SoCal Spaces v10

September/October 2009

Looks weLove

High-impactideas for the kitchen & bath

PRACTICAL MAKES PERFECT

The latest essential appliances

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Mo-Sat 9am to 6pm

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� spaces september/october 2009

southern california

contents

September/October 2009

spacesmag.com

c o v e r s to r y

Above: Contemporary cabinets of natural maple and stainless steel—a hot design trend—are warmed by tomato-red walls and licorice-hued countertops in this high-tech kitchen created by Showcase Kitchens & Baths. “A great kitchen is like having Walden Pond in your home,” says James Rice, the company’s owner. Photo by David Crane.

On the cover: Los Angeles designer Troy Adams utilizes his trademark FusionDesign techniques to create a Zen-inspired bathroom that seamlessly melds elements of Asia, Europe and the U.S.

30 DesignerLabels Checkoutstylishelementsofmodern

andcontemporarykitchensandbaths.

S O C A L S O C O O L

13 ShopTreatment ATolucaLakeboutiquecreatesa

havenforuniquehome,giftandgardenmerchandise.

18 TradeSecrets DesignerRyanBrowninfuses

live-incomfortinhisremodelingprojects.

22 BestinShow Addstyleandconveniencetoyour

home’slivingspaceswiththeseup-datedappliances.

D E PA R T M E N T S

38 Chef’sTable Anever-changingmenuandextensive

winelistenhancetheexperienceatPalateFood+Wine.

44 High-TechHome Thesenext-generationgadgetscan

workmagicwithhouseholdchores.

48 CauseforApplause FiveSanFernandoValleyarchitects

opentheirhomesforafund-raisingtour.

50 FinishingTouch Award-winningartistAnthonyVerity

offershisownsurrealinterpretationoftheworld.

� spaces september/october 2009

An accomplished

pastry chef with a young

family of her own, Sandra

Barrera felt a real connec-

tion with Ryan Brown as

she talked to the star of

Bravo TV’s “Flipping Out”

about his designs for ac-

tive lifestyles. Sandra is also a veter-

an reporter for the Los Angeles Daily

News, covering design, fashion and

entertainment.

A photojournalist

for 25 years, David Crane

has the ability to turn life

into art. He graduated

from the Brooks Institute of

Photography in Santa Bar-

bara and is currently a staff

photographer for the Los

Angeles Daily News. His professional

accolades include being named Pho-

tographer of the Year by the National

Press Photographers Association.

The kitchen and bathroom are

the most essential rooms in your

home. You want these spaces to

be comfortable and welcoming, while

reflecting your lifestyle and personal-

ity. That said, it never hurts to have a

second—or even a third—opinion. I can

recall being in a tile showroom, where

a woman enamored with a violet-

colored ceramic tile was laying out her

vision for what was sure to be a shock-

ingly vibrant kitchen. Her contractor

was diplomatically trying to talk her

into a more neutral choice when she told him, “Look,

this is my kitchen, and I like purple.” Thank goodness

for designers, who can help distill our preferences and

interpret our fantasies into rooms that are both strik-

ing and livable. They not only have the eye for the aes-

thetic, but also help to create future trends and estab-

lish industry practices. One of the leaders in the field

is Los Angeles-based designer Troy Adams, whose el-

egant bathroom is one of several inspirational rooms

featured in Spaces’ “Kitchen and Bath” issue. We also

talk to Ryan Brown, the co-host of Bravo TV’s “Flipping

Out,” about the growing popularity of “live-in kitch-

ens” in upscale home renovations. In addition, we give

you a peek at the latest in fabulous appliances, tempt-

ing for their practicality as well as their looks. We hope

you will find inspiration in the rooms we’ve showcased

and the insights offered by the designers who created

them.

Have a good story idea to share? Comments about the magazine? Write to me at [email protected].

editor’s letter

contributors Sensibly chic

A t work or at play,

Sue Doyle looks for ad-

venture. A police reporter

for the Los Angeles Daily

News, she covers may-

hem on the streets and

stories about extraordi-

nary people. Her spare

time finds her looking for the special

and unexpected in local shops and

boutiques.

WOODLAND HILLS6941 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

(818) 347-7775

MONROVIA405 W. Foothill Blvd.

(626) 471-3599

NORTH HOLLYWOOD7107 Radford Ave.

(818) 765-2629

NORTHRIDGE8814 Reseda Blvd.

(818) 772-8888

VAN NUYS5960 Van Nuys Blvd.

(818) 304-0444

publisherGregg Bertness

associate publisherMeaghan Miller

editor Barbara Jones

national editor Denise Gee

designer LeeAnn Nelson

photo director Dean Musgrove

contributing writers Sandra Barrera Holly Berecz Sue Doyle Natalie Haughton

contributing photographers Michael Owen Baker David Crane John McCoy

marketing director Bill Van Laningham

research director Liz Hamm

creative services manager Paul Schraeder

office manager Mary Anne Rozinsky

Los AngeLes newspAper group

president & ceoFred H. Hamilton

executive vice president & cfoJames Siegrist

Publisher, Daily NewsJack Klunder

contAct us

editorial: 818/713-3710 [email protected]

advertising: 818/713-3323 [email protected]

Copyright 2009 Southern California Spaces magazine by the Los Angeles Newspaper Group. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Southern California Spaces magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos or artwork even if accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope.

