Long Beach, CA March 2026

BEATRIX WHIPPLE

Meet Beatrix

Beatrix Whipple is a top-producing real estate agent and founder of The Whipple Group, an all-female team based in Long Beach, California. With over 23 years of experience, she’s known for her strategic mindset, sharp negotiation skills, and unwavering commitment to client service.

Her approach is equal parts data-driven and human-centered. She helps sellers maximize value through smart preparation and innovative marketing, and guides buyers with clarity and purpose at every step. Whether it’s a first-time purchase, a luxury listing, or an investment property, Beatrix brings expert insight and a calm, confident hand.

Connection is at the core of her work building lasting relationships with clients, cultivating community ties, and showing up with purpose long after the transaction ends. As a mentor and team leader, she’s created a collaborative, highperformance culture where women in real estate thrive.

Her impact goes beyond sales, she’s redefining what it

THE LONG BEACH DENTIST

Our practice philosophy has been heavily influenced by Dr. Grella’s grandfather, who was a dentist for 40 years and always followed the Golden Rule: He never recommended dental treatments to patients that he would not believe in recommending for himself, and Dr. Grella upholds this same standard at his practice.

Dr. Grella has been practicing dentistry for over 15 years and he has extensive training from the Navy where he did his residency and active military duty.

Our office also has over 700 Google reviews... our patients LOVE our office and you will never find a dentist who is more passionate about Dentistry than Dr. Grella.

We promise if you come to our office you will love your experience and feel right at home.

Farewell, Kat.

As you turn the pages of our March Home issue, I hope you feel the same sense of warmth, inspiration, and pride that went into creating it. There is truly so much great content to explore in these pages — stories that celebrate the people, spaces, and businesses that make Long Beach feel like home.

This issue, however, also marks a meaningful transition for Long Beach City Lifestyle.

After our first year in publication, we are saying farewell to our founding editor, Kat Schuster — an invaluable part of our small but mighty team since day one. Kat has edited every single issue from cover to cover since our inaugural February 2025 launch, written dozens of thoughtful and engaging articles, and shown up again and again to support our brand at events, shoots and everything in between.

She was always open to trying something new (yes, even Brunch Chats with Atira and Kat  — which didn’t quite pop off like we thought it would, but hey, we tried!). That willingness to experiment, collaborate, and grow alongside the magazine helped shape the voice and heart of Long Beach City Lifestyle in its earliest and most important stages.

Beyond her professional contributions, Kat has also been a dear friend of mine for the past four years. Building something from the ground up is no small task, and having someone by your side who believes in the vision, puts in the work, and brings both talent and heart to the table makes all the difference.

Kat, thank you for everything you’ve poured into this magazine and into this community. You will always be a part of our story.

With gratitude,

ATIRA RODRIGUEZ, PUBLISHER @LONGBEACHCITYLIFESTYLE

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Atira Rodriguez | atira.rodriguez@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kat Schuster | kat.schuster@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Nirav Solanki | mail@niravsolanki.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Chef Melissa Ramsay

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Gia Silva

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

3:5-6

CA1

Bring The Indoors OUT

At Inside Out Design, we specialize in reimagining your outdoor areas. Whether you want to enhance your garden, patio, or backyard, our exterior design services will turn these spaces into beautiful, inviting extensions of your home.

YMCA youth sports programs provide a fun and inclusive environment for children to learn and play sports. The focus is on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship rather than competition. Kids have the opportunity to try out various sports and develop a love for being active. The programs are designed to build confidence, encourage physical activity, and promote healthy habits that can last a lifetime. With experienced coaches and a supportive atmosphere, YMCA youth sports are an excellent way for kids to stay active and have fun.

city scene

2026 State of the City, Jan 13th | 1: Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jeremy Harris. 2: From left: Kris Gragson (GK Media), Blair Cohn (Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association) and Robb Smith (Alley Cat Deliveries). 3: Monica Garcia, The AES Corporation. 4: From left: Jax Diener (Watch Me! Sports Bar) and Joanie Dixson (Farmers & Merchants Bank). 5: Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Chair of the Board Heather Summers (LBS Financial). 6: Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Team. 7: Mayor Rex Richardson.

