Today, I'm really excited to introduce you all to my longtime friend, Mel. She lives with her husband Greg and sweet sons, Charlie and Luke in their dream home in Venice Beach...white picket fence and all.
Mel and Greg moved to Venice11 years ago and have lovinglyremodeled their home top to bottom in 2 stages--the downstairs phase and the upstairs phase. They felt strongly about maintaining the integrity of the1907 Craftsman Venice Beach Bungalow yetmodernize it for how a family lives and functions today.
When first entering,Mel explained that _"We changed the interior to be more of a open concept and free flowing, and Gray's work throughout our home compliments that style. His pieces punctuate space in an undeniable way."_ Melchose two 11.5" x 17" prints from Prada Marfa, Hitchhiker and Dawn, to greet everyone who enters this Venice Beach family's home.
> Mel continued "I love a home that feels clean and thoughtful, yet lived in. A home should reflect who you are and where you've been, but also where you'd like to go. And that is another reason why I think Gray's work touches so many people. His work is simultaneously inspirational AND aspirational." Wow Mel, now you're really making ME smile!
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> Next, we made our way upstairs, and what do we see at the top? Another11.5" x 17" print from Prada Marfa, Two Cowboys. Mel laughed as she told me, "These two cowboys have been on my mind for a long time. One night I was working into the wee hours and got distracted. I had to bribe myself to finish what I was working on by buying the 2 cowboys. Lack of sleep and online shopping are a dangerous combination!" Normally, I would agree but in this case, I'd say treat yo'self!
> Continuing on into the couple's master bedroom, I'm thrilled to find two (well technically three) prints hanging on their walls. The first, Llamas Black & White Balloons, was purchased by Mel when wefirst met through our (at the time) neighbor.
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> Reminiscing,"This is my favorite piece and I also love that you let me buy it off the walls of your house!I love the large scale (36"x54") and how it commands an entire wall.I see myself passing it down to a grandchild one day as a gift!! Something about those llamas and the pom poms in their ears just cracks me up and makes me smile. Who doesn't love good accessories?? The composition of the animals and the fact that they are covered in balloons is just MAGIC. It's everything."
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Not to be out done by the Llamas, I love that Mel chose the Monterosso Cinque Terre Diptych for this spot in their room, it's just so serene. I also enjoyed hearing about her reasoning behind choosing this piece, which was "After our upstairs remodel, I chose these 2 prints because I used to live in Italy and would escape to the Cinque Terre as a getaway. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world. Now when I wake up I get reminded of what my life was like during that time and in that space._"_
> Now Mel's "happy place" is "any Saturday morning in a big fluffy bed with a cup of coffee, food network on, and my boys snuggled up next to me.." but on this particular day, the boys had a different plan in mind.
Making our way back downstairs, Mel showed me around their backyard, which clearly is prime and ready for some summer time BBQ androsé sipping!
Oh, and did I mention that she also has a guest house? I know where I'm staying next time I need a Venice Beach Escape!
Thank you Mel for letting us tour your inspiring Venice Beach Bungalow! I absolutely loved seeing all of the Gray Malin photography come to life in your home. The support of friends like you is always truly appreciated, so thank you again and thank you all for following along with us at we took beach decor tips from a pro!
Cheers!
xx
GM