Holiday Nostalgia, 2010

nostalgiaholiday 2010

www.jakstudiocollection.com

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Editors Letter 6

Contributors 9

On The Boards 14Our Holiday Giving Guide

On The Town 23Bundle up, explore and indulge in Boston

Newsreel Trend Predictor 44Eleven tastemakers share their predictions for

the New Year

Darling and Daring 104 Our parting shot

Perfectionist 39 Favorite tablescapesif James Saavedra likes them, you know theyre good

In Search Of 111 Alexandra Robbins lathers up her locks

Wear The Room 114Katherine Browns sweet fashion memories

Columns

Every Issue

Holiday 2010

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Standard Visits Fireclay 31Our Editor gets lured in with tacos and ends up in farm-country.

Standard Operating Procedure 64Take a peek inside our Hollywood office

The Ghost of Christmas Past 74Golden Days of Yore in an 1876 LA Mansion.

A Cottage Industry 84Designer Sarah Kelly invites us in for tea... or at least to see her vintage tea set

Nineteen- Twenty Something 96Event Design: Prohibition naughtiness at Central!

Features

Holiday 2010

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I AM ABSOLUTELY SMITTEN WITH OUR FIRST HOLIDAY ISSUE AND THE WAY WEVE TAKEN THE THEME OF NOSTALGIA AND BATTED IT AROUND A BIT. FROM EATING CHOWDER IN A FORMER HOLDING CELL IN BOSTON TO AN UNDERGROUND GIFT EXCHANGE IN SANTA MONICA, WEVE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED A MISCHIEVOUS EXPLORATION OF AN EVER-SO-SLIGHTLY MACABRE CELEBRATION SEASON.

WE INVITE YOU TO EXPLORE BOTH THE SWEET AND THE NOT-SO-SWEET MEMORIES THAT LIVE WITHIN YOU. THERE IS BEAUTY IN ALL OF THEM... AND THATIS THE MAGIC OF NOSTALGIA.

AFTER THE LAUNCH OF OUR PREMIERE ISSUE, I HAD THE PLEASURE OF CELEBRATING WITH SIXTEEN TASTEMAKERS OVER AN INCREDIBLE MEAL PREPARED BY CHEF MICHAEL GARNER. THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE EVENING I ROUTINELY LOOKED AROUND AND FELT INCREDIBLY LUCKY AND PROUD TO HAVE CURATED SUCH A WELL-ROUNDED GROUP OF FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES IT WAS TRULY ONE OF THE MOST SPECIAL EVENINGS OF MY LIFE. IN THE DAYS THAT FOLLOWED, I RECEIVED PHONE CALLS, EMAILS AND CARDS FROM MY GUESTS; EACH EXPRESSING HOW RARE IT IS TO BE ABLE TO SPEND TIME WITH A WHOLE TABLE OF PEOPLE WHO ARE BRILLIANT, INSIGHTFUL, FUNNY AND (SHOCK, GASP) NICE! IN THIS ISSUES NEWSREEL TREND PREDICTOR, YOU WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO READ THEIR PREDICTIONS FOR THE COMING YEAR (ALONG WITH A HEALTHY DOSE OF SOME HOLIDAY HUMOR).

The letter

Kelly LaPlanteEditorial Director & Founder

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Publishing Consultant: Heather Stephenson

Editorial Assistant: Lilianne [email protected]

Production Assistant: Kelly Thompson

Editorial Consultant: Jess Chamberlain

Senior Blog Editor: Andrea Gardner-Bernstein

Organizational Liason: Devin Adante

Ad Sales: Michael Rader, [email protected]

Interns: Diana Abdulian, Jessica Serabutt

TextEditorial Director & Founder: Kelly LaPlante

Essential advice and simple solutions for all stages of parenting.Keep kids healthier. Reduce environmental threats. Green your home. Our new trusted eco-guide will show you how!Pick up your copy today.

www.healthychild.org/book

Youre already doing your best to raise your family in a safe and healthy environment. But did you know that todays homes are filled with pesticides and chemicals from everyday objects and foods? Discover how to eliminate your childrens exposure to man-made toxic substances and provide them with the best future possible.

C H E R I S H T H E F R E E D O M O F S A F E R C H O I C E S

9Every year on Christmas Eve my family and I attend the midnight church service. I love how it is a moment that we can all come together and share a time of peace within our hectic lives. At the end of the service, the entire congregation is handed a white candle. While singing, Silent Night, the dark room slowly illuminates by candlelight... voices tend to soften a bit and it seems as though the peace has arrived. The song finishes, the flames are blown out. To me, this moment creates one of the most miraculous emotions I get to relive every year!

Katherine Brown, ColumnistWear The RoomPage 114

Holidays have always been about food. My mom is 100% Norwegian and, growing up, I lived for the days

Julekage (a sweet holiday bread) started coming fresh out of the oven. But since I don't live near my folks anymore, my

Mom every year makes dozens of loaves, freezes them, and FedEx's them to my brother and I. It's basically all we

eat for breakfast the last two weeks of December.