(310) 691-8161

At UltraCare Home Care Services, we are dedicated to providing exceptional non-medical home care services in LA County and parts of Orange County. Our professional team offers personalized home care solutions tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring comfort and peace of mind for both clients and their families. Get started today by booking a no charge home assessment and experience the UltraCare difference in in-home senior care.

business monthly

New Paris Baguette Location Opens at The Pike

Paris Baguette is now open at The Pike Outlets, located between Kalaveras and The Auld Dubliner. This neighborhood bakery café serves fresh-baked pastries, baguette sandwiches, coffee drinks and signature cakes. Franchisee Nina Hoque, who also owns several Wingstops including both Long Beach locations, brings her hospitality expertise to this venture and plans to open another Paris Baguette in Norwalk.

City Breaks Ground at Long Beach Amphitheater

Long Beach celebrated the groundbreaking of the Long Beach Amphitheater, a $21 million waterfront venue near the Queen Mary set to open summer 2026. The west coast’s largest waterfront amphitheater will host up to 40 major concerts annually, managed by Legends Global. Funded by Tidelands Funds and repaid through venue profits, it’s expected to generate $2.5-3 million annually. Confirmed acts include Mötley Crüe, TOTO and Five Finger Death Punch.

Sweetgreen Opens New Location in Long Beach

Sweetgreen opened its first Long Beach restaurant on Jan. 20 in the Marketplace at 2nd Street and Pacific Coast Highway. Known for customizable salads, seasonal bowls and a health-focused fast-casual concept, the eatery will operate daily from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. The opening celebration included giveaways and local nonprofit support. The new location sits just west of Trader Joe’s, bringing a fresh, healthy option to East Long Beach.

Whether you’re after a midcentury side table or an Art Deco lamp, start here.

Editor’s Picks: Long Beach’s Best Vintage Furniture Shops

When I’m looking for vintage furniture or décor in Long Beach, these are the spots I return to again and again, places where I know I’ll find something unexpected, well-preserved and worth building a room around.

ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER

Urban Americana

Urban Americana is a go-to destination for vintage furniture and home décor in Long Beach, offering a sprawling 16,000-square-foot midcentury warehouse filled with one-of-a-kind finds. The space features more than 40 independent dealers, each bringing their own curated mix of furniture, antiques and décor. Shoppers will find a wide range of styles, from midcentury modern and farmhouse to vintage industrial and bold, eclectic pieces. Urban Americana offers flexible delivery options within 100 miles of the warehouse and can arrange white-glove shipping for customers outside the area.

1345 Coronado Ave.

This Downtown Long Beach staple is the place to go for eclectic antiques and retro finds, housed in a 7,000-square-foot showroom packed with character. The shop offers a wide-ranging mix of artisan décor, quality furniture from multiple eras, vintage linens, kitchenware and a rotating selection of collectibles. Shoppers can browse everything from 1950s nostalgia and sleek 1960s midcentury modern pieces to groovy 1970s décor and playful ‘80s and ‘90s kitsch. The store also features rhinestone jewelry, true vintage clothing, vinyl records, barware, California pottery, historic Long Beach memorabilia and an ever-changing assortment of mantiques and rock ‘n’ roll ephemera.

737 Pine Ave.

Long Beach Vintage Etc.  Xcape Modern Vintage Shop

For nearly 25 years, this Long Beach shop has specialized in carefully curated vintage midcentury modern furniture and housewares. The independent shop on Retro Row sources standout pieces in excellent condition, many of which have been professionally restored, making it a go-to spot for design lovers and collectors alike. Inside you’ll find classic indoor and outdoor midcentury modern furnishings, everything from iconic seating and tables to outdoor patio pieces that can be customized to fit your space.

2236 East 4th St.

BY GIA SILVA

ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER | PHOTOGRAPHY

GIA SILVA,

PRESIDENT

OF INTI REALTY, ON WHAT MAKES A HOME — AND A COMMUNITY WORTH STAYING IN.

‘EVERYTHING AT HOME’

HAPPENS

For Gia Silva, real estate was never just a career path — it was something that unfolded naturally, rooted in place, memory and community.

“I was born in Lima, Peru, and my family migrated straight to Long Beach,” Silva said. “So when we migrated, that’s all we knew. All we knew was Long Beach.”

“Everything happens at home. The magic, the fights, the births, the graduations, the birthdays.”

— GIA SILVA, PRESIDENT, INTI REALTY

That sense of belonging has guided her through more than two decades in real estate. Silva first earned her license at 18 years old and later became a broker, building her business in the same city where she went to school, rented homes with her family and learned what it meant to feel grounded.

“Starting in Long Beach was just a given,” she said. “I love Long Beach.”

Silva’s approach to real estate is deeply informed by market intelligence and an insistence on understanding clients as individuals, not transactions. When asked how she evaluates the housing market, she’s quick to dismiss oversimplified answers.

