Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/410603
Ar tisan Elegance on Lighthouse Avenue S tep under the striped awning and through the door of New Monterey's Lilify, and you'll enter a well-curated world of style. Hanni Liliedahl, who owns the home and gift store with her husband, Jesse Silacci, uses terms like "organic elegance" and "studied whimsy" to describe the aesthetic: think chunky ceramics, refurbished wood frames, teak kitchenware, art and all-natural candles, plus handmade scarves, handbags and jewelry by more than 20 designers. Liliedahl and Silacci spent two years remodeling the former Lighthouse Bar & Grill building before opening Lilify in 2012. They lived in the upstairs residence throughout construction, and renovated that space, as well. It was a dream come true for the pair, who met while on Peace Corps assignment in South America and later moved to Monterey. "We'd been living here for about a year, getting our feet wet and mak- ing ourselves a community of wonderful friends, when Jesse said, 'You know, it would be so cool to have a residence above a commercial space,'" remembers Liliedahl. "To which I replied, 'Yes, but life isn't a movie...'" Still, that's exactly what happened, and the two continue writing their own successful script. Their store, which celebrates two years this November, has earned attention from Sunset, Dwell and Design Sponge, among other publications. Liliedahl also offers boutique floral design and styling services, and she bases those efforts at Lilify. Additionally, the retail space houses Bright Coffee, a separate business serving rich, small-batch roasts. The rustic wood counter and creative met- alwork installed by owner Cameron Davies and her partner, Mike Zimmerer, mesh well with Lilify's organic appeal. Two years after the store's launch, Liliedahl and Silacci remain inspired by their work. "We have some say in how we put food on the table for ourselves and for our family," she says. "I feel so blessed that people like our perspective and what we do and the environment we've created." For more information, visit www.lilify.com or call 831/207-1380. — Renee Brincks SHORTCUTS NEIGHBORS Hanni Liliedahl and Jesse Silacci have created a 'multi-talented' space at Lilify, featuring artsy kitchenware, and 'organic elegance' gifts, with small- batch coffee, and boutique floral design. The former Peace Corps volunteers remodeled for two years to open their dream. 62 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 4 Photo: Kelli Uldall