Remembering These Los Angeles Area Homes and Places

I’ve been riveted to the news about the LA fires. First of all, because my daughter lives there.

Luckily, I guess, she lives in an apartment that is amid a concrete jungle on the west side, sort of surrounded by freeways. You wouldn’t ever think that would be good, but in a firestorm, that is probably a good thing. Not that anywhere in LA is immune to wildfires, but she hasn’t had a close call out there yet.

She was also in NYC all week for her work and when she left LA, had no idea the fires would get so bad. She is glad to be back in her apartment now, safe and sound, with her kitty clinging to her.

We have visited her out there through the years, of course, and grown to love/hate it. It’s so crowded, has crazy freeways, terrible parking, etc., but there is definitely a charm and a vibe that is so compelling. And then there is the weather (which is normally not a firestorm), that feels like a dream after living in freakishly hot or freezing Houston!

I’ve toured some amazing properties in recent years (there is incredible design in new and old architecture) and I’m sharing some highlights and links here today as I hope they are all still standing and in good shape.

Malibu Home Tours - Dwell by Design Fall 2018

These first two images are of a new contemporary luxury home with the most stunning view, toured on that 2018 visit. I think this was the most expensive home I’ve ever been through.

Bar on the lowest floor where the spa was located.

Here’s a home that had some outstanding sleek details that I so admired.

Another home on the tour with a seamless indoor/outdoor vibe.

This new home was right on the PCH, on the beach. I wonder if it is still standing.

In the spring of 2018, I was selected to be part of a group of designers to visit the Dwell by Design show and their home tours in LA. It was fantastic! My kind of trip, for sure…..cutting edge architecture and design shared with like minded people.

These homes below were such a treat to tour. I have more images and links to the architects/builders on these projects at the bottom of the post.

Casa Perfect in Beverly Hills

One of the special treats we experienced was a trip to Casa Perfect that was located in a former home of Elvis Presley in Beverly Hills.

This high end, luxury shopping experience is an art and furniture gallery that sets up vignettes and exhibits in a luxury home setting, by appointment only. I’ll never forget this lovely afternoon.

Pasadena Showcase House of Design

I also attended the Pasadena Showcase House of Design that year. It was gorgeous. I have two posts I wrote that have links to all the designers involved, shared at the bottom of this post.

I visited again in 2022. As a design lover, you should attend if you ever get a chance! The designers go all out and do amazing job.

This was another historical home, just a treat to tour! I hope to attend this year.

Client and Friend Retired in Thousand Oaks

I have a good friend/client/neighbor that moved back to a home they lived in many years ago in Thousand Oaks. They remodeled when they retired there and I helped them some with their remodel. We visited just last summer and they have so enjoyed being back and living in their new spaces with that California lifestyle. It is a pleasure to see and visit, for sure!

Here are a few before and afters of their home. So far they are doing okay during this fire season.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Out and About in LA

We always find some great restaurants and places to stay with amazing ambience in LA.

Santa Monica

Culver Hotel

Faith and Flower - Downtown LA

LACMA - Downtown LA

Beverly Hilton

Openaire, rooftop dining at The Line Hotel, downtown LA.

View of LA from the Getty Museum

Malibu Farm Pier

We had lunch at this restaurant, below, Geoffrey’s in Malibu once with friends. Such an incredible view! I hope this place didn’t burn.

Geoffrey’s on the PCH

I am thinking of Los Angeles and all the people there affected by these terrible fires. The firefighters efforts are tireless and truly incredible. I hope they can get the fires under control soon.

---

If you are interested in making a donation: You can support the Red Cross by making a donation online, by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.