Mosaic Tile House

How's this for a kitchen?

Yep, even the bathroom is tiled!

Did I dream this?

The house back in 1994 - pre mosaic tiles

One of my favorite things about the city of Los Angeles is that there are ENDLESS adventures to be had. I’m pretty sure I’ll need to live in this city for years and years to even scratch the surface of everything there is to do, see, and experience! Each and every weekend that I'm in town, I set my intention to discover or experience something new, and the Universe listened and responded to me loud and clear this past weekend. I am so happy to have discovered the Mosaic Tile House in Venice and was able to go on a tour with the lovely homeowners Cheri Pan and Gonzalo Duran. Cheri and Gonzalo are the the most adorable husband and wife in their 70’s, who are very much in love with their art, lives, and each other (Can you say all around #goals?). 

Cheri and Gonzalo moved into their house in Venice Beach back in 1994. What was once a regular ol’ bland house on the block is now a colorful and magical oasis, with almost every view-able inch, inside and out, covered in beautiful mosaic tiles of all shapes, colors, and designs. These creative folks started placing colorful mosaics in the bathroom twenty years ago, slowly began adding them into the kitchen cabinets and walls, and then tiles ended up covering almost the entire house, turning it into the most vibrant, unique, and eclectic house I've ever been inside. Every corner I turned, there was something interesting to see. The details and impeccable designs in each room were almost at times overwhelming to absorb.  I snapped pictures left and right and fell in love with the intricacy of it all.This home is a reflection of Cheri and Gonzalo's appreciation for art, their deep love for each other, and the colorful, quirky, one-of-a-kind personalities they both encompass. 

Gonzalo took me on a tour and explained the inspiration behind each area and room, personal stories from him & Cheri's past, and his love and appreciation for art of all forms. As with everything in life, Gonzalo mentioned that the home is a work in progress, and that they make additions to the designs often. This home has become a true treasure for the neighborhood and the community. Gonzalo shared that neighbors will oftentimes leave broken plates, teapots, and other ceramics on their doorstep to add to the home's collection. While on the tour and hearing these stories, Gonzalo's friendly spirit made it feel like I had known him for years and was stopping by to casually say hello. Cheri had the same magical spirit to her. When she told me she was 75 years old, I honestly couldn't believe her! She is so full of life, energy, and adventure. When I asked her what her secret was to aging well and maintaining her vibrant personality, she answered, "Exercise, art, and making love!" 

This is one of my most favorite adventures I've had in all of my Los Angeles explorations thus far, and I would highly recommend that any local Angelino or tourist pay this special place a visit as soon as possible! Here are the details in a nut shell:

• The Mosaic Tile House in located at 1116 Palms Blvd, Venice CA, 90291 (between Lincoln Blvd & Penmar Ave). 
• Parking is free on the street (but as always in LA, double check any posted signs before you park)
• Tours are made by appointment only, between 11am-3pm daily
• Tours cost $12 per person 
• To set up a tour, email mosaictilehouse@mac.com or call 310-399-1469
• Click HERE to visit the Mosaic Tile House website if you have any other questions!

Special thank you to Cheri and Gonzalo for an incredible tour and for being such kind souls.