When I finished decorating my second (and final) apartment in NYC, I declared it perfect. That’s when my husband said, “Let’s move to LA.” WHAT? I had no reason or desire to go to LA. I had the best job, amazing friends, and my entire family was in NYC. But one of the editors at Glamour—actually, two of them, Xanthipi Joannides and Felicia Milewicz—encouraged me to try something new, step out of my comfort zone, and have an adventure. I thought, Two years max!
At the time, I had three little boys, so I told my husband, “If you can find the school, babysitter, and house, then I’ll go.” I was working and didn’t have time to figure it all out—and you know what? He did it. He found everything.
I had never lived in a house before (where I was the responsible party), and I have to admit, my mother was not pleased because it was a three-bedroom, and there wouldn’t be space for her to stay with us. But the property was magical. The house itself, though, was outdated and smelled like a dead rodent. Still, I knew with a little vision, it could and would be a dream house. And so, I “Suzyfied” it. That’s how my friend Steve described it to my husband.
I never actually finished it. It was always a work in progress. But now that it’s gone, I want to remember every inch. And also, I want to return to DWOD to start reimagining my dream house.
Here I am, 14 years later, with a choice: move on or stay. I want to stay. I love LA, the Pacific Palisades, and the life I’ve built here. I’d love to be part of the next generation.
So, here’s to looking backwards and forwards at the same time. Over the next few weeks, I’ll post the makeover of the old house and then start incorporating things I’d love to see in the new one.
Did I mention the house was pink with green - First thing was to paint everything white!
