A new home on Little Balboa Island makes a big impression by Jenn Daack Woolson Sailhouse’s new custom residence at 209 Crystal Avenue on Little Balboa Island gives the term “move-in ready” a whole new meaning. The 2,400-square-foot open layout home is being sold fully furnished, with interior design and furnishings by Morrison Interiors. This approach is a bit of a departure for Sailhouse, but they’re finding the concept is widely appealing. “We made the conscious decision to furnish it with the intention of engaging all of the senses,” explains Sailhouse Founder Pat Patterson. “Stepping into ..read more

The essence of elegance in Tidelli’s Shell and Obsession Collections Meet Luciano Mandelli, a key partner at Tidelli Outdoor Living, where innovation meets outdoor design. His latest creation, the Shell Collection, draws inspiration from seashell motifs and the serene ambiance. Mandelli’s journey is marked by a deep respect for materials and a commitment to sustain- ability. Reflecting on his transition, Mandelli shares, “I fell in love with Shell during the creation process. The choice of materials, the design, the handmade craftsmanship … All the details make it a collection that, without a ..read more

A real estate update from Jon Flagg When preparing my insights on the Lido Isle real estate market, I am continually surprised when I take a detailed look back at the year, especially when comparing it to prior years. In 2023, the Lido market proved quite resilient with a slight tug-of-war between buyer hesitancy, fearing prices might drop amid recession talks and mixed economic signals, and sellers who were clinging to low interest rates, not having replacement properties to move into. In retrospect, sellers won as equity continued to grow. Here are a few highlights: Sales volume There were ..read more

Although the bones of the 1,289-square- foot house on Poinsettia Avenue in Corona del Mar were good, the abundant orange wood and lackluster lighting just weren’t the new owner’s style. So, as she’s done several times before, the owner turned to Jessie Ann Mitchell of Jessie Ann Design for help. “Because she’s done so many construction projects before, she wanted something more turnkey,” says Jessie Ann Mitchell. So, the focus was on adding functionality and custom details to make it feel like home. That included a custom wood banquette in the dining room with storage underneath, a new kitchen ..read more

Five current Corbin Reeves projects are turning heads 29 Beach View,  Dana Point Architecture: SAOTA, Capetown, South Africa Interior Design: ARRCC, Capetown, South Africa, and Luca Lanzetta Group, Santa Monica Located in The Strand in Dana Point, this contemporary house was designed by SAOTA, an award-winning international architecture firm based in South Africa. It is the first SAOTA project to be built in Orange County. The 15,000-square-foot home boasts spectacular ocean views and all three levels offer ample outdoor living space, including an infinity pool and outdoor kitchen. 32 ..read more

Redefining the luxury haircare experience Imagine stepping into a space where the hustle of the day fades away, replaced by the serene ambiance of a luxurious retreat. That’s the experience awaiting you at Stranded Salon, Orange County’s newest gem in luxury hairstyling. Thanks to the creative genius of Laura Brophy Interiors, this high-end salon nestled in The Ranch at Newport Bay is not just a salon—it’s a destination. Stranded’s journey began with three young entrepreneurs dreaming of a salon that wasn’t just a name but an experience. “They envisioned a retreat, a haven away from the o ..read more

From Palm Springs to Paris, savvy home-owners are channelling mid-century retro in their own way. Vintage enthusiasts offer their tops tips. The mid-century modern aesthetic certainly has staying power. It became a “thing” in the late-1990s, championed in the pages of that instant style bible, Wallpaper magazine. And nearly three decades on, it’s still with us. But sourcing a piece of British-made G Plan furniture or a classic Eames chair has got harder and harder, as the pieces become ever-more collectible. In the meantime, the mid-century modern look has evolved, as Andrew Weaving notes in h ..read more

Peter Blake Gallery presents a solo exhibition of recent works by multidisciplinary artist, Lita Albuquerque.  Lita Albuquerque is an internatonally renowned artist and writer. Born in Santa Monica and raised in Tunisia and Paris, she first gained national attention for her ephermeral pigment installations created for desert sites.  Highlighted in the exhibition at Peter Blake Gallery this summer are Albuquerque’s Auric Field paintings, which investigate space, color, and materiality.  Untitled, by Lita Albuquerque Untitled, by Lita Albuquerque Executed on layers of black and wh ..read more

Designers are cranking up the luxe to create a new generation of bling-beckoning, high-sparkle hubs to culinary chic By Alexandria Abramian Combine Contemporary & Classic  “We painted the cabinetry two colors: white (always timeless) and a dark grey/blue. We then added dental crown mouldings to the cabinetry for that classic touch. The brass cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures have contemporary lines and the reeded glass in the cabinets brings a modern feeling to the room. The gorgeous light fixtures over the island are sleek and glamorous (especially when on!).” —Nicole Michael N ..read more

Modern retreat finds the right fit in Three Arch Bay  By Jenn Woolson After two years of careful planning, design approvals, and construction, this new home designed by architect Horst Noppenberger offers a unique blend of contemporary aesthetics and functionality within a picturesque coastal setting. Located in Three Arch Bay at the southern edge of Laguna Beach, the 4,500-square-foot house, constructed by D. Shipp Corporation, perfectly harmonizes modern design within a traditional neighborhood.  Noppenberger says original sketches for the house faced opposition in Three Arch Bay ..read more