Awesome: The Sheats-Goldstein Residence at night*

Since the 90s TV-Series “Beverly Hills, 90210”, one knows that this address is one of the most elegant ones in California. In this top quality location the Hollywood stars are next-door neighbors. Here lives the US-American real estate mogul James Goldstein, an eccentric fashion- and basketball enthusiast, who sits in the first row of every international fashion show and whose best friends are the top players of the NBA-League; a secret monger when it’s about his age or how he made his money. In the hills of Benedict Canyon, the cosmopolitan lives in a puristic villa with concrete triangles, steel beam and glass rhombus and overlooks Los Angeles from here, on good days even to the Pacific. 1963, on behalf of the couple Helen and Paul Sheat, the house was built by the architect John Lautner, until Goldstein acquired it in the 70s and, since then, continuously reconstructed.

Stunning view from the pool terrace to Los Angeles, on the horizon, the skyscrapers of downtown

The living room with a breathtaking view of Los Angeles*

The most beautiful tennis court of Los Angeles: let’s take a pic!

James Goldstein, expert for fashion, architecture and basketball

MyStylery: Jim, is your neighbor Rupert Murdoch actually still speaking to you? You buy off the whole region successively and expect the residents to put up with continual construction sites and the associated background noises.
James Goldstein (laughs): True! I’m not really making myself pleasant. The new project – Club James – is nearly done. Then it will be quite relaxed again. And also, after all these years I’ve never really seen Rupert Murdoch anyway.
MS: To build the new grounds, you took down the house which stood on there. Now there is a new construction with guest rooms and a nightclub, above all a tennis court. Why the private nightclub?
JG: There are no good clubs in LA, so I needed my own one. And the first parties where well received by my guests like Quentin Tarantino or Karolina Kurkova.

Five years ago still under construction: Nightclub James

Infront of the glazed bedroom with it’s completly opened windows, there is an outside whirlpool

MS: Why would one buy a house which is constantly in renovation?
JG: I love changes. The actual reason for buying the house was my afghan dog Natasha, the love of my life. These dogs love to run. Therefore I needed more space. So I thought this house would be the ideal. Also I’ve always been a big fan of the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wrights, who is from Wisconsin just like me. Coincidentally I was able to buy this house in 1972 and showed it John Lautner, one of Wrights’ pupils. He was shocked about the conditions and what the former owner had changed. They nearly destroyed the house, as they painted the concrete roof green and yellow. This is how our 15-year collaboration started, in which we transferred inside and outside of the house into its original condition, until John died. Now I work together with Duncan Nicholson.

Kitchen and counter were also designed by designer-legend John Lautner

MS: In the kitchen, the dining room and bathrooms one can now retract the sealing electronically, in the entrance hall there is a koi pond including a water fountain, the windows of your bedroom can be retracted as well… All this sounds pretty elaborate and expensive.
JG: Still there had never been a budget. It should always be realized, what is best for the house. This also applies to the new nightclub.
MS: Three Angels for Charly and The Big Lebowski – your house already served many film productions as a setting…
JG: … and Snoop Dogg got his music video produced here. Yes, this gave me a kick. I don’t open the house due to monetary reasons. I just want to have fun.  BvH

The dining room with a concrete and glass table and chrome leather chairs designed by John Lautner

James Goldstein in front of the stairs leading down to his private bedroom

Designer fashion is part of the lifestyle of James Goldstein. He knows all the top designers in person

Never without headgear: Part of the hat collection of James Goldstein

Room with a view: Watching L.A. downtown from the daybed

James with his VIP friends: fashion guru Karl Lagerfeld and model-icon Kate Moss

James’ retreat to relax and to chill

So cool!

Also the fireplace is made of concrete, beside an African sculpture

James Goldstein and the stars … everywhere in the house are framed photographs of James and his famous friends

The fashion-king and I

James Goldstein and me

The property is surrounded by exotic plants

Jim’s car collection includes a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud convertible from the 60s …

… and a Cadilliac from the 60s

Featured pic and photos marked* © ARTJOCKS

The post A visit to James Goldstein and his Residence in Beverly Hills appeared first on My Stylery.

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Claudia von Schacky likes to surround herself with beautiful things – even when working. The china “Perlrand” is from Nymphenburg

She is the specialist of fine leather- and fur fashion and made it to a “one-woman-show” within ten years of entrenching on the hard-earned fashion-market: Claudia von Schacky, designer and successful entrepreneur – also in other German-speaking countries – with three employees, a showroom in Munich and in New York and two collections per year. The native East-Westphalian, who did a classic tailoring training and absolved a fashion degree in Munich, subsequently working for Escada, Ralph Lauren and Rena Lange, wanted to do something of her own after 25 years: She created the perfectly fitting leatherpants made of stretching leather. Soon, her clients wanted more, which is why now the label Schacky and Jones also stands for trendy leather dresses and cool fur coats – with certified materials, emphasizes the designer. Since 2005, Claudia lives in Berlin with her husband Andreas Freiherr von Schacky.

The designer skillfully mixes old pieces with new ones. Many furniture and pictures are from auctions. I love Claudia’s cozy style

Fashion designer Claudia von Schacky in her livingroom

MyStylery: How does a chosen inhabitant of Munich end up in the middle of the capitals heart?
Claudia von Schacky: After more than 20 years in Munich I needed a change of scene. Berlin is so inspirational and full of creativity, it really fascinates me. There is permanently something new to discover: Restaurants, shops, exhibitions. I constantly meet new people. Berlin is simply a lot more open minded and more cosmopolitan than the straightforward and beautiful Munich.

Amaryllis in an antique glass vase

MS: In the fashion industry – especially in the international – Berlin and its Fashion-Week is often derided…
CvS: Unjustly! The first fair of the season takes place in Berlin and hence it is important, even though no orders are written here. Berlin gives more impetus than every other city. The only alternatives to Berlin are the abroad metropolises.
MS: Why did you establish yourself in the middle of Berlin and not in the west of the city?
CvS: There is nothing new in the west (laughs). Charlottenburg is like Schwabing. And this is what I had for all these years. I am totally excited about the modern architecture in Mitte, especially in the townhouses in Caroline-von-Humboldt-Weg. Our house was designed by the architect Bernd Albers. No townhouse looks like the other. Some have super modern facades; others stand more for the New Objectivity. There are convoluting-historicizing facades, which remind of the townhouses in London, Amsterdam or the ones on New York Upper West Side. An amazing, prizewinning ensemble, where we feel very comfortable.

The Townhouses in Caroline-von-Humboldt-Weg in Berlin Mitte …

… with different facade design. Award-winning architecture

MS: … and for architecture-lovers it is the obligatory program of sightseeing….
CvS: True, the tourists are dropped off in bus-caravans. But I don’t mind at all. Quite the contrary, I find it funny.

Claudia von Schacky loves porcelain of Nymphenburg, like this Irish Setter

MS: What mattered to you for the arrangement of the flat?
CvS: I’m trying to make things differently and always end up with the same color scheme. I like dark colors and the whole palette of muddy colors.

Furnishings and walls are decorated in warm mud tones. The painting above the sofa is from Karl-Friedrich Lessing

A chic mix: Baroque velvet cushions combined with simple ones from Ikea, which Claudia von Schacky embellished with handmade beading

MS: When it comes to your interior design, you didn’t really adapt to the cool, puristic capital-look.
CvS: I love it modern, but still classic and thus combine old with new. We collected a lot over the years and partly bought it at auctions. Our chairs in the dining room are Art Deco and above hangs a Murano-chandelier, which I could never part with.

The Sabel antelope comes from a hunt in Tanzania, the ancient Murano chandelier is a souvenir from Italy

Claudia von Schackys husband brought the zebra from Namibia

MS: You are surrounded by one or two exotics here, where for example is the zebra fur from?
CvS: My husband shot it in Namibia. This is also where the Sable antelope in the dining room is from. Andreas is forest manager and has a forestry near Berlin, where I gladly accompany him on weekends.
Best I like it out there, amid the nature, in a different world and breathe in deeply.  BvH

What an decorative eye-catcher: the Kudah is guarding the staircase

The poster was the invitation to an exhibition. The depicted skirt was sewn from all the skins of the collection

This drawing is the first one that Claudia Schacky bought at an auction

The modern chandelier is a break in style in the harmonious room design

The ancient China cabinet was also purchased in an auction …

… Japanese vases and figurines from the 18th century, brought from a trip to Osaka

“Sumo” by Helmut Newton (2000)

Also for the bedroom Claudia von Schacky chose her tried and tested color concept. The bedspread is made from fine cashmere, the kilims are antique with beautiful colors!

Chinese, colored ink drawings from the 19th century are hanging above the bed head

Lightreflections: The chandeliers in the hallway give a decorative light

Contact Claudia von Schacky:

www.schackyandjones.com

The post At home with fashiondesigner Claudia von Schacky appeared first on My Stylery.

The redstone villa in Fontenay-sous-Bois with it’s black slate roof. Who wouldn’t want to live here?

