Hollyhock House & My Return to Paris

Hi friends,

I have great news!!!

My visa has finally been accepted and I’ll be returning to Paris at the end of the month. After three months of waiting for my work permit, two months on my LA sabbatical, and a one way ticket later, I’m finally able to plan for my return back to Paris. It’s been really nice to have an extended time back home where I’m able to see friends and family and take my time in doing so. Normally when I come home, I’m in such a rush to squeeze in as many visits as possible within ten days or less.

I’m really looking forward to getting back into a routine, planning picnics now that the weather is warmer, and reconnecting with all of my friends in the city.

A few weeks ago, Claire, a dear friend of mine was kind enough to take me to the Hollyhock House in LA for my birthday. Personally, I didn’t know much about the house beforehand, but after a quick Google search, I found that the house is “Los Angeles's UNESCO World Heritage Site” and an important Frank Lloyd Wright home. It was built for Aline Barnsdall, an American oil heiress, who had a deep passion for theatre and the arts.

From the outside, the house seems fairly modest. It’s a flat, two story home with a reoccuring Hollyhock flower motif framing the edge of the rooftop and even built into custom furnishings. The red color of the home from the outside reminds me of ancient Mexican artifacts made out of red clay while the large willow tree in the front of the home adds a deep sense of romance.

Upon entering the home, we were welcomed into the dining area and kitchen by a volunteer docent. She explained to us the history of the home with excitement and I was instantly impressed by all of the custom furniture, luxurious wood inlaid details, and Asian influence on the home’s decor.

Here are some highlights from my visit:

It can be simply said that these photos do not do this place justice. There are simply too many details from the way the light enters the home to the way that every surface is thought out carefully for the human experience that cannot be captured on an iPhone. This home is meant to be experienced in person without distraction, solo, or with someone with similar appreciation for modernist design.

For my bday visit, I wore a Chan Luu dress I redesigned by removing the sleeves. You can find the current collection of Chan Luu RTW here. I paired the dress with a vintage Ferragamo Top Handle Bag that can still be found today.*

A note for anyone planning to visit, you will be asked to wear shoe protectors during your visit. Plan on wearing flat, non-heeled shoes to stay comfortable and courteous for the preservation of the home.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read my latest blog post.

I’ll see you soon in Paris ~

Much love from LA,

Kiana

*These are not affiliate links. I do not make any commissions.

PS: Many thanks to my dear friend Claire for sharing her love for interior design with me in LA. My bday was super special because of you.