“The worst answer you can give is ‘it’s great, you should buy. It’s great, you should sell,’” Silva said.

Instead, she emphasizes supply and demand, explaining that months of inventory tell a far clearer story than headlines or national trends. “What happens in your backyard is going to affect you much more,” she said.

Looking ahead, Silva sees the Long Beach market continuing along a steady, healthy path.

“We’re going to see appreciation continue, just slower than earlier years,” she said. “To me, that’s a very healthy market.”

But numbers are only part of the picture. For Silva, homes are emotional spaces — places where lives unfold.

“Everything happens at home,” she said. “The magic, the fights, the births, the graduations, the birthdays.”

That belief shapes how she markets properties, particularly in Long Beach’s tightly defined neighborhoods. In one recent Los Altos listing, Silva took over a home that had sat on the market for months.

“If you don’t understand the parameters and those borders of Long Beach, you’re not going to understand how to market it,” she said. “You’re not going to understand how to present it.”

By reframing the home’s story — emphasizing schools, walkability and community — and investing

in partial staging, Silva helped generate eight offers in just days.

“The goal was just to get more eyes on the property and more people walking through the door,” she said. Community, she believes, is becoming increasingly important to buyers.

“People want to be in a neighborhood that feels like a community,” Silva said.

She sees this reflected in the growing interest in accessory dwelling units — not as rentals, but as multigenerational solutions.

“That will help bring grandma over,” she said. “That will help the mother-in-law. That will help the child that’s going to college.”

At home, Silva practices what she believes.

She lives in a Long Beach home that she describes as “warm,” “cozy,” and “peaceful,” filled with plants and mid-century touches. “Home should be a place that you want to come to,” she said.

Her connection to Long Beach extends into her daily routines. A dedicated runner, Silva moves through the city at sunrise, logging miles at Marine Stadium and Colorado Lagoon.

“Running has been the thing that I always do around the city,” she said.

That rhythm inspired her YouTube channel “Gia Silva - Living in Long Beach” and her “Get Localized” video series, where she runs through neighborhoods highlighting local spots, pricing trends and community feel. “It’s a big city, but it feels like a small town,” Silva said.

Looking ahead, her goal remains simple. “Help more families in Long Beach,” she said. “Buying a home is one of the biggest milestones you’ll ever have.”

And the key, she insists, always comes back to curiosity.

“Asking you the right questions is what’s going to bring the best advice and the best custom strategies I can offer,” Silva said. “It’s like a big puzzle — and I put all the pieces together.”

Mid-century vision meets waterfront prestige at The Colonnade

The HOUSE FORD Built

ARTICLE BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ

“THIS TRULY IS ONE OF THE most iconic AND distinguished HOMES IN ALL OF NAPLES.”

—Ben Fisher

Among the distinguished waterfront estates that define Naples Island, few properties carry the historical weight and architectural significance of 15 The Colonnade. Listed at $10.25 million, this 6,182-squarefoot residence isn’t just a home — it’s a piece of Long Beach history, built in 1948 for Ford Motor Company executives visiting the city to establish dealerships during the postwar boom.

“This truly is one of the most iconic and distinguished homes in all of Naples,” said Ben Fisher of the Ben Fisher Team, who holds the listing alongside John Stanaland, whose firm specializes in Orange County coastal estates.

The partnership extends the property’s reach from LA’s beach communities to South Orange County’s luxury market, maximizing exposure for what Fisher calls “a one of a kind property for all of the city.”

The home’s corporate origins shaped its distinctive layout. Every bedroom features an en suite bathroom — a rarity for the era — designed to accommodate visiting executives. The grand entertaining spaces tell the same story: a soaring 20-foot entry opens to what was essentially a ballroom, complete with a marble fireplace and an original walk-in wet bar finished in gold leaf walls. Even the mosaic tile floor carries a playful nod to its purpose, featuring a rooster motif — a “cocktail” bar, Fisher explained with a laugh.

Designed by architect George M. Montierth, the estate embodied a forward-thinking aesthetic.

“It was sort of a futuristic version of what came later,” Fisher noted. “It was built in the late ‘40s, but it speaks to the mid-century of the ‘50s. That was a cutting-edge house in 1948 — ahead of the curve.”

The home anticipated the mid-century modern movement that would define California architecture in the following decade.

The property’s physical presence matches its historical pedigree. Spanning five consecutive lots with 135 feet of open-water dock frontage, it occupies a singular position at the convergence of Alamitos Bay, the Rivo Alto Canal and The Colonnade Park.

