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Bohemian Modern: Living in Silver Lake
Also published in a gorgeous, slip-cased limited edition, Bohemian Modern is now available in this beautiful hardcover edition. Through striking illustrations and stunning photographs, Bohemian Modern explores the unique structural and interior designs that have put California's ultra-chic Silver Lake neighborhood at the forefront of a new style phenomenon. One of the country's most renowned modernist architects, Barbara Bestor has fully embraced and perfected Silver Lake's "bohemian modern" a practical philosophy that is Californian in origin but achievable anywhere. It is a look that favors raw, authentic materials, brilliant colors, creative space planning, and a natural flow between indoors and outdoors. The results, as Bohemian Modern presents, are a flawlessly restored Neutra house decorated with both whimsy and restraint, a rooftop constructed for viewing the stars, a lavish outdoor garden delicately integrated into the surrounding architecture, a double-sided bookcase that soars three stories and serves as a functional art installation...there is no limit to the creativity and beauty of Silver Lake style. Both modern and classic, refreshing and inviting, Bohemian Modern will delight readers with its breathtaking, vividly photographed tour of Silver Lake.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 9, 2008
I was introduced to this book while perusing the Olympic Sculpture Park's PACCAR Pavilion's bookstore after attending Geoff McFetridge's In The Mind show. Geoff did the cover illustration and chapter divider spreads for this book, and the fact that he was involved in the project was reason enough for me to read it. My interests in both modern architecture + community didn't hurt either.
It's a book about the mid-century-and-onward modern architectural treats found in the Los Angeles neighbourhood of Silver Lake and the surrounding boroughs. But even more so, it's about the inhabitants of these buildings; about the creative folk (artists, building/landscape architects, fashion/graphic designers, filmmakers, photographers, and musicians) that are attracted to these spaces (and duly fill them) and the community they form/build/grow together: bartering skills, sharing tables at the cafes and eateries, hosting regular house parties, and consuming cheese & wine, etc...
The author & architect Barbara Bestor is one such individual, as is graphic designer Geoff McFetridge (of Albertan origin). It is written mostly in first person (some awkward third-person captions about Barbara's home & office throw off the voice) with Barbara telling the stories of the homes/offices/shops and of her relationships with the tenants. As an architect, she is at her best when speaking of the strengths of the way space, light, and materials are best utilized/exploited in these spaces. As a writer, she is at her worst when repeatedly appealing to the inhabitant's shared "progressive" values/taste.
Progressive, a word I am finding increasingly empty of meaning, especially when continually tied to a mid-century nostalgia. Or, maybe it's just the scent of elitism-identity-politiking found within the word.
That aside, it inspires me to build neighbourhood with my best & most inspirational friends. Join me.
It's a book about the mid-century-and-onward modern architectural treats found in the Los Angeles neighbourhood of Silver Lake and the surrounding boroughs. But even more so, it's about the inhabitants of these buildings; about the creative folk (artists, building/landscape architects, fashion/graphic designers, filmmakers, photographers, and musicians) that are attracted to these spaces (and duly fill them) and the community they form/build/grow together: bartering skills, sharing tables at the cafes and eateries, hosting regular house parties, and consuming cheese & wine, etc...
The author & architect Barbara Bestor is one such individual, as is graphic designer Geoff McFetridge (of Albertan origin). It is written mostly in first person (some awkward third-person captions about Barbara's home & office throw off the voice) with Barbara telling the stories of the homes/offices/shops and of her relationships with the tenants. As an architect, she is at her best when speaking of the strengths of the way space, light, and materials are best utilized/exploited in these spaces. As a writer, she is at her worst when repeatedly appealing to the inhabitant's shared "progressive" values/taste.
Progressive, a word I am finding increasingly empty of meaning, especially when continually tied to a mid-century nostalgia. Or, maybe it's just the scent of elitism-identity-politiking found within the word.
That aside, it inspires me to build neighbourhood with my best & most inspirational friends. Join me.
September 1, 2022
Entertaining: 8/10
Transformative: 5/10
I love the history and architecture of the Silver Lake area and the vibe of this book. If you enjoy modern design, architecture and the little stories behind homes and design that popcorn the Los Angeles area, or if you want to be inspired by a quirky book that doesn't follow traditional page layout, this is a gem. It is sadly out of print. I've borrowed it from the library about 15 times.
Transformative: 5/10
I love the history and architecture of the Silver Lake area and the vibe of this book. If you enjoy modern design, architecture and the little stories behind homes and design that popcorn the Los Angeles area, or if you want to be inspired by a quirky book that doesn't follow traditional page layout, this is a gem. It is sadly out of print. I've borrowed it from the library about 15 times.
September 29, 2021
While I wasn’t crazy about the design of the book (some parts seemed illegible) it was a fun way to showcase the area I live in from various neighborhood homes and establishments. And nice to see some of which are now sadly gone too.
October 12, 2007
I've been eyeing this book for a while and finally ordered it from Amazon. The book itself is beautiful and well written with wonderful illustrations. I really loved the photos of the author's house and the story of how she designed it but I was surprised that I wasn't that into the look and design of the other many houses featured in the book. Usually I find at least one or two ideas to "borrow" for my own house and the inspiration just wasn't coming from any of he other people featured.
November 10, 2012
I fell in love with the sunny, relaxed style depicted in this book so much, it helped push me into moving to Los Angeles. Bestor captures everything from easygoing midcentury marvels and artist retreats hidden down succulent strewn paths to fairy-lit cafes and even her own warm-wooded home. I come back to it again and again for inspiration.
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June 11, 2008A charming spread of real California homes; unlike many interior design books, it is clear these homeowners enjoy and *use* their fabulous spaces. Any lover of mid-century modern designs will adore this book.
February 22, 2009
A great overview of the wonderful architecture in my neighborhood. My only criticism is I wished it would have focused solely on Silverlake instead of outlying areas including Echo Park, Atwater Village and others.
August 3, 2007
If this book doesn't make you long to go West, nothing will. Visually stunning, complete with excellent illustrations and photographs of memorable interiors and idyllic gardens.
February 24, 2008
My friend Heather at work gave me this book after stopping by my house and all I can do is pour over the pages trying to burn it into my brain.
June 21, 2008
Obviously this book is more of a photo / inspiration book, but Barbara Bestor tells lovely narratives about each individual that is worth reading - a rarity in a book of this type, in my opinion.
January 8, 2009
This is by far my favorite book on Modern Homes...Great layout!
Creatively inspiring and it's totally my style!
Creatively inspiring and it's totally my style!
January 18, 2011
I love this book. The design, the illustrations, the photographs. It's amazing. When I saw it on the shelf at Green Apple in San Francisco I think I actually fell in love.
February 24, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews