I am blessed with such talented and thoughtful friends.  Kim Bannister is one of them.  She is so creative and easy going.  Her home is a reflection of her graciousness and effortless style.

We both remodeled homes last in the last year:  Me, our 20 year home of 8 years and Kim, a new to them 60s ranch.  We had a great time talking about details and the process although our homes are quite different.  She restored many special touches in the home including the rolling lattice screens and geometric relief doors.  As much as I was thrilled (and a bit relieved) to be back in our home, Kim’s makes me want to tackle the process again….soon.

Enjoy this home tour and a bit about Kim’s style.

The entrance was rethought and changed to add a true entry to the home.  These amazing doors are original to the home. 

The latticework screens in the formal living room roll to conceal the dining room and are also original to the home.

My style:  Adventure meets a tailored suit, structured yet playful.  Truth be told, I know what I like when I see it.  I may not follow any “rules,” but I don’t think one need to with self-expression.

Favorite piece in my home:  My grandparent’s dining room table. There are pictures of me celebrating my 1^st birthday at this table, with three generations.  I just had it redone and it’s gorgeous!  I had the mahogany bleached to achieve the same color of a side chest that my grandmother had redone herself.  Every time I walk by it, I feel their presence- it is as if  they are here from heaven with us laughing and crying, hearing the day to day.  It’s a connection beyond written description.

Inspired by:  The sea.  It’s churning, swells and currents represent all aspects of life, love, family, and ever after

The large waterfall marble island is surrounded by barstools from Calypso St. Barths.  

Favorite food: Sushi from Shin Sei or homemade pumpkin soup by Chef Carlington in Jamaica

Comfort food: The crispy outer edges of homemade gluten free brownies

Did you work with a designer: I love the adventure of design and have sold art for a living so I was excited about the entire project and building our art collection.  I had planned for months with magazine clippings and Pinterest boards for each room.  I had the vision but with so many varieties of white paints and other choices, my head was spinning.  Honestly, I had worn out my husband and two children with house talk.  I needed a professional with a keen eye who would not be afraid to tell me “don’t love” but still be ok with it if I chose it.  My friend Jean Lui was just the person I needed.  She is one talented woman and I couldn’t imagine completing this home without her!

So reflective of Kim, this graffiti commotion was a special treat for the kids and has a favorite family verse hidden inside.  It is on the basketball court and can be viewed from the media room.

 Favorite vacation destination: My parent’s home in Jamaica or Malibu

**Thank you to my friend Elliott Hawkes of At Location for the photos.