Bel-Air, My Obsession for nearly 30 years

March 31, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com 1 Comment

Bel-Air West Gate Inset, Photo Romi Cortier

Bel-Air Gate, Photo Romi Cortier — Bel-Air East Gate, Photo Romi Cortier

What can I say about Bel-Air, except that I’ve been obsessed with it since I watched the 1986 movie Ruthless People with Bette Midler and Danny DeVito. Their fictional home on Bellagio Drive packed with over the top Post Modern furniture from the Memphis Era, inspired and tantalized my early designer taste buds. Little did I know that the set designer of the film was actually mocking the over the top furniture style that’s beginning to make a comeback today. (You can catch a glimpse of it in the clip below) Bellagio drive became one of the first places I wanted to see on my next visit to L A… aw the power of movies. Little did i know that one of my first clients after moving to L A in the mid 90’s would be one of the actresses who appeared in this film. I’d been doing her hair for several years when the subject came up. By then she was working as a red head, no longer being cast as the dumb blonde I’d seen her play in the stereo store with Judge Reinhold… the scene about how bigger is better in regards to stereo speakers.

It seems the allure of Bel-Air continues after nearly 90 years. Founded by Alphonzo E. Bell, Sr. in 1923, it’s part of the Platinum Triangle which also includes Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills. There are 2 major entrances: the East Gate and the West Gate. Stone Canyon Road was formerly named Bel-Air Woodland… which makes me think of Hollywoodland, another 1920’s real estate development. Did you know that there were several other signs that dotted the landscape during that era? There was Beverly Crest and Beverly Terrace, both on stilts like the famed Hollywood sign, as well as Bryn Mawr, Tyron Ridge and Eagle Rock that were embedded into the hillside itself.

Click this link to view the other signs.

Another interesting fact is that the homes closer to Sunset Blvd are more expensive than the homes higher up in the hills. These gates below give you a sense of the privacy some of these homeowners require. Bel-Air has such a secluded and tranquil vibe that even a simple drive through it’s canyons can reset your senses. Just beware, there are camera’s at both gates photographing your license plates as you enter and exit, not that you would to anything illegal… but the Bel-Air Homeowners Association is watching just in case.

Architecture

Starbucks Drive Thru at Highland and Willoughby

March 27, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Starbucks at Highland and Willoughby, Photo Romi Cortier — Starbucks Drive Thru at Highland and Willoughby, Photo Romi Cortier

The new Starbucks Drive Thru at Highland and Willoughby officially opens today! However, yesterday March 26, 2015 was their soft opening… and it was a smashing success.

I have to admit that I’ve never been more excited about the opening of a Starbucks, because the opening of this Starbucks means that a dilapidated Historical-Cultural Landmark has been restored. For me this is a very personal story, because for the last 20 years I’ve been driving by this crumbling aluminum and wood building, sad for the loss of an elegant bygone era. The little white building with its faded green trim was slowly falling apart before my very eyes. Surrounded by a chain link fence, it seemed inevitable that a developer would find away around the landmark status and destroy it. So you can only imagine my excitement as I saw construction crews rebuilding it a few months ago as I whizzed by. I suppose if I actually read the newspaper once in awhile I might have had a heads up about this. Suffice it to say, I’m beyond thrilled that I’m not the only Art Deco enthusiast in the city of angels who loves to see gyms like these salvaged and restored.

Built in 1935 by RJ Kadow, it was part of a string of gas stations owned by the Gilmore Oil Company. You might recognize the Gilmore name not from the TV show, but rather as the original developers of LA’s historic Farmers Market on the corner of Third and Fairfax that began in 1934. Also, the Gilmore’s independent oil company became the largest on the West Coast, famous for it’s Red Lion logo.

The buildings last incarnation was as a Texaco gas station that closed in the early 90’s, and it was also the gas station featured in the film L.A. Story. Iamnotastalker.com reports that it was the Melrose Neighborhood Association that stepped in on March 23rd of 1992, and got the building declared a Historical Cultural Monument to prevent if from being torn down. Who would have guessed that it would take over 20 years for someone to breath new life into this beautiful little building. Having grown up in Seattle, I’m not surprised that a major company like Starbucks stepped in to save the day. That’s how we roll in the Pacific Northwest. To fully appreciate what they’ve accomplished, take a look at the photo below. It’s so exciting when a major corporation re-invests in its community. Thank you Starbucks!