Lincoln Barbour, PhotographerWear The Room

Page 114

Contributors

Contributors

"My favorite holiday tradition is ignoring what gefilte fish is really made of and just enjoying it!"

Hillary Reitman, Photographer Newsreel Trend Predictor Page 44

It turns out that my holiday tradition is not to have traditions. Each year is different from the next

and that suits me just fine.

With any gathering, I think that opening gifts in front of people is just awkward. This discomfort began when one

Christmas I opened my big gift to find a child-sized weed whacker while my sister received a computer. (or

something much better than a garden tool).

James Saavedra, ColumnistPerfectionist

Page 39

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Contributors

Each year I set aside one day in November to shop all day. I love seeing the stores decorated, and I end

up bringing home more gifts for myself then intended. My husband and I also love watching the

old holiday movies during the winter season.

Oddly enough my least favorite tradition is when movies run back-to-back for a full day during the holidays. I love a good holiday movie but I don't

want to see it 20 times. In a row.

Dallas ShawCover Illustration

"My favorite part of the holidays is the warbling notes of carols wafting amidst softly falling snow that...*recordscratch* I kid. I'm in it for the chocolate."

Alexandra Robbins, ColumnistIn Seach Of...Page 111

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ON THE BOARDS: holiday giving guide

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For your favorite Designophile, we suggest:

1: Emerson Toy House by Brinca Dada2: LCD Portfolio by Matt and Nat3: Color Wheel Pendent by Yellow Owl Workshop4: Sketchbooks from ecojot 5: General Pencil Companys Metal Sharpeners6: General Pencil Companys Magic Black Eraser7: Classic Contemporary Toy Furniture by Brinca Dada8: General Pencil Companys Assorted Pencils9: Bennett Toy House by Brinca Dada10: Hexmat in Apple by Aurelie Tu for CraftedSystems, available through Branch Home11: Cityscape Stamp Set by Yellow Owl Workshop

Gifts that Give Back, click descriptions to learn more

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For your girliest girlfriend, we suggest:

1: Decoylab Kirie 01 Clock from Fawn and Forest2: Candles, Interior Fragrence Oils and and Incense Sticks from Altru by Gamillah3: Medea by Matt and Nat4: Beaded Necklace by 31 Bits5: Vintage Doorknob Wine Stopper by Knobstoppers6: Praying Mantis by Stray Dog Designs7: Paris by Mini and Maximus8: The Ellie Bag-Pink by Rubie Green


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For Book Nerds and Chic Geeks, we suggest:

1: High Minded Chandelier from Anthropologie2: Robots by Gordon Bennett of Bennett Robot Works3: Medical Book Print by The Spotted Sparrow on etsy4: Alice in Wonderland bottles by Greencycledesigns on etsy5: Cubebot by David Weeks Studio6: LCD Write Your Own Message Debossed Card from Yellow Owl Workshop7: Mockingbird Birdhouse by David Vissat, available through Uncommon Goods8: Mr Small Robot and Mr Large Robot, from Ferm Living


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For the Karma Chameleon, we suggest:

1: Red Canvas Mens Classics from Toms 2: Handmade doll by The Doll Farm3: Beaded Necklace by 31 Bits4: Drape Necklaces by Dawes Design5: Redwood Bonsai Forrest available through Vickerey6: Tine Ring by Dawes Design7: Ritual by Matt and Nat8: Oval Peredot Ring from Turtle Love Co.9: Polli There Goes the Neighborhood Necklace from Turtle Love Co.10: Dont Tell Me To Relax tee by Guillotine Co.11: Xeko Mission: China, Trading Card Game from Mintsy12: Peacock by Stray Dog Designs

Gifts that Give Back, click on descriptions for details

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ON THE TOWN: Boston

Grab your umbrella, your sturdiest rain boots and layers of warm clothing. There is nothing like spending the holidays in Boston, where you feel a sense of nostalgiaeven if youre not from back eastthe very moment you arrive. The town is full of

cozy spots to curl up with a cup of coffee or chowder and there are plenty of easily-walkable adventures at every turn. Our recommendations include spots in and out of the city limits as well as a few unconventional ideas for sight-seeing.

Locked UpStepping into the lobby of the Liberty Hotel, one cannot help but notice a beautiful eerinesswhich undoubtably comes from the fact that it was once the Charles Street Jail, built in 1851. Many of the original architectural features, such as the catwalks, are still in place and now have been enhanced with timeless, thought-provoking e l emen t s . S t op i n t o s ee t he transformation and then head into Clink for a bowl of their delicious belly-warming chowder (certainly not a recipe that was used to feed the spaces early visitorsit was a holding cell!).

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Unexpected FusionTucked away in little Italy is the most unexpected and delightful combination of flavors at Taranta, a Southern Italian/ Peruvian fusion restaurant. From ravioli that bursts at the seams with surprising flavors to the Guavannoli (a guava-cream-filled cannoliyum), we recommend you try as many flavors as possible. Ask one of their knowledgeable staff members to help you select an array of flavors to tryevery dish we tasted was inventive, interesting and representative of the owner (Southern Italian) and his wife (Peruvian).

