My Houzz: A Cabin of Curiosities in Los Angeles
A sheep's head here, a beaded fringe there and layers of exotic prints and art everywhere work wonderfully in a personal "Shangri-La"
Opening the front door of costume designer Julie Vogel's home is like opening a jewelry box. Set back from the street in South Pasadena, California, her cozy 1944 "honeymoon" cottage is the creative result of years of collecting suzani fabrics and eccentric objects. With a discerning eye, Vogel has turned her 1,500-square-foot home into a cabin of curiosities, showcasing her international travels and love for art and color.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Julie Vogel and her 2 dogs, Leroy and Jackie
Location: South Pasadena, California
Size: 1,500 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, library/office
That's interesting: Vogel designs the costumes for the "Most Interesting Man in the World" commercials for Dos Equis.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Julie Vogel and her 2 dogs, Leroy and Jackie
Location: South Pasadena, California
Size: 1,500 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, library/office
That's interesting: Vogel designs the costumes for the "Most Interesting Man in the World" commercials for Dos Equis.
The vaulted beam ceilings inspired the Moroccan camp style of the living room. "I've been dying to live in Mammoth for years, and it was the log cabin feel that first drew me to the property," says Vogel. (Mammoth Lakes is a California resort town known for its rustic cabins.)
Leroy welcomes visitors at the front door. At first, Vogel was uncertain about the shade of orange on her exterior doors, but she has since fallen in love with it.
All the colors in Vogel's home work together in a surprising, eclectic way. A weathered green cabinet peeks out from behind an orange exterior door, echoing the hues of the upholstery fabric. A fringed Moroccan tent flap provides a sneak peek into the library.
Vogel loves to collect needlepoint pillows — new or vintage; she doesn't discriminate. She found these two at a flea market and a favorite local boutique, A Stitch in Time. Sometimes she crafts her own.
Vogel loves to collect needlepoint pillows — new or vintage; she doesn't discriminate. She found these two at a flea market and a favorite local boutique, A Stitch in Time. Sometimes she crafts her own.
Vogel has layered nearly every surface in her home with intriguing art and textiles. Sourced on eBay from Turkey, Afghanistan or countries in Africa, these international elements contribute to what Vogel describes as her "hideaway — a secret Shangri-La."
Next on Vogel's to-do list is reupholstering her sofa in a kantha cloth and lacquering the cocktail table in a glossy blue. On the back wall, a vintage 1960s credenza anchors a wall of well-loved pieces by artist friends.
Vogel found the bighorn sheep trophy head in a Pasadena Dumpster. "I found the deer trophy in a shop in New York and walked it home amongst curious onlookers," she says.
A literal cabinet of curiosities is filled with miniatures and quirky finds. "My motto is, 'If you love it, buy it,'" Vogel says.
A literal cabinet of curiosities is filled with miniatures and quirky finds. "My motto is, 'If you love it, buy it,'" Vogel says.
Three DIY birdcage pendant fixtures line the ceiling's center beam and provide a soft glow, reminiscent of fireflies caught in mason jars.
Beaded fringe highlights the view into the library from Vogel's home office. "I spend so much time in my office that I need the view into the library to inspire me," she says.
A massive book collection lines the walls of the intimate library space. While plans for a new sofa are in the works, a colorful ethnic textile thrown across the current one invites an afternoon nap.
See more cozy library spaces
See more cozy library spaces
"When I remodeled the kitchen, I was careful to do so in a vintage style, so it looks as if it has always been this way," Vogel says. A vintage stove enhances the room's 1940s credibility.
Vogel chose Martha Stewart paints in Jadite and Ursa Minor, because she loved the names as much as the colors.
Vogel chose Martha Stewart paints in Jadite and Ursa Minor, because she loved the names as much as the colors.
A quirky collection decorates a hanging shelf in the kitchen. Vogel admits, "I have a dish problem." Many of her plates are by Sarah Cihat and French artist Nathalie Lete.
A vintage poster is surrounded by more eclectic art in the kitchen.
Much like the kitchen, the bathroom remodel stayed true to the space's midcentury roots. New retro-style tile has a nostalgic charm.
The bathroom also received a gallery wall, with various collected prints and decor items reflecting Vogel's signature style.
A view into the pink-walled hallway shows a gallery wall of pieces from Etsy and Cinders Gallery.
Vogel's bedroom features a calming palette of blues, along with more art. "I adore my cloudlike bed. I love sleeping on sky-blue sheets and blue blankets beneath my Martin Whist cloud painting," Vogel says. "My love of art was nurtured in my youth. I have visited Frida Kahlo's house, which is now a museum in Mexico. Her style and essence are among my main design influences."
Throw pillow: Sins pillow, Jonathan Adler
Throw pillow: Sins pillow, Jonathan Adler
Dogs Leroy and Jackie have their own sanctuary in the bedroom. A window seat is always ready for impromptu canine cuddling.
An art deco–style burlwood dresser pops against the bedroom's pale turquoise walls.
Outside, Japanese oilcloth covers a vintage chair and bench.
Although Vogel celebrates the handcrafted and artisanal works of her many artist friends, she's pictured here holding her most prized possession — a naturally heart-shaped rock she received as a gift.
Houzz call: Do you have a creative, colorful cottage? Share it with us and it could be featured on Houzz!
Houzz call: Do you have a creative, colorful cottage? Share it with us and it could be featured on Houzz!