“It’s not a thing” to find this much space in Naples, Fisher emphasized. The open-water docks require no bridge clearance, a significant advantage for serious yachtsmen, while Colonnade Park — maintained CONTINUED >

“THAT WAS A cutting-edge HOUSE IN 1948 — AHEAD OF THE curve.”

—Ben Fisher

by the city — essentially functions as an extension of the property’s front yard.

“It kind of is like an island of its own,” Fisher said. “When you’re in the middle of that property at the pool, you don’t know where you are. It’s the craziest thing.”

The courtyard design creates complete privacy despite the urban island setting, with only two neighbors and no properties looking directly in. The effect feels less like a city dwelling and more like a private resort.

Throughout its 77 years, the home has retained its original character — the gold leaf walls, the cocktail bar with its mosaic rooster, the expansive entertaining spaces. Two primary suites, one with its own marble fireplace, offers luxurious retreats with walk-in closets and vanity rooms. A guest house and workshop complete the compound.

Original gold leaf walls and glass shelving define the estate’s dramatic walk-in cocktail bar.

Fisher envisions a buyer who “appreciates the uniqueness and personality of this home” while bringing their own vision to it. For the right buyer, 15 The Colonnade offers something increasingly rare: a property with genuine provenance, architectural distinction and irreplaceable waterfront positioning that, as Fisher puts it, “has to be experienced.”

To schedule a private tour, contact Ben Fisher at 714-376-0782 or Ben@BenFisherTeam.com .

FROM THE SIMS to interior design

Jennifer Morehouse has been designing homes since she was 10 years old — even if she didn’t realize it at the time.

“I started by playing The Sims,” Morehouse said of the early 2000s PC game, which allowed players to design virtual homes, create characters and shape entire neighborhoods through simulated everyday life.

What began as a game became a foundation for a career built on storytelling, technical expertise and empathy. Morehouse, now a fully fledged interior designer, believes homes should reflect the lives lived inside them — not just look good in photos.

“They say interior design is storytelling,” she said. “When you look at a house, you can tell who lives there. That’s how our houses tell stories about us.”

Morehouse’s professional journey into interior design began in 2013 at Long Beach City College, following a major turning point in her life.

“At the time, I was an ex-felon and a drug addict,” she said. “My dad offered to help me pay for going back to school, and I just totally lit up. I couldn’t believe that he still believed in me.”

Motivated to make him proud, Morehouse excelled academically.

“So I graduated with the highest honors and as valedictorian,” she said. “First ever architecture valedictorian at Long Beach City College.”

She later earned a professional degree in interior design, gaining deep training in space planning, building codes, construction documentation and branding. While her education initially steered her toward corporate design work, residential design ultimately pulled her back.

“Residential design will always be my first love,” she said.

After freelancing on a residential ADU project, Morehouse realized she could combine technical rigor with personal connection. Later, a demanding role designing model homes sharpened her construction documentation skills — a turning point she credits with fueling her business’s growth.

“They turned me into a really good machine for construction documentation,” she said. “I think that is why my business started to take off.”

Today, Morehouse’s approach begins not with finishes or colors, but with listening.

“The cool thing about clients that live in their homes is they know better than I do what’s working for them and what’s not,” she said. “I just spend the first hour listening to all the things in their house that are causing them friction.”

That friction often comes from outdated layouts, especially kitchens.

“I want to know what recipes you like. I want to know what fashion you’re into, what cars you like, where you want to travel,” she said. “I need to know everything about you.”

Her philosophy of home is rooted in sensory experience — an idea influenced by designer Ilse Crawford.

“Interiors are about our senses,” Morehouse said. “People don’t want it to smell bad. They don’t want it to be loud. They don’t want it to be hot. They don’t want it to be itchy or harsh.”

“When you look at a house, you can tell who lives there. That’s how our houses tell stories about us.”

— Jennifer Morehouse

“Homes weren’t designed for the way that people live now,” she said.

For Morehouse, function always comes before aesthetics.

“We always start with space planning and eliminating that friction,” she said. “The style gets applied afterwards.”

Once function is restored, she builds a visual narrative using an in-depth mood board.

Lighting, she says, plays a powerful role.

“You can get everything right, and if the lighting is wrong, it changes everything,” she said.

Morehouse’s recovery journey continues to shape her values as a business owner. She is committed to hiring people with barriers to employment and volunteers with Defy Ventures, which supports formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs.

