California Dreaming...

Homes in California always seem to have this breeziness to them...at least, the ones featured in magazines do.  They alwasy seem to say, "come on over and stay a while, we've got wine in the kitchen and the grill going in the back".  Maybe I'm idealizing but it's always refreshing to see.  This month's issue of Elle Decor  showcases this very vibe in Ellen Pompeo's home  - while some parts are a bit spare for my taste (not very Vienna at all! here it's baroque or bust), most spaces convey an easy approach to living, even if movie and music stars do live there.  Ellen even makes a point of mentioning in her interview that when she first described what she wanted for her home to their designer, he thought that she wanted a house for college kids.  "What can I say?" she says, "it's a happy place". Seems like a perfect way to live.

Ellen's home nicely mixes pieces from around the world without looking like a Pier 1 showroom, and nothing seems to precious or overdone.  Check out Ellen's source for global chic from the Parisian store Caravane.  It's definitely on my "to-see" list for the next Paris trip!

All photos from www.elledecor.com