apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

::sigh:: I wish I had money.

This is lovely. How lucky you are to have all those windows! And I would have loved to have that room as a kid.

Lusting over the kitchen really nice job. Your floors are so beautiful and love the fireplace. This house makes me miss Silver Lake.

I like the tile in the bathroom just thought the paint color, mirror and lighting fixtures do not go with this house cheapens it somehow.

Otherwise, it looks a like a great home to share with others.

The kitchen, the floors, the windows, the views....I covet them all. Very nice renovation, very nice home. Thanks for sharing! --Tara

I really like the huge windows from the kitchen area. You've done a great job on the renovation!

I think I've found my dream house.

The kitchen does, indeed, rock. I'm in love with that whole dining/kitchen area--the mix of modern and vintage makes it both homey and cool.

house tours like this make my day.

Spectacular remodel. Such a breath-taking house.

I couldn't disagree with LoriSF more: I love the whimsical paint color and eclectic mirror and fixtures in the bathroom. It shows you have a fun sense of style and a playful personality. Unexpected, maybe. Daring, most definitely. But cheap? Not on your life.

The kitchen, with so much space and all those windows, is an entertaining cook's dream.

Bravo.

Perfection! This is a great home & design.
Not loving the vintage appliances. I know I must be wrong about this, but a 6 burner stove would make this a true cook's kitchen.

Love everything, except that bathroom. It looks like something from Trading Spaces. The rest is divine.

You said it MsAmanda!

it's beautiful, but...um...2,400 sf is NOT a small house. especially in L.A. (says the owner of a 700 sf house :) )

Wow, I'm experiencing serious house envy here! Love the kitchen and all the windows. I'm glad there was an exterior shot in the tour. AT doesn't include that nearly enough. Maybe it's for privacy reasons, I dunno, but it's nice to see the exterior married with the interior design.

I really love the kitchen. I do agree with MoxyThunder, though--2400 sf isn't small. I feel like my 1200 sf is luxurious.

The kitchen is rad. I like the contrast of the white subway tile with the industrial fixtures. I like how the theme of your kitchen is "white" but you still add the color and the wooden counter to make it not seem so inundated.

Beautiful house. Is the beige sofa also B&B Italia? or just the brown velvet? I've been looking for a piece like that...

Easy to see why your friends love being in the kitchen!

I LOVE your eclectic style! Kudos on not being afraid to mix and match because it really works and feels cohesive. Totally lovely space and FANTASTIC kitchen...totally a dream.

Does anyone know who designed the three pendants in the kitchen? They look perfect for a project I'm working on now.

Biggest indulgence? The REMODEL!

SO pretty! And I love a House Tour with a pup :)

Emily

Wow, man! Gem is an understatement.

Abundant natural light = happiness.

beautiful kitchen. a little cluttered.

Sweet. Nice to be loaded and young. I'm only young.

I really wanted to like this house - There are so many features and furnishings to love, but I agree w/ Lori: It's rather "Design-by-Committee".

The richly-colored Moroccan-themed fixtures, ocean blue ceiling & painted plaster sconce in the bathroom just aren't working w/ the boutique-hotel beige mosaic tile.

There are one too many sofas in the living room. And too many pendant lamps everywhere: it's like someone inherited a vintage-lighting showroom.

The blingy-glitzy linear chandelier is completely out of place with the entire house, much less the context of that lovely cottage-style eat-in kitchen w/ the farmhouse table, cool collections of flea-market chairs and incredible vintage ceramics.

A low sleek upholstered bed - surrounded by a tall dresser and wall-mounted reading lamps halfway up the walls? Plus there's two rugs beneath the bed and another pair, one on either side - but there's no rug at the other end of the room, much less one in the Living Room?

The heavily-themed kid's sleeping pods have zero relation to one another, much less the common play area - and in the midst of this is a fussy/femmy 40's vintage brass & pressed-glass chandelier?

What's an aquarium doing next to the kitchen sink?

