Riviera View

Cruise down Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach and you may catch a glimpse of Chris Coakley creating the second in a series of ten murals for the City of Hermosa Beach Murals Project . The mural is a compilation of historic buildings and street scenes from Hermosa Beach circa 1909. Look closely to see Hermosa's first residence, the Hill House mingling with the Cross Church and the Red Car Depot. detailed section coming soon...the return of the the Red Car detailed section The man behind the brush, Chris Coakley Back to work A long-time HB resident, Coakley, who is also a fine artist and film studio muralist, has spent the past three weeks blocking in and painting the design. He says it'll take a month before it's a wrap. To see more of Coakley's amazing set work click here and here .

The American Institute of Architects Los Angeles Chapter held a tour of contemporary style homes this past weekend. Four homes built or remodeled between 1950 and the present were open to the public. Each home had its distinct appeal but my favorite was the smallest -- a remodeled Los Feliz, Mid Century dwelling originally built in the 1950's. The home, re-designed by Rebecca Rudolph and Linda Taalman of Taalman Koch Architecture , seemed filled with light, love and happiness. (It sounds so corny but it was true. I promise.) According to the AIA tour guide, "...the renovation opens up the living spaces and reorganized the parent's and children's zones, creating a larger multipurpose play area for the family and a more private adult area that connects to a new outdoor space." They weren't kidding. These two architects created something that is rarely experienced in family homes; a sort of zen, blend where both the adults and kids can live harmoniously w...

This week's American Made Monday features Alicia Adams Alpaca throws. Here's a bit about the family business based in New York from their website. "Alicia Adams Alpaca Inc. raises and manages its own herd of over 200 suri alpacas at the family farm in New York’s Hudson Valley. The farm is comprised of 80 acres of rolling meadows, dense woods and beautiful ponds, and is also home to Alicia Adams and her family." all photos from Alicia Adams website baby blankets alpaca stuffed toys To see a full line of home living and fashion products from this entrepreneurial outpost, click here .