L.A. Times - Home & Garden

Modern for the masses

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Changes in the home furnishings market reflect a fundamental shift in style.

Aging baby boomers are feathering their empty nests with bent plywood chairs from Design Within Reach and bubble lamps fondly remembered from childhood. Their own offspring, who likely set up their first apartments with IKEA sofas and tables, are now shopping for kids' furniture inspired by midcentury design.

Los Feliz home of L.A. Police Chief William Bratton for sale for $1,875,000

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The private walled and gated home has a courtyard entry, city light views, outdoor entertainment areas and a swimming pool.

The Los Feliz home of L.A. Police Chief William J. Bratton and his wife, Rikki Klieman, has come on the market at $1,875,000.

A corner of the South in Hollywood

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

In the Hollywood mansion of LM Pagano, the floor lamps have elegant, torn lampshades. A portion of the ceiling has yet to be painted, and an antique window frame, now housing a multi-paneled mirror, leans against a wall. All are reminders of New Orleans, where age and humidity combine to give homes their broken-down charm.

Renegade Craft Fair, Orchid fair, Bauer sale and tomato tasting

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

JULY 11

Golden barrel cactuses grow popular in dry landscaping

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The drought-resistant plants need little irrigation, provide intriguing texture, dramatic pattern and bright color year-round.

Chris Sullivan wishes he hadn't bothered to install an irrigation system. The garden that he and wife, Margaret, designed and planted 2 1/2 years ago needs no water other than the occasional rainstorm, although "we do hose off the barrel cactuses in summer if they're dusty," Chris says.

Chris Erskine: There's nothing like a day at the beach

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Of suntan lotion and harems.

I try to keep moving, just so they don't toe-tag me and send me off to the morgue. I run in the mornings and lift in the evenings, mostly beer and the on-sale Chardonnays.

Details on design retailers

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Today's modern-for-the-masses retailers might share an appreciation for clean, spare pieces coupled with affordability, but their distinct interpretations showcase modernism's wide room for creativity.

Modern design through the years

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The philosophy built on simplicity and economy is still going strong, complementing this age of sustainability.

What is modern design?

Barrel cactus thrive in full sun

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The plant, native to coastal Mexico, also will take to cool, misty conditions.

Siting: Golden barrel cactus ( Echinocactus grusonii) can thrive in hot, dry landscapes but is native to coastal Mexico, so it doesn't mind cool, misty conditions. It is hardy to about 20 degrees.

Rancho Los Cerritos tours and more

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

JULY 5