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Study Hall

New England history (ask him where he was during the bicentennial... he can recall everything about that day in impressive detail!). Along with their New England inspired menu, Fireplace is famous for their Fireside Chats where patrons can taste food while they learn in an intimate setting from winemakers and brewers. The chats are often colorfully entertaining (we were just weeks shy of their celebration of the re-legalization of Absinthe!) and we hear that the Valentines Day reading of John and Abigail Adams love letters sells out weeks in advance!

School is in session at Fireplace on Beacon Street in Brookline (from the center of Boston its just 10 minutes on the green line). The restaurant was founded by Chef Jim Solomon and is more or less a manifestation of his love of

Dearly DepartedWe were saddened to learn of the recent closure of Don Ottos Market. A sandwich or pre-prepared dish from their counter was just the thing to warm the soul. Well always remember the day we collected tasty provisions and headed over to Boston Common (pictured below) for a bundled-up picnic.

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Here Lies HistoryJust a short walk from Boston Common, you will find yourself among the victims of the Boston Massacre along with Paul Revere, Samuel Adams and other founding fathers. Visiting the Granary Burial Grounds is a surreal experience (especially for us west-coasters who arent accustomed to having the foundational history of our country right in our backyards). Across the street from Granary is Kings Chapel and its burial grounds, with stones so old that the engravings are now invisible. We cannot emphasize enough the beauty of these two grounds, nor the juxtaposition of having them smack in the middle of one of the most vibrant parts of town.

KELLY LAPLANTE

Fireclay Showroom. San Jose, California. Friday afternoon.

Plans for just a quick visit are already a distant memory. The moment I arrive, I am sucked into the vortex that is The Bone Yardan outdoor area full of amazing deals on over-runs and extras. There are boxes upon boxes of tile ready to come home and live in the kitchen... or bathroom... or entry.

Eric Edelson, co-owner of the company, comes out to swiftly re-focus me.

There are tacos! he announces.

Inside we find Martin, the companies most senior employee, who has created a trio of flavors for us to sample. He seats us at a table and pours white wine (a glance at the clock confirms the suspicion that it is 11:30 in the morning... but we indulge anyway).

We tour the showroom and watch Martin prepare a sample board for a client before making a set of coasters from left over Cuerda Seca tiles. Then Eric asks if Id like to see the factory. The answer is a definitive yes.

I knew Id never make it to that belly dancing class anyway.

visits Fireclay

On a sunny afternoon I attach myself to the hip of Eric Edelson, vice president and unofficial tour guide of Fireclay Tile, for a behind-the-scenes look at how the collection is made and the people who make it.

Where Are We?We drive 45 minutes south to Aromas, where the factory is, and I cannot help but notice the increasingly rural setting. Have we made a wrong turn? Shouldnt we be passing industrial buildings and not, um, cows?

The only clue that we might be in the right place is a granite quarry, about a quarter mile up the road from where we turn in and pull up to what looks like an old barn.

The building is surrounded by fields and flowers with three small residences; being slowly and artfully devoured by overgrown gardens of flowers and food. A cat is tending to one of her new kittens and a swing on the play structure sways in the breeze. It is very quiet. Silent actually.

We go inside where, although less silent, the environment is still peaceful, efficient, artisanal and flooded with beautiful natural lightone whole end of the building is open to the outdoors. The talented workers go about their business as I get intimately acquainted with two different kinds of kilns, glazing stations, mixing areas and something that reminds me of cookie dough on a long sheet (but with much more interesting cutters).

Stacks of giant bags capture my attentionthey turn out to be full of granite dust, used in Fireclays Debris Series tiles. For eighty years, the quarry was not able to find a use for this bi-product. Fireclay owner and founder Paul Burns figured it out in just two years.

Genius.

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The Story of Mushtaque, Cowboy Hats and Lab Coats.Next we are on to a small room that is stacked with jars of pigments. On the table is a dusty pad with hand written formulas. The radio in the corner is tuned to NPRs Science Friday. This is the lab room and domain of Mushtaque, the Glaze Master and proud bearer of one of the best stories in the company.

In 1986 he came to the US from Pakistan, where he was a PhD student and a physicist. Speaking no English, he told an agency that he knew how to work with electronics. They gave him an address of a place that might be able to employ him and he went there, only to find that it had been recently taken over by Fireclay. Paul offered him a job doing glazes... and the rest is history. Twenty-four years later, he is still passionate about creating just the right color, experimenting with custom matching and even shaping tiles when there is no color mixing to be done.

I witness as he shapes a piece, by hand, in about two seconds flat. He is wearing his usual uniform; a cowboy hat and a lab coat.

Game TimeIn another room, a shy woman is hand painting Cuerda Seca tiles. Its remarkable how much more saturated the colors become after they are fired. The heat deepens, intensifies and shines the designslike a tree going from spring to summer in a matter of hours.

