Featured: Vario 400 Series Cooktops
Bel Air, California
César Giraldo Design, Club 1683 member
Gaggenau, maker of luxury kitchen appliances and the Home Kitchen Appliance Brand Partner of the MICHELIN Guide, prioritizes partnerships with its trade network. Club 1683 was developed to offer a select group of top tier industry trade professionals the opportunity to participate in the exclusive membership program promoting excellence in residential kitchen design. Qualified participants, including luxury designers, residential architects, kitchen studios, and single-family builders, gain access to personalized guidance, professional assistance, rewards and exclusive experiences.
For those who know the extraordinary. Learn how to qualify.
The difference is Gaggenau
From green, beauty blooms.
Photographed on location at
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Featured: Terra Villa, authentic clay terracotta wood-fired in Spain.
We
Thoughtfully crafted moving glass walls and windows redefine the boundaries of indoor-outdoor living, offering you the freedom to design, build, and live in spaces that inspire. Scan the QR code to learn more.
Inspired craft in every storied detail.
The little black book of all things new and fabulous in the local community.
The Gracie family re ects on their storied history crafting wallcoverings in their upcoming debut book.
Step outside and into one of these enchanting outdoor oases brimming with inspiration.
Luxe taps four designers to create mood boards in celebration of their newest collections.
A look inside the private homes of famous American artists and writers.
The always evolving, ever-present wooden chair shines at a North Carolina lakeside retreat.
Make your alfresco gathering a stylish affair with these warm-weather nds.
A magical California home inspires indoor-outdoor living year-around.
In an L.A. designer’s thoroughly renovated family home, every last element is bespoke.
Adventurous twists define a contemporary ground-up build in Newport Beach.
Photography by David Tsay
151 Presenting the 2024 Luxe RED Awards honoring excellence and innovation in residential architecture, interior design and landscape architecture projects and products. RESIDENTIAL EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS
A conceptual Santa Ynez Valley artist taps the environment as his co-creator.
Written by Monique McIntosh
Photography by Christina Gandolfo
After a renovation and landscape refresh, a Montecito abode flourishes amid a lush garden.
Written by Laura Fenton
Photography by Alex Vertikoff
ON THE COVER: Striking forged-metal Namuh pendant fixtures highlight the sunny entryway of a new-construction Newport Beach residence by architect Eric Olsen and designer Raili Clasen. A long water feature masks exterior noise, backed by a wall of cedar siding and overgrouted, limewashed brick. Page 200
Our showrooms are designed to inspire, with bath, kitchen and lighting choices from top brands curated in beautiful, hands-on displays. From product selection to delivery coordination, an industry expert will be there to support your project every step of the way.
What’s more exciting than a new adventure? For me, it’s a thrill to step into the role of Editor in Chief of Luxe Interiors + Design
Let me introduce myself. I’ve dedicated my career to publishing “coffee table” books for interior designers and architects. My roles have included producer, creative director, agent and storyteller. All these years of advocacy have made me the ultimate cheerleader for a subject that has long fascinated me. I am ready to bring the same joyful, energetic and enthusiastic spirit to Luxe I’m in awe of the breadth and depth of content we produce. With more than 14 regional issues and over 90 magazines published each year, we sit at the center of the design world. Our team has their ngers on the pulse of style-minded homeowners from coastto-coast, which gives us an incredible perspective. I’m eager to share this with you as we showcase the industry’s wide range of talent.
“All these years of advocacy have made me the ultimate cheerleader for a subject that has long fascinated me.”
Anyone who loves design knows that no great residence is static, and new ideas and elements keep things relevant and stimulating. The same is true for good publications and, while Luxe will continue to publish breathtaking spaces, you can also expect a refreshed look, intriguing features and a more robust digital presence in the days to come.
I am forever grateful to Chairman Adam Sandow for entrusting me with the future of Luxe and to founding editor Pam Jaccarino for building this remarkable platform. My team and I are brewing with ideas for the future, and I hope you will join us on this adventure.
Jill Cohen Editor in Chief
Follow me @jilleditsluxe
A full-service interior design firm known for luxury, sophistication and comfort, Orange Coast Interior Design creates unique interiors that fall outside the boundaries of any predetermined style or genre.
Whether for simple room redesigns or complete renovations, the OCID team excels at interpreting ideas, desires and lifestyles, and developing spaces that exceed expectations within budget.
When a young family began dreaming of building a “Swedish Country Home,” their dreams ran deeper than aesthetics. He grew up in Sweden. She in Minnesota, a state known for its Scandinavian heritage. So, to them, the notion of “Swedishinspired” evoked a feeling of familiarity Of comfort. Of home.
When pulling up the home’s winding drive it all appears so effortless—but it required years of collaboration to complete. The team, including Bill Costello, CCO of Streeter Custom Builder, architect Charlie Simmons, founding principal of Charlie & Co. Design Ltd., and interior designer Linda Engler, founder of Engler Studio Interior Design, as well as the family themselves, trusted each other implicitly. As part of their initial research, this core team poured over old family images to help inform architectural details.
“When you have the ability to create and sculpt environments that take advantage of light, you certainly want to do that… Marvin gives us the tools to create these wonderful spaces.”
Charlie Simmons, Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd.
In general, Scandinavians appreciate natural light, so light was a crucial design element for the home. The staircase, for example, sitting opposite the entryway, runs three stories with floor-toceiling windows as a backdrop, drawing guests inside.
“There are views for days. To have the light come in, it gives the connection that feeds our soul and makes us feel whole.”
Linda Engler, Engler Studio Interior Design
“One of the things that was really important for our client was to feel at one with nature,” Simmons said. From how the home was situated on the property, the landscaping that harkens back to Sweden with its hilly pastures, to the use of expansive glass all throughout the house to easily soak up the surroundings—the team never lost sight of the client’s desire to bring the outdoors in.
So, how did the family feel upon walking into the space for the first time? “They really felt like they were home,” Simmons said.
marvin.com/makespace
In the heart of the Pacific Northwest wilderness lies Marrowstone Island, a haven of rugged beauty that captivated Rick Whitworth, a retired Navy veteran. Nestled on five acres of wooded wetlands encompassed by ocean and mountains views, Whitworth envisioned a home that would seamlessly connect with its surroundings.
“I kept coming back to this place... the mountains, trees that grow taller than homes, the abundance of water… this is where I wanted to be.”
Rick Whitworth, Homeowner
Whitworth’s vision took shape with the expertise of architect Dan Shipley and builder Peter Bates of Good Home Construction. Shipley’s site-responsive design, inspired by the untamed landscape, ensured the island’s true essence was reflected.
“It’s all about this small space in the trees, almost like you’re camping out, and have that sense of just floating amongst the tree trunks.”
Dan Shipley, Shipley Architects
The seamless connection comes to life through the team’s collaboration with Marvin for its Ultimate custom windows and doors—from the meticulously tailored floor-to-ceiling solutions to the Douglas Fir trim that echoes the surrounding forest. Every uncompromising detail perfectly accomplishes the modern architectural vision of clean lines while framing the stunning views and flooding the interior with natural light.
“The Ultimate line is great because of how customizable it is. We have windows that go essentially floor to ceiling... all the window sizes had to be perfect, and they had to be custom.”
Peter Bates, Good Home Construction
At Marvin, we understand windows and doors are more than just architectural elements— they’re portals to our world both inside and out. Let’s get started creating solutions custom crafted for your unique vision.
marvin.com/makespace
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SANDOW was founded by visionary entrepreneur Adam I. Sandow in 2003, with the goal of reinventing the traditional publishing model. Today, SANDOW powers the design, materials and luxury industries through innovative content, tools and integrated solutions. With its diverse portfolio of assets, SANDOW has established itself as the largest design media company in the world which includes the following brands: Luxe Interiors + Design, Interior Design, Metropolis, DesignTV by SANDOW; ThinkLab, a research and strategy firm; and content services brands, including The Agency by SANDOW – a full-scale digital marketing agency, The Studio by SANDOW – a video production studio, and SURROUND – a podcast network and production studio. In 2019, Adam Sandow launched Material Bank, the world’s largest marketplace for searching, sampling and specifying architecture, design and construction materials. Other SANDOW brands include definitive authority on all things beauty, NewBeauty; luxury sampling platform, Test Tube by NewBeauty; Leaders Magazine; and exclusive private airport newsstand network, MediaJet.
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@luxemagazine @Luxe Interiors + Design
Luxe Interiors + Design®, (ISSN 1949-2022), Arizona (ISSN 2163-9809), California (ISSN 2164-0122), Chicago (ISSN 2163-9981), Colorado (ISSN 21639949), Florida (ISSN 2163-9779), New York (ISSN 2163-9728), Pacific Northwest (ISSN 2167-9584), San Francisco (ISSN 2372-0220), Southeast (ISSN 2688-5735), Texas (ISSN 2163-9922), Vol. 22, No. 4, July/August, prints bimonthly and is published by SANDOW, 3651 FAU Boulevard, Suite 200, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Luxe Interiors + Design® (“Luxe”) provides information on luxury homes and lifestyles. Luxe Interiors + Design®, SANDOW, its affiliates, employees, contributors, writers, editors, (Publisher) accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. The Publisher has neither investigated nor endorsed the companies and/or products that advertise within the publication or that are mentioned editorially. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims made by the Advertisers or the merits of their respective products or services advertised or promoted in Luxe Publisher neither expressly nor implicitly endorses such Advertiser products, services or claims. Publisher expressly assumes no liability for any damages whatsoever that may be suffered by any purchaser or user for any products or services advertised or mentioned editorially herein and strongly recommends that any purchaser or user investigate such products, services, methods and/or claims made
DESIGN UNCOMPROMISED
Arcadia Custom stands out for its diversity in materials and styles, offering something to suit every homeowner’s taste—from the sleek durability of Thermal Stainless Steel to the design flexibility of aluminum and the classic warmth of wood.
FISHER WEISMAN FOR VISUAL COMFORT & CO.
WRITTEN BY
KRYSTAL RACANIELLODesigners Andrew Fisher and Jeffry Weisman have partnered with Visual Comfort & Co. on a series of new lighting collections launching this summer. The dynamic collaboration introduces innovative forms and fresh interpretations of classic silhouettes. Here, Fisher and Weisman chat with Luxe about the release. fisherweisman.com; visualcomfort.com
Tell us about the collaboration. We’re unveiling three distinct collections: Sutton, Alana and Catania (above). Sutton features elegant fixtures that reinterpret Art Deco lines with a contemporary twist. Alana presents a modern take on classic bamboo motifs, and Catania showcases handwoven fiber shades that enhance its steel grid.