Gilmore Gas Station at Highland and Willoughby, Photo by Mike Hume

Architecture, Interior Design

A Modernist Masterpiece at 2118 Beech Knoll Road

March 24, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com 1 Comment

2118 Beech Knoll Road, Photo Romi Cortier — 2118 Beech Knoll Road, Living Room, Photo Romi Cortier

2188 Beech Knoll Road, Photo Romi Cortier — 2118 Beech Knoll Road, Kitchen, Photo Romi Cortier

2188 Beech Knoll Road, Master Suite, Photo Romi Cortier — 2118 Beech Knoll Road, Master Suite, Photo Romi Cortier

2188 Beech Knoll Road, Master Bath, Photo Romi Cortier — 2118 Beech Knoll Road, Master Bath, Photo Romi Cortier

2188 Beech Knoll Road, Guest Bedroom, Photo Romi Cortier — 2118 Beech Knoll Road, Guest Bedroom, Photo Romi Cortier

2188 Beech Knoll Road, Guest Bathroom, Photo Romi Cortier — 2118 Beech Knoll Road, Guest Bathroom, Photo Romi Cortier

2188 Beech Knoll Road, Photo Courtesy 2188 Beech Knoll Road Dedicated Website — 2118 Beech Knoll Road, Photo Courtesy 2188 Beech Knoll Road Dedicated Website

I wandered into 2118 Beech Knoll Road during an open house last week. Oh. My. God. I live around the corner from here and have been walking by the home while its been under construction during the last couple of years. I had no idea what a spectacular residence it was. Yes, it’s got a great vibe from the street, but I was left speechless after spending 20 minutes in it, touring each of the 3 levels of the home.

The brilliance of this home is how beautifully the design concept is integrated through each and every one of its rooms. This is something I try and make clear to clients when they’re beginning a remodel. I urge them to think of the design as a whole, not just as a kitchen or bathroom remodel that stands alone. Otherwise you can end up with one amazing room that makes the others look tired and shabby. When you’re surface materials match from room to room, then the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts. While these photos speak for themselves, I’m going to break it down a bit and point out some of the architectural and design details that truly impressed me.

The concrete flooring with the wood insets is an absolute first from my point of view. I’ve never seen it done before, however, I had an idea to do this in one of my Palm Springs properties with flooring cut-outs for loose stones. Sadly, I lost faith in my vision and never did it. Now my creativity has been sparked, and I hope to be much more inventive in the future.

The use of Bulthaup Cabinetry throughout the residence, from home office, to bathroom, to kitchen, is the epitome of sleek modern elegance. Never in my wildest imagination would I have thought to combine it with the rustic and reclaimed wood like designer and owner Ted Dhanick did. He wisely chose ashy muted tones for most of the wood finishes, which work beautifully with the taupe cabinets. The custom wood and glass doors on pivots are noticeably warmer in tone, however, because they’re used in every room of the home, he created a visual rhythm that completely works. And I can’t rave enough about the rustic skylight trim in the kitchen when combined with the white walls, lacquered cabinets, and stainless Gaggenau, Subzero and Miele appliances. And the fireplaces in both the master bedroom and kitchen are out of this world. I’m so not a beige guy, and would never put a beige sofa or chair in front of these fireplaces, yet the idea is so smart because it lets you focus on the stunning sculptural aspect of the fireplaces, as well as their luscious woodgrain.

This 4500 square foot home has so many other details that help justify the nearly $4 million price tag: Automated LED lighting throughout, IP video intercom and security cameras, Fleetwood pocketing sliding doors, Boffi and European sinks, Kohler DTV automated rain and massage shower system, Somfy automated window shades throughout the house, central vacuum system, Napoleon fireplaces, commercial-grade water softening and filtration system… you get the idea. If you’ll visit their dedicated website, you can see the complete list of amenities.

In closing I will say that this is one of the finest homes I’ve ever set foot in and I wouldn’t change a thing. That’s why I’m calling it a Modernist Masterpiece. Nothing would make me happier then to show up on their doorstep with my suitcases in hand, and a big fat check.

Listed by Yogen Dhanick: yogen@yogendhanik.com

www.2118beechknollroad.com

Architecture

Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House: Part 2

March 20, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com 1 Comment

Frank Gehry's Schnabel House, Photo Romi Cortier — Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House, Photo Romi Cortier

Frank Gehry's Schnabel House, Living Room, Photo Romi Cortier — Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House, Living Room, Photo Romi Cortier

Frank Gehry's Schnabel House, Master Bedroom Pavilion, Photo Romi Cortier — Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House, Master Bedroom Pavilion Entry, Photo Romi Cortier

Frank Gehry's Schnabel House, Skylight, Photo Romi Cortier — Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House, Skylight, Photo Romi Cortier

Frank Gehry's Schnabel House, Office Pavilion Ceiling, Photo Romi Cortier — Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House, Office Pavilion Ceiling, Photo Romi Cortier

Frank Gehry's Schnabel House, Home Office, Photo Romi Cortier — Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House, Home Office, Photo Romi Cortier

Todays Design Diary entry goes inside Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House. As I mentioned previously, the home was open to the public this past Sunday for a rare open house. Homes priced in the $12 Million range are usually seen by appointment only, therefore, I wasn’t about to less this golden opportunity pass… have iphone will travel.

