Spaces_11

November/December 2009

collectors showcase

HOLIDAY INTrendy gifts

from two family-owned

shops

CHEF’S TABLETrattoria offers

authentic taste of Italy

decorate your home with life’s passions

Canyons & Valley

7651 Sepulveda Boulevard

Van Nuys, CA 91405

818.988.5970

Mon-Sat 9am to 8pm

Sun 10am to 6pm

Designers availablefor free consultation.

artificial plantscustom treessilk flowersdecorative accentshome decorholiday decordecorate for the holidays

like a professional

7651 Sepulveda Boulevard

Van Nuys, CA 91405

818.988.5970

Mon-Sat 9am to 8pm

Sun 10am to 6pm

Designers availablefor free consultation.

artificial plantscustom treessilk flowersdecorative accentshome decorholiday decordecorate for the holidays

like a professional

� spaces november/december 2009

southern california

contents

28 Tohaveandhavenot Aquartetofdesignerssharetheir

secretsfortheuniversalhobbyofcollecting.

34 Artfulinvestment Inatighteconomy,evenfineart

hasbecomeaffordable.

36 Ready,set,collect Createameaningfulcollectionthat

expresseswhoyouare.

SO CAL SO COOL

13 ShopTreatment Twostylishboutiquestakeyouthrough

theholidaysandbeyond.

20 TradeSecrets CelebrateddesignerTimothyCorrigan

transformsanarrayofcollectiblesintostellarcollections.

DEPARTMENTS

38 Chef’sTable Awelcomingambianceand

scrumptiousfaregreetdinersatTrattoriaFarfallainWestlakeVillage.

44 High-TechHome Fromsimpletosophisticated,these

gadgetsaresuretoplease.

48 CauseforApplause TheAmericanCancerSocietycelebrates

itsdedicatedsupporters.

50 FinishingTouch Paintingbecomesanadventurefor

landscapeartistTriceTolle.

November/December 2009

spacessocal.com

c o v e r s to r y

Above: A vintage chair of burnished cherry wood owned by the late furniture store icon Jules Seltzer provides the perfect stage for some of the miniatures collected by his daughter-in-law, Linda. “I like taking them out and looking at them,” she says. “In this part of my life, I like having my collection contained.”

On the cover: Scaled replicas of an Eames lounge and a Frank Gehry cardboard chair play against a life-size version of the Eames classic, along with a vibrant molded chair by Verner Panton. Photos by Jessica Boone.

� spaces november/december 2009

Susan Abram has an eye for detail,

a skill she utilizes as a general as-

signment reporter for the Los Angeles

Daily News and in her spare time as she

visits photography exhibits and enjoys

independent films. Her favorite hobby

is discovering new varieties of pastries

at bakeries around Los Angeles.

Sandra Barrera collects pottery,

fabrics and Santa figurines, so she

loved chatting with designer Timothy

Corrigan about ways to exhibit her

treasures. She also is a veteran report-

er for the Daily News, covering design,

fashion and entertainment.

Sue Doyle’s taste for adventure

leads her down unexpected paths.

A former producer for “America’s Most

Wanted,” the veteran reporter is the

crime reporter for the Daily News. Her

spare time finds her looking for the

unexpected in local shops and bou-

tiques.

Jessica Boone is a freelance photog-

rapher whose creative treatment of

color, light and composition plays out

in every element of her extensive port-

folio. A graduate of the Art Center Col-

lege of Design in Pasadena, her work

has appeared in Bon Appetit, Better

Homes and Gardens and Architectural

Digest.

I must have been about 3 when I be-

gan my first collection– a pink gos-

samer angel that found her way to

the top of our family’s Christmas tree.

Each holiday season brought another

ornament– painstakingly selected,

judiciously placed on the tree, then

carefully wrapped and tucked away

until the next year. When I grew up

and left home, I not only had a box

of glittery glass baubles but a collec-

tion of cherished memories. That

emotional connection is at the heart of Spaces’ “Col-

lections” issue, with an eclectic mix of designers

weighing in on what may be the world’s oldest and

most universal hobby. They offer advice on how to

start, maintain and display a collection, and chat

about the pleasure that each memento brings. We

hope their suggestions inspire you to create or con-

tinue your own collection, one that brings you joy

and reflects an essential part of yourself.

A C BP.S. Be sure to check out the redesigned Spaces Web

site at www.spacessocal.com, with new and ar-

chived stories about decorating, entertaining and

living the good life in Southern California.

