Name: Simone LeBlanc
Location: Silver Lake - Los Angeles, California
Size: 1200 square feet
Years lived in: 8 year
Not long after I met Simone we were fully engaged in a conversation about her ultimate love story - meeting a guy in northern California, moving to Paris together, and living under the Eiffel Tower (the story was right out of a movie!). Unfortunately, the story ended with her moving back to Los Angeles while he stayed in Europe. As I looked around her home there were definitely remnants of her memories and treasures from Paris.
Simone may not have come back to Los Angeles with love, but she returned with many inspirations to create her new home. She intentionally keeps the overall lighting in her home dim to set a comfortable and sexy mood for the space. Simone's home is filled with personal treasures collected from travels, gifts from friends, and decor passed down from family.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Rustic chic, relaxed and filled with personal treasures
Inspiration: Creating a comfortable environment for memorable nights with friends and family. The lived-in love of a European country home. Unique objects that when put together create a story.
Favorite Element: My collected treasures from my family, friends, and travels. I love that I have a painting that I found on the streets of Paris and next to it a hand carved wood serving tray that my grandparents brought back from Africa in the 1950s. Objects of experiences each carry memories which create a rich life.
Biggest Challenge: Editing beloved objects. I'm a high end gift consultant, so I meet incredible artisans and collectors. It goes without saying that they often have something I love. Editing is important; know what to pull out and what to put away.
What Friends Say: They ask if they can move in or at least come and spend evenings in my garden.
Biggest Embarrassment: My kitchen counter space is incredibly limited (as in I have none), which makes for a fine challenge when cooking with friends.
Proudest DIY: My entire home is a DIY; the curation of it all. I also love my reupholstery of my dining chairs - who knew white vinyl snakeskin could be a good thing?
Biggest Indulgence: Cashmere throws, linen robes, and a hand knit cotton bedspread that's worth its weight
Best Advice: Quality over quantity: purchase well made pieces that maintain their appeal.
Dream Source: Pottery shops in Dogtown, California, estate sales in Galveston, Texas, the flea market in Merida, Mexico, and local artisan shops everywhere. Treasures live in unexpected places.
Resources of Note:
FURNITURE
- Amsterdam Modern
- Pepe's
- The Estate Sale
- Jason Arnold for Modern
ACCESSORIES
- Lawson-Fenning
- Reform Gallery
- Ashes&Milk
- Summerhouse
- De Vera Gallery
- Lost & Found
- Heath Ceramics
- OK
- Japantown
- Palm Springs
PAINT
- Benjamin Moore
- Roger Dunn
RUGS & CARPETS
- Rugs from travels to Palm Springs
- Rugs from estate sales in Yountville, California
BED
- Sefte
- Matteo Home
- John Robshaw
- Coyuchi
- Elder Statesmen (throws)
ARTWORK
Thanks Simone!
Images: Marcia Prentice
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Comments (38)
I love the mix of mid-century and "rustic chic" and the use of color. I also love the outdoor space, just curious about leaving the table outside? What if it rains?
I love the bedroom! It feels warm and cosy,maybe because of the oriental decor items.They remind me of Arabia.Excellent choice :-)
I love her kitchen! :) It looks so comfy...I'd love to sit down in there and enjoy a cup of coffee.
I love her kitchen! :) It looks so comfy...I'd love to sit down in there and enjoy a cup of coffee.
I love everything about this home-- the rugs, the sparkly pillows on the chair, the poufs and the color in the kitchen. The whole home has a warm, lived-in feel to it--gorgeous!
Wow... the kitchen and dining areas are SO serene looking & inviting. Plants, nice objects and wall art, organized, no clutter & lots of comfy charm. This is the kind of house tour that I like to come back and look at again.
Love, love, love your kitchen but, great overall!
what a lovely, lovely space :o)
Very nicely edited space. It looks like everything matters to the homeowner and has a place without it being cluttery or too "themed." I really like the colors, it seems warm and inviting and also quite personal at the same time.
Really lovely home.
The only thing I don't think I'll ever understand is the rugs at an angle look. I just always want to straighten them! :)
Ok, I just want to know how many ATers set the bar for DIY at "I didn't hire a designer to pick out my finishes/furniture/accessories for me"? ಠ_ಠ
<steals all the soap>
... I will return for the rug under the chairs in the living room. :|
lovely! your home has been bookmarked :)
Interesting but the photos don't really give one a sense of the flow of this home.
