Celebrity Guest Hosts Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.

Hollywood’s favorite super-star couple Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson will once again serve as honorary chairs and celebrity guest hosts of this year’s L.A. Greek Fest “12th Annual Festival Extravaganza,” located on the Grand Plaza grounds of Saint Sophia Cathedral.

The festival has long been recognized as one of the “must-see, must-do” September events in Los Angeles, drawing a crowd of 50,000 throughout the weekend. The festivities begin on Friday evening with the always exciting “ZORBA NIGHT,” complete with Zorba Dance Contest and prizes. The fun continues throughout the weekend, as guests experience an extensive array of Greek food and drink, live Greek music, folk dance groups, Greek dance lessons, theatrical presentations, and an extensive children’s arcade. As usual, extensive tours of Saint Sophia Cathedral, a world-renowned architectural and religious gem and national landmark structure, will be held throughout the weekend.

Festival Volunteers cooking Saganaki.

This year’s theme, “Passport to a Grecian Holiday,” features travel-themed raffle prizes, including a $2,000 designer vacation, L.A. Clippers courtside seats, weekend getaways, dining certificates, designer travel luggage and more.

One of the newest festival attractions is “TUNICS,” a top-notch sports bar offering continual broadcasts of top rated weekend football games. Also featured are Greek beers, wine and Metaxa cocktails complimented by food specialties like octopus, feta fries, lamb and Greek sausage sandwiches, and mini lamb chops.

Free parking available nearby and shuttle service. The cathedral is located at 1324 S. Normandie Ave. at the corner of Pico and Normandie in the Byzantine Latino Quarter of L.A.

Friday 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Saturday 1:00p.m. – 11:00 p.m. and Sunday noon –10 p.m. Adults – $3 on Friday, $5 on Saturday and Sunday. (Kids under 12 are admitted free of charge.) More information can be found at www.lagreekfest.com

Seniors get to enjoy a variety of amenities at The Village at NorthRidge, including a theatre, library, art gallery, club lounge, bistro bar, swimming pool and spa, and full-service beauty salon and underground parking.

To best support the vitality, longevity and health of its residents, The Village at NorthRidge offers a hospitality-centered life-style, first-rate amenities and services, and a host of activities – all of which are known to improve seniors’ quality of life.

According to The Village at NorthRidge’s executive director Tim Maloney, research shows that social interaction is as essential as physical activity for seniors. In fact, studies have found that a social and active lifestyle is vital in helping seniors maintain a sharp mind, alleviate stress and depression, and develop a sense of belonging.

To ensure residents have an array of choices daily, The Village at NorthRidge offers residents a full calendar of social, cultural, recreational and educational events both on and off campus.

The Majestic Theatre will host movies every Saturday throughout September, including Ratatouille, Swing Time, Juno and Talk of the Town.

“At NorthRidge, variety is always on the menu,” Maloney said. “Whether it’s enjoying a matinee in the community’s Majestic Theater, participating in a stretch and flex class in the fully equipped fitness center or enjoying an evening of entertainment provided by one of the many visiting performers – residents are never at a loss for things to do.”

Seniors interested in experiencing a taste of The Village at NorthRidge lifestyle are invited to the following upcoming events.

Matinees at The Majestic

Enjoy an afternoon at the movies every Saturday at 2:00 p.m. This month, guests will view Ratatouille, Swing Time, Juno and Talk of the Town. Enjoy a post-film discussion with writer/producer/director, Merle Goldberg.

Summer Concert Series

NorthRidge guests will take pleasure in a variety of musical genres and stylings from a variety of performers, including Hugo Pazimino, Marv Robinson, David Kaufman and Beverly Wright. Concerts are held each Wednesday in September at 4:00 p.m., preceded by a reception and tours at 3:00 p.m.

Lecture Series

Dedicated to providing seniors with the latest information on topics important to them, NorthRidge will host an ongoing Healthy Living lecture series presented by Providence Health & Services. The first lecture will address osteoporosis concerns on Sept. 17 at 1:30 p.m. The following week, on Sept. 23 at 11:30 a.m., attendees will explore the question, “So You Think You Know About Medicare?” presented by Lysa Crawford, a senior specialist with Anthem Blue Cross.

Seating is limited. For more information and to reserve your space at these events, please call (818) 812-4617.

