Earth Medicine Woman Stephanie Paine and Malou at home in Topanga. Custom Surfboard by Dead Kooks makes a great sculptural moment when not in use.
This is the first of my series of home tours of friends and acquaintances who embody a holistic lifestyle as well as an interior design aesthetic (whether conscious or not) that is in harmony with the environment. These interviews are about belonging and connection in both the micro and macrocosmic sense. I go under the surface to discover how a person defines and relates to the space they call home. Topanga based herbalist Stephanie Paine’s peaceful abode exudes a cultivated femininity that’s rooted in sustainability. Entering her home I felt instantly grounded by the temple incense and the seductive breeze flowing in from the garden. As I got the lowdown on her serene setting, I was graciously treated to homemade libations of healing tea and Manchego while being licked by Malou, her ridiculously lovable rescue Bulldog. Here is a chronicle of our visit in Stephanie’s own words:
1. Define your interior design / décor philosophy in 3 words
Elemental, Intentional and well-loved
Percival Lafer Brazilian Rosewood Sofa from 1970’s pairs well with a Moroccan rug in the loft-like primary bedroom
2. What’s the most sentimental thing in your home and why?
A handwritten ‘sticky note’ my grandfather wrote to me, and hid in my wallet after a visit with him almost a decade ago. “Thank you for loving me, Grandpa Bill” it reads. I have it secured in a lucite block frame on my desk. Our penmanship is so personal, and gratitude is the ultimate attitude + frequency to live in. I feel loved every time I look at it.
A random section of wallpaper creates an archeological effect, alongside a marble topped table found at a flea market. And of course peonies. Always peonies…
3. What about your home delights you the most?
Without question the garden. When I became steward of the land, all the plants seemed to be just barely hanging on…and in many cases not even present. I have poured my heart and soul into this land, listening to her needs and really committed to getting her back to health and happiness. So much came back to life. Flourishing and fruiting in every season it seems.
The house was built on a geological hot spot. I’ve found moonstone and quartz mineral rocks on the land. I’ve brought them into house, as alter pieces complimenting the many cuttings and springs from the garden as bouquets inside.
1. A garden shed on the property which has always been owned by women! 2. Guest bathroom with mosaic tiles and moonstone and quartz found on the land
4. Describe the sounds and smells in and around your home?
Bird song, waking in here has been nicknamed the Topanga treehouse for a reason. With trees surrounding house, sometimes feel we are overnight guests in their nests.
Quietude. Perhaps my #1 draw to Topanga was how serene and peaceful it feels here. There is no place like it, really. It’s the most healing environment I have ever lived. Friends joke, when you are here…. time just escapes you. Wind-chime time, we call it.
5. Where do you enjoy shopping for furniture and accessories?
I have always believed in living minimally, if I am going to add to home – the item needs to tell a story. Some of my favorite items are collected from travels, small mementos that bring back many memories. I was also very lucky to be raised by my grandmother who had outstanding decorating taste, she passed down many pieces lived in from my childhood. So her energy stamp is felt in almost every room.
1. The Herbalist’s dining room- dining chairs belonged to Stephanie’s grandparents 2. Living room buddha vignette 3. The guest bathroom was updated using wood from a fallen tree on the property for the sink and the gorgeous original tiles were discovered under the floors. Shop the Look below…
6. What steps have you taken (or plan to take) to reduce your environmental footprint at home?
The house in Topanga is on a grey water system, recycling water back to the land after its initial use in the home. The top of Skyline Drive, where we are located is drenched with sunlight from 7am to 7pm (even onwards) so solar has always been the next environmental upgrade and full home water purification filtration system. Composting all nutrient dense plant material back to the land, which has tremendously increased the soil fertility. The first year here, land was baron + so neglected. Every year I’ve witnessed such flourishing, thriving flora and fauna – I can truly say this acre of land is very happy with the love she’s received.
An outdoor shower was crafted out of a piece of driftwood hauled back from the beach. The runoff feeds the surrounding plants.
7. Do you have house envy of any particular space besides your own?
My current dream, surrounds a property even more removed from city life than Topanga. I envision land for some animals (a donkey, chickens, goats and a cow) have all made guest appearances in the imagining of this space. A place for gathering community in a reprieve or retreat type setting, an area for expansive gardening, many flowers growing on the land….and with Mediterranean waters in close proximity to the home.
FIN…
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