The only way I would leave the house I love would maybe be for one done by Barbara Bestor. Architects turn a space into a feeling, and Bestor’s work is both flowing and solid, but friendly and confident.
Her form fits the function, whether it’s a home, restaurant, office space, or a variation on these things like a music school (the new Silver Lake Conservatory, or a modern sublotted new development Blackbird in Echo Park.)
Bestor’s work is grounded but airy, minimal but bold, and it can be whimsical and blunt, but it always fits the enterprise.
Cruising Barbara Bestor’s website is all Silver Lake, but her website confirms she’s all over, and she works in all genres. That and more – it’s satisfying, inspirational, and just plain fun.
She has pristine wood-solid shapes with bold color and crafty storage. Her spaces are also very calming, but still edgy, smooth and hip and grounded.
My latest Barbara Bestor tour happened at a friend’s house. Their home was built in 1941 and the lines are late deco, so it’s got the low heavy horizontal with the austere clerestory breeze of Mid-Century. Most of the house is saturated in sun, and it overlooks the city with a jetliner view. When they invited me to dinner, they’d done some remodeling. It took three seconds to know who did it.
So.... What am I trying to say? This is a fan letter to Barbara Bestor. Someday I will find the perfect space and hand it over to you. Until that day, I’ll remain in my own home, probably as is, but there’s a place in my future where you will be creating a space for me.