Owned and operated by Senior Resource Group, The Village at NorthRidge is comprised of 275 independent and assisted living residences. The luxury retirement community’s resort-style services and amenities include the Prairie Grille Restaurant (open 12 hours daily), a fully equipped fitness center, The Majestic Theatre, Internet café, The Corbin Street Market, library, art gallery, club lounge, bistro bar, swimming pool and spa, a full-service beauty salon and underground parking.

For more information or to schedule a personal appointment, please call (818) 477-4081
visit www.TheVillageatNorthRidge.com.

An aesthetically-pleasing corrugated metal exterior steps up into a frameless glass lobby area entrance.

The motel is singularly American – a symbol of progress and postwar optimism. Beginning in the mid 1940s and continuing into the ‘60s, virtually every middle-class family could afford a car. Newly constructed interstate highways made vacationing as easy as loading up the Plymouth Fury, tossing in the kids, and pointing the chrome grille down the blacktop. Motels provided simple, clean rooms, convenient car parks, and reasonable rates. But as franchising took hold, places like the Wigwam, Aztec, and Route 66 Motel were quickly outnumbered by the likes of Days Inn, Best Western, and Motel 6. Glorious neon signs and wonderfully gaudy individuality gave way to typical corporate blandness. Classic motels have now been absorbed into the same ranks as drive-in theaters and soda fountains – the few, far between, and fading relics of our cultural consciousness.

At least that’s what I thought until I visited the Tangerine Hotel. What was until recently the noble but decaying Holiday Lodge, built in 1962 in the classic California style, now represents a gleaming rebirth of the motel model. While the essential bones of the Holiday Lodge have been preserved, it has otherwise been completely renovated to serve contemporary needs without sacrificing aesthetic sensibility. The Tangerine Hotel is no less a knockout than any of its classic brethren – rich orange trim accentuates natural wood paneling, the pool shimmers behind a stylish glass partition; even the parking lot, composed of interlocking rows of stone, catches the eye. And although it’s located on a chic and bustling stretch of Riverside, the Tangerine is quiet and insulated; the architecture, colors, and amenities creating an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation.

Each room contains 15 different mural designs with a unique look and feel.

An operation of this kind can only be accomplished with slavish attention to detail. The credit belongs to attorney Amitesh Damudar, who decided to revitalize his family’s business, with customer service being of their utmost priority. Dedicated to his vision of creating a new kind of motel, he assembled a team of first rate artists, technicians, and designers. The result is an establishment that blends elegance and practicality.

The rooms are designed in accordance with Japanese-influenced minimalism — uncluttered, spacious, and perfectly clean. However, each boasts a unique mural of vibrant photographic art, stretching from floor to ceiling in a poetry of sweeping swirls, magnified water droplets, and flowing geometric patterns. The original tables have been refinished, their tops now matching each room’s respective palette. Further artistic touches include Caesarstone counters, Grohe fixtures, and tissue box holders made of compressed sunflower seeds. Customers have a choice between polished concrete or carpeted floors, and the towels and linens are of the highest quality.

Damudar explains, “When you step into [each] room you get a different feel. We want to make things as comfortable as possible for our guests, but also visually appealing.” Indeed, Damudar’s work is an encouraging sign – that a new generation of Americans are breaking away from homogeneity, dusting out the corners of our collective history, and bringing love and personality back to our landscape.

At The Village at Sherman Oaks residents enjoy a hospitality-centered lifestyle, enriched with a wealth of amenities and services.

Since the community’s opening in 2001, The Village at Sherman Oaks has been lauded for its unique blend of sophisticated style, unparalleled service and first-class amenities. One amenity that continually makes a splash is the retirement community’s therapeutic pool. From water aerobics to neighbor get-togethers, The Village at Sherman Oaks’ pool provides endless health and social benefits.

According to Mike Soto, the community’s executive director, The Village at Sherman Oaks and its sister community, The Village at NorthRidge, are the only retirement communities in the Valley to have pools onsite.

“With the dozens of benefits pools afford seniors, it’s surprising we’re one of the only retirement communities to provide our residents with direct access to numerous water exercise classes and poolside functions,” said Soto. “Water exercise is an ideal way for seniors to stay in shape, improve balance and range of movement as well as relieve tension and stress.”

In addition to the health benefits, The Village at Sherman Oaks residents also enjoy utilizing the pool area for a variety of social and recreational activities throughout the year.

Pool ladies: SRG’s wellness program supports the vitality, longevity and health of its residents.