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

editor’s letter

contributors

Collection connection

november/december 2009 spaces 11

publisher GreggBertness

associatepublisher MeaghanMiller

editor BarbaraJones

nationaleditor DeniseGee

designer LeeAnnNelson

photodirector DeanMusgrove

contributingwritersSusanAbram,SandraBarrera,HollyBerecz,

SueDoyle,NatalieHaughton

contributingphotographersMichaelOwenBaker,JessicaBoone,

HansGutknecht,AndyHolzman,JohnMcCoy

advertisingsalesLaurenBecker,SueChadwick,ClaudiaErek,

KarenFernandes,KristinaHamson,RobertPaschka,JeffSpencer

marketingdirector BillVanLaningham

researchdirector LizHamm

creativeservicesmanager PaulSchraeder

creativeservices ChaivatTrongnetrpunya

officemanager MaryAnneRozinsky

Los AngeLes newspAper group

president&ceo FredH.Hamilton

executivevicepresident &cfo JamesSiegrist

publisher,dailynews JackKlunder

contAct us

editorial 818/713-3710 [email protected]

advertising 818/[email protected]

Copyright2009Southern California SpacesmagazinebytheLosAngelesNewspaperGroup.Nopartofthismagazinemaybereproducedwithoutthewrittenconsentof thepublisher.Southern California Spaces magazine is not responsiblefor unsolicited manuscripts, photos or artwork even ifaccompaniedbyastampedself-addressedenvelope.

Comments?Southern California Spaceswelcomesstoryideasandcommentsfromourreaders.Writeto:Spaces,21860BurbankBlvd.,Ste.200,WoodlandHills,CA91367

Volume 2 • Issue 6 spacessocal.com

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

spaces 13

Dazzling décorBakery-inspired

giftshop

hassomething

foreveryone

BySueDoyle

SoCalso cool

SHOP TREATMENT

L inda and Don Berman had planned

to open a bakery until they realized

theirloveforpastrieswasmoreabout

appearance and less about taste. So they

stocked the shelves with faux confections,

tucked in vintage collectibles and unique

novelties and opened Razzle Dazzle, a gift

Razzle Dazzle 12154 Ventura Place Studio City 818/980-0180 shoprazzledazzle.com

Photos: A

ndy Holzm

an

SoCalso cool

“�The�Queen�of�

Confectionary�

Delights”�rules�

over�a�collection�of�

miniature�sweets�and�

glazed�faux�fruit.

boutique like no other. “I think candies

and cakes have been an inspiration for de-

signforalongtime,”saysLindaBerman,a

brandingconsultant.“Theyareaninspira-

tionforthestore.”

The 3-year-old shop has attracted a fol-

lowing among shoppers drawn in by the

porcelainchocolatecakesandglitterycup-

cake ornaments. An exquisite centerpiece

featuring the “Queen of Confectionary

Delights” rules over a collection of minia-

turesweetsandglazedfauxfruit.Thereare

otherserendipitousitemstobefoundinev-

erycorner,suchasanAliceInWonderland

clock, a set of super-hero notebooks and

wondrous vintage toys. A glass cake dome

envelopes a sentimental still life of Paris,

withaminiatureEiffelTowerandadancer

from the Follies Bergere. “Our line reflects

romance,” Berman says. “There’s very pre-

ciouslittleofthat.”

14 spaces november/december 2009

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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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Homefor the holidaysDecorating flourishes

embellish the festivities

By Sue Doyle

SHOP TREATMENT

Aldik Home7651 Sepulveda Blvd.Van Nuys818/988-5970aldikhome.com

Stepping into the Christmas room at

Aldik Home feels like entering a daz-

zling holiday forest. Dozens of life-

like trees–from table-top to 15 feet, Scottish

pine to palm–are artfully arranged among

displays of beaded silk flowers, metallic ros-

es, branches dusted with crushed glass and

ornaments galore. “It’s kind of not about

Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman here,”

Photos: John M

cCoy

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

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Here’s what our customers have to say about our store:

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Come see for yourself!

WelcomeASIDDesigners!

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“�I�can�think�of�eight�different�places��

where�a�wreath�can�go�besides�the�front�door,”�

says�Michael�Perez.

saysMichaelPerez,thestore’sretailmanag-

er.“It’sabouthowitfitsintoyourhome.”

ASanFernandoValleymainstayformore

than 40 years, the family-owned store is

known for its striking silk flowers and lus-

trousgreenery.Theholidays,however,bring

out more exotic fare, from glittering gold

pepperseedstooversizedplum-coloredsilk

leaves. Dozens of wreaths offer decorating

options,fromasmallArapahoeneedlepine

dotted with dainty pine cones to a flocked

flurry pine wreath wrapped in lights. Per-

ez suggests taking pictures and photos off

the walls during the holidays and hanging

wreaths in their place. “I can think of eight

different places where a wreath can go be-

sidesthefrontdoor,”hesays.

Attheheartofthedisplay,ofcourse,are

the Christmas trees, some already laden

with lights and decorations, others stand-

ing ready to become part of a family tradi-

tion.Inadditiontoconventionaltrees,there

areChristmaspalmsthatpayhomagetothe

Southern California lifestyle and whimsical

trees designed to hang upside-down from

theceiling. Inadditiontobeingaconversa-

tionpiece,Pereznotesthattheupside-down

treeisidealfortightspaces.“Thewidthofa

treeisusually4to5feet,”Perezsaid.“Who

hasthatspace?”

1� spaces november/december 2009

SoCalso cool

Sudden impact

Presentationamplifiestheeffect

ofanycollection

BySandraBarrera

TRADE SECRETS

Celebrated�designer�Timothy�Corrigan�used�a�lush�wallpaper�landscape��to�create�a�stunning�backdrop�for�a�display�of�Delft�and�Chinese�pottery.



