Heather & Alex’s Nostalgic Cottage in the City

published Nov 30, 2011
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Name: Heather Taylor (Gallery Co-Owner & Lifestyle Blogger) and Alex de Cordoba (Gallery Co-Owner & Social Media Consultant)
Location: Spaulding Square – Hollywood, California
Size: 1600 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years

Heather and Alex embrace all the character that their home embodies. They love their wood paneling in the bathroom and definitely appreciate the generous windows that allow for natural light. They also appreciate that they were lucky to land such a serene backyard, which was the recent setting for their wedding.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

When Heather and Alex brainstormed on how to decorate their new home, they wanted to make sure they were able to incorporate family heirlooms with newer possessions from travel, more modern furnishings, and a wide selection of artwork. One of my absolute favorite pieces they inherited from Heather’s grandmother is the Eames lounge chair – she has one stylish grandma! Owning an art gallery, they have their own personal art collection plus an overflow of art mixed together in Heather and Alex’s home. They managed to mix a variety of pieces to create their own expression.

Around their home, you will find notions to simpler times of canning, knitting, and homemaking. Heather’s friend recently taught her how to can, so she is enjoying preserving her favorite fruits. She can also be found knitting on the sofa. Heather has done a great job at not only creating a warm home, but also setting the tone to welcome friends and family.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: Cozy, relaxed and filled with art, flowers, books and light.

Inspiration: The indoor/outdoor lifestyle that is so particular to Los Angeles; our past travels (especially to Mexico and Greece); and re-contextualizing family heirlooms in a way that feels modern.

Favorite Element: The backyard. We got married at home underneath the citrus trees this past June. In preparation for the big day, we embarked on a major backyard redo with the help of our friend and landscape designer Tory Polone. Now we have our dream space for entertaining al fresco.

Biggest Challenge: We are in the art business, so we own a ton of art by people we work with and by many of our friends. Editing to avoid that cluttered look is the biggest challenge.

What Friends Say: People are surprised that a house this peaceful can exist in such close proximity to the Sunset Strip.

Biggest Embarrassment: Our laundry room/pantry area is a big mess.

Proudest DIY: Alex and his father built a six-foot-long farmhouse table and bench for our backyard out of salvaged wood. They also built the banquette around our outdoor firepit.

Biggest Indulgence: Custom window treatments

Best Advice: Only bring things into your home that you really love.

Dream Source: The strip of great vintage stores on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Resources of Note:

APPLIANCES

FURNITURE

ACCESSORIES

LIGHTING

PAINT

RUGS & CARPETS

  • Found in Baja, Mexico
  • Found in Ojai, California

WINDOW TREATMENTS

  • Custom

BEDS

ARTWORK

FLOWERS/PLANTS

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Thanks Heather & Alex!

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