“Our residents love the serene backdrop the pool provides. It’s a perfect gathering spot for our weekly neighborhood barbecues and many of our residents find it a quiet place to retreat with a good book, or simply to relax.”

Owned and operated by Senior Resource Group, The Village at Sherman Oaks offers a hospitality-centered lifestyle, first-rate amenities and services and a host of new opportunities. Daily residents can choose from a full calendar of social, cultural, recreational and educational events.

The Village at Sherman Oaks includes 239 luxury independent and assisted living residences in addition to numerous resort-style features including: The Village Restaurant, open 12 hours daily, a fully equipped fitness center, The Albers Theater, Internet lounge, bank, market, mailroom, arts and crafts room, library, club lounge, bistro bar, swimming pool and spa, a full-service beauty salon, and secure underground parking.

Residency at The Village at Sherman Oaks is available for a nominal one-time community service fee and an on-going monthly fee that includes a complimentary full breakfast plus choice of lunch or dinner daily; weekly housekeeping and flat linen laundry service; all utilities (except phone) including basic cable TV, heating, air conditioning, water, sewer, and trash removal; 24-hour emergency call system; and scheduled transportation.

For more information or to schedule a personal appointment, call The Village at Sherman Oaks at (818) 574-3961 or visit the community website at www.srgseniorliving.com.

The interior of Summer Canteen at night.

Los Angeles has long had a love affair with Thai cuisine. Hollywood’s Thai Town supports blocks of restaurants, each of which are nearly full to capacity during dinner service. The Valley boasts dozens of wonderful establishments, and many of our readers will surely have had the “who makes the best curry” debate. In recent years, the large variety of choices has increased competition for the attention of our palettes.

One four-week-old restaurant perhaps may be the most exciting addition to North Hollywood’s restaurant scene in years. The brainchild of restaurateur Eric Sansangasakun, Summer Canteen features a menu at once exotic, familiar, and wholly delicious.

Upon entering, one first notices the interior design – bold modern lines, large windows, and high ceilings set the stage for an inviting dining experience. Elegant gray stucco walls are smartly accentuated by vibrant Thai pop art, and a service area up front allows customers to see their food being prepared (a mark of only very confident restaurants). The tables and chairs, darkly varnished wood and stainless steel, respectively, compliment the total picture in a balance of warm and cool colors. The result is an atmosphere that’s young and hip without being aloof.

And then, of course, the food. The first item to arrive at my table was one of Eric Sansangasakun’s signature dishes, the miang kham – “leaf-wrapped savory nibbles.” Six perfect spinach leaves, green and robust, cradled a delect-able mixture of ginger, lemon zest, coconut, shallot, tama-rind caramel, chili, and pea-nuts, each topped with a plump shrimp.

Next up was another house specialty, the Burmese Tea Leaf Salad (featured on the cover of this issue), a dish that could delight even the most complacent taste buds. Homemade pickled tea leaves, romaine, whole cashews, peanuts, dried shrimp, tomatoes, fried garlic, and pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds are mixed tableside to create a culinary wonder.

Summer Canteen’s special Orange Chicken.

For my entree, I couldn’t resist the Pad Thai. I was curious to see how Summer Canteen would handle such a traditional dish, and they didn’t disappoint. The thin, flat rice noodles were al-dente, the chicken tender and juicy, and the accompanying egg roll crisp and light. To wash it down, I had the homemade lemon ginger soda.

I noticed the menu featured two desserts, the Thai staple “mango sticky rice,” which I always enjoy, and something I hadn’t before tried, “fried banana with coconut flakes.” I received the latter, and it will be long remembered – lightly battered, deep-fried chunks of banana served alongside honey and chocolate dipping sauce.

What makes Summer Canteen so special is its seamless fusion of Thai and other Southeast Asian cooking traditions – all using authentic spices – resulting in surprising flavor combinations. Fans of chicken satay, Vietnamese pho noodle, panang curry, and orange chicken will all find their beloved dishes presented in exciting new ways a must.

Summer Canteen
4444 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA
(818) 985-6611
Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Daily
www.summercanteen.com

• cost: $$
• value: great
• meals served: lunch, dinner
• parking: yes
• credit cards: yes

At The Village at NorthRidge residents enjoy a hospitality-centered lifestyle, enriched with a wealth of amenities and services.

