The Way We Live: A Writer's Coastal Home
While photographing Kristen Philipkoski of Stylenik modeling her Cass Clutch, I couldn't resist taking a few photographs of her home. I suspected that it would be a cool space and was hoping to capture it on camera, which thankfully, she allowed. Tucked on a hillside in Pacifica, ocean views, crisp air and sea scents surround her cozy abode from every angle. Layered with textiles, colors and patterns, her home is styled much as she is: with a sophisticated, yet whimsical retro flair.
She recently featured The Cass Clutch on her blog, which was a definite honor for me as its designer. Kristen writes about luxury fashion, design and lifestyle. She's a regular contributor to Forbes, has written for Refinery 29, Racked and 7x7, and also reported on science and technology for Wired and Gizmodo. She has a flawless way with words, with California fashion and, quite obviously, with interior decorating.
Take a look at her home:
Many thanks, Kristen, for sharing your home with Cocoon Home readers and me.
The Way We Live: PodArt Creator's Home
With each of her moves, my mother-in-law recreates homes that speak to her love for plants, books, art and colorful textiles. Her latest landed her in a space she professes to love even more that her previous ones.
I'm always amazed by how well she combines her favorite [old] possessions with newly acquired pieces and accessories. In her newest residence, she showcases more of her work, PodArt, the organic feel of which blends seamlessly into her decorating style. PodArt reinforces her love for nature inspired art that successfully adds character and texture to any interior.
Whether is by creating vertical gardens or assembling interesting vessels brimming with native botanicals, she devotes as much attention to her outdoor spaces as she does to her indoor ones.
No matter where she lands, her love and devotion to her "Munchkins" (as she likes to refer to our children) is loud and clear, as is one her favorite mantras: "I've never met a wall I didn't like".
Her dining room combines her treasured Russian fairy tale plates and her favorite chandelier with slick [really comfortable] seating on a colorful dhurrie rug. When not creating PodArt or tending to her many plants, Natalia spends quite a bit of time in the kitchen creating new dishes or mastering old ones for the enjoyment of our family and friends.
Her entry way reflects her sense of whimsy and aesthetic sense of balance. The beautiful ink and watercolor work on the wall is by her mother, Nadia, who is the original artist in the family. She is still drawing and painting at the 'young' age of 87. The featured PodArt is one of Natalia's first works and one she couldn't part with.
Her study is home to most her books, to art painted by my husband as a 5 year old boy, and glass terrariums created by the Munchkins, suspended from a foraged Manzanita branch.
Incense burns in a Sansevieria pot, next to stacked vintage suitcases that double up as a night table. The bedroom's warm hues reflect Natalia's ever present drive to create spaces that are cozy, yet uniquely relevant.
Please check out her website www.podartca.com and stay tuned to learn about her future shows and exhibits.
The Way We Live: A Fashion Designer's Home
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Nanette Mervin of Ginger at her home in Berkley. We got together to discuss collaborating on a photo shoot featuring her stylish caftans and The Cass Clutch, but I had an ulterior motive. Having seen images of her home on Instagram and admiring her style, I knew it was going to be an amazing space to photograph for my blog. Sooo, I brought along my camera and without any advance notice, I convinced her to let me take some snapshots of it. She was a bit apprehensive at first, but as we discussed what makes a house a home (in my opinion*), and the criteria at play before I consider doing a "The Way We Live" feature, she graciously obliged.
Nan's passion for art, vintage glass and fashion is showcased in each of the rooms adding warmth, creativity and substance to the entire home. Her caftans are offsprings of 'something old made new again' just like The Cass Clutch is.
I'm so glad to have met her and look forward to working together in the future. In the mean time, take a tour of this very unique home.
Thank you, Nanette, for sharing your beautiful home with my readers!
*"The Way We Live" features spaces that reflect the character, interests and personality of their inhabitants. Spaces that are both lived in and deliberately appointed.
The Way We Live: Art In An Updated Ranch
Earlier this summer, I had the pleasure of touring the home of Christy Mack, art lover, collector and consultant. Her house is a mix of vintage and new mid-century furnishings, objects of interest and art, LOTS of it. She has a knack for finding and placing canvases. Whether in a client's home or in her own, Christy combines colors, textures and curiosities in a effortless way.
Growing up with parents that antiqued and thrift store shopped, she learned "the thrill of the find" and later, through her mother in-law's extensive art collection, she became familiar with the who's who in the art world. As you walk through her beautiful home, you'll experience photographs taken by her and her husband and her son's art alongside noteworthy oils hanging or layered on walls and surfaces creating many visual treats.
When Christy is not out immersing herself in the art by working with artists, galleries, museums and art collectors she is serving the community. Christy recently served as President at the Lafayette Juniors League and is a founding member of 100 Plus Women Who Care Contra Contra County. Both of these organizations raise funds for other local non-profits that benefit women, children and seniors in need.
Thank you, Christy, for your efforts on behalf of many in our community and beyond for sharing your house with us!
For the readers who would like to know more about the non profit organizations that Christy is part of please click here and here.
You find Christy on Instagram @cmackorart
The Way We Live: A Haverhill Mansion
While on the East Coast, the children and I had the opportunity to visit a friend whom I met 15 years ago, when Cocoon (the store) first opened in Boston. Having stayed in touch all these years, it was a real treat to finally see his new home. Its grandness took us all for surprise. Filled with a lifetime of memories, this historical house balances New England tradition with a healthy dose of creative flair. As the kids and I toured the house (almost getting lost a few times) we were not only taken by its size, but with number of family furnishings and objects that have remained so dear to its occupants throughout the years. Pairing pieces from their individual pasts with items from their present, created an inviting and eclectic atmosphere. One I just knew had to be a feature in The Way We Live.
Many thanks, MV, for your friendship and for sharing your beautiful home with us.
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Debra Cass Szidon
Lover of layered neutrals, mixed patterns, contrasting textures and all things botanical. My creative energies pull me in many different directions but I’m most grounded as an interior decorator, handbag designer and mother. Cocoon Home blog is where I share my reflections on family, work and my creative journey.
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