Name: Desanka N. Fasiska
Location: Hollywood Hills; Los Angeles, California
Size: 832 square feet. The property has a lot size of 2,454 square feet.
Years Lived In: One; owned.
Welcome to Lux Lodge, the inspirational Hollywood Hills home of artist, fashion consultant, and designer, Desanka N. Fasiska. A 1963 A-frame home redesigned by Desanka, it’s filled with her discerning creative touches. A multi-talented dynamo, she designed much of the furniture, textiles, fixtures, and ceramics lovingly displayed at the Lodge. Her earthy style effortlessly complements the natural wood construction and brightness of the home.
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Regarding the Lodge, Desanka says that “the house is at the heart of the LUX / EROS lifestyle and the embodiment of my vision to create spaces that nurture and inspire people to create and connect.” Staying true to her vision, Desanka strives to build creative community through her home and offers a series of creative workshops located at the Lodge.
With her warm and friendly personality, great sense of humor, creative chops, and inherent sense of style, Desanka is definitely one to watch. Be sure to check out her blog and shop where you can purchase her stunning handcrafted ceramics and clothing. And if you’re curious to see what it used to look like, check out before and after photos of the Lodge.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: I’m somewhere between an earthy, crafty hippie, ethnic, and 70s glam.
Inspiration: Texture and mixing elements. Because this house is basically all wood, it was important to me to mix in as many elements as possible. I love brass, marble, antique mirror and rocks, so they were a must when choosing materials and hardware.
Favorite Element: The woodsy A-frame. When I was a little girl, my father built an A-frame cabin on Cheat Lake in West Virginia. We would go there every summer with his whole family and water ski until he sold it when I was seven. Since then, I have always been slightly obsessed with A-frame houses. They are rare on the West coast, so when I found this house for sale, it felt like it was meant to be.
Biggest Challenge: Because of the layout of the house, it’s difficult to figure out where the front door is. There is a small room off of the living room that opens out to the side of the house. I couldn’t figure out what this room should be so I made it into to everything! It’s a mud room/vestibule/dayroom/laundry room/guest bedroom.
What Friends Say: They don’t want to leave! It really is so cozy up here with the wood-burning stove and the calming wood walls surrounding you!
Biggest Embarrassment: The above ground pool that the previous owners installed. It needs a major overhaul and I plan on making it a beautiful, Japanese soaking tub-inspired oasis as soon as I can! But for now it’s an eyesore.
Proudest DIY: I love brass and I LOVE Brutalist design — I know it’s not for everyone, but I think when it’s mixed in the right way, it’s so glamorous. It also happens to be pretty hard to find and is expensive. I make ceramics so I made a Paul Evans-style pendant light. I also made a wall piece using stretched canvas, ceramic pieces, molding paste, and gold spray paint.
Biggest Indulgence: The kitchen and the peachy onyx countertop on the pass-through.
Best Advice:
1. Always balance your elements. Feng Shui is very important to a peaceful and beautiful home.
2. Entertain as much as possible. It really makes you feel wonderful to host the people you love in the home that you have made.
3. And always have fresh flowers!
Dream Sources: Turkish, Moroccan, Middle Eastern textiles and objects. Italian mid-century pottery, Milo Baughman and Knoll Warren Platner furniture.
Resources of Note:
I had an AMAZING team of people who helped me make my home so special. My architect, Mario Fonda-Bonardi is a master of maximizing space possibilities. My contractor, Rod Daniels of Bulson and his team were so easy to work with. I know most people have nightmare stories to tell when it comes to home renovations, but they were literally a dream team!
My dear friend Michael Carbaugh of Just Is Home was a big help in refining the decor of my home. He helped me flesh-out my décor with pieces from his online curated vintage shop as well as refine the placement of the pieces in my home.
A special shout out goes to my ace Josh Assael and my folks who were my creative sounding board and emotional support team throughout the renovation process.
ENTRY:
- Moroccan wedding blanket
- Rule of Three pillows by Paige Cleveland
- Mid-century ceramic lamp
LIVING ROOM:
- Reupholstered heirloom chair from my grandmother
- Leather wingback chair from World Market
- Chrome and glass nesting tables from Just Is Home
- Hard to find a square rug! This Indian one my mother found for me online because she rules.
DINING ROOM:
- Mid-century teak table
- White chairs wire-mesh chairs from Just Is Home
- Leather bench inherited from friend who bought it at a Brooklyn flea market
KITCHEN:
- Custom walnut island
- Onyx pass-thru
- Brass fixtures
- Hutch to display my pottery
BEDROOM:
- World Market Moorish room divider headboard
- American Gothic love seat inherited from my Grandma that was reupholstered in cut velvet stripe.
- Slab wood coffee table
- Mid-century teak room divider made into closet doors
- Claw foot tub from salvage yard
BATHROOM:
• Antique glass mirror• Custom walnut slab sink• Handmade tiles in shower• River rock floor• Handmade pendant light made by me!PATIOS:• Wicker hanging chair that was found on the street• Hanging macramé planter and table found on ebay
Thanks, Desanka!
Source: Apartmenttherapy.com
