A serendipitous trip to LA allowed us to take part in the Dwell Magazine home tours of the LA Canyons and Valley. This Valley house was built and designed by Ray Kappe in 1964. Mr. Kappe is one of Los Angeles most celebrated Architects, and was the founder the highly regarded architecture school, SCI-ARC, in Los Angeles. Designer Sarah Rosenhaus’ recent restoration of this LA modernist classic shows a refined sensitivity to the spirit of Kappe’s original design. The house is now furnished with a mix of custom and vintage mid-century furnishings. Here it is…….. Â
Nothing inspires me more than travelling. For some reason, I open my eyes wider when I am in a new place. As an example, during these past few days in Los Angeles I toured some remarkable Canyon and Valley homes, took a blogshop course, and got to see some extremely cool restaurants and shops.
My point: It is amazing what you can learn and absorb by just looking around a new place with fresh eyes. Particular pieces will resonate with you and you just have to stop and ask yourself why it moves you. It definitely gives insight into your own feelings about design and style. Here are a few things that inspired me this past week.
The Dwell On Design Modern design event at the LA convention Centre
[pinit]
David Trubridge lighting. David Trubridgeconsiders himself a “Cultural Designer,” one whose designs encourage sustainable living while also nourishing people spiritually and culturally. Each design is manufactured on site in New Zealand using sustainable practices throughout the process, from the harvesting of sustainably harvested timber to the use of non-toxic oil-based finishes to shipping each finished piece as a compact kit set for low-energy (and low-cost) shipping. (A beneficial side effect of this practice: Needing to assemble each piece at home makes the owner part of the cultural design process and serves to enhance the bond between the two.)
Pygmy Hippo Gift Store
Meet Emee. Emee has a lovely shop in the Fairfax area of Los Angeles. The shop is tiny, not more than 60 sf but is full of all kinds of interesting finds. From vintage books and cards, to jewlery and ‘zines’. Meeting Emee is worth the visit alone. Have a look below at some Emee’s stuff: hairpins in the shape of records, vintage squirrels and state plates. Emee is doing what she loves. This is inspiring!
Street Life
These trailers were parked across the street from where I was staying. Not only did they look out of place, but the fact that there were two of them, made me wonder what their story was. Why? Who? What? The stories your mind can create with the right stimulus….
[pinit]
