Luxe Magazine - November/December 2024 Southern California
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
A CELEBRATION of EPICUREAN EXCELLENCE
Step inside an exploration of 12 breathtaking culinary spaces as 12 design firms from across the country invite you into their portfoliodefining works. Presented by Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, the following pages celebrate the details and dedication that go into every kitchen project, from the overall aesthetic vision and lifestyle dreams to finish choices, careful measurements, spatial balance and—of course—appliance selection. Keep reading for an exclusive look into each designer’s creative world.
LAURA KEHOE OWNER, LAURA KEHOE DESIGN
Known for being great listeners, Laura Kehoe and her team have spent more than 15 years crafting beautiful environments that are entirely personalized.
TINEKE TRIGGS
OWNER, TINEKE TRIGGS INTERIORS
With a penchant for vibrant hues, bold patterns and unexpected combinations, Tineke Triggs considers herself an artist and mixologist, bringing eclectic spaces to life.
SUSAN MARINELLO FOUNDER, SUSAN MARINELLO INTERIORS
When Susan Marinello designs a kitchen, she is striving to make a place that enhances its owners’ well-being and elevates their perspective on every aspect of life.
JOY YOUNG
PRESIDENT, TOWNHOUSE KITCHENS
For Joy Young, kitchen design is all about expanding the boundaries of a traditional design approach to infuse personality into every moment and minute detail.
REYNALDO ROUCO
PRESIDENT, MIACUCINA
When a space must meet functional goals, look beautiful and stand the test of time, quality is key—and this is what Reynaldo Rouco and team’s millwork is known for.
BROOKE WAGNER
OWNER, BROOKE WAGNER DESIGN
The kitchen is where one begins and ends the day, and Brooke Wagner takes the mission of designing an environment that supports every functional need to heart.
FERN SANTINI
PRINCIPAL, FERN SANTINI
At the heart of every Fern Santini design is a love for mixing precious pieces with trendy elements—marrying the vintage and the new in delightfully unexpected kitchens.
YVONNE JACOBS
PRINCIPAL, JACOBS + INTERIORS
Design is the path toward living your best life. This belief drives every decision and selection made by Yvonne Jacobs and her expert team, no matter the project.
MICK DE GIULIO PRESIDENT, DE GIULIO DESIGN
For Mick De Giulio and his team, kitchen design is all about capturing the client’s essence to create spaces that have a distinctive soul and improve lifestyles, day in and day out.
BARETTE WIDELL AND CHRISTINA BOSCHETTI
PRINCIPALS, WIDELL + BOSCHETTI
Determined, motivated and imaginative, Barette Widell and Christina Boschetti combine their talents to achieve timeless, quiet luxury in every design.
MARIE-JOE BOUFFARD
PRINCIPAL, JFY DESIGNS
With a goal of crafting spaces that feel expansive and practical, yet imbued with cozy vignettes and personality, Marie-Joe Bouffard is beloved for her custom approach.
DONNA VENEGAS
OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, VENEGAS AND COMPANY
A particular eye for the kitchen— with all of its precise measurements and practical needs—guides Donna Venegas and her team in a passion-fueled process.
laura kehoe , scottsdale , az
VIEWS TWO WAYS
When designer Laura Kehoe first stepped foot into this incredible home designed by PHX Architecture, one factor was immediately clear: she would have to do justice to some awe-inspiring views. Not only are the sightlines throughout the home expansive, but the kitchen is immediately seen upon leaving the foyer. “This felt perfect, because the kitchen always drives our direction throughout a project,” Kehoe shares. “It’s where people gather and usually the first space in which a family spends significant time each day everyone needs to love it.” In this project, it started with a goal of warming things up. “When the ceilings are so high, you often want to bring more warmth to the interior,” Kehoe explains. “We used aged brass and mixed finishes throughout to accomplish this. A suite of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove products is the centerpiece. As designers, we love the flexibility the brand offers across all styles. We can do pretty much anything with creative paneling and color options through the knobs and bezels.” Plus, she enthuses, the local Arizona team makes the process a delight. “We couldn’t ask for better support. We love visiting the showroom to see what is new and experience the chef-led cooking demos, and they make the process simple from start to finish.”
With multiple Sub-Zero column refrigerators and freezers in the main kitchen, a refrigerator with freezer drawers in the butler’s pantry, two wine storage units, a Wolf dual-fuel range, a convection steam oven, multiple Cove dishwashers and more, the better question is really, what doesn’t this kitchen have?
photography by laura moss; styling by mandy cousins
susan marinello , seattle , wa STYLE + SUBSTANCE
It used to be that the living space was the center from which one took in the views of a home. Nowadays, it’s often the kitchen (or ideally, both). For Susan Marinello’s waterfront clients, crafting the dream kitchen was a threefold goal: emphasize and complement the views, choose light and bright finishes and incorporate nearly every culinary feature one could imagine. For the final, Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove was the obvious partner. “With the Designer Series refrigeration we used, you have these gorgeous cabinet fronts that blend beautifully, but then when you open the door, it is practical perfection,” Marinello says. “That form-meets-function balance embodies my overall philosophy.” To that end, she and her team are celebrated for their belief that design enhances the user’s well-being, lifestyle and perspective on everyday tasks. It’s little wonder they lean on Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove for many a project. “With this suite of products integrated into their new design, my clients have a kitchen that invites gathering, entertaining and experimenting with recipes.” It’s also a prime place to take in the views. “What we see outside the windows always guides the interior palette, furnishings and how we tell the client’s story,” Marinello says. “This kitchen showcases the stunning results of that influence.”
“I have lived with Sub-Zero for 30 years. My produce, salad greens and meat are always fresh, above and beyond what other brands can do.”
With two islands and a dedicated bar area, this kitchen is made for entertaining. The large appliance suite includes a Sub-Zero refrigerator, freezer, wine storage unit, beverage center and undercounter ice maker, a Wolf six-burner dual-fuel range with an infrared dual griddle and a Cove dishwasher.
photography by aaron leitz; styling by janna lufkin
DYNAMIC DUO
One could say that the kitchen is a carefully orchestrated marriage of two major elements: millwork and appliances. Enter, Reynaldo Rouco and his team at MiaCucina. He shares, “For this project, the bay views were key, so we wanted to achieve an open yet functional space that seamlessly integrates high-end appliances with our signature Italian millwork.” Naturally, Sub-Zero’s unparalleled panel-ready options provided a defining selection. “We were also excited about the performance features, from Sub-Zero’s exceptional preservation technology to Wolf’s precision and versatility to Cove’s advanced cleaning and quiet operation,” Rouco says. While on the subject, he offers up a personal anecdote: “The Wolf range revolutionized my cooking experience. Its precise temperature control and versatile cooking modes have elevated the quality of my meals, making it easier to achieve professional-level results at home and with little to no effort!”
It’s an experience the owners of his beautifully crafted project will now have as well, as they enjoy their contemporary Italian millwork masterpiece.
