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Archive for the 'The World of Design' Category

Would You Ever Consider a Contemporary Home?

By: Malcolm Scott

This post might seem a bit like a plug. Well, I guess it is. Primarily, because I have seen the light. Well, at least the clouds have broken open a bit, (enter the sun) through my otherwise close-minded vision of what I might call a home. Perhaps it is just a story of a man’s vice-grip on what he feels comfortable, slowly loosening.

After growing up in Greenwich, Connecticut I seem to have traditional architecture supplanted in my psyche all the way down to the cellular level. Along with that goes the North of the Merrit Parkway standard four-acre-zoning, then comes the never-ending rolling lawns, black shutters framing the windows, multi-story boxy styling, terraced gardens, pool houses, ponds, gazebos, tennis courts, and, the like. Unfortunately, my present pumpkin-world existence doesn’t offer that kind of extravagance. That’s alright, the weather back there was horrific for the most part, anyway.

Begrudgingly, I look at all the McMansions out here, which often consist of the pseudo-Spanish style, stucco and a few tiles tossed in here and there. Well, it isn’t quite that bad. Some of the track developments are though. I should perhaps temper my sarcasm a tad, as there are truly some stunning homes in Southern California; they come in all shapes and forms, with enough architectural diversity to satisfy a broad spectrum of varying tastes.

Along Comes 171 3rd Anita in Brentwood, Los Angeles

Perhaps what has surprised me the most was seeing Randy Forbes Jr.’s most recent listing located at 171 Anita 3, in Brentwood. I remember when I lived in Venice 15 years or so ago, I used to call those concrete contemporary homes the special bunker styling. It was quite prevalent and still remains the foundation to the artsy architectural landscape down there. Even though I was renting at the time, I was way too close-minded to appreciate it.

Enter 2009, the end of the world part two has come, people are scrambling for their identity, new careers are being considered, Wall Street has come undone, Bankers are wearing camouflage and hiding somewhere. And, I, the traditional purist, have embraced this stunning contemporary home on Anita. I’m not sure I have had an epiphany, although, I have changed my tune considerably. Do traditional homes still give me the warm and fuzzies? Well, yes, but I have to tell you, this home on Anita really opened my eyes.

During the open house with a hundred people roaming through there, it felt like it was hardly occupied. There were intimate areas scattered all over the home. A variety of living spaces and areas to gather. The screening room was awesome, the downstairs family room was insanely cool. The views out the back are expansive, and, the architecture wasn’t cold and stark but rather unique, warm and very functional. Fountains seemed to be everywhere, the outdoors and indoors areas seemed to have no borders, but existed through some invisible diaphanous membrane that made both worlds merge as one.

The scary part…I could actually see myself living there! Nice pool, very private, outdoor indoor living space, outdoor fireplace, barbecue potential on multiple layers, really, quite complete. It encompasses all the accoutrement’s of fine upscale living. When I checked my pockets I realized I was slightly out of my purchasing range, but, irregardless I could see myself sipping my double latte in the morning on one of the balconies or some other concoction at dusk. Some builders and architects have their fingers on the pulse. These folks have a traditionalist reevaluating his stance on comfort and style. If you are so inclined, you owe it to yourself to see this fine piece of living space. That is, if you can afford a multi-million dollar home. It’s funny, I still find myself reflecting on Anita with a true sense of admiration and respect.