“Having someone tell me that they believe in me enough to help pay for my education was everything,” she said. “I hope to have the opportunity to do that for other people.”

Asked what brings her the most fulfillment today, Morehouse doesn’t hesitate.

“My favorite part is showing clients the renderings the first time,” she said. “They feel understood. They feel like it’s coming to fruition.”

Contact Morehouse Crafted Interiors at 949-6922050 or jennifer@morehousecraftedinteriors.com

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction

FROM THE GROUND UP

BY KAT SCHUSTER

Long before Ricardo Caballero held a contractor’s license or ran his own company, he learned the value of hard work the old-fashioned way — by showing up early and getting his hands dirty.

“I tell younger guys, learn a trade. Take it seriously. There’s value in knowing how to build something with your hands.”

Caballero grew up on job sites alongside his father, an independent flooring contractor who believed that work ethic was something you learned by doing. While other kids spent summers at the beach or amusement parks, Caballero spent his days hauling materials, watching installs and absorbing lessons that would shape his future.

“I’ve been around construction my whole life,” Caballero said. “Ever since I was a young kid, all the way through high school. If I had summer break, I was going to work. I was going to go learn.”

That early exposure instilled discipline, resilience and a respect for craftsmanship — values that still guide Caballero today as the owner of CA1 Construction, a full-service construction company serving Long Beach and surrounding communities.

Caballero officially launched CA1 Construction in 2020, but his journey into the trade began long

before that. He started in flooring before expanding his skills across multiple trades, eventually pursuing a career in electrical work. He completed a formal apprenticeship and rose through the ranks as a state-certified journeyman electrician, gaining experience on large-scale commercial projects as well as residential homes.

“Growing up through the union, I’ve seen a lot of projects go up — from the bottom to the finish,” he said. “I know what a good product looks like, and I know what to look for.”

Today, CA1 Construction offers a wide range of services, from electrical work and structural upgrades to full kitchen and bathroom remodels. Caballero prides himself on doing things by the book and surrounding himself with skilled, certified professionals.

“My name is everything to me,” he said. “I don’t go out there and do half jobs or cut corners. If we open

up a wall and there’s something unexpected, we address it the right way.”

That commitment extends beyond the final result to how a job site is treated day to day. Cleanliness, respect and professionalism are non-negotiable.

“You can do the best job in the world, but if you leave trash everywhere, that’s what people remember,” Caballero said. “This is their house. You have to respect their house.”

Caballero is known for being hands-on, often working alongside his crew and mentoring younger tradespeople. Teaching, he said, is part of the responsibility that comes with experience.

“Especially being a certified electrician, you have the ability to pass that knowledge down,” he said. “I tell younger guys, learn a trade. Take it seriously. There’s value in knowing how to build something with your hands.”

Outside of work, Caballero’s life is equally full. He is an active father, spending much of his free time supporting his 16-year-old daughter, a student-athlete at Los Alamitos High School.

“I’m very active in my children’s lives,” he said. “Between practices, games and school, it keeps me busy — but that’s important to me.”

Faith is another cornerstone of Caballero’s life. He attends Compass Bible Church in Long Beach, where he volunteers regularly and helps with event setup and community activities.

“I serve there,” he said. “Whether it’s morning setup or helping out where needed, I believe in showing up.”

That sense of service also carries into his business relationships. Caballero believes construction is ultimately about trust — listening to clients, being transparent and building long-term relationships rather than chasing quick wins.

“It’s not even about the money for me,” he said. “It’s about the relationship. I want customers to feel like I’m there to serve their needs.”

From those early days on job sites with his father to running his own company, Caballero’s approach has remained consistent: work hard, do it right and take pride in the process.

“All that knowledge from growing up — that’s what got me here,” he said. “It didn’t happen overnight. You just stay patient, stay consistent and keep going.”

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 6TH

A Night of Mostly Comedy

Long Beach Playhouse | 8:00 PM

As part of the 2026 Studio Collaborative Season, Long Beach Playhouse presents “A Night of Mostly Comedy,” a mixed bill of eight short plays by Rick Reischman, blending comedy and drama across varied styles.

MARCH 7TH

Literary Women Festival of Authors

Long Beach Convention Center

Literary Women of Long Beach’s Festival of Authors returns March 7 to the Long Beach Convention Center, featuring author talks, book signings, and literary-themed goods.

MARCH 8TH

Evening Exhale At Hotel Maya With The Den Meditation

Hotel Maya | 5:30 PM

Join a welcoming weekly meditation session with tea and mingling before class, offering calm, connection and renewal. Open to beginners and experienced practitioners alike, no prior experience required.

