apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

The couple who's home is the focus of this week's feature, Fixer Upper Becomes Tropical Paradise for Woodland Hills Couple solved that problem by scouring garage sales, thrift stores, big box stores and sales to recreate the feel of the gardens experienced during favorite escapes to Thailand and Hawaii. Although, at first thought it may seem odd to think about your outdoor space as the weather's cooling down, the off-season, as one of the owners puts it, "...is the time to buy space heaters." If you'd like to follow their lead, here's their source list

Homeowners Dig Down for More Space
One of the things that puzzled us when we moved to the left coast was the lack of basements. Either they were non-existent or not used. Now, however, as the beach communities of Los Angeles become increasing densely populated, building down is becoming more popular. Throw out your old definition, these are swank, light-filled spaces, as apt to house a media room as a wine cellar.

The Scout takes a look at Studio Jobs' "Homework" collection which BethZ saw and profiled earlier this week.

Bonham's and Butterifeld's LA Auction preview spotlights some of the items on the block on Monday's 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction, including this Donald Drumm coffee table, expected to fetch $5000. Part practical, part art, it'd definitely up the wow factor of your living room.

The Scout also takes a walk down 4th Street a/k/a Retro Row in Long Beach, spotlighting some finds including Xcape, a favorite of ours. Here, at vintage store Replay, Ikea's Lack shelves combine with artwork screened onto plywood to form an arresting display that could easily be recreated in your own home.

[images: Luis Sinco for LA Times; Luis Sinco for LA Times; Alex Gallardo for LA Times; Paolo Veclani: David A. Keeps for LA Times; Bonham & Butterfield]