If you love the Eastside, you probably love Echo Park. It’s hard not to – because it’s a neighborhood that brings together the many qualities that make LA so special to live in. Colorful and artistic, Echo Park is constantly teeming with action, offering the best in dining, nightlife and cultural events. Representing homes in Echo Park is always a special treat for us, because we know how happy living there will make the future homeowners! Right now, we are excited to bring your Colline, luxurious new homes situated in the midst of this happening enclave.

Each home comes with a large rooftop deck to relax and entertain against a backdrop of unobstructed vistas. Inside, there are two levels of airy, open living space that’s filled with light and finished with wood flooring. The homes are complete and ready for occupancy, including a full set of Viking kitchen appliances, and a washer & dryer by Electrolux, which means you can move right in and feel at home.

Nestled into a residential hillside, your Colline home puts you just blocks away from Echo Park Avenue and Sunset Boulevard with all the shopping, dining, coffee and nightspots you can dream of – you’ll never have a dull moment.Read on to get a glimpse of what weekend is like when you live at Colline  and come visit us this Sunday to explore these wonderful new homes, we’ll be open from 1-4P.

9am – Start your day with a latte from Stories, a local staple that brings together coffee and books (a most natural pairing). Pick up a novel to leaf through as you sip your beverage, or just browse to your heart’s content.

11am- Head to nearby Echo Park Film Center and take a cyanotype printmaking workshop – print with sunlight to create a cyan blue and white print that you can gift or keep for yourself. (Saturday, Dec. 7th $5. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

1pm – Pop out of the workshop to catch the annual Echo Park Community Parade along Sunset Boulevard between Vin Scully Avenue and Park Avenue – a cultural event attended by thousands of Angelenos and visitors for over 50 years. Expect revelry, cheer, community spirit, and of course Parade floats, classic cars, and fun performances by community groups.

3pm – Get some holiday shopping done at Mohawk General Store. Discerning gift givers will find tasteful presents by local and international designers ranging from SMOCK, Dries Van Noten, Mansur Gavriel, Engineered Garments, Acne, Nonative and Kathleen Whitaker.

7pm – It’s dinnertime! So many places to consider, but here are our two suggestions that are certain to satisfy: If you feel like Traditional/Californian fare, we recommend the relaxed atmosphere of The Park. Or, if you want to get your dinner and drinks sorted in one fell swoop, take a chance on Mohawk Bend – this trendy gastropub serves up delicious bar food and mixes excellent cocktails.

The last few years saw Highland Park becoming the scene of a culinary zeitgeist, with choice dining options emerging on a regular basis. Here’s our guide to where and what to eat and drink in this exciting historic neighborhood. Have your heart set on moving to the area? Check out some of our beautiful listings located just up the street: this bright Bungalow in the quiet Garvanza enclave is available for lease, and come see our stunning view home 1620 Kilbourn St, just minutes drive from from all the happenings along Figueroa Blvd. Also coming soon to Highland Park is ArroyoHP, a collection of 20 modern homes with rooftop decks, available in 2019 but you can get on the interest list already – just send us an email.

Kitchen Mouse

Arguably the beacon of the culinary delights that were to come to Highland Park, the sunny Kitchen Mouse cafe opened doors in 2014. Bohemian interior sports macrame wall art, light timber benches and fresh flowers, a delightful setting to tuck into the many gluten-free options on the menu. The Moros Cakes plate (mushroom and rice patties with a side of salad) makes for a hearty lunch, as does the dill quinoa salad. For breakfast, the vegan and gluten-free pancakes, adorned with toasted coconut and a dram of Vermont maple syrup, are the uncontested crowd favorite in all their light, flakey, and fresh berry topped wonder.

HiPPO

A few steps from Kitchen Mouse, another beast, aka a new dining sensation recently appeared: HiPPO offers a fun selection of plates that range from fresh oysters and grilled pork ribs to light pastas. The beautifully rendered interior is charmingly woodsy, setting up a perfect stage for palate-delighting meals paired with delectable wines. We found that the Wax Beans surpassed what we imagined beans could do, and were utterly smitten with the autumn squash cappellacci pasta and the grilled chicken thighs. No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong – chef Matt Molina is a James Beard Foundation Award-winner and his HiPPO partners Joe Capella and Randy Clement hail from the Eastside oenopphile’s favorite, Silverlake Wine.

