Lights, camera, live!!
In the world of super sized, super delish and super model there is a place for the super retreat. This one happens to be located in California. A ranch home that has a punch of old, new and acquired all in one sweep. I do love the ranch; long and lean very functional and you never know what surprise may be hidden inside. As far as this home is laid out; there is a distinct feel for a retreat, but still a place to make a person feel at ease and comfortable.
This Spanish inspired ranch home packed full of world travel items and tweaked with a focused framed vision.
This is the kind of house that I really like to see. Full of salvaged one of a kind finds that are unique and personally hip to this home body.
The pieces inside this home have been carted, checked and carried on from many far away places pieced together to create a one of a kind look that works and really has a jet setting flair.
When reading the article there was a love of the seclusion yet a accessibility for a city life too. Even if you do not have the two acre lot, a homeowner can retreat in ones own backyard or side lot. You only have to use your imagination. If city life is where you are, there are simple ways to bring a retreat into your space. A simple potted plant, orchid or fresh flowers really make you say ahh when passing by. Think green, even plantings in a simple window ledge will feed your soul and bring a little outdoor life inside.
One of my favorite things to do and certainly was incorporated here; using discarded and recycled materials. Salvaged timbers for ceiling beams, reclaimed tiles and elements just add a interest and depth that you just cannot duplicate. Old and new, sleek and textural, mix and experiment with your collections. I also think with a dog and two children later, I have learned that no item (for me) should be so precious that it could not get bumped or nicked. I also think I am more into the way of life as opposed to how I fill my home with a glimpse into my life. A good smelling candle, a piece of art that makes me smile, that perfect musical melody, it is the way you live rather than the way you design. That said; you need only to fill your home with pieces of your life and in the end the perfect mix is created, you share the recipe with others and make allowances as the recipe changes. This is what has worked for my lifestyle, trying not to take myself too seriously in the process.
The homeowner; Tajana Patitz. I just saw her last night on a new mascara commercial and when going thru an old copy of Living etc; I noticed her home had been featured in their July 2008 edition.
One of my favorite supermodels, such natural beauty. I do not think you have to be famous to live a glam life. You need only exume the confidence to really live and then you have accomplished greatness.
I love how she describes her style as "live for the moment". Her home and lifestyle seems to reflect a simple style. A real denim and white t-shirt kind of life. In her hall the opening is enveloped with these huge Gothic doors that open to a staircase made of salvaged / reclaimed wood.
The eating area is less formal and more casual. This long table is worn oak with a circular candle chandy over the table, found at the Paris flea market. Love the mismatched chairs too!
What about that view? Love the open doors feel that breeze and let the sun shine in. My own doors can open like that the fall and spring breeze is incredible.
The property is Spanish in style. Four bedrooms with an open plan and a split level flow throughout the home. Located in Malibu California, the two acres host a paddock and stables for horses.
The large arched windows really expand the feel and let you see a glimpse of the split level. Many eclectic features keep the feel light, earthy and integrated with sense and style. Like the iron touches, wood carvings and printed cushions and pillows.
There is something about this office, not usually a real wood tone fan. Maybe it is the light and airy feel of this space.Love the iron insets in the desk.Organized in your own fashion, everything has a place and you know where everything is. I also like the wall of windows, what a great view.
Another view into the living room. The backs of the chairs and the rustic wooden coffee table. I also like the casual artwork against the back of the sofa. And the piles of pillows that casually blend into a good mix.
I also like this heavily carved wooden front door. You can really see it against the ivory walls of this home.
You can really tell her vision was to get as close to nature allowing light into the indoor space. A blend of unpainted plaster walls and the Venetian large windows really fit the bill.
What a great carved rough bench, luv the boots (a woman after my own heart). Black and white photography and the Indian textile blanket are great.
The the kitchen is a mixture of many ingredients that somehow make the perfect recipe. The wooden open shelving is great against the plaster walls. The wooden and iron bistro chairs are perfect for having that cup of Joe or spot of tea. The bleu bench is a great worn piece too!
This little chair is a piece of art itself. The iron design is great, light but feminine with a fringed throw. The unpainted walls give a matte finish and really make the bathroom floor the star.
The greenhouse effect with these windows in a home for bright jewel toned orchids, and blue - glass vases on her kitchen windowsill. I also like the Bohemian looking lantern and reclaimed rough hewn sink and integrated counter top.
The cabinets are reclaimed wood, and I like the wood finished ceiling, rather than drywall or plaster. All cupboards and shelving is made from salvaged wood too. The stove was also a rescue from the 60's, and is a funky vibe in this galley kitchen.
Another look at that bath that leads to a private outdoor shower. Oh, I would love to have one of those some day! This added en - suite bath also has a sunken tub. A great tip, looking at salvage yard and flea markets; she found everything there from reclaimed wood to limestone flooring.
The door to the outdoor shower. Love the salvaged sink too!
A closer look at that fab floor and the swirls of turquoise mosaic tiles embedded in the granite floor. The neutral tiles are horses.
This bed is from a tree top getaway, right? A skylight was installed over her bed. I like the great and unrelated carved headboard; no telling where it originally came from? I love the skylight; a way to see more sunlight and get a peek at the stars in the evening, all from the comfort of your bed. The airy gauzy scrim is another way to make your bedroom a retreat. It can be used in a temporary setting too!
More lush windows and another place to go out and sit. A small ledge or fire escape could work. How about that side lot or narrow passage between houses? I really like this way of living, thinking and just being. In a world of super this or that it is refreshing to see that you can get by on very little and still live a fulfilling and enormous life. This way of life took my husband grandparents a lifetime to achieve. We would go to visit them about once a year when they were alive. I am finally getting it, and treasure their way of living and the happiness that simple pleasures brought them. Having ideals and actually living by them is a road less traveled, these are by no means less significant.
Carve out your own path and follow it.
Living Etc; Story Britt Collins / Photography Richard Powers