Acollectionisn’tacollectionifitsparts

arescatteredaroundthehouse –ar-

rangedonanendtablehere,aligned

on a bookshelf there. Stashed away in a

closet, it’s even worse. “Then it’s just stuff,”

says internationally renowned designer

TimothyCorrigan,whoseskillandimagina-

tion have helped clients transform an array

ofcollectiblesintostellarcollections.Under

his guidance, Sam Francis’ contemporary

paint-spattered canvases now pop against

theceruleanwallsintheentryhallofahome

inHancockPark.Obelisksandothermonu-

mentsrecallingtheEuropeancustomofthe

GrandTourareartfullyclusteredonaround

tableintheentryofanotherhome.

“Ihadaclientwhohascollectedagolfball

fromeverycoursethathe’severplayedon,”

Corrigan says. “He must, literally, have 600

golfballs.So,wedesignedatableforhisof-

ficewithaglasstopandashelfthatpullsout

sohecanenjoyhiscollection.”

Corriganembarkedonadesigncareerin

1997,buthisprofessionalpathtookafewde-

toursalongtheway.Duringhischildhoodin

LosAngeles,heaspiredtobeanarchitectand

would craft miniature houses out of balsa

wood.“IlovedarchitecturebutIwashorrible

inmath,”herecalls.“Everyonesaidyouhad

to know math to become an architect, so, I

waslike,well,thenforgetthat.”

He went into advertising instead, work-

ingforanagencyinFrance.Duringhisseven

Dining room

photos: Lee Manning

SoCalso cool

yearsthere,heboughtandrenovateda17th

centurymanorhouse.“Itwaslikethatwhole

childhoodloveofarchitectureanddesigning

spaces all came back to me,” he says. “It re-

kindledthatearlypassion.”

Today, Corrigan is among the world’s

most celebrated designers. His work has

beenpraisedbythelikesofHouse�&�Garden

andVanity�Fair,andhe’salsointhe“AD100,”

Architectural�Digest’slistofthetoparchitects

anddesignersfeaturedinitspages.

“I feel extraordinarily lucky because I

have not been in this business as long as

many of the designers who’ve been named

as one of the top 100,” Corrigan says. “Hav-

ingbeeninthebusinessashorttimeIreally

thinkit’sacombinationofmyownaesthetic

approach, but also that people really enjoy

workingwithme.”

Here,Corrigandiscussessomeofhismore

memorableprojects:

Aremostofyourclientscollectors?No,wehavetoeducatethemontheimpor-

tance of collecting. When you collect, you

learn. You’re growing all the time as a col-

lector because you’re learning all the time

aboutwhatitisyou’recollecting.

Soifsomebodyisn’tacollector,youcreateacollectionforthem?Absolutely. We did a dining room with a

wallpapermuralfromanincrediblecompa-

nyinFrance.It’sanItalianlandscapeprinted

onwatercolorpapersoit’sgotthiswonder-

fultextureto it,andit’sprinteddigitallyso

it can be blown up or decreased to the size

of the space. All the room springs from the

landscape.Thedrapesarealeafygreen.And

“�When�you�collect,�

you�learn.�You’re�

growing�all�the�time�

as�a�collector�because�

you’re�learning�all�

the�time�about�what�

it�is�you’re�collecting.”

Photo: M

ichael McC

reary

Complementary�red�patterns�and�hues�are�accented�by�a�vibrant�screen�and�other�Asian�antiques.



Iwastryingtofindacolorthatwouldblend

withitandwasn’ttoojarring,sowebrought

inDelft.Wedidtheseatcushionsinblue.On

both ends of the room are matching side-

boardsfilledwithDelftandChineseexport

potterythatprovidesadecorativestatement.

Sonowtheyhavethiswonderfulcollection.

Ihaveaclientwhoispassionateaboutred

…andIhonestlythinkthatit’sredthatledto

herinterestinAsianantiques.Wewouldfind

all these objects that were predominately

Chinese – old objects that had this bright,

vibrant red. So through that process, she

actuallycametoloveAsianart.

WheredidyougoforAsianartifacts?Most of those we found at auction. I don’t

wanttosoundlikeI’mcheerleadingforauc-

tion houses but an auction house actually

puts itself on the line more so than an an-

tique dealer does. If they say something is

18thcenturyandasitturnsoutit’snot,you

cangotothemandgetyourmoneyback.If

youbuysomethingatanantiquestore,you

reallydoneedtobealittlemorecareful.

Howdoyoudefinea“collection”?It’saconsciousdecisionthatyou’regoingto

trytogetthingsthatworktogetherandwere

intended to be together. Whether they’re

similarorwerefromthesamemakerorsame

period–whateveritis,it’sassemblingthings

together in a single space. If you put pieces

together to create a collection, you actually

get more impact. But it does lessen the im-

pactofanindividualitem.Ihaveclientsthat

hadobelisksspreadoutallaroundthehouse.