Her French is accent-free and her classic elegance typical Parisienne: Katharina Schmitter came as au pair to France, studied History of Art and Textile Design in Paris. There the Munich-raised designer lives since 27 years, works for Hermès and Boussac, before she came into charge of the design of the Ardecora-Collection by the German fabric producers Zimmer und Rohde. Luxury Hotels like the Costes are stocked with her creations. Eleven years ago she moved in a romantic, 110 years old turn of the century-villa in Fontenay-sous Bois on the outskirts of the French capital, hidden behind walls clad in ivy and a high, squeak gate where she still lives with her family.

It’s always good to have a friend in Paris… Here the entry shows the original a hundred years old floor tiles

Textile designer Katharina Schmitter – as beautiful as her designs

MyStylery: Your house could have been served as a set for the movie „Amélie“…
Katharina Schmitter: Indeed! It was love at first sight when I found the house in an advert. It’s important to me that the children grew up in a green environment rather than in an effervescent city centre.
MS: Isn’t it a great temptation to put up new curtains in your house for every season? I mean as a textile designer you’re close to the source…
KS: No, quite the reserve in fact: at first I didn’t want to have any of my collections in my house. I thought I would need some space. But then my family convinced me and on the contrary they’re hanging now.

Livingroom and library

Katharina designed the curtain fabric for her Ardecora-Collection for Zimmer and Rohde

MS: Besides the decorative part, do textiles not also convey a feeling of comfort and warmth?
KS: Not necessarily. There are textiles that should create the opposite. They radiate a cool elegance. But this isn’t me. I’m not interested in industrial manufacturing or smooth surfaces. There are so many cold and unstructured things that surround us already.
MS: Your textiles remind of a homage of magnificent, times long past…
KS: Yes they’re very precious and extraordinary, handcrafted after old traditions. Hereby the whole thing gets its liveliness and emotion. My textiles are mainly such dominant as they could get in concurrence to pictures.

Fabric samples of the Mulberry collection

Lying sculpture in the library

The Buddha sculptures are from Asia

MS: Does that mean that one should rather abandon art, if one decides for your textiles?
KS: The question lies in the focus. Where is the creative focus in the apartment? There’s no need for opulent curtains if there are great paintings and art on the wall, which dominate the room already.

To Katharina Schmitter decorative light is important. How beautiful is the reflecting chandelier in the mirror…

MS: Are you thinking of sales figures while working on your new collection?
KS: My textiles suit best in big old houses that have a patina. That’s what I’ve got in my eyes when I’m working. It’s all about luxury and quality and also about the “special something” that didn’t exist before, but is still requested by the costumer.

Fabrics from Africa become a wall decoration

MS: Your dressing room is literally bursting at the seams – how many dresses and pairs of shoes do you have?
KS: Many! Too many! Textiles attract me, in every respect. Dresses and shoes are my passion. And that’s why I always need more space although I already get rid of things sometimes – that’s a question of the right moment though. However my absolute “shrine” is the handwritten cookbook of my mother that contains all my favourite German recipes back from my childhood. It’s my favourite memento.  BvH

Katharina bought the portrait of a girl in an auction

Antique chandelier from the south of France

Small remise in the garden. How romantic is this?

Sundowner in the garden with the family

The fantastic world of Katharina Schmitter

Cheers – Santé! Champagne is always a good idea!

The covered entry with wrought iron details

The fine, brocated details are very typical for the Gründerzeit

Still life with bike – the black entrance in the background

The post At home with designer Katharina Schmitter appeared first on My Stylery.

The hotel lobby, designed by fashion designer Christian Lacroix

First of all, I love, love, love Paris! The “savoir de vivre“, the elegance of the city and its inhabitants, the cultural offerings have already fascinated me when I lived in Paris as “Au Pair” years ago. One of my favorite places in Paris is in the heart of Saint-Germain-Près: The boutique hotel “Lebellechasse”. The 33 rooms created by fashion designer Christian Lacroix afford a lavish elegance with rich brocade fabrics, heavy velvet and creative murals that invite you to dream: Lacroix chose a great material-mix for the equipment of this four-star hotel in the seventh arrondissement.

Double room with open bath*

The standard rooms are small – but nice

As everywhere in the French capital, the rooms are very small and even in a double room you have to be very well organized, to not step on your own feet. Still, I’m happy here and this is not only because of the central location. Institutions such as the “Café de Flore” on the Boulevard Saint Germain are within walking distance, as is the nearest metro station “Solferino”. The RER (line C) is diagonally opposite the hotel, right at the Musée D’Orsay. The other side of the Seine – the Louvre and the Rue de Saint Honoré – are easily accessible from here.

The open bathroom ensures more generosity

The single room offers an open bathroom and separate toilet

The breakfast room is located in the basement

However, I do not really like the breakfast rooms in the basement. I prefer the small cafés and brasseries in the quarter, which are more individual and also cheaper – and much more “typiquement français”.

Tip:

I was positively surprised when I booked my room directly on the hotel’s website, where I found the best deals and prices.

Nice view from my window to the beautiful roofs of Paris

Contact Hotel:

8, Rue De Bellechasse
75007 Paris, Frankreich

www.lebellechasse.com

*Photo and featured image: Lebellechasse

The post Christian Lacroix’s Boutique Hotel in Paris appeared first on My Stylery.

Star architect Matteo Thun and I at the design fair Salone del Mobile in Milan

His designs are well known, you’ve experienced them already – of that I’m sure – because you’ve either sat or slept on them: Designer Matteo Thun and his designs are global and award wining: Hotels like the Side-Hotel in Hamburg and the Marriot in Venice, china for Rosenthal and Alessi, watches for Bulgari and Swatch. Thun was a student of Oskar Kokoschka, is graduated doctor of architecture, has been a founder of Sottsass Associati in 1981 and also of the legendary design-group Memphis. In 1984 he has started his company Thun & Partner for architectural-, design-, and communication-projects. Matteo Thun lives in Milano, where I have met with him, in the course of the design fair Salone del Mobile, for an interview.

Matteo Thun defines himself in his work by eco non ego – eco instead of ego

MyStylery: At the Salone del Mobile 2016 the apparent trend was wood namely in all living areas, from the kitchen to the bathroom. How do you explain the revival of the material?
Matteo Thun: Wood is a reaction to the inanimated period of the 90s, where minimalistic design got colder and colder and emotions vanished from the surface. Now we have a change of paradigm: During the last century concrete and cement were dominating. Now we have the century of wood. I am an architect and I believe me, it is much easier constructing things with wood than with cement.

Walnut table ‘Icon’ from Riva1920. Design by Matteo Thun

MS: You have just designed the wooden table ‘Icon’ for the the Italian furniture brand Riva 1920. Where did the collaboration result from?
MT: I’ve worked with wood and also with Riva for a long time now, because it’s the only company nearby Milan that works with solid wood and not laminated wood. That complies with my credo: The truth and not the lie.
MS: What is the most important project you’re working on right now?
MT: The system “Welcome Homes” refugee centers that are being deployed Germany-wide. We have deliberately opted for wood. There is no alternative if you want to build fast and inexpensively. In this case emotions didn’t play a part, it’s just plainly and simply the factor time.

“I am an architect and I believe me, it is much easier constructing things with wood than with cement.”

MS: Which design collaboration would you reject?
MT: Everything around the car and everything that has to do with garments – that’s nothing for me.
MS: Is there something you haven’t conceptualized yet but would like to build?
MT: I would like to build a church without a roof for Pope Frances, as a gift for a man, who has changed Rome and therefore hopefully our beautiful country and our society.
MS: Where will the church be?
MT: Wherever he wants.
MS: Is he already aware of it?
MT (laughs): No, not yet.

“The ‘Welcome Homes’ is a system for refugee centers”, Matteo Thun explains to me. “We build new houses for new arrivals. They can also be used for social housing.”

MS: What is your current project?
MT: We’re 80 employees solely in Milano and just as much at the construction sites and we have many of them (laughs). The best project currently however is our digital platform ‘Matteo Thun Atelier’. I would like to invite you to visit this platform and you will realize that you’re a designer. You can create everything your house needs by yourself. It doesn’t matter if it’s a table or a chair. You don’t need a designer. I am convinced that the future belongs to Losgröße* eins (lot size one) …
MS: What does that mean?
MT: That means that you can put together the chair you want yourself.
MS: Without any previous knowledge?
MT: Without any previous knowledge. We are all designers. Democracy has won. Take the Nike shoe as an example. You can create the shoe you want. That is unique and not even more expensive. And that’s exactly what we are trying to do with this platform, especially for our hotels. Every interior designer can create whatever they need for their project, with our specification. We have finally made design accessible for everyone.
MS: But didn’t you exclude yourself with this process?
MT (laughs): I am already excluded. Since the 90s I don’t sign any of my projects with my name anymore. From time to time it may leak through that I am responsible for it but I don’t emphasize on generating value with my name. The value stands for itself. It is your vision and something you want. BvH

“With ‘Matteo Thun Atelier’ we have actually carried design to the grave.”

Info:

*With a lot size you denote the quantity of products of a production order

Contact Matteo Thun:

www.matteothun.com

The post Matteo Thun: “We are all designers.” appeared first on My Stylery.

The light-flooded hall architecture of Fiera Milano is an eye catcher by itself

Each year Milano gets into a state of excitement. Exhibitors and fair visitors from around the world invade the city of fashion and Campari, the room prices of the fully booked hotels triple or even quadruple, the popular restaurants are completely over booked in advance anyhow, taxis are scarce goods and there are practically no parking spaces anywhere. Instead, the crowded pavements are full with beautiful and stylish people. Already on the evening before the official opening of the Salone del Mobile – the most important design fair in Europe – Milano is a party.

Let me touch this quickly: Is this really wood?

The noble boutiques on the Via della Spiga or Montenapolone are opened ‘till late at night to celebrate their cooperation’s with premium brands of the furniture industry. The Prosecco bottles were popping and one was drinking “una Piscina” (Prosecco on ice, one of my favorite drinks). Feverish excitement lay in the air. Everybody wants to be there, when, for example the L’Uomo Vogue together with the AD-Magazine and the kitchen manufacturer Asko invite into the newly opened luxurious hotel Mandarin Oriental, where champagne is already out after an hour.

Chic velvet Chaiselong by Fratelli Boffi

That isn’t a bad thing, I say to myself, because the other days I have to be fit for the exhibition grounds, the Fiera Milano. A day at the fair is quite exhausting. Against this madness, the Way of St. James is a refreshing stroll. The 55^th Salone del Monile awaits with thousands of exhibitors in 22 halls. Every other year – also in 2016 – the EuroCucina, the current kitchen trends are being exhibited as well. And the Salone del Bagno presents the new innovation in the bathroom division.

Trend: Marble in the kitchen …

… and in the bathroom. Here the luxury Italian brand Oasis

At the same time in the area around Via Tortona the parallel event Fuori Salone takes place, where international design newcomers present their designs. Former factories and warehouses, hidden backyards and lofts are becoming temporary exhibition- and party locations. The event has cult status by now and resembles a promising networking service: Many young talents have been employed from the spot by established designers.

My favorite design highlight at the Fuori Salone: The shelf ‘Dune’ by Roberto de Santi. www.dunecollection.it

But what is new on the design firmament? Definitely and actually trans-sectorial is the use of wood. Wood? Which is as old as the evolution, the critics amongst you may think! Right. But – as so often – it is the combination of different materials. Let’s start with the EuroCucina: There is not one kitchen manufacturer who renounces wood. The solid wood kitchen is hip. Ciao to the clean intense, fingerprint absorbing high gloss fronts – you only play a minor role at most. Wood is the clear star. Namely rough and haptic in the natural tone of the respective type of wood. Favorite partner of the wood is – you won’t believe it – marble. And that looks mega (!!!) chic. A thick worktop from marble, that’s quite something! The mere sight of it instantaneously awakens the I-want-effect in me.

A thick worktop from marble, that’s quite something! Here a kitchen by Rossana

Wood in the bathroom area is also on the rise. It goes to the extent that toilet bowls as well as bidets are offered in wood optic. Companies, who have always put their focus towards wood, for example Team7 or Riva 1920 benefit a lot from this trend. Star designer Matteo Thun has just designed the table ‘Icon’ for Riva. He told me: “Wood is the answer to the unloving, minimalistic design of the 90ies.” I think he’s right. BvH

Matteo Thun and me: the full interview with the Stardesigner coming soon on MyStylery!

Tip:

Don’t miss the full MyStylery interview with Matteo Thun coming next week!

The Walnut-Table ‘Icon’ by Riva 1920. Design: Matteo Thun

Scic cucina d’Italia in a cooperation with Fendi: Here the individual ceramic hobs are integrated directly into the marble work surfaces

The brand name says it all: Nature Design

Bath project by Edoné

The noble kitchen manufacturer Bulthaupt also focuses on wood in conjunction with marble

The tabletop of the dining table by Casamilano is – who would have thought – marble!

Beautiful kitchen by Composit made of American walnut and Emperador marble. Design: Roberto Lazzeroni

Sink and bathroom furniture made of marble

Trend materials wood and marble

For me, the most innovative brand in the furniture industry at the moment: Moroso …

… Unusual shapes combined with beautiful color combinations

The design of the German brand Rolf Benz …

… in reduced, Scandinavian-influenced appearance

The traditional manufacturer Thonet gave his chair classics a new look

Living like in a hotel?

This can happen with the furniture collection of the luxury hotel Ritz

Fashion meets Furniture

Can fashion designers also give kitchen equipment a new look? Dolce&Gabbana proof that it’s possible. Tadaaa: The new stove series from the company Smeg

The home-collections of the fashion designer. Here unmistakably Versace with the Medusa emblem …

… “cage”-seats by Roberto Cavalli

Fashion designer Matthew Williamson has created his own line of furniture. The result is a colorful eye-catching-collection. Detailed and playful it reminds of the 50s

For Mommy’s favorite: bathtubs à la “Alice in Wonderland” for demanding offsprings – by JR.