Without warning, Eric starts back toward the door. It is 2:30, which means it is time for the soccer game. I follow him to the gravel soccer pitch and watch as nearly everyone in the company plays a fifteen minute quarter. They do this daily and it is sacred. ]

It is 2:30, which means it is time for the soccer game.

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*See filtrete.com/water for more information. Filtrete and 3M are trademarks of 3M. 3M 2010.

JAMES SAAVEDRA ON: TABLESCAPESPerfectionistOnce again, the holiday season has snuck up on us. Songs of snowbells and candy canes follow us into every store we step foot in and with the season of giving comes a plethora of celebrations and gatherings.

I always say that in design it is the smallest details that make the biggest difference. In a world where the definition of perfection is constantly changing, I throughly enjoy the pursuit of it. But hammering out the minute

details of design is a lot harder than it seems and for the stress that ensues, there is no better antidote than cooking a fabulous meal for myself and loved ones to enjoy. Of course, you know that means setting the perfect table!

Hunker down in your kitchen (or call for scrumptious take out) and create a picture perfect celebration with you and yours. These five arrangements can serve as inspiration for an unforgettable meal!

1) If you want the wow factor- search no more. Striking, unique and well edited, Little World Design demonstrates that walls arent the only place for artwork.

3) Think outside the box and embrace the unexpected. Paper

flowers from Birch in San Francisco are chic and

sophisticated not to mention painstakingly made by hand.

2) Style and beauty does not have to break the bank. I adore the simplicity of white votives and pillars mixed with a bit of moss and clear stemware in this arrangement by Nicoclean and classic!

4) A little sparkle goes a long way. Dragonfly hits the right

balance with handmade bowls overflowing with

succulents and just a hint of glimmer from the votive cups.

Feeling adventurous? Paper mache your own vessels!

5) Imperfection is perfection. Using

Fleurts genius Floralscape Service is

as effortlessly chic as it gets. They select the

vases and the flowers you collect the

compliments! Group the collection together for dramatic impact or

separate if you wish.

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established in austin texas in 1994 and now located blocks from the beach in venice, ca. our full-service architectural landscape and design firm blurs the line between indoors and out, delivering all that grows under the big red sun.

exquisite pools, dreamy ponds, intimate fountains, sleek patios, enchanted pergolas, fitted fireplaces, tree houses and more.we offer our clients a few more reasons to stay home.

venice design studio580 Rose AvenueVenice, CA 90291310 433 [email protected]

NEWSREELTrend-predictor

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY REITMAN

At our first Tastemaker Dinner,

twelve brilliant (and entertaining)

minds tell us what to watch for in 2011

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EDITORS NOTE: ANDREA HAS JUST JOINED OUR STAFF AS SENIOR BLOG EDITOR!

EDITORS NOTE: ERICS LAST NAME IS INCORRECTLY SPELLED ON HIS CARD. IT IS EDELSON OUR MISTAKE!

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EDITORS NOTE: ERIKAS LAST NAME IS INCORRECTLY SPELLED ON HER CARD. IT IS EDELSONJUST LIKE HER HUSBANDS!

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Text

This page: The table is set with vintage dishes as well as antique vessels from Trade Secrets for the Home. A bartender serves Veev and chef Michael Garner prepares in the kitchen.

Opposite page: A server puts the finishing touches on the table. Editorial Director Kelly LaPlante goes over the final details with Standard staffers, Kelly Thompson and Lilianne Steckel. Guests mingle around the pool during the cocktail hour.

Premium Organic & Biodynamic Wine FROM MENDOCINO COUNTY

As a fourth-generation winemaker, farmer and father, I seek to leave the world in better condition for my children. They inspire me to craft special wines that sustain our environment, the place where we live and the people who live here.

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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

inside our hollywood office

The Mowry Chair, by jak, is upholstered in remnant fabric

from an old design project.

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In the reception area a Bentley chair, by jak, is upholstered in remnant vinyl. The table is by John Salladino, circa 1976. Hanging overhead is a chandelier that was found at a thrift store.

To say that we got lucky when we found our loft offices in Hollywood would be a major understatement. The 1100 square foot spacewhich is shared with Standard columnist James Saavedra and which also functions as the design studio for our two firms and our collaborative furniture collection, jakwas a lucky find in the midst of the recession, when both of us had resigned ourselves to working from home.

We were sick of being alone in our spaces so we decided it made sense to share something, if we could find it for a good price recalls James. One afternoon I called Kelly and said I think I found something but its probably

too big. She said darling, theres no such thing as too big. Three days later, the lease was ours.

But it needed TLC and we were severely understaffed. At the time, we had scaled back so much that we only had one intern between us (Kelly Thompson, now Standards production assistant.) Our tiny team plugged away, painting, organizing and creating various work spaces for various tasks, and under the surface, a kind of magic was brewing. Less than a month after taking the leap into the new office, both firms were bustling again. More interns and assistants were hired until it got to the point where we were truly glad to have all that extra space.

Because our talented staff often works long hours, we set up a bar so we could host happy hour without leaving the studio. It sports a collection of vintage glassware and, were not ashamed to admit, was one of the first things to be completed in the space.