All about the views but also designed for supreme practicality and entertaining, this kitchen features numerous fan favorites: a Wolf convection steam oven, a contemporary gas cooktop, hood liner, coffee system and drawer microwave with a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer.
photography by kris tamburello; styling by joy bennett
reynaldo rouco , miami , fl
tineke triggs , san francisco , ca
PANACHE + PERFORMANCE
Most designers will say that every project has its special flair. But there is something extra enticing about the blank canvas of a new-build, whole-home dream concept. For Tineke Triggs, one San Carlos residence presented precisely this opportunity. “After living in the area for more than a decade, my clients jumped on the chance to purchase this corner lot when it became available,” she shares. “They envisioned a New England-style home with a white picket fence, made for entertaining … and that idea certainly extended to the kitchen.”
With aesthetics and high function both top of mind, Triggs and team immediately knew that their appliance selections would be a defining factor. “We turned to Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove and incorporated everything on the homeowners’ wish list,” Triggs says. “We wanted cabinetry akin to beautiful furnishings. We were able to accomplish this thanks to Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s panel-ready options, while ensuring that every appliance goal, from the refrigeration to the range to the wine column, was met.” It’s the best of style meets sophisticated practicality, which is Triggs’ modus operandi. Also core to her ethos is a focus on the experience to come for the homeowner. “Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s U.S.-based operations means that replacement parts are readily available and there is a large network of repair specialists, ensuring long-term support.”
“Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances are energy-efficient, reliable and long-lasting, reducing the frequency of replacements and minimizing waste in landfills. Their commitment to sustainability aligns with eco-friendly home design.”
An expansive floor plan is a bonus when designing a kitchen, and this final concept makes the most of it. A Sub-Zero refrigerator, freezer and undercounter beverage center, a Wolf gas range, convection steam oven, warming drawer and microwave and a Cove dishwasher—it has it all!
photography by aaron leitz; styling by mikhael romain
joy young , new york city , ny
DRIVEN BY DETAIL
When couples share a home, does design become a compromise? Usually, this is somewhat true, but a great designer will take two halves and make them whole, merging both wish lists and influences into one environment. Take Joy Young and the kitchen she affectionately describes as having the “marriage” palette. “The wife of the two loved neutrals,” Young shares. “Meanwhile, her husband had a strong preference for wood grain and gloss finishes. The pairing of glossy wood veneer with the matte finish of other surfaces brought the two visions together beautifully.” Young continues to elaborate on the level of thought and detail she employed in sourcing for the project: “They often cook with saffron, turmeric and other spices that can stain marble. That made the countertop choice critical, and we went with a porcelain by Neolith.” They also chose a suite of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances for their performance capabilities and their aesthetic versatility. “I love that Sub-Zero’s refrigeration has flexibility on the weight and height of panels you can use,” Young says. “I can even utilize ribbed paneling that adds to the seamlessness.”
This sleek and striking kitchen includes two Wolf ovens alongside a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer hidden behind the project-defining custom panels.
photography by joshua mchugh; styling by frances bailey
brooke wagner , newport beach , ca
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
There comes a moment in every designer’s career wherein they have the chance to create their own personal oasis. For Brooke Wagner, this manifested itself in a waterfront home. “We moved from a larger house that we had custom-built, because we wanted beach access and great views for our family of ocean lovers,” she shares. “Downsizing to this updated 1950s cottage has meant that every square inch needs to serve a purpose.” Of course, this is especially relevant in the kitchen. The layout was given ample thought, but so too were the appliance selections. “Because we are so tight on space, I chose to eliminate the microwave and, in its place, installed a convection steam oven,” Wagner says. “We use it every day for everything, from reheating leftovers to baking, toasting bread and steaming vegetables, rice and fish.” She adds that it has brought a new level of flawlessness to her signature recipe: puffy German pancakes—“get in touch for the recipe!” The steam oven isn’t her only Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove love, though. “Years ago, when I purchased my first Sub-Zero refrigerator, I noticed such a difference in the duration of produce freshness,” Wagner says. “That is still true today, and I appreciate the continued innovations for style versatility, like the panel-ready design that eliminates the exposed vent.”
The indoor kitchen on this project features a Wolf gas range and convection steam oven, Sub-Zero refrigeration and a Cove dishwasher, but it doesn’t end there. A trip to the roof reveals a gorgeous outdoor kitchen complete with Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers and a Wolf grill.
photography by lisa romerein; styling by rebecca farr
fern santini , austin , tx
GALLERY FOR A CHEF
While every project a designer takes on has unique attributes that contribute to the joy of working on it, there are some endeavors that come to embody a special essence. Imagine, for example, a homeowner who is an Anglophile with a robust collection of English bird engravings and wants their residence to feel like the country houses of Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens. This, indeed, would be a once-in-a-lifetime sort of project, and it is precisely where designer Fern Santini found herself with a recent client. “We decided to turn the kitchen into a gallery for those engravings, with the added twist of Simone Crestani’s blown-glass birds and animals hanging above the island like food larder,” Santini enthuses. “It’s not every day that a well-loved and functional kitchen can also serve as an art showcase.” As for the function element, Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances played a key role. “The Sub-Zero integrated refrigerator and freezer make this concept oh-so-perfect,” Santini says. “With no exposed vents or metal trim, and the very best in performance, it brings the pretty together with the practical.” Meanwhile, the Wolf rangetop infuses a pop of bold color via its well-known knobs. “I personally feel this is the workhorse of the kitchen, but I appreciate the style element as well, especially since Wolf now offers so many finish options—I do love to mix brass with stainless!”
“Cove is my favorite dishwasher, bar none. It has all the bells and whistles, with added flexibility inside. It dries infinitely better than others ... and it has a six-year warranty!”
A unique kitchen demands a high-impact custom suite of appliances. A Sub-Zero column refrigerator and freezer with ice maker provide panel-hidden performance, while the Wolf built-in double ovens and the rangetop’s iconic knobs steal the show.
photography
by nathan schroder; styling by adam fortner
mick
de giulio , chicago , il
PRECISE PERFECTION
The kitchen is arguably the most high-function space in any home, so it’s natural that the homeowner’s lifestyle guides its creation. For designer Mick De Giulio, the featured project started out just this way. “Our repeat clients wanted to update their kitchen to accommodate a growing family—now including spouses and grandchildren—within the existing footprint. Refrigeration topped their list, so step one was to incorporate a 36-inch-tall column refrigerator as well as a drawer section for drinks.” Alongside these Sub-Zero upgrades, an impressive doubleoven Wolf range and a more spacious island bring the expanded capabilities the owner’s craved. For De Giulio, the invitation to focus on this culinary center made the project a favorite. “I’ve always been drawn to the challenge of precision,” he says. “Unlike placing a sofa, you can’t easily move an island if it’s a few inches off.” The same is true for appliances. For this reason, De Giulio says, “Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove has earned my trust. Over the years, I’ve experienced firsthand the quality, consistency and best practices by which they operate, and my clients are always thrilled with their appliances.”