There are easy fixes, most of which would involve simple editing - but right now it's just too schtzophrenic.

Another negative and long-winded response by bepsf, the home expert.

really beautiful home--but it does seem a bit cluttered, esp. with lights!

You said it, Volvoguy.

Whoever this bepsf is, s/he clearly doesn't get the wonderfully whimsical eclectic style of this house (which fits in so beautifully in Silverlake) and is overcompensating for her lack of depth with a hopelessly obtuse, overwrought post -- ironically about how something needs editing (pot meet kettle).

I don't think any of the comments made above were mean-spirited or completely off-target. Personally, I like that people aren't afraid to air dissenting opinions on this site, that it's not a total love-fest for every home, item or idea. Pardon the mixed metaphors, but how can you expand your horizons if you're stuck in an echo chamber?

Articulating your disagreement with a critique is constructive, but attacking someone for expressing him/herself is not.

bepsf, I think you said everything I thought just about. Except for the linear chandelier, which I kind of liked. Otherwise just too much too much.

I agree with slowdown, and in turn bepsf. Shradey, you may not like what bepsf said, but it's hardly "obtuse" or "overwrought." He makes very clear and succinct points explaining his reaction to the house, along with ways it might please him more. I am sure he "gets" the "wonderfully whimsical eclectic style of this house"--he just doesn't like it. And he's not the only one who doesn't understand an aquarium on the kitchen counter or other attempts at "whimsy" that come off as clutter.

Having said that, I love the overall unpretentious feel of this house, especially the kitchen. It looks lived-in and inviting, even if I don't agree with all of the family's decorating decisions.

BrittanyKate and MoxyThunder are totally right. This house is gorgeous and I love seeing it, but 2,400 square feet to me is a BIG house.

Then again, I toured a "green" house the other day in the metro Atlanta area that came in at 7,600 square feet. How that is "green" or necessary for a single family I will never understand. People's differing perceptions of what is "big" or "small" are interesting.

I wasnt trying to attack anyone, just pointing out that bepsf is hopefully on minute 13 of their 15 on AT. They have elevated being in love with oneself and their opinions to an art form. (and for some reason thinks others are listening) Regardless of bepsf's habitual negativity on so many past posts, I think it is safe to say that they in the minority on this one. All In can say is I would LOVE to see a house tour of bepsf's home. I'm sure it is one hell of a residence.

volvoguy, reread your last comment. You claim you're "not trying to attack anyone"---and then you go and do it again. And this is not the first time. You have some personal issue with bepsf and misconstrue his comments as seeking attention or being superior. Aren't we ALL doing that by posting our opinions? Don't we all think our posts are worth sharing? The bigger question is--why do you even read the comments section if you can't stand differing points of view?

Oh, and p.s. What do YOU think of this house? You didn't say, but rather used the forum only for the purpose of ad hominem attacks.

Looking at this from a parent's perspective, I think the house is brilliant. It's stylish in an entirely child-friendly way, from the brown couches, to the bare easily-mopped floors, to the windows that only open high enough up that a child won't tumble out. Somebody was really thinking things through here.

And do I detect a secret fondness for Memphis design? The kids' rooms -- though not the public rooms -- have some of that fun 80s color scheme...

volvoguy you are constantly attacking bepsf, take a deep breath and stay on the post not the posters. I personally come here to see other people's opinions or how they would construct or deconstruct a space, not your negative cyber bully space.

Sally305 nailed it enough said.

really, dissenting opinions should be welcomed & appreciated esp. if they are constructive as bepsf's usually are!

Trust me. My opinion of bepsf is shared by quite a few; just take a look around. Lori, you have never disagreed with bepsf, so your defense of them really means nothing to me. Sally, I like the house. Not everything is perfect, but I think it is well executed esp. considering alot of it was done by the homeowner. Different opinions are great and are welcomed. God knows I've shared opinions. However to me, a systematic breakdown and deconstruction of seemingly every home and product on this site by bepsf is something that has nothing to do with opinion and everything to do with proving how they are the Holy Grail of design. It's just like grade school. There's nothing worse than the know-it-all in the class.

