Somewhere Personal: Sarah Chavez – Beachwood Canyon, California

Photography byAlexandra Nataf
Words byNicholas Goodman

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Credits

Sarah Chavez is the consummate one of one. She is a total original, a free-spirit blessed with wit and a sharp eye. Even rarer still, the former Managing Editor of Anja Rubik’s 25 Magazine—a femme-centric exploration of art and sensuality—is a fashion insider who is not constrained by it. If she has a mantra, it is to embrace the personal and the soulful; to give expression to one’s passions. Above all, she is never afraid to shake things up. Because of that, there is a real exuberance to her work and her world.

Born in Toronto but currently living in LA by way of New York, Sarah’s home is a perfect illustration of her sun-kissed personality. The treehouse in Beachwood Canyon nestled below the Hollywood sign is the kind of place that immediately feels comfortable. The interiors, and her style, evoke a kind of ease. What they have in common is a sense of blithe freedom—of things meshing seamlessly to create an entire world, every detail considered.

It is Chavez’s personal touches throughout, mainly her kaleidoscopic collection of sensuous objects and vintage pieces she has collected that distinguish the spaces she creates. She understands that interiors are for living, that they should invite pleasure rather than reflect some ideal of perfection. Each room is punctuated with fragrance: Palo Santo here, Geranium Odorata there. But there is also something more: the sense of a singular blissed-out charm and ambiance that could only come from her. There’s a joyousness about the space that elicits the feeling of warmth and fresh air, an echo of Sarah IRL if ever there was one.

Brass elephants, they represent strength, good fortune, health and happiness. Salvador Dali Cookbook and art books by some our favorite painters. Previous image: 1970s Postmodern travertine, brass and glass coffee table by Artedi, Ceramic Vase by Rachel Saunders, and brass seashell box.

Antique French Nesting table I’ve had in almost every place I’ve lived in. We get a bunch of flowers from the farmer’s market every week. I make little arrangements and fill the house with them. Everything looks and smells so sweet. Photograph by Ryan McGinley on a Chloé invitation.

Unconditional: I would describe our home as
Sarah Chavez: A magical treehouse.

UM: Our home would feel incomplete without
SC: Music playing, incense burning, people I love, things that bring joy, color, high vibrations.

UM: The thing I love most about living in LA is
SC: Space! Moving into a house after living in New York apartments for ten years was life changing. Waking up to sunshine and hummingbirds, going on hikes, the beach, the abundance of fresh produce, the tonic bar at Erewhon, LA’s very preserved 90s esthetic.

UM: The thing I miss most about NY is
SC: The West Village, my old neighborhood. Impromptu hangs with friends that turn into all day adventures. Thankfully a lot of New York friends are making the move to LA so we can keep the vibe alive. Some of my favorite restaurants Souen, Lil’ Frankies, Buvette, The Odeon… too many to name.

UM: My favorite scent is
SC: Hinoki incense, vetiver, fresh tuberose, the sea.

A favorite vintage tee. I love the image, it reminds me of the sea.

Ceramic dish by Isabel Halley. Ceramic Vase by Salamat.

Infused adaptogenic honey by Poppy & Someday. I have all kinds of honey for tea and cooking. Some of our favorite cookbooks.

Ceramic Cafe de Flore dish. I love little dishes for jewelry and incense. You’ll find them all over the house. Wonder Valley Oud Incense burns daily. Italian alabaster mushroom. Vintage Japanese Kokeshi dolls.

A mix of my favorite shirts, some vintage, some Matteau and some I took from my husband.

UM: I collect
SC: All kinds of treasures. Ceramics by Peter Shire and Giovanni de Simone, straw baskets, mid century Italian alabaster mushrooms that I put all over the house and give to friends as gifts, vintage tees, Plantation by Issey Miyake, little hand painted boxes I hide things inside of, mementos from special places I’ve been like post cards and tea cups from Cafe de Flore.

UM: My guilty pleasure is
SC: Watching reality tv in my infrared sauna.

UM: An indulgence I treat myself to
SC: Facials with Sonia Vargas. She gives the most incredible treatments and her hands’ work magic.

UM: The gemini in me is
SC: Impulsive and intentional.

UM: I would love to travel to
SC: The Philippines. I’ve only been once but I was really young so I’ve got to go back and do a long visit. I want to spend time at the beach in Palawan.

Vintage brass side table my husband and I bought together for our first apartment when we were dating. A rainbow maker that lights up our great room with colorful beams every afternoon. Amber room spray by Dyiptyque is a nostalgic scent for me. I’ve always used this room spray in places I’ve lived and it makes me feel warm and at home.

Vintage Sketch of a woman that I bought at a block sale in the West Village. Some of my favorite fashion books with all the rebels: Rick, Rei, Margiela.

Vintage woodblock print called “Young Woman with a Bird” that I found at an estate sale in Beverly Hills.

My collection of vintage tees – Beloved grails, places, bands, memories, moods.

UM: I would love to learn
SC: To make my own ceramics. I took a pottery class and loved it so I plan to keep it going.

UM: Im currently listening to
SC: Sade’s Love Deluxe, Andy Shauf, 80s Janet Jackson

UM: The last best meal was
SC: At Pace in Laurel Canyon. Insalata di bietole, grilled snapper, always order the fresh baked chocolate lava cake ahead (they make it fresh in house as you have dinner).

UM: My style icon is
SC: My grandfather, Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg

UM: My pet peeve is
SC: Finding cups of lukewarm tea that I forgot to drink.
Wearing shoes inside the house.

UM: Qualities I admire in people
SC: Compassion, resilience, evolution

UM: In my bathroom you’ll always find
SC: All my full size products! May Lindstrom’s Blue Cocoon, seashells I’ve collected, a dry brush, In Fiore Body Balm, incense and candles, face masks and everything Living Libations.

UM: My favorite stores are
SC: Santa Maria Novella, Madame Matouv in the West Village, Solar Return, Gjusta Flower Shop, Tortoise General Store in Venice, Rick’s Produce, the Dries (Van Noten) store in Paris, and I love a hotel gift-shop.

UM: I’ve never been and would love to go to
SC: Tahiti

UM: Currently on my wishlist is
SC: A vintage film camera and a holiday in Europe

Splatter mugs by Peter Shire and mugs I’ve collected over time of places I’ve lived in.

Coconut bag from Hawaii. Fendi baguette and Louis Vuitton Speedy that I’ve had since high school.

Fashion and art books all over the house

Chateau Marmont advertisement from the 90s totally captures the essence of LA living to me. At ease in nature. A little photo of Joshua Tree, a special place to us. I have little altars around the house adorned with crystals, treasures and palo Santo.

Photography by Alexandra Nataf

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