At the Village at NorthRidge retirement community, life is about choice. Developed and managed by senior housing innovator, Senior Resource Group, The Village at NorthRidge takes an integrated approach to support the vitality, longevity and health of its residents by offering a hospitality-centered lifestyle, first-rate amenities and services and a host of new opportunities.

Residents are presented new options daily from delectable meals prepared fresh in the community’s 12-hour Prairie Grille Restaurant, to a full calendar of social, cultural, recreational and educational events.

“At NorthRidge, variety is always on the menu,” said Tim Maloney, executive director of The Village at NorthRidge. “Whether it’s enjoying a matinee in the community’s Majestic Theater, participating in a stretch and flex class in the fully equipped fitness center, or enjoying an evening of entertainment provided by one of the many visiting performers – residents are never at a loss for things to do.”

Seniors interested in experiencing a taste of The Village at North-Ridge lifestyle are invited to the following upcoming event series.

Matinees at The Majestic

Through August, area seniors are invited to Matinees at the Majestic Theatre.

Enjoy an afternoon at the movies during the month of August at The Village at NorthRidge’s Majestic Theatre. In addition to viewing such classics as Casablanca and Some Like it Hot, guests will enjoy a post-film discussion with writer/producer/director, Merle Goldberg. Seating is limited. Please call (818) 812-4600 for show times and to reserve your seat.

Summer Concert Series

Seniors and their families are also invited to a summer concert series at The Village at NorthRidge. Guests will enjoy a variety of musical genres and stylings from a variety of performers including: Laurette Carlson, Tatjana, Dale Katz, and Vivian Howard. Concerts are held weekly, each Wednesday in August at 3:00 p.m. For reservations call (818) 812-4600.

Comprised of 275 independent and assisted living residences, The Village at NorthRidge’s resort-style services and amenities include: The Prairie Grille Restaurant (open 12 hours daily), a fully equipped fitness center, The Majestic Theatre, Internet café, The Corbin Street Market, library, art gallery, club lounge, bistro bar, swimming pool and spa, a full-service beauty salon, and underground parking.

A complimentary full breakfast plus choice of lunch or dinner daily; weekly housekeeping and flat linen laundry service; all utilities (except phone) including basic cable TV; 24-hour emergency call system; a full calendar of social, cultural and recreational activities; and scheduled transportation are all included in the Independent Living monthly fee.

For more information or to schedule a personal appointment, please call (818) 477-4081 or visit www.TheVillageatNorthRidge.com.

Daily residents can choose from a full calendar of social, recreational and educational events.

Local seniors are invited to experience the culturally rich lifestyle available at The Village at Sherman Oaks by attending “A Classical Afternoon” event on August 19th at 2:30 p.m. Festivities will include a one-hour performance by Broadway veteran and concert pianist John Towey as well as a champagne reception and tour of the community.

Combining his 40 years of experience as an actor and pianist, John brings classical and modern composers to life by sharing anecdotal information and portraits of each composer along with familiar piano pieces.?Guests will recognize the works of Chopin, Gershwin, Strauss, Bach and Beethoven as well as such well-known melodies as “Rhapsody in Blue,” “Maple Leaf Rag” and “Moonlight Sonata.”

Reservations for “A Classical Afternoon” are required. To reserve your seat, or to learn more about other upcoming events at The Village at Sherman Oaks, please contact Lisa OLaughlin, director of sales and marketing, at (818) 574-3961.

Owned and operated by Senior Resource Group, The Village at Sherman Oaks offers a hospitality-centered lifestyle, first-rate amenities and services and a host of new opportunities. Daily residents can choose from a full calendar of social, recreational and educational events.

At The Village at Sherman Oaks residents enjoy a hospitality-centered lifestyle, enriched with a wealth of amenities and services.

The Village at Sherman Oaks includes 239 luxury independent and assisted living residences in addition to numerous resort-style features including: The Village Restaurant, open 12 hours daily, a fully equipped fitness center, The Albers Theater, Internet lounge, bank, market, mailroom, arts and crafts room, library, club lounge, bistro bar, swimming pool and spa, a full-service beauty salon, and secure underground parking.

Residency at The Village at Sherman Oaks is available for a nominal one-time community service fee and an on-going monthly fee that includes a complimentary full breakfast plus choice of lunch or dinner daily; weekly housekeeping and flat linen laundry service; all utilities (except phone) including basic cable TV, heating, air conditioning, water, sewer, and trash removal; 24-hour emergency call system; and scheduled transportation.