This remodel for a repeat client certainly leaves nothing left to be desired, with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, refrigerator drawers, a freezer with an ice maker, a dual-fuel Wolf range and a Cove dishwasher.
photography by werner straube; styling by hilary rose
marie - joe bouffard , nashville , tn
SPATIAL INGREDIENTS
In the modern age of fast-paced lifestyles, open floor plans often lie at the heart of the high-end, high-function home. However, these layouts do present their own set of design challenges. Just ask Marie-Joe Bouffard. She elaborates, in discussion about her featured project: “The goal was to blend modern function with historical elegance, as the exterior of the home sits firmly in the classic camp but the floor plan is expansive. One of my aims was to create cozy moments within those larger rooms, especially the kitchen.” Indeed, touches of deep wood tones and golds bring the warmth back into the otherwise light and bright culinary space. Bouffard shares more about her influences, saying, “I come from a French-Canadian family who loves to cook and entertain. My approach to designing my clients’ kitchens is akin to how I cook, in a way. Most of the ingredients for a great kitchen may be similar: quality appliances, great lighting, functional storage, etc. But the result is always unique, flavored by the clients’ preferences.” In this case, a stunning shade of painted cabinetry gives way to pops of color in cool hues and the Wolf range’s iconic red knobs. Panel-front Sub-Zero refrigeration is beautifully concealed, contributing to the design while enabling the homeowners to take full advantage of stellar appliance performance.
Light, bright, beautiful and chock-full of culinary goodness—welcome to this stunning kitchen. A Wolf dual-fuel range complete with the iconic red knobs, hood insert and warming drawer pairs with Sub-Zero refrigeration and a built-in Cove dishwasher.
photography by zeke ruelas; styling by kendra surface
SLEEK + CHIC
When the source is meaningful, receiving recognition can feel like the culmination of years spent perfecting a craft. For Yvonne Jacobs, being named a Design Icon by a family of brands she has consistently leaned on to execute stunning concepts might just be that moment—especially because the featured project is so impressive. “The remodel was extensive, as the client purchased a traditional home but wanted to reimagine it in a modern-meetsmountain aesthetic,” Jacobs explains. “For the kitchen, function was of the utmost importance.” Jacobs and team incorporated storage wherever they could, commissioned custom-made dark oak cabinetry from Heartwood Custom Woodworks and craned in a steel beam as an alternative to an existing column that disrupted the design. The eye-catcher in the space? Those iconic red knobs on the Wolf range. “Everything else has a paneled front, but that appliance is the perfect standout,” she says. Jacobs elaborates on her love of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s flexibility. “Every client wants a different feel for their kitchen, so I appreciate that you can go very classic or very integrated.”
Combining a Sub-Zero column refrigerator and freezer with undercounter refrigerator drawers takes this kitchen’s fresh-food functionality to another level. It also features a Wolf dual-fuel range, convection steam oven and hood liner.
yvonne jacobs , edwards , co
photography by eric lucero; styling by natalie warady
barette widell and christina boschetti , philadelphia , pa
A BAKER’S DREAM
Every so often, a single point of inspiration guides an uncommonly creative design concept. In the featured project by designers Barette Widell and Christina Boschetti—the latter’s personal residence—this is precisely the story. “We wanted to bring the outside in, since Christina’s home is surrounded by trees,” Widell shares. “The stone simulates roots of a tree, and we used it in unexpected ways.” Boschetti chimes in, “We also incorporated bold motifs and expressive colors, all of which were inspired by that organic sense of beauty. My intention was to create kitschy, unanticipated moments throughout the long, narrow space.” Alongside this, her appliance wish list came into play. Sub-Zero’s panel-ready refrigeration suited the design and provided an interior water dispenser, something Boschetti notes “isn’t always a given in luxury refrigeration” and which was essential for her family. But the Wolf range is the real star. “I bake a lot, and since baking is like a science, the temperature balance is a game changer,” Boschetti says. “My mom’s chocolate cake recipe, which she invented at 16 for her chemistry thesis, is extremely fragile. The varied reaction of a typical oven can change the outcome. Since using my Wolf appliance, it has been perfected with ease on dozens of occasions.”
From the Wolf gas range, microwave drawer and coffee maker to the Sub-Zero refrigerator, freezer and wine storage unit to the panel-ready Cove dishwasher, every appliance in this awe-inspiring, one-of-a-kind kitchen is a high-performance win.
photography by joshua mchugh; styling by helen crowther
donna venegas , boston , ma
HIDDEN GEMS
In the case of a especially unique property, an unconventional approach is sometimes necessary. Take Donna Venegas’ recent project in which a townhome in Boston’s Charlestown Navy Yard had all the makings of a wow-worthy residence. It faces an active marina and is just steps from the USS Constitution, but it needed a bit of help to reach its full potential. “Walls came down to share the light throughout the first floor, and the kitchen was relocated to the south-facing patio,” the designer shares. “The open plan was the trickiest bit how to design a kitchen that doesn’t feel like one? We layered materials and brought in metals, stained woods, textured metallic tile and leathered marble countertops.” Venegas and team also took full advantage of Sub-Zero’s concealed refrigeration, hidden behind panels that complement the aesthetic. “We were able to recess the Wolf contemporary gas cooktop into the marble countertops, too. The recirculating vent insert fits perfectly behind the custom brass hood.” Asked to share her personal favorite feature, Venegas says, “I just adore the integrated refrigerator drawers. I incorporate at least one into every kitchen. They are so compact and useful, whether in the kitchen, a primary suite or out on the deck.”
Designed for cooking and entertaining alike, this stunning space features a contemporary gas cooktop, wall oven and microwave from Wolf for multitasking at its best. The Sub-Zero refrigerators, wine storage unit and beverage center top it all off.
photography by joshua mchugh; styling by helen crowther
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s extraordinary showrooms o er an experience like no other, with a focus on education and inspiration. Chef-led cooking demonstrations showcase capabilities while delighting the senses. Consultants explain features and finishes. Collaborative space welcomes conversations between homeowners and their designers. There’s only one element missing: the sale. For that, guests are directed toward Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s trusted network of dedicated dealers. Visit a showroom to be welcomed, enlightened and nourished.
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Photo by Adahlia Cole and Colin Peck
Experience the Difference: Club 1683
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
Company’s Coming
Design isn’t just our business, it’s our passion.
As an editor, I am not only captivated by images of great architecture and design— I’m obsessed with them. They become my inspiration and my escape, and I’m lucky to be surrounded by a like-minded staff As a team, we live for that alchemical moment when we review an extraordinary home, fall in love with it and immediately start planning how to best show it to you, our readers. That is our primary mission: to feature great design and the people who create it.
Inside this issue, you’ll nd inspiring ideas from top design talents who share strategies for the ultimate guest room, elegant festive decor, perfecting the powder room and all things relevant to prepping for this holiday season. As for gifting, we’ve curated a collection of designers’ favorites along with gift ideas from artisans we’ve previously featured. But before you dive into those stories, take a close look at the creatively designed kitchens from across the country in our opening pages.
You may view this as our endof-year issue, but for me it’s the beginning of a transformative year at LuxeInteriors + Design. In 2025, we will be evolving the look of the magazine and the way we tell stories, all while remaining focused on our goal of bringing you the very best of American design. It is this spirit that we bring to the season of gathering and gratitude while we celebrate the creativity of the design community.
Wishing you peace and happiness in the new year.
Cohen in Chief me @jilleditsluxe Jill Editor Follow me
At Alfredo Paredes’ Locust Valley, New York, home, the holidays call for mantels and banisters bedecked with garlands.
NEW YORK CHICAGO DALLAS NASHVILLE BOSTON SAN FRANCISCO GREENWICH SHORT HILLS CANNES JAKARTA
SCENE
WRITTEN BY MAILE PINGEL | PRODUCED BY CLÉMENCE SFADJ
NEW CHAPTERS
DESIGN POWERHOUSES HOLLY HUNT AND MOLTENI&C SHARE AN INSIDE LOOK AT THEIR DEBUT BOOKS AND RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS.
WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH EXLINE
HOLLY HUNT
If you want to know what to expect from Holly Hunt’s recently published monograph, look no further than the title: Holly Hunt: Fearless in the World of Design Minimalist, direct and full of personality, it embodies what Holly Hunt (both the designer and the brand) is all about. “The central question in the book is, ‘How did you find so much success without any professional training?’ ” Hunt observes. The answer is deeply personal: As a single mom of three sons, she knew fear and failure played no part in her future. Accordingly, the book’s selected projects all shine a light on how she redefined American design by leveraging craftsmanship, precise proportions and the collective expertise of a team that came to feel like family. As she says, “Innovation and inspiration are imperative to success.” Accordingly, this summer the brand launched its Series II line of sculptural furniture (left), which incorporates their trademark artful lines and comfort-inducing proportions. “Each of the pieces has a personality and a refined story to tell,” Hunt observes. hollyhunt.com; rizzoliusa.com
MOLTENI&C
Just as its cover evokes a movie set, Molteni Mondo: An Italian Design Story tells the saga of a family legacy that owes its success as much to creative vision as to exquisite craftsmanship. Marking the brand’s 90th anniversary, the recently released monograph takes readers through the triumph of Molteni&C’s iconic designers (including Vincent Van Duysen), its production processes, its details and designs (with a special focus on the Gio Ponti collection showcased within the Venezuelan villa) and its museum in Italy. “At the center is the representation of a world of objects and thoughts, ambitions and imperfections, rooted in the desire to cultivate a deep knowing of how to do and be,” says Giulia Molteni, chief marketing officer of Molteni Group. The family-owned company has also opened seven flagship stores this year in major cities across the globe that exemplify their approach to Italian design: Take a passion for art and functionality, factor in collaboration with the industry’s brightest minds and stay open to reinvention. molteni.it/us; rizzoliusa.com
the thermally Broken Series embodies the sophistication of narrow sight lines and expansive glass, combined with thermal technology to exceed the most demanding building standards.
LAUNCH
NATASHA BARADARAN
Natasha Baradaran has a lot to celebrate. Marking her namesake brand’s 10 th anniversary is Aura, a new collection of seating, tables and mirrors “that truly reflects who I am as a creative,” she says. “Our intention remains the same as day one— creating furniture that sp eaks to the ‘laidback luxury’ of California living—but I feel a shift in how I’m approaching my work now,” she shares. After a successful pop-up on La Cienega Boulevard, where she keeps her o ce, she turned to look at her decade of work as a unifi ed whole. The result? A newfound strength for her company and a new Los Angeles fl agship on Robertson Boulevard. Taking this time of change even further, the designer has brought manufacturing in-house. “I can develop at the speed of my ideas to be responsive to what I’m interested in and what our clients are feeling,” she says. “I’m bringing pieces to the market faster than I’ve done before.” natashabaradaran.com faster ever done
BEHIND THE BRAND
PINKYS
Since 1978, Pinkys has been manufacturing iron doors and windows that celebrate Southern California’s indooroutdoor lifestyle and longstanding tradition of ironwork. “We want to preserve the storied history of ironwork here,” says Dion Der, noting the area’s many Spanish Colonialstyle homes, “but we also want to enhance it with advancements that meet today’s standards: energy e ciency, safety and structural integrity.” Der, who oversees the family company with his brother, Arin, is now furthering that legacy with a game-changing showroom model set within their manufacturing facility in Vernon. To realize the gallery, they brought on longtime client Jeremiah Brent. “We leaned into industrial elegance and found a way to frame their workspace so customers can imagine how the designs might look in their own homes,” says Brent, who sourced bold furnishings like 1960s Brutalist chairs and Mario Bellini sofas. A visit is a rewarding look at their latest o erings, like the sunset-hued California Collection, and a peek into one of SoCal’s most progressive architectural resources. pinkysirondoors.com
The Spanish Kitchen. A collaboration with Jess Jones Design Group.
OPEN HOUSE
L.A.’S EVER-GROWING SHOWROOM SCENE PROVES DESIGN BLOOMS YEAR-ROUND IN SOCAL.
PORTOLA PAINTS
Portola Paints has left West Hollywood for the NoHo Arts District, setting up in a former recording studio that once welcomed singers like Etta James and Tom Petty. Operated by brothers Casey and Jamie Davis, the company’s ecofriendly products have made them a leader in the field, and their custom palettes are a favorite among designers. Their colors are blended onsite and by hand to ensure accuracy, while their specialty products, Lime Wash and Roman Clay coatings, are rooted in ancient production methods. With 25 years of experience, the Davis brothers’ knowledge is comprehensive and their specialists are on hand at the new space to share application tips and tricks. portolapaints.com
FORM (LA)
Jordan Mosslar launched his furnishings company, Form (LA), in 2021, and has just debuted a 5,500 square-foot space on La Brea Avenue (between Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard) that celebrates the designer’s affinity for natural stone. The by-appointment showroom carries furniture— his own designs include tables, pedestals, chairs and mirrors, but he also does custom work—as well as bathtubs, vanities, marble tiles and lighting. Mosslar’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by Italian postmodernism and his pieces are as edited as they are bold. Each is made-to-order, allowing the opportunity for bespoke designs with hand-selected stone. form-losangeles.com
KATHRYN M. IRELAND
Designer Kathryn M. Ireland has opened a showroom—a first in her 30-year career. “We’ve been working directly with clients, but with our new collections and my son Otis’ growing fabric line, Otis Textiles, it became clear that having our own space for designers to visit made sense,” says Ireland. “West Adams is the perfect spot. Many other designers’ workrooms are also in the area and it’s so easy to get to.” The by-appointment showroom also includes their offices, as well as production facilities, with Ireland, ever the hostess, even offering lunch, coffee and light snacks to visitors. kathrynireland.com
Hakwood
630.219.3388 | hakwood.com | hakwood
When one finds a true passion for their trade, it sometimes becomes all-consuming in the best of ways. For Mark Hak, this is precisely how he ended up taking over his family’s premium wood flooring business, Hakwood. “I started working here immediately after high school, initially thinking I would just take a sabbatical year from my studies,” he shares. “Well, I’m going on 32 years here.” Having worked at every level of the company on his way to assuming leadership, Hak is known for his ability to make informed decisions that benefit the family of employees and the product quality customers have come to expect. “I believe Hakwood stands out in our comprehensive control over the entire production process, from sourcing and manufacturing to finishing and distribution,” he explains. “Beyond quality, our creativity and the design of unique colors and patterns (like tiles) provide Hakwood with a distinctive position in the market.”