Volvoguy,

Again (and hopefully for the last time)--this is not the place for personal attacks. Other people's defense of bepsf because they share his taste "means nothing to you"? You are basically saying you only respect the opinions of people who disagree with his. Oh, and besides, his comments have "nothing to do with opinion and everything to do with proving how they are the Holy Grail of design"? How exactly have you come to this conclusion?

Despite your protestations, you are the one coming off as the "know-it-all." You presume to know more about someone here (a person you have never met in real life) than his own mother probably does. Please, stick to comments about the articles, or APPROPRIATE responses to other people's comments. This is really getting silly.

what's wrong with 2 sofas?

Know-it-all how? Pointing out something pretty obvious is vastly different than knowing it all. I never claimed to. I could say you are the know-it-all for saying I am a know-it-all by saying bepsf is a know-it-all and on and on and on. Seems like you're the one who is getting a little silly. I'm done with this whole deal but will continue to point out bepsf's constant negativity. I wont have to look hard. Its been real, Sally.

I TOTALLY wanna see Bepsf's house lol....True, I agree that nothing bepsf said in this particular thread was that "rude"...but it often is--to the point that I finally feel like I should comment about noticing it. To have a different perspective is healthy and necessary as others have pointed out...but some of these posts on AT (not just bepsf) are just snarky and condescending and it's totally uncalled for. ESPECIALLY if the people in question won't at least step up to show their own homes as an example of how they think things "should" be done.

Do people forget that interior design is a form of ART??? Therefore, there is no 'right' or 'wrong'. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. This is a beautiful home with great qualities. My personal tastes differ with some of their choices, but it would serve this site well if, in general, people would stop rudely imposing their aesthetic on others as if its law. Gentle, constructive criticism is key :)

The house is lovely - all those windows and that kitchen island! There are some odd choices which I wouldn't agree with regarding lighting and furniture. As a DIY its a fantastic job well done.

Yes, there's no 'right' or 'wrong' with art (or taste), but there's certainly 'better' and 'worse'.

I am intrigued by the collection of coloured pottery in the kitchen! Do they collect them, or did one of the homeowners make the pots?

Hey Sally and slow, in my opinion bepsf's post was way overwrought and needed editing (and I found that ironic, since the post was about how the house needed editing). I found it amusing and I commented on it. I wasn't attacking bepsf, I was critiquing his/ her post. I have a right to my opinion and I stand behind it.
As far as "better" or "worse" taste, slowdown, that is such a condescending this to write. Taste is so subjective. Your taste is no better than anyone else's.
Back to topic: I happen to LOVE this house.

Although I think some things seem out-of-place, like the crystal light fixture over the kitchen table, I really enjoyed this house overall. The kitchen is lovely, especially that giant island and the view.

As for bepsf, I think he is one of the most valuable posters on this website (including the commenters AND the original posters). I appreciate the suggestions he offers and I learn a lot from them.

What wonderfull lamps, I would love them in my kitchen!

Stating that there's 'better' and 'worse' in art and decor (or anything that lacks clear-cut rules or objective standards) isn't condescension. I was merely making the point that it's possible to compare two things and determine that one is better than the other, without necessarily implying that the worse option is 'wrong'. And this is obviously subjective. I did not say that what I consider better or worse is the standard by which all should such a judgment.

I have my standards to judge what is pleasing and you have yours. I hardly think I'm denigrating anyone's personal standard by suggesting that it's possible to distinguish x as better than y.

I find it hard to believe that Shradey or anyone else who regularly reads a home decor blog thinks every home presented there is perfect and beautiful. So I don't think saying that comparison and judgment is possible with art and home decor is a wrong, controversial, or condescending statement.