I’m a fan of Baxter and its harmonious design idiom

Tasteful luxury: sun lounger in safari style from Baxter – frame made from copper, surface made of leather

One of the most creative minds in my opinion: star designer Patricia Urquiola in an interview with an Italian TV station …

… For Kartell she designed colorful dishes. What a pity that they are plastic – like everything from Kartell

According to the motto ‘Talking Minds’ renowned designers like Fabio Novembre and Piero Lissoni have also designed for Kartell

Triple Like: White leather chairs by Midj Italy

The stand of Roda makes you want to leave

Elegant design by Munna

Always nice: the drafts of Gervasoni

The latest fabric edition of Hermès

Minotti: Not really inventive however

Impressions of the Fuori Salone

Hilfiger Island: A normal traffic island becomes a tropical gem

That’s the way it is

Both, at the Salone del Mobile and the Fuori Salone there are unusual collaborations: The recently deceased Zaha Hadid designed shoes for the brand Melissa …

… and Fiat heir Lapo Elkann created this Cinquecento for Pepsi

Very beautiful: The ‘Big Mushrooms’ lamps by Atelier Arnout Visser

Ciao, Fuori Salone & Salone del Mobile!

The post New design trends from the Salone del Mobile appeared first on My Stylery.

Insights into the Stahl House in Los Angeles

Two years ago I had the unique experience to leave my Berlin life behind and move to Los Angeles for the duration of six months. An amazing chance and I tried to make the best of it: For example, the frame and first contents for MySylery were developed there. California – especially Palm Springs – is an Eldorado for architecture enthusiasts. But L.A. has a lot to offer as well architectural wise. I don’t necessarily mean the multi-million dollar villas in Beverly Hills and Bel Air. Anyone who comes to the City of Angels should absolutely include the Stahl House (also known as Case Study House no.22) into their sightseeing program.

The bluest sky in competition with the turquoise pool

Named after it’s owner, former American Football Player C. H. “Buck” Stahl, American architect Pierre Koenig designed a modern glass construction in 1959, which by all means – if one doesn’t know any better – could also pass as a current design. Large-scale glazing as well as the use of industrial material such as steel are nothing spectacular in the minimalistic architecture nowadays – but in the 1950s it was an absolute first. Till this day the Stahl House is still in possession of the Stahl family.

Wow, what a view! On the right the Skyline of Santa Monica

The drive alone to this impressive iconic building is a highlight for itself: From Sunset Boulevard you have to drive up the partially narrow and steep streets into the Hollywood Hills. As a driver I’m constantly hoping that as little cars as possible are coming my way. From up here you have a full view over Los Angeles. When the view is good – without smog or fog – you can see the skyline of Downtown Los Angeles on the left hand and on the other side the Pacific Ocean at the horizon. What a truly stunning view!

View to the horizon

The Stahl House is not only exceptionally situated. What is mostly not possible with other ‘case study’ houses: you can also have a tour of the inside. Melissa Stahl, a friendly woman in her late-forties welcomes me and the other tour members while conducting the small car-convoy onto the restricted parking area. The mother of three and wife of one of the Stahl sons very personally narrates the experiences of her husband, who has spent his childhood here. The construction of the building then cost 35.000 US dollars. Today there are buying offers of over 15 million dollars. But the Stahl’s don’t even think about selling this incredible piece of architecture. Even though none of them lives here and the preservation of the building is connected with a lot of work and money.

Clare and I have decided: we move here!

In the late nineties the landmarked building has been extensively renovated and today it is furnished with modern design classics. How Melissa’s parents-in-law have lived here is largely only documented on the framed family photos. The kitchen however is – beside the fridge – still maintained in its originality. And the guest-toilette, a transcendence of the taste of the 70s: brown-orange flowered retro wallpapers, flowery Pril-stickers on the tiles, behind the toilette a green fluffy carpet sticking on the wall. This little imperfection is everything but design-award-worthy, therefore much more authentic. After all, there have been real people living in this monument. BvH

I was a bit queasy when I look down the steep slope. The L-shaped building has been built on a hill which had seemed not useable for construction

MyStylery’s Tip:

Book your online tickets for a tour through the Stahl-House before your stay in L.A., the tours are restricted to 25 people max and extremely popular. Tickets from 35 US Dollar. By the way, the Stahl House will be closed from May 26th to June 5th 2016

The entrance

The south wing is completely glazed from the floor to the steel roof and offers an incredible view over the city from each room. The original simple glazing slightly broke and was later replaced with break-proof glass

The kitchen however is still maintained in its originality – beside the fridge

Since 1999, the Stahl House is a listed building …

… and has been decorated with designer furniture such as the dining table by Warren Platner

In 1960, Arts and Architecture, a magazine for experimental residential living, included the Stahl House into the ‘Case Study Houses Program’

I don’t know what attracts me more? The gorgeous vase or the wow-view behind …

The open stone fireplace separates the living and dining area

One of two bedrooms. On the bedside table a photograph of the owner Buck Stahl, who enjoyed from here a panoramic view …

… to the pool and the city of L.A.