Describe the influences that shaped the designs. The Sutton collection draws from the fringe details of 1920s flapper dresses, while Alana is inspired by Victorianera bamboo furniture. Andrew’s bangle bracelet designs for Chic AF—conceptualized in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico—influenced Catania with their lightweight and luminous characteristics.
What makes these pieces versatile? Having curated residential interiors for decades, we understand scale and the transformative power light fixtures have in any room. With that, we focused on meticulously crafting pieces that fit naturally into a wide variety of spaces, infusing each setting with panache.
WRITTEN BY LARA
HALLOCKIn their first extension beyond the performance textiles that built their fame, Perennials released a debut line of wall treatments this June. After more than 25 years of supplying high-end soft goods, wallcoverings felt like a natural next step for the company. “Rugs and fabrics speak the same language as wallcoverings,” explains Amy Williams, design director at Perennials and Sutherland LLC. “They’re how you layer your home, how you make it special.” The new collection features 18 versatile designs and materials ranging from grass cloth to performance vinyl. Perennials looked to high-quality mills across the United States to produce the coverings, which come in nearly 100 distinct pattern and color combinations. Some of the motifs are inspired by best-selling fabrics of the same name, such as Arigato, with wabi-sabi lines that resemble hand-stitching, and Bebop, an organic take on polka dots. Others play with natural materials and textures, including handwoven metallics that change with the light throughout the day. perennialsfabrics.com
It’s a sweet nostalgia that informs designer Leah Cumming’s line of L.A.-made furnishings, Maison Madeleine. “Madeleine is my grandmother,” she explains, “and my dad loved antiques—we would go to flea markets, auctions— so I was exposed to great pieces from an early age.” That passion for handcrafted furniture and a love of France, her former home, as well as stints with Nickey Kehoe, Jenni Kayne and Soho House, have culminated in an heirloomworthy collection that melds Provençal rusticity with SoCal spirit. “It’s about old-world-meets-new,” she says, noting that the casual vibe of her oak daybed (one of the brand’s latest releases) with its Belgian linen cushion makes it one of her favorite pieces. “France and California may seem vastly different, but there’s overlap in the use of raw materials, layering and a relaxed feeling,” she adds. “There’s just something romantic about wood—this material is strong and inviting.” It’s a sentiment that will continue to imbue her next collection, due to launch this fall. shopmaisonmadeleine.com
As the designer behind the homes of Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow, among others, L.A.-based Brigette Romanek has become nearly as celebrated as her high-end clientele. Now one of the brightest stars in the field, we asked Romanek about what the future holds. @brigetteromanek
What about design inspires you? The impact it has on our lives. I have a voice in bringing together joy, beauty and people, and in making spaces feel important to them.
Why have you kept L.A. as your home base? The city’s eclectic mix of cultures, lifestyles and design aesthetics constantly fuels me. Los Angeles is full of interesting people doing interesting things.
How do you see your work evolving? I prioritize elements that are beautiful and functional, and I want my projects to be soulful for each client. I’m particularly excited to further explore sustainability within my “livable luxe” philosophy, incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices that enhance the longevity and environmental consciousness of each design.
What do you hope new designers might glean from your work? The importance of authenticity and passion, and of creating based on intuition and following your own rules.
What’s on the books? Working in residential, commercial, retail—all of which I love. I'm also in love with my recent line with Loloi Rugs (see the Knox rug below). And I’m obsessed with dogs, so a collection with... I can’t say yet! Plus, I have a furniture collaboration coming out in 2025.
WRITTEN BY CLÉMENCE
SFADJ
One of California’s most enduring legacies is its Case Study House Program, which engaged architects to explore affordable housing concepts for the postwar era. While it never reached mass production as originally intended, it did help spread California’s unique response to modernism (especially the concept of indoor-outdoor living) across the globe. Now, these experimental homes in Los Angeles—which include the Eames House in the Palisades and the Stahl House in the Hollywood Hills—have inspired a new collection from Zia Tile. This isn’t the first time the company, which has done collections with local designers Justina Blakeney and Amber Lewis, has found inspiration right at home. But The Case Study Collection puts L.A. design history itself on center stage, with 10 cement designs that span curved and geometric patterns as well as solids, all in a variety of shapes and sizes. The line boasts colorways channeling a midcentury palette, including Pompeii, a brick red; Rust, a burnt orange; and Elemental Blue, a nod to Yves Klein’s eponymous hue. ziatile.com
Lindye Galloway For her own kitchen, Orange County-based designer and LUXE Next In Design 99 talent Lindye Galloway channeled old-world European design with a SoCal twist. The inspo: This kitchen captures my design ethos—infusing minimalist accents with refined luxury. The stars: One of the best parts of renovating our home was utilizing furniture I personally designed: the stools, for instance, are our Ophelia Counter Stools from Lindye Galloway Shop. The pendants are by Naomi Paul. The palette: To bring together West Coast style and Spanish charm, I chose warm neutrals with a detailed tile, unlacquered brass and Calacatta Vagli marble. Kitchens are the heart of the home. Soften your color palette and infuse them with elements that will inspire you daily. @lindyegalloway
Jessica Ayromloo L.A.-based LUXE Next In Design 99 honoree Jessica Ayromloo designed a longtime client’s Southampton home down to the architectural details. The inspo: The homeowner is very laid-back and doesn’t like a lot of fuss, so we kept things light and minimal with understated design moments. The stars: The fireplace is one of my favorite elements. I wanted its material to evoke a deconstructed and natural feeling, and found this unfired terra cotta from clé. The sofa is Paola Lenti and the vintage rattan chairs are from Harbinger. The palette: This room feels layered in a balanced way. When designing a space, you have to decide on the feeling you want to evoke. Then, you can determine what colors, textures and shapes best define your intention.
@ayromloo.design
CREATE A WELL DESIGNED SPACE AND CHANGE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUTDOOR LIVING.
TERRA COLLABORATES WITH AN EXTRAORDINARY TEAM OF DESIGNERS, MANUFACTURERS AND ARTISANS ACROSS THE GLOBE TO CREATE EXCEPTIONAL OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS. OUR PREMIUM QUALITY AND CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN DESIGNS ARE IN-STOCK AND READY TO TURN YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE INTO A PERSONAL SANCTUARY.
Dive into the awe-inspiring world of hand-painted wallcoverings with the Gracie family and explore spectacular outdoor spaces around the country.
AFTER 125 YEARS, THE GRACIE FAMILY REMAINS TRAILBLAZERS IN HAND-PAINTED WALLPAPER, ASIAN ANTIQUES AND LACQUER.
WRITTEN BY JUDITH NASATIR
Charles R. Gracie & Sons, launched in 1898, soon became the American decorator’s go-to source for Asian antiques and decorative arts, especially hand-painted Chinese wallpaper. Today, CEO Mike Gracie and Creative Director Jennifer Gracie continue the six-generation firm’s evolution, which has become one of the most prestigious decorative arts brands in the industry.
The Gracie family captures their ongoing romance with design and the creation of beauty in the forthcoming book, The Art of Gracie, (out in September) from which Jenn’s essay, below, is adapted. Here, she shares her personal reflection of growing up in and around the studio and taking this family firm forward.
Some of my earliest memories are of visiting our New York showroom. At that time, our New York art studio was on the twelfth floor of the D&D Building, with the showroom above. The studio was a bustling, creative place, with artists drawing design sketches, restoring antique wallpapers and screens, or inspecting each panel arriving from our China studio. I never tired of walking around the showroom, trying to learn the difference between eighteenth- and nineteenth-century porcelain, appreciating the details on a lacquer table, and losing track of time admiring the tiny brushstrokes on our wallpapers.
DESIGNER LIGHTING SHOP NOW
THOMAS O’BRIEN
PIATTO MEDIUM PENDANT IN ANTIQUE-BURNISHED BRASS WITH PLASTER WHITE SHADE VISUALCOMFORT.COM
My brother Mike and I worked at Gracie during the summers. We kept almost every design in stock then. Mark Hampton, Mario Buatta, or Keith Irvine would visit, for example, needing twenty-five panels for a dining room. Mike and I would climb up a ladder, unclip the three on display, run to get the next twenty-two, wrap them up, and off they would go. We would then collect and hang the next three panels in the sequence. We had thousands of panels—and not a single repeat. As our lead times got faster, we began doing special orders almost exclusively. I design almost all of them these days, but many are also based on styles that have been in our repertoire since the beginning.
My father often reminded me, “We don’t make anything anybody needs.” That is still true, of course, and I never forget that this is why we must make the most exquisite designs, pay the utmost attention to quality, and make it a wonderful experience to visit Gracie. I feel incredibly fortunate to make beautiful things for people who appreciate them. I feel luckier still that Mike and I run the business together, and that six years ago were joined by my son, Zach. My great-great-grandfather would be delighted, I imagine, that we are carrying on what he started in 1898. And I wish that all former Gracie generations could see what we are up to today. graciestudio.com, rizzoliusa.com
(Clockwise from top left) The two-brush technique is a classic Chinese painting style. In a room by Mallory Mathison Inc., Eden’s gold tea-leaf ground creates the illusion of an expansive garden. The Waves pattern transforms a Charleston powder room designed by Alaina Michelle Ralph.
FROM COAST TO COAST, LUXE CELEBRATES SUMMER SPLENDOR WITH OUTDOOR SPACES THAT ARE SURE TO INSPIRE.
WRITTEN BY KATHRYN GIVEN AND MARY JO BOWLING
While this Marshall Watson-designed Hacienda-style home (previous page) enjoys picture-perfect weather most days, an outdoor ivy-covered fireplace not only adds to the ambiance but also offers the perfect solution for chilly evenings. The lounge-like area is a picturesque spot for drinks and hors d’oeuvres, beckoning visitors to take a seat while viewing the stunning sunset. marshallwatsoninteriors.com
When their clients purchased a double lot, Workshop/APD saw the opportunity to construct several outbuildings alongside the main house. The pavilion (above) draws inspiration from simple Shaker-style architecture, in keeping with Nantucket’s building vernacular. Featuring a gym, powder room and service bar connecting to a sauna pod, the dwelling “provides a resort-like experience that brings wellness front and center,” explains Founding Principal Andrew Kotchen. workshopapd.com
Located on a spit of land overlooking Cape Cod Bay, this Hutker Architects-designed home (left) was informed by the historic cottage that previously occupied the site as well as nearby Alden House, one of the oldest homes in the country, which provided additional architectural context. Firm Partner Tom McNeill implemented creative solutions to maximize the limited square footage, like a cantilevered screened-in porch that creates a shaded terrace below. hutkerarchitects.com
There’s an age-old adage that Rowland+Broughton Founding Principal John Rowland holds true: Everyone moves to Aspen for the skiing but stays for the summer. It’s during this seductive season when outdoor living is at its peak that captures the hearts of residents. The clients of this home very much inhabit that active Colorado lifestyle, and a place of wellness topped their wish list. As such, the firm crafted a decked-out fitness room, which doubles as a Bikram yoga studio, that opens to the stunning grounds. The structure sits adjacent to a 65-foot lap pool and covered seating area where the family can recharge while taking in the unobstructed mountain views. rowlandbroughton.com
This alluring garden structure was born from a utilitarian requirement—a bioretention area. Founding Principal and CEO Richard Hartlage, and his Land Morphology team, used this to their advantage, transforming the space into an enticing summer spot by erecting a bridge and pergola overtop. Although Seattle is known for rain, its temperate summers are the stuff of legend, and the genesis for this garden destination. “It’s an intimate space for cocktails,” says Hartlage. “I love a dash of red in a garden because red and green are complementary colors.” Varying verdant hues are plentiful thanks to (mostly) native plantings. landmorphology.com
Casual, formal, something in between, no meal goes unnoticed when thoughtfully furnished with remarkable design, including an entrance that is both grand and seamless. Another evening gathering of family and friends, made more poignant by doors and windows that never compromise. Learn more >
Duette® Honeycomb Shades Elan®: Cider ©2024 Hunter Douglas Inc.
At Hunter Douglas, we’re passionate about window shades—and creating an extraordinary experience. We offer unparalleled choices, for any window need. We design thoughtful innovations that can automatically adjust shades for the best lighting or privacy, day and night. And we deliver enduring quality, for products that last.
DOUGLAS. SHADES LIKE NO OTHER™
For over 50 years, All Weather has handcrafted exceptional custom aluminum windows and doors. Transform indoor-outdoor living and elevate everyday experiences with All Weather. allweatheraa.com
Because scent has the power to motivate, inspire, relax and calm, Atelier Fourteen Forty Four designs their curated fragrances to excite the senses. atelier1444.com
Greg Miller’s Think-Diptych seamlessly fuses painted and collaged Neo-Pop elements. This combination of techniques illustrates Miller’s innovative approach to art and his ability to create visually striking pieces that actively engage audiences.
joanneartmangallery.com
Often an overlooked accessory, a mirror can transform a room, magnifying the light and maximizing the glamour. J. Tribble has a wide selection of decorative mirrors or can custom design one to complement any of its signature sink bases. jtribble.com
Take a bit of Bevolo craftsmanship wherever you go with the portable Governor Pool House lantern. Ideal for use outdoors or indoors, it will warmly illuminate any area. Offered in three sizes and handcrafted in stainless steel or antique copper. bevolo.com
This year, Julian Chichester marks its 35th ar, Julian Chichester marks its 35th anniversary. To celebrate, the brand has launched sary. To celebrate, the brand has launched an anniversary capsule collection. The Frick versary collection. The Frick coffee table is one of four special designs that able is one of four that have been reimagined from the archives. een from the archives. julianchichester.com hichester.com
The 24-inch Wine Column. From sun-drenched vineyards to meticulous aging in oak barrels, each bottle of wine encapsulates years of dedication and artistry. With the Signature Kitchen Suite 24-inch Wine Column and every product in our wine portfolio, we take that journey into consideration. You’ll find it in our exclusive Wine Cave Technology,™ providing your collection with the environment it needs to ensure the last step to the glass is as cared for as the first. This is how we stay True to food.
Poetica is Scavolini’s new furniture system, designed by Vuesse, distinguished by a charming blend of elements from the past and modern proportions. It combines retro-inspired motifs with contemporary details, highlighted by a unique door processing. scavolini.com
Newport Brass’ Kirsi is a study in strong edges and precise lines, featuring prominent angled handles that perfectly complement its matching spout. The collection is available in more than 20 decorative finishes. newportbrass.com
Pollack’s latest fabric collection, Yarn Story, is meticulously crafted using diverse fibers and techniques, inviting appreciation of every intricate detail. A sophisticated palette— muted tones as well as bright pops—spotlight the studio’s legendary color sense. pollackassociates.com
RYAN SAGHIAN X STUDIO
TREASURE TROVE | Thomas O’Brien x Patterson Flynn
Clockwise from top right: Italian Straw Hat / copperbeechbythesea.com Haiku Hand-Knotted Wool & Silk Rug in Copper by Thomas O’Brien / pattersonflynn.com Double Ply
Leather Coaster Set / aerostudios.com Tibetan Rock Crystal Beads / dokham.com Frances Silk Finge in Gold / pattersonflynn.com Tibetan Lapis Lazuli Ball / dokham.com
Orpheus Hand-Knotted Silk & Wool Rug in Ivory by Thomas O’Brien / pattersonflynn.com Set of Three Rosewood Dishes / aerostudios.com Tibetan Pashmina Scarf in Orange / dokham.com Cardiff Tape Trim in Green and Brown / pattersonflynn.com Antique Brass Magnifying Glasses by Thomas O’Brien / copperbeechbythesea.com Beau Moire Fabric in Olive / pattersonflynn.com Beau Moire Fabric in Oyster / pattersonflynn.com Lalano Linen Velvet Fabric in Natural / pattersonflynn.com Gilded 23kt Yellow Gold Botanical Specimens by Carol Leskanic / aerostudios.com Tibetan Pashmina Scarf in Chocolate / dokham.com Green Onyx Panda and Silk Bag by Thomas O’Brien / copperbeechbythesea.com Orpheus Hand-Knotted Silk & Wool Rug in Chocolate by Thomas O’Brien /pattersonflynn.com
Clockwise from top: Pineapples Wallpaper in Custom Colorway by Sheila Bridges / adelphipaperhangings.com
Teacup and Saucer / wedgwood.com Oasis Wallpaper in Natural/Watermelon / pinturastudio.com
Chintz in Sky / fschumacher.com
/ wedgwood.com Curves Mini Rug in Celadon Reverse / elizabetheakins.com Valencia Fabric in Granny Apple/Chocolate / pinturastudio.com Kobe Fabric in Bottle Green / pinturastudio.com Veranda Crete Trim in Chardon Bleu / samuelandsons.com Carabosse Fabric in Femme Intenso / jamesmalonefabrics.com Polka Dot Pony Tape in Olive / fschumacher.com Postcard of Zora Neale Hurston by Aaron Douglas / store.metmuseum.org Small Ric Rac Tape in Celadon / fschumacher.com Fox & Hound Wallcovering in Covey / interiors.hollandandsherry.com West End Fabric in Her Majesty’s Coral / interiors.hollandandsherry.com Trianon Ombré Border in Marzipan / samuelandsons.com Guinevere Trim in Sprout / interiors.hollandandsherry.com Drag Wallpaper in Bespoke Colorway DR 1254 / farrow-ball.com Veranda Crete Trim in Delphinium / samuelandsons.com
In 1945, prolific modernist painter Georgia O’Keeffe put down roots in Abiquiú, New Mexico, which went on to influence her work for decades to come. Over the years, she lovingly restored her abode—a blend of Native American and Spanish building styles—into the lightfilled Pueblo-style hacienda it is today. okeeffemuseum.org
author Ernest wrote famed novels Have
It was from the island of West that Nobel Prizethe 1930s. His former two-story Spanish Colonial home, surrounded flora and fauna, features wide and treasure-filled interiors from his extensive
from the island of Key West that Nobel Prizewinning author Ernest Hemingway wrote famed like For Whom the Bell Tolls and To Have and Not throughout the 1930s. His former two-story Colonial home, surrounded by tropical flora fauna, features wide wraparound porches and treasure-filled interiors from his extensive travels, become nearly as iconic as the works he penned within. hemingwayhome.com
In the 1960s, minimalism pioneer Donald Judd took up residence in a classic New York City loft with a cast-iron façade. There, the and furniture designer further explored the practice of permanent installation—a defining sentiment of his celebrated legacy. To this day, visitors can explore his one time home and take work, spanning art and objects, along with other notable 20th-century artists. juddfoundation.org -century artists.
SoHo loft with a cast-iron There, the artist and furniture designer further explored the practice of installation—a sentiment of his celebrated To this visitors can his one time home and take in his work, art and with
For 50 years, Thos. Moser has been handcrafting North American-hardwood furniture in Maine. Their Pasadena Rocker, shown here in cherry, looks as if it were made for the porch of High Hampton’s rustic Log Cabin, one of the property’s many private cabins dating back to the early 20th century. The chair’s sleek silhouette stands out from its traditional predecessors, with dramatically svelte legs and a back that takes its shape from a single block of wood. A Cross Stitch Linen Pillow Cover from Toast adds a folklike touch apropos for the setting. thosmoser.com, us.toa.st
X E S O U R C E C O M
Relaxation beckons with Noir Furniture’s Loredo Chair. Chunky and conical tapered teak legs support a thick woven seagrass seat and half-circle back, which is also available in counter or barstool height as well as in a woven synthetic option. Here, a pair is perched on a stone terrace flanking an antique games table from the Inn’s impressive collection of furniture. The property, rich with charming historical features, wraparound porches and rustic interiors, was recently acquired and lovingly restored by Blackberry Farm. noirfurniturela.com For more information on all chairs featured, visit luxesource.com LU X E S O U R C E C O M
WHETHER ENTERTAINING IN THE BACKYARD OR HANGING BY THE POOL, SHOP THESE STYLISH SUMMER MUST-HAVES TO ELEVATE ANY SCHEME.
Add a dash of British charm to your next tablescape with lighting designs from Pooky, which recently made its debut stateside. The brand’s rechargeable, cordless lamps can be used inside or out and paired with a variety of shade and base options. The Freya Cordless Table Lamp in antiqued brass (shown) is inspired by an old candlestick and topped with a punchy 6-inch empire shade in Heraldic Ikat Printed Linen. pooky.com
Fortina is a remarkable architectural system that looks and feels like real wood, but is made with aluminum and a hyper-realistic non-PVC surface. Available in over 100+ wood and metal finishes and 50+ profiles for interior and exterior applications. Now with integral lighting, larger, up to 2" x 12" profiles, and quicker delivery with Quick Ship.
When asked to define good design and construction, Sarmad Kaka describes a home that is thoughtfully conceived and crafted, both inside and out. “It should be affordable, ergonomic, enduring, sustainable, accessible, well-made and reflect the wants, needs and visions of the people who’ll live there,” he says. With that powerful ideal in mind, Kaka’s firm, SK Design & Build leads complex projects that turn their clients’ dreams into realities. “SK Design & Build started out specializing in remodel projects,” Kaka shares. “Over time, we’ve evolved and grown to a team of experts who perfect complex procedures and g uide our clients’ projects every step of the way.” Today, the full-service, design-build firm is known for creating homes of exceptional quality while remaining firmly focused on the client. “We avoid overly complicated ideas and concentrate on value,” Kaka adds. “I always put myself in my client’s shoes and strive to give them the best result at a reasonable cost by logically analyzing each and every element.”
