Barbara Bestor: A modern ode to a famous neighbor

Architect Barbara Bestor built her latest house on a Los Feliz promontory across the street from the iconic 1924 Ennis House, Frank Lloyd Wright‘s fourth and final textile-block house in Los Angeles. “It is L.A.’s Machu Picchu,” Bestor says. At a party to honor her friend David Weeks, the furniture and lighting designer, guests look at a concrete wall angled to create the illusion of a pedestal for the Ennis House. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

July 15, 2013 2:53 PM PT

Architect Barbara Bestor builds a cool, clever house in Los Feliz with a nod to the landmark across the street: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House.

The model for Barbara Bestor’s house in Los Feliz shows how the back opens up to hillside and views; the front of the property, near the street, is where the pool sits facing Frank Lloyd Wright‘s Ennis House. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Bestor brings out dishes for the party, using books to give her Blu Dot table some topography. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

A guest makes his way through the living room of Bestor, known for her bohemian modern vibe. Glass doors open up to the patio and pool. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Party-goers at Bestor’s house circulate in the indoor-outdoor main living space. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Downstairs, Bestor created a library for her daughters. With plywood bookshelves and a built-in daybed along one wall, and animal wallpaper by graphic designer Geoff McFetridge on another, the remaining expanses of bare concrete look warm and purposeful. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Bestor spins records on her vintage player in the library. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Bestor talks with fellow architect Steven Shortridge and restoration specialist George Mimnaugh downstairs in her home, which employs print work by artist Geoff McFetridge. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The bedroom features a mural by Los Angeles artist Ann Faison. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Bestor attends to her guests with Weeks by her side. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Guests take in the view from the back of the house. “I am totally the put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is lady,” says Bestor, who offset splurges with strategic purchases. Whereas some lighting fixtures were designed by her friend David Weeks, whose work can cost thousands at the Ralph Pucci showroom in the Pacific Design Center, a vintage bamboo globe pendant on the deck was $200 at Rewire in Los Angeles. Her kitchen breakfast bar? It’s illuminated by $50 woven wicker lights from IKEA. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

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Barbara Bestor: A modern ode to a famous neighbor

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