Comments? Southern California Spaces welcomes story ideas and comments from our readers. Write to: Spaces, 21860 Burbank Blvd., Ste. 120, Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Volume 2 • Issue 5 spacesmag.com

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

We’ve traveled to Thailand, India, Africa, Indonesia, and China to bring you one of a kind pieces.

Sale in progress – great pieces at 50% off

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september/october 2009 spaces 13

A bella boutiqueThe whimsicaland elegantfind a homeat Pergolinain Toluca Lake

By Sue Doyle

Photos byMichael Owen Baker

SoCalso cool

SHOP TREATMENT

The Venetian masks, the Milan pewter,

the jewelry made by Italian artisans:

Behind the red front door of Pergo-

lina are the images of Paulanna Cuccinello’s

heritage.

For 20 years, Cuccinello has owned the

sophisticated, one-of-a-kind home, gift and

garden boutique. It’s the same venue where

her Italian-born parents, Anthony and Rose

Chimo, ran the Flowers by Anthony Rose

shop for 45 years. “My store is European. The

vibe, the undertone is Italy,” Cuccinello says.

“Because I am first generation, it’s who I am.”

Pergolina10139 Riverside DriveToluca Lake818-508-7708www.pergolina.com

SHOP TREATMENT

Venetian masks ($35-$400) and fanciful figurines offer a bounty of gift and decorating ideas.

14 spaces september/october 2009

SoCalso cool

“It’s such a blast,” Cuccinello says.

“I get to make art every day.”

Cuccinello,whoworkedfor15yearsasa

floral designer and artist, opened the bou-

tique in a small space at the front of her

parents’ flower shop. She named her store

Pergolina, a reference to a pergola or arbor.

WhentheChimosretiredin1995,Cuccinel-

loexpandedintotheirspaceandmadeither

own.Asshesays,“Pergolinagrewup.”

And the artist turned the boutique into

her lively and ever-changing canvas. Gold

alphabet letters create a whimsical display

on a raspberry-colored wall, opposite one

adorned with dozens of Venetian masks.

The masks are handcrafted by Venetian

painterSergioBoldrin,afamilyfriendwho

alsocreatedmasksforthe1999movie“Eyes

WideShut.”

In back of the shop, Cuccinello crafts

dolls at her dad’s old work table. Some are

transformed into angels, others into Vene-

tianroyalty.Onecustomerordersadollthat

remindsherofhergrandmother.“It’ssuch

a blast,” Cuccinello says. “I get to make art

everyday.”

Witheveryturnintheshop,shoppersare

bound to find something that they simply

mustpickupandexaminewithglee.Abird

bath holds hundreds of metal tokens en-

gravedwithheartfeltmessages,suchas“Luck

for thee” and “I will cover you with 1,000

Owner Paulanna Cuccinello, top, opened her gift boutique on the former site of her parents’ flower shop.


Established in 2005, Westside Tile and Stone, Inc. is so much more than your neighborhood tile store.

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Visit our 9300 square foot showroom and meet our well-trained, professional staff who are happy to guide you through an unparalleled selection of materials to help you realize your design ideas. In addition to expert project planning and design, we also off er the technical expertise that is necessary to complete your project to the highest standards, assuring you years of enjoyment.

Everything that you or your contrac-tor needs to complete your job can be found in our showroom. If needed, we can refer professionals who have, over the years, gained our respect from work-ing together on projects both large and small and whose honesty, workmanship and customer service meet our standards.

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SoCalso cool

kisses.” Fragrant soaps from Maine, Italy and

France are displayed near exotic candles and

decorated coffee mugs. Eye-catching door

charms made in India are covered in tiny, col-

orful hens. There’s even a feline bingo game

tucked in a corner. “I want the customer to

experience something fun,” Cuccinello says.

“But it has to happen in five seconds.”

For those looking for elegant items for the

home, there are pewter serving pieces cre-

ated by Milan-based Match, and lead crystal

champagne flutes and carafes. There are also

personal gifts, such as beaded bracelets cre-

ated from precious stones and a silk collar

stitched with mother of pearl and turquoise

beads.

As she does with her dolls, Cuccinello

makes accommodations when customers

ask for a custom jewelry item. It’s a practice

that has served Cuccinello’s family well for

more than a half-century. “My mother said,

‘Every thing you do, someone else can do.’

But the service you give makes you stand

out in business.’”

A maple leaf-shaped mask ($120) is among the more unique items.

Cuccinello’s hand-crafted dolls, made at her dad’s old work table, start at $300.

Westside Tile & Stone, Inc.“For the love of tile…”

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SoCalso cool

Got space?Materialsandproportion

makeallthedifference

BySandraBarrera

TRADE SECRETS

Spaciouskitchensandluxuriousmas-

terbaths.Ifanythingmakesorsellsa

house,it’sroomslikethese,saysRyan

Brown, the 35-year-old owner of Brown

Design and host of Bravo’s reality TV series

“Flipping Out.” Many of his design projects

inandaroundLosAngelesinvolveupdating

early 20th century homes, especially those

withsmallfunctionalkitchensandcramped

utilitarianbathrooms.