Inthe18thand19thcenturiesitwastherite

ofpassageofyoungmenoftheEuropeanup-

perclasstogoontheGrandTour...andbring

backtravelingmementosliketheseobelisks.

My clients weren’t necessarily aware of the

wholeconceptoftheGrandTour.Theywere

justobjectstheylikedsothatwaspartofthe

fun–educatingthem.So,Isaid,“Let’samass

themasatruecollection.”

Tellusaboutanotherunusualcollection.Aclientreallylovedwineandhadasmall

winecellardownstairs,sowecameupwith

theideaofmakingthelivingroomaglori-

fied wine cellar. We really came about on

thisideabecausetheyneverusedtheliving

room.Oneofmypetpeevesisforpeopleto

have rooms that they don’t use. So, I very

Mahogany�wine�cabinets�transform�an�under-utilized�living�room�into�a�showcase�for�entertaining.

Photos: M

ichael McC

reary

Eighteenth�century�souvenir�obelisks�from�the�Grand�Tour�have�become�popular�collectors’�objects.

SoCalso cool

consciously try to figure out what their

passions are so we can reconfigure that

roomsothattheywillactuallygothere.We

linedtheroomwithHonduranmahogany

cabinetsthataretemperatureandhumid-

itycontrolledtoreallyshowcasetheirart,

which is wine. The bottles are beautifully

litfrombehindsoatnighttheybecomeall

these red and gold jewels on the wall. It’s

reallyspectacular.

Arethereotherexampleswhereyou’vereworkedaspacetospotlightacollection?Ihaveclientswhohaveoneofthelargestcol-

lections of Sam Francis paintings in America.

TheyhaveaverytraditionalhouseinHancock

Parkwithbeautifulpaneledwalls.Intheentry

hall,wetookabluethatwasverytruetothe

Georgianperiodandpaintedeverything in it

withtheexceptionofthedoorframeandthe

balustrade. We propped one painting against

the wall…and we purposely juxtaposed one

withaveryornateandover-the-topsideboard.

You would normally expect to see a clean

chrome or bronze table underneath a very

contemporarypaintinglikethis.Butbytaking

somethingtotallyoutofcontextitmakeseach

piecemoreinteresting.

Andwhatdoyoucollect?AsaresultofmyclientsInowcollectGrand

Tourobjects,IcollectportraitsandIstarted

collecting some of Jean-Charles Moreux’s

furniture.Moreuxwasanarchitectandfur-

nituredesignerfromFranceinthe1940s.He

wasverycontemporarybutatthesametime

hadlotsofclassicalreferences.Myotherreal

passion is books. I can’t walk into a book

store without buying something. Terrible,

isn’tit?

Photo: M

ichael McC

reary

“�By�taking�something�

totally�out�of�context�

it�makes�each�piece�

more�interesting.”

Abstract�oil�paintings��by�Sam�Francis�are��counter-balanced�by��traditional�colors�and��accent�pieces.


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

www.DOTIWoodlandHills.com

is becominggggggggggg

Pasadena Showcase 2009

Each DOTI store is independently owned and operated.

One Million Dollar Wall-to-Wall SELL-OFF!

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LIMITED TIME ONLY!

Finest Furniture On The MarketFRACTION OF THE PRICE

Making Room For Our New Look!NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED

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

www.DOTIWoodlandHills.com

is becominggggggggggg

Pasadena Showcase 2009

Each DOTI store is independently owned and operated.

One Million Dollar Wall-to-Wall SELL-OFF!

DRASTIC REDUCTIONS STOREWIDE

LIMITED TIME ONLY!

Finest Furniture On The MarketFRACTION OF THE PRICE

Making Room For Our New Look!NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED


gatherBig or small,

collections trigger an

emotional connection

By Susan Abram

Hunt P

hoto

: Jes

sica

Boo

ne


for Linda Seltzer, it isn’t the big plea-

suresinlifethatcountthemost,butthe

countless little ones. Really little ones–

diminutivedolls,teenytricycles,tinyclocks–

arranged just so on specially built shelves.

Foraslongasshecanremember,theinterior

designerhasbeenfascinatedbyminiatures.

Purchased over the last four decades, each

pieceremindsherofaplacevisited,aperson

loved,anexperiencecherished.“They’reall

a part of my life,” says Seltzer, whose eclec-

ticcollectionencompassesupwardsof1,000

pieces,includinganickel-sizedcrystalloco-

motive,inch-highgaloshesthatbuckleanda

spinningtopastinyasafingernail.

Seltzer’s favorites, and the heart of her

collection, are scaled replicas of chairs–mid-

century modern classics from such notable

designers as Charles and Ray Eames, Frank

Gehry, Herman Miller and Verner Panton.

Manyofthe150miniaturechairsarestylescar-

riedatJulesSeltzer&Associates,the70-year-

old Los Angeles furniture store owned and

operated by Seltzer and her husband, Grant.

Andmanyoftheminiaturesalsohaveafull-

size counterpart in the contemporary home

theSeltzersrecentlybuiltinBrentwood.

DesignedbyarchitectCraigBurdick,the

homeincludesrecessedshelveswherejusta

fractionofLindaSeltzer’scollectionispains-

takingly arranged and rearranged. While

the display isn’t an approach many interior

designers embrace, Seltzer says a minimal-

ist approach to her overall décor exagger-

ates the effect of her miniatures. “These are

allthethingsIdidn’twantinabigsize,”she

says.“Thistimeinmylife,whenI’vealready

raisedmychildren,Idon’twantclutter.”


Seltzer’s personal connection to each

pieceisonethatinteriordesignerstrytocap-

tureastheydecoratewiththeirclients’col-

lections.Thatpresentedquiteachallengefor

internationallyrenowneddesignerQuentin

Rance, who eventually expanded a client’s

BelAirhometoaccommodateagrowingcol-

lectionofSouthwesternpaintings,sculpture,

and pottery. “The challenge in this project

washewantedtodisplayitall,”saysRance,

who found inspiration from the displays at

the Autry National Center of the American

WestinLosAngeles.Thehomenowfeatures

hints of the collection in each room, from

intricatesculpturesofAmericanIndianwar-

riorsintheentranceway,tofinepotteryon

Recessed�shelves�and�a��Barcelona�chair,�designed�by�Ludwig�Mies�van�der�Rohe,�right,�create�a�minialist�look�in�Linda�Seltzer’s�Brentwood�home.�Below:�Classic�office�furniture�from�her�collection�of�miniatures.

Pho

to: J

essi

ca B

oone

Pho

to: J

essi

ca B

oone

spaces 31

�A�brightly�colored�centerpiece�and�tableware�complement�the�Southwest�motif.



themantleofare-createdfireplace.

Designer Genaro Lagdameo began as-

sembling religious artifacts after inheriting

a single piece, a fairly common genesis for

collections.BeginningwithstatuesofCath-

olic saints and 16th century bibles, he’s ex-

pandedhiscollectiontoByzantine-inspired

paintings and other religious figures. While

each item has religious significance, he dis-

playsthemasworksofart.“Youdon’talways

want your collection all on a shelf,” Lagda-

meosays.“Youdon’twantyourcollectionto

lookliketheyareinastore.”

Lagdameodisplaysthehistoricbiblesonthe

grandpianointhelivingroomwhilethestatues

are arranged in the entry way, on coffee and

endtablesandthemantle.Thekeyisstriking

Designer�Quentin�Rance��spent�years�decorating�a�Bel�Air�home�to�house�an�expansive�collection�of�Southwest�art,��at�right�and�below.

Centuries-old�bibles�are�part�of�Genaro�Lagdameo’s�collection.

Pho

to: M

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Bak

er

It can start with one piece: a Warhol print, a

Wedgewood porcelain vase or an American

Girl doll. Then, as fascination evolves to pas-

sion, one piece begets another and another,

until the grouping of items becomes a collec-

tion. It just goes to show that collecting need

not be solely for the elite. In a tight economy,

even fine art has become affordable, says

Geneen Estrada, owner of Los Angeles’ Es-

trada Fine Art and a member of the American

Society of Interior Designers. “I talk to young

people in their 30s about starting a collection

and I tell them, ‘If you forego going out one

day a month, you can afford a piece of art,”

Estrada says. “Can you imagine the collection

they would have in a year?’”

Many people believe they cannot afford

work by the kinds of artists Estrada rep-

resents–the well-established, mid-career

craftsmen who have specialized in paint-

ing, sculpture and photography for at least

a quarter-century. But a novice collector

with a modest income can start with smaller

pieces, says Estrada, who notes that even

wealthy collectors have scaled back their

acquisitions.

“For a while, emerging art was expen-

sive because of what was happening with

the economy,” Estrada says. Those with

the means purchased art as an investment,

driving prices so high that no one else could

afford them. Then, much like the real estate

boom, the market for artwork deflated

Nowadays, new collectors may be able

to purchase pieces that cost 30 percent less

than in previous years.

Estrada suggests that aspiring collectors

visit museums and chat with curators or visit

galleries to identify the styles and colors

they favor–and those they don’t. “It’s so

easy to research now, using the Internet,”

she says.

Even if the artwork is an investment,

Estrada said it’s best to choose a piece

that excites. “If you buy a piece of art as

an investment you still have to love it,” she

says. “What would you rather hang on your

wall–a piece of art, or a stock certificate?”

The art of the dealCollecting can be a smart, affordable investment

BySusanAbram


Designer�Geneen�Estrada�loves�to�assemble�art�collections,�such�as�these�paintings�by�Lorser�Feitelson,�on�display�at�Louis�Stern�Fine�Arts�in�West�Hollywood.


the right balance, depending on the size and

textureoftheitems.“Ifyouconcentratethem

inonearea,it’stootopheavy,”hesays.“Andif

youhaveonespecificthingyoucollectyoucan

incorporatethemwithanotherelement.Hard,

metallicitemscanbeaccentuatedwithfabrics.

The work should complement the room and

furnishings.”