MARCH 13TH

The Humorist Mark Twain

Long Beach Playhouse | 8:00 PM

As part of the 2026 Studio Collaborative Season, Long Beach Playhouse presents a one-man performance drawing on Mark Twain’s writings to explore politics, racism, religion and human nature with wit and insight.

MARCH 13TH

Night Dive at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Aquarium of the Pacific | 7:30 PM

This adults-only Night Dive at the Aquarium of the Pacific features DJs, live music at the Honda Blue Cavern, art installations and cash bars.

MARCH 15TH

The Art Theatre of Long Beach 2025 Red Carpet Awards

Long Beach Art Theatre | 2:30 PM

The Art Theatre of Long Beach hosts its annual Oscars fundraiser, featuring a live Academy Awards screening, food and drinks, prizes, and auction items supporting the historic cinema.

Want to be featured?

TONE + TEXTURE

STYLE YOUR HOME IN TONES AND TEXTURES WITH DESIGN HELP FROM HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS

ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

WOVEN + KNOTTED

LIVING BOHO-CHIC WITH WOVEN TEXTURES AND MACRAMÉ

Decorate your space with handmade textures such as the modern, maker revival of 1970s macramé and year-round tropical feel of wicker. MACRAMÉ Made through knotting instead of weaving, macramé can add a unique touch in many various ways. Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill suggests incorporating it as nursery decor, plant hangers, wall hangings and modern fiber arts. WICKER According to Houzz contributor Yanic Simard, “the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space... Look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.”

AGAINST THE GRAIN

TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS

Houzz contributor Katie Treggiden offers many ways to incorporate natural materials and natural-state timber into your home, including using wood to cover one wall in a home for a pleasing accent wall; featuring your firewood as a striking, stacked display; and mixing different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. “A simple way to incorporate the wood trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present in your home,” Katie says. “Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.”

BRIGHTS + WHITES

ADDING TASTEFUL POPS OF COLOR TO YOUR WHITE ROOM

Do you feel like your all-white room is missing something? Houzz contributor Kelly Porter bets what’s missing is energy.

“The best way to add a spark to any space,” she says, “is with bright color.”

Kelly says green is one of the easiest colors to live with, looking organic even in its more vivid tones.

“When searching for the perfect bright green, think springtime—fresh green grass and newly sprouted leaves,” she says. “These greens have lively undertones that will look comfortable and warm in your white space.

Other colors Kelly recommends adding as accents are yellow, royal blue, orange, blue-purple, red-purple and sky blue.

INGREDIENTS:

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Ganache

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams), cut into cubes

• 6 ounces dark chocolate, 45-70% (170 grams), finely chopped

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 large egg yolk, discard the egg white

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder, not coffee ground

• 1/3 cup cocoa powder (33 grams)

Flourless Perfection: INDULGENCE MEETS MINDFUL ENTERTAINING

ARTICLE BY CHEF MELISSA RAMSAY

• 6 ounces dark chocolate (170 grams)

• 1/3 cup heavy cream (80 ml

DIRECTIONS:

Flourless Chocolate Cake

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides. Add the butter and finely chopped chocolate to a large heatproof bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds on medium power. Remove from the microwave and stir. Repeat the process until melted and smooth. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly, then whisk in the sugar.

2. In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the 3 large eggs and additional egg yolk. Then whisk the eggs and vanilla into the chocolate mixture.

3. Add the cocoa, instant espresso powder, and salt into the chocolate mixture. Whisk together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Place in the middle of the oven and bake for 24-28 minutes, or until the top is set and an inserted toothpick comes out clean or with a few damp crumbs. Cool the cake in the pan. Take a thin knife and trace around the edges of the pan while the cake is still warm.

Chocolate Ganache

1. Finely chop the chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl.

2. Heat the cream until almost boiling - either in a double boiler over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals on medium power.

3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let sit for 3-5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. If the chocolate hasn’t entirely melted, microwave for 30 seconds on medium power, then whisk until smooth. Repeat the process as needed.

4. Ensure the cake is fully cooled. Carefully insert the cake pan and remove the cake. You may need to lightly tap the bottom of the pan to help remove the cake. Peel back the baking paper from the bottom of the cake and place on the serving dish.

Welcome everyone to your table with this sophisticated yet simple dessert that makes home entertaining effortlessly elegant and delicious.

5. Pour the chocolate ganache on top of the cake and spread with a flat knife.