Triple Beam Pizza

In the mood for a quick bite? That deeply human need is exactly why pizza was invented, probably in Rome, some centuries ago. Luckily, we need not travel to Italy to obtain a slice of Roman-style pie, because we can get it at the Triple Beam Pizza, right here in Highland Park. The pizza is served in long, thin sheets, cut by length into squares and served at room temperature just like in Rome (you can opt for a heated version too, if that’s your preference). Grab a slice and a glass of vino and be like the Romans!

Mason’s Dumpling Shop

November is drawing to an end, which means shorter days and brisk nights – the perfect time to indulge in some delicious dumplings. In Highland Park, you’ll find these tasty morsels at Mason’s Dumpling Shop, from the folks behind Monrovia’s famed Luscious Dumplings. There are options for boiled, steamed, and pan-fried dumplings, as well as vegetable sides, beef and pork buns, and smaller rice bowls. Get your fill, then head over to Highland Park Bowl for a post-prandial drink as you hone your bowling skills and watch the pins fall.

It’s the spookiest month of the season, and while autumnal foliage is sparse in Los Angeles, pumpkins have indeed appeared, so fall is definitely in the air! The days are getting noticeably shorter, but we know just the way to keep the early twilight blues at bay – and the answer lies in lighting. A strategically placed lamp is certain to brighten your evening and update your space for the season. Good lighting is so important and we are passionate about design, so we thought this a perfect opportunity to curate a selection of lamps and pendants that we admire and hope you’ll enjoy. Keep on reading to find design inspiration for your home this fall!

Ceramic Lantern by Morgan Peck

We already mentioned how much we love the sculptural practice of Los Angeles-based artist Morgan Peck. Her newest collection of functional ceramics is equally enchanting, and includes gorgeous cylindrical lamps that feature cut-outs, a design that will produce a magical, shadow-play effect when illuminated.

 

Scandi Lighting Ideas

Nordic designers traditionally don’t get much sunny weather so they are pretty great at conjuring warm interiors with light – here’s to coziness of hygge and elegant simplicity of lagom. We love this clever rocky table lamp by Jonas Edvard of Copenhagen:

 

we also find this sharp lighting-shaped pendant by Lotta Lampa of Stockholm quite delightful:

and we are big fans of this luminous glass lamp by Norwegian Duo Domaas/Høgh

 

Italian Illumination

Italy has a long-standing reputation for excelling at both lighting and glass design. A case in point is this dainty lamp, a sphere in hand-blown white satin glass, elegantly suspended within a thin metal structure, designed by Francesco Librizzi:

Cosmic Wonder in Your Living Room

And last, but not least, of our design picks today is another Angeleno designer: Brandon Ravenhill takes on the familiar mid-century modern sputnik shape and reworks it into an inspired chandelier that resonates with celestial beauty that would look stunning in every interior, whether your home is a Craftsman Bungalow in Silver Lake or a contemporary home in North Hollywood. 

So grateful and excited to be nominated for The Best in Real Estate category in the annual Silver Lake Awards. Silver Lake is where it all began for us 18 years ago, and it’s been an awesome and humbling honor to be a part of this vibrant community as it grew and evolved. A neighborhood of creative residents, beautiful architecture, and unique spirit, Silver Lake deserves only the very best – and we spare no effort in delivering exactly that. If you haven’t yet voted, we hope you’ll cast your digital ballot for the Tracy Do Team!

Head here to cast your vote: https://slcc.typeform.com/to/iG2hdT

Thank you for your support!

 

What could be more exciting than living in a home that is brand new? How thrilling it is to be the first to cross the threshold and dwell in a place that none have called home before you, surrounded by all fresh paint, gleaming floors and brand new systems. The blank canvas is yours alone to customize as you like, and then fill with events and memories of your making.

Beyond the obvious feeling of emotional satisfaction of living in a new home, there are very tangible practical reasons to purchase one. Modern building practices provide greater efficiency than older homes, and new appliances mean you will enjoy years of service and comfort before needing maintenance. An added bonus is the contemporary style and design that comes with new construction – designed for modern living, these homes often offer the open layout flow that complements contemporary lifestyle in the best way.

Intrigued by the benefits of living in a newly constructed home? Keep reading to learn about our newest communities in North Hollywood, Palmea and Morrison 14! And head here to learn more about the other new homes we represent in Valley Glen and Eagle Rock.

