life and choosing a countertop for the space has been gut wrenching. Thankfully there are some amazing ‘bullet proof’ materials that offer the assurance of durability without compromising on beauty. But that’s still very much a work in progress.
As you can see, I’m totally immersed in sourcing and inspiration boards. I have been so grateful for this process for a million reasons, but mostly because it has lifted my heavy heart just a little bit. I know my Dad would love this new home and the majestic hawk that has roosted in the large pine tree overlooking the home brings me comfort in knowing that he’s very much there and looking over it.
I can’t wait to share images of final selections and materials as they trickle in! Stay tuned for more!
Xx,
Jo