The Agenda: Casa Perfect, Parker Palm Springs, and Pasadena Showcase House
Author:Lindsey ShookShowroom
In L.A., it’s not so much about the journey as it is the destination. That’s exactly why tastemaker David Alhadeff took a unique retail approach to the latest outpost of The Future Perfect. The SoCal iteration of the concept store Alhadeff launched in Brooklyn in 2003 has made its home in a midcentury stunner in the Hollywood Hills. Guests are invited to make an appointment to visit the 1957 post-and-beam house for a very private and very curated shopping experience that includes browsing items such as Lisa Eisner’s line of organically shaped furniture hardware made with Commune and outdoor planters by ceramicist Jonathan Cross.
When: By appointment only
Where: La Cienega Blvd. and Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
R&R
A towering oak tree marks the entrance to Napa’s Meadowood Spa designed by celebrated architect Howard Backen (who also designed Ram’s Gate and Ovid Estate). The giant tree sets the tone for the rustic-modern facility meant to reflect its natural surroundings. A silk rug from Tibet, Shibori Rust Silk wall hangings, pottery from Napa Valley ceramicist Emil Yanos, and antique accessories from around the world make the spa, which officially opened November 2015, so unique. Now’s the time to schedule your visit—the spa just received the hospitality industry’s highest honor, five stars from the Forbes Travel Guide. Treatments start at $225.
When: Open daily, 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena
Gene Autry Residence at Parker Palm Springs
Revamp
Palm Springs might be booking up just as Coachella and Stagecoach come to town, but you can still score a swank room at the beloved Jonathan Adler-designed Parker Palm Springs, which just went through a respectful refresh. Midcentury shag and macrame are still the name of the game, but guest rooms have some new fixtures and furnishings, and the private Gene Autry Residence got a full-on makeover. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence features a private enclosed patio and a saltwater Autry pool.
When: Accepting reservations
Where: 4200 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
Art
The posh longstanding gallery (in business since 1999) has locations in both San Francisco and the French Riviera, but the SF outpost has a new zip code on tony Sacramento Street in Presidio Heights. A fitting neighbor to a block packed with home and design showrooms, the gallery features artist-designed furniture and mid-20th-century ceramics, paintings, sculpture, and works on paper by major European modern and postwar artists. On view now: the midcentury work of ceramist Suzanne Ramié from the legendary Madoura studio (the clay crafter favored by Picasso) and other makers from Vallauris, France.
When: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Mon.–Sat.
Where: 3307 Sacramento St., San Francisco
Pasadena Showcase House 2013
Interiors
One of the oldest, largest, and most successful house and garden tours in the country, the Pasadena Showcase House has been delighting patrons and raising money for music programs, music therapy, and music education in Southern California since 1965. This year’s house is a 1916 English Tudor originally designed by Marston and Van Pelt. The 7,479-square-foot residence was built for lawyer-turned-actor Samuel Hinds and maintains its tinsel town legacy today (it’s been the set for many films, including Beaches, Alice in Wonderland, and La La Land). Volunteer members have donated their time and talent to transform the estate into an impressive design showcase.
When: Sun. 4/23–Sun. 5/21
Where: Must park at Pasadena Rose Bowl and take shuttle, 360 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena
