Rudy Van Zyl plays with his dogs in his yard, Los Angeles, CA

In Southern California, Jennifer and Rudy Van Zyl bought a "medallion" home. Built in the 1950s as a "home of the future," it was one of the first all-electric homes in the area. Its Hollywood star power comes from the fact that it used to be owned by actress Ava Gardner. The two-level 3,000 square foot home, designed by architect Edward Ficket, still has its original stone fireplace and an art collection collected from the couple's world travels. But the jewel of the home is their sunken Japanese soaking tub, which highlights the downstairs master bath.

Purchasing information is not available for these pieces collected on the couple's travels:
Korean armoire, $300
Korean antique coffee table, $500
Swedish vintage chair, $500
Steamboat dining table, $2,000
Table, $300

• Ottoman, $60
  Pottery Barn
  San Francisco
  888-779-5176
  www.potterybarn.com

• Platform bed, $3,000
  Space M
  Los Angeles
  323-658-1175

• Pier 1 Imports
  800-245-4595
  www.pier1.com

• Cost Plus
  Oakland, CA
  510-893-7300
  www.costplus.com

• Stone fireplace, $2,000
  Home Depot
  800-553-3199
  www.homedepot.com
  Stones purchased for a custom fireplace; prices vary based on size, variety, and other factors. Check your local store for a complete assortment.

Purchasing information is not available for the following:
Concrete sink, $1,000
African folk art, $250
Japanese soaking tub, $1,000

Designer's Notebook: Lighting

• Lighting can change the mood of a room and draw attention to specific features.
  
• Ambient lighting provides overall light, while accent lighting draws attention to specific areas.
  
• Wall washing creates an even, broad illumination of light.
  
• Uplighting minimizes shadows by reflecting light from the ceiling.
  
• Task lighting concentrates light for detailed work.
  
• Table and floor lamps provide ambient light, track lighting accents a space.
  
• Dimmer switches can change the mood of an area.