The Village at Sherman Oaks is dedicated to helping residents maintain active, comfortable lives, even as their needs grow and change. The community’s licensed assisted living component offers residents a comprehensive menu of care services that include: 24-hour staffing; basic assistance with all Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s); medication assistance and counseling; emergency call system; scheduled transportation and more. Services can be reduced or increased over time, allowing residents the flexibility and option of occasional or full-time assistance.

For more information or to schedule a personal appointment, call The Village at Sherman Oaks at (818) 574-3961 or visit the community website at www.srgseniorliving.com.

Fritz Coleman, 27 year NBC veteran, is all set to make you LOL.

It’s not unusual for Toluca Lake residents to approach Fritz Coleman when he’s shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. After all, 27 years of weather forecasting for NBC affiliate Channel 4 has made him a celebrity.

But Coleman’s fans treat him a bit differently than they would, say, Tom Cruise.

“I’ll have elderly ladies approach me sand say, ‘I’ve been a fan for 20 years, but please don’t wear that tie you did yesterday because it didn’t flatter your eyes,’” Coleman explained. “They treat me like a family member because I’ve been in their homes for so many years.”

But if you haven’t yet run into the city’s most popular weatherman, you are in luck.

On the Fritz—an Evening with Fritz Coleman, appearing Aug. 19-22 at North Hollywood’s El Portal, is a blend of Coleman’s stand-up comedy material with insight into the wacky world of weather—followed by a Q&A segment with the audience.

And Coleman is offering a “2-for-1” ticket deal to Tolucan residents, which seems like the right move for the honorary mayor of Toluca Lake.

“I’ve been the honorary mayor for about 15 years,” said Coleman, while seated at a café on Riverside Drive. “It stemmed from my community outreach and doing some fundraising for the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce. It’s great because I have no political responsibilities. My job is to light the Village Christmas Tree for the annual Toluca Lake Holiday Open House, which is a lot of fun.”

The four-time winner is Puttin’ on the Fritz at the Emmys.

A nearby resident for about 15 years, Coleman moved to the area to be close to his second home, NBC Studios in Burbank.

“My greatest triumphs came in that building,” he said. “I did eight performances on the original Johnny Carson stage. And when I was doing the 11 o’clock news, I would go in there and just walk on the empty stage and take in the vibe. Now there are rumors that we may be moving to the Universal lot or to somewhere else, and that’s sad.”

Another of Coleman’s favorite landmarks is the El Portal, which was built in 1926. He has long desired to have a one-man show at the venue, but his busy schedule hasn’t permitted it until now.

“The El Portal was a great vaudeville stage,” Coleman said. “Bob Hope and Red Buttons performed there. It’s such a great space.”

Those who only know Coleman as a weatherman will get a chance to see the skills he has honed as a comedian and playwright. With On the Fritz, he delves into childhood memories, getting older, and, of course, the weather.

And if anyone has a suggestion about what tie Coleman should wear, he will be happy to take suggestions.

“On the Fritz—an Evening with Fritz Coleman,” is running Aug. 19-21 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 22 at 2 p.m., at the El Portal, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Tickets are $35 – $45. For tickets call 818-508-4200, 866-811-4111, or order online at www.elportaltheatre.com.

The team at Coldwell Banker. L-R: Lena Ohanessian, Sandra Cusick, Barry Dantagnan, and Angie Simpson.

A tumultuous economy whose ups and downs were most heavily felt within the real estate market left many wondering if it would ever recover. Buyers concerned about restrictions in lending and sellers concerned with declining market values and buyer interest. Fortunately both sides can take comfort in knowing that our local market is stabilizing.

Though improvements in the real estate market provide hope for both sides, it doesn’t change the fact that the expertise of the agents involved remains an essential component of the process. When working with a Coldwell Banker agent buyers/sellers are getting a realtor that not only knows the market thoroughly thanks to on-going seminars, training and certification but also knows how to exceed client expectations.

