Studio Shamshiri gets a midcentury Hollywood Hills home ready for its close-up

Meredith Rothman, a manager at Anonymous Content, initially envisioned a Spanish Revival home but was drawn to a modern, boxy house in Beverly Hills due to its floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light, and canyon location, which evoked childhood memories. She sought the advice of interior designer Lauren Waters, who convinced her of the property's potential as a "wonderful blank canvas for intriguing furniture and great art." This affirmation led Rothman to purchase the 2,500-square-foot spec house and commission Waters to transform it into a personal retreat suitable for entertaining and showcasing her art collection, which includes works by Analia Saban, John Baldessari, and a charcoal drawing by her grandmother, Luddie Waters. Rothman emphasizes the importance of collecting art by artists she connects with. The primary bedroom, located on the top floor, is designed as a serene space, featuring a custom wall-to-wall upholstered headboard and large windows offering views of the lush hillside and a 200-year-old oak tree, creating a treehouse-like ambiance. Waters initially advocated for a neutral palette, a decision Rothman now credits for improved sleep quality, with a rust velvet bench from Lulu and Georgia providing the only prominent color accent. A second bedroom on this floor has been converted into a gym. On the main level, a previously clunky electric fireplace with crystals was replaced by an open bookcase. This new feature serves to divide the dining and living areas while also providing a display space for Rothman's dishes, books, and art objects, such as a sculpture by Lauren Tsai and ceramics by Cody Hoyt. The kitchen underwent updates including brass hardware from Rejuvenation and cabinets painted in Farrow & Ball’s Railings, a soft black with blue undertones, to inspire Rothman's culinary pursuits. The living room is furnished with a custom sofa, inspired by Adrian Pearsall's cloud design, upholstered in cream bouclé and adorned with ball pillows made from vintage silks. Complementary pieces include a vintage French standing lamp and a Charlotte Perriand stool. John Baldessari’s screenprint, _Two Sunsets (One With Square Blue Moon)_, hangs above a vintage woodworking table from Amsterdam Modern, which functions as a credenza. Sliding doors connect the living room to an outdoor area featuring a vintage André Dubreuil wrought iron Spine chair. Notably, Rothman opted against placing a television in the living room, desiring a more meditative space conducive to conversation, while a custom sectional in Erica Shamrock rust velvet in the home's ADU is dedicated to movie and series watching with her husband, Jamie Iovine, co-founder of NTWRK. Vintage Benny Linden teak chairs, reupholstered in Zack & Fox fabric, surround a concrete table from Restoration Hardware, creating an inviting workspace. Rothman, who once preferred Spanish Revival, now finds her modern home perfectly suited to her lifestyle. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HollywoodHomes #SpecHomeRenovation #ModernHome #ArtCollection #LuxuryLifestyle #BeverlyHills

Los Angeles– and New York–based interior designer and architect Luis Fernandez describes his latest Hollywood Hills project as embodying the phrase “More is more.” This sentiment not only refers to the opulent interior styling but also to the physical expansion of the house, which involved adding a second level. This addition created an elaborate entertaining space, drawing inspiration from the lavish homes of Tinseltown’s Golden Age movie moguls. The initial scope of the project evolved significantly, with Fernandez's involvement tripling as spaces were continuously added and some sections unintentionally demolished and rebuilt during foundational work. The client, a human rights lawyer and aspiring screenwriter, embraced these challenges, allowing the project to expand into a grand vision. The residence, spanning just over 3,000 square feet, features four bedrooms and four full and two half bathrooms. It offers stunning views of the San Fernando Valley and blends Art Deco with Italian Modernism. The design incorporates luxurious materials such as heavily veined marble, rich wood paneling, custom geometric brass stair railings, and vintage lighting, creating a mashup of the two distinct periods. Despite the client's desire for an abundant aesthetic, Fernandez, who identifies as a minimalist, worked to reconcile these elements through a process of collaborative push and pull, aiming for elegance without excess. This exercise in restraint and filtering ensured the “more is more” look remained refined and sophisticated. Evidence of this balanced approach is apparent in the interior styling and the careful juxtaposition of materials and furnishings. The living room, for example, is subtly divided by a curvilinear fireplace adorned with a custom-designed ribbed walnut surround and Azul Imperiale marble. Furnishings in this space include a pair of petrol blue armchairs by Gerrit Rietveld and a vintage armchair by Nello Pini for Noverredo, all arranged around a teal lacquered cocktail table by Charlotte Perriand. An aged brass pendant from Apparatus hangs overhead, complementing a metal-and-walnut media unit designed by Ornare that echoes the fireplace’s design. Fernandez notes that while forms and colors were experimented with in the furniture, they were kept softer to allow the captivating views of the pool deck and valley, visible through the retractable window wall, to remain a focal point. In stark contrast to the living area, the screening room, which the client refers to as the “gem box,” is deliberately designed to be intensely dark and moody. This space features more colorful furnishings chosen to offset the predominantly monochromatic blue-on-blue shell of the room. Wall and ceiling panel inserts in the screening room are covered in Phillip Jeffries’s Savile Suiting Londons Navy wool wallpaper. The cinematic theme is further emphasized by a custom dark red sectional and a 1970s burlwood and smoked-mirror cocktail table by Pierre Cardin, with the entire room immersed in a deep navy blue. Fernandez highlights that vintage pieces, such as the coffee table and a custom L’Atelier Paris bar, contribute warmth and character to this otherwise serious environment. The Hollywood Hills retreat masterfully draws inspiration from two distinct design movements, combining rich materials and luxurious finishes to create a space that evokes the glamour of both silver screen sirens and film noir femme fatales, culminating in a dramatic and epic presentation. #HollywoodHillsHome #LuisFernandezDesign #DecoModernist #LuxuryInteriors #ArtDeco #ItalianModernism #ResidentialArchitecture #InteriorDesign #HighEndDecor

