How were your weekends, friends? This one, I have to say, was pretty great! It was in the eighties all weekend here in LA so we ventured out to Malibu both Saturday and Sunday. We walked El Matador Beach and explored the caves, had fish tacos out on the deck of Malibu Seafood, and toured the incredible Getty Villa, among other adventures. It was a perfect pre-spring weekend that felt exactly like summer! Speaking of touring homes, Kate's Highland Park casa here in LA is one of my favorites. She is a natural hostess, so it's warm and inviting with all kinds of chic, interesting design details. From the reclaimed wood wall that they built themselves to the navy blue dining room complete with rustic bar cart and gallery wall, there is something to catch your eye around every corner. Keep reading to find out how it all came together...
Jen: I love the open concept of your house and how all of the living and dining space flows so freely. When you first moved in last July, what was your design process like for pulling it all together?
Kate: Having an open concept can be a challenge when it comes to the design process. You want things to flow together, but you don’t want it to be “matchy matchy”. We ended up focusing our whole space around our wall collage. The textures and colors on that wall are used throughout the space. Picking one thing to base the design off of was really helpful when selecting furniture and accessories.J: The reclaimed wood wall that you and your husband, Taylor, built is such an incredible statement in the space. Any other big diy projects you're planning?
K: Taylor and I have many ambitions to do some more DIY projects around the house. Our next priority is creating a great outdoor entertaining space. We love to host gatherings with friends and family, so having another place where guests can hang would be fabulous. Since our house is positioned on the back of our lot, we plan on extending the front patio to take up about half of our yard. We’d love to build a seating and dining area. I also have dreams about adding a fire pit, but we will have to see on that one!J: Do you and Taylor have similar interior styles? What has been your biggest disagreement when it comes to furnishing your place?
K: Taylor and I definitely have similar interior styles, however he does prefer pieces that are more industrial and masculine. Sometimes I need to add a little flair of femininity. I usually do that with candles, flowers, and pillows. I also love putting masculine pieces with something really feminine. For example, our dining room table is a very strong piece so we put a softer lace runner on it to blend our two styles.
J: What was the most challenging piece in the room to make a decision on?
K: Our most challenging piece to make a decision on was our couch. We actually got it as a wedding gift from my grandparents. It was a difficulty decision because we knew we’d have it for years. Couches are so expensive, so we wanted to pick something that would stay in style for a long time.J: What is your favorite piece in the room?
K: My favorite piece in our house is the map of Paris on the wall collage. Taylor and I got that map while visiting that city on our honeymoon. We got it from a sweet vendor on the Seine River. I just love how it’s a reminder of such a special time in our lives.J: In three words, how would you describe your interior design style?
K: Industrial-rustic, neutral, and clean.
J: Buying a home in LA is crazy challenging. After going through the process last summer, any advice for others looking to buy right now?
J: Finish this sentence: "My favorite thing about coming home is..."
K: My favorite thing about coming home is seeing my husband, but since this is about the casa I would have to say that my favorite thing about coming home is feeling proud of the space we’ve created together. Photography by Jordana ShearaSofa, Crate and Barrel / Chairs, HD Buttercup / Coffee Table, CB2 (no longer available) / Rug, West Elm / Round Tray, Target / Throw Pillows, Target / Lamp, CB2 / Mirror, West Elm / Dining Room Table, Restoration Hardware / Dining Chairs, Restoration Hardware
Lana Lambert says
What is the name of the navy paint?
Laura Rook says
Jen, I love this feature! Beautiful home and decor! Most of all…love Kate! I guess as her mom I am a little bias! LOL! Seriously, the photos are so well done, as was the interview. Thanks for sharing!
my scandinavian home says
I love the blue wall it looks so wonderful! /Niki
Kari says
I love the coffee table! Any chance you can share where it is from?
Jen Pinkston says
Hi Kari, I just updated the post with credits. It looks like the coffee table is sadly no longer available, though. If I see something similar I will let you know!
rachel says
LOVE this home, really beautiful. The navy wall is wonderful and I am fast becoming an obsessive on drinks trolleys, one to copy I think!
Jen Pinkston says
Navy walls are my favorite! They make a room look so luxe and it's such an easy add.
Rachel says
Amazing. I especially love the blue walls. Can you please tell me the paint color? Thanks!
Kate says
It's Benjamin Moore Van Deusan Blue. The perfect navy!
Kay schoening says
Her house is gorgeous! She has great style!
Jen Pinkston says
Yes, she definitely does 🙂