Coldwell’s unsurpassed Team Burbank/Toluca Lake agents include: Southern California native and long time Burbank homeowner, Sandra Cusick (sandracus@yahoo.com – 818 489-8861) specializes in sales in the Media District (areas closely surrounding studios such and Warner Brothers, Disney and NBC) as well as the Rancho area. Barry Dantagnan (callbarrynow@aol.com – 818-314-2988), also a native of Southern California who has lived in Burbank thirty years, oversees home sales in the Magnolia Park area and Toluca Woods East. Lena Ohanessian (lena.ohanessian@gmail.com- 818-403-LENA [5362]), who has grown up in the San Fernando Valley, manages both single family and condominium listings in Toluca Lake and Toluca Woods West. Angie Simpson (agsimca@earthlink.net – 818 795-5590), Southern California resident for over twenty five years covers the Burbank Foothills and above.

Each rooted in the communities in which they serve brings exceptional knowledge of navigating the market to meet their client’s needs. No longer just a “buyer’s market” those interested in selling their home should take comfort in the stabilization of the market. Sandra Cusick’s listing on Orchard Dr. proves that multiple offers are still occurring. The three bedroom two bath home approx 1500 square feet listed at $574,900 received four offers within a few weeks and is currently in escrow above the asking price. Working with in-house lenders such as Bruce Nangle of First Capital Mortgage (818-528-3033) offering favorable interest rates as low as 4.25 to 4.35% APR and 4.5%/4.72 APR to $729,000 for thirty year fixed mortgages, sellers are getting offers and buyers are getting homes. Team Burbank/Toluca Lake are the agents to call for all your realty needs. For more information on the buying or selling process contact any one of the agents listed above.

Bruce Nangle at First Capital is a direct lender but also can broker to other lenders allowing clients more options.

B. David Levine in his studio. Pictured are a credenza by 7th & Seventh Designs and a Sam Maloof inspired rocker by Randal Childs.

B. David Levine Designs’ studio resembles a stylish Parisian boutique with its classical charm and elegance. The intimate Tujunga village location carries an eclectic blend of decorations and furnishings, many designed by Levine. The design showroom will appeal to every taste, including a treasure trove of decorative items (perfect for gifts). Levine travels extensively, bringing international and domestic styles and hand-selected artisan objects for his boutique.

David Levine is a true Renaissance man: architectural, furniture, and interior designer. This artist extraordinaire is humble and keenly intuitive, allowing him to fully interpret the client’s needs. The results are a visionary creation of timeless spaces. For over twenty-five years, Levine has designed homes throughout Southern California. In addition, Levine has worked for commercial enterprises and been featured on HGTV, where he was awarded the “Designers’ Challenge.”

AR: Can everyone benefit from interior design? Are there any design rules to follow?

Decorative and gift merchandise from B. David Levine Showroom.

BDL: Most people do not know how to create an appropriate environment for themselves. Interior design is about solving problems and interpreting and reflecting the client’s taste. For businesses and residences it’s imperative to understand the psychology of colors, lighting, and functional space planning. For example, silk would be wrong for a dining room or office chair. But silk is beautiful for window treatments. I advise my clientele to purchase quality materials: They may be more expensive, but they are a better value in the long run.

AR: Have you worked with real estate agents to help them sell properties?

BDL: Yes. I have been able to help realtors go out with clients and advise them if they are buying the right property for their requirements. And I have designed spec houses that have sold way above neighborhood property values. A quality designed home is still an excellent investment.

AR: Can you tell me about the retail boutique?

BDL: The boutique is a way for me to meet the public in a non-threatening manner. We welcome everyone to come in and browse. I love sharing artisan objects and decorative items.

AR: Can you tell me about your recent travels and the art objects you select to sell? Do you have any upcoming trips planned?

BDL: Recently, I was in North Carolina where I acquired art pottery, furniture and accessory lines from High Point. I’ve been in Atlanta and Portland and San Francisco acquiring antiques and fine objects. In the fall, I will visit France and Spain to bring back merchandise and to manufacture my furniture line.

AR: How is that you can do the complete design of a home from the ground up, and the full interior design and furnishings? How did you start to do the full concept?

BDL: Coming into projects as an interior designer, I find that most often the architect’s plans needed reworking. Clients ended up requesting me to do the entire plan. Traditionally, in Europe and America in the 1920s, there were classically designed homes; one architect did the entire project. The result becomes a cohesive and integral design and a better value. For more info go to www.bdavidlevine.com

B. David Levine Designs is located at 4359 1/2 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, CA 91604. They can be reached at (818) 623-8641 or www.bdavidlevine.com.

Ms. Robbins is a published author, journalist, and PR director for the Tolucan Times. She can be contacted at: arobbins@tolucantimes.com.