I visit the AT website just about every day, enjoy it immensely, and find much by which to be inspired. But I have to say that I am becoming skeptical of the repeated, overly enthusiastic comments that seem to accompany the most mundane and ordinary of interiors. Particularly those with lots of exclamations points (BEST POST EVER!!!!!!).
Beautiful and intimate. I would love to call this home.
The stove is classic! The outdoor space ... I wouldn't want to leave. I'd spend all day out there!
No fair! Anyone that lives in Los Angeles has a head start because of all the great old houses and architecture (I'm from L.A.)!!
Gorgeous. Your bedroom feels a bit Morrocan to me, and I love that egg-yolk yellow for the wall and lightshade in your kitchen. When I was a child my friend's kitchen was that colour and I have loved it ever since. Your kettle is adorable too!
Great use of rustic and worldly pieces. The crystal bookends are amazing.
The photo of the sink area of your kitchen leads me to believe that I know your kitchen counter pain (what I can see of it looks exactly like mine). At least you have that beautiful old stove. There used to be one like that in our place, but the landlord broke it :(
Overall, I love your place.
Your home is very pretty. I love the sunburst-like print leaning on the table above the soaps. I don't want to be too pushy, but have you ever considered hanging that above your bed? I think it's such a bright cheerful print that would bring a nice vibe to your bedroom.
I LOVE that vintage kitchen, especially the tiles and old stove!
I also enjoyed looking at the art. It seems that a lot of homes we see decorate primarily with abstract works so this was a nice change.
I think your home is very charming! The outside space is beautiful as well. Well done.
@ paminparadise I second you when you write: "I am becoming skeptical of the repeated, overly enthusiastic comments that seem to accompany the most mundane and ordinary of interiors". Commenters overdosing on Facebook-speak, I suspect. It would be a shame if this turned people off reading the comments, where there are still helpful gems to uncover.
@ Simone I enjoyed these photos and explanations of your house a lot. Including the various angled rugs etc - they keep your eye on its toes...
Thanks to everyone for your comments.. A home is such a personal thing - I love reading about your reactions and relationships to the elements in my place. The most important thing to me is that my home feels authentic, inviting, and transforms with my evolving taste and lifestyle...what's better than a quiet Sunday morning with a strong cup of coffee and a bit of redecorating? Thanks again everyone!
Very nice. The lighting is perfect.
Pretty. Warm. Inviting. I found the outdoor area romantic.
This is a home where anyone would feel welcome and comfortable. I especially enjoyed the outdoor space and that kitchen stove is truly a treasure.
@helencox - so there is officially a 'facebook speak' now? and it includes alot of exclamation points hu? i didnt know that.
@paminparadise - im sure your comment was not directed towards this tour being mundane and ordinary right? cause that would just be rude.
Especially when this house is gorgeous!! and has great style !!!!!!!!
Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder!!!
(ps- fb speaks strikes again)
What brand were all the soaps on display? They look interesting! I could see the fragrances but not the brand. Ta!
A warm, welcoming and charming home.
Timeless, lovely & enchanting.
I think this is a very charming little house. I really like your pillows and your rugs. The retro kitchen is so cute, although I'd guess it can only accommodate enough "stuff" for 1-2 people.
I'd love to see a really great comforter on your bed, but then again, it is your house. :)
Loved the J.Borges in your kitchen!
Rustic chic, relaxed and filled with personal treasures>>>and dreamy!
@fioana - I definitely pull out a big comfy comforter from time to time for the bed. The piece on their now is a hand knit blanket from Matteo home - I can't get enough of it!
@Hollum - I made those for a Holiday Bazaar I hosted at my studio. They are delicious...If you're interested in some, email me! info@simoneleblanc.com
Love reading everyone's comments, even if we don't always see eye to eye...!
LOVE everything! I have that hanging lamp in kitchen...I kinda think it should be dropped a bit lower- about a foot. Anyone agree?
Your home is so romantic - it really makes me want to travel to France! :) And I feel you on the use of dim lighting - it's an easy way to totally transform the mood of a space.
I too love to have items around me that have special meaning. I'd love to hear the stories and adventures that went along with many of your pieces (especially the dress). You can look around and revisit the many places you've encountered. Very nice, personalized home!
Looks like a lovely oasis of calm.