After showing us around her early 20th-century craftsman home in Venice, L.A., Merchant Modern founder Denise Portmans shares her house style. 

You’re happiest at home when?
Well I just got a projector and watched a film outside last night, so probably when I’m sitting in the garden watching a movie. I watched Firda last night, it’s brilliant. 

How would you describe the interiors of your house? 
It’s always so subjective! Playful? … I don’t know… it’s stuff I’ve collected over the years. A lot of pieces are from my travels, and I guess there’s a lot of art and sculpture.

If you could only save one thing, what would it be?
My mum’s art: paintings and sculptures. 

What was the last thing you bought for the house? 
My projector!

Top three coffee table books?
Georgia O’Keeffe – there are tons of them. Luis Barragán. Just Kids by Patti Smith

If money was no object, what changes would you make?
I think I’d just plant 100 olive trees in my garden.

You’re having people over for dinner: what do you cook?
I’m vegan, so it’s a bit difficult. Pasta and salad.

What does a Sunday here look like?
I work on Sundays, but otherwise, it’s spent in the garden, and sometimes I might light a fire out there. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are my day offs, and normally I go out to the house in the desert. 

What are the best things about the neighbourhood?
All the houses are really different, so I love just walking around, looking at the different architecture. There are lots of trees and then there’s the beach.

Venice is kind of the Portobello Road of L.A.; Notting Hill on the beach is how I always describe it. It’s got that kind of aesthetic and feel.

How long will you be here for?
I don’t know… until I move! 

I’m dreaming about Europe at the moment; all I want to do is go back there.