Kicking back with the Grand Slam champion turned furniture designer
Words by THE C MAGAZINE EDITORS
Where do you call home?
Southern California for the beauty of coastal surroundings and the restaurants.
Where do you feel most zen?
In my bedroom. I splurged on a Hästens mattress many years ago and it is one of the best investments I’ve made.
Favorite interior designer?
Courtney Applebaum is a dear friend. We collaborated on my L.A. home from the ground up.
Favorite interiors store?
Seventh House Gallery for Courtney’s terra cotta wall sconces, Galerie Half for its beautiful reupholstered stools, The Tropics in West Hollywood for plants and weathered patina pots, Fetneh Blake in Laguna Beach for the Astier de Villatte selection of ceramics.
Can you describe your Rove collaboration?
I designed the pieces to complement all styles, whether you have a traditional or modern aesthetic. The coffee table is my personal favorite. The sofa is a cozy, versatile piece that looks great in a sitting room or can be used as a bed. There’s one in my son’s nursery.
What do you wear to relax?
The Great’s matching sweatpants and sweatshirt.
What do you wear to dress up?
The Row trousers and trench coats. Gabriela Hearst knits. For travel, Studio Nicholson oversize pants, a Toteme white T-shirt, and Wolf & Shepherd slip-ons. Anine Bing and Levi’s for denim.
Favorite hike?
Will Rogers Park because it’s closest to where I take my lunch meetings. In Santa Barbara I’ll do the Cold Spring Trail Loop.
Favorite beach? Why?
Palos Verdes Bluff Cove. It’s a beautiful spot for a picnic.
Favorite relaxing California getaway?
Santa Ynez in the spring. The drive is spectacular, and I love stopping off at Cold Spring Tavern, S.Y. Kitchen, and Bell’s.
Favorite restaurant?
The sushi counter at Shunji and ordering the Omakase menu.
Favorite workout?
I do strength training on the Tonal twice a week because it’s in my home and saves a lot of time. I’ll do a 30-minute Ballet Beautiful workout on YouTube if I’m in a rush.
Favorite spa treatment?
Surya Spa for the healing Panchakarma treatments — I try to do it annually for a week as a body reset. Or Tomoko Japanese Spa for a treat with friends.
What book are you reading?
Adam Grant’s Hidden Potential.
Favorite musician to help you relax?
Max Richter.
Favorite podcast?
All-In or Masters of Scale. I like informative podcasts that have a playful side.
What’s your mantra?
Strong body, strong mind.
Shop The Maria Collection at roveconcepts.com.
This story originally appeared in the Fashionable Living 2023 issue of C Magazine.
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