PALMEA

8 Single Family Homes in North Hollywood

Open Saturday & Sunday, 2-5pm

3-Story | 2+ Bed | 3+ Bath | Up to 1,799 sq ft | From $809,000

Palmea is your opportunity to own a beautiful new home in the heart of LA’s fast-rising entertainment hub, North Hollywood. The limited collection of 8 detached, single-family homes is located on a quiet residential side-street just a few blocks from the popular NoHo Arts District, a lively village of shops, restaurants, theaters and night life. Burbank, Glendale and Studio City are easy to reach, along with three major Hollywood Studios and the Metro Red Line. The homes are currently under construction at 5131 Cartwright Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Offering lots of space, stunning design and an earth-friendly small footprint, Palmea is modern living without compromise. Designed and built with pride by Planet Home Living.

MORRISON 14

New Single Family in the NOHO Arts

Open House Sunday from 2P-5P

3-Story | 3 Bedroom | Roof Deck | Up to 1,800 Square Feet | From $899,000

Newly built by WCH Communities. Contemporary architecture on a residential street, just minutes away from coffee shops, hot spots and cultural happenings in the heart of the NoHoArts District. The structurally-independent, transit-oriented home has three levels of living space plus a private roof deck. The second level combines the living, dining and gourmet kitchen which is filled with natural light. Carefully-curated finishes include oak plank flooring, custom tile work and designer fixtures. Find expansive views of city lights, sunsets and mountains on the stunning roof deck. This eco-friendly residence features state-of-the-art green technologies and is located  around the corner from Joe Coffee, DogHaus, Idle Hour, Federal Bar, TeaPop, the Laemmle NoHo, a weekly Farmers Market and more. Prime location just a few blocks from The Metro Red Line.

 

September may mean the end of summertime to some, but here in Los Angeles we are lucky to have the blissful sunny weather all year long. Here are some local happenings to look forward to this month, especially if you want to keep that summer mood going as you get busy with work:

Silver Lake Picture Show
Sep 13 2018

One of our favorite Silver Lake events happens on Thursday nights, when members of the community gather at the Sunset Triangle Plaza for outdoor film watching. Enjoy this wonderful event every other week through September – remember to bring a chair and stop by a local eatery (so many to choose from in Silver Lake!) to grab your snack – then unwind in front of the big screen. What’s playing? Crowd pleasing all-time favorites and new shorts by emerging local talents.

Glendale Open Arts & Music Festival
Sep 15 2018

We love Glendale – it’s a wonderful neighborhood with fascinating history and amazing food (we can never resist the mediterranean fare at Elena’s Greek Armenian Cuisine – the chicken kabob is too delicious!). Get to know Glendale by catching this free community festival that will feature music performances, arts markets, beer and wine gardens, and a warm and cozy vibe. If you already know and love Glendale, check out our listing at 3520 Fallenleaf Pl and contact us if you are interested in touring this spacious home.

 

Grab your wheels and celebrate LA with CicLAvia and LA Phil!
Sep 30 2018

This year LA Phil starts off the season on a rather exciting and unexpected note: it joins forces with CicLAvia for a car-free, music-filled fest that begins in DTLA at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and sprawls all the way to the orchestra’s summer abode at the Hollywood Bowl. You’ll be able to bike, wheel, skate or walk between Downtown L.A. and Hollywood as more than 1,800 musicians, artists and dancers will perform at six pedestrian hubs across the eight-mile route. Your trek will be rewarded by a grand show at the Hollywood Bowl, where Gustavo Dudamel will lead the Los Angeles Philharmonic with performances from Herbie Hancock, Kali Uchis, Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) and more.

Clay is Here to Stay

Did you know that in recent years Los Angeles became a Ceramics Mecca? There are so many local artists working in the medium today, and many of them are truly exceptional. The LA Times weighed on the phenomenon the other day, proposing that it is the prevalence of the digital in our everyday’s lives that contributed to the resurgence of interest in ceramics, a craft that is sensory and filled with touch.

Two New Ceramic Biennials

Another sign that ceramics are “hot” right now is two LA museums recently announcing ceramic biennials, following the footsteps of the Scripps College Ceramic Annual which has been running for full 74 years. We look forward to seeing ceramic works in CAFAM’s new biennial, “Melting Point: Movements in Contemporary Clay.” The other biennial, also steamily titled “Fahrenheit,” will be launched by the American Museum of Ceramic Art in Pomona.