MARK HAK, OWNER
Eco-Friendly Ethos
“To me, success means achieving sustainable growth and ensuring our practices are future-proof,” Hak shares. “While metrics like sales revenue and client satisfaction are important, I place significant emphasis on our impact on the environment and our commitment to sustainability. Metrics such as reductions in carbon footprint, increases in renewable energy usage and advancements in eco-friendly manufacturing processes are crucial indicators of success for us.”
International Inspo
“Travel is a main motivator for me,” Hak shares. “Every part of the world has its own unique traditions, cultures, working methods, designs, etc. The challenge to adapt personally and as a company so that we can do business in these places is a creative mission that inspires me. Working alongside a fantastic team of individuals who each share those values and goals enhances this motivation.”
Photography Christopher Stark
Top The Higgo Road residence’s expansive floor plan is perfectly displayed by European oak flooring in the color Valor. The home was designed by Malan Vorster Architecture Interior Design. Far left Designed by Brenda Burdette Design, this gorgeous coastal home includes European oak flooring in the color Valor. Left Featuring European oak flooring in the color Pure, this stunning Tineke Triggs-designed home was part of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase house in 2023.
DOUBT
FACETS COLLECTION by Mat Sanders
30" LED Bath Vanity Sconces
RADAR
With holidays on the horizon, leading talents share thoughtfully designed spaces that are sure to inspire a season of merriment and joy.
Merry Making
AT HOME IN LOCUST VALLEY, NEW YORK, ALFREDO PAREDES’ LOVE AFFAIR WITH CHRISTMAS COMES FULL CIRCLE.
WRITTEN BY GRACE BEULEY HUNT
photo:
björn wallander.
Honoring the timeless character of his English manorstyle abode’s front entry, designer Alfredo Paredes styled the scene with faux evergreens dressed up with gold and ruby ribbons from Mood Fabrics. The antlers above the door were purchased from Randall Tysinger Antiques.
Paint that painting experts trust.
Wall: Indi Go-Go CSP-565, Regal® Select, Eggshell
Trim: Indi Go-Go CSP-565, Regal® Select, Satin
“With every house I have ever looked at or lived in, my first question has always been, ‘Where will the Christmas tree go?’ ” says designer Alfredo Paredes, who professes to mentally clocking where an outlet would have to be hardwired in the floor for every would-be residence in question. Paredes’ passion for all things holiday took root early in life. As a child growing up in Coconut Grove, Florida, the season began in early October, when he would promptly unbox decor (“I would drive my mother crazy,” he admits), assume the role of Santa’s elf, and fantasize about cold, snowy Northeast winters.
It’s not exactly surprising then that crafting Christmas magic came to be a cornerstone of Paredes’ prolific career.
Prior to launching his eponymous interior design studio in 2019, Paredes dreamt up and delivered dozens of inspired holiday themes, from Dr. Zhivago to Balmoral tartan to teddy bears, in exacting detail during his 33-year tenure at Ralph Lauren.
But at the enchanting Locust Valley, New York, residence that he shares with husband Brad, daughter Carolina and son Sebastian, the Christmas season calls for decidedly less production. “The house sits in a woodland setting and looks like an English manor or a hunting lodge,” says Paredes, describing the 1929 Long Island charmer. “It’s tailor-made for the holidays, so you don’t have to throw too much at it. I wanted to keep things low-key.”
The dining room is fit for a crowd with its Richomme table set with vintage candelabras. Fine & Dandy Co.’s Aegean mural juxtaposes an enormous Noguchi lantern. Dressed in his version of a Christmas sweater, Paredes (below) poses at his living room’s distinct fenestration.
Take the classic swags of evergreens that drape mantels and stair banisters, or the bountiful winter berry bouquets placed just so, or the miniature bellbedecked wreaths that hang at every door. They are all, Paredes shares without a shred of remorse, faux. “Who wants to vacuum and have fire hazards everywhere?” he posits pragmatically, crediting Afloral and Terrain as favorite resources for convincing artificial flora. Christmas trees, however, are the real deal and entail a solo pilgrimage to a favorite tree farm in Southold, New York, to chop down the most perfectly imperfect specimens.
When pressed for his holiday hosting mainstays, Paredes espouses white flannel
sheets for every bed (a “cozy but not crazy,” touch, he notes), a jazzy 1930s playlist on rotation, scented faux bois candles and always, he stresses, playful decorative accents to temper the architectural seriousness of the home—and tap into everyone’s inner Christmas child. Take, for instance, the chocolate Santa figurines that he tucked into napkins at last year’s dinner. Paredes’ approach to gift wrapping, which involves ordering rolls of sundry wallpapers and ribbons from Etsy for a bohemian mixand-match vibe, is another signature stroke that lends a certain je ne sais quoi
But the traditions that bring Paredes the most joy are those being built, brick by brick, by his young family: an ever-expanding stash of hand-selected
sentimental ornaments; a beautiful menorah scored at a Palm Beach antique shop to honor Brad’s religious roots; sheepskins artfully arranged into snowscapes beneath the tree and upon windowsills, where Paredes’ heirloom collections of ceramic figurines are set up for the children to delight in.
For the little boy who grew up loving Christmas, life in Locust Valley is proving to be a dream come true. Last year, 18 family members were hosted for the holidays a ‘la Alfredo. And while it “didn’t snow on the day of, it did a few weeks later, and it was just incredible,” he recalls. “It is a very, very romantic house for capturing that feeling.” alfredoparedesstudio.com
photos: björn wallander.
A stone-top console from Obsolete offers a beautiful decorating opportunity at the second-story landing, joined by a Jamb pendant and drapes of Kravet fabric. Synthetic garlands make a convincing case for faux on the stairwell banister and at the living room fireplace.
Hidden Gem
A CELEBRATED SOUTHERN DESIGNER’S EYE FOR AMBIENCE COMBINES ANTIQUES WITH INGENUITY.
WRITTEN BY KATE ABNEY
When a project has Tammy Connor at the helm, it’s clear from the very beginning that the designer’s trademark ability to introduce treasured antiques in livable, modern ways will transform and invigorate. Case in point: this historic Beaux Arts estate on Buckhead’s Tuxedo Road—a masterpiece completed by preeminent Georgia architect Philip Trammell Shutze in the early 20th century— that Connor’s Atlanta clients asked her to restore and revitalize.
