Mirtilla Alliata di Montereale creates Casa Azzurra desert retreat in California

This article highlights a remarkable 37-acre private oasis in the Coachella Valley, featuring an 11-bedroom, 40,000-square-foot residence designed as a perfect escape. The extensive property includes working horse and date farms, a 6-acre Clive Clark–designed golf course, a large lake with canals, a petting zoo, horse and bike trails, pickle-ball and tennis courts, a pool and spa, and a helicopter pad. The project was a collaborative effort involving architect Gregory J. Smith of Uberion Architecture + Design, interior designer Dorothy Willetts, Bradshaw Construction's Mark Bradshaw, and landscape architect Anne Attinger. The development of this property began with raw, undeveloped land that was a working pasture. One significant challenge was bringing essential utilities, such as domestic water, gas, and electricity, from over a mile away, and ensuring that infrastructure capacities were multiplied tenfold to support the scale of the residence. For instance, the home is powered by a 2,000-amp main panel, a substantial increase from a typical house's 200-amp panel. The owner, a real estate developer and sportsman, desired an uninterrupted indoor-outdoor connection, leading to the incorporation of as much glass as building codes permitted. This design choice necessitated the use of a significant amount of steel in construction—more than is present in the nearby Indian Wells Stadium—because very few solid walls extend from floor to ceiling. The aesthetic inspiration for the home is Indonesian, intended to evoke the mythical sea serpent at Tanah Lot Temple in Bali, while still serving modern recreational purposes. To prevent the complex from appearing out of place in an arid desert environment, the design team focused on subtlety. Interior designer Dorothy Willetts chose a textural, earthy, elemental, and contemplative palette of sage greens, terra-cottas, and grays, with red accents to subtly nod to Asian influences. She avoided lush, tropical patterns and bright, beachy colors, opting instead for an island-inspired luxury destination feel with South Pacific and Caribbean influences. Furnishings and accessories were carefully selected to align with the Asian theme without making the space overly formal. Willetts utilized framed textiles and Indonesian shadow puppets, along with indigenous artifacts, to create an organic and soulful atmosphere. The heavy reliance on steel not only provided extensive overhangs for shade and wind protection but also allowed for soaring wood-covered ceilings up to 37 feet high. Custom-built furniture was essential, given the client's height and desire for deep seating, leading to muslin mock-ups for client approval. Specialized pieces, including billiard and ping-pong tables, were also custom-designed and manufactured. Willetts collaborated with artists like Mirena Kim Ceramics for porcelain lamps and Etienne Moyat for sculptural carved-wood panels, and relied on A. Rudin for upholstery, chosen for their U.S. manufacturing and proximity to the client. Landscape architect Anne Attinger divided the exterior into distinct quadrants: a date farm with over 1,000 palms, a horse ranch, a pasture that serves as an unconventional golf course, and the residential compound. Plantings immediately adjacent to the main house and canal suggest a subtropical environment, while the guest quarters feature a more stylized desert landscape. Japanese-style garden vignettes are also integrated throughout the property, further enhancing the oasis theme. #LuxuryRealEstate #CoachellaValley #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalMarvel #ResortLiving #IndoorOutdoorLiving #CustomInteriors #LandscapeDesign #DesertOasis

The article details the extensive renovation of a three-story American Classic house in Pantai Mutiara, North Jakarta, undertaken by interior designers Yandi Prayudhi and Ariesta Anastasia from Ilcasa Studio. Initially, the clients, a young couple with two children, sought to add two bedrooms and eliminate the basement due to a history of flooding. However, during the design phase, their needs evolved, prompting the addition of an extra bedroom, a new level, and an elevator, alongside numerous interior modifications. This expansion necessitated the involvement of architect Suman Lie, who collaborated with Yandi and Ariesta on the architectural layout, while much of the original layout remained intact. The clients desired a more contemporary and youthful interior feel, moving away from the intricate details of a traditional American Classic style. The designers opted for a lighter, fresher Contemporary American style, incorporating subtle profile details. Ariesta emphasized that the house should be both comfortable and functional, capable of impressing guests with a sense of luxury that aligns with simplicity and modern aesthetics, rather than ostentatious displays of wealth. The overarching goal was to create a 'homy and comfortable' atmosphere throughout the residence. The renovation transformed various spaces within the house. Upon entering, a spacious foyer in earth tones with golden accents welcomes visitors, featuring a rhombus-patterned marble floor, an organic crystal chandelier, and a monochromatic painting. The soothing aquamarine swimming pool is visible straight from the entrance, complemented by grey wall panels that highlight the artwork and sofa. A hallway leads to a multifunctional lounge area with a round marble table and chairs, overlooking the pool. This space serves as a study area for children and a guest reception spot. A guest bedroom, one of the new additions, is located behind a door in this area, adorned with abstract paintings that complement the room's colors and the ivory marble floor, which was preserved from the old house at the request of the previous owner. Further inside, a white profiled doorway leads to the stairs, elevator, dining room, pantry, and living room. This area, with its large window offering views of the sea, yachts, and neighboring houses, was designed with a 'sea breeze' concept. Earth-toned furniture is accented with blue elements in the sofa, cushion covers, carpet, and paintings, bringing the coastal theme indoors. The visible pool and vertical garden enhance the natural feel. Fixed furniture pieces, such as the floating credenza and pantry, were custom-designed by Ilcasa, while loose furniture was selected from Melandas. A sentimental piano, owned by the husband since childhood, adds a touch of nostalgia. Adjacent to the living room is a lounge area, situated between the pool and back patio. The clients' initial desire for a Balinese resort feel was refined by the designers to a simpler, toned-down version, incorporating a wicker wall panel as a focal point and wooden walls with satin textured white duco paint. A sofa with a solid wood frame and a chaise lounge contribute to a tropical, relaxing ambiance. The second floor is dedicated to the master bedroom suite, featuring a lounge room with a sofa and TV. The flooring in the master bedroom area, excluding the bathroom, was replaced with parquet for a cozier feel. Consistent with the 'sea breeze' theme, a bluish wallpaper is applied above the bedhead. Cleverly camouflaged doors on either side of the bed conceal a video game room and a toilet, the latter added for convenience based on the architect's suggestion. The master bathroom is designed to evoke a resort or luxury hotel, boasting a large freestanding bathtub, a wall with Balinese-inspired decorative carving, dual basins, and separate shower and toilet facilities. A walk-in closet for the wife, complete with a vanity, and a separate wardrobe for the husband, are located just outside the bathroom. Both the master bathroom and walk-in closet feature earth tones and warm lighting. The top floor houses the children's rooms, each with a desk, playing corner, and en-suite bathroom, along with an additional room whose function is yet to be decided. The entire renovation process spanned nearly four years, including delays due to the pandemic, ultimately transforming the old house into a comfortable and warm home for the family. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #PantaiMutiara #IlcasaStudio #ContemporaryAmericanStyle #LuxuryHome #ArchitecturalRedesign #ClientCollaboration #SpaceTransformation

The El Mirador estate in Montecito, California, a sprawling 12,000-square-foot property developed in the 1800s, served as the focus of a significant two-year renovation project undertaken by Rails founder and creative director, Jeff Abrams. Initially visiting the estate without an intention to purchase, Abrams was captivated by its lush greenscapes and historical interiors, ultimately deciding to acquire the property. The estate is set on 15 acres of land, featuring extensive gardens, varied foliage, and ponds. Beyond the main residence, it includes a pool house, a guest house, and a gatehouse, the latter of which was undergoing renovation to be transformed into an artist's retreat during Abrams' ownership. Abrams' primary goal for the renovation was to preserve the estate's existing European architectural grandeur while integrating elements that reflected a Californian aesthetic of effortless living. He consciously left much of the original architecture intact, focusing instead on subtle modifications to create a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. The interior design choices, such as the introduction of soft white walls and simple wooden furniture, were instrumental in achieving this balance. These elements were chosen to complement the traditional aspects of the estate without overshadowing its historical character, aiming for an atmosphere that felt both timeless and contemporary. The renovation process was described as meticulous and unhurried, reflecting Abrams' desire to craft a personalized experience within the historic framework of the home. This methodical approach allowed him to make deliberate design decisions that ensured the final outcome aligned precisely with his vision for the estate. The careful consideration given to every detail underscored a commitment to quality and a deep respect for the property's heritage. The result was a captivating transformation that seamlessly married the estate’s original majesty with a refreshed, California-inspired sensibility. Abrams shared insights into the renovation, highlighting the careful balancing act required to modernize the estate while preserving its inherent historical value. This involved a thoughtful selection of materials, colors, and furnishings that would honor the past while meeting contemporary standards of comfort and style. The project demonstrated how a historic property can be updated to suit modern living without losing its soul, creating a unique living space that tells a story of both its origins and its new chapter. The Montecito estate, under Abrams' stewardship, became an exemplar of how thoughtful design can bridge centuries, offering a living environment that is both grand and inviting. #MontecitoEstate #MediterraneanStyle #HomeRenovation #JeffAbrams #RailsFounder #InteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #CaliforniaLiving

This article highlights a modern Paradise Valley home, a collaboration between RMB Luxury Real Estate, Tomecak Design, and Bellflower Design. The initial architectural inspiration for the home came from Mark Tomecak, whose Serbian background influenced a simplistic and European modern styling. Debra Richardson, the interior designer at RMB Luxury Real Estate, designed a floor plan that prioritizes a spacious, family-friendly residence with extensive indoor and outdoor entertainment options. The core focus of the design team was to maximize every square foot to create a modern-marvel entertainer’s dream home. A key design priority was to emphasize the stunning sunsets and views of Camelback Mountain. This was achieved through the incorporation of ten-foot-high sliding doors that open on both sides, creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces. The home was sold during the drywall stage, allowing the buyers to provide input on the finishes. Lead designer Richardson employed a palette of pure whites, soft grays, and bold blacks, while secondary areas featured softer, warmer tones. The new homeowners desired a residence that matched the high-end features found in luxury properties in the Los Angeles area, particularly seeking the flexibility to transform the space into a 'swanky nightclub' for entertaining. To meet this request, an intricate sound system with multi-colored LED lighting was installed both inside and outside, creating a dynamic visual and auditory experience. The exterior entertainment area is lavish, featuring a 70-foot pool, a 12-person jacuzzi, and various seating arrangements. Key design elements and resources used in the home include Arizona Tile for kitchen countertops, island, fireplace accents, bathroom tiles, and outdoor flooring. ET2 Contemporary Lighting provided fixtures for the entryway, dining room, and primary bedroom, while Modern Forms supplied kitchen lighting. McKenzie Custom Built Cabinets crafted the kitchen cabinetry. RH Modern furnished the living room with couches, accent tables, and rugs, and the bedrooms with beds and dressers. Sherwin-Williams paints were used for the walls, and Simplicity Home Automation was responsible for the LED lighting system. The flooring in the living room is Arizona Tile’s Super White imported porcelain, complementing the RHM furniture. The finished home was well-received, even earning approval from reality television personalities Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae Young during a tour, who praised its finishes and clever design. #ParadiseValleyHome #ModernDesign #LuxuryRealEstate #EntertainersDream #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeAutomation #CustomFinishes