Lisa’s Earthy Vintage Modern

Location: Belmont Heights, Long Beach, California
Size: 1,400 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years; Rented

Lisa and her twin daughters live in the bottom floor of a duplex owned by her twin sister Lori Lamont and Lori’s husband Monte Weiss. You may remember Lori and Monte’s home from a few weeks ago. Although Lisa’s style is very different, her home has a similar comfort and California ease.

This house is filled with so many great current and retro pieces that it would be hard to choose a favorite Lisa’s favorite element is “the living room coffee table. It’s modern and funky, it’s sculptural but not precious.” I love the many paintings by Lisa’s sister, and I love that the home houses two teenage girls but still has a grown-up style.

Lisa believes that the most important thing about designing a home is “understanding your aesthetic. It’s easy to take home the pieces you love when you find them and know they will fit right in.” Lisa understands hers well, and has a gifted way of merging layers upon layers of plants, books, life and art into one cohesive little enclave. “I grew up going to flea markets and treasure hunting in thrift shops. The L.A. lifestyle has shaped my aesthetic. It’s the culture I identify with, having spent my whole life here — being at my friends’ houses, vacationing in Palm Springs, listening to music, taking the bus to the beach as a teen, and now raising my beautiful daughters in a close-knit beach community.”

Welcome!

My Style: Earthy California Vintage Modern.

Inspiration: My 70’s childhood with that classic California Beach vibe. Classic movies, old Sunset magazines, and the world of Wes Anderson. I wanted to recreate that easy elegance I have always loved for my twin daughters.

Favorite Element: The creamy color palette. It creates a mood that is very warm and nostalgic.

Biggest Challenge: My budget.

What Friends Say: “Have more parties!”

Biggest Embarrassment: The number of times I’ve painted and repainted the entry!

Proudest DIY: Painting (and repainting) the entry!

Biggest Indulgence: I happened upon an estate sale in my neighborhood and by the time I left I had bought my dining room table, my bedroom dresser, a lamp, a complete set of Franciscan earthen-ware, and various vessels for my succulent terrariums.

Best Advice: Whenever you find something you really love, take it home. It will always find its perfect place. Unless, of course, it’s not in the budget.

Dream Sources: Vintage/modern boutiques, from Palm Springs, all the way up to Big Sur (and beyond!), Crate and Barrel, Design Within Reach.

• console, vintage thrift shop, Long Beach

• painting, Lori LaMont
  
• orange pot, Long Beach Veterans Stadium flea market

• couch, custom

• coffee table, hand-me-down

• chairs, long side table, desks, floor lamps, Ikea

• painting, Lori LaMont

• orange and blue Eames chairs, Hive Modern

• table, estate sale

• bookcases, pendent light, Ikea

• chairs, hand-me-down

• buffet, garage sale

• Ikea, designed and built by my brother in law.

• bed, Naders

• dresser, estate sale

• Palm Springs poster, Home Goods

• paintings, Long Beach Veterans Stadium flea market

• rug, Ikea

BATHROOM

• towels, Target

• accordion mirror, Ikea

DAUGHTERS’ BEDROOM

• bunk beds, Naders

•dresser, drapes, red bookstand, pendent light, white night stands, rug,

Ikea

•Japanese woodblock prints, from a calendar, framed

OTHER

• orange chair, a Palm Springs boutique

• book rack, rummage sale

• table lamp, Ikea

Thanks, Lisa!

(Images: Bethany Nauert )

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