“ Not every building can be the Pantheon, but every design should attempt to stir the senses.”- SARMAD KAKA, ARCHITECT Photography Mauricio Cezar Diresto; Interior Design Mai Shehadeh
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What is inspiring you now?
The industry’s most powerful and user-friendly generative design program, which empowers engineers by creating and investigating concepts quickly and easily, while enabling clients to better visualize and make important decisions. It reduces costs, time requirements and material consumption.
How did you know this was your calling?
Our universe has a lot of different shapes and forms. The ability to see and understand those is crucial to success as a designer or builder. This has been a part of my personal vision since childhood.
The epitome of indoor-outdoor California living, plus timeless new upgrades to refresh any space.
IN SANTA BARBARA, A HISTORIC PROPERTY IS REIMAGINED AS AN INDOOR-OUTDOOR HAVEN FOR HEALTHY LIVING—AND HOSTING A CROWD.
WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY GRACE BEULEY HUNT AND SARAH SHELTON
Sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean enticed one Los Angeles-based family to purchase this 1930s cottage in Santa Barbara, but it wasn’t long before the fairytale setting prompted them to recast their would-be vacation home as a primary residence. In reimagining the period dwelling for everyday life, the owners sought a timeless California aesthetic, modern amenities to support their healthy lifestyle, and, most importantly, “to preserve the feeling of being on v acation,” shares interior designer Jennifer Miller. In collaboration with Two Trees Architects and Leonard Unander Associates, Inc., Miller responded with a charming ramble of indoor-outdoor spaces that accommodate family time and entertaining at scale alike. As we celebrate the height of beach season, Luxe takes the grand tour.
Portola Paints’ creamy Patagonia white blankets the walls of this Santa Barbara pool cabana. Home to a secondary kitchen space designed for entertaining, the Shaker-style cabinetry conceals a refrigerator and pantry. Blackened metal details, including a Waterstone Faucets tap, Lorfords sconce and Coastal Bronze hardware, embellish the interiors by Jennifer Miller.
This kitchen is so beautiful! Tell us about the design. Cooking is what brings this family together, so while we wanted the space to feel refined, we didn’t want anything to be precious. The counters are a honed quartzite, which will stand the test of time both in terms of style and durability. All of the hardware has living finishes that will continue to patina with age; nothing is too perfect or shiny. Because of how the room was oriented, it offers a more intimate environment that encourages culinary creativity.
You added a secondary kitchen in the pool cabana (previous page). Why two kitchens? The primary kitchen is their private family space, whereas the new cabana was designed as a place for visiting friends and family. These clients are great connectors; they entertain often by their pool, and with the beach across the street, guests needed a space to gather, step out of the sun, and grab a drink or snack. The secondary kitchen contains a hidden refrigerator, pantry, dishwasher and wine fridge. It even has a home-brewed Kombucha on tap!
How fun to have an entertaining destination. What else makes this property special? These clients are health-oriented, so we built a gym structure with a spa-like bathroom featuring an infrared sauna and walk-in shower that opens to a private garden. Having these destination outbuildings emphasizes the feeling of being on vacation. The clients love having to “travel” when hosting or working out. There’s a sense of detaching a bit from everyday life that’s pretty magical. jennifermillerstudio.com
Timeless materials distinguish the primary kitchen, where a Lacanche range accentuated by Moroccan tiles from Zellij Gallery makes a quietly luxurious statement. Brushed bronze knobs and pulls from Rocky Mountain Hardware garnish white-washed oak cabinets that conceal a Sub-Zero refrigerator.
The pool deck (top) is built for alfresco living with its RH sofa and Hollywood at Home chaises unified by custom cerulean cushions.
A Paul Paper wallcovering depicting the Mediterranean Sea wraps the cabana bath (above and right), which is joined by tiles from Country Floors in the shower. A bronze Jaclo tap and RH sconce dress up the sink area.
The newly constructed gym building is a wellness retreat unto itself, replete with an indoor-outdoor shower lined in Taj Mahal quartz and a Sun Valley Bronze shower head. The same stone composes the floating vanity, backed by walls of Santa Barbara sandstone, an homage to the local vernacular.
DISCOVER NEW PRODUCTS WITH TIMELESS STYLE
The UK’s pub scene was the inspiration behind Armac Martin’s Cocktail Collection. The Barwick Ridged T-bar Handle (below left) borrows from traditional distillery tanks, the Colmore Cabinet follows cheeky shape of a glass. armacmartin.com
traditional tanks, while the Colmore Cabinet Knob follows the of a martini
Look closely and you’ll see nuanced details of beveled edges and balanced arcs in the new Apothecary Collection from House of Rohl. Recalling vintage apothecary bottles, the nostalgic silhouettes are available in a suite of faucet styles and six fi nishes. houseofrohl.com
Tailor your home’s ambiance with Hunter Douglas’ new Aura Illuminated Shades, lined with programmable LED strips, which allow homeowners to co ntrol natural and artifi cial light to mimic the desired environment for work, sleep or relaxation. Aura is available in most of the brand’s popular styles and fabrics. hunterdouglas.com
Small but mighty, the 30-inch Professional Speed Oven from Signature Kitchen Suite speeds up traditional cooking by eliminating preheating, thanks to its combination of convection heating. Bonus: it doubles as a microwave and air fryer. signaturekitchensuite.com
Offering front-row vistas of the harbor, ocean and Catalina Island, this unparalleled custom residence by Carlton Graham, Michael Fullen, and builders Steve Davidson Construction and Tom Waters delivers the ultimate in contemporary luxury, showcasing natural elements throughout its four en suite bedroom, five-and-two-half-bath floorplan of approximately 6,232 square feet.
CO-LISTED WITH CASEY LESHER, CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL
SCAN TO WATCH FILM
DOLPHIN TERRACE, CORONA DEL MAR
Blinds | Shutters | Draperies
Shades | Motorization
Introducing the 2024 Luxe RED Awards, honoring excellence and innovation for the best in residential projects and product introductions.
Luxe Interiors + Design invited design professionals from across the country to compete in the 2024 RED Awards. After receiving more than 1,600 entries, a panel of industry experts weighed in to select our winners, and the public voted for our Readers’ Choice awards. Read on to learn more about our judges.
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER, APARTMENT 48
Rayman Boozer is the principal designer at Apartment 48, one of the first lived-in, shoppable experiences specializing in the combination of vibrant colors, exotic materials and contemporary furnishings. Over the years, Boozer slowly transitioned the business toward interior design and has become known for his expertise in color consulting. Apartment 48 specializes in crafting spaces that feel optimistic, relaxed and effortless. Boozer’s knowledge of materials, objects and art make each space he creates truly unique and custom to his clients.
PRINCIPAL,
HEIDI CAILLIER DESIGN
Heidi Caillier, renowned for her ability to blend tradition with innovation, crafts timeless and inviting interiors through her studio, Heidi Caillier Design. Her work is characterized by a fluid and evolving aesthetic driven by feeling and intimacy. Embracing nostalgia, cherished heirlooms and handcrafted antiques, Caillier celebrates imperfections and patina rather than masking them. Her signature use of pattern and color adds depth and individuality to spaces, resulting in cozy yet elevated designs. Based in Seattle, her studio oversees high-end residential and hospitality projects nationwide, tailoring each creation to her clients’ personal tastes.
PRINCIPAL AND FOUNDER, PALOMA CONTRERAS DESIGN
Paloma Contreras is an acclaimed interior designer based in Houston. Her modern take on traditional style pairs classic silhouettes and timeless pieces with a touch of glamour and an infusion of color. Contreras has honed her distinct eye for over more than a decade in the industry. She has developed a reputation for designing beautiful interiors in her signature modern-meets-traditional aesthetic that feel polished, refined and effortless. Her curated retail shop, Paloma & Co, is located in Houston and also shoppable online.
CEO & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, HALDEN INTERIORS
Influenced by her experiences in couture fashion, Kesha Franklin’s striking aesthetic is shaped not only by her skill at curating color palettes, balanced textures and distinct furnishings but also her natural ability to connect with people. Defined by a commitment to highly personalized service for bespoke environments that inspire people to live to their truest potential, the designer’s intuitive sense of style, creativity and harmony emulates through the spaces she crafts. Franklin is a founding member of the Black Artists + Designers Guild.
PRINCIPAL, JANICE PARKER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Born and raised in New York, Janice Parker grew up studying the natural and urban environment. Throughout her career, she has conceptualized and directed innovative landscape architecture for private and public clients globally. In 2017, she authored Designing a Vision, which showcases the firm’s work. Under her guidance, Janice Parker Landscape Architects has been honored with multiple awards, including the Stanford White Award for Garden Design and the Professional Merit Award from the Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
EDITOR IN CHIEF LUXE INTERIORS + DESIGN
Jill Cohen was named Editor in Chief of Luxe Interiors + Design in 2024. Prior to taking the helm, she had an accomplished career in book publishing and direct marketing. She has held numerous positions in the industry, including founder, president and publisher of Conde Nast Books; president of Random House Direct Marketing; vice president of new business development at QVC; and vice president and publisher of Time Warner Book Group, Bulfinch Press. In 2006, Cohen founded her agency, Jill Cohen Associates, which has produced over 150 best-selling architecture and design books. Today, JCA continues as a Sandow Company.
NATIONAL WINNER
Jennifer Robin Interiors
REGIONAL WINNERS
Emmy Couture Designs
ARIZONA
Skelly Build
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Deep River Partners
CHICAGO
Nest Architectural Design
COLORADO
Urbanology Designs
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Gloria Black Design
FLORIDA
Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design
GREATER NEW YORK
By Design Interiors, Inc.
