Modern Loft in Venice, California

I have had this Venice loft hovering around on my computer's desktop since I spotted it on Remodelista a couple of weeks ago. I like to save inspirational interiors on my desk top when I know there is something that I like about the spaces or I am working on a job and the visuals serve as a starting point - so every morning the images are sitting there waiting for me to keep liking them or to remove them. This one has stayed and I know why.
While the overall interiors of this loft is fresh and modern, which I like, it's the consistent use of the same style joinery that has been used throughout - the wall hung cabinet under the TV, the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedside tables, the low level bedroom storage and the wardrobes. This is very effective in small spaces, especially when the joinery is in the same colour as the walls. It also lets the other elements in the spaces, like the furniture, lighting, art and objects, to be the focal points. Nice.

 

 

 

A Minimal Home in Venice Beach, California.

It was just over a year ago that I stopped over in Santa Monica, Los Angeles  for a few days on my way to Italy. I stayed with my architect friend, Stephanie who was a great host and showed me around her cool little neighbourhood.
One night we had dinner with a fellow architect friend of hers, Don Dimester and his wife Lisa, who invited us back to their Venice Beach home that evening -  and it was this place that you see here. I was excited to see it again when it was recently featured in Dwell magazine and to be reminded of my visit there.
Don designed this duplex for himself and his brother, Dennis (who I also met and asked me to keep talking so he could laugh at my accent). Read the article here to hear Don's story and how this unique home came about.

A dramatic stairwell going up the roof deck

Large rolling doors are used to open or close off spaces

Dennis' kitchen with sliding doors

The communal roof deck

 

Photographs by Eric Staudenmaier via Dwell.

Uncomplicated Simplicity

The latest Urbis magazine is out and this issue is all about 'Coastal Living' - which on our rainy, cold summer day in Wellington makes one rather jealous.
This home on Manhattan Beach, California caught my eye. It was designed by, and is the home of, interior designer Mandy Graham. I like this timeless aesthetic - the tight palette of materials and simple details work together to make this compact home look very spacious. Get a copy of Urbis to see more of this uncomplicated and elegant home.

Photographs via Mandy Graham