An elegant mid-century house, tucked privately into the hills of Los Angeles is the home to artist, writer, and cook Julia Sherman and her family. Julia's love of building connection through food, extended from her personal project Salad for President, reverberates into her everyday life. Her home hosts experiences that are fundamental to their wellbeing: an edible garden, a practical kitchen, space for parties and "baby raves". This is a home that is rich in living. 

We recently spent the afternoon with Julia and her children at home—birthday balloons still floating, little feet darting across our Oatmeal Basket Weave Rug. A scene filled with the kind of everyday joy and warmth that reminds us of cooking for those we love.

What food memory comes to mind when you think of oatmeal?  

I was the only person who could convince my husband to like oatmeal, because I make a very exciting version, with lots of cardamom, coconut milk, tons of crunchy nuts and dried fruits. It was a coup. Now, my son asks for "Oot-meal" every morning, and it makes my heart sing.

What was it about the Basket Weave that appealed to you? 

We love the color of our floors — bleached 60's parquet, that turned out to be this lovely, muted blonde. We wanted something that almost blended in with that, but added a contrasting texture which the Basket Weave provided.

How would you describe your home? 

It's a mid-century modern treehouse.

How do you enjoy your time in this space, and has the rug changed or enhanced this experience at all? 

This is the space in the house that starts out orderly and minimal, and easily explodes into kid-chaos. We love that. It's where we have baby-raves with our fog machine and lasers, it's where we do winter indoor picnics as a family, and it's where my son was circumcised (lol). I can't say I spend much, if any, time laying on the couch, but this is the space where our life unfolds. 

What are some of your fundamentals in life; things you cannot go without, or that shape your daily routines? 

Music, it's always playing. I don't understand a silent home. My garden: it's as close as I can get to a mindfulness practice, and it feeds us too, which is an invaluable plus. 

Why is it important to have hand crafted objects and elements around you? 

They are a sign of a life well led. I have an ever-expanding collection of ceramics, and every time I use a piece, I remember a time, a place, a person. I honestly can't imagine my life without them. 

Credits:

Julia Sherman: Instagram & Website

Photography & Videography by Greta van der Star: Instagram

Special thanks to Yasmine Ganley and Julia Sherman for bringing this project to life with us.