I found my dream home...

I fall in love with details in the homes I see all the time.. but I can't say I've ever found THE perfect home or the home that I think 'hmmm, I could just pack a suitcase and move in', until now....

 

Located in the Santa Lucia Preserve and designed by Feldman Architects, this house is a masterpiece. It gives a wonderful contemporary twist to the Ranch Home and has a great sustainable design story to it.

Of course the best feature is the connection to the indoor-outdoor space, a trademark of the California Ranch. The home also features rammed earth walls, which means the site was excavated and the re-purposed soil was used to build the walls.

Can you see the rich color and the sediment layers in the walls?

Its art, in and of itself...

Large, South-facing walls frame in the main living areas and open up to several covered patios, that feature roll down shades for use during the hottest part of the day.

The home also features several water tanks, for capturing rainwater used for irrigation and photovoltaic panels help provide all the homes energy needs...

I really don't think I would change one thing about it...



Bravo to Feldman Architects and to their client for creating a really lovely, completely livable, beautiful home



photos by Joe Fletcher Photography

The New York Times Design & Living Spring / Summer Magazine is here!

 

The new T Magazine Design & Living Spring/Summer issue is available and I'm very happy to see that following in the steps of Lonny and Rue, there is a digital version available. Although, I have to admit, its not very green of me, but I still like having the print version. It never disappoints in the eye candy & resource department.

Here is a sample of what you'll find:

Beautiful new mosque-inspired lighting from up and coming designer Marco Dessí.

Also, nice to see a feature on our local coffee roaster Blue Bottle Coffee (click here to read about them)

 

getting a fix in Hayes Valley always requires standing in a long line.. but its worth the wait.. and my favorite Moroccan import store Tazi Design is right next door.. (not to be missed if you've never been)

Their coffee is not for the faint of heart or the already jittery, but if you are a connoisseur, I can guarantee that once you have a cup you will be forever ruined and shudder at the thought of Starbucks.

My fave is the Bella Donovan..

The Bella is the wool sweater of our blends - warm, comforting, familiar. Wild and citrusy organic Ethiopian paired with earthy organic Sumatran makes for a vivid and fairly complex Mokka/Java blend. It seems to weather the rigors of the automatic drip machine as well. This is, perhaps, why it's our most popular blend. It is also on the darker side: nice and thick without being inelegant. Bella stands up to milk or cream well, and is easily enjoyed black.

Dominant Attributes: Heavy, Comforting, Deeply-Fruited
Growing Regions: Aceh, Sumatra; Sidama region Ethiopia
Processing Methods: Sumatra, Wet hulled; Ethiopia, Dry Processed
Certifications: Certified Organic by CCOF
Preparation Methods: French Press, Moka, Pour Over

Not your Mommas patio set..
A round up of whats new for Spring..

Looking around for some new patio furniture and wow.. I came across some really beautiful, modern, affordable designs from Pottery Barn, West Elm and the new Home by Sunset Collection featured at Orchard Supply..

From West Elm

The Wood Slat Collection

 

L O V E these Wire Lanterns  

and the gorgeous collection of outdoor pillows..

and cannot miss mentioning that Sunset Magazine, the bible for those of us living in the West, has just partnered with Orchard Supply Hardware and launched Home by Sunset a very affordable and great looking collection of outdoor furniture..

 

 Santa Barbara Collection

Laguna Collection

But, by far my absolutely favorite outdoor accessory is this from Pottery Barn..

Isn't it P E R F E C T ? ? 

Wrought iron is formed into the shape of a vintage bicycle, offering an unexpected showcase for plants. Looped wire baskets on the handlebars, seat and over the sturdy, old-fashioned kickstand provide space for up to six small plants.

I also love these so affordable, planters from West Elm

Happy Spring!

In the Spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. 

~Margaret Atwood~

 

 

I was lucky enough to visit the Desert this month (the Coachella Music Festival!) and took this photo.. there is absolutely nothing more brilliant than a sunset & the Desert sky...

can you count the many different shades of orange, blue and pink there are? 

smiles,

lydia