The wife envisioned living among family heirlooms in a less fussy way than she had during childhood, and a pivotal sourcing trip to her ancestral homes in Europe endowed the Charleston- and Birmingham-based designer with a trove of meaningful heirlooms she could conceive anew. In the library, a Sarouk rug and 18th-century chinoiserie screen became focal points for the space, driving its palette, style and mood. Connor collaborated with architect Stan Dixon to seamlessly integrate the tall screen into Shutze’s exquisite casework, aided by new bespoke bookshelves enrobed in peacock blue.
To
an
To underscore the room’s welcoming purpose—the couple use it both for entertaining and as a serene retreat— Connor carved out a surprise pocket bar tucked within the intricate millwork. The clandestine cabinetry conceals walls lined with lush persimmon linen velvet, emphasizing the designer’s penchant for fabulous fabrics and bestowing a touch of luxury that whispers demurely. “This textile felt warmer and cozier to me than lacquer, and there’s just something about a sound-absorbing upholstered wall that I love for a quiet space,” the designer explains. Even when incorporating such sumptuous elements, “We choose not to take things too seriously, applying details in a way where it’s a little bit of a surprise,” Connor notes. “There needs to be some humor in a design, a little whimsy.” tammyconnorid.com
cultivate
immersive experience, designer Tammy Connor approaches historical projects with equal parts reverence and reinvention: Rooms incorporating antiques are intimate and inviting rather than precious or off-limits.
Rustic Warmth
FOR ONE WYOMING DESIGN FIRM, THE MAGIC OF ENTERTAINING STEMS FROM THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT.
WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
Every region of the country has its own brand of hospitality. Take the Mountain West, where the rugged landscape informs both the local design vernacular and the entertaining style. For Rush Jenkins, designer and founder of Jackson Holebased WRJ Design, the two are undeniably linked. “When you travel to an incredible restaurant, the question to ask—beyond the food—is, ‘How does this space make me feel?’ ” he notes. “What emotions
connect you to the architecture, and what about the space is welcoming, cozy and romantic?” Together with Klaus Baer, his partner in life and in business, Jenkins has found the answer to crafting entertaining spaces with an undeniable lure. One of their many secrets to success is living the Rockies lifestyle themselves. Consummate hosts at home—Jenkins oversees the vibe, Baer handles the food— the duo lets a refined yet welcoming rustic
In the former dining room of WRJ Design founders Rush Jenkins and Klaus Baer located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a Jonathan Browning Studios chandelier hangs over a Molteni&C table. Loro Piana draperies frame the surrounding windows.
Kashima. Michel Ducaroy Made in France
aesthetic take center stage. Their former dining room, the quintessential postcard of mountain living, featured the region’s triedand-true materials like reclaimed woods and stone, shearlings, and wools. For their tables, no fussy tablecloth is necessary, but elegant taper candles, earthenware ceramics and local ora are a must.
This authentically warm ethos is not limited to their lives at home. This year, Stags Landing—WRJ Design’s combination headquarters, gallery, event space and private residence—was unveiled.
A living, breathing manifestation of their vision and craft, Stags Landing draws inspiration from the traditional manor homes of the Cotswolds (Jenkins fell in love with the architectural vernacular while working for Sotheby’s in London), and is where the duo hosts clients one-onone and entertains large groups. The goal was clear: “It’s all about welcoming people into a home environment,” Jenkins says. Visitors are greeted in the great room, where two large stone replaces create a natural gathering place to relax with
ALPINE CHIC
a drink in hand. Steel-framed windows look out into the courtyard’s English garden—a dreamy backdrop for intimate client lunches.
“I think our niche is creating beauty and luxury using materials that are comfortable,” Jenkins re ects. Every corner, every nish is an opportunity to impart a feeling that will leave guests yearning to return, whether at home or work. “The mohair, the cashmere, the reclaimed wood—it is all an opportunity to romance design.” wrjdesign.com
CHANNEL THE ELEGANCE OF MOUNTAIN LIVING WITH COZY PIECES IN TIMELESS MATERIALS.
The great room at WRJ Design’s new headquarters, Stags Landing, situated at the base of Snow King Mountain in Jackson Hole, boasts wire-brushed hardwood floors, reclaimed wood ceiling beams and a large stone fireplace. The sofa is Poltrona Frau, and the desk is André Arbus for Baker.
Sourcing the highest quality marble, quartzite, quartz, granite and soapstone for a meticulously curated collection to ensure your search for surfaces ends with Architectural Surfaces. Visit one of our luxury showrooms today.
Featuring Alexandrita Quartzite
Natural Stone | PentalQuartz™
Guest Book
MATTHEW PATRICK SMYTH SHARES HIS TRIED-ANDTRUE APPROACH FOR CREATING A CONGENIAL VISITOR EXPERIENCE.
WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
When it comes to designing the perfect guest-ready country home, orchestrating the effortless balance between lively communal spaces and private retreats is essential. And no one understands this equation better than designer Matthew Patrick Smyth, a New York City dweller and Connecticut country mouse in his own right, who was entrusted to reimagine a Federalist farmhouse in Litchfield County, Connecticut, for a young family and their healthy roster of weekend visitors.
According to Smyth, the ultimate litmus test for any getaway home is an inviting dining area. “If I was hired to do only one space, it would be the dining
room,” Smyth admits. “It’s where you have a captive audience with guests sitting around the table for a couple of hours sharing a meal, which is the most intimate way to entertain.” Situated off the entry foyer near the library, his clients’ space offers up a warm first impression and serves as the backdrop for routine meals and special holiday gatherings alike. There, guests not only break bread and partake in joyful conversation but are also visually delighted by the room’s tableau of handmade glazed wallpaper framed by floral drapery and punctuated with contemporary artwork by local artist Lizzie Gill. The antiques peppered
The formal dining room plays host to gatherings yearround at this young family’s Connecticut weekend escape designed by Matthew Patrick Smyth. The Surfaces by David Bonk wallcovering is joined by Schumacher drapery and floral artwork by Connecticut artist Lizzie Gill.
photo: simon upton.
throughout the dining room—above the table is an original light fixture dating back to at least 1870—are equally appreciated by the young couple, who have a penchant for old things with provenance and aren’t afraid of anything too precious.
In this abode, the convivial common spaces are the yin to the private guest quarters’ yang. Upstairs, a cozy attic room is a storybook reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the first floor. Located in the oldest part of the home, the room’s original beams highlight the tall ceilings, but it’s the built-in bed nook, another original detail, that steals the show. It is both a perfectly cocooned suite for visitors with young children (adults on the custom horsehair bed, kids in the alcove)
and a quiet place where the homeowners can relax and curl up with a book when without houseguests. It is a space as physically comfortable as it is mentally— exactly what any host hopes to provide.