When most of us think of multi-million dollar estates, we think of luxurious sprawling rooms with beautifully appointed details. You won’t find any lavish crystal chandeliers, silk drapes, 12 inch high moldings or Venetian plaster walls here. No. This home has been deconstructed. Open ceilings expose beams and joists with all of their respective hardware. If you’ve ever wondered how something was built, this is your answer. And it may very well be the beginning of the loft living movement that seems so common place today. Remember, this was built in 1989, over 25 years ago. I’ve toured many newly built residences during the last decade, and this deconstructed concept is in full swing. I often chalk it up to developers just wanting to save money and lower costs as opposed to making an artistic statement.

The one luxurious interior detail that almost goes unnoticed, is the copper trimming the entrance to the master bedroom pavilion. You may not realize it from the previous post, but that same copper treatment was used extensively on the exterior. As you know, copper patina’s over the years and changes colors, just like a copper penny. I wonder what it would be like to be inside this home during a massive rain storm, especially the home office with the sphere on top. The rain pounding down against all of the homes copper siding could be rather ‘musical’ to say the least. And speaking of music, look at the evolution of Gehry’s work just 14 years later. Completed in 2003, the Disney Concert Hall has been praised for its acoustics.

Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, Photo Courtesy Discovery Los Angeles Blog

It has been said that Gehry’s buildings are juxtaposed collages of spaces and materials that make users appreciative of both the theater and the back-stage, simultaneously revealed. I think it’s a fitting quote that beautifully describes his process. There’s nothing more provocative then seeing one of his sculptural structures from the outside, and then walking inside and being able to see so many of the construction details that made it possible.

To learn more about this home, please visit Elliman.com

Architecture

Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House: Part 1

March 17, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Frank Gehry's Schnabel House, Breezeway, Photo Romi Cortier — Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House, Breezeway, Photo Romi Cortier

Frank Gehry's Schnabel House, Colonnade, Photo Romi Cortier — Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House, Breezeway, Photo Romi Cortier

Frank Gehry's Schnabel House, Master Bedroom Pavilion & Pool, Photo Romi Cortier — Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House, Master Bedroom Pavilion & Pool, Photo Romi Cortier

Frank Gehry's Schnable House, Pool Sculpture, Photo Romi Cortier — Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House, Pool Sculpture, Photo Romi Cortier

Frank Gehry's Schnabel House, Master Bedroom Pavillion & Pool, Photo Romi Cortier — Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House, Master Bedroom Pavillion & Pool, Photo Romi Cortier

Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House is once again for sale. It’s hard to believe that a home listed for nearly $12 Million would actually be open to the public… but it was. I doubt many of us who walked through it’s doors this last Sunday would even qualify for that kind of loan, but who cares. That didn’t stop dozens of architectural enthusiasts like myself from wandering the sprawling Brentwood compound, enjoying the mastery of Post-Modernist architect Frank Gehry. I ended up with so many smashing photos from the public showing, that I’ve chosen to do two blog posts about it. This post focuses primarily on the exterior metal aspects, and the next post will focus on the interior living spaces. When a home has this many spectacular angles and textures, it’s pretty easy to walk away with dozens of amazing photos.

Most of us know Gehry for his commercial structures, such as LA’s Disney Concert Hall, the Experience Music Project in Seattle, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao Spain. However, he’s also responsible for designing 28 single-family homes, including the Schnabel House above. Built in 1989 for Rockwell Schnabel, a former ambassador to Finland – and his architect wife Marna, the home includes four sections divided up into cubes and pillars. The structure with the sphere on the top is a freestanding office, and was inspired by the Griffith Observatory. Behind it to the left, you’ll catch a glimpse of what appears to be a very long lap pool. The lower level water feature is a reflecting pond that surrounds the master bedroom pavilion. I couldn’t help but wonder what my Fend Shui instructor Dr. Simona Mainini Ph. D. would have to say about a room wrapped in copper, while also being surrounded by water. According to the scientific Feng Shui principles she teaches, those are the two most effective elements that can dramatically influence a home’s electromagnetic field. Water holds chi, thus raising the energy around a home, as does metal.

Good Feng Shui or not, this home continues to appreciate in value. The five-bedroom, five-bathroom structure sold for $9.5 million in 2013 to Film Producer Michael LaFetra. Previously it was owned by Producer Jon Platt, who’d restored and renovated the house with Gehry’s guidance. I was bit surprised when I read that because I was thinking as I walked through the home that the bathrooms could use a little updating. The materials for the cabinets, tile and sinks seemed pretty basic considering todays luxurious aesthetic. But I suppose a home such as this is a work of art in it’s own right, so any alterations have to be done very wisely.

In the event that you’re interested in this home, you can contact realtor Cory Weiss at cory.weiss@elliman.com or contact Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Where Art Inspires Beauty

Bel-Air, My Obsession for nearly 30 years

Starbucks Drive Thru at Highland and Willoughby

A Modernist Masterpiece at 2118 Beech Knoll Road

Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House: Part 2

Frank Gehry’s Schnabel House: Part 1

A Design Diary by Romi Cortier