Sure, that an Eames Lounge Chair may not be missing in the Stahl House

Anyone wanting to go inside has to take off his shoes!

Buck Stahl, the owner already acquired the property in 1954 and built terraces in the following years to prepare it for the construction …

… Until his meeting with Pierre Koenig he handcrafted many models for his house

After nine months, in June 1960, the constructions ended. With this house Koenig tried to show, that industrial materials such as steel were suitable for residential buildings. Adventurous are the unsecured hillsides – something the building authorities would surely not approve today

I could sit here for hours and enjoy the unique view over Los Angeles

The house also served as a production location for movie- and photoshoots …

… for example detective Colombo alias Peter Falk investigated here and Leonardo DiCaprio fled here as an alleged pilot in ‘Catch Me If You Can’ (2002)

The Stahl House, still in private possession of the Stahl family, has been awarded numerous times and is included in many lists of significant architecture. Among others: „America’s Favorite Architecture “ and „The best houses of all time in L.A. “

Contact:

www.stahlhouse.com

The post A visit to the Stahl House in L.A. appeared first on My Stylery.

Pure idyll: Since one year Claudia Weidung-Anders resides in Klostergut Besselich in Urbar near Koblenz with her showroom ‘Home & Dogs’ *

Do you know that feeling when you enter a shop thinking, wow, how beautiful, I wanna have it all! Such a burst of buying power came over me when visiting ‘Home & Dogs’ in the Klostergut Besselich, a noble manor near Koblenz in southern Germany. Lovingly arranged and decorated for Christmas, Claudia Weidung-Anders – wife of popstar Thomas Anders – presents her assortments. Here, two- and four-legged friends will find everything their hearts desire, from a dressing gown to the dog lead. A conversation amongst dog owners and interior fans with tea and biscuits (dog-shaped, of course).

Thomas and Claudia Anders with mongrel dog Summer on Klostergut Besselich. The popstar supportes his wife with her company ‘Home & Dogs’

Room fragrances and scented candles adjusted to the Christmas season

MyStylery: It smells lovely in here – and clearly not of dog food …
Claudia Weidung-Anders: Yes, right? We just unpacked the candles with Christmas scent. They provide a good feeling of space.

At ‘Home & Dogs’, the visitor awaits Christmas atmosphere

MS: Originally it was your business idea to prepare own dog food. Sounds like a pretty big endeavor…
CWA: True, it took a while until I found the right partners. But the suffering of my dog drove me on. Summer (dog’s name) had an intolerance to conventional dog food and thus stomach and digestive problems. Our food is made with a gently cooking method in a 100% foodquality and is free of gluten and grain. The varieties are very well appreciated, the dogs love the food.

Lets dogs’ hearts beat faster: Savory treats – gluten and wheat free – by ‘Pepper’s Choice’. Or how about baked liverwurst bones by ‘Omas Hundekekse’ (grandma’s dog biscuits)?

MS: Now your product range includes things for dog and owner. How did this idea about such combination come about?
CWA: Actually, my customers put me up to this. The dog’s mat should be compatible with the furnishing. The maritime Sylt- (German island) and modern country house looks are currently trendy and very popular. And I love to be at the fairs, tracing beautiful things. Much inspiration I get on our journeys. We travel a lot.

The ‘Home & Dogs’ dog basket series ‘Classic luxury’ is equipped with washable covers and matching ball and playing-bone of the same material

MS: Certainly one of the reasons why, in addition to a large selection of baskets, ‘Home & Dogs’ even offers a dog travelling bed.
CWA: Right. But even dog leads are an important issue, and I’ve been searching for matching items for a long time. Bling-bling with rhinestones is completely out of the question (laughs).

Here only the Advent decoration glitters: Christmas feeling for dogs and owners in the ‘Home & Dogs’ Showroom

MS: Summer is a mongrel dog, which you got from a Spanish pound. Which dog would you not want have?
CWA: I basically like all dogs. In fact, animals from the animal welfare are particularly close to my heart. Especially the mixes are often the most fantastic characters. I Love Weimaraner, they are so pretty, but motion and time-consuming. That has to be considered when a dog comes into the house. Dogs should be kept appropriately regarding their species.

The dog food is available in eight varieties with resealable lids and in three different packaging sizes. The bestsellers: ‘poultry with rice’ and ‘beef with potatoes’. Yummy!

MS: Absolutely. Apropos: ‘Kangaroo with pumpkin’ or ‘horse with carrots’ sound rather exotic: Has a two-legged ever tried ‘Home & Dogs’ dog food?
CWA (laughs): Yes, I myself. I gotta know what I’m selling.  BvH

Did you already get an Advent calendar for your doggies?

Claudia Weidung-Anders has adapted to the needs of both dog and owner. Whether round, square, with border or exit: The range of baskets and dog beds serve all sleeping-preferences

“Dog leads – for example by Cloud7 – should be practical and look good at the same time. The leather must be durable and soft in the hand.”

Nice items for the bathroom from ‘Amélie & Mélanie’

The mistress will find cozy homewear and pretty decoration. Help, what should I get?

… presented in a beautiful countrystyle-look

New to the assortment are the cashmere-collections from ‘Heartbreaker’ and ‘MAP Ibiza’ for the mistress. I go for the comfortable casual wear by ‘Cornelie Weiss’

I admit it, for my two four-legged friends Franz and Willi – a Labrador and a Parson Terrier – it’s always got be the best. That’s why I just belong here!

This cozy cushions would look great on my sofa

Tip:

On all Saturdays of Advent, the ‘Home & Dogs’ showroom has open from 11:00 – 17:00 o’clock.

Okay, I take the wooden dog-decoration, too

Contact:

Home & Dogs
Claudia Weidung-Anders
Klostergut Besselich
56182 Urbar, Germany

Open from Monday to Friday 9:00 – 13:30
Saturday and Sunday by appointment

Email:
info@home-and-dogs.com

From the dog lead to the basket – the range now includes more than 500 different products, which can also be ordered via the online shop

Bye bye, Klostergut Besselich! I’ll be back

Online-Shop:

www.home-and-dogs.com

More about Klostergut Besselich:

www.klostergut-besselich.de

Featured pic by Nikolaj Georgiew

Photo marked* by Klostergut Besselich

The post Doggie’s noble shopping paradise appeared first on My Stylery.

The color concept: elegant staged in tones of brown and green with red spots of color*

Wow, how chic is this, I think to myself, when I enter the Theresa Bar in Munich. Placed in a hidden backyard and probably already known by the experts of the scene, Theresa Bar, which opened a couple of months ago, meanwhile doesn’t count to the real insider tips anymore. But the hip bar is already one of my favorite places in the metropolis of the Isar. Why? I’ll tell you:

Light objects and also the furniture have been manufactured*

A good bar has three essential criteria:
Drinks, Atmosphere, Service. To me – as an interior-person – the optical presentation is from high importance, as it essentially decides, whether I feel good at a place or not. The architects Stephanie Thatenhorst and Seven Elohim truly succeeded with their design. The Theresa Bar exudes real Hollywood glamour: awesome, how you would say it there. With its menial, velvety sofas and the chilled cocktail chairs, the bar reminds of the 50s and 60s and could even be a film set of my American favorite TV series Mad Men: you won’t be surprised, if Don Draper alias Jon Hamm would look around the corner.

Glamour is always a good idea

So chic: The Theresa Bar in Munich

The drinks:

Next to a well sorted selection of wines, the Theresa Bar offers cocktail classics from the 60s like ‘Champagne Daisy’ (Pomegranate, Chartreuse Jaune, Lemon, Champagne) or ‘Fairbanks Cocktails’ (Gin, Apricot, French Vermouth). How about a time journey through a diversity of Martini-Variations? This will be possible at Theresa Bar! And on the menu you’ll find bar classics like Beef Tatar, beef fillet and autumn-vegetables for the vegetarians: convincing quality for acceptable prices.

A Martini, please – shaken, not stirred! This is where the cocktails are mixed *

“I like to have a martini, two at the very most. After three I’m under the table, after four I’m under my host!” Dorothee Parker

The service is super friendly, quick and competent, like I already experienced it at the Theresa Grill (more about that soon).
Conclusion: a true enrichment, a beautiful location – suitable for a humorous girls night as well as a romantic Diner à Deux. BvH

Walls and ceiling are encased with wood*

Damped atmosphere thanks to a succeeded concept of light and – surprise ! – a fleecy carpet

Contact:

Theresa Bar
Theresienstraße 31
80333 Munich, Germany
www.theresa-restaurant.com

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