Azar Fattahi and Lia McNairy, the creative minds behind LALA Reimagined, now share their expertise with Homes & Gardens as Editors-at-Large for By Design. They’re all about infusing homes with personality and exploring the art of mix-and-match style. Check out their articles here.
Last year was rough for Los Angeles, enduring one of the most catastrophic wildfire seasons recorded. It felt like the city was living a scene straight out of a disaster movie. There were sirens blaring, the Watch Duty app buzzing with urgent alerts, unpleasant smoke infiltrating our lives, and that strange amber haze that made everything appear a bit off. Then one night, an unsuspected life-altering fire near Mulholland forced me to evacuate on the spur of the moment.
I was completely caught off guard. I darted through the house, tossing out anything that seemed important—valuables, keepsakes, emotional tokens—without a second’s thought, entirely on instinct. Believe me, it was a terrifying experience I hope to never go through again. The following morning, my phone was non-stop with calls and texts. Friends, family, and neighbors had lost their homes overnight.
One loss hit particularly hard.
Tina, Azar’s cousin, had been wanting our help with her home’s design for years, but life somehow always got in the way—the usual timing clashes and busy schedules. And just like that, in one night, everything she held dear turned to ash: her cherished home, the nursery she had prepared for her soon-to-arrive baby boy, all gone.
In moments like that, the decisions we make are gut reactions. There was no time to hesitate—we had to jump in and help.
Finding a new home for Tina, her husband, and their newborn felt like a quest. We sought a place with spacious flow, solid bones, and the promise to foster a fresh start. Through the journey, we stayed mindful of budget constraints. When everything is stripped down to the basics, what truly matters becomes clearer. However, one thing that always holds true for us at LALA is that beauty doesn’t have to carry a hefty price tag. We thrive on mixing high and low in decor. We love scouring flea markets and getting imaginative in our choices. And of course—making everything fabulous.
The first steps of transformation began simply with paint. We clad the whole interior in Kashmir from Portola Paint, dialing it up to 100% brightness—richer, cozier, double the soul. Almost magically, the house seemed to breathe anew, ready to tell its new tale.
In the primary bedroom, we envisioned an intimate sanctuary—a retreat where two exhausted and healing parents could retreat after the day’s chaos. We chose Coda, another beautiful shade from Portola—moody, enveloping, exuding quiet luxury. This became a peaceful cocoon amidst the storms of rebuilding.
Experiencing such profound loss leads to swift clarity: a roof over your head becomes the single most important thing. The other stuff—the decor, the add-ons, the charm—can gradually be developed with thought and care. That’s where strategy gains significance. We always start by pinpointing essential pieces—items you can’t do without. More often than not, it’s the sofa that serves as this cornerstone. It influences the aesthetic proportions, colors, and level of comfort—it truly is the heart of the living area. Once we establish that base, other components become more restful and flexible. Chairs can come from vintage shops, flea markets, or in Tina’s situation, budget-friendly finds that can shine with great upholstery choices.
The bathrooms were an obstacle but also full of potential. Luxury isn’t just about costs; it’s also about sensibility, style, and purpose. We zeroed in on tones and shapes we adored, harvesting options determinedly, searching tirelessly for alternatives that exuded elegance without ruining the budget. The difference was palpable. The changes felt bespoke, timeless, and subtly upscale—a clear reminder that amazing design doesn’t need to break the bank.
At LALA, we believe every home has a story that should unfold willingly. We consider: what do we need right now? What can be temporarily borrowed, repurposed, or leased until the perfect furnishing joins the story? This moment to pause—to let the home breathe—is where the heart of the matter lives.
This particular home turned into a heartfelt project for us—a task of reconstruction that transcended walls and rooms and dove deep into crafting fresh memories, nurturing hope, and the delicate act of starting anew. While some elements can never be replaced, others—comfort, beauty, warmth, and meaning—can indeed be thoughtfully recreated.
Stay tuned for Part II of this unfolding story. Like all amazing transformations, the most impactful ones take time, intent, and genuine care. Tina’s story and the magic sewn into this home will be shared soon.
