
A Supermodel Mama Opens Up Her Earthy L.A. Oasis
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
Photography by Photographed by Maria Del Rio
If you followed fashion in the late nineties and early aughts, chances are, uber-model Angela Lindvall was likely on your list of ultimate girl crushes. The Missouri-bred runway staple, advertising fixture (Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Gap), and covergirl for just about every magazine under the sun, has always had an approachable, girl-next-door quality, and was a green-living advocate way before it became trendy. Since the age of 22, she’s also been balancing motherhood on top of it all, raising two boys—Dakota, 14, and Sebastian, 11, in L.A.’s Topanga Canyon enclave. Here, she invites us into her sprawling home—which includes a swinging trapeze in the living room, amongst other unique furnishings—and shares her incredibly grounded and inspiring take on motherhood.
- "My home is my sanctuary. I have lived in Topanga Canyon for over 10 years on the same street. I just moved to the house next to my old one a year and a half ago. I love to create sacred space in the home, a place where one feels at peace and creative. I love living in nature. For me, it is very healing and restorative. I like to hold space in my home for yoga and other community circles. Cooking, music, and art are all apart of our daily living. I am still moving into my new space, which is an exciting new canvas. I plan on adding textures, elements of Moroccan tile and stencils, and cultivating the space, especially the garden, patio, and pool. I like a space to inspire the senses."
- Sebastian, 11, and the family trapeze bar.
- "My style is kind of eclectic. I bring in elements of French, Moroccan, and old world. I like to mix and match antiques, reclaimed woods, and fabrics and art from around the world. It’s very homey. I try to stick to natural materials and stay away from synthetic ones. I like to create a space with texture and warmth. There are many little stories behind each piece in my home and one can spend time just exploring pictures, crystals, feathers, plants, etc. I don't like things cluttered. I like organized, free-flowing space. I also like a toxic-free environment, so by using woods, stones, and organic natural fibers, it feels good. I’m big on the environment, so I incorporate a lot of vintage and antique pieces and reclaimed pieces, as well. Ultimately, one should feel inspired in a space, and very comfortable.”
- Lucky kid!
- "I love my unicorn tapestry, I also like the vintage wood valances above my windows. They are installations of old wood from temples in India. I love my reclaimed barn wood table. The angel painting on the main entrance wall is from a church in Mexico and has a reclaimed wood frame. I love my butterfly photo by Kodiak Greenwood. My rugs bring a lot of color and texture to the environment. Art from Dustin Yellin, and photos from photographers bring a modern element amongst the more antique background.”
- "The county would not allow me to do that in a residential zone, but I still hold space for yoga and private circles. I plan on always holding space to grow.”
- "They each have their own rooms. It’s primarily where they sleep and have private space. Other than Sebastian's room being his space to get the Legos out, they are pretty organized and simple. I’m sure as they get older they will want to bring in their own expression and style.”
- "I like the way the mixed colors and textures are coming along. Over time they will evolve, and I love that about homes. It’s like layers over time.”
- "They like they have a space of their own where they can shut the door.”
- Dreamcatchers and mama-and-son pics.
- "They love playing in nature. We try to keep media limited, although they love it. They like dirt biking, playing with their bow and arrows, hiking, and the animals. They also love to make cooking competitions, short films, and talent shows. Wrestling and Nerf guns are also a big hit.”
- "The kids' things are mostly in their room and organized, but I think there are beautiful ways of bringing in toys and games to a space. My boys go to Waldorf school, and many of the Waldorf toys are carved wood pieces that are actually very beautiful. So, when they were young, I would have them in each space. I love our big open living room where we can dance, run, and play. We have a trapeze bar and silk hanging from the ceiling, so the kids are free to express themselves actively. Yet Legos are confined to a specific area. I'm not a big fan of loud, plastic, over stimulating toys. I am a big fan of games like backgammon and chess."
- Dakota, 14, in his personal space.
- Rabbits outside the window.
- Spanish vibes.
- “It's what I always wanted. I grew up in a big family and helped raise my siblings. I could not imagine not having children as young as I did. They give my life purpose and so much love. They gave everything I do a reason behind doing it. Mostly it changed my career, because they became #1. I could have made my career my focus, but I didn't feel good about not having time with them. Yet ultimately I found a nice balance. I think the biggest change is realizing that you put your kids' needs first, but it’s also important to have outlets for yourself. The time goes by so, so quickly, so they have really taught me the importance of being present.”
- "How we just somehow ‘know' what to do when our babies are born. When I was first pregnant, I remember wondering how I was going to know what he needed. When he was hungry, tired, etc. The natural instinct that comes is beautiful. I was also surprised that they end up being my biggest teachers."
- “Dakota, who is 14, is named after the Sioux Indian word, which means ‘friend.' The name came to me very strongly the day I found out I was pregnant. Sebastian, who is 11, we call Sea-bass for short. I just really loved the way the name rolled off the tongue. When I went to an antique fair when I was pregnant, someone gave me a silver rattle and I noticed a little S engraved on it. That confirmed his name.” Angela wears a romper by Rag + Bone.
- Old-school games.
- "How present it brings me into the moment. I realize how short life is and how precious each moment is. I also love learning and playing and watching them grow."
- "I try to trust that they will have good instincts and direction. Worry will drive us crazy, but I really want to know that they will both be happy and successful in their own right. And get through the teenage years without major problems."
- Showing 'em how it's done.
- All smiles.
- "Cooking together, hiking, swimming, being silly, and getting along.”
- Dirt bike love.
- "My mother taught me a lot about home birth, breastfeeding, and pure foods, so we are similar in that way. There was also a lot of affection and love in my home growing up, which is also the same. But in communication style I try to be different. We had a very loud house growing up. I sometimes am loud myself, but I always take accountability when I don't handle things the way I wish I would have. I like to teach my boys to be self aware. My kids and I talk and communicate very openly.”
- "To try and take a year off or work part-time if possible. Also, to meditate and relive stress, as that is the biggest energetic problem for both us and our children. Also, to trust that she will know what her child needs, not to worry."
- "I feel like we need more in the world today. Many women feel stressed trying to balance everything. The feminine revolution made us a big part of the work force, and I see it's challenging for many women who become mothers to have time for work, kids, and self. I’d love to see a new feminine revolution where we take back our feminine maternal nature and not feel like we have to do it all. Yet still have our power, freedom, and expression that makes a woman so intriguing.”
- When life gives you lemons...
- "I think it’s very important for mothers to have their own space and life outside of being a mother, but kids still being the primary focus. It’s great to find other women and community to help support one another to take some of the load off. I’m big on watching others' children, and asking for help when I need. Good relationships and communication is important. From my experience, when the kids see mom and dad are happy, they feel safe and secure.”
- Too cute.
- “Eclectic, comfortable, chic.” Angela wears a dress by Raven + Lily.
- “Yes, I don't like to wear anything tight or constrictive. Flowy, loose, but not sloppy is my thing.”
- “Cashmere sweaters, long dresses, yoga pants, and tanks. I like to layer a lot.”
- Sun-kissed.
- A mother's touch.
- "Raven + Lily, Redemption, and Chanel."
- "I mostly shop in person. I try not to consume any more than what I need. I’m not a big shopper other than necessity for the most part."
- A guitar that was once owned (and signed) by Willie Nelson.
- "I drink a glass of lemon water as soon as I wake. I take time to meditate, it brings me inner beauty and less stress. I take supplements and other items, but mostly eat pure foods and lots of veggies. I like to sweat in the sauna and through exercise. I clean my face and exfoliate regularly, and because I have dry skin, I hydrate with both water and oils.”
- "I try to make big healthy soups at least once a week. It’s easy and nutritious. You can also make a very big one and freeze it. I also incorporate chopping veggies together as a family to make it faster, while also spending time together catching up. Veggies cook pretty fast, added with some brown rice, and a nice sauce. I also like to pre-make things like quiche and have them to grab and go. We do a lot of raw veggies and nice dips.”
- "I’ve been a model for 20 years. Yet, over the years, I’ve engaged in the things I’m passionate about in health, wellness, and the environment. I helped to create The Rockland Farm Alliance. I went through Kundalini yoga teacher training five years ago, and I teach on Mondays in my home. I also went through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition program last year and got my certification in health coaching. I am actively working on an online course for women that teaches ancient yogic techniques and healthy eating and lifestyle.”
- "I grew up in a small town outside of Kansas City, Missouri. I was a dirty tomboy who was discovered at 15 and asked to come to NYC to model. I was an avid researcher and loved to study metaphysics, science, mythology, ancient cultures, and poetry. I actively started working at 17. I traveled around the world modeling, gaining so many experiences and meeting so many people. I had my first son at 22 and the second at 26. I have been raising my boys, learning new things, and creating what I love ever since.”
- "It took a while to find peace in it. I always wanted to be a mom, and didn't want to jeopardize my involvement and relationship with my boys from making work #1. It’s a challenge. I learned that fear holds us back and that ultimately following our heart, we are always taken care of. It’s just about finding the right balance, budget, where we focus our energy, and what it is that truly makes us happy. I feel I have. As soon as I surrendered and trusted, things seem to fall into place. I certainly still have growth and challenges, it’s an ongoing process. But it’s all a part of growth and worth it.”
- "I am really big on community. I hold space for community gatherings and always lend a helping hand. It’s a real blessing to get to know your neighbors. There are still a few I have yet to meet, but it feels like a big community where I live. I also have a great circle of women that I can confide in. I believe women coming together and being vulnerable about our feelings and supporting one another is very important. It’s amazing the growth that happens when you bring women together in a non-judgmental, uncompetitive, supportive way.”
- "I love the creative expression and diversity of people. As for next steps, I'm being called to teach and speak. It’s scary for me, but I hear the calling and am stepping forth. It is still unfolding, but I’m really excited about the women's online course, and also looking into developing health retreats.”
- The closet scene.
- "I fell in love with the lifestyle of L.A. and the nature. I wanted to raise my boys in nature. The weather here is amazing and I can still be connected with my work.”
- “I’m in Topanga, which is a hidden jewel of L.A. It has a country, small town vibe. It’s hard to still find that anywhere in the U.S.”
- "I love the idea of a ranch outside of Austin, but I always love traveling. I like to keep Europe in my life, as well as exotic places like Bali, Costa Rica, Hawaii, etc.”
- "I work mostly from home these days, take meetings in the city, or jump on a plane for a few days at a time once or twice a month.”
- Bird love.
- "M Cafe in Malibu. It’s an amazing restaurant on an open lawn with games and a great vibe. The beach. Grom ice cream in Malibu. Red Rock Canyon for hiking or Tuna Canyon overlooking the ocean. The Inn of the Seventh Ray for Sunday brunch in Topanga. Also The Topanga Table, the restaurant of my boys' father."
- For more on Angela and her tribe, follow along with her on Instagram.
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