Whilemostcollectorswanttodisplayev-

eryitemthey’vetakenpainstohuntdown,

designer Erinn Valencich suggests editing

acollectiontoitscoreelements.“Youdon’t

need to have every piece you have on dis-

play,” she said. “You can store some pieces,

andbringthemoutatanothertime.”

Designer�Genaro�Lagdameo�collects�artifacts�with�religious�and�cultural�significance�like�those�below.�However,�he�displays�them�as�works�of�art�in�his�San�Fernando�Valley�home.

Pho

tos:

Mic

hael

Ow

en B

aker

Corralling collectionsThe things you save and show can quickly become clutter and chaos. Here’s how to play it cool.

By Susan Abram

�Photostylist�Andy�Newcome�has�decorated�his�kitchen�with�a�monochromic�display�of�English�ironstone�pitchers.


R E S O U R C E SBlackBamboosellsshelvesandconsolesthataregreatfordisplays.black-bamboo.com

Martha Stewart Livingspotlightsacollectibleeachmonthandshowswaystodisplayit.marthastewart.com

PotteryBarnsellsshadowboxtraysandglasslampsthatcanbefilledwithcollections,catalogandonlineonly.1-888-779-5176potterybarn.com

UrbanDwellingsDesignsellsshelvesandconsolesthataregreatfordisplays.urbandwellings@design.com

WestElmsellspictureledgesandblockshelvesforstreamlineddisplays.westelm.com

Sellordonatecollectionsandpiecesofacollectionyoudon’tlikeHallmark photostylist Andy Newcom weeded out his collections of businessmen’s por-

traits and blue-milk glass before moving into a smaller home in Fairway, Kan. Those that

remain have taken on a starring role in his new surroundings. English ironstone pitchers

and serving pieces are the focal point in the kitchen, while his collection of clear glass

bottles and containers adorn the living-room mantle. “I have a passion for both new and

old things,” Newcom says. “Mixing them creates an interesting look.”

ColorcanbekeyMake black-and-white pictures “pop” by mounting them on a gallery wall painted a vivid

color. Many designers adopt the Roy G. Biv method of displaying books, using the colors

in the rainbow as a template: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.

ShelvesmatterCreate more stylish and functional bookcases by cutting down wall units to desk height

and fitting them into available spaces in the library or home office. Many modern-day

collectors like to display items on open shelves rather than behind glass-front china

cabinets. Newcom, for instance, displays his English ironstone on open shelves in his

white kitchen. The monochromatic look is calming, and the pieces are easily accessible.

A different approach is to use a modular display gallery to unite disparate collections of one

person or stylishly merge the collections of two. How? Each box acts as its own unit.

ShadowboxingshinesalightonobjectsIt’s easy to create a dramatically backlit display with groupings of framed shadow boxes.

Hung horizontally or vertically, use them to display art glass in the living or dining rooms;

perfume bottles in a powder room, beaded jewelry in the bedroom or dressing room

or photographs in the family room. Out of wall space? Transform a garden urn into a

shadowbox table by having a pane of glass cut to fit the top. Glass display accents are

great for holding vacation mementos, such as seashells, matchbooks or postcards.

ClusteritemsonatrayWhen you have items of varying shapes and sizes, a tray helps organize them into a

unified statement. A corralled collection creates a clean look and packs in more visual

impact than individual pieces “marched” along a mantel or shelf.

Collections are a blessing. Photographs, books, hula-girl figurines: They speak to

our memories and passions like nothing else in the home. They make us different

and special. But collections also can be a curse. Once friends and family figure out what

you like, watch out. In no time at all, you could find yourself wrestling with a menagerie

of monkey statues or a jumble of wind-up alarm clocks. “People accumulate without

really knowing what they’re going to do with it or where to put it,” says Kevin Sharkey,

executive editorial director of decorating for Martha Stewart Living.

Because we don’t know what to do with our collections, many get packed away in cardboard

boxes. Unfortunately, the personality of our home vanishes along with the clutter. However, with

a lot of self-editing and discipline, there is a way to create a meaningful display that expresses

who you are. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

�Photostylist�Andy�Newcome�has�decorated�his�kitchen�with�a�monochromic�display�of�English�ironstone�pitchers.



Santino Coccia is 22 years and 6,600

miles from his native Italian village,

yet to taste the fare coming out of

hiskitchenatTrattoriaFarfalla,you’dswear

the chef had never left home. An appetizer

made with buttery burrata cheese and

halved cherry tomatoes and drizzled with

pesto.GrilledpolentapiledhighwithItalian

sausage,Swisschardandgarlic.Atempting

mushroom risotto served tableside from a

wheel of Parmesan wheel. “I want to pres-

entdishesthatarehealthy– notheavyfood

orsauceswithcreamorbutter,”Cocciasays

inhischarminglyaccentedEnglish.“Itryto

serve attractive plates that are simple and

clean.Igarnish,butnottoomuch.”

