beautiful! how do you keep these gorgeous floors so shiny?

i can't get past the photo of that pool......oh my..........the jealousy burns.................

I'm jealous of the UFO pendant lamp in the kitchen!

I really love this space, and particularly like the kitchen.... The only thing I would change is the UFO pendant lamp. I would personally prefer an artichoke style one. Aside from that, I am really in awe of how much thought you put into your home. I love it!

Mirrored cabinet units in the bathrooms? Interesting! I like it better in the smaller guest bathroom than I do in the larger one.

Wow It's beautiful! I'm speechless. What a dream home. I quite like the mirrored cabinets, especially in the small bathroom! I'd keep them in there!

I am so envious of all the space! Really adore the UFO light in the kitchen! I also adore the coffee table with the inlaid tile. Love all the vintage-y pieces of furniture. You've added some lovely bits of kitsch here and there, which always makes me smile.

lovely, even the "before" photos put most of us to shame.

Awesome night time view! Oh I'm so jealous!

those are classic before pics! Your new kitchen looks fantastic!

Very glamorous and very LA. It's not my style, but it looks very posh. Who needs 4000 square feet, though? For the mansion that it is, though, it's very nice.

You had me with the painting of Einstein....talented dad you've got there. Killer bedroom view would make it hard to get out of bed. Thanks for sharing!

You're right, hooksies. The mirrored cabinetry works much better in the small bathroom. I think it's a definite case of less being more. I don't know why they list it as their "biggest embarrassment" - it looks wonderful.

I'd be interested to know what's been planned for those two odd fireplaces. They look unfinished so presumably Eric and Christine have ideas in the pipeline?

Love love love the colours throughout (and that lovely baby too!), but I'm kind of missing the knickknacks that make a house feel cosy - like in the children's room.

I love this tour! I almost didn't click on it, but am so glad I did. I was delightfully surprised. I love the surfaces, but would probably invest in Windex, with a toddler about. Cute dog, too. :)

Sorry, but this is boring. Not to mention, it is 3800 square feet. Why in the world is this home on AT? It's like the McMansion in Phoenix from last week, only even more over-the-top.

Also, I just have to say that I don't think a "wall of fire" is the kind of visual reference people living in California would appreciate, whether it is safe or not. I would hate to be these people's neighbors.

I LOVE that Einstein painting in the first picture. But, I have to agree with sally305 in that this 3800 sq. feet! I appreciate the house tours shown on here, but would love to see small, apartment tours.

It's an extremely lovely home and I would love to borrow a few of the ideas for my own little parts vintage, little parts antique, little parts IKEA home. However, I am baffled by its inclusion on Apartment Therapy. I like home tours, but this house not only dwarfs apartments (could fit at least 4 in there), it dwarfs most average homes as well.

I thought the point of Apartment Therapy was design advice for smaller spaces? These people don't have to think about how to make something fit in their house, they have to think about how to fill it up.

Kind of points out a key component of the environmental crisis--having 3800 sq ft homes for 3 people.

Love the creative floorplan and connectedness of the spaces to the outdoors. Nice work on the kitchen reno!

Verily:
Maybe reading the Apartment Therapy Mission statement would be more useful than jumping to inaccurate conclusions.

It reads:

The Apartment Therapy Mission
Helping people make their homes more beautiful, organized and healthy by connecting them to a wealth of resources, ideas and community online.

What We Believe
A calm, healthy, beautiful home is a necessary foundation for happiness and success in the world.

Creating this home doesn’t require large amounts of money or space. It requires inspiration, connection to resources and motivation to do something about it.

The basic elements of good home design can be learned and achieved by all.

Simplicity and luxury are not mutually exclusive.

Our Goal
To connect people to the resources they need to improve their homes, while reducing their reliance on stuff.

Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan
November, 2007

...I see nothing about design advice exclusively for smaller spaces.

I guess this site should be renamed MansionTherapy then...

Geez why the negativity?
This home is lovely regardless of the size. Simple, bright
and calm. Love the flor colors in the upsatirs hall.
Can you tell me about the fabric on those mid century chairs in the family room? Ive been looking to recover 2 similar ones. Also, what is the rug in Blu's room? It cant be those soft play squares-right?

Very nice. Nice furniture too. But how is cute baby prevented from climbing stairs???

Wow, southwick, did you actually read what the statement says?

"Creating (a calm, healthy) home doesn’t require large amounts of money or space."

"Our Goal
To connect people to the resources they need to improve their homes, while reducing their reliance on stuff."

No, the word SMALL is not explicitly used but I feel emphatically that this home does not fit the site's mission. It clearly has involved lots of money and a ridiculous amount of space...which is now filled with STUFF.

sally305--

There is a difference between "doesn't require large amounts of space" and your own inference/preference.

The "Our Goal" section you quote doesn't support your argument, either.

There are always good ideas to be culled from any post, large or small. I've never assumed anything about size or budget when it comes to the content of this site.

patrick, you forgot the MONEY part.

And please tell me how a nearly 4000-square-foot home with a pool in LA demonstrates "reduced reliance on stuff."

I agree with you that there SHOULD be good ideas to be culled from all posts on the site. I see none here. Sorry.

"Filled with stuff"? Um, okay... we must be looking at different pictures.

Sorry you can't find any inspiration here because your biases are getting in the way.

OK, I was lured in by the dining room protraits, but the rest of the house failed to live up to that quirkiness. Stairs, pool, fire, baby. Which one of these things does not belong?

Very little art, not enough furniture, no indoor plants, no window treatments, limited color--this house is going to require a huge investment in order to feel comfortable. That LLLoooonnngg empty dining room and small grouping dead center in the living room give the impression that they're still moving in and trying to make it look more lived, but I can't imagine enjoying a party here. I bet it's noisy, too.

As I've said many times before, if people keep complaining about the size of these house tour homes, people are going to stop volunteering their homes--and we'll have nothing left to look at. Be grateful that these home owners are so kind, gracious, and generous! And open your minds!!! Sometimes it's great to look at the innovative storage solutions in a little tiny studio (I'm in awe of so many of these creative apartment dwellers); other times, it's even more fun to take a peek at the decorating ideas of people who have plenty of money (and/or design talent) to spare. So take what you can get out of these wonderful tours and stop focusing on square footage!

By the way, thanks, southwick, for posting the mission statement. I keep meaning to do that when I read some of these rants.

Sorry, Eric and Christine! I was so focused on my own rant that I forgot to mention how much I love your gorgeous home. Beautiful, pulled together, and great use of color. Bravo.

Patrick, you seem incredibly biased about what you perceive to be MY biases.

This house is nearly FOUR TIMES the size of the home I share with two teenagers and 180 pounds of dog. We have plenty of space for our "stuff." These people have numerous seating areas, an untold number of bathrooms, and God-knows-what nicely stored away--for a couple and a BABY. I don't see any vacant rooms, do you? Each room may look sparsely decorated, but each is furnished with "stuff."

Read colibri's comments. I am not the only person who failed to be wowed by this post. I find the whole place lacking in originality and charm. They seem to have a somewhat slavish devotion to MCM furnishings and very little personality comes through as a result. The wall of fire is stupid. They do have some nice art and a gorgeous pool, though.

The mirrored cabinets are the biggest embarrassment? Like others, I think they're great -- especially in the smaller bathroom. My only concern would be cleaning off fingerprints and smudges every day. :)

i think what annoys me the most about this post, is that its not accessible at all. this couple is fabulously wealthy and live in a giant home. i am, by most standards "poor", so i read AT everyday to find ideas and DIY projects to fit my budget and my space.

The fact that they haven't even lived here for a year, have rather sparse furnishings (looks like a DWR catalog) and a creepily sterile environment makes me wonder why AT would even showcase this at all. i would MUCH rather see apartments on here.

Awsomw views of the house, sorry but did not like the mirrored cabinets, its a trend, 3 years down ill want to get rido ff them. The master made me dizzy. Love the kitchen but felt sad to see that granite countertop go away. Love the outdoor too. Thanks for sharing!

Most of you complainers paid more for your condos than what i paid for my house. Dont judge, i live in FL and for the same money i paid for my house, my bf bought a tiny condo up north. Technically she is "richer" than me (she makes a lot more $$) but i am the one who lives in a bigger home, so that makes me unable to see AT as a resource for design? blah......

the spaces seems rigid or something throughout... like a human would only be a disruption.

i agree with sally305, it just isn't very interesting.

Sally305--

As I read it, colibri is not inspired because he/she feels the space is too sparse, not for issues of wealth or space.

Now, (since you've chnaged your argument yet again) you're coming across just a teensy tiny bit bitter about their lifestyle, relative to yours. They made different choices than you did. Why are *they* "wrong"?

Would I want more space if I could afford it? Abso-effing-lutely. Does it make me criticize people who do, especially people who've opened up their homes out of sheer house pride, for critique by strangers? Um, not so much.

If the square footage were not listed, or if this same amount of stuff had been crammed into a Park Slope Brownstone shared by a family of five (plus kitties!!) I bet more folks would have responded more to the issues of the interiors, with less commentary about wealth or space.

And for what it's worth, interior restraint is even HARDER when you have more money to play with...

Patrick, I don't know how I can be more clear. I just don't like this home or how it has been done. I have stated my reasons. And Colibri is not the only other person who finds it lacking, as I already pointed out once.

I have not "changed my argument." There is no "argument"--I am simply voicing my opinion. You know nothing about why I live the way I do. To assume that I am jealous of people who have more space and money is really simplistic. It's also not true. It simply goes against my principles to occupy such a large footprint. And if I had a lot of money, I still wouldn't live in Silver Lake or anywhere else in LA.

I am suddenly having a flashback to last month's Bloomingdale's window challenge, in which you took issue with my use of the word "clichéd" about the window you liked best. You wouldn't let it go, just like you will not allow me to have my own opinion here. Maybe you should ask yourself why you care so much what other people think.

Good grief...if someone chooses to live in a large home, so be it. Why does everyone have to be so judgemental? I am amazed that anyone with a home over 1,000 sq. ft would be willing to put their home out there after these comments. Could it be you're a tad jealous? Get over it!

And you know nothing about why these people live like *they* do... yet you seem more than willing to jump in feet first and make all kinds of assumptions and criticisms.

You're totally entitled to have your own opinion, yes. But when you make strong, and some might say judgmental, statements, why is it a surprise when you get a strong reaction... or someone takes you up on it?

As for the Bloomingdale's thing, I asked you why one was more cliche than the other (a totally valid question, which I asked in all interest and sincerity), and you freaked out.

For the love of God. I did not criticize or judge these people personally or question why they live the way they do. I know nothing about them. They can live in the Taj Mahal for all I care. I just think this home, like other very large residences, is out of place on this site.

Patrick, you're the one who routinely "freaks out" when people disagree with you. This is not the first time. You do not have the last word on good design, and you are not the opinion police.

Back to the subject at hand, if you look at the link to the owners' last place, it was fabulous. Full of warmth and charm and scaled right for their furniture. Too bad the big boxy spaces of the new house don't create such an intimate, connected feeling between rooms and between the inside and outside.

I enjoyed looking at this home! I thought it was light, airy, CLEAN (not an easy task for a large home) and well edited. The kitchen was a personal fav...planning a similar redo for my home. The only thing I was not-so-crazy about was the two MCM floor lights on either side of the fireplace. I think that a warmer, softer element could have been brought into the scene...and a bit too period-y. Otherwise a great space...mirrored vanity and all!

sally305--

You may not *intend* to criticize them, but it certainly comes across that way.

I checked out some other threads, and I am not the only person who you've butted heads with, about pretty much this same subject. Every time a house is posted over 1200 sq ft, you go on the "How is this responsible living?" warpath. Sorry, but its judgmental. Or, at least it comes across that way.

But I promise to never EVER respond to anything you post ever again, since A) you don't know the difference between dialog and argument and B) you take everything VERY personally.

Great. I promise the same. You can go back to slamming everyone else you disagree with (i.e., calling another poster "petulant and tacky"). I am sure you will find lots of ammunition in comments from other readers who share my views or manage to offend you in other ways.

This is all too bad, because when you offer your OWN perspective, you often make interesting points, but when you resort to the ad hominem attacks that are supposed to be off-limits on this site, it really undermines the opportunity for healthy discourse and (I'm quite sure) bores the rest of the readers to tears.

uh....don't know what to say to all the jabs at other peoples posts...other than lighten up. Yes, this house is way bigger than ANYONE needs...but who cares.

the only thing i do not like is the hideous color on the "accent" wall in the dining room...it doesn't even come close to matching that rug. UGH! i am not all into matchy matchy....but this is bad!

would like to see the front exterior of the home as well. WHY do most homes not show us that? I want to see the front....then what the inside looks like.

Id love to know the resource for your bedding...the white raised dots is equally classic and amazing....is this a duvet?

I live in LA. People who have homes that large are considered very wealthy and frequently given to conspicuous consumption.

APARTMENT Therapy would be a misnomer in this case.

This should be on CRIBS or Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous for the amount of square footage were talking here.

They're not bad people, but this tour doesn't fit the AT brand, that's fo sho.

Sally305: you go, girl.

This is a very nice home, but at 3800 feet, it hardly makes me think "Apartment Therapy". My apartment would fit into this home six times. Just wondering where the "apartment" in Apartment Therapy is...

Eric and Christine, thanks for sharing your beautiful home. I also enjoyed the post of your previous home on AT. As a long-time Silver Lake apartment dweller (8 1/2 years), I enjoy seeing what the neighbors are doing with their homes. It doesn't matter to me if Maxwell features apartments or houses, because I manage to find artistic merit in every post. Most of the time, I "get" what the home renter/owner is trying to express, even if it may not jibe with my personal style or preferences. It takes a lot of guts to bare your home and soul in such a public forum and I applaud you and the others who dare to do so. Lately, posting your home on AT has become the internet equivalent of stepping into the coliseum with angry gladiators or before a jealous firing squad, where words are used as the weapons.

For those that complain about the size of the houses, please take note that Eric and Christine's new home is not a recently built "McMansion." When you purchase an existing home that has great potential for YOUR family and lifestyle, regardless of size, the effort is still more "green" than tearing down to rebuild. Also, they've been in the house less than one year. If E & C had installed more artwork and features, there would be even louder complaints about how wealthy they might be. I see a lot of the same furnishings in this home that were also seen in the post of their previous home. When did it become a crime to be able to purchase a home and furnishings, whether it was done all at once or collected over time?

It is ok to give one's critique and even have spirited chats with each other in the comments. BUT, please stop the hateful remarks that are directed at the very people who dare to dream and then allow us to see the fruits of their labor. I visit AT daily for a breath of fresh air and lately there seems to be a lot of jealous, stale air floating around the site.
Come on people, show a bit of love...we can all be better than this!

Well said, LadyLisa.

Amen....

The granite counters in the before pictures are quite possibly the worst counters I've ever seen. Good for you guys for seeing past them and creating such a beautiful kitchen.

Looking over the house tour a 2nd time, a day later, and it's obvious what's at work here -- the people who contribute to AT and who provide the content, the majority are folks who try to enjoy a beautiful life in what they can afford, usually cramped quarters. So showing this cherry house is naturally going to elicit this sort of backlash.

It's like going on to a Weight Watchers blog and posting photos of sexy models eating cupcakes.

to the AT crew -- before you post another house tour like this... KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE.

I think this tour is a good example of "bigger isn't always better." I loved their previous home, but this one just leaves me cold. For me, it's just too edited. Except for the bedroom, it looks more like a photo op rather than a place where people live. The previous place was fantastically homey. I love the art & there are great furnishings, but it would be interesting to see how it evolves once they've been there longer. That unfenced pool would worry me with a young child around.

Oh yes, that is indeed beautiful: it's a splendid mid-century modern showroom. Regrettably, the key word here is "showroom".

This kid looks lost and lonely in this cold museum of a house.

If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all...

Just bc there's a comments section doesn't mean you're obligated to share a comment. And I'm sure these people aren't offering a tour of their house bc they care what AT readers think, or that they're going to change anything bc of what some reader commented. I think that's for another sort of post (the ones actually asking for advice/opinions). I don't understand all the negative criticisms that people like to offer here. If you don't like it, stop reading the post. And if you don't like it, and you continue to read the post, then that's on you; don't take it out on the homeowners, AT staff, etc.

And if you don't like the "direction" that AT is taking in posting house tours of homes larger than some arbitrary square footage that you think constitutes the "apartment" in Apartment Therapy, then STOP READING AT. Why do you keep coming back and then complaining that it's not what you thought you were getting when coming to this site? Seriously, do you think you're the one who's making or breaking this site? I'm pretty sure this site is supported by plenty of readers who don't feel the need to comment on every single post, and come here for the content and take away what they can from it, and don't complain/criticize when something doesn't exactly match *their* principles or *their* particular "design esthetic".

Get over yourself...

The kitchen re-do is great! Love the prep island.

What's going on with that huge duct running through the house, though?

Also, I think the scale of furnishings to available volumes of space is a bit wierd. The pieces/compositions seem too small and clustered together in some of the rooms. Maybe you'll grow into the size of the house over time.

Don't mind the bitter-bettys. Someone's always going to be richer or poorer than the next guy. You are where you are. Enjoy yourselves and the house.

Am dying for that mirrored bathroom, such a great look. Can't imagine how one keeps it clean though. :-)

Thank you for sharing your lovely home. It's beautiful and I love all the updates. And although this maybe out of reach for some (or they don't like the tour in general) it is still relevant as something to aspire to and use as inspiration. That kitchen update is great, I love the colors and furnishings as well as the layout and the hardwoods. Do I live in a house like that? No, but can I be inspired to add a similar aesthetic to my home? Yes! And that's the point isn't it - to be inspired? If they only showed tiny apartment tours with efficient usage of space that would get old - the variety is greatly appreciated and appeals to a wider audience.

I don't understand why AT staff is so defensive with comments - everyone is entitled to their opinion - if you don't want anyone to say they don't like a space than caveat the comment area with "comment only if you like" just let it be and realize that with every post there will always be lots of lovers and some not so much. With that said I thought the space was nice to look at it and I am sure evolving like anyone else's home. I actually like the diversity on the site. I don't want to look at one cramped campy apartment after another.