1� spaces september/october 2009


“Our formula is to go in and really open

up the space, and to create a great room or

whatIcallalive-inkitchen,”hesays.“Some-

onecanbecookingandthekidscanbeinthe

same room doing homework or playing or

whatever.We’rejustnotasdisjointedaswe

usedtobe.”

Brown incorporated this philosophy in

renovating the traditional-style Los Feliz

home he shares with his partner, Dale, and

their3-year-olddaughter,Chloe.Browntore

outthewallseparatingthekitchenandfor-

mal dining room (which he relocated) and

createdafamily-friendlygreatroom.“Itfeels

like you’re sitting at the chef’s table in the

kitchen, which, when you go to a great res-

taurant, is always an amazing experience,”

Brown says. “You get the sights, the smells,

the sounds, everything.” Here, he provides

someinsightintothedesignprocess:

Wheredoyoubeginwhenitcomestocreatingalive-inkitchen?I look at the space and figure out how to

makeitlarger.Mynextimmediatequestion

is,howmuchdoyoucook?Ifsomebody’sbig

on cooking, I’m going to go with an indus-

trial space, a functioning hood to ventilate

theroomandplentyofspaceforprepping.If

not, I’mmore likelytosetaprettycounter-

topintotheisland.

SoCalso cool

Has the island has replaced the kitchen table?People are hanging out in the kitchen more

these days, so why not make them com-

fortable? I always try to put in a decent-size

island or peninsula with at least four bar

stools. Everyone can be in the kitchen when

someone is cooking or preparing food and no

one feels left out.

Everyone seems to want granite countertops. What makes it so appealing?It is an amazingly durable stone. But there

are so many other beautiful stones. I love

using Carrara or calacatta marble. Everyone

says, ‘It’s going to stain,’ or ‘It’s too porous.’

But my response has always been that if you

go into any bar or restaurant in France, Italy,

Germany or Spain, you’re going to see these

marble countertops that have been there

forever, and they’re beautiful. They get bet-

ter and better with age. It’s true they stain.

But short of red wine sitting on the bottom

of a bottle overnight, I haven’t gotten a stain

on marble that I haven’t been able to get out.

You do a lot of open shelving in your kitchens. What’s the thinking behind it?I like the look and functionality of just being

able to reach up and grab something with-

out having to open doors. On those shelves

I might mix cookbooks with spices, dishes,

glassware and, sometimes, even flowers. It

becomes this multi-use, horizontal surface

for accessories and items that you’re likely to

use on a daily basis.

One of your kitchens features a tomato-red china cabinet in a wood-and-stainless steel space, which seems so unexpected.The owner liked Asian-inspired antiques and

vintage pieces. So, I found what I thought was

a really interesting piece. It kind of became this

functional art piece for the room. What I like

about Asian-inspired pieces is that even though

they’re antique, they have modern lines.

Would you say clean, modern lines are your signature?Actually, I’d call it a casually sophisticated

I like to make every bathroom feel like a spa vacation.



look.It’sawarm,lived-inlookthat’sstillneat

and tidy. It’s just a matter of planning. One

thingthatIdoisImakestorageaccessibleto

thekidsinallofthekids’roomsaswellasthe

kitchen-greatroom.

Yourmasterbathroomsareoftendeckedinchandeliers,animal-skinrugsandgorgeousfree-standingtubs.Whysoluxurious?Iliketomakeeverybathroomfeellikeaspa

vacation.

Howdoyouaccomplishthat?My standard has been the double shower.

It’s a wonderful experience to walk into

thatbigshowerandturnonhugerainheads

to wash away the worries of the day. But

the other thing you see quite frequently

are free-standing bathtubs, which bring a

lotofinterestasopposedtohavingabuilt-

in.Personally,Ijustthinkitlooksalotbet-

ter.Andifthebathroomhasahillsideview

thenIalwaystrytoorientthetubandthe

roomaroundthat.Ifitdoesn’thaveahill-

sideview,thenabigtrendishavingaview

of a little private garden off the master

bedroomandbathroom.It’stotallyZen.

Andwelllit.

I love having a lot of natural light. In the

planning stages, if we’re doing windows,

I always try to get in as many as possible.

And if the room is on the second floor,

there’s always the option of putting in a

skylight which can bring in a ton of light

intothebathroomaswell.

Butyou’renotagainstpendantlightinginyourbathrooms.Again, it’s kind of a functional art piece for

me. You can walk in at night and just have

thatlightonasopposedtoallthelightsinthe

bathroom,anditjustgivesthisniceglow.

SoCalso cool

Best in showGlass housingThe newest look in shower doors is

on a roll thanks to Fleurco Product’s

Kinetik Slice, a 90-pound barn-style

glass door that moves at the push of a

finger. It retrofits to 66" wide and 78¾"

high or can be customized. In vary-

ing styles of glass, it’s a great compact

way to conceal both a shower and

toilet room. Price varies; fleurco.com

or 800/326-2222.

Clear winnerSub-Zero’s glass-front wine refrigera-

tor (style 427R) offers eight roller-glide

shelves for wine and two refrigerated

drawers underneath. Each individually

controlled wine zone holds 78 bottles,

and the lockable unit, featuring a softly

lit display shelf for prized bottles, can

sport classic, platinum, carbon stain-

less or custom wood panels. Price var-

ies; subzero.com or 800/222-7820.


Be an industry insider: Check out the most innovative

and stylish new products to win rave reviews at the

recent Kitchen/Bath Industry Show. —Denise Gee

Lace graceCaesarStone offers the look of

embossed lace in its Motivo

line of non-porous, carefree

quartz. Other lines offer simi-

larly unexpected textured pat-

terns, such as crocodile. About

$100 to $150 per square foot,

installed; caesarstoneus.com

or 877/978-2789.

z Turbo engineHow about roasting a 12-pound turkey in 40 minutes? That’s

the inner beauty of the 30-inch TurboChef SpeedCook Oven,

which uses convection and microwaves to get its work done

quickly, crisply and tenderly. The outer beauty touts such

two-tone finishes in stainless, white, ivory, charcoal, hearth

orange, thermal red, and evening blue. $6,000; turbochef.com

or 866/543-6569.

y All for oneFagor’s Washer/Dryer Combo unit, taking up 3 cubic

feet and holding 13-pound loads, is truly a space- and

time-saver. An LCD screen offers access to 16 programs,

including a delayed-start function. What’s more, it

doesn’t even require

exhaust ductwork,

making it perfect

for restrictive areas.

In silver ($1,100)

or white ($1,000);

fagoramerica.com

or 800/207-0806.

x Side swiperMany shower spray units

have to be wrestled like

snakes, but not the Hahns-

grohe SideWay Showerpan-

el. In a satin chrome finish,

it houses a concealed hose

that glides in and out, plus

five body sprays. $2,100;

hansgrohe-usa.com or 800/

334-0455.

SoCalso cool

z LayeredlookKohler’s Stages chef-inspired trough-style

sinks (in 33- and 45-inch widths) feature a

variety of perfect-fit accessories (think cut-

ting boards, trays and the like) for cooking

prep and cleanup. From $1,050; kohler.com

or800/456-4537.

x Exhaustingtheoptions

Ventilation hoods need not

beheavy-metalclunkers.Wit-

nessZephyr’sPadovaline,dreamedupbyrenowneddesignerFu-TungCheng.Hoodscanbe

customized with the materials of your choice — mosaic tile, patterned glass and decorative

plaster(suchasthiscustomfrescoeofaJapanesegardenonJapaneseplaster).From$3,700;

zephyronline.comor888/880-8368.

y SafebetHealthCraft’s Invisia Accent Ring Support

Railisdecidedlyasleekerlookforatubthan

the usual unimaginative, industrial-style

safetybar.Inchromeorwhite(about$225);

healthcraftproducts.comor888/619-9992.


SoCalso cool


w CoffeemateMiíele’s streamlined CVA

2662 Coffee System offers

quick, beautifully brewed

coffee and espresso (thanks

to unique Nespresso cap-

sules),andclean-touchsteel.

It holds 20 coffee capsules

and customizable user pro-

files. It also touts automatic

cleaning, a height-adjust-

able dispenser, a frothing

component for cappuccino

and a host of other fea-

tures. $2,450; miele.com or

800/883-4537fordealers.

LuxurylinersTotoofferstheWazaMiyabilineofgorgeous-

lyhand-paintedbathroomfurnishingswith

seasonalthemes,suchasthis“PineTree”line.

Notsonoticeableisthateachpieceisgeared

towaterconservation(thetoiletneedsonly

1.28gallonsperflush,andetchedfaucetonly

1.5gallonsperminute).From$10,000each;

tototusa.comor888/295-8134.

x DoubledutyTwoovensinthespaceofonetrulyispossible

thanks to GE’s Profile Series Single-Double

Oven. The larger lower unit (which can

holda22-poundturkey)featuresconvection

cooking; the slimmer top oven is geared to

casseroles,pizzasandthelike.About$2,500;

geappliances.comor800/626-2005.

z PlumperfectViking’s 30-inch Electric Induction Range

withconvectionovenistheonlyself-clean-

ing range in the industry and boasts the

largest oven cavity going. It features en-

ergy-efficient and safety-minded induction

technology, plus two dozen cool finishes,

includingplum.About$6500;viking.comor

888/845-4641.

x SteampowerLG’s energy- and water-efficient True-

Steam Washer (shown here in Riviera

Blue) is the largest-capacity front-load

washeronthemarket,toutingsuperior

steam-cleaning prowess (which, for

thematchingTrueSteamDryer,helps

leave clothes wrinkle and odor free).

An anti-vibration system makes the

duo ideal for second-floor laundry

rooms.$1,599forwasher;$1,499for

dryer; lge.com or 800/243-0000.


Luxury linersToto offers the Waza Miyabi line of gorgeous-

ly hand-painted bathroom furnishings with

seasonal themes, such as this “Pine Tree” line.

Not so noticeable is that each piece is geared

to water conservation (the toilet needs only

1.28 gallons per flush, and etched faucet only

1.5 gallons per minute). From $10,000 each;

tototusa.com or 888/295-8134.

z Plum perfectViking’s 30-inch Electric Induction Range

with convection oven is the only self-clean-

ing range in the industry and boasts the

largest oven cavity going. It features en-

ergy-efficient and safety-minded induction

technology, plus two dozen cool finishes, in-

cluding plum. About $6,500; viking.com or

888/845-4641.


x Steam powerLG’s energy- and water-efficient True-

Steam Washer (shown here in Riviera

Blue) is the largest-capacity front-load

washer on the market, touting superior

steam-cleaning prowess (which, for

the matching TrueSteam Dryer, helps

leave clothes wrinkle and odor free).

An anti-vibration system makes the

duo ideal for second-floor laundry

rooms. $1,599 for washer; $1,499 for

dryer; lge.com or 800/243-0000.

Yes, we are different! And proud of it...Stop in or call - we can’t wait to meet you.

DOTI WAS FEATURED IN THE 2009PASADENA SHOWCASE HOUSE OF DESIGN

Visit our showroom or call today! (818) 346-368421723 Vanowen Street // Across from Westfi eld Topanga Shopping Center // Canoga Park

www.DOTIWoodlandHills.com // www.DOTICommercial.com


Contemporary

designs

for the

kitchen & bath

By Barbara Jones

The elements of

styleKitchens and baths may be the most

functional rooms in the house, but

thatdoesn’tmeanyouhavetosacrifice

goodlooksforutility—orviceversa—whenit

comestodesign.Asproof,we’veassembleda

samplingofcontemporaryandelegantkitch-

ensandbathsfromseveralofthearea’sinspi-

rationaldesigners,alongwithguidestocabi-

nets,countertops,appliancesandmore.

Asanyonewhohaseverexperiencedaspa

getaway will tell you, there’s nothing like it

for taming stress or rejuvenating your spirit.

Rather than jetting off to a resort for pam-

pering, more homeowners are incorporat-

ingspaelements intotheirbathroommake-

overs. Whether sleek and minimalist or rich

andornate,thespabathroomisaplacetolie

back,relaxandshutouttherestoftheworld.

“The bath is a tranquil space that nourishes

the spirit,” says Troy Adams, who designed

theminimalistbathroomspapicturedonthe

coverandatright.“Workingwiththenatural

materialsandacleandesignpalettegivesyou

thetoolstocreateasanctuary.”

Attheotherendofthedesignspectrumisa

moretraditionalbathroomcreatedbyindustry


Award-winning designer Troy

Adams evokes images of nature

with this spa bathroom built for

a client in the Hollywood Hills.

q The Asian-inspired décor includes a serene color palette and LED pendant lights by Bruck.

w Floating shelves and a flat-screen TV have been integrated into the design.

e The custom vanity of Macassar ebony features a deep trough sink with a taupe CaesarStone countertop, backed by a frosted-glass panel framed in tropical wenge wood.

r The 3-by-4-foot stainless-steel soaking tub rests on a bed of river rock, with water flowing continuously around the base.


veteranHeleneLottothatdrawsonthewarm

hues and opulent textures of Tuscany. With

travertine ceramic tile, marble countertops

and copper and bronze fixtures, the updated

BellCanyonbathroomwastransformedintoa

five-starluxuryretreatthattakesadvantageof

thehome’sspectacularhillsideviews.

Today’skitchensarebreakingfreeoftradi-

tional floor plans, with open areas extending

into the living and dining areas to encourage

socializingandentertaining.Anislandorpen-

insulanotonlyexpandstheavailablecounter

space, but offers a family-friendly seating op-

tion. “We design around a lifestyle,” says Jim

Rice,ownerofShowcaseKitchensandBaths.

The Westlake Village-based design-build

firmcreatedbothofourfeaturedkitchens—

the Italian-inspired kitchen, at right, and

a contemporary space with a retro décor.

Thoughvastlydifferentstyles,eachistime-

lessinitsownway.“Ifyoudoitright,”Rice

says,“you’llneverhavetoreplaceit.”

ManyoftheprojectscompletedbyRice’s

company, as well as those created by Troy

AdamsDesigninWestHollywood,maskap-

pliancesandotherelementsofthe“working

kitchen”behindfurniture-gradedrawersand

cabinets. “Who wouldn’t rather see beauti-

fulfurnitureasopposedtoappliances,”says

Adams,whoseclienteleincludesactorsSela

WardandEddieMurphy.

Adesignerofkitchensandbathsformore

than 20 years, Adams has seen dramatic

changesininteriordesigntrends,especiallya

growingawarenessoftheneedforsustainable

products—“it’sourdutytostarttakingalook

at eco-friendly design”—and the use of low-

toxic paints, veneers from managed forests

andrecycledmaterials.Healsonotesthatthe

economicdownturnhassparkedagreaterap-

preciationoffamilyandadesiretostaycloser

tothenest.“Peoplearesayinghomemore,”he

says.“They’reputtingmoreofanemphasison

theinsideoftheirhomes.”

Withthesesuggestionsatyourfingertips,

youcantransformyourbeautifulhomeinto

astunningshowcase.


Created by Showcase Kitchen &

Bath, this Tuscan-inspired space

offers a taste of la dolce vita

with rich colors and coordinating

textures.

q Furniture-grade Wood-mode cabinets feature conveniences like shelf organizers and self-closing drawers.

w A French La Cornue stove with a black satin finish becomes the centerpiece of the chef’s kitchen.

e Carved black granite atop the island complements the brown granite countertops.

r Intricate hand-carved molding frames a ceramic tile back-splash with Florentine-style accents.

Photo: David Crane


Designer Helene Lotto, in

association with Vicki Korniski,

brought a bit of Tuscany to a

Bell Canyon home. Italian-

inspired kitchens and baths

continue to be a hot trend.

q A pendant light of antiqued iron from Fine Art Lamps provides a soft, muted glow.

w Rosa verona marble creates a sumptuous look on the tub surround.

e Walker Zanger’s Venezia Classico Antique tile warms the glass-enclosed shower.


r Hues from Benjamin Moore’s historical colors palette bring a warm luster to the space.

t The rich finish on the Omega cabinets complements the marble countertops.

y Copper vessel sinks from Stone Forest add to the old-world charm.

u Floor tiles in quartz slate from Jeffrey Court complete the rustic look.


With an open floor plan that

invites conversation, this con-

temporary kitchen by Showcase

Kitchens & Baths in Westlake

Village is designed for entertain-

ing or family-friendly meals.

q Reminiscent of a classic tool chest, the cherry-red hutch is another Wood-mode design. The over-size drawer pulls match those in the rest of the kitchen and draw the look together.

w The glass counter is the perfect place for morning coffee while the pub table, topped with vibrant red Zodiaq quartz, expands the seating options.

e Thermador’s cooktop and built-in convection and microwave ovens add gourmet styling with the addition of stainless steel.


r With front panels that match the maple cabinets, the Sub-zero refrigerator-freezer and dish-washer are hidden from sight.

t Wood-mode cabinets, which feature ground-glass insets in the maple and stainless-steel doors, are complemented by Zodiaq countertops in a licorice hue. A backsplash of one-inch glass tiles enhances the design.

y The stylish chef’s accessory tree keeps tools handy, yet out of the way.

Photo: David Crane


Winningformula

chef’s table

When you add it all up, there’s more

than just dinner at Palate Food

+ Wine. Located on the bottom

floor of a wine-storage depot, Palate is a res-

taurant, a wine shop, a tasting bar, a cheese

cellar and a “gastronomic” library with more

than 200 titles. “It’s a wine-centric, passion-

ate and down-to-earth place,” says Octavio

Becerra, a self-made chef who opened the

Glendale eatery about a year ago.

Unlike many of his colleagues whose

affinity for cooking began at an

early age, the Los Angeles na-

tive launched his culinary ca-

reer almost by accident. “At 19,

I stumbled into the Cadillac

Café. It was my first

restaurant job,” he

W+ Wine. Located

floor of a wine-storage depot,

taurant, a wine shop, a tasting

cellar and a “gastronomic”

than 200 titles. “It’s a wine-centric,

ate and down-to-earth place,”

Becerra, a self-made chef

Glendale eatery about a

Unlike many of his

affinity for cooking

early age, the

tive launched

reer almost

I stumbled

Café.

Palate Food+Wineis much more than the sum of its parts

By Natalie Haughton • Photos by David Crane

recalls. “The restaurant offered a creative en-

vironment and a platform or medium where

I could truly express myself. I really became

interested in touching people’s senses,

sights, sounds, smell, touch and, ultimately,

taste. I went into it from an aesthetic point of

view — and wasn’t really focused on becom-

ing a chef.”

That changed after a pivotal meeting

with restaurateur Joachim Splichal, who was

working a two-night stint as a guest chef at

the café. Splichal hired Becerra to work at

Max Au Triangle in Beverly Hills — “I waited

all day for an interview that lasted 45 sec-

onds,” Becerra says — and later arranged for

the budding chef to work at Michelin-starred

restaurants in France and Spain.

Returning to the U.S., Becerra went to

A sampling of the ample selection in the wine shop adorns the contemporary setting

of the bistro’s main dining room.


restaurant PALATE FOOD + WINE933 S. Brand Blvd.Glendale818/662-9463www.palatefoodwine.com

reservationsrecommended? Yes

dinner with winefor two About $100

chef’s table

work for the Patina Group, becoming ex-

ecutive chief and a partner in Pinot Bistro in

Studio City. He was instrumental in opening

several other Patina Group restaurants and

training chefs until his departure in mid-

2005. “It was just time to move on,” Becerra

says. “I was 40 years old, and if I didn’t pull

the trigger then, it would be more difficult at

45 and almost impossible at 50.”

Palate represents Becerra’s first solo res-

taurant project, an enterprise with 26 in-

vesting partners. He describes the cuisine as

“infused with a Mediterranean sensibility”

using ingredients from local growers. “I have

great reverance for ingredients and tech-

nique and letting the ingredients sing on the

plate,” he says.

The menu changes every Thursday, but

always includes a signature “porkfolio” of

cured meats, along with mason jars of pa-

tés or potted meats and fish. Entrees may

include prosciutto-wrapped scallops, pork

belly with stone-ground grits or prime beef

with spring onion agrodolce.

Wine director Steve Goldun has assem-

bed a broad selection of wines from around

the world, which can be paired with dinner,

tasted at the bar or purchased at the shop in

the rear of the restaurant. “We have a syn-

ergistic relationship between the wine shop

and the restaurant, and 90 percent of the

value-driven wines in the restaurant can be

purchased in the wine shop.”

Although other restaurateurs are daunt-

ed by the down economy, Becerra hopes the

dampened real-estate market will give him

the opportunity to expand. “I think it’s safe

to say that I’m not just a one restaurant kind

of a chef,” he says.

SPOTLIGHT ON...

CHEF OCTAVIO BECERRAAGE: 45

HOMETOWN: Los AngelesLos Angeles

COOKING STYLE: COOKING STYLE: Mediterranean influence with Mediterranean influence with locally sourced ingredients.locally sourced ingredients.

FIVE COOKING STAPLES: FIVE COOKING STAPLES: Great olive oil, fleur de sel sea salt, olive oil, fleur de sel sea salt, farm-raised eggs, hand-made farm-raised eggs, hand-made tortillas, his mother’s salsa.tortillas, his mother’s salsa.

FAVORITE KITFAVORITE KITFAVORITE K CHCHITCHIT ECHECH N GEN GE AN GAN G DGET:ET:ETTruffle slicer.

FAVORITE COOOOKBOOKS: “Chez Panisse Cafe Cookbook,” by Panisse Cafe Cookbook,” by Alice Waters; “Ripailles,” by Alice Waters; “Ripailles,” by Stéphane Reynaud.Stéphane Reynaud.

FAVORITE DISH AT PFAVORITE DISH AT PAFAVORITE DISH AT PAFAVORITE DISH AT P LATE:ATE:ATECalamari with figs.Calamari with figs.

Heirloom Tomato SaladServes 8

4 heirloom tomatoes (use four different varieties)

24 cherry or Sweet 100 tomatoes (or a combination)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon Banyuls vinegar (a mellow vinegar from the Banyuls-sur-Mer region of France)

1 cup wild arugula

4 ounces hard sheep’s-milk cheese, shaved

Rinse and pat dry tomatoes. Oven-dry the cherry or Sweet 100 tomatoes at 300° for

1 hour. Meanwhile, cut heirloom tomatoes into different sizes and shapes and place

on platter. Arrange oven-dried tomatoes on and around the heirlooms. Drizzle with

olive oil and vinegar and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with arugula

and shaved cheese.

Pho

to: J

ohn

McC

oy

hiGh techhome

When English sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke wrote, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic,” he must have been thinking about these products, which are as easy to use as a magic wand.

—Holly Berecz

It’s a washMop and bucket, uncool. Floor washing robot, very cool!

Scooba 380, the premium floor-washing model from iRobot,

washes, scrubs, squeegees and dries hard floors while you

watch TV or run errands. Washing up to four rooms on a sin-

gle battery charge, it even cleans under cabinet edges, tables,

chairs and other hard-to-reach-places. Sells for $500.

store.irobot.com

DIY sodaTurn tap water into sparkling water or even flavored soda in

seconds. SodaStream Genesis offers an easy, environmentally

friendly way to get fizzy beverages in your home. Blast water

with CO₂ for fresh seltzer or use one of more than 60 flavors

to create your own soda concoction. Kits start around $120

and include reusable BPA-free bottles.

sodastreamusa.com

to use as a magic wand.

—Holly Berecz

Digital dinnerTired of fumbling through stacks of cookbooks and envelopes

of yellowed clippings to find that special recipe? Made by Key

Ingredient Corp., the Demy Digital Recipe Reader puts up to

2,500 recipes at your fingertips. Readable vertically or hori-

zontally, the 7-inch LCD touch screen is splash resistant and

easy to clean. Priced around $300, it also offers substitution

suggestions, a conversion calculator and three digital timers.

mydemy.com


hiGh tech home

HandsomehumidorA place to store stogies for true cigar aficio-

nados, the XS 200 humidor covers the three

vital elements of cigar preservation: humid-

ity, temperature and hygiene. Designed with

Liebherr’s signature sleek European styling,

the stainless steel housing is lined with Span-

ish cedar wood and a soft-touch temperature

panel. About $2,500.

liebherr-appliances.com

Direct to DVDStreamline bulky VHS tapes or share mov-

ies and photos without a computer. The

VRD-MC6, Sony’s next-generation multi-

function DVDirect recorder, connects with

virtually any camcorder, VCR or DVR to

transfer high- or standard-definition home

videos. Retailing for about $229, a 2.7-inch

color LCD screen lets you preview video or

up to six photos at a time.

sonystyle.com


Modern simplicity

Simple and traditional in form yet housing ad-

vanced technology, the PAPPA*Phone lets you

use Voice Over Internet Protocol services like

Skype or iChat on any Mac or PC. Made from

solid brass and sustainable American walnut,

the streamlined phone converts your voice into

a digital signal that travels over the Internet.

The heirloom-quality wood-grain instrument

requires no software installation. Priced at

$300.

www.hulger.com

Frame by frameMore than just a picture frame, this 8-inch sleek, modern

design from Cevia is the world’s only connected digital photo

frame. With an easy-to-use on-screen menu, it connects

to the net to receive news, weather, “this day in history”

calendar and even photos from family and friends. Includes

interchangeable black and wood grain faceplates. Frame with

one-year PicturePlan about $225.

www.ceiva.com

Sound of silenceMaking meals with friends and family is fun, but not when

you can’t communicate over the whirling clatter of the range

hood. Space from Elica is the first range hood designed for

your ears. Featuring patented Deep Silence technology, its

sound-absorbing performance reduces noise by 35 percent.

Priced at $4,200, the only thing more impressive than the

way it doesn’t sound is its radically innovative appearance.

www.elica.com


cause for applause

Great design and environmentally

sensitive elements will be on dis-

play Sept. 13, when five award-

winning architects from the San Fernando

Valley open their own homes to the public.

Theself-guidedtourwillfeaturebothnewly

constructed and recently renovated homes,

offeringarichlyvariedpaletteofstyles.The

homesare locatedbetweenWoodlandHills

and Sherman Oaks, giving visitors ample

time to appreciate the architects’ imagina-

tive use of indoor and outdoor spaces and

gaininspirationfromtheirdesigns.

“Thisisnottracthousing,”saysVeronica

Terpatsi, an architect and assistant to the

director of the AIA’s Valley chapter, which

is sponsoring the half-day event. “There’s

a little bit of every kind of architecture. It’s

verymuchapersonalinterpretationofeach

architectfortheircraft.”

Thewestern-mostpointofthetour is in

Woodland Hills, where James Heimler has

spent more than a decade renovating his

1946 split-level residence into a state-of-

the-art “eco-home.” A long-time proponent

ofsustainabledesign,Heimlerincorporated

recycledmaterialsandenergy-efficienttech-

nology as he added a kitchen and trans-

formedotherlivingspacestointegratestyle

withtheenvironment.

The Encino home of Kenneth David Lee

camewithabitofhistorywhenhebought it

nearlyadecadeago.PreviouslyownedbySon-

nyandCherduringtheirheydayasarockduo,

thesprawlingranch-stylehousehadbeenrav-

agedbyfireandneglectandwasdestinedfor

demolition. Lee salvaged the structure, then

updateditwithcontemporaryandenergy-effi-

cientelementswhilemaintainingtheintegrity

oftheoriginaldesign.

MurraySiegel,anemeritusmemberofthe

AIA chapter, lives above it all–literally–in a

homethatisraisedontreatedcedarpolesto

spanastreambedinthehillsaboveEncino.

Architect James Heimler has incorporated sustainable elements into the kitchen and bath of his “eco-home,” one of five stops on a self-guided architects’ tour.

Take a self-guided tour of

five architects’ homes in

the San Fernando Valley,

11:30–4:30 p.m. Sunday,

Sept. 13. Cost is $35. For in-

formation and reservations,

call the American Institute

of Architects-San Fernando

Valley at 818/907-7151.

Architects in residenceSelf-guided tour offers glimpse of AIA members’ eco-friendly homes

Photos: D

avid Crane

Appropriately dubbed “Oak Shadows,” the

Japanese-inspired home features a series of

pavilionstuckedbetweenthetreesofanoak

grove. Ample decks overlook waterfalls, koi

pondsandevenoutdoormodeltrains.

TerryLynnDowningdesignedherhometo

resemble a classic 18th century French vine-

yard-farmhouse, with expansive windows

offering views of the rustic Sherman Oaks

hillsides. Her use of sustainable and recycled

elementsincludesmaterialssalvagedfromLos

Angeles’historicAmbassadorHotel.

The newest of the tour homes is Gus

Duffy’s“BarnonBeck,”arecentlycompleted

5,000-square-foothomethatevokestherus-

ticcharmofaquaintNewEnglandfarm.An-

choredbyaweather-vane-toppedtower,the

sprawling five-bedroom home features clas-

sicAmericanTraditionalstylingandcutting-

edgeconservationelements, includingalter-

native energy systems, renewable resources

andrecycledmaterials. — Barbara Jones


finishing touch

Anthony VerityA lifetime spent studying the lines, curves and angles of the human body gives Dr. Anthony Verity an affinity

for the lines, curves and angles of art. An emeritus professor of pathology at UCLA, Verity is also a self-

taught sculptor and painter who captured the gold medal at a Valley Artists Guild juried exhibition this spring.

His winning painting, “Persimmon Mountain,” and “Deep Lake,” above, are part of a series depicting his

surrealistic interpretations of the Garden of Eden. “I have an appreciation for patterns and lines that tends to

move toward the abstract,” Verity says. Born and educated in England, Verity immigrated to the United States

in 1959, about the same time he became interested in art. He became enamored of modern Japanese art, a

motif that finds its way into many of his sculptures, paintings and one-of-a-kind cards. To see more of his work,

visit www.anthonyfineart.net.

Deep Lake, Eden Series #5

Physician Administered Quality Care Including:

Spider & Varicose Vein Treatment y Bio-Identical Hormone Analysis & ReplacementIntegrative Medicine for the Individual y Precision Migraine Treatment Using Therapeutic Botox

Medicine of the future, practiced today..

1240 S. WESTLAKE BOULEVARD, SUITE 123 WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA 91361

(805) 495-8305

please call for more information or to schedule an appointment

SoCal Spaces v10

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