This article details the transformation of a 19th-century Lisbon palacete into a serene, California-inspired retreat, designed by Los Angeles-based Studio Shamshiri. The project, initiated by a West Coast family seeking a zen-like living space in Portugal, deviates from traditional European interior styling by embracing an eclectic aesthetic reminiscent of their Californian lifestyle. Pamela Shamshiri, the founder of Studio Shamshiri, aimed to create a calming escape that reflected the clients' interests and previous home in LA, despite the studio's usual approach of localizing design to its environment. The residence, featuring a delicate cobalt blue-tiled facade, is situated just off Avenida da Liberdade. The interior showcases contemporary wood detailing, a soft color palette, and abundant natural light from numerous windows and French doors overlooking the Jardim Botânico and a private backyard, designed by Spanish landscape designer Fernando Martos. Shamshiri emphasizes the client's preference for meditation and a calm life, which guided the design choices to immerse the family in beauty. The project involved collaboration with UK-based architecture firm McLean Quinlan, who completed the structural work on the 6,600 sq ft main house. Studio Shamshiri then contributed to the finishes and details of the 3,400 sq ft rooftop apartment and the overall interior styling. Shamshiri noted that the design process for this home challenged their usual rules, allowing for a more fluid and imaginative approach. The main house was designed to be ethereal, creating a sense of floating in another reality, while the rooftop apartment was conceived with the four classic elements of air, fire, water, and earth in mind. Upon entering, an Anish Kapoor sculpture, _New Red to Dark_, establishes an otherworldly tone in the foyer. The living room, bathed in a soft green light filtered by drapery, features a custom green silk rug by Studio Shamshiri and a John Williams coffee table. This space also incorporates modern elements like a marble bookcase by Renato Polidori, an Alvar Aalto chair, and a Luigi Caccia Dominioni lamp, creating a midcentury vibe. A nearby lounge space uses pink sheers to diffuse light, highlighting a lavender rug from Shamshiri’s forthcoming collection, a plush sofa from Diesel's collaboration with Moroso, and 18th-century Japanese Kano School screens. The primary bedroom is characterized by a blue sheer curtain that colors the light, creating a calm atmosphere. A pale grey plaster wall serves as both a headboard and room divider. Adjacent to this is a minimalist massage room with plastered walls and a walnut screen, aligning with the homeowner’s ethos. The home office features soap-finished Douglas fir flooring from Amsterdam, an Erik Tinstrand pendant, and a vintage Charles Eames office chair customized with an angora goatskin hide 'chair cosy,' fostering a contemplative environment. Surprisingly, the family primarily uses the top-level, three-bedroom, four-bathroom apartment, which Shamshiri describes as offering a sense of freedom and play, akin to a vacation. The living room in this pied-à-terre strongly evokes a 1960s California character with a custom upholstered sofa, a George Nakashima chair, Sergio Rodriques armchairs, a Hans-Agne Jakonsson floor lamp, and Emmanuel Boos’ 'Comme un Lego' coffee table. The open-plan design includes a dining area with a Pierre Chapo dining table and benches, and a kitchen with metal and opaline glass pendants that maintain garden views. A custom dark walnut breakfast nook, though small, is a favored gathering spot. All bedrooms in the upper level are designed with minimalism and high functionality, accommodating the unique architectural angles. A notable feature is the 'family suite' with a window bench comprising two twin beds and a shutter system designed to block light, create shade, and frame specific views. Shamshiri reflects on the personal significance of the project, highlighting her joy in reconnecting with her clients and being part of this new chapter in their lives, bridging a 6,000-mile journey from the US West Coast to the Iberian Peninsula. #LisbonHouse #StudioShamshiri #InteriorDesign #CaliforniaCool #ZenLiving #LuxuryHomes #PortugueseArchitecture #ModernInteriors #EclecticDesign #PamelaShamshiri

Architectural and interior design duo Arya and Michael Martin, founders of Studio OSKLO, have spent three years meticulously crafting their biophilic home in the Hollywood Hills. Their design philosophy focuses on integrating nature and minimalist aesthetics, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The property, located in the exclusive Doheny Estates, features an earthy color palette and natural materials, harmonizing with the surrounding granite hillside. The home incorporates elements typical of 1960s and 1970s Los Angeles architecture, such as architectural columns that conceal a series of interconnecting terraces accessible from every living space. A central atrium with a second-floor overlook brings greenery into the heart of the home, complemented by walls of rift oak and matte plaster detailing. Large retracting glass panels and expansive corridors create an open atmosphere, offering views of black olive trees, grasses, and aged stepping stones. The exterior uses white and cream tones to soften the columns, which are exposed to direct sunlight. Hinoki-inspired wooden paneling wraps the second-floor terraces to provide privacy. A limestone promenade leads to a zero-edge pool, a private dining garden with a fireplace, and a granite rock formation inspired by the luxury hotel Amangiri in Utah. Inside, the plasterwork is predominantly white, with exceptions in the taupe cloakroom and the oak-paneled TV room. The sitting room features a fireplace carved from a two-ton block of Paloma limestone, assembled on-site by 16 men. The kitchen boasts Calacatta Paonazzo marble, lending a vintage feel to the contemporary space, while a Calacatta gold marble bar adds warmth. Each bedroom is designed with a unique palette to enhance personality. The interiors are furnished with a rich mix of textures, including boucle, velvet, mohair, and linen. Irani carpets, inherited from Arya’s family, blend seamlessly with pieces by notable designers like Vladimir Kagan, Gio Ponti, and Rick Owens. The couple also incorporated collectibles from their travels to Madrid, São Paulo, and Marrakech, creating a curated global aesthetic. Many furniture pieces were custom-made by Studio OSKLO, characterized by gentle abstract shapes and textures. Accessories from Tokyo, sourced during their trips to Japan in 2021 and 2022, contribute an Eastern influence to the Los Angeles views. Pottery, 19th-century bronzes, and clay objects are artfully displayed on built-ins, shelving, and tabletops. The dining room features a Tamara de Lempicka artwork, and a 1960s-era bronze bust adorns the second-floor hallway, reflecting the Martins’ personal tastes and careful attention to every detail in their home. #BiophilicDesign #HollywoodHills #StudioOSKLO #MinimalistInteriors #NaturalMaterials #EarthyPalette #LuxuryHomes #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesigners

Los Angeles interior design firm Studio Shamshiri has unveiled two new hardware collections, 'Los Angeles' and 'Ojai,' created in collaboration with New York-based hardware manufacturer The Nanz Company. These collections draw inspiration from the diverse Californian landscape, embodying the handmade 'rustic California' aesthetic for which Studio Shamshiri is renowned. Pamela Shamshiri, founder of the firm, emphasizes a natural, tactile approach, stating that the designs are rooted in the feelings one gets from encountering natural objects, like a perfect lemon or a smooth rock. The collections feature weighty cast bronze designs with lines and textures that reflect the Californian environment. The 'Los Angeles' collection presents a more refined look, incorporating polished finishes and geometric handles and knobs crafted from materials such as walnut and African blackwood, cleverly integrated with metal components. In contrast, the 'Ojai' collection embraces a more rustic charm, featuring leather-wrapped details and playful fish motifs, reflecting the wilder, country counterpart to the city's design. A core philosophy behind these collections was to ensure each piece was individually made and finished, echoing the handcrafted quality found in the homes of influential artists like JB Blunk, Georgia O'Keeffe, Gordon Onslow Ford, David Ireland, Russel Wright, and Harvey Fite. Shamshiri cites Georgia O'Keeffe's home and her collection of natural objects as a significant source of inspiration, aiming for the hardware to provide a sensory impression and act as 'tactile jewelry' for a home. Surrealist elements are also woven into the designs, such as the 'Fish Lever' in the 'Ojai' collection and the 'Potato Knob' in the 'Los Angeles' collection. These elements pay homage to Gordon Onslow Ford's exploration of lucid dreaming, surrealism, and meditation. Shamshiri notes that the inherent geometry in Ford's paintings is reflected in details like the beaded edges of the 'Lemon Pull' and the shafts of every lever, aiming to capture the essence of these artists' ethos in the collaboration. For The Nanz Company, accustomed to larger production runs, this partnership offered an opportunity to engage in a more intimate and detailed manufacturing process. Carl Sorenson, Nanz co-founder, highlighted Shamshiri's precise and subtle adjustments during the design phase—such as minor changes to the thickness of a rose or the radius of a bend—which, despite their small scale, significantly impacted the final aesthetic and feel of each piece. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every handle possesses a distinct character and showcases exceptional craftsmanship. #StudioShamshiri #NanzCompany #HardwareDesign #DoorHandles #CabinetryHardware #CalifornianDesign #Handcrafted #InteriorDesign #BronzeDesigns #ArtisticInspiration

This article explores the extensive and impressive real estate portfolio of pop superstar Harry Styles, detailing his various residences across different locations and reflecting his journey from a boy band member to a global sensation. His estimated residential real estate holdings total $62.5 million, a significant portion of his $120 million net worth. The article provides a chronological overview of his properties, starting from his early career. His residential journey began in 2010, at the age of 16, when he rented a five-floor unit in North London's Princess Park Manor with his One Direction bandmates. This mid-19th-century Italianate-style complex, originally a mental asylum, was converted into luxury apartments in 1995 and became known for housing budding artists. The spacious unit featured arched windows, ensuite bathrooms, and access to communal tennis courts and a gym, offering a taste of the rock star life. In 2012, at 18, Styles made his first personal real estate purchase: a $4.8 million stucco house in Hampstead Heath, North London. This four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom residence, nestled behind high walls for privacy, boasts French doors, hardwood floors, skylights, and a private suite with a dressing room, alongside a fully landscaped back garden. Despite a stalking incident in 2019, Styles still owns this charming property in a celebrity-studded village. Expanding his Hampstead Heath footprint, in 2019, he acquired a $10.9 million Grade II–listed Georgian house across the street from his first London home. A year later, he added an 18th-century villa next door for $5.5 million. Speculation suggests he aims to create a massive mega-compound by combining these three structures. His first foray into U.S. real estate was in 2014, with a $4 million midcentury-modern home in Beverly Hills. Designed by architect Alejandro Ortiz, this 3,000-square-foot post-and-beam complex included five bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a library, a gym, outdoor decks, and a 58-foot infinity saltwater pool. He sold it at a significant loss ($3 million) just two years later. The new owners demolished and rebuilt it, eventually selling it for $15 million to a Grammy-winning musician in 2022. In 2016, Styles invested in an ultramodern Hollywood Hills mansion for $6.9 million. This sleek, 4,400-square-foot estate featured four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a home movie theater, a chef’s kitchen, a penthouse primary suite, and a kidney-shaped pool. He made upgrades, including a high-end audio system and alabaster floor finishes, before selling it in 2019 for $6 million. Following this, in 2017, he purchased an $8.7 million penthouse in New York City’s TriBeCa neighborhood. Located in 443 Greenwich, a renovated 19th-century factory building known for housing celebrities like Blake Lively and Justin Timberlake, the unit features industrial-style arched windows and long, wooden ceiling-height beams. This 3,000-square-foot penthouse, with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, remains in his possession. Finally, in 2021, while filming “Don't Worry Darling,” Styles reportedly rented a midcentury-modern home in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, with Olivia Wilde. This $2.45 million single-story residence, built in 1952, featured an open-plan design, vaulted ceilings, skylights, hardwood floors, a swimming pool, and a BBQ grill. This overview showcases the diverse architectural styles and locations that define Harry Styles’s impressive real estate portfolio. #HarryStyles #CelebrityHomes #RealEstate #LuxuryProperties #HampsteadHeath #BeverlyHills #HollywoodHills #TriBeCaPenthouse #MidcenturyModern #Architecture

This article details the transformation of a previously raw, 1,200-square-foot loft space in Prospect Heights into a warm and inviting home, masterminded by interior designer Casey DeBois. The tenants, Geoffrey Lewis, a product developer for a real-estate tech firm, and Tze Chun, founder of the online art gallery Uprise Art, were drawn to the space's potential, particularly its expansive brick wall and oversized skylights, despite its initially terrifying appearance with temporary walls. The building owner agreed to remove most of these partitions, leaving only one wall on the lower level to create a private bedroom area. Debois, an alumna of the Fashion Institute of Technology with experience in designing both offices and residences across New York and California, faced the challenge of organizing the large, open space to prevent it from feeling cluttered while ensuring a harmonious flow. Her solution involved defining distinct areas through the strategic placement of area rugs, furniture, and art. The upper level encompasses the living, kitchen, and dining areas, while a few steps down lead to a den/TV space, two home offices, and the bedroom at the rear. To enhance the display of art, a crucial element given Tze Chun's background, the walls were painted Benjamin Moore's Simply White. Debois noted the space's gallery-like qualities due to its high ceilings, large walls, and abundant natural light from the skylights. The couple, having moved from a smaller West Village apartment, brought only a few pieces of furniture, necessitating the acquisition of mostly new or vintage furnishings. The design incorporates casual and quirky elements to add warmth, such as mismatched dining chairs, a diverse collection of artworks, and pineapple-patterned wallpaper from Hygge & West on the stair risers. An entry foyer was established near the front door with a bench and wall hooks, with the sofa back serving to delineate the entry from the living area. A neutral fringed rug from Pottery Barn anchors the living space, allowing vibrant accents like pillows, accessories, and art, including an abstract piece by Erin Lynn Welsh, to stand out. Uprise Art managed the installation of all artwork throughout the loft, and a modernist Wassily chair was sourced from Krrb. The kitchen, originally lacking in storage and counter space, was improved with the addition of a cabinet featuring a butcher block top for prep and storage, open shelving above, and a repurposed bookcase. The dining area features mismatched chairs from various sources like Craigslist and Furnish It Green, complementing a simple wooden table. The lower-level den/TV area showcases a salon-style art wall and a Moroccan rug from nuLOOM, providing a cozy ambiance. A leather sling chair from Urban Outfitters and a wood console from West Elm complete this space. In the bedroom, sheer curtains and white bedding soften the industrial aesthetic, with custom side tables from Brooklyn-based urbangreen completing the setup. The project highlights a successful integration of art and functional design within an industrial loft setting. #InteriorDesign #LoftConversion #ProspectHeights #CaseyDeBois #UpriseArt #VintageFurniture #ArtDisplay #Renovation #BrooklynHome #SpacePlanning

Brandi and Scott Fuller embarked on a renovation journey for their 1914 Georgian home in Park Hill, Denver, intending to complete a few specific updates. Initially, their plans were modest, focusing on expanding and remodeling the kitchen, which felt too small for their combined family of seven and the 8,000-square-foot house. They also planned to add ensuite bathrooms to two upstairs bedrooms, a walk-in master bedroom closet, and a basement home gym. Despite their experience in the architecture and real estate industries, the Fullers did not anticipate the extensive scope their renovation project would ultimately encompass. What began as a "few things" quickly escalated into a near-complete transformation of their historic residence. The catalyst for this expansion was the discovery of a sagging kitchen floor, a result of a previous shoddy renovation. The architect, Toby Branch of Branch Architecture Studio, explained that addressing this structural issue required significant interventions in the basement, leading to a full structural remodel of the kitchen floor and the basement ceiling below. This, in turn, caused new cracks to appear in the main level's plaster walls, necessitating further repairs. The snowball effect continued throughout the house. The upstairs updates followed a similar pattern; converting two children's bedroom closets into bathrooms required unexpected construction, which then prompted Brandi and Scott to overhaul their master bathroom. While these projects were underway, they also decided to remodel the third-floor bathroom and bedrooms, restore a bedroom suite above the garage, replace most of the home's lead pipes, and install a new HVAC system. Brandi likened the process to getting a new sofa and then realizing the drapes and paint needed updating, illustrating how one improvement led to the desire for others. Outdoors, the initial plans to repair the original red-brick walls, sand, and paint also grew significantly. The architect enclosed the walkway between the garage and the house to create a new mudroom and added a French door and metal staircase connecting the kitchen to the yard. This enhancement transformed the yard into an additional living space, usable for a significant portion of the year. The property's original brick hardscaping now frames new plantings designed by Lifescape Colorado and artificial turf, which the Fullers chose to retain and integrate into the design due to shade and maintenance considerations. Ultimately, the renovations covered 6,000 square feet. Beyond the structural changes, a key challenge was to seamlessly blend the home's preserved original architectural details—such as old windows, millwork, wood-plank floors, marble fireplace surrounds, and even original call boxes—with modern updates. The kitchen served as a prime example of this vintage-meets-modern aesthetic. Mikal Otten, owner and lead designer of Exquisite Kitchen Design, created a "traditional kitchen with soft contemporary touches." This was achieved by incorporating simplified traditional elements, like custom cabinets with a subtle cove profile and a soft white brushstroke finish, and ethereal blue glass backsplash tiles that offer a contemporary nod to classic brick styles. A stainless steel farmhouse sink replaced traditional porcelain, providing a cleaner, edgier look, while a walnut coffee-bar armoire and chevron-patterned white oak flooring reintroduced turn-of-the-century flair, recalling a historical practice of special floor treatments in specific rooms. The floor coverings played a crucial role in anchoring the decor of each room. Brandi explained that they started with the rug in each room and built the design from there. For instance, the dining room's modern floral rug influenced the choice of silk shantung wallcovering, a branch-like brass chandelier, and clear Lucite chairs. In the living room, a neutral rug set the tone for gray crushed-velvet sofas, a marble-topped coffee table, and a ring-shaped crystal chandelier. The foyer featured a custom stair runner with a cherry-blossom pattern, complementing a midcentury-style credenza and bold custom artwork. The furnishings selected by Brandi and Scott represent a diverse mixture of styles, primarily transitional but incorporating midcentury, contemporary, and bohemian pieces, which Brandi noted "came together in the end." Branch attributed the project's success not just to luck, but to the inherent integrity and forgiving nature of century-old homes, which allow for structural repairs and modern updates without losing their original character. The complete transformation ultimately highlighted the enduring strength and beauty of the home's historic foundation. #HomeRenovation #HistoricHome #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #StructuralRenovation #ParkHillDenver #VintageModern #ArchitecturalPreservation

Antoinette Allande Interiors, a luxury residential design studio based in Hoboken, executed a significant home renovation in Montclair, New Jersey. The project involved transforming a 19th-century house, built in 1902 and located at 191 Christopher Street, into a modern yet traditional living space for a young family. The property spans 3,174 square feet and originally featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The clients, Amy and Tristan Morel L’Horset, are a family with three young boys and a history of international travel. Amy works as a registered dietitian and nutrition professor, while Tristan is a senior managing director at a global service and consulting company. Their brief to Antoinette Allande was to update their traditional home with a fresh perspective, prioritizing beautiful aesthetics alongside practical, comfortable living. They required durable furnishings that were not overly delicate and could seamlessly integrate with their existing collection of French antiques. The home's original formal and ornate exterior and interior architecture necessitated a design approach that respected its historical integrity. Antoinette Allande's design philosophy for this project was coined "Eclectic Traditional with a touch of Whimsy." This approach allowed her to blend modern furnishings with the historical architectural details, incorporating elements of the clients' whimsical preferences. Key design choices included a large, comfortable family room sectional, intended for family time and movie nights. The dining area features vintage pieces—a table, chairs, and a chandelier—acquired by the clients while living in France. These ornate, classical French furnishings were complemented by rich jewel-toned textiles, contrasting with lighter architectural finishes. A contemporary hand-knotted rug from Rejuvenation and antique French chairs re-upholstered in sapphire blue velvet further enhance the eclectic mix. The home's walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Moonshine 0C-56, while trim and other white areas utilize Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace OC-65. The entry hall is designed to make a strong first impression, incorporating vibrant colors and patterns to reflect the clients' personality and create a welcoming atmosphere. This space features a commissioned Moroccan carpet, a family tree display, a Mokum by Katherine Martin wallpaper from Holly Hunt New York, an antique British Colonial entry table, an Indian block-printed tablecloth by Roberta Roller Rabbit, a Kelly Wearstler light fixture from Circa Lighting, a CB2 cabinet, and an Arteriors Home table lamp, all contributing to a playful and youthful aesthetic. In the living and dining areas, original built-in cabinetry and millwork were preserved and enhanced by whitewashing dark beams, the fireplace, and paneling. This technique was employed to create a lighter, airier feel, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century designer Elsie de Wolf, known for transforming dark interiors with white and light colors. The project remained within budget and on schedule despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The property itself is a Dutch Colonial Revival style home, recognized for its ornate period details, symmetrical design, Ionic columns, white painted exterior, dormer windows with curved head sash detail, and black shutters, situated in Montclair's historic Marlboro Park area. Collaborators on the project included Franklin Nunez for painting, Orlando Silva of Golden Wallpaper for wallpaper installation, Ryan M. Brown Photography for documentation, and Brett Fixes for home improvements. Antoinette Allande Interiors operates from Hoboken, offering various design services including renovations, decorating, and art consulting, known for combining vintage and modern elements with contemporary art to achieve relaxed, layered, and eclectic interiors. #MontclairHomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #AntoinetteAllandeInteriors #EclecticTraditional #LuxuryResidentialDesign #DutchColonialRevival #VintageModernMix #HistoricalPreservation

Actress Sophia Bush, known for her roles in TV series and films, is undertaking a significant renovation of her 1,815-square-foot 1950s bungalow in the Hollywood Hills. Eschewing the trend of building large, modern 'McMansions,' Bush, an architecture enthusiast and proprietor of the interior decorating business Filles Des Rincón, is dedicated to preserving the historical integrity and original charm of her midcentury home. The project is a comprehensive top-to-bottom overhaul, addressing fundamental structural and utility issues that go beyond a simple cosmetic facelift. The initial assessment revealed the necessity of extensive work, including the installation of a new electrical system to modernize the home's infrastructure. Furthermore, the renovation involves leveling the foundation, a critical step to ensure the long-term stability and safety of the structure. Addressing plumbing concerns, the project includes the removal of roots that had infiltrated the old clay water pipes, a common issue in older homes that can lead to significant plumbing problems. Despite these extensive and complex structural repairs, Bush has maintained a steadfast commitment to retaining the bungalow's original architectural features. A key element she insisted on preserving is the exposed beams in the living area, which contribute significantly to the home's distinctive midcentury character. Bush emphasizes the importance of preserving older homes in Los Angeles, viewing her renovation as a "love letter to the city" in an era where many historic properties are demolished for new, often characterless, constructions. With the major construction phases anticipated to conclude by the end of the year, under the guidance of contractor Orie Prince, the focus will shift to the interior design and furnishing. For this crucial stage, Bush has enlisted the expertise of interior designer Jake Alexander Arnold. The interior scheme will incorporate a blend of custom-designed pieces and vintage items that Bush has carefully amassed over the years, reflecting her personal aesthetic and appreciation for timeless design. The chosen color palette is intended to evoke the serene and natural hues of the California desert, creating a harmonious and tranquil living environment. In addition to the interior work, Bush has ambitious plans for the exterior of her property. She is in the process of developing an urban farm around her bungalow, having already planted nearly 50 trees. Her future aspirations for the property include establishing a beehive and introducing chickens, further enhancing the urban farm concept and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. #SophiaBush #HollywoodHills #HomeRenovation #MidcenturyBungalow #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalPreservation #UrbanFarm #CelebrityHomes #LosAngelesRealEstate

The Brooklyn town house belonging to actor David Harbour and singer-actor Lily Allen is a vibrant and unconventional space, designed in collaboration with AD100 designer Billy Cotton and architect Ben Bischoff of MADE. The home, described as a "familial fantasyland of daring beauty and individual connoisseurial vision," stands in stark contrast to the prevailing trend of minimalist, neutral aesthetics. Its interiors feature a dynamic mix of chintz balloon shades, crystal chandeliers, pink silk, tiger-patterned textiles, and Mylar wallpaper, reflecting Allen's bold, eclectic, and fun personal taste, as noted by both Cotton and Harbour. The project began with the renovation of a late-19th-century Italianate brownstone in Brooklyn’s Carroll Gardens neighborhood. Architect Ben Bischoff recalls the house's initial deteriorated state and the subsequent discovery of original moldings and doors beneath layers of past renovations. The couple sought to preserve the historical character while creating a casual, family-friendly environment, rejecting overt formality. Billy Cotton presented three design directions: traditional English, modern Brooklyn town house, and a layered Italian style, which the couple embraced due to the neighborhood's Italian-American history and Allen's desire for something "weird and wonderful." The layout of the house also deviates from typical conventions. The second level features a primary bath-cum-sitting room, adorned with wall-to-wall floral carpet, Zuber wallpaper, and sink stands fashioned from Louis XVI–style commodes. This eclectic design prioritizes the owners' preferences over traditional resale value concerns, as highlighted by Allen. The primary bedroom, uniquely situated as a windowless chamber between the main bath and dressing rooms, further exemplifies the personalized approach to the home's design. On the piano nobile, the kitchen and dining area are positioned at the front of the house, immediately accessible from the street, signifying its role as the home's central gathering space. Conversely, the living/garden room, featuring a double-sided sofa in emerald velvet, is located at the rear. The lower-level media room, devoid of original 19th-century details, adopts a crisp, contemporary interior with a glamorous, Madeleine Castaing-inspired aesthetic, showcasing matching tiger-patterned carpet and sofa against high-gloss, creamy-white walls. This design choice, according to Cotton, is a reflection of Allen’s captivating presence and her aversion to conventional living spaces. David Harbour, a self-proclaimed "suburban boy" accustomed to a more conventional aesthetic, expresses admiration for his wife's distinctive vision and willingness to take design risks. Despite the unconventional style, which their children playfully refer to as the "clown house," the home embodies a deeply personal and creatively executed living environment that perfectly suits the family's unique preferences. The collaboration between the homeowners, designer, and architect resulted in a unique and character-filled Brooklyn residence. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #CelebrityHomes #BrooklynRealEstate #EclecticDecor #RenovationProject #ArchitecturalStyle #LuxuryInteriors

Julia Kramer, a former Bon Appétit editor, and her husband, Zach Kaplan, purchased a Craftsman home in Koreatown, Los Angeles, sight unseen during the early days of the pandemic. The decision was primarily influenced by a stained-glass peacock window in the dining room, which resonated with their family's experience visiting live peacocks at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. This personal connection served as a significant sign, making the long-distance purchase feel destined. The couple, still residing in their two-bedroom apartment in New York’s Upper West Side, relied on an L.A.-based friend to view the property shortly after it was listed before making an offer. Following the purchase, and with only six weeks until their move, Kramer and Kaplan enlisted the help of Jamie Haller, an experienced Craftsman restorer and shoe designer. Haller's primary task was to modernize certain aspects of the home while also stripping away inappropriate additions, such as built-in speaker systems in the living room and kitchen, and numerous recessed lights. The goal was to preserve the original character and 'good stuff' of the Craftsman style. Kramer, who was largely put off by the ubiquity of newly remodeled kitchens featuring subway tile and open shelves during her house hunt, found the untouched, wood-heavy kitchen of this home particularly appealing. She expressed a preference for living without common countertop materials like marble and granite and appreciated the kitchen's separation from other rooms, allowing her personal space while cooking. Restoration efforts in the kitchen focused on subtle yet crucial updates. Haller oversaw the replacement of awning window chains with historically accurate hardware, a task that required considerable effort to source and install. She emphasized 'restraint' in the renovation process, focusing on making the space functional without sacrificing its original charm. A carpenter was brought in to repair the track of the old-fashioned bread box's garage door, ensuring its safe operation. While the kitchen lacks modern amenities like soft-close hinges, it retains a distinct 'soul' that appealed to the owners. One of the most challenging projects was the living room, where plaster walls had been covered in blue silk dupioni fabric and secured with an estimated 45,000 staples. Removing these staples was a laborious process, taking a week of manual effort. The focal point of the revitalized living room became Kramer’s vintage coffee table, a 1stdibs acquisition, which uniquely functions as a champagne and shrimp cocktail station, with its inverted center perfectly accommodating her ice bucket. Haller also had to source new lighting fixtures, as the previous owners took the originals. She turned to a salvage shop in Los Angeles known for preserving lights from Old Hollywood celebrity homes, finding an antique sconce for the guest bedroom’s salvaged sink that once belonged to Buster Keaton. Distinguishing this Craftsman from others, the home features dark, purple-hued mahogany wood rather than the typical red-orange Douglas fir. This unique wood tone harmonizes surprisingly well with subtle pink accents, such as the original fireplace grout and the new dining room walls, which were painted a soft dusty lavender-gray. Haller noted that the natural light interacting with these elements creates a warm glow. Due to the tight renovation schedule, restoring the painted wood trim was not feasible. Instead, it was repainted in Farrow & Ball’s dark navy shade, Railings, to achieve a cohesive look. In contrast to the home’s more vibrant areas, the main bedroom adopted a softer palette, transforming its previous purple walls into a serene cream. Kramer, typically drawn to maximalist designs, was swayed by Haller’s vision for a neutral, tranquil space. The bedroom renovation included creating two closets on either side of the bed by reallocating space from an adjacent children’s room, and adding a built-in reading nook with a tufted cushion, which serves as Kramer’s preferred work-from-home spot. For the children’s bedrooms, Kramer and Haller exercised a different form of restraint, opting for allover wallpapers with prints that strike a balance between kid-friendly and adult-approved aesthetics. Kramer expressed her desire to postpone 'ugly child spaces,' choosing whimsical crane designs by House of Hackney for her youngest son's room and a floral print by the same brand for the bathroom. She found that the numerous built-ins in the large bathroom helped to break up the busy floral pattern effectively. The various bird motifs throughout the home, from the initial peacock window to the crane wallpaper, have become a personal symbol of good fortune for Kramer. #HomeTour #CraftsmanHome #LosAngelesRealEstate #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #SightUnseenPurchase #HistoricPreservation #VintageDecor #FamilyHome

A Hong Kong couple, both working in the hospitality industry and possessing a keen appreciation for art and whisky, sought to infuse their 2,206 sq ft three-bedroom condominium in Claymore Road, Singapore, with a metropolitan spirit reminiscent of their densely built-up hometown. For this renovation project, they engaged registered architect Gwen Tan, founder and principal designer of Studio iF, who has a decade-long professional relationship with the couple and over 20 years of experience in design. The transformation of their Singapore residence was completed over a period of 12 to 15 months, concluding with their move-in during the second half of 2023. The cost of the renovation was not disclosed. The apartment's design prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality. The private foyer, accessed directly from the lift, features textured fabric wall panels that ingeniously conceal everyday items like shoes, maintaining a clutter-free entrance. A bay window in the foyer has been repurposed into a small gallery, showcasing sculptures collected during the couple's travels, adding a personal and artistic touch. The main door incorporates tinted patterned glass, allowing for a subtle glimpse into the interior and indicating the arrival of guests. The living room serves as a central hub, designed to be both elegant and comfortable, suitable for family relaxation and informal gatherings. The dining space was conceived with versatility in mind, accommodating not only meals but also intimate meetings and work-from-home activities. To support its multifunctional role, a Luce Orizzontale suspension lamp from Flos, offering various dimmable light settings, was installed above the dining table. A clever solution for the husband’s work-from-home setup was integrated: a hidden nook behind a sliding mirror panel adjacent to the whisky display, allowing his laptop and documents to be neatly stored away when the dining table is needed for other purposes. Reflecting the husband’s passion, a dedicated bar area was created to house and display his whisky collection. The centerpiece of this area is a whisky display cabinet crafted with natural stone doors, shelving, and bronze metal plate dividers, complemented by textured wallpaper from Arte that mimics the stone’s natural grain. An outdoor extension of this entertainment space on the balcony features two Husk outdoor swivel chairs from B&B Italia, offering panoramic city views. The dry kitchen, visible from the dining area, is distinguished by a peninsula island made of Forest Black stone with an antique brush finish. Black-timber fluted wall panels discreetly hide the household shelter, while a bronze-tinted mirrored backdrop visually expands the space and reflects the urban landscape. The master bedroom is designed as a tranquil retreat, featuring fabric wallpaper chosen for its delicate textures and soft lines. Perforated metal lamps introduce a play of light and shadow, enhancing the ambiance around the Tufty bed by Patricia Urquiola from B&B Italia. One of the other bedrooms was converted into a walk-in wardrobe for the wife, integrating a Rimadesio island from their previous home and adding suspended display shelves along the bay window. In the master bathroom, a custom-made granite stone bathtub, inspired by the couple's experience at the Aman hotel in Tokyo, is framed by full-length glass windows, evoking the serene atmosphere of a Japanese onsen. The powder room features a sculptural glass Hansgrohe Axor tap, a marble tray, and a custom mirror that conceals ventilation windows while maintaining airflow, with fresh eucalyptus leaves contributing to the sensory experience. The completed residence achieves an understated luxury, reflecting the sophisticated tastes of its owners and creating a timeless city abode. #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHome #Condominium #HomeRenovation #MetropolitanStyle #StudioIF #ModernLiving #ClaymoreRoad #SingaporeHomes

This blog post highlights a unique studio apartment located at 400 West 12th Street in the Superior Ink condo building, West Village, New York City, currently listed for $2.3 million. The 943-square-foot residence, described as a “zen suite,” features an interior meticulously designed with a focus on luxury, custom elements, and smart home technology. The apartment's aesthetic is characterized by a blend of natural materials and contemporary finishes, creating a tranquil and sophisticated living space. The entrance to the home features a narrow hallway adorned with leather walls, artistic displays, and subtle light coves. This hallway provides access to essential amenities including a full bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a washer/dryer closet. A smaller closet ingeniously houses a Savant smart home system, allowing for integrated control of the apartment's various functions. The bathroom itself is a showcase of modern design, featuring heated travertine floors, a limed oak vanity topped with white Quartzite, a spacious walk-in shower with a teak floor, and a separate water closet, emphasizing both comfort and style. The kitchen area is equipped with white Quartzite counters, a distinctive blue-vein Cipolino marble backsplash, a Sub-zero refrigerator, and stainless-steel Viking appliances, indicating a high-end culinary setup. Adjacent to the kitchen is a bedroom alcove, which has been reconfigured into a custom dressing room surrounded by built-in closets, catering specifically to individuals with a significant wardrobe. Both the kitchen and the dressing room can be privately enclosed using hand-carved sliding doors imported from Bali, adding an exotic touch to the interior. The main living space is accessed via a hallway lined with architectural mirrors. The bed area is distinguished by a white leather headboard and a coordinating footboard that cleverly conceals a custom television lift. The room offers ample space for a separate sitting area and features Shagreen counters, grasscloth walls, and large south-facing windows that fill the space with natural light. The apartment boasts 10-foot ceilings throughout, Morado wood floors, custom light fixtures, a built-in audio system, and electronic drapes, sheers, and shades, enhancing the luxurious feel. The Superior Ink condo, built in 2010 and designed by Robert A.M. Stern, is LEED-certified, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability. Its prime location offers residents convenient access to Hudson River Park, the High Line, the Whitney Museum, and other cultural attractions within the West Village. The building also provides a range of amenities, including a residents’ lounge, a screening room, a fitness center with a pilates/yoga room, a playroom, and 24-hour concierge and doorman services, ensuring a comprehensive luxury living experience. #WestVillage #StudioApartment #LuxuryRealEstate #SuperiorInkCondo #InteriorDesign #SmartHome #Fashionista #NewYorkCity #RobertAMStern

This article highlights the home of interior designer Dana Tosolini in Narrabundah, Canberra, which seamlessly blends mid-century design with Palm Springs aesthetics. The property serves as both a family residence and the base for her interior design business, Concepts Interior Design (CID). The design process took approximately two years, with half of that time dedicated to planning, and was completed in March 2023. Dana's primary goal was to create a functional space that balanced professional and personal life, with specific zoning that allowed clients to visit the office without accessing private family areas. The home is shared with her husband, Carlo, and their two adult children. The design ethos of the home reflects Dana's personal style, characterized by a mid-century foundation with a playful European twist. She deliberately chose a bold and directional interior to showcase CID's capabilities in design, documentation, and project management. The exterior facade, inspired by a Modernist European home found on Pinterest, incorporates interesting brickwork details using PGH ‘Morada’ bricks in Ceniza and a striking wall of triple glazing. The facade was designed to be sympathetic to the local housing stock while incorporating modern elements, such as a nearly three-meter-high glazing panel installed with minimal steel supports to achieve a specific aesthetic without a parapet. Inside, the home features a neutral backdrop of soft whites and greiges, which allows vibrant accents and oversized artworks to stand out. Bright fuchsias, zesty citrus shades, and sweet pinks are strategically used to inject fun and personality into the space. Notable pieces include a holographic ballerina artwork by Umberto Ciceri, reupholstered 20-year-old lounges in velvet from Elliott Clarke, and Ligne Roset ‘Pukka’ armchairs. The kitchen and dining areas feature a refurbished dining table, Quantum Zero engineered stone benchtops, and cabinetry in Avion Grey and Polar White. Outdoor spaces also incorporate bold colors, such as an outdoor dining table repainted in Haymes Blushing Peach with a custom pink glass top, and a feature wall painted in Taubmans Earth Tone next to blue pool tiles. The home is filled with personal objects and a tailored color scheme, yet the neutral base palette ensures adaptability for potential future buyers with different tastes, allowing for cost-effective interior adjustments. The layout is also designed for flexibility; the spacious home office can easily be converted into a formal living area as the family downsizes. The project, which was Dana's first experience managing a build from excavation to completion, was a significant professional and personal milestone, providing both a steep learning curve and immense satisfaction. Dana emphasizes the importance of hiring a designer who fully understands the client's aesthetic goals, ensuring the design aligns with their personal style and vision rather than just imposing the designer's stamp. The home is described as a place where the family feels "eternally on holiday," positively impacting their relationships. #MidCenturyDesign #PalmSpringsStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeOffice #CanberraHome #BoldInteriors #ColorfulDecor #RenovationProject #FamilyHome

Hudson Moore, a design editor, resides in a Harlem studio apartment that he secured quickly, only realizing its lack of closets after signing the lease. Despite the initial oversight, Moore was drawn to the apartment's good ceiling height, wood floors, and attractive paneling. His move from an Upper West Side apartment was prompted by a significant rent increase, but the Harlem studio offered an upgrade in living space, with the main living/sleeping area measuring approximately 17-by-17 feet, larger than his previous 9-by-18-foot studio, and a separate 30-square-foot kitchen. Moore, who frequently moves, approaches the process of boxing and unboxing his belongings with enthusiasm rather than stress. Having lived in eleven different homes before graduating high school, he has adopted his parents' habit of fixing up homes and shedding possessions before each move. This practice allows him to maintain a carefully curated collection of items, preventing his small space from becoming cluttered. He opted to keep his plush, deep-seated Blu Dot sofa from his previous studio, valuing its armless design for its minimal visual impact and its versatility. The sofa's ability to fit on various walls is crucial for Moore, who treats his space as a laboratory for constant re-arrangement. Similarly, he incorporated easy-to-lift slipper chairs, inspired by a design shoot, which are covered in a graphic Schumacher fabric that appears solid from a distance. A key feature that attracted Moore to the apartment was the natural wood wainscoting. However, the wainscoting did not fully encircle the room due to the building's conversion from a single-family home. To create a cohesive look, Moore extended the visual delineation by painting the missing sections black, effectively unifying the space. This dark paint also serves to create the illusion of a headboard behind his unique house-shaped canopy bed, a piece his uncle welded in the 1980s. Despite the bed frame being slightly mismatched for his mattress and held together by boat straps, Moore has devised solutions to ensure its stability. Moore's apartment also features several pieces acquired through the kindness of others. For instance, bookshelves found in a family member's barn were transported from Oklahoma to New York by his former roommate's stepfather as a gesture of gratitude for Moore's help in decorating her apartment. To compensate for the lack of closets, Moore found two black Italian dressers and a large vintage armoire on Facebook Marketplace. Another Facebook Marketplace discovery was a black wall sculpture for the dining area. During the purchase, Moore connected with Hugo Vicente, brand director at ASH NYC, who encouraged the acquisition. The lightweight sculpture is mounted with magnets. The IKEA dining table, initially painted vermilion, created an unwanted red glow in the apartment when hit by sunlight, leading Moore to repaint it a light pink shade that he has come to appreciate. These experiences have taught him that most spontaneous decisions turn out well, and any that don't are easily remedied, reflecting a flexible and adaptive approach to home decoration. #HarlemStudio #SmallSpaceLiving #ApartmentTour #DesignEditor #Wainscoting #FurnitureSourcing #DIYDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor