1007 Cresthaven Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90042
2 BR, 1.5 BA
$429,000

Here’s a good opportunity for someone to snag a cute mid-century in the hills of Highland Park. The owners of this short sale bought the house for $575,000 in 2005 and now it’s back on the market for an attractive price. A spacious deck, French doors, views, beamed ceiling and about 900 square feet make up this comfortable looking home.

The listing describes it as a cosmetic fixer – which is music to the ears of potential buyers who will want to put their own stamp on it anyway.

Located just north of York and east of Figueroa you are close to everything Highland Park has to offer as well as South Pasadena and Downtown LA. Showings are limited to so give me a call or email me to set one up.

More info and photos of 1007 Cresthaven Dr.

Listing courtesy of Tracy King, Coldwell Banker – Pasadena.

8466 Brier Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90046
3 BR, 3.5 BA
$1,399,000

A flawless AJ Bernard designed rebuild (2008-2010) has brought this beautiful mid-century home in the Hollywood Hills back to its original beauty, compltete with all the modern day luxuries. Located in a quiet, private cul-de-sac, this single story residence originally built in 1949 provides a separate two-room guesthouse.

There are bi-fold La Canada glass doors that reveal the beautiful south facing flat lawn and sunny views of Kirkwood Bowl and Mountains. 12’ wide French Oak plank floors throughout the main house, and spectacular reclaimed French Chateau floors in guesthouse.

The kitchen offers a center island with custom oak cabinetry, hidden state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances, and Calacatta gold book-matched marble countertops.

Top of the line sound and electronic systems flow throughout this 2,142 square foot home. Clearly this Hollywood Hills residence features unparalleled quality. If you’d like to set up a showing to see it, call me at 323-775-6305 or send me an email!

More info and photos of 8466 Brier Dr.

Listing courtesy of Ron Holliman and Brent Watson, Coldwell Banker-Beverly Hills North.

3123 Berkeley Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90026
3 BR, 1 BA
$599,000

Here’s a new flip in a great part of Silver Lake. When this came on the market in late May every investor in town went to check it out. In less than a few days it was gone, snatched up for $428,000. Now it’s back on the market fixed up with a remodeled kitchen, new electrical and plumbing, and a newly landscaped terraced yard (the yard was in serious need of help).

They fixed up the basement and added laundry hookups as well.

This house is priced right for the area and in a great location – close to the shops on Silver Lake Blvd, the Reservoir, the dog park and Sunset Junction. If you’d like to set up a showing to see it call me at 323-775-6305 or send me an email!

More info and photos of 3123 Berkeley Ave.

Listing courtesy of Luisa Ferrante, Sotheby’s Int’l Rlty-Los Feliz.

Fabrics are at the core of Alexandra’s work. She uses water-based paints on silk to create her designs, and her work can be found not only in ModOp Design’s flips, but in homes and galleries around Los Angeles. Alexandra’s fabrics and textiles have also been acquired by high-end home decor companies and designers, like Anthropologie, BCBG, Vince Clothing, Trina Turk, Pottery Barn, Target, Guess, Tadashi, St. John–the list goes on.

Take Sunset had a chat with Alexandra about her creative process, the impact her grandfather (the great LA architect Welton Becket) had on her career, what inspired her to start flipping homes, and where she likes to grab a quick lunch in Silver Lake…

Take Sunset: Your artwork and textile patterns seem to reflect those found in nature. Is that what inspires you?

Becket: Yes, the natural environment is a big inspiration. Patterns created by rock formations, shadows cast by plant life onto the surfaces around them, vegetation and the endless array of shapes that exist in nature. My other big inspiration is architecture and the built environment of Los Angeles, specifically mid-century architecture. I am drawn to the aesthetics of mid-century design and appreciate the clean lines and geometry that came out of that era.

Take Sunset: Can you talk a bit about your creative process?

Becket: I pick up inspiration when visiting places, usually when something calls out to me personally. I capture these inspirations on camera, which helps me to compose an image that I can refer to when designing. Then, I do my best to put these inspirations into work as soon as possible. If I’m working on creating a textile design or a fabric painting, I use a technique similar to batik, using a water-based resist to draw a design. I then paint over the design with water-based paint that I mix to create colors. The artwork is then heat-set to make it colorfast and washed, which removes the resist and reveals the linear design under the paint.

Take Sunset: Your grandfather, Welton Becket, was an LA architect who designed landmarks like Capitol Records, the Music Center, the Beverly Hilton, and more. I know he died before you were born, but can you can you talk a bit about how that lineage has influenced your work as an artist?

Becket: My grandfather’s architectural work is scattered throughout the city, leaving footprints of a bygone era that I was not aware of growing up. Since I was not lucky enough to know him, I became interested in learning about his accomplishments. The LA Conservancy was in the process of helping save the Cinerama Dome and other WB projects at that time. As I got involved, and learned about his work, I gained an appreciation for the creativity put into his designs that can still be seen today. They are part of my family’s history and my daily life. So I enjoy paying tribute to them by creating artwork based on many of those buildings and tapping into the beauty of that era when I design.

Take Sunset: Living in Los Angeles has clearly played a big role in your work…

Becket: Yes, the bright light, variety of color and the semi-tropical landscape of Los Angeles are all part of my work. The nice balance of nature and the built environment of LA also play a part in my work. I am inspired both when driving around town and when on a hike in the hills.

Take Sunset: Have you always had an interest in interior design and staging homes?

Becket: I have always wanted my career to develop into interiors. I often refurbish or reupholster vintage pieces, and much of the artwork and home accessories I incorporate are my own pieces. And everything is available for purchase. I’m already on my third staging project and can’t wait to do many more!

Take Sunset: Aside from the pieces you design yourself, where do you find the amazing pieces you use in your staging?

Becket: I find furniture and accessories on EBay, Craigslist, Modernica, DWR, CB2, Ikea, at flea markets, thrift stores, and online from various resources.

Take Sunset: When you’re not working, what’s your favorite neighborhood in Los Angeles?

Becket: Los Feliz, at the base of Griffith Park. It’s full of historic homes, so many trees, lush gardens and has a nice neighborhood feel. The Silver Lake Hills around the reservoir is another favorite.

Take Sunset: What are some of your favorite LA restaurants, boutiques, and shops?

Becket: Lucques for special Sunday night suppers; Loteria for casual Mexican; Forage in Silver Lake for an outstanding quick lunch; Scoops for a great selection, including non-dairy; Chado Tea for catching up with a friend or buying bulk loose-leaf; The Way We Wore for vintage dresses and accessories (I found my wedding dress there!); Playclothes for a huge vintage selection; OK on Third or Silver Lake Blvd. for great gifts; and Pepe’s in Echo Park for reasonably priced vintage furniture.

Take Sunset: I was wondering where you got your amazing wedding dress! And speaking of clothes, designers like Anthropologie, BCBG, Vince Clothing, Trina Turk use your textiles. Can you talk about how that came about?

Becket: I got my foot in the door as a textile design sales representative. I set up the appointments and drove around LA visiting clients with artwork from European textile design studios. I developed a relationship with certain clients and eventually went out on my own to show them my artwork. I also reached out to designers who I thought would like my work. I was persistent in contacting them and sometimes it paid off!

Take Sunset: What is up next for you?

Becket: I would like to take on interior design jobs, working with clients to create interior and exterior spaces. I want to create environments for people to enjoy living in everyday. I like to work with what people already have, editing and adding to it. Cleaning their home up, making it more organized, more comfortable and giving it character with one-of-a kind pieces and artwork that makes it look new and unique. I want to create a fresh and authentic look that will improve people’s quality of life!

Take Sunset: Thank you so much for doing this interview, Alexandra! We look forward to seeing more great flips from ModOp Design and incredible art from you, as well.

To find out more about Alexandra Becket, go to alexandrabecketdesigns.com. And for more on ModOp Design, check out additional posts on Take Sunset.

This past Friday was the last wine tasting of the summer at Barnsdall Art Park, but that doesn’t mean the events in the park are over! This Saturday, September 4^th, Barnsdall Park brings back their September Outdoor Movies Series. Bring your blanket and picnic basket and settle in on the West Lawn of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House. This year’s movies are modern classics that showcase the architectural and historical uniqueness of Los Angeles. First up is 500 Days of Summer, followed by LA Story, LA Confidential, and finally Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Screenings start at 7:30 pm, but get there early to secure your spot and to have a few drinks. Unique beer and wine selections will be served from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. Tickets for the movie and drinks are $25.00. You can purchase them online here. The Coolhaus truck will also be on hand selling ice cream sandwiches, and the Let’s Be Frank truck will also be selling hot dogs and sausages.

All profits benefit the Barnsdall Art Park Foundation programs and projects. More details can be found at the newly-overhauled Barnsdall Art Park website: barnsdall.org.

Barnsdall Art Park
4800 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027

1655 Gilcrest Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
3 BR, 3.5 BA
$4,500,000

Built in 1941, this architectural estate sits on a private promontory with an expansive flat lawn and provides breathtaking jetliner and ocean views.

The main house has a huge living room with walls of glass and dramatic views to the west.

There are 3 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, plus a huge artist loft studio with north facing clearstory windows and high ceilings.

The 4,063 square foot home is located on 2.5 acres, providing total privacy and serenity.

This is an incredibly rare and unique home in a wonderful Beverly Hills location. If you would like to set up a showing, send me an email or call me at 323-775-6305!

More info and photos of 1655 Gilcrest Dr.

Listing courtesy of Richard Klug, Sotheby’s International Realty-Beverly Hills.

2143 Panorama Terrace
Los Angeles, CA 90039
3 BR, 2 BA
$1,120,000

Located in the Ivanhoe Elementary School District, this 1,900 square foot, mid-century modern home was built in 1953 by acclaimed architect James H. Garrott. The current owners are only the second family to ever live in the house.

It provides a dramatic streamlined living room, high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, a covered terrace with stunning Canyon views, and a uniquely placed pool.

The pool has been re-plastered and is surrounded by bamboo for ultimate privacy. It is accessible via the carport or from the master bedroom, otherwise you would barely know it’s there. Very cool.

There are updated systems throughout this fantastic mid-century in Silver Lake. With very few homes of this caliber available in the area, this should attract a lot of interest.

If you would like to see it in person, send me an email or call me at 323-775-6305!

More info and photos of 2143 Panorama Ter.

Listing courtesy of Brian Scott Ades, Sotheby’s International Realty-Sunset.

2427 Solar Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90046
3 BR, 2 BA
$2,040,000

Architect Val Powelson’s 1960 “Sunbow House” has been carefully renovated by Steven Kent, A.I.A. The 2,098 square foot architectural home with the unique unique Butterfly roof line is located in the Hollywood Hills, and features unsurpassed city lights, Valley, and Runyon Canyon views. And you have direct access to Runyon Canyon Park at the end of your cul-de-sac street!

The home provides an open floor plan and an updated mid-century design for today’s lifestyle. There is a new pool, spa, sound system, and security system.

The cook’s kitchen and new baths have also been updated with Caesarstone, Carrera Marble, and commercial-grade maple/basalt floors.

Check out these spectacular views from the deck directly off the master suite.

This Hollywood Hills home is exquisite in every detail. If you would like to set up a showing, send me an email or call me at 323-775-6305!

More info and photos of 2427 Solar Dr.

Listing courtesy of David Solomon and Anna Solomon, Prudential CA-Brentwood.

There is a great interview on Balustrade & Bitters with Los Angeles-based interior decorator Tom Buckley. Buckley relocated from New York to LA in 1969, after 20 year at the legendary design firm McMillen. He’s been crafting beautiful rooms in Los Angeles ever since. I particularly loved this bit about following your instincts as a designer:

I believe instinct is that little inner voice that says to you, “Do this, do that, or that is it, that’s the right chair.” Every time I’ve violated that rule, I’ve gotten into trouble. My little inner voice says,”I don’t think you should do this.” And I think, “Oh, shut up, I’m gonna do this, it’s gonna be fine.” Sometimes it works out and sometimes it’s been a disaster. I should have listened to that little inner voice. I believe we all have those little inner voices, all we need do is listen.

There are many other gems in this charming and informative piece. Read the rest of the interview with Tom Buckley here.

Photographs by Coleen Ride.

I’ve been eyeing Mohawk General Store since it recently moved to Sunset Junction. Mohawk, the clothing and accessories store, joined forces with Amsterdam Modern, the by-appointment-only Van Nuys warehouse filled with mid-century furniture and 20th-century Dutch designs. And now they’re in one convenient location where you can get everything from cute new shoes, like these Rachel Comey booties in black leather that I am drooling over. (Hurry up and re-stock, MGS!)

Or housewears, like this Small Hanging Geo Planter in White by the always-awesome Kelly Lamb!

You can also pick up contemporary housewares, as well as American, Dutch, and Danish vintage furniture.

Mohawk General Store
4011 West Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 669 – 1601