The best thing about the loft is the amazing light that filters through the draperyit allows us to work all day without flipping on a light. The history behind the space is also a favorite element. The entire upstairs of the building was once a Mission that served the homeless. In our conference room, a round chimney-sized hole in the ceiling confirms the landlords story that our space was a soup kitchen!

Our neighbors in the building are artists, writers and designers, most of whom we see only quick glances of as they disappear like ghosts into their lofts. They are not here to socialize. Like us, they are here to create. ]

Top: the bar was fabricated from an old

base and an unused mirror from one of

James projects. Bottom: a light fixture

was found for $40 in a junk store.

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His and hers. James found the table base at a consignment shop in Palm Springs. Kelly found the set of Bellini chairs at a thrift shop in Los Angeles. Benjamin Moore Natura, in a custom mixed deep coral color is on the ceiling of the reception area to warm the space.

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In the resource library: an antique drafting table and

display shelves from an old department store.

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!e Gho" of Ch#"mas Pa"Designer Sarah Barnard tells us the tale of a holiday restoration design at the Perry Mansion

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!e Gho" of Ch#"mas Pa"by LILIANNE STECKEL

T he Perry Mansion, originally designed in 1876 by E.F. Kysor was the fanciest house of its time. Displaying the wealth of its owners, it plays a large role in the history of Los Angeles design and architecture. So it is fitting that its original owner, William Hayes Perry, also played a large role in developing the city of Los Angelesfrom starting the first furniture store in the city to pioneering the lumber industry and organizing the gas company and first steam engine in Los Angeles.

In 1975, the Perry Mansion was moved to the Heritage Square Museum to join a sanctuary for preservation and public viewing of critical buildings from the late 1800s. Today, these buildings are given a rebirth from designers, like Sarah, who have made detailed restorations. We caught up with Sarah about the holiday design she created for the Perry Mansion.

STANDARD: How did you become involved in the revival design of this museum house?

SARAH: I had been working with the Santa Monica Conservancy and during a meeting with the museum director, Brian Sheridan, the idea was born for coordinating a designer home tour with the Heritage Square Museum. I rallied designers to work on the project and three homes on the grounds were designed, including the Perry Mansion which was designed by me and my team.

STANDARD: What was involved in your research process in order to create an accurate restoration?

SARAH: We extensively researched the home, its original owners and the traditional holiday fare of the late 1800s. We were especially inspired by antique cards I found with Victorian holiday scenes; we kept these around to help in recreating the Christmas dcor.

STANDARD: How much of the building needed work and what is original?

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SARAH: The main idea behind historic preservation is repair, dont replace! The building had beautiful flooring, stairways, windows, fireplaces and marble mantles that are all originals needing varying levels of repair. There are several ceiling murals and one was badly damaged over timeit has been recreated exactly using the remaining trace of the original painted pattern. The next stage of the restoration will be to work on the second floor and hopefully open this to the public as well.

STANDARD: What about the furnishings? Are any of them original to the house?

SARAH: Only a small portion of the furnishings are original to the home, but nearly all of the furnishings, artwork and accessories are authentic pieces from the period. In fact, a large portion of the Victorian furnishings were generously loaned by my parents! They are avid preservationists, most of the fabulous mohair pieces were restored by my father in his youth. The draperies are the one thing that we had to custom order for the project (from Fine Draperies). I felt the deep color for the drapery in the formal living room was perfect because it is true to the historic form for Victorian winter dcor.

STANDARD: Where did you source the antiques you needed to fill in the gaps?

SARAH: I worked with some great people at Old Master Antiques, Thomas R. Field Antiques, Classic Accents, and John Meigs & Associates.

STANDARD: Tell us about the Christmas trees.

SARAH: There are two trees in the mansion. The first is in the formal living room and is similar to what would have been present during the time the Perrys lived there. It is decorated with handmade white glass ornaments and wax candles. While electric string lights had been invented around this time, they were not widely used until much later. The second tree, in the dining room, is inspired by the Perrys family history (with our own creative interpretation).

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STANDARD: And the peacock feathers? Is there something significant about them? They are a beautiful additionglamorously festive!

SARAH: Thats exactly right! In the 1800s, the peacock was a symbol of luxury exclusive to the wealthy.

STANDARD: Who are the people in the portraits around the house? Do any of them haunt the halls?

SARAH: Almost all of the paintings were sourced from a local dealer by one of my team members, C a r o l y n . Th e y w e r e v e r y specifically researched to be American and in the correct period but are not family members. During our project everything went smoothly... no spooks to speak of!

Standard later learned that William is said to slam the doors on occasion! ]

!e Perry Mansion was $ fanciest h&se of its tim'

A CottageIndustry

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Designer Sarah Kellys vintage furnishing obsession inspires the perfect single-girl space

mall is the new big is a catch-phrase that continues to gain popularity as home owners and apartment dwellers work hard to demystify the art of scaling down. Few small spaces seem to work as well as designer Sarah Kellys 450 square foot bungalow-style cottage in Venice Beachs Lily Court. The space, both efficient and beautiful, somehow gives the illusion that there is room to spare while the layers of history make it clear that minimal doesnt have to mean modern.

STANDARD: Tell us the story of the Lily Court bungalows and of how you came to live here.

SARAH: Lily Court was built in the 1920's and consists of 11 little beach bungalows. They were originally vacation homes for people that lived in the "city". The layout of these places were smart and efficient especially for the times. Back then our street, Electric Ave, was where the Red Car train would stop to let people out to get to their beach home away from home.

I had the great fortune of knowing someone who lived in Lily Court and got a hot tip that one of the residents (of 10+ years) would be moving out. Everyone who lives here knows the person who lived here before them. It's like a secret club and everyone knows how lucky they are to have their space. Lily Court is a very special and unique oasis in Los Angeles.

STANDARD: In your former home, you spent a good deal of time sussing out a style for the bedroom.How much of that carried over and what things did you change?

S

Coconut shell hassocks from Palecek are multi-functional in a living space appointed with a sofa (upholstered in Sensuede II in Snow by Robert Allen) and a collection of vintage furnishings.86

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SARAH: I literally had just finished a complete remodel of my room just before this place became available! That process involved purging a lot of my stuff, so when I moved, the only thing that really carried over though is the color on the walls. I had the paint color custom matched to a sari that friends of mine got me while on a trip to India.I absolutely love it!

I had an opportunity to do whatever I wanted in my new space which for a designer is so much fun! I blended some fantastic vintage pieces that I had acquired over the years but couldn't use because they just didn't work with my old space. I then added some new modern pieces to create the juxtaposition style that I think Lily Court embodies. There is a distinct contrast in colors and textures, which I love.

STANDARD: I know you are a huge fan of all things peacock. How did you narrow it down?

SARAH: I didn't want the two peacocks to ever have to compete with anything else or lose the impact that they have. They are so distinct and deserve the special attention they get. Also, as they say, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. It's a constant battle though...I am always practicing restraint.

STANDARD: You're also passionate about discovering vintage and antique furnishings. What are some of your best finds and how did you incorporate them into the design?

SARAH: I believe that combining vintage pieces with new and sustainably made pieces is an incredibly important part of 21st century design. I have to say that the lamps that flank my sofa are my favorite vintage pieces in the space so far. Everyone that notices them asks if I spent a fortune but the truth is that they were only $150 for the pair!I know, unheard of in Los Angeles.

Oh, and then there are those delightful dishes and tea pots I got recently....

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Masks of friends faces, hand-cast by Sarah,

adorn the hall.

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STANDARD: Tell us about the masks in the hallway. They are a little spooky but also very beautiful.

SARAH: While I was in school at Otis College of Art and Design, I was taking a creative process class where we were instructed to do a project of our choosing. I had this great idea that involved combining all of these plaster castings of my friendsit was going to be awesome! I was so excited about it that I spent hours and hours getting a head start on it. I went to present my idea and my teacher said "yeah, we've seen enough of the white mask thing. I think you can come up with something better". I know, can you believe that? Actually, she was right, I did come up with someth ing be t t e r, bu t I digress...

Meanwhile I had all of these masks that were just kind of floating around in my garage studio for a couple of years until they found the PERFECT home on this wall. They are a little spooky but comforting at the same time because they represent some of my closest friends. I look forward to seeing where they go from here.

STANDARD: What's the secret to successful small-scale living?

SARAH: Simplicity has freed me! I have less than 450 sq. ft. so everything that is in here I either need or love so much I am willing to make space for it. Smart organization and constant editing has resulted in an efficient space that is comfortable and doesn't have something shoved into every inch. Once I no longer need something, it quickly moves on to someone who can use it.

STANDARD: The Murphy Bed probably helps. Do you love it?

SARAH: Love is a strong word. I do love that it allows me to feel like a live in a 1 bedroom place instead of a single. At the end of the day it is a double bed and the ancient M u r p h y f r a m e i s a l i t t l e u m . . . s q u e a ky. S o m e o f my neighbors have cut out the frame to accommodate a queen size bed but it forces them to have their beds out all of the time. That just doesn't work for me because I also run my business out of here and I need the space.

STANDARD: And what about entertaining? You have a tight group of friends and I imagine they come over frequently. How do you make the most of the space you have when you 've go t ove rn igh t company or dinner guests?

SARAH: Entertaining is really important to me and I put special thought into what I needed to do to make it possible. There are a few things that really help out. I bought a sofa that has a queen-sized pull-out bed (deluxe mattress of course) which people have said is actually quite comfortable. I also designed

The designer sits at a desk built into the space by a friend. Behind

her, the original secretary completes her office suite.

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my kitchen table to be a transformer. The bench has storage inside of it and the table extends to seat 6 comfortably. Also, I have many stools that can be moved around or used as side tables as needed.

STANDARD: What other quirks and features does the cottage offer? Any iconic relics from the past?

SARAH: My favorite is the original ice box in the kitchen that currently functions as my spice cabinet and wine storage. It's fantastic and I'm so glad they didn't rip it out and put a cabinet in there. I also love my vintage stove. It doesn't work very well, but I wouldn't trade it in. And the original built-in secretary desk with crystal knobs is so charming! I can just imagine people writing family and friends about their visits to the beach and the pier from that spot. There are no electrical outlets in the bathroom and only one in the entire kitchen. You can tell by the layout that it was never designed for modern appliances (and imagine the coordination required to make sure you don't blow a fuse!). Also, for some reason my unit has an elevated platform under the toilet. It takes some getting used to and I have no idea why it's there but it is kind of funny.

A hint of the holidays adorns Sarahs desk. The designer catches up on e-mail in her cozy Murphy Bed.

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STANDARD: Tell us a ghost story.

SARAH: Lily, the owners daughter (who the place was named after actually) died in the back unit that belonged to my friend who got me in here. If her spirit is around, she is pretty laid-back like many Venice residents.

STANDARD: You're right next to one of the best streets in town for shopping and eatingAbbot Kinney. If you could only pick one place on the street to patronize, what would it be?

SARAH: Oh that is really tough!I visit so many places each day for different reasons, but for shopping I would say Plantation. Their furniture is made locally with domestically grown woods and they are stocking more sustainable fabric options to chose from. The quality of their work is fantastic and I absolutely adore Ashley and Kelly who take great care of me there. Don't even get me started about the fabulous parties they host!

STANDARD: Sum up your cottage and lifestyle for us.In five words, what is it all about?

SARAH: Inspired living in small spaces. ]

A few favorites from Sarahs collection of vintage kitchen and dishware.

Nineteen-Twenty Something

event design

Nineteen-Twenty Somethingphotography by Josh Walker

ndulging in the forbidden is a time-honored tradition that, for us, invites a return to the days of Prohibitionwhen the simple act of exchanging forbidden books while sipping absinthe, was enough to induce giddy excitement.

The Scene: Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club in Santa Monica, where the team from breakform design helped give an old pharmacy new life with serious underground-style.

The Elements: Vintage hats, vests, suspenders and headbands, old copies of controversial books wrapped in craft paper, absinthe decanted in crystal... and someone who can play the piano!

The Attendees: (pictured below, left-right) breakform Designs Lindsey Kampmeier, Ramsey Daham, Myles Schlange and Tim Sachs, hosted by Rory Lovett, owner of Central. ]

I

before it was

she showed us that it could be

cologique, by Standard Magazines Editorial Director & Founder, Kelly LaPlante is the definitive guide to green design as a standard, not a style.

Available at:www.kellylaplante.com

...filled with lush images of responsible design ideas that think outside the typical modernist box.

Vanity Fair Online

You have to see these gorgeous spaces to believe them, each unique to the people who live in them, each one compelling in visual presentation but still completely livable.The Daily Green

Essential advice and simple solutions for all stages of parenting.

Keep kids healthier. Reduce environmental threats. Green your home. Our new trusted eco-guide will show you how!

Pick up your copy today.

www.healthychild.org/book

C H E R I S H T H E F R E E D O M O F S A F E R C H O I C E S

Youre already doing your best to raise your family in a safe and healthy environment. But did you know that todays homes are filled with pesticides and chemicals from everyday objects and foods? Discover how to eliminate your childrens exposure to man-

made toxic substances and provide them with the best future possible.

Desert Essence Organics Red Raspberry Shampoo and ConditionerInitially, I picked up the tube because of the promise of the graphics: luscious red raspberries so fresh they still nestle amongst sun-dappled leaves. Note to self: do not judge a shampoo by its label. I appreciate Desert Essences Clear skin, clear conscience motto, but someone ought to look into clear nose. The scent it leaves in my non-bouncy, non-orgasmic hair is neither luscious nor fresh. Nor raspberry, come to think of it.

Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Shampoo and ConditionerNow here is an organic shampoo that does not smell like essential oils or the earthy musk commonly associated with chemical-free products. It looks and feels like any number of shampoos Ive used in the past, except its better. It smells better than non-organic shampoos. Unless Im imagining it, my hair is less parched after using Giovanni. And for men, both my husband and I like Giovannis Magnetic line.

I didnt realize until Id used Giovanni several times that the ingredient list includes fragrance, a red flag. A Giovanni spokesperson assures me, however, that there are no synthetic fragrances in any of Giovannis products; last year, the company changed all of its scents to natural-only fragrances.

In Search Of...THE BEST UNDER $10

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ALEXANDRA ROBBINS

Let it be known that I do not expect miracles from a shampoo or conditioner. Despite commercials to the contrary, shampoo has given me neither bouncy waves nor uncontrollable orgasms. If a shampoo were to actually provide either of those services, perhaps I would be willing to pay more than I do. Anyway, I have a strong hunch that the appearance of my hair has much less to do with a shampoo brand than, say, the weather and who styles it (i.e., not me). All I expect of a hair-washing is that it gets my hair clean and relatively neat with a natural fragrance that does not send my husband rolling to the other side of the bed for cover, as did one of the products I tested.

Therefore, I stick to what I can find at the grocery store. Because the point of this column is to replace products in my house, one by one, with organic or natural items, I decided to test only shampoos and conditioners under $10 that I could find at the stores where I typically shop (grocery stores, drugstores, and Whole Foods).

SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner, Vanilla Silk ConditionerHoping to avoid the odiferous double-whammy that I experienced by using the same flavor of Dessert Essence products, I use separate varieties of Organix shampoo and conditioner. The coconut milk shampoo smells like a refreshing beachside cocktail; no problem there. Then I tried the vanilla silk conditioner, hoping that the combination will result in some sort of tropical pastry scent. However, vanilla silk is so cloying that I cant wait to test the next shampoo just so my hair wont smell like Organix anymore and my newly washed hair is drier and knottier than it was before I showered. To give Organix the benefit of the doubt, I try the coconut milk conditioner a few cycles later, even though I dont buy into the For best results, use the same version of the conditioner as the shampoo because then we can make double the money off you instructions. The beach-product scent is acceptable, but the conditioner has zero detangling properties and leaves my hair a dry, tangled mess.

If I were picky (what, me? Nooo), I would also mention that the bottle design is impractical. I cant be the only person who stores a quarter-full shampoo bottle upside-down so that the dregs are ready to go when I am. This is impossible with Organix because of its rounded top.

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Aromaland, Lemongrass & Sage Shampoo, Jasmine & Clementine ConditionerThe shampoo, an earthy citrus, is fine, but the conditioner doesnt do a thing for my hair. Plus, it smells like old lady perfume. Really old lady perfume.

Natures Gate and AvalonMy experiences with Natures Gate (Lavender & Aloe Shampoo, Asian Pear & Red Tea Conditioner) and Avalon (Olive & Grapeseed Fragrance-Free Shampoo and Conditioner) are neutral. I appreciate that Avalon is truly fragrance-free. Both brands do the job. Nothing to complain about, but nothing to write home about, either.

Kiss My Face Miss-treated (Palmarosa Mint) Shampoo and ConditionerI have no idea what palmarosa is it sounds like a brand of Fort Lauderdale resortwear but for some reason, to me, the shampoo smells like summer camp. In a good way. The satisfying lather also happens to kill off the lingering vanilla silk from my shampoo two days ago, so Kiss my Face gets lucky bonus points. The conditioner exudes a more pronounced citrus note that mixes oddly with the mint, but its not overpowering, so it passed the husband test. Is my hair shinier? Possibly. My hairbrush actually squeaks as it glides unimpeded through my (albeit still-wet) hair, so either my hair is squeaky clean, or I need a new brush.

EO, Rose & Chamomile Protective Shampoo and Conditioner; Honey & Chamomile Restorative Shampoo and Conditioner.What I love about EO is that I dont have to worry that the family-owned company has slipped in a synthetic fragrance without telling me. I trust that EO has consumer health in mind. With the Rose & Chamomile Shampoo and Conditioner, a little goes a long way. It certainly gets my hair clean, and sudses surprisingly well given that it doesnt contain sodium laurel sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate. Incidentally, I am coining suds as a verb. If we can juj (a la Queer Eye), we can suds. Because EOs essential oils can smell strong, however, I get clean hair but temporarily lose husband.

Because I want to give EO another chance, I next sample Honey & Chamomile. The wash and resulting hair is fine (a step-up from Natures Gate and Avalon) and my husband doesnt balk. Well played, EO, well played.

Found! Alexandras Standard: A tie! Depending on your scent preference. Giovanni 50:50 Balanced and Kiss My Face Miss-treated shampoos and conditioners

FOR MEN: Giovanni Magnetic Restruxturing Shampoo and Conditioner

Follow New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Robbins on Twitter @Robbinsbooks

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KATHERINE BROWNPROJECT PHOTOGRAPHED BY LINCOLN BARBOUR

What takes you back to that place? To that moment you want to relive over and over again? The holiday season opens up the magic portal to those memories, whether you are traveling back home or spending time with friends somewhere that just feels like a place youve been a thousand times... like Caf Vlo, designed by Jessica Helgerson, in Portland, Oregon.

OH, MEMORIES!Wear The Room

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Transformation to Wearable Style

The Gardner Dress from She Bible will take you no time flat to get into! The cut of this number is instantly chic so youll be ready in case you run into an old flame.Snatch it: www.shebible.com

Envirosax will rid you of the worries of spilling that cherry danish over your lovely handbag. This nifty sack is washable, fashionable and strong (it holds up to 44 lbs, so you can tote around your holiday purchases). Theres one for every ensemble... go ahead, collect them all! Snatch it: www.envirosax.com

Vintage Salvatore Ferragamo will make every step a little more dandy as you tinker your way down the street (we found this pair through 5andDimeMemories on etsy). Add leggings, knee highs or a simple pair of tights and leave the house with a smile. Snatch it: www.etsy.com

Darling & DARINGFLORENCE, JEWELRY ARTISAN, 31 BITS

Holiday Nostalgia, 2010

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