Indigo Seas
May 25, 2011
14 Comments RSS
“Joie de Vivre!”
Pretty much describes the owner and spirit behind Indigo Seas: founder and owner of the shop: Lynn von Kersting.
Lynn is the personification of the expression: ”Joie de vivre”. It means “joy in life”; it is a rare and beautiful thing! she is the walking ,talking epitome of it!
37 years ago……or something…..the little cottage that became the restaurant “The Ivy” was my very favorite fabric showroom. When the Pacific Design Center opened; all the little shops along Robertson Boulevard moved. Lynn and Richard first opened as a tiny “LA Desserts and the Ivy”.
Lynn decorated the Ivy thirty-five years ago; it has changed very little since, except growing in size and popularity. She was way, way ahead of her time. The weathered fence; the chintz cushions, the unusual art everywhere; she even put straw on the walls before she painted them. Way, way before “shabby chic” (now pretty much a cliche ); her look was and is original, colorful and joyful. When the patrons of the Ivy wanted the china, wanted the pillows; etc. She opened the delightful shop next door “Indigo Seas”.
Indigo Seas is my absolute favorite store in the world! I tell my assistants to study it. It is ” decorating graduate school”!! Indigo Seas will transport you to another era, another place, another way of life altogether. This shop is nothing short of amazing; and upon spending five seconds with the owner you will see why. I would describe her as exuberant, effulgent, excited, enthusiastic and oh so generous!!
Here is a shot of a corner of her store! look at the lampshade and its trim; the antique vases with roses from her garden, the mixture of pillow fabrics (many vintage; many other textiles meant for something else ,like Turkish blankets) And multi-colored starfish! People have tried to copy her; but it cannot be done. She is a true original!
This is a peek at the store, so much attention to detail in everything that she does! This is more that a home furnishing store, it is a way of life that we should all emulate! Her books and shop evoke something; the need to travel, live with color and beauty, be free, and most of all enjoy every minute of it!! She has a brilliant use of color and is not afraid to mix and match patterns and textures. Layer upon layer, it all just seems as if her store is a peek into someones carefully collected life. Beautiful artifacts and mementos from around the world, old books and photos, flowers cut fresh from her garden. Its no wonder why I find myself there for hours every time I say I’m just going to “stop in”. Don’t miss the blue upholstery tacks on the red and white striped chair!
If ever in Los Angeles, make it a point to stop in, 123 North Robertson Blvd. Be prepared to spend some time!
This is a house she did; with mixed florals on all the upholstered pieces, and I am obsessed with the tufting and use of turquoise beads on this ottoman! Totally original! Artists’ pallets hanging on the wall!
These crocheted pillows are done over eye-popping colors, and I love how the fringe cascades! Perfect to revamp any area and brighten things up!
Here is a look inside La Dolce Isola; Lynn’s books are filled with recipes and delicious fresh foods and drinks, Yum!
This is a shot from Lynn’s new book of Lynn and Richard’s semi-new restaurant La Dolce Isola. They offer daily specials and delicious desserts!! Always a favorite place to stop for lunch when I am in L.A. More casual than the Ivy; same delicious food!!!
2869 South Robertson Blvd.
All pictures above are from Lynn’s two books:
AMORE E GIOIA SOTTO IL SOLE
and
LA STRADA DELLA DOLCE VITA
Please call Indigo Seas to order your copy, they are not available online!
(310) 550.8758
a lovely present from Lynn ! Imagine receiving this in the mail!!
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Cathy Tyner
Favorite everything always!
Thx!
May 25, 2011 @ 8:38 PM
Dovecote Decor
Hi Penny: I will put this on my list for my next visit to L.A. I will see Hutton, Brooke,my cousins in Santa Barbara, you (I hope), and new French Basketeer friend Andrea, who is coincidentally an H.C. mom. I’ve got two weeks in Long Island and maybe be set for early September when my daughter leaves for the Sorbonne! I saw Oprah’s last show this afternoon. What a Woman! Tears were sneaking out of the corners of my eyes. I’ll add you to my Carrier Dove section. Will you add me to your blog roll?
Best,
Liz
May 25, 2011 @ 9:55 PM
Kris
What a lovely shop with plenty of beautiful eye catching colors and objects and how sweet of her to send you a box of goodies.
Thanks for sharing.
May 26, 2011 @ 1:47 AM
Kathy Avakian
This place rocks! I love the boldness of the colors ~pure genius! Plan to spend an afternoon, eat lunch at the Ivy next door, visit Indigo Seas and the Ralph Lauren Home store is close to it too.
May 26, 2011 @ 1:40 PM
B.
Added to my list of “must visits” great post and the colors make your heart just sing…don’t they?
Bette
May 28, 2011 @ 4:27 PM
Marietta Kelt
Besides you, one of my favorite women EVER!
Just a thought…… do a blog on Sea Meadow! You should be proud of all that you did here.
XO
M
Jun 01, 2011 @ 2:31 PM
Cathy Tyner
Lynn reminds me of you….
talented & thoughtful in every way!
Perfect blog!
Jun 01, 2011 @ 7:27 PM
RebeccaG
Thank you for this beautiful post. I love this store, and The Ivy. I could spend hours in Indigo Seas as well. I want to go to La Dolce Isola too, as well as The Ivy at the Shore. Wish I could see Lynn’s home!
Jul 08, 2011 @ 4:55 AM
penelopebi
If you “google” Lynn Von Kersting; I think you will find pictures of her lovely, breathtaking house!
Otherwise; call her at the store…..and ask to order her two books. They are filled with pictures of her house and other magical spaces she has created for others!
Jul 08, 2011 @ 7:29 AM
Doreen Carlson
Visited a friends home (Madelyn McCall) in Paradise Valley, Arizona about a year ago. OMG, the most beautiful furniture ever! I can’t tell you how many antique french chandeliers and table chandeliers (french girandoles) she had. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! She is an awesome decorator and she told me that she bought alot from Indigo Seas, flea markets and antique shops. She told me about Lynn Von Kersting and her store. Then showed me her books. I love La Strada Della Dolce Vita, Lynn Von Kerstings store in Los Angeles, but to be honest, my friends home (Madelyn) is more towards the french antiques. It’s got alot of mixed florals, stripes and french antique furniture. Her kitchen and family room are black and white mixed with florals and lots of gold gilded items. Ugh is it rich looking. I bought blue opaline vases from Indigo Seas. I’d love to purchase some chairs, but the store is VERY PRICEY! You can find the same things at the flea market in Pasadena which is the last or third weekend of each month. Check it out! Also, check your local antique shops. If you live here in Texas, you know the hot ones. You’ll always see me there.
Take care ya all! <3 Doreen xoxoxoxxx
Dec 28, 2011 @ 9:44 PM
paris mode
Beautiful blog and great photos!!!
Mar 01, 2012 @ 10:37 PM
blogs fashion
awesome outfit!
Mar 02, 2012 @ 12:23 PM
Madelyne McCall
Today 1/18/2013 we are in LA! Having sooo much fun. Went shopping at West Elm and my other fabulous favorite Indigo Seas! It’s sensory overload walking in. If you want to see Lynn’s great interior design call them and order her book “LA STRADA DELLA DOLCE”. I was in the store for 2 hours and 38 minutes to be exact. Walked out with a French antique table, 2 gorgeous club chairs she just put out, of course a chandelier and outdoor candelabras. Ugh I LOVE ANTIQUES. LUV THEM
Jan 18, 2013 @ 8:09 PM
Penelope Bianchi
Delightful!!!!
Jan 19, 2013 @ 1:33 PM