Gracious living in a small space is what AT is all about. This week's focus over at the Los Angeles Times Home & Garden section is a home in Venice that belies its small footprint yet successfully achieves a feeling of gracious - and spacious - living. Small spaces force one to be discerning. Better one showstopping focal piece (the Scout has a few recommendations) than a clutter of knick knacks and gee gaws. Outside, a California succulent garden, with the focus on color and texture, is beautiful and environmentally responsible. More, pix and links, after the jump...

The Melfi House: A small 80 x 30 foot lot in Venice gets an unconventional treatment.

Zaha Hadid's Niche centerpiece takes modular shape: What to put on the coffee or dining room table? Zaha Hadid has a modern answer.

Alexandra Von Furstenberg's Diamond Cut Table: Alexandra Von Furstenberg's latest piece, a diamond cut table, costs almost as much as a real diamond and reflects and refracts light like one too.

Reform Gallery to display work by J.B. Blunk: In the new location on La Brea Avenue, Reform Gallery owner Gerard O'Brien will celebrate the legacy of the late Marin County sculptor J.B. Blunk

Cordylines can add ornamental grace Looking for a plant that's elegant, aromatic and a natural for a narrow difficult space? Look no further than Cordylines. Originally from New Zealand, it's a natural addition to the California succulent garden, where foliage, textures and drought-resistance, not flowers, are the focus.