“An old house is like the game of telephone,” Smyth jokes. “You start with a communicated idea, and by the time you get to the end, you’re totally off message. The design is about returning to square one by peeling back the layers.” Though honoring its roots, the homeowners are undoubtedly writing a new chapter for this storied property, one that has seen generations of friends and family pass through, all looking for the same comfort of a New England country home. matthewsmyth.com
“There’s lots of activity going on here during the holidays,” says Smyth (above). The attic bedroom (top) is a guest favorite. Farrow & Ball’s Old White coats the bed nook and trim, and the walls are Benjamin Moore’s Dove Wing.
NOTABLES
Dan Luna Designs
This luxurious home showcases a meticulously crafted, sequence-matched walnut entry where every detail was thoughtfully designed from the walls to the ceiling. The exquisite walnut finish exudes elegance and sophistication, creating a truly high-end living space. danlunadesigns.com
Lumacast
The AURA fire feature merges sculptural beauty with exceptional ambience. Its sleek curves and warm glow create an inviting focal point, perfect for enhancing outdoor spaces and setting the tone for elegant entertaining, year-round.
lumacast.com
Listone Giordano
Setting a new standard for quality and style, Listone Giordano is a world-renowned line of luxury Italian natural hardwood flooring with sustainable products and over 150 years of history. listonegiordano.com
Ibelieve that a home should reflect the wants, needs and visions of the people who live there. To achieve this, I plan and design with thoughtful care, weaving beauty and practicality into every space. Knowing that collaboration and communication with my clients is key, I always answer my phone, attend jobsite meetings, respect timelines and honor budgets. When it comes to achieving great design, it’s all about color and proportion, so I focus on those all-important elements. The result? Spaces that are inviting, inspiring, luxurious and livable.
PHOTOGRAPHY
16,000 SQUARE-FOOT SAN DIEGO SHOWROOM
COMPETITIVE PRICING, EXCELLENT SELECTION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
8185 CAMINO SANTA FE, RIGHT OFF MIRAMAR ROAD
J. KRAMER CORP.
“OUR CLIENTS HAVE A VISION, AND IT’S OUR JOB TO BRING IT TO LIFE USING OUR COMBINED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE.”
Joe Kramer, FOUNDER AND OWNER
jkramercorp.com 949.466.1533 jkramercorp
It sometimes happens that an illustrious career begins with one pivotal project, and this is precisely the story of Joe Kramer, a 30-year Laguna Beach resident. “I started my career in the early 1990s, and one of my first projects was this vacant lot I purchased in the Top of the World neighborhood of Laguna Beach,” he says. “It overlooks the park and trails, and it came with plans by Mark Singer. I really liked them, and in fact this led to me learning a lot about the magic of modern homes from him. The thoughtful design on such an incredible lot resulted in a successful sale to a wonderful couple, with whom I’m still friends and neighbors. It spurred on 16 other ground-up custom
builds in Laguna Beach and as far away as Mammoth Lakes.” Today, Kramer and his team at J. Kramer Corp. are building on that trajectory. They are also forming a reputation for innovation. “In 2020, I completed the first Bone Structure project in Orange County. With designs by Anders Lasater and using Bone’s complex structural steel frame, I built a duplex on Coast Highway here in Laguna Beach. I had previously been building traditionally, with wood framing, so quickly adopting the new sophisticated metal structural system was a challenge I happily accepted. All my subcontractors rallied around the complicated endeavor, and it ended up winning an AIA People’s Choice award.”
ASK THE EXPERT
What style is your firm known for?
Exceptional quality has no style category. Using highly skilled subcontractors and specialists has allowed me to execute projects that are modern, Craftsman, ranch, French-inspired, rustic modern and more. That said, I do have a personal interest in modern and I would say we specialize in that. Common design elements include plenty of windows and glass, functional and open floor plans, high-end appliances and natural materials and color palettes.
What type of project would you love to take on?
I really enjoy working in Southern California by the coast, but if I were to build elsewhere, I’d look to do a spec project in Colorado or Utah. The natural environment in both areas is stunning.
Top This Bone Structure duplex in Laguna Beach puts the work of architect Anders Lasater on full display. Left Architect Mark Singer’s vision came to life in this Laguna Beach masterpiece. Right The Courtyard House, designed by architect Mathew McGrane, makes the most of Huntington Beach’s beautiful weather.
Opposite This North Laguna abode was designed by architect Patrick Meraud and boasts incredible sightlines.
Photography Top, Right + Opposite by Mellon Studio; Left by VI Photography; Headshot by Jackie Owen
FROM VISION TO VIEW
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.
MORE SELECTIONS ORE FOR EVERY STYLE OR
Discover premier cross-category sourcing at Las Vegas Market Winter 2025!
Explore Building B, Floor 2, where new and expanded elevated design resources await. B2 is packed with captivating brands and products, perfectly complementing the 120 lines open 2 year-round at the Las Vegas Design Center. In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, it’s your ultimate one-stop-shop for exceptional product discovery. Preview some of the incredible brands at Las Vegas Market below, including Caracole, Elegant Furniture and Lighting, Empire Art Direct, Four Hands, O.W. Lee, Theodore Alexander, and Varaluz. our
Varaluz
O.W. Lee
Elegant Furniture and Lighting
Theodore Alexander
Caracole
Four Hands
Empire Art Direct
DISCOVERIES
Artistic Tile
Inspired by Lori Weitzner’s renowned textile design, Lola translates the woven layers and mix of materials signature to the designer’s luxurious fabrics into tile. A modern reimagining of an arabesque, Lola creates a palimpsest of pattern play. It is a tailored-to pattern, crafted entirely in-house. Starting at $220 per square foot. artistictile.com
Legno Bastone Wide Plank Flooring
Make a statement in style, with world-class flooring right beneath your steps. Legno Bastone Wide Plank Flooring products are timeless, resilient and long-lasting. Featured here is Teresa from the LaFamiglia collection. legnobastone.com
Lancaster
Relaxed sophistication describes Lancaster’s Alyce sofa in lush performance velvet. Classic familiarity meets a current aesthetic in this domestically handcrafted beauty. Made to order in your choice of materials, this profile is also available as a sectional or occasional chair. lancasterccu.com
MARKET
Dive into the Luxe Gift Guide, full of gorgeous handcrafted ceramics, divine design books and pretty hostess presents to please everyone on your list.
