Laid Back L.A. Chic

For our speedy trip to L.A. last weekend, we spent our first night at the home of our good family friends and Canadian expats who live in a lovely neighbourhood by UCLA. The house is the epitome of laid back California chic, with quirky hits of colour, preloved antiques, tastes of mid century mod and vintage charm to spare!

Here are some of my favourite spaces within the cozy home:

A vintage poster, lush orchids and one of many pieces of art depicting the family’s love of dachshunds  artfully displayed on on a shield back chair immediately greets you at the door.

The living room has a host of delightful surprises, such as a mix of caned back chairs with teal track arm sofas, bursts of orange upholstered accents and a collection of cameos juxtaposed with a mod leaning mirror.

The kitchen’s mix of carrera marble and butcher block countertop, warm cream cabinetry, antiqued cup pulls, imported French tiled-floor, pastoral tiled backsplash above the range, farmhouse table and shield back chairs was utter heaven for my sister Marlie and perfectly practical for Oscar.

The powder room’s beadboard walls are painted barn red and totally make the pale French blue gilded Trumeau mirror pop!

The family room’s blend of weathered antiques and comfy seating means you can really put up your feet and relax in the eclectic space. I love the collection of blue and white plates hung on the wall, the bead board wainscoting and framed American flag.

The dining room mixes deco, mod and French provincial with contemporary black and white photography in a diverse space that still feels warm and cohesive.

One of the most personable elements of the house is the gallery wall of treasured photographs of family and friends which are hung from floor to ceiling along the hallway of the second floor. It’s hard not to stop and look at each one and see how their amazing  family has grown up over the years!

This is the sunny and oh so comfortable bedroom we stayed in. The pale turquoise headboards are detailed with a ruched border and contrast piping and they really pop against the earthy coral walls.

Last but not least, one of the stone outdoor terraces is a  great spot to sit with your morning coffee and was especially welcome to Marlie and I after leaving minus 12 degree weather in Toronto!

Thanks again to Donna and Todd for being consummate hosts and for giving us an amazing few days in LA. (and shout out to Gilly!)