Art in Your Home

We are delighted that Los Angeles ceramics landscape is expanding – because what’s better than a collection of beautiful ceramic objects to adorn one’s home? A great aspect of the medium is that it combines both functionality and aesthetics, which means you can find something that’s practical and sculptural at once. With that in mind, we wanted to share some of our very favorite artists that work with clay, keep on reading to discover their beautiful work:

 

MORGAN PECK

Makes sculptural ceramics that are filled with whimsy and witty references to art history, from Ancient Greek amphoras to Matisse’s collages.

 

BEN MEDANSKY

is a talented ceramic artist whose sculptural work recalls Brutalist Architecture with a hint of Sci-Fi. Ben’s magnificent mugs are certain to make your morning coffee special every single time.

RUBY NERI

is celebrated for wonderful figurative work that is both humorous and profound.

 

 

BARI ZIPERSTEIN

Has a fluid practice that includes objects, large-scale installation, site-specific public sculpture, and a line of functional ceramics – BZippy & Co. Bari’s work often engages ideas of consumerism, propaganda, and the built environment. We love her 2018 series, Propaganda Pots, which “references 1980’s propaganda posters from former Eastern Bloc countries”.

 

 

 

PILAR WILEY

Is fluent in the language of pattern – her ceramic vessels delight the eye with intricate details and organic forms.

 

 

 

 

It is our greatest pleasure and honor to be #119 in Real Trends, the annual real estate ranking released by The Wall Street Journal. We are thrilled to be among the great realtor teams that make up the prestigious ”Thousand” and, most importantly, we are immensely grateful to our amazing and loyal clients who continue making our job so rewarding every single day.

We are committed to sparing no effort in helping you meet your homeownership goals and are so thankful to be a part of all the vibrant and inspiring communities we work with. We love you, Los Angeles!

A post shared by Tracy Do | Compass (@tracydorealestate) on Jul 19, 2018 at 6:11pm PDT

 

The Independence Day is just about here, with all the sparkle and flavor that it brings. We can’t wait to watch the fireworks and tuck into some pie and barbecue! If you haven’t yet made your 4th of July plans, worry not – here are some ideas.

THE PIE

First things first: no matter if you are spending the day at the beach  or around the grill, you need to get yourself a pie. So many great spots around town, but we are rather partial to Gjusta with its amazing peach pie, and are great fans of Knowrealitypie in Eagle Rock with its mouthwatering boysenberry and Cognac coconut cream creations. If you need a pie fast – the Pie Hole never disappoints. Go for the Earl Grey variety – it’s our recent favorite.

FIREWORKS

No Independence Day is complete without a proper fireworks show lighting up the sky. There is no shortage of places to go and catch one – here are some suggestions on where to enjoy the annual extravaganza!

If you are staying on the Eastside, AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl is a brilliant celebration of all things white, red and blue. The all-day festival is a local classic, with lots of rides, games and crafts to keep everyone amused for hours. The light show starts at 9P, and is usually visible from all around the Arroyo and Pasadena areas – Colorado Bridge being one of the favorite locations to take in the fireworks spectacular.

Watching the fireworks reflected in the water is a special delight. Head to Long Beach to see some colorful explostions above the horizon –  you don’t need to be aboard the Queen Mary to see the show, it’s visible from just about anywhere along the waterfront. Locals enjoy observing the works from the nearby Shoreline Park, Los Alamitos Beach, or the Belmont Pier.

The Dodger Stadium always puts on a delightful show – a special perk if you are planning to attend the game of Pittsburg Pirates this Wednesday evening. Parking can be tricky, so get on the free (with your game ticket) Dodger Stadium Express at Union Station. Or, if watching baseball is not quite your cup of tea, climb the hill and check out the fireworks from Chavez Ravine or nearby Chinatown.

ART IS ALWAYS A GREAT IDEA

 

In the mood for something different? Take advantage of the national day off and visit a museum. Although the majority of  Los Angeles museums are closed on July 4, the gorgeous Getty Center will stay open from 10 am to 5:30 pm. The Norton Simon Museum will keep open hours from 12 pm to 5 pm, and contemporary art at The Broad will be on view from 11 am to 5 pm. Alternately, pack a picnic and head to East Hollywood to watch fireworks in Barnsdall Park. Set atop a hill, this beautiful park – home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House – offers great views of multiple fireworks displays. Wishing everyone a fun, sun-filled and safe 4th of July!