HOUSTON
Huma Sulaiman Design
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Donna DuFresne Interior Design
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Jennifer Robin Interiors
SAN FRANCISCO
Williams Papadopoulos Design
SOUTHEAST
NATIONAL WINNER
Field Architecture
REGIONAL WINNERS
Tate Studio Architects
ARIZONA
Align Austin Architects
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Wheeler Kearns Architects
CHICAGO
Z Group Architecture & Interior Design
COLORADO
smitharc architecture + interiors
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Z.W. Jarosz Architect, P.A. FLORIDA
Workshop/APD
GREATER NEW YORK
Dillon Kyle Architects
HOUSTON
Studio AR&D Architects
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
chadbourne + doss architects
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Field Architecture
SAN FRANCISCO
McAlpine SOUTHEAST
NATIONAL WINNER
Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP
REGIONAL WINNERS
Candelaria Design Associates
ARIZONA
Align Austin Architects
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Massey Associates Architects
CHICAGO
Rowland+Broughton
COLORADO
Briggs Architecture & Design
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
JMA Interior Design
FLORIDA
Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP
GREATER NEW YORK
Nadia Palacios Residential Design
HOUSTON
Laney LA
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Uptic Studios
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Mark English Architects
SAN FRANCISCO
Tippett Sease Baker
Architecture
SOUTHEAST
NATIONAL WINNER
Bradley Odom Interiors
REGIONAL WINNERS
Katie Bowe Design
ARIZONA
Kristen Nix Interiors
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Craig & Company
CHICAGO
Cook Design House
COLORADO
Kara Adam Interiors
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Assure Interiors
FLORIDA
David Frazier
GREATER NEW YORK
M.Naeve
HOUSTON
Annette English + Associates
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Lucas
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Lauren Nelson Design
SAN FRANCISCO
Bradley Odom Interiors
SOUTHEAST
NATIONAL WINNER
Creative Tonic Design
REGIONAL WINNERS
Katie Bowe Design
ARIZONA
Daley Home
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Sarah Montgomery Interiors
CHICAGO
Vertical Arts Architecture
COLORADO
Pulp Design Studios
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Gloria Black Design
FLORIDA
Ghislaine Viñas
GREATER NEW YORK
Creative Tonic Design
HOUSTON
Shannon Ggem Design
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Maison, Inc.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
CM Natural Designs
SAN FRANCISCO
River Brook SOUTHEAST
NATIONAL WINNER
Cedar & Oak
REGIONAL WINNERS
Alisha Taylor Interiors
ARIZONA
Cedar & Oak
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Robbins Architecture
CHICAGO
Inside Stories
COLORADO
Layered Dimensions Interior Design
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Strang Design
FLORIDA
BarlisWedlick
GREATER NEW YORK
Letecia Ellis Haywood
Interior Design
HOUSTON
Cooper Pacific Kitchens
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Cohesively Curated Interiors
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Studio Cabida
SAN FRANCISCO
Court Atkins Group
SOUTHEAST
NATIONAL WINNER
Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design
REGIONAL WINNERS
Creative Environments
ARIZONA
Double B Design
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Mariani Landscape
CHICAGO
Design Workshop
COLORADO
Melissa Gerstle Design
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Fernando Wong
Outdoor Living Design
FLORIDA
LaGuardia Design Group
GREATER NEW YORK
Viola Gardens
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Land Morphology
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Ground Studio
SAN FRANCISCO
CMLA
SOUTHEAST
NATIONAL WINNER
Boxleaf Design
REGIONAL WINNERS
Salcito Design Group
ARIZONA
Ashby Collective
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Mariani Landscape
CHICAGO
Design Workshop
COLORADO
Melissa Gerstle Design
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Design West
FLORIDA
Hollander Design
Landscape Architects
GREATER NEW YORK
Lucas/Eilers Design Associates
HOUSTON
Subu Design Architecture
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Prentiss Balance Wickline
Architects
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Boxleaf Design
SAN FRANCISCO
T.S. Adams Studio, Architects
SOUTHEAST
NATIONAL WINNER A Parallel Architecture
REGIONAL WINNERS
Soloway Designs
ARIZONA
A Parallel Architecture
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Morgante Wilson Architects
CHICAGO
Surround Architecture
COLORADO
Allison Seidler Interiors
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Maggie Cruz Interior Design
FLORIDA
Timothy Godbold
GREATER NEW YORK
Nadia Palacios Residential Design
HOUSTON
Blackband Design
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Proform Builds
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Cook Construction
SAN FRANCISCO
Michael Goorevich Architect, PLLC
SOUTHEAST
NATIONAL WINNER
Colordrunk Designs
REGIONAL WINNERS
Glenda Evers Design
ARIZONA
Scheer & Co.
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Suzanne Lovell Inc.
CHICAGO
Cook Design House
COLORADO
Andrea Marino Design
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Maggie Cruz Interior Design
FLORIDA
Kligerman Architecture & Design
GREATER NEW YORK
Dodson Interiors
HOUSTON
Landry Design Group
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Maison, Inc.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Courtney B. Smith Design
SAN FRANCISCO
Colordrunk Designs
SOUTHEAST
Studio Heimat
SAN FRANCISCO
BATHROOM
Yu & Associates Collaborative
CHICAGO
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Ovadia Design Group
GREATER NEW YORK
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Artistic Elements
FLORIDA
INTERIOR DESIGN
Lifestyle Design
CHICAGO
JEWEL BOX SPACES
Alisha Taylor Interiors
ARIZONA
KITCHEN (SHOWN ABOVE)
Boxleaf Design
SAN FRANCISCO
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Karen White Interior Design
COLORADO
OUTDOOR SPACES
Winter Creative
ARIZONA
RESTORATION OR RENOVATION
Winding Lane Interiors
CINCINNATI, OH
WOW-FACTOR ROOM
LeBlanc Design
BOSTON, MA
BATHROOM
Hutker Architects
FALMOUTH, MA
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Woogmaster Studio
LAS VEGAS, NV
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE (SHOWN ABOVE)
Zoe Feldman Design
WASHINGTON, D.C.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Tartan & Toile
SWARTHMORE, PA
JEWEL BOX SPACES
McCroskey Interiors
VILLAGE OF LOCH LLOYD, MO KITCHEN
Campion Hruby
Landscape Architects
ANNAPOLIS, MD
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Daniel Joseph Chenin, Ltd. LAS VEGAS, NV
OUTDOOR SPACES
Kimmel Studio Architects
ANNAPOLIS, MD
RESTORATION OR RENOVATION
Robin Gannon Interiors
LEXINGTON, MA
WOW-FACTOR ROOM
PRODUCT WINNERS
Bath: Bathtub
WATERWORKS
Alatri Freestanding Oval Bathtub
Bath: Handle KALLISTA
One™ P.E. Guerin Collection
Bath: Collection
HOUSE OF ROHL
Rohl Modelle Collection by Xander Noori
Bath: Sink
KOHLER CO.
Vessel Sink from Salute Artist Edition Collection
Bath: Fixture
SAMUEL HEATH
Lavatory Faucet from LMK Industrial Collection
Bath: System
JELD-WEN
Second Nature™ Environmentally Conscious Door Collection
Furniture: Case Good
BERNHARDT FURNITURE
Entertainment Credenza from Stratum Collection
LEGNO BASTONE
Giuseppina 220 G1 from LaFamiglia Collection
Furniture: Collection WILDWOOD Denise McGaha for Wildwood
Furniture: Accent Table
BAKER FURNITURE
Thera Accent Table
Furniture: Dining Table
MCGUIRE FURNITURE
Fiji Dining Table
KRAVET DESIGN
Coronado Sectional from Harmonious Home Collection
Sculpted Suite Collection
Lighting: Chandelier
ARTERIORS
Bilal Chandelier
DEDON
Armchair from Kida Collection by Stephen Burks
BOBO INTRIGUING OBJECTS
Paper Mache Hanging Lamp
KYLE BUNTING WITH BRITTO CHARETTE
Mika from Brasilia Collection
Outdoor: Collection
BERNHARDT FURNITURE
Lomani Sofa Group from Bernhardt Exteriors Collection
Rug: Collection
PERENNIALS
Perennials by Rose Tarlow
ROSEMARY HALLGARTEN
Glacier™ Ombré Rug from Aurora Collection
NOBILIA NORTH AMERICA
Xtra Ceramic Worktop in Venato Nero Reproduction 783
STARK
Lesa in Desert Sand from Stark Performance Acrylic Collection
SUNBRELLA® WITH MAX HUMPHREY
Max Humphrey x Pindler x Sunbrella®
COSENTINO WITH DANIEL GERMANI
Dekton® Pietra Kode
FERRAN
Mallorca Textile Collection
RESIDENTIAL EXCELLENCE
IN DESIGN AWARDS
PRODUCT WINNERS
Baldwin Hardware
BATH ACCENTS & ACCESSORIES
Gramercy Collection
Craftex
FLOORING
Eco Cement Collection
Mr. & Mrs. Howard for Sherrill Furniture
FURNITURE DESIGN
May Armless Chair from Nellie Jane Collection
Monogram Luxury Appliances
HOME APPLIANCES
36 Inch Induction
Professional Range
Rocky Mountain Hardware
KITCHEN ACCENTS & ACCESSORIES
Phases Collection by Jennifer Hoey of Suede Studio
Belt
LIGHTING
Birds of Paradise
Tuuci
OUTDOOR DESIGN
Urban Garden
Planters Collection
Lee Jofa
TEXTILES
Tree of Life in Denim/Berry from Lee Jofa 200 Collection
Walker Zanger
TILE & STONE
Geometric Collection
Arte
WALLCOVERINGS
Rêverie Tropicale from Essentials
Les Naturels Collection
ES Windows
WINDOWS & DOORS
Pivot Door ES-PSD5030T from Prestige Collection
Our curated selection of faucets, plumbing fixtures and cutting-edge appliances make us your complete design solution under one umbrella.
Let us make your dream kitchen or bath a reality!
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www.faucetsnfixtures.com
Innovative, creative, fresh and forward-looking are just a few of the terms that capture the essence of American design. Within the pages of this very special section, meet the designers, artisans, builders and makers who are channeling this salient spirit as they design and create the future.
WE BELIEVE HOME IS MORE THAN JUST A PLACE. IT SHOULD BE A MEANINGFUL SOURCE OF CREATIVITY, COMFORT AND CONNECTION.”
Innovation is a pillar of American industry. As a result, many of the world’s greatest inventions and improvements find their roots there. Enter, California Closets. In 1978, the brand started the very concept of custom closets. “Our story began with the humble vision of a college student who turned his idea of maximizing space in his dorm room into a successful small business in Southern California,” Sales Manager Megan VonAchen says. Today, the organization experts operate a multinational franchise and company-owned organization with showrooms across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Its original ingenuity lives on in everimproving processes and experiences. “We are experts in design, using proprietary technology to provide 3D visualizations for our clients,” VonAchen says. “Additionally, all of our custom designs and installations are performed by California Closets employees—never subcontractors.”
The California Closets ethos rests in problem-solving solutions and added value. “We create highly-personalized designs that inspire a sense of belonging, allowing our customers to feel at home,” VonAchen says. “Custom-crafting beautiful walk-in closets, entertainment centers, kitchen pantries and more, we add value to your home by making space for what belongs. We design for the individual and provide solutions that deliver lasting value throughout the home. We call it Practical Magic™.”
Not only are California Closets’ products an organizational dream, they are eco-friendly.
• All the brand’s boards comply with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which comprises some of the most rigorous regulations for emission standards and is available in various substrates, including low-emitting formaldehyde.
• The brand offers a selection of translucent accent door/drawer inserts and back panels, designed with solid finishes or naturebased materials that contain 40-percent recycled content and can be reclaimed at their end-of-life stage through the supplier. They are also certified by UL GREENGUARD.
