Profile: Heather Taylor

I love being able to take a peek inside both the work and home spaces of those I am inspired by, and seeing how the two complement each other. For the lovely and talented Heather Taylor, whose studio we visited yesterday, those two spaces are quite close, at least in proximity (she recently converted her garage into a clean, crisp, and creative workspace).

Heather lives in West Hollywood with her husband and baby girl in a cozy California bungalow that, much like her studio, is a true reflection of her spirit and personality. Her home is warm and inviting and features a thoughtful use of color and texture, with layers of meaningful treasures (and of course, her beautiful linens) all throughout. I hope you enjoy this look inside. XXJKE

 

Beauty

R+T: Is there anything special you would like to share about your beauty routine?

I try to use natural and non-toxic products on my skin whenever possible — I really love the whole Tata Harper line and every product that Earth Tu Face makes, especially their Rose Face Balm. That being said, I love a Nars lipstick and can’t seem to give that up. Everything in moderation!

R+T: What are the 5 products you couldn’t live without?

African Botanics Pure Marula Oil, Santa Maria Novella Body Milk, Nars Red Square Lip Pencil, Avene Thermal Spring Water and Earth Tu Face Skin Stick

R+T: Bath or Shower?

A shower to wake up in the morning and a warm bath with Santa Maria Novella Rosewater to help wind me down at night.

R+T: What do you sleep in?

Brooks Brothers men’s pajamas.

 

Health

R+T: Do you have any health tricks?

Water, sleep and eating colorful foods that I have prepared for myself. And yoga whenever possible.

R+T: What do you do to stay healthy and balanced?

Hiking with a friend on the weekend makes me very happy. I love visiting the farmers market on Sunday mornings so I always have good produce on hand to cook meals for my family. I try to drink a ton of water and the occasional green juice. And in the middle of a hectic work week, I love to take a few hours to meet my girlfriends for a breakfast or drink. It always involves laughter which helps keep me grounded.

R+T: Do you workout, what do you swear by?

I’m lucky because my sister Megan Taylor is a yoga instructor. We have private sessions and I go to her classes at Maha Yoga in Brentwood. She also introduced me to Soul Cycle where I spin two or three times a week.

R+T: What do you do to relax?

Everyone says to sleep when your baby sleeps so I’ve tried to introduce naps into my life. In reality I’ve never been a great napper so instead I’ll get into bed and zone out with an episode of Nashville or The Good Wife. I also love regular visits to the Korean spa for a soak and a body scrub. My favorite way to relax is to head to the Arclight for a matinee on a Friday afternoon.

 

Decor

R+T: What is your design philosophy for your home?

I only bring things into my house that I absolutely love. I try to create a space that is cozy and comfortable but also clean and soothing. My interior designer friend Lauren Soloff has taught me a lot about editing.

R+T: What are your favorite pieces in your house?

Paintings by Frohawk Two Feathers, black and white photographs by my husband, ceramics by Adam Silverman, my collection of cookbooks and a black leather Eames lounger I inherited from my grandmother.

R+T: What are your favorite home stores?

Nickey Kehoe, Lawson Fenning, Kneeland Mercado

R+T: What is your favorite room in the house?

Our newly remodeled kitchen. It’s flooded with light and has great energy. It’s a very happy room.

 

Entertaining

R+T: Do you entertain at home?

Yes, I have entertained at home ever since I lived in my first apartment. Dining al fresco is one of the many joys of living in a warm climate like LA. Usually it’s good friends eating around our fire pit with blankets and wine.

R+T: What are your tricks for entertaining?

I love picking a menu and building the party around that. I was really inspired by an old issue of Saveur that focused on Greek cooking and I threw a dinner using all those recipes. I’m big on making as much ahead of time as possible. I’m not the best multi-tasker so cooking at the stove, pouring wine and chatting with guests simultaneously isn’t my dream scenario. I make sure to have appetizers that require no cooking – my favorite combination of the moment is a great cheese served with truffle honey, prosciutto, figs, sliced Persian cucumbers and a baguette.  I try to have everything ready to go by the time the doorbell rings. That way I can be a relaxed hostess (the best kind).

R+T: How do you set the scene when you have people over?

I set the beautiful table with Heather Taylor Home linens and lots of flowers. If we’re outside I light tea candles on the table and citronella candles everywhere (once the mosquitoes start biting, the party is over).

R+T: What is your favorite song/playlist when you have people over?

I like an eclectic mix: Beach House, Common, Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Crosby Stills, Nash and Young, Rhye, Bob Dylan and Nina Simone are some current faves. If we’re around my kitchen table it’s usually just Classical KUSC on the radio.

R+T:  Plated, Buffet, or Family Style for a dinner party?

I feel like serving a meal family style leads to a long evening of sitting around the table eating and talking. It’s definitely my favorite way to go.

R+T: What are your favorite flowers and where do you buy them?

I love lilacs, sweet peas, roses, marigolds and so many more. I either cut them from my garden or buy them from Hollyflora.

R+T: Do you do them yourself or do you use a florist?

Both – I love arranging myself but if I’m looking to pull out all the stops I’ll call my dear friends Holly Vesecky and Rebecca Uchtman of Hollyflora to create something spectacular.

 

Fashion

R+T: How would you describe your style?

A little bit dramatic and a little bit classic. Right now, I’m going for comfortable and easy.

R+T: Who are your favorite designers?

Jesse Kamm, Black Crane, Clare Vivier, Beatrice Valenzuela, Isabel Marant, The Row, Grace Lee, Jessica Winzelberg.

R+T: What is your uniform?

Right now I’m loving dresses from Smock paired with my Jesse Kamm trench coat and a red lip.
R+T: What is your newest purchase? A Petit Kenya Bag by Clare Vivier. It’s chic, whimsical and perfect for summer.

 

Food

R+T: Is there anything about your diet you would like to share with R+T?

I try to use really good ingredients like great olive oil (Wonder Valley is my current favorite) and I try to eat a Mediterranean diet – lots of fish and fresh fruit and veggies. I’m a firm believer in a nightly glass of red wine.

R+T: Do you cook?

Yes, I love to cook as much as possible.

R+T: What is your favorite recipe?

Right now it’s homemade pizza. I buy the dough from my favorite pizzeria and get creative with the toppings. Lately, I’ve been getting great ideas from the Mozza cookbook. I serve a giant salad, dressed with olive oil, meyer lemon juice, sea salt and pepper and bring out the pizzas as they come out of the oven. It’s impressive yet so easy.

 

Art

R+T: Who are your favorite artists?

Frohawk Two Feathers, Kyle Field, Jeana Sohn, Hadley Holliday, Danielle Nelson Mourning, Cindy Sherman, Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Sally Mann, Frida Kahlo, Mark Rothko, Georgia O’Keeffe, Eve Hesse.

R+T: What is your favorite piece of art you own?

Frohawk Two Feathers gave my husband and I a portrait of us as our wedding gift.. In his classic style, he has fashioned us as fictionalized historical characters, painted graphically on a hand-stretched hide. I loved it the moment I saw it.

 

Kids

R+T: What are your favorite places to shop for kids?

Poppy, Sweet William and Sugar on Snow.

R+T: What’s your favorite thing to do/place to go on the weekends with your little one?

The beach, Descanso Gardens and LACMA have been favorites so far. We also love taking her on hikes up Runyon Canyon.

R+T: What is your favorite restaurant to eat at with the whole family?

Jon & Vinny’s on Fairfax!

 

Shopping & Blogs

R+T: What are your favorite stores to shop for clothing?

Mohawk General Store, Creatures of Comfort, Barneys

R+T: What is your favorite city for shopping?

Los Angeles

R+T: What are your favorite sites for shopping?

Net-a-Porter, Kiosk, Kneeland Mercado

R+T: What are your favorite sites for recipes?

I find a lot of recipe inspiration on Pinterest.

R+T: What are your favorite blogs?

Closet Visit, Rip+Tan, Vogue.com, Ciao Domenica