With wine expert and sommelier, John

chef’s table

Buon appetito

Westlake Village trattoria tempts with a taste of Italy

By Natalie Haughton

Photos by Michael Owen Baker

Co-owners�John�Borghetti,�far�left,�and�chef�Santino�Coccia�offer�an�eclectic�variety�of�dishes�at�Trattoria�Farfalla.�Favorites�include,�pasta�fagiloi,�rigatoni�with�mushrooms�and�grilled�polenta�with�sausage.



chef’s table

Borghetti, Coccia opened Trattoria Far-

falla about a year ago at The Promenade in

Westlake Village. It’s one of four restaurants

owned by the 43-year-old chef, and the one

where he spends the most time. “I am cook-

ing there most nights,” he says. At other times,

you might track him down in the kitchen of

Galletto Bar & Grill, the Westlake Village bis-

tro he and Borghetti have owned for 15 years.

Coccia’s two other restaurants –Tropicalia, a

Brazilian-Italian grill, and Vinoteca Farfalla,

a wine bar–are in Los Angeles.

Trattoria Farafalla exudes a warm and

comfortable vibe with dark wood floors, an

open kitchen and small bar and indoor and

patio dining. The extensive menu features an

SPOTLIGHT ON...

SANTINO COCCIAAGE: 43.

HOMETOWN: Cagnano Varano, Italy

COOKING STYLE: Mediterranean influence with fresh ingredients.

FAVORITE DISHES TO COOK: Branzino, cefalo, braciole (steak stuffed with pecorino cheese and braised with wine in tomato sauce), macaroni puttanesca in carrozza, burrata salad.

FAVORITE JUNK FOOD: Hazelnut ice cream.

FAVORITE GADGET: Truffle shaver.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Picasso at the Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas.

FAVORITE VACATION: Traveling the Mediterranean.

Tucked into The Promenade in Westlake Village, Trattoria Farfalla is one of four restaurants owned by Santino Coccia, and the one where he spends the most time.

Prix Fixe LunchOffering Two Courses $27Monday through Friday

from 11am - 3pm

Prix FixeOffering Three Courses $42Sunday through Thursday from 5:30pm - 10:30pm

Sunday BrunchA La Carte Menu

Featuring Special Wines, Brunch Cocktails Live Music

Richard Berman entertainson the piano

Children’s Menu 12 and Under

Reservations RecommendedSunday from 11am - 2pm

Private Room available for Holiday Parties.Visit our website for Weekly Specials.

www.bistrogarden.com

12950 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City818.501.0202


Rigatoni Ai Tre FunghiServes 2

8 ounces uncooked rigatoni

4 ounces fresh mushrooms (shiitake, porcini and button), julienned

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon chopped fresh shallots

1 tablespoon Italian parsley

1 sage leaf

3 tablespoons white wine

1/4 cup chicken broth

5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

3/4 cup tomato sauce

Salt and pepper

Truffle oil and grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta in boiling water according to directions. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile,

sauté mushrooms in butter with shallots, parsley and sage until mushrooms are

crisp-tender, about a minute. Add wine and cook until most of the liquid is evapo-

rated. Add chicken broth and cook until reduced by half. Add cream and tomato

sauce; heat to boiling and cook for 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add

cooked pasta and toss 20 seconds. Before serving, drizzle with truffle oil and top

with Parmesan cheese.

eclectic array of dishes reminiscent of tratto-

ria fare from all over Italy. “We make our own

pizzas, fococcia, gnocchi, lasagne, ravioli and

other fresh pastas, along with tapenades,”

he says. An in-house pastry chef creates such

tempting offerings as a feathery-light tira-

misu drizzled with chocolate sauce or a rich

torte filled with pastry cream and sprinkled

with pine nuts.

Coccia was born in the Puglia region of It-

aly, just above the heel of the country’s “boot,”

and started his culinary career at age 16 in a

restaurant in Milan. When he immigrated to

the United States, he worked for a short time

at a restaurant in Northern California before

moving to Los Angeles in 1988. He worked as

a chef for two years at Trattoria Farfalla in Los

Feliz, and then left for an Italian restaurant

in Beverly Hills. He later returned as execu-

tive chef to a relocated Farfalla and eventu-

ally began acquiring his own properties. And

he hopes to expand his portfolio of restau-

rants in 2010, with the opening of a Trattoria

Farfalla in Encino. “I wanted to be a chef be-

cause I like the ambiance,” he says. “I love my

job. I like being inside a restaurant, cooking,

being at the bar and with people.”

restaurant Trattoria Farfalla 160 Promenade Way, Suite A Westlake Village 805/497-2283 farfallawestlakevillage.com

reservations recommended? Yes dinnerwith wine,fortwo About $100

chef’s table

www.thompsonbldg.com

ENJOY AN OUTDOOR OASIS……IN YOUR BACKYARD

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1515 FLYNN ROAD, CAMARILLO ■ 805 .484 .4391

Visit our beautiful design showroom for inspiration and materials

T H O M P S O N B U I L D I N G M A T E R I A L S

Huge Design Showroom Open To The PublicCourtesy To The Trade


hiGh techhome

Looking for a holiday gift that’s a combination of high-level functionality and cutting-edge cool? Here are a few high-tech goodies that are sure to please. —Holly Berecz

Home brewAccording to coffee lore, the world’s first

frappé came about when a Nestlé employee

mistakenly added cold water to his instant

coffee. Today, you can purposefully create

indulgent frosty treats at home with Café

Frappé from Mr. Coffee. Priced at $80, the

first at-home appliance to brew and blend

whips up endless varieties of coffeehouse-

style drinks with the press of a button.

MyFrappe.com

Mirror imageWant to watch the weather forecast or catch the game high-

lights while brushing your teeth? With the Mirrored LCD TV

from Pantel, you won’t miss a moment. When the product is

off, it’s a regular mirror. When it’s on, it’s a discrete, sleek and

waterproof HDTV. Featuring two external waterproof speak-

ers, anti-glare glass and a floating remote control, it’s available

in 20- to 42-inch models. Prices range from $2,000 to $4,500.

Pantel.com


hiGh tech home

Flat is phatAdd a bright twist to common, cumbersome computer ca-

bles. Available in a rainbow of colors, these wires from LaCie

lie flat on work areas and roll up easily, eliminating clutter

and uncontrolled coiling. Available for USB, FireWire and

eSATA interfaces, the cheerful cords come with 24 adhesive

labels for detailed customization. Starting at $10.

Lacie.com

Ray oflightLike a rectangular

UFO hovering in your living

room, the Samsung BD-P4600 Blu-ray

player is out of this world. Measuring 1.5 inches, it’s

the world’s thinnest Blu-ray device. Mount it on the wall to show off

the rounded corners, translucent red highlights and a glossy black finish.

Available for about $500, it also streams Netflix movies or other media from

a connected PC.

Samsung.com

World beatBring the entire world to your ears with the

NetWorks Global Stereo System. With no

computer required, it uses wireless Inter-

net or Ethernet access to pick up crystal-

clear radio signals from nearly anywhere in

the world. Browse thousands of stations by

country or genre, or input the specific call

letters. Retailing for $750, it’s also a full-

function alarm clock.

Tivoliaudio.com


cause for applause

Spotlighting the shining stars among

its thousands of supporters, the

American Cancer Society’s Los An-

geles Region recognized outstanding volun-

teers and corporate donors during its annual

awards dinner.

More than 80 people feted the winners

during the Sept. 16 event at the Los Angeles

Athletic Club, where Gus T. Dalis, head of

heath education for the Los Angeles Coun-

ty Office of Education, received a Lifetime

Achievement Award for his advocacy of can-

cer awareness and his commitment to the

well-being of local youth. Corporate award-

winners included Parsons Corp., which has

raised nearly $3 million for the American

Cancer Society.

In addition, the Los Angeles Daily News

and its Spanish-language sister publication,

Impacto, received a Caring Through Commu-

nication Award for creating a bilingual spe-

cial section featuring information about the

society’s programs and services, along with

cancer screening information and resources.

Avram Butensky of Marina del Rey

received special recognition for his eight

years as an income development volunteer,

helping to secure automobiles and other

auction and raffle items that helped raise

more than $400,000 for the nonprofit so-

ciety. Students at California State Univer-

sity, Northridge, also received an award for

prevention and early detection for spear-

heading an anti-smoking campaign during

the Great American Smokeout.

Founded in 1946, the American Cancer

Society is the largest non-government, not-

for-profit funding source of cancer research

in the United States.

Center stageAmerican Cancer Society lauds LA’s outstanding supporters

Photos: John M

cCoy

Top: American Cancer society officials Gary Pia and Jayne Lastusky, left, and David Veneziano, right, flank award winners Yvonne Baetz of the USC Norris Cancer Hospital and Margarita Chung and Lucy Young of the Herald Cancer Assocation.

Left, top: Attending the dinner at the Los Angeles Athletic Club were Tameka Payne, community director for the San Fernando Valley, Chatsworth volunteer Carolyn Rhee and Tamara Sutton, a volunteer from the San Gabriel Valley.

Left, center: CSUN award-winners Zack Reed-Fier and Dara Fineman.

Left, bottom: Eric Beikmann, the society’s communications director, congratulates Natalie Tarpinian and Kevin Kapron from the Los Angeles Daily News.


finishing touch

Trice TolleIntimidated by the empty white canvas, artist Trice Tolle starts each expressionistic landscape by painting the

surface red—a red red. The intense hue is less daunting, she says, and provides a middle tone against which

she can play light and dark colors. “I love the effect when I start layering colors and this incredible vibrancy

happens,” she says. “I always leave some of the red to show through at the end. It adds a certain tension to

the work.” An award-winning artist and teacher who works out of a studio in her Van Nuys home, Tolle draws

inspiration from her travels through California and the Southwest. “The painting, like the places where I’ve

traveled, becomes an adventure, never knowing where I might end up.” A Southern California native, Tolle

attended California State University, Northridge, and the Otis Institute of Art. Her landscapes have been

exhibited at a variety of local galleries and also can be viewed at www.tricetolle.com.

Central Coast

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Documents

los angeles daily news

veteran reporter

signment reporter

crime reporter

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vibrant molded chair

r yabove