Top Mundane tasks are made much better in a space as stunning as this. CC Wood Grain Quiet Grove and Washed White combine nicely. Far left With a place for everything and everything in its place, this farmhouse hutch is an absolute dream. It features CC Specialty Washed White. Center This contemporary wine bar features CC Wood Grain in the Siena color for a beautifully warm feel. Left From wine bottles to pickled goods to produce, this pantry in CC Wood Grain Misty Orchard has a spot for it all.
At the heart of the American Dream is a desire to create one’s personal haven—a place of peace, enjoyment, togetherness and security. Enter, Casoro Jewelry Safes. The Santa Ana-based company designs luxurious jewelry and watch safes that offer immense security and durability. From surviving a fire to resisting burglary, they perform their function perfectly, while also feeling as elegant as an exquisite jewelry box. And yet, keeping one’s hard-earned valuables safe isn’t the only way Casoro embodies the American spirit. It also does so via its manufacturing. “Our jewelry and watch safes have been forged in the U.S. since inception,” says President and General Manager Cletus Nunes. “This is a foundational element in delivering on our brand promise of unmatched security, unparalleled luxury and a white-glove experience.” Taking design inspiration from current and emerging trends, Casoro produces each piece with the tightly-controlled quality standards enabled by its localized process.
“We go beyond beauty and form in our innovation,” Nunes enthuses. “Casoro uniquely considers function and insurability of collections. We offer programmable watch winders to keep precious timepieces in top condition and certified safes for insurance purposes. We also build deep relationships with ecosystem partners across insurance carriers, interior designers and safe builders to incorporate the latest and greatest—and most desirable— features and materials into every new safe design.” The brand integrates its safes with home alarm systems and is currently developing tracking and motion sensors.
Asked to share the design elements they are prioritizing, Nunes points to leather. “Whether faux, recycled or newly sourced, leather is increasingly sought-after to embellish drawer fronts where its unique texture enhances the tactile experience and achieves cohesion with surrounding design elements.” In terms of color, gold and gunmetal are having their day along with the staples of black, white and cream.
Far left The Kairos K2’s ultramodern design features a precision-crafted carbon fiber interior with soft-close drawers and custom-sculpted curved drawer handles. Top right The Gemstone Amethyst is a perfect mid-size safe. Complete with watch winders, drawers and a necklace rack on the door’s interior to maximize every inch of space. Bottom right The Gemstone Ruby is the largest of Casoro’s elegant line. The extra width allows for multiple interior configuration options to accommodate any collection.
Photography VIP Image Lab
The perfect union of luxury, organization and security.
Accept nothing less than UL certification for peace of mind and insurability of your valuables. Contact us to learn about UL certification or for help determining if your safe is UL certified.
949.606.3316 | cernogroup.com | cerno_group
In today’s vast global world, a truly vertical company can be a rarity. It isn’t a given—nowadays— that when you buy a product from a brand, it was made by their team after the receipt of raw material. But such is the case at lighting brand Cerno. Based in California, the company was founded by three friends who share a passion for artisan work. “We brought together our different but complementary skills—myself in business, Dan in engineering and Nick in design— to see what we could create,” says Bret Englander, who is referring to his business partners Daniel Wacholder and Nick Sheridan. Today, the fruits of their labor are immense, with Cerno being joined by sister companies Revelite and Siemon & Salazar. Still, this growth never meant that production would be outsourced. “Building our products in-house under one roof allows our team to be intimately involved with every step of the process, and that is how we like it.”
Alongside Cerno, Revelite and Siemon & Salazar also provide lighting solutions. Together, the three arms of the company satisfy every need. Wacholder elaborates:
• Cerno is known for modern lighting and its use of natural materials.
• Revelite is our best-in-class solution for illuminating artwork.
• Siemon & Salazar is our line of hand-blown glass lighting and vessels.
Asked to discuss the state of America’s design scene, Englander enthuses, “I think we are seeing many more small artists and artisans reaching a broader audience through social media and other means, which is amazing. I love the idea of fewer conglomerates and more small companies surviving and being able to compete. It’s important for the principle of creativity that people are encouraged to start companies and invent new products.”
Top Lex pendants serve as light fixtures and works of art in this space. Right The Lex linear pendant wows in this breathtaking waterfront dining area. Far right Here, Wacholder and Sheridan work on a prototype.
AT THE CORE OF CERNO IS A BELIEF IN RESPECTING OUR TEAM, VENDORS, SUPPLIERS, COLLABORATORS AND CUSTOMERS.”
When one thinks about American manufacturing, a balance of two elements often comes to mind: traditional craftsmanship techniques and cutting-edge innovations. This nation’s industries and creators seem uniquely skilled at honoring what was while forging new paths—quite the American ideal, indeed. One business that puts this attribute on full display is Custom Comfort Mattress. “Founded 35 years ago in Orange County, our company is dedicated to handcrafting heritagequality mattresses that are tailored to our customers’ individual sleep needs,” Founding Partner Gary Trudell shares. “Our products are manufactured right here, using all-American steel coils and all-natural cotton grown in the States.” Once a mattress is complete, it is showcased in one of CCM’s Orange County or Los Angeles showrooms. Trudell notes, “Because we are the factory, we’re able to offer more than 27 collections that can be fully customized to one’s needs and tastes.”
Asked to elaborate on the custom capabilities CCM offers, Trudell enthuses, “From hybrid construction to adjustable beds with features like zero-gravity positioning and dualwave massage, we seek innovation in every way we can to deliver a comfortable experience to our customers. We are accustomed to working with designers, celebrities and estate managers to fully tailor mattresses—from oversize to custom configurations to using Customer’s Own Material (COM). Throughout it all, our service is concierge and white-glove.”
“From our advanced adjustable beds that offer quiet sleep and massage settings to our state-ofthe-art machinery that helps us deliver greater sleep precision and efficiently ship it nationwide, we are focused on what’s next,” Trudell says. “Our society is not getting any less complex, and there are more daily stressors and pressures. Our mission is to help every customer get the healthiest, most personalized and truly rejuvenating sleep possible.”
AMERICAN STYLE IS CHARACTERIZED BY INNOVATION, COMFORT AND ENDURING QUALITY. IT’S ABOUT ACHIEVING THE BEST WITHOUT BEING SUPERFLUOUS.”
durability, CCM’s
OUR MISSION IS TO CREATE BEAUTIFUL PIECES OF ART THAT REFLECT OUR TEAM’S TALENTS, SKILLS, DEDICATION AND COMPASSION.”
The spirit of American design is founded in community. That simple, yet powerful idea is the cornerstone upon which Elyas Balta has built Euroline Steel Windows & Doors. “At Euroline, we are dedicated to realizing our clients’ aspirations and motivating our team members, while making a significant impact on our community,” the CEO says. Inspired by old-world European craftsmanship, Euroline’s exceptional steel doors and windows are built with quality, care and collaboration at their state-of-the-art facility in Yorba Linda, California. “We have managed to assemble a group of master artisans who are not just workers but craftspeople with a deep passion for creating beauty,” Balta shares. “Each one of our pieces is not merely constructed but is brought to life through a meticulous, handcrafted process that reflects our team’s dedication to creating extraordinary steel doors and windows.”
• What inspired the formation of Euroline? My lifelong love of engineering and science brought me to the United States to pursue a degree in applied physics and a subsequent career in the fiber optics industry. A decade later, my desire to meld those skills with my passion for art and design motivated me to launch a steel manufacturing business. Upon reviewing the market for windows and doors, I saw an opportunity to combine all of my know-how into something truly special. And that is Euroline.
• Describe the character of your business. Euroline’s essence is shaped by a culture of integrity and caring for our clients, our team and our community. To achieve the last part, we actively participate in charitable initiatives aimed at improving the lives of others. By adopting a vision that transcends the products we create, their production becomes an inspired byproduct of our broader mission.
• What sets your products apart? The outstanding quality of our steel and the elegance of our sleek designs result in windows and doors that are durable, beautiful, timeless and offer exceptionally thin sightlines that enhance natural light and complement the unique style of any home.
Top Euroline steel windows and doors add an air of elegance to this stunning custom home, as they elevate the owners’ lifestyle with an abundance of natural light, exceptional views and seamless indoor/outdoor living.
Bottom The American spirit of design is flourishing at Euroline’s state-of-theart manufacturing facility, where their team of artisans work in collaboration to create steel windows and doors that are truly world-class.
Photography Top by Dan Ryan Studio; Bottom Courtesy of Euroline Steel Windows & Doors
714.744.2300 | jb3d.com | jb3dcom
The American spirit of design is embodied by quality, craft, innovation, pragmatism, diversity, optimism and resourcefulness. These values are crucial to John Bishop and his exceptional team at JB3D. Founded in 1988, the Orange County-based firm is known for dynamic, multidisciplinary designs and a holistic approach. “Over the past 35 years, our expertise has spanned a wide spectrum of projects, from crafting transformative shade structures and pergolas that enhance outdoor spaces to custom seating and planters to creating impactful branding solutions through signage installations at retail centers, business parks and more,” Bishop says. “And, we remain committed to pushing boundaries, being environmentally conscious and creating practical, user-centered solutions. At JB3D, we demonstrate a sense of creativity and adaptability that resonates with the wants and needs of our diverse customer base.”
• Where are your products and designs produced, and where can your clients be found? Our products are proudly designed, fabricated and installed in Orange County, California, where we manage a five-office facility totaling over 60,000 square feet. While our primary focus is Southern California, we serve clients across the entire country and ship our products globally.
• How do you bring American ingenuity and innovation to your work? Approaching each project with a fresh perspective, we tailor our solutions to meet the unique needs and preferences of our clients. Whether we’re crafting a custom pergola, incorporating a programmable lighting system or designing automotive shading, our ingenuity, creativity and innovative approach shines through in every detail.
• What’s on the horizon for American design? Creating versatile outdoor spaces that people can enjoy regardless of the weather. From shading to movable windscreens to openable roofs and strategically placed outdoor lighting, our products facilitate better outdoor living, which elevates our clients’ lives in surprising and delightful ways.
“With the majority of our employees having dedicated over a decade to our company—and some even surpassing the 30-year mark— our team’s longevity speaks to our commitment to fostering enduring partnerships with our employees,” Bishop shares. “We value their dedication and expertise and prioritize creating an environment where they can thrive both personally and professionally. Those long-standing relationships form the cornerstone of our company culture, enabling JB3D to deliver an exceptional level of quality and service to our clients.”
Top JB3D created fabrication and design details for this stunning outdoor structure, which was then assembled in-house prior to all coatings and final installation. Bottom Designed, fabricated and installed by JB3D, these illuminated cattail sculptures merge innovative technology with nature-inspired beauty, creating a truly mesmerizing display. Photography Eric Stoner
Marvin window and door products are now organized into three collections under one Marvin brand. Easier navigation makes selecting what you need for your next project simple and efficient. More complementary colors and styles across lines help bring your vision to life. It’s the same beautiful, high-quality window and door portfolio, reorganized to help you create anything you can imagine.
To get started, visit Builder’s Window Supply, your local Marvin Expert. We have over two decades of experience serving San Diego’s contractors, architects, and designers. You can rely on us as your trusted partner for expert advice and quality products.
Customizing every item and nearly every inch of his Los Angeles home, one designer’s total renovation becomes an exercise in cohesive curation.
WRITTEN BY LIZ ARNOLD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY BARTLAM
Interior Design: Cory DeFrancisco, Muskoka Living
When the ability to customize and fabricate nearly anything for your home is at your fingertips—flooring, furniture, fabrics, fixtures and more—the only real limit is your imagination. Such is the superpower, per se, of designer Cory DeFrancisco, the owner and principal of Muskoka Living. So, as he was reenvisioning the Brentwood Park property he shares with his wife, Catherine, and their two sons, tapping into his firm’s abilities— which span made-in-L.A. bespoke furniture manufacturing as well as interiors, architecture and construction—allowed him to tailor nearly every element of the home to their needs.
“Our goal was to build a new house,” DeFrancisco explains. And the down-to-the-studs renovation of the 1980s-built, avocado-colored Mediterraneanstyle house he and Catherine transformed is just shy of that. Purchased to live in between projects with the intention of tearing it down, they realized they liked its overall structure and bones, “but it needed a ton of modification,” notes the designer, “so much so that we essentially rebuilt the whole place.” They opted to retain just one wall, rebuilding the foundation to expand the original footprint and adding a separate pool house that doubles as guest quarters—as well as a hangout for their kids. “We saw this house as where our boys would finish out school; a welcoming home where they’d bring their friends, with a big yard where we could play catch every night,” explains DeFrancisco. “And we wanted something airy, light and calming in terms of aesthetics, colors and textures.” It only follows that the existing lime-green stucco exterior was replaced by a façade of antique reclaimed brick given a slurry wash and painted an off-white hue.
In contrast to most ground-up builds where a steady stream of contractors and specialists tackle different elements, nearly every component of this house was handled, well, in-house. “We milled the wall panels and the flooring, we built and designed all the cabinetry and the sofas and chairs, we made the lighting and even the wall art,” DeFrancisco divulges. “We didn’t look at the architecture or interiors independently; we took it as one big unit that we were putting together.” The result, rather
than feeling matchy-matchy, is expressed in waves of commonality and cohesion.
The designer took a layered approach, beginning with a palette of brown, clay, cream and gray in quiet finishes meant to evoke an organic feel. The wire-brushed poplar paneling used throughout the public spaces features an artisanal paint applied by brush, producing a subtle nonreflective plasterlike appearance. Alongside natural marble, fluted wood and warm rustic wood floors, the rooms all exude a muted softness. “Machine manufacturing processes sometimes get a little too perfect and, in that perfection, you lose any real hand in a piece’s origination—but our stuff is literally handmade,” observes DeFrancisco. “We embrace some imperfections and want to create something that looks like it’s been there awhile.”
The furnishings were all custom-made for the house and share in the cohesive atmosphere. To wit, the soft sweep of the living room’s armchairs repeats in an undulating bench in a bedroom; the thick, cylindrical legs of the dining table share the round language of the marble drum side table and of a half-moon upholstered headboard. Curves, featured not only on furnishings but highlighted in cabinetry and case goods (such as the gently arched kitchen island and cabinets) help meld various elements together in a timeless way. “There’s an overall contemporary influence, but given a traditional feel,” muses DeFrancisco. The home was also grounds for experimentation. Lighting, for instance, is the rare item Muskoka Living doesn’t typically manufacture, but they did so for DeFrancisco’s residence. “That was a massive undertaking,” the designer admits. “It was the first project where we considered how lighting could be integrated into the architecture rather than added as an afterthought. We made it part of our process instead of a piece of jewelry.” Some of the fixtures he designed nest quite tightly into their allotted spaces—like the unobtrusive pair inset above the living room coffee table—while others are functional, illuminated sculptures.
While the fully realized house doubles as a showpiece for the breadth of what DeFrancisco’s company can do, he and Catherine also love living here. Chimes Catherine: “We didn’t want to live in a museum. We wanted a comfortable, welcoming and beautiful home, where our kids would have fun.”
Designer Cory DeFrancisco selected poplar walls and a rustic-grade white oak ceiling painted Portola Paints’ Cafe Sonata in the entry. The wall art, bench, cushion and pillows are all custom designs by DeFrancisco’s firm, Muskoka Living, as are nearly all of the home’s furnishings, fixtures and finishes.
A fireplace wall of white oak is paired with a stone surround of fluted limestone in the great room. Striped chairs form a conversation area with a bouclé sofa and gray linen armchairs. The art pieces are made of layered wood and plaster.
In the
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Left: Part of the great room’s kitchen area, a soft Moroccaninspired white oak niche houses a wet bar flanked by U-Line’s undercounter refrigerators. Calacatta Reclusa marble lines the countertop and the faucet is Kallista from Snyder Diamond. Opposite: kitchen, Calacatta Reclusa marble lines the counters and backsplash, playing off a white oak island and light beige cabinetry. Textural velvet bouclé dresses up the counter stools. The pendants are also Muskoka Living designs.
Right: Fluted oak walls elegantly wrap the dining room, where DeFrancisco paired a curved oak dining table stained a light white with cushy shearling and linen chairs. The pendant is brass with a plaster overlay and the wall art is painted linen.
Opposite: The kitchen’s curved white oak cabinetry is wire-brushed for a textured finish and handpainted with Portola Paints’ French Beige. The dining area is visible in the background, while sliding doors connect to an outdoor living space.
Above: Soft colors and tactile finishes bring a sense of serenity to the primary bathroom, where the textured marble of the vanity nods to fluted walls of wire-brushed ash. An unlacquered-brass faucet from The Rubinet Faucet Company adds shine.
Opposite: In a child’s bedroom, Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray envelops the poplar wall paneling. The curves of the bed’s footboard and bench, covered in Italian bouclé, feel playful yet elevated, while a wicker pendant keeps the vibe casual.
Unconventional design choices add a layer of surprise and delight to an otherwise serene contemporary new build in Newport Beach.
WRITTEN BY ABIGAIL STONE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID TSAY | STYLING BY MERISA LIBBEY
Architecture: Eric Olsen, Eric Olsen Design Interior Design: Raili Clasen, Raili CA Design
Home Builder: Ross Savage, KRS Development, Inc. Landscape Architecture: Chris Brown, C.M. Brown Landscape Architects
They wanted a calm home— and a very private home—but they also kept saying, ‘we just want the coolest house in the neighborhood,’ ” remarks Raili Clasen of the overarching goal that her clients had for their new build in a Newport Beach neighborhood. Happily, these concepts weren’t considered mutually exclusive by the designer, nor by architect Eric Olsen. Frequent collaborators, the design pros share a style that emphasizes natural materials, bold shapes and light-filled spaces, all of which appealed to the homeowners. But other than a few specific requests, such as a tidy niche in the kitchen to house their stateof-the-art coffee machine, “the owners really set us loose, design-wise,” marvels Clasen. She and Olsen, joined by general contractor Ross Savage (another consistent collaborator), understood the assignment. Under their watch, typical design choices gave way to adventurous twists on flow, proportion, materiality and more, all without ever losing sight of the serenity the couple craved.
Take the wooden boardwalk that leads into their property. It arrives at a thick copse of olive trees that landscape architect Chris Brown planted to shield the front façade’s two-story wall of glass from the glances of casual passersby. “He planted so many trees around the house that it’s a journey just to find the front door,” says Clasen with a laugh, adding that the olive-filled courtyard creates a peaceful ambience while providing privacy. “The impression it gives is that you’re somewhere more remote.”
Step inside, past all those windows, to face a solid wall—an eyebrow-raising decision which underscores that “elsewhere” feeling. The wall’s limewashed brick is fronted by a lengthy water feature, providing a boundary of peaceful sounds against any exterior noise. Coupled with Olsen’s choice to pull in the façade’s cedar siding, which crisscrosses the upper third of the wall, the space demonstrates how the architect deliberately blurred the line between indoors and out. “The entry hall is like an exterior space we’ve brought inside; that interior wall appears to mark the separation from the outside, while actually being indoors,” Olsen observes. Clasen, for her part, specified a trio of gigantic forged-metal pendants to hold court in the airspace above, creating “a whole experience there that can stop you in your tracks,” she states of the dynamic effect. Then, guests can turn either right or left to proceed further into the house.
This “choose your own adventure” flow is another of the home’s unconventional choices. “There’s not a traditional, predictable path in, and the changing levels emphasize this,” explains Olsen of the layout, pointing out the sunken, split-level designs of the living and dining rooms. “Getting to the public spaces is its own journey.” Other compelling but atypical design moments are sprinkled throughout the home. See the primary bath, for instance, where a sculptural tub topped by a skylight and flanked by cedar siding is the backdrop for the shower space of a wet room. “With these clients, we had the opportunity to have fun creatively and not do the expected; it worked and never felt gimmicky or forced,” declares Olsen. What unites all these elements is the uncomplicated allure of the abode’s materials— wood, brass, stone—and the preponderance of windows that flood it with light and frame the surrounding greenery. The challenge of contemporary design, notes general contractor Ross Savage, is that “with architecture this clean and crisp, every flaw is visible, so imperfections are not an option.” Witness the immaculate intersections where the glass extending down from the ceiling merges with the kitchen countertops; the way that the home’s siding seems to flow straight from the garden into the living room; or the orderly pattern of the bricks that line one side of the entrance hallway, race up the wall of a bathroom, and march across the header of the living room doorway. “We really enjoyed figuring out how to execute these features,” Savage says.
Clasen and Olsen took their cues from one another. “We collaborate 100%,” the designer explains. “And this is probably our 17th project together,” adds Olsen. “We enjoy bouncing off ideas and pushing each other creatively.” Here, as the architect’s ample use of wood nods to what Clasen perceived as a “Napa-meets-Newport vibe,” she complemented this warmth in various interior iterations, designing a banquette for the dining room that appears carved out of a single piece of timber or creating a simple slatted-wood headboard for a guest room. Other naturallyinspired selections—a jute rug, a plaid throw in earthy tones, tufted leather stools with roughhewn legs—layer in a lived-in, laid-back feeling. The result is a comfortable house with standout style, plus a cool factor that satisfies its owners. “They trusted us and took chances that I know were challenging,” shares Clasen, “but they’ve also texted me to say, ‘We can’t believe we live here.’ ”
Natural light pours into the window-filled entryway, where designer Raili Clasen chose dramatic metal pendant lights sourced from Namuh to hang above a fountain. The walls feature cedar siding and overgrouted, limewashed brick. Olive trees outside add privacy.
Above: Custom oak cabinetry stained a deep brown plays off the kitchen’s Mont Blanc quartzite countertops. The appliances are Thermador, with a Kohler sink and Brizo faucet. Four Hands’ Astrud stools, dressed in an olive bouclé, sidle up to the island.
Opposite: Cedar siding creates a cozy nook for a custom-built wooden dining banquette and Four Hands’ Crete chairs surrounding an RH table. Pindler’s Driftwood fabric lines the bench cushion, while a striking central 48-inch pendant from Namuh echoes the lighting of the entryway.
NATURALLY-INSPIRED SELECTIONS—A
JUTE RUG, A PLAID THROW IN EARTHY TONES AND TUFTED LEATHER STOOLS WITH ROUGH-HEWN LEGS— LAYER IN A LIVED-IN, LAIDBACK FEELING .
Portola Paints’ earthy Full Circle shade adds depth to the homeowners’ suite, where Halston ottomans by Four Hands rest at the foot of Crate & Barrel’s Anneli bed. The rug is from Lulu and Georgia and the sconce is Visual Comfort & Co.
Left: In the primary bathroom, brushed beige Avalon limestone countertops line a custom oak vanity with a wall-mounted faucet in aged brass from Watermark’s Elements 21 collection. The sconces are by Allied Maker.
Opposite: Cedar siding highlights the understated drama of Hydrosystems’ Versailles soaking tub, fitted into a nook beside an open shower in the homeowners’ bath. The shower and tub hardware are also from Watermark’s Elements 21 line.
From the Santa Ynez Valley, a multimedia artist enlists the Earth’s elements to create works in a duet with his environment.
WRITTENBY MONIQUE MCINTOSH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA GANDOLFO
Cole Sternberg’s creative breakthrough happened with a literal splash—clinging to the railing of a commercial shipping vessel and dragging a freshly finished painting through the churning Pacific. This was back in 2015 and, when his painting emerged, he found that the waves had morphed his brushwork into something tantalizingly new. “The result was like being underwater, looking up at fractured sunlight,” Sternberg recalls. “It didn’t appear like that at all, going in, so it felt like a miracle.”
That discovery enriched his career-long exploration of humanity’s complicated relationship with the environment. The Earth became the co-creator of his works, which span paintings, sculptures, photography, film, writing and installations. Sternberg exposes his abstract paintings and photographs to the elements, at times pulling them through oceans and lakes, hanging them in California live oaks or burying them in snow so that wind, water and sunlight may etch on their patterns. At other times, he’ll fuse rocks together or wrap them in porcelain, letting their weathered forms guide the final look. For one installation, he replicated a sapling in bronze and planted it in a West Hollywood public park to comment on nature’s strength and fragility amid humanity’s presence.
Nature surrounds Sternberg’s home studio on his Santa Ynez Valley family farm, where a menagerie of animals and mountain views form the scenery of his daily life. Here, he anticipates how the elements will affect a final piece. For his paintings on unprimed linen, he layers sturdier acrylics with more mercurial watercolors. When exposed to the wind and weather, the latter tends to separate and fade, revealing new hues beneath. As this erosion process occurs, kinetic gestures emerge that may recall the motifs of bark or snakeskin, a sense of undulating ocean waves or sand dunes, or even the expansion of galaxies. “I’m strategic about how paint is applied and how the works are exposed outside, though I only know 70% of what will happen,” explains the artist. “The environment is still the ultimate composer.”
Underscoring this creative dialogue with the elements is a hope that humanity’s relationship with and imprint on our world can evolve. “For me, it’s about how we recognize our presence and nature’s higher compositional abilities,” says the artist. “Because we can never really make anything as beautiful as nature.”
Conceptual artist Cole Sternberg stands atop a shelf to add layers to his mixed-media painting, has the ideal of eternal youth been transferred to the forest? (opposite). The piece is one of many in-process artworks within the expansive solar-powered steel barn that serves as his studio (below) on a farm in the Santa
Interior Design: Debra Lynn Henno, Debra Lynn Henno Design Home Builder: Ian Cronshaw, Allen Construction
Landscape Architecture: Amy Blakemore, Greens Landscape Design
An immersive garden and enviable coastal views inspire the serene, sophisticated interiors of a Mediterranean-style Montecito home.
WRITTEN BY LAURA FENTON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX VERTIKOFF
In the living room, designer Debra Lynn Henno chose pale blue Crypton upholstery for custom armchairs, which picks up on reflections of the sky on the pool outside. The chandelier is RH and the linen drapes were sourced through Raoul Textiles.
The nearly-two acres of mature, graciously maintained gardens threaded with trails and backdropped by the Pacific were what struck them first. For these homeowners, who’d spent many years in the Midwest and had careers shifting into lower gear, the allure of basing themselves somewhere in the sunny West with easy access to the great outdoors was strong. More specifically: “We wanted a home where nature would be all around us, not someplace where you’d have to drive to nature,” remarks the husband. “And neither of us were keen on moving into a property where we’d have to create a garden from scratch—we didn’t want to wait 40 years for it to fill in,” comments the wife.
To their surprise, once they stepped inside the Montecito estate’s midsize Mediterranean-style home, last renovated in 2014, it was as equally delightful as its surroundings. “The square footage and layout seemed so comfortable for the two of us,” recalls the wife. “It was already beautiful and felt like a great home to age in, too.” With major renovation work deemed unnecessary, the owners were free to concentrate on the details, decoration and creature comforts. Enter designer Debra Lynn Henno, who presided over a soft renovation and full interior and landscape refresh, as well as the later addition of a separate guest home.
The couple’s brief to Henno was to set them up for their new semi-retired chapter comfortably— with the ability to host and entertain family and friends—and to enhance the home’s bones and sight lines. General contractor Ian Cronshaw stepped in to refinish the floors, hone the kitchen’s marble countertops and add built-ins to a home office. For Henno, who worked closely with the wife to determine the overall interior aesthetics, the home’s Mediterranean-inspired architecture and Moroccan undertones were an influential starting point. After her client gravitated toward pieces from Una Malan and Holly Hunt during an L.A. buying trip, the two agreed to embrace a transitional style, looking to custom upholstery and case goods by a European-trained fabricator. Henno was particularly adamant about not competing with the idyllic views visible from every window framing the estate’s abundant greenery and flowers, the broad branches of its mature oaks and its ocean panoramas out to the Channel Islands. “With such magical gardens surrounding
the home, my thought was that using bright colors inside would take away from that,” explains the designer. “When you have softer colors on the interior, the views become the focal point.” Henno zeroed in on a palette of whites and creams accented with corals and blues. In service of the sights, window treatments feature half a dozen types of cream linen, often with a subtle texture to the fabric that’s highlighted when sunlight beams on them from behind. Henno also sourced art from Santa Barbara-based artists Colette Cosentino and Karen Bezuidenhout, as well as Newport Beach-based Deborah Harold, to round out her clients’ personal art collection and offer some additional “views.”
The project’s scope expanded further when the couple realized they wanted more space for guests, including their adult daughters. Daniel Longwill of Two Trees Architects designed a guesthouse that “complements rather than replicates” the main residence, he says, noting: “It beckons curiosity as a destination within the property, but does not demand too much attention.” Cronshaw handled the build while Henno helmed the interiors, and landscape architect Amy Blakemore helped integrate the new structure into a hillside in an organic way, simultaneously giving the entire estate’s landscape design a thorough rejuvenation. “The clients wanted a more Mediterraneanstyle garden that would still feel very lush, so incorporating olive trees and big beds of lavender set the tone,” says Blakemore, who worked within the garden’s existing framework to revive and refresh plantings across its acreage, as well as redesigned the hardscape and visual experience of the entry. “We brought in splashes of color and incorporated plants that provide fragrance as you pass by—it’s really pretty when everything is blooming,” she says. For the installation and execution, Blakemore worked with landscape designer Rene Santana of Santana Landscape, who has spent nearly a decade maintaining the estate’s extensive gardens.
Much as the couple adore their comfortable and serene interiors, the garden still attracts the most attention, says the husband—especially when their children come to stay. “When they visit, one of the first things we do is walk around those little trails and gather fruit from our fruit trees, and it’s such a wonderful experience,” he says. “Every time we do it, we feel this enormous gratitude.”
A blush Una Malan daybed is joined by a bespoke sofa in the living room. Cowtan & Tout fabric on the pillows pulls the pastel palette together. A Moroccan mirror hangs over the mantel, and the rug is from Summerland Oriental Rugs.
A. Rudin nightstands, topped with a Murano-glass table lamp, frame a bed of the same brand draped in Thomas Lavin linens in the primary suite. The floor covering is another Summerland Oriental Rugs find.
Henno hung a light-as-air roman shade of Raoul Textiles fabric in the primary bathroom. The Carrera marble-topped vanities, tub and lighting were retained from a prior renovation.
Right: Pillows of a Schumacher textile adorn the window seat of a guest bedroom, whose cushion sports a cream-colored Crypton fabric. Jamie Young Co. glass sconces double as reading lights.
Above:
Immersive gardens behind the main house feature lush layers of Spanish lavender, Lily of the Nile, roses, calla lilies, bougainvillea and dwarf olives. Landscape architect Amy Blakemore refreshed and revised the plant palette across the grounds, building upon estate maintenance by landscape designer Rene Santana of Santana Landscape. A newly built guesthouse is visible on the left.
“We brought in splashes of color and incorporated plants that provide fragrance as you pass by—it’s really pretty when everything is blooming.”
–AMY BLAKEMORE
New sod and irrigation improved the backyard’s pool and spa area.
Blakemore utilized the home’s existing antique planters and urns to bring in sculptural plants like agave and olive trees.
Continuity of technology is a critical component of home renovations.
At Modern Home Systems, a San Diegobased company specializing in home automation, designated home theaters and outdoor entertainment centers, the objective of each residential project is to find a solution that fits the homeowner’s lifestyle while incorporating as much of their existing technology as possible. “People come to us to create seamlessness among their technology,” says Otto Benson, president of Modern Home Systems.
In constant development, lighting design from a technological perspective is particularly noteworthy. “Lighting control has become a huge part of our industry,” Benson shares. “We have the capability to create scenes with your lighting, whether that be to fit your schedule or for the lights to naturally dim and brighten depending on the actual sunlight coming through the home.”
“TECHNOLOGY SHOULD SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE, NOT COMPLICATE IT.”
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