Beautiful place! but how is it small?? It's 2400 sq ft! Thats not small in my 900 sq ft world

Now that you've clarified your point, no. Your original post stating "there is CERTAINLY 'better' and 'worse'" art (emphasis mine) was very condescending.

Judging someone's art or home decor is not wrong or controversial, you're right. The tone that both bepsf and you use above is condescending in my opinion, so I called you both on it. (Please note: "My opinion.")

While we're at it, where's your house, to be judged?

Back to topic, again, though. I happen to love the extra sofa in the living room and the aquarium in the kitchen, both of which seem to really ruffle your feathers. The home owners obviously love to entertain, so they've made room for many guests to sit comfortably. In a very beautiful way. And they have interesting items in the kitchen to discuss.

A 2400 SQUARE FOOT HOUSE DOES NOT BELONG ON A SMALL LIVING (APT. THERAPY SITE). LET'S KEEP IT TO SMALL SPACES, WHICH IS WHAT MAKES APTTHERAPY.COM SO UNIQUE AND LOVEABLE.

Anyone who has a lifesized nude on their living room wall is okay by me.

Now why is it that people on this site get so defensive when someone doesn't like what they do? What I saw above was someone being attacked for speaking his mind. Not because he was unnecessarily harsh with his critique, but because of judgments others made about his tone and intentions. And, I think it was also because he criticized something they liked, and they took these criticisms personally.

@Shradey: Yes, it's your opinion, but here's mine: I think you are taking my statement (which you've even admitted is true), way too personally. I was not condescending to you or anyone else by making that statement, just summing up my thoughts about judgment and criticism in a snappy, internet-worthy 'soundbite'.

I dislike it when people demand that people who offer (constructive) criticisms of other people's homes (and I only praised this particular home, by the way), must offer their own homes up for judgment. The implication is that one cannot judge without doing. It's a fallacious argument as well as an attempt to shut down your interlocutors and end the conversation.

Many art critics can't paint or sculpt. Most film critics have not created their own films. Most food critics are not restaurateurs. But that doesn't mean they are not capable of making an informed judgment on art, film and food, respectively. Are you really suggesting that only AT readers who have had a house tour of their own ought to comment and the rest of us should just be quiet?

Hi - Allison here - just a few things I want to clarify. Firstly Jeff Soler our architect did an amazing job - we could not be more pleased with how well he married the modern glass box with the 1930's cottage house. He is great. Also the house is 2000 square feet - certainly not small but not what happens when some Los Angeles additions are made (wall to wall house shoved on a city lot) - We added 400 square feet (mostly in the kitchen) -My husband's business runs from here & with two growing kids, a dog, cat (& all those fish!) it seems small sometimes. We left the original foot print of the house alone & built out over a roof above our bedroom to get the extra space in the kitchen.
The long skinny chandelier was chosen to work with the line of the windows & view - provide light at the table but not screw up the view from other parts of the kitchen - the other lighting in the kitchen is artemide.
The pottery in the kitchen is a collection of stuff I have picked up over the last 25 years - lots of it is from Atwater Pottery, but also early Jonathan Adler and others.
The beige sofa in the living room is Jonathan Adler also.
The powder room with the tile & Moroccan fixtures is actual quite dark - most of the pictures are terrific but those do not quite capture what I will stand by as its charm.
There are a few things I would love to change about our interior - I am sick of the hodge podge chairs around the table in the kitchen - I would love something else but the table is large & the legs are somewhat awkwardly placed & I have not figured out what will look best - I am leaning towards something modern in white but worry it might be too trendy and not practical (remember we have 2 small kids). Also the sconces in the bedroom were placed way to high (I lost that argument & it continues to be a bit of a sore spot). I also recently (before this was published) culled the rug collection - I agree way to much.
Thanks again for all the comments - We love Silverlake & have been here for 13 years now. I have to admit I still wake up in the morning, walk into the kitchen and giggle - I got my dream kitchen and it makes me very happy.

Allison, your place is horribly in need of help. Contact bepsf immediately.

Slowdown,
you make a great point when you said "Many art critics can't paint or sculpt. Most film critics have not created their own films. Most food critics are not restaurateurs. But that doesn't mean they are not capable of making an informed judgment on art, film and food, respectively."

but...

being a professional critic means you're being paid for your valued opinion...and most valued critics still manage a basic level of respect and professionalism. I'm a music journalist myself, and often times I have to critique an album. Truth be told, I HATE doing it, because although I feel I have great taste in music; I know that music is art and almost totally subjective. So for me to impose my view as if its law just isn't right. In fact, I rarely do music reviews anymore for that very reason. I think it's silly. Ive loved some music, restaurants, artwork, and AT homes that have been SHREDDED by critics and vice versa.

I dont think anyone is saying "shut up unless you show your own home"; we're saying "state your opinion without being condescending or rude, especially since (correct me if Im wrong) none of us are professional in interior design...and if for some reason you cant offer your opinion without demeaning others, then maybe we should see what gives you the right to sit on your high-horse: let's see your own home."

But again...I dont think anything THAT bad was said on this post...it's just the culmination of a lot of snarky comments on AT...Ive considered asking a question about my home on AT but havent yet just because I know I'll end up telling someone off if they start acting up lololololol

How about those kitchen stools? I love them and would love to know the source.

I apologize that there is so much attention paid to my critique rather than Allison's home...
...and if my tone, choice of words or vocalism aren't to someone's liking - that's unfortunate too, but one can't please everyone.

As a dear friend has told me numerous times:
"I've never known you NOT to have an opinion on anything!"

well bepsf that is better than what my father told me-
"that I would argue with the dead" :)

Ha ha ha, Lori and bepsf, seems we're three opinionated people who love to debate and get our opinions out there. It was all in good fun. No hurt feelings here, I've rather enjoyed it.
The best comment I've seen so far, though, is Allison's. She has her dream kitchen. Can't argue with that.

I LOOOOVE your house! I can't tell you how much I love everything. I actually just sat at stared at your bathroom pics for a while because I love the mix of styles. I think I'd have that as my new hideout from my kids:).

I'm redoing our kitchen and started salivating over your island chairs. Looks like they're too vintage to be available at a store, but I have to ask if they are. We're looking for something really similar for our bar, a little vintage but modern too. Our house is in Sunnyvale, CA and is similar to the modern Eichlers of the 50s.

Awesome job on the house, I bet it's wonderful to live there!

bepsf, I would love to be able to verbalize what I think just like you, when I grow up. ha ha ha
I think it is great that people can come here and say what they think it is wrong or right with the space. I've learned so much reading comments posted on AT and bepsf, among a few others, is someone I really enjoy reading the comments from. I'm actually a big fan.
Love the light fixture on the hallway!

I could care less if this place was 24000 square feet or if bsefpq liked it or silly666 is mad at subaruguy.

Allison, I think your house is beautiful, not just aesthetically but because you and your beloved enjoy living in it a much as your friends enjoy coming over.

Thanks for inviting us all in!

I love your chandelier over the dining table. It's absolutely sensational.

I think that dear friend was trying to tell you in a nice way to ease up a bit. I wouldnt really take that as a compliment.

The bar stools in the kitchen were purchased at Modernica on Beverly. You can customize them many different ways - white or black, tall or short - different bases - but for comfort order the (way too expensive) leather cushion. The people who work at Modernica are really lovely and nice!

Lovely, I remember looking at this post a while ago and dreaming of a large kitchen. May I ask the provenance of the chandelier over the kitchen table? I went to the Artemide website but could not find it?
Thanks

Oops! I realize that the chandelier I was asking about is really the 3 globes above the kitchen island...

I love all the windows, fabulous light, and the kitchen is dreamy, I love the tiling and the "open out" window and the glass cabinetry!

I love your space! inspiring.

Your giant painting is awesome! Will you sell it to me?

Michelle
cheeseloversinternational.blogspot.com