A Marvel in Mandeville Canyon

So the Windsor Smith designed house on the bottom of Mandeville Canyon that I have been stalking for about a year is ready for it's close up. And wouldn't you know, it's a Veranda Magazine show house; it's simply gooooorgeous! The house is open to the public so long as you buy tickets at Veranda Unveils the House of Windsor. I recommend going with friends who love good design so you have someone to drool over the interiors with. Every room is more beautiful than the next. You never knew four walls and it's contents could look this good. I managed to take the photo above, though not a very good one, before I was promptly told "no pictures!" I heard a rumor that the house is up for sale in the $12 million range. As we were leaving, who but the unequivocally talented Ms. Kathryn Ireland was exiting her Range Rover in her plunging neckline. I quickly shouted across the drive way to tell her I was a groupie of the show and I love her work (btw, she designed the most beautiful horse stable for the show house). I was tripping over myself to help her get a dog leash around her little dog. My husband captured the moment. Embarrassing. I was seriously star struck. You can read an interview of Windsor Smith about the house as well as view a few photos at 1st Dibs. A whole spread of the house will be featured in the September issue of Veranda Magazine.

Rethinking Oxnard, CA

This photo spread featured in the August issue of Veranda magazine stopped me dead in my tracks. Wow, was I surprised to find out that this absolutely beautiful and serene house is located in Oxnard, CA. I grew up in Oxnard and I guess I always thought it was a bit dumpy. Though now that I live in LA I can't understand why Oxnard shores in Ventura County has not become a popular beach vacation home spot. There are very few water front properties to be had in California for in or around $1 million dollars except for Oxnard and it's only a pleasant forty five minute drive along the PCH from Santa Monica. Well, I think I know why the properties are still relatively affordable. It might have to be that the surrounding areas around the beach are not so pretty. But neither was Venice Beach and we all know how that area has taken off. The home belongs to the owners of Gianetti Design located in Brentwood here in LA. I would really love for Oxnard to live up to it's true potential, as a tranquil and beachy little hide away. No doubt, folks like these, who also command a discerning taste level saw something special in humble Oxnard. Why else would they have built such a gorgeous home there? I can only imagine the photo spread will only entice other architects and designers to do the same. Could this be the next area to invest in with tons of financial upside? I hope so.

Bravo!, Bravo!

Sorry for the lack of posts but life took over as it does from time to time and it did not cooperate. But I am so glad I have come up for air because I wanted to remind those who have not been watching that Million Dollar Decorators episodes are airing on Bravo and a must see. These designers are the real deal (no design on a dime here). They eat, drink, sleep style and it is so cool to see these characters in their natural habitat. The designer I would most love to have drinks with on the show is Mary McDonald. Who knew that such a beautiful and chic woman was so dang funny. But my favorite designs come from Jeffrey Alan Marks. His house is amazing. No joke, my Elle Decor edition that featured his house some months ago is so tattered from my constant ogling of the spread at least three times a week. Above is a video of Jeffrey giving a tour of his perfect home. That bathroom is to die for!

Lonny Magazine

Newest edition of Lonny Magazine is here!

Garden Inspiration

With the construction of the house almost complete, it's on with the next phase of this house's facelift and my focus is on the landscaping, especially around the front door. I love the look of gravel against shrubs of lavender and sage. I am interested in growing vines against the cinder block wall but I also like the idea of having roses as well. There are infinite ways of going about the design but I am geared toward indigenous and drought tolerant plants (not sure if rose's are in that category). Here are some of my inspiration photos, with more to come in the future.

Progress Report

The addition to the house is almost complete. We are waiting on some more reclaimed wood from a barge in Hawaii which we are expecting today. The reclaimed wood is being used for the siding and wood decking. I thought I would post some progress photo shots of the house.

Ojai Calling

We arrived home from our leisurely trip less than two weeks ago and I already feel like I need another vacation. I hit the ground running as soon as we landed from Miami. We found a tenant and he wanted to take possesion in a week so I have been hustling coordinating painters, cleaners, movers, etc. It's a shame that the house we rented is not cash flow positive because I would love to justify a weekend jaunt to the Ojai Valley Inn to partake in some sun bathing by the pool, spa treatments and delightful cuisine. The Spanish style architecture of the inn and the grounds are gorgeous! The inn was developed in the early 1900s as a private country club and has gone through many transitions before it was privately purchased and transformed in a 90 million dollar renovation. The interior design reminds me of Kathryn Ireland's style though I am pretty sure the inn hired another firm. The rooms are decorated in stripes, florals and geometric cotton fabrics in shades of blue, marigold and rust. Charlotte, I think we are due for another visit soon!