Faberge Easter Egg Hunt, Artist Jeff Koons, Photo Romi CortierFaberge Easter Egg Hunt, Artist Mary Mattingly, Photo Romi CortierFaberge Easter Egg Hunt, Artist Ralph Lauren, Photo Romi CortierFaberge Easter Egg Hunt, Artist Tamara Elmallah, Photo Romi CortierFaberge Easter Egg Hunt, The Royal Egg – Humpty Dumpty by the Prince’s Drawing School, Photo Romi CortierFaberge Easter Egg Hunt, Artist Cadogan Tate, Photo Romi CortierFaberge Easter Egg Hunt, Artist Tanya Minhas, Photo Romi CortierFaberge Easter Egg Hunt, Artist Marc Quinn, Photo Romi CortierFaberge Easter Egg Hunt, Artist Rasmussen – Swarovski Crystal, Photo Romi Cortier
I was lucky enough to be in New York last year during the Faberge Easter Egg Hunt, which featured 300 giant egg sculptures designed by globally renowned artists, designers, architects and major brands.
The sculptures were located throughout Manhattan it hotel lobbies, on cars, on the Brooklyn Bridge, and in window displays. The one covered in Swarovski Crystal (above) was valued at $40,000 and was one of two located in the lobby of the Empire State Building. The location with the largest amount of egg sculptures was the courtyard of Rockefeller Center. It was so thrilling to walk around there late at night, enjoying the beauty of the sculptures with my sisters and nephews.
This remarkable 25 day event culminated with all of the eggs being gathered for one last viewing at Rockefeller Center. Afterwards they were auctioned off by Sotheby’s to raise funds for Elephant Family, founded by Mark Shand and Studio in a School, founded by Agnes Gund.
Where ever you find yourself this Easter Sunday, we hope you enjoy yourself to the fullest. Happy Easter.
Iconic Bel-Air Sign, Photo Romi CortierBel-Air West Gate Inset, Photo Romi CortierBel-Air West Gate, Photo Romi CortierBel-Air East Gate, Photo Romi CortierBel-Air Hotel Sign, Photo Romi CortierBel-Air Hotel, 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.
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.
Bel-Air Home Gate, Photo Romi CortierBel-Air Home Gate, Photo Romi CortierBel-Air Home Gate, Photo Romi CortierBel-Air Home Gate, Photo Romi Cortier
Starbucks Drive Thru at Highland and Willoughby, Photo Romi CortierStarbucks Drive Thru at Highland and Willoughby, Photo Romi CortierStarbucks Drive Thru at Highland and Willoughby, Photo Romi CortierStarbucks Drive Thru at Highland and Willoughby, Photo Romi CortierStarbucks at Highland and Willoughby, Photo Romi CortierStarbucks 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
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.
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