Artful Offerings
Nadia Stieglitz
WRITTEN BY FOLASADE OLOGUNDUDU
Look no further than the art of ceramics if you’re on the hunt for extraordinary pieces to make this season of gifting memorable. “Ceramics is a medium capable of exploring complex conceptual ideas,” Charleston-based artist Nadia Stieglitz explains. “These items are not simply decorative objects; they carry messages that can elevate an entire space.” Her own layered production process combines multiple hand-building techniques, beginning with fashioning her stoneware and earthenware forms around a bulbous object, and then contouring with slab molds and coils. A layer of watered-down clay is added in spontaneous patterns, and once the pieces are dry, Stieglitz embellishes them using the sgraffito, or scratched, method. These marks evoke a worldly beauty, referencing botanical or marine motifs and the resulting biomorphic silhouettes are utterly ethereal. nadiastieglitz.com; @nadiastieglitzstudio
Lindsey Wohlgemuth
WRITTEN BY LAURA FENTON
If you happen to be following Era Ceramics on social media for a behind-the-scenes dive into artist Lindsey Wohlgemuth’s creative process, you may just get an early clue as to when the next collection is being released. Act on it quickly—Era Ceramics often sell out the moment a new drop is announced, due, no doubt, to both this intimate inside look and the fact that craft and care are visible in every piece. The homegrown family business—Wohlgemuth and her husband are partners—began with a kiln on a porch and a deep love for working with clay, and now creates bespoke earthen ceramics that adorn some of the top tables in Austin. “Different clay bodies have unique textures and colors,” Wohlgemuth notes. “It takes practice to get to know all the materials and make refinements.” The artist’s experimentation with pit firing, in which smoke and ash finish the clay, gives the wood-fired bowls, plates and vases an amazing organic quality. eraceramics.com; @eraceramics
DESIGNER LIGHTING SHOP NOW
JULIE NEILL LORELEI X-LARGE CHANDELIER IN GILD VISUALCOMFORT.COM
Cody Hoyt
WRITTEN BY SUSANNAH
GRUDER
The geometric and floral inlay ceramic creations of Brooklyn artist Cody Hoyt all share the mark of his unique style and aesthetic, with much of their design, in a way, left up to chance. “There’s an incidental quality to them that you can’t force by hand,” Hoyt says. Almost all his works begin as a slab of clay which Hoyt inlays (or rather, “mashes”) with gestural forms. In other cases, he extrudes shapes and assembles them together before slicing cross sections with wire. The resulting thin tiles become the building blocks for a vessel or mosaic. As Hoyt continues to hone his craft, his pieces are growing in creativity, with varying inspirations like Japanese Nerikomi pottery or the hypnotic optical art of Josef Albers, but he is careful not to coerce anything to fit his will. As Hoyt puts it: “I’m trying to figure out ways to coexist within the desires and inclinations of the material.” codyhoyt.com; @codyhoyt
Liadain Warwick Smith
WRITTEN BY SHANNON SHARPE
Ceramist Liadain Warwick Smith takes a thoughtful and considered approach to her delicate heirloom objects, which are simultaneously rustic and sophisticated. “I try to make each piece completely unique and individual while repeating certain details,” the artist shares. She begins by slipping, scoring, pinching and building up her trademark red clay forms before beginning the long process of drying, firing and glazing each item. Known for her white pieces in which deep, red-brown clay tones peek through perfectly imperfect glazes, she’s recently begun experimenting with black finishes that, while different, still feel elegant and regal. Warwick Smith sees her wares as utilitarian: vases to be filled with flowers from the garden and plates on which to enjoy meals surrounded by loved ones—simple experiences elevated by the beauty of each work. liadainwarwicksmith.com ; @liadainws
photos: tria giovan. copy: excerpted from “slow burn,” luxe hamptons jul/aug 2024
Pretty Presents
TODAY’S TOP DESIGNERS WEIGH IN ON THEIR GO-TO PIECES PERFECT FOR JUST ABOUT EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST.
“ This bowl is my favorite gift for clients. It embodies the aesthetic and the optimism I try to infuse into all my projects.”
–RAYMAN BOOZER, apartment48.com
“We have these bottle openers made by an eccentric artist out of Portland, Oregon, who uses a lost-wax technique to cast them out of brass. It’s unexpected and special.”
Soleil d’Hermès Salad
Soleil d’Hermès Salad Bowl, hermes.com
“These handcrafted champagne coupe glasses by Fferrone are a stunning addition to any barware collection and perfect for celebrating special occasions. An ideal gift for those who love to entertain with a touch of class.”
–NINA MAGON, ninamagon.com
Margot Champagne Coupes, erronedesign.com
–BRADLEY ODOM, bradleyodom.com Gira e Bottle Opener, dixonrye.com
“Having an artisan create a gift always makes it special, and Christopher crafts the most unique objects. It’s a gift that can be presented as is or with fresh owers.”
“Soft, luxurious, and brimming with character, this throw is a guaranteed showstopper and makes an impeccable gift for him, her or both.”
–SUZANNE KASLER, suzannekasler.com Faux Bois Cache Pot, christopherspitzmiller.com
“My
–DENISE MORRISON, morrisoninteriors.com
Copper Salt & Pepper Mills, roaniris.co
favorite holiday gifting tradition is giving things we’ve created ourselves. These solid brass keepsakes are hand-cast from living sprigs of California mistletoe.”
tradition is mistletoe.”
MEIER
–AMY
Cast Brass Mistletoe, amymeier.com
“Handcrafted in Greece, these salt
“Handcrafted in Greece, these salt and pepper mills make a truly special hostess gift for enhancing someone’s kitchen and are the perfect mix of utility and elegance.”
“I love everyday functional items that are so beautiful they can stand alone as decor. This decanter is lovely lled or standing empty and set out for display.”
–GINGER CURTIS, urbanologydesigns.com
Pebbled Glass Decanter, thecollectivehome.com
“Each of these candles has a rich, long-lasting scent that transforms the ambience of any room. Their unique fragrances and elegant design make them a standout choice for holiday gifting.”
–CLAUDIA AFSHAR, claudiaafshar.com
Three Sisters Candle Set, flamingoestate.com
Three Sisters Candle
“I keep an eye out for unique nds that parlay into that perfect token of appreciation for a host or hostess. Recently, our studio gifted this Mous vase to clients as Christmas presents.”
“I keep an eye out for unique nds token of for a . our studio this Mous vase to clients as Christmas
From left to right by row: Veere Grenney: Seeking Beauty by Veere Grenney / vendomepress.com Cullman & Kravis: Interiors by Elissa Cullman, Lee Cavanaugh, Sarah Ramsey and Alyssa Urban with Judith Nasatir / rizzoliusa.com The Art of Gracie: Handpainted Wallpapers, Timeless Rooms by Jennifer Gracie, Mike Gracie, Zach Shea and Brian Gracie with Judith Nasatir / rizzoliusa.com The Savage Style by Jonathan Savage / gibbs-smith.com Forever Beautiful: All-American Style All Year Long by Mark D. Sikes / rizzoliusa.com The Perfect Room: Timeless Designs for Intentional Living by Marie Flanigan with Susan Sully / rizzoliusa.com Interiors Styled by Mieke ten Have by Mieke ten Have / vendomepress.com The Young Man and the Tree: Fernando Wong Landscape Design by Tim Johnson / vendomepress.com Outside In: Interiors Born From Nature by Brian Paquette / gibbs-smith.com
Michelle Gerson, Founder of Michelle Gerson Interiors, selected Artistic Tile’s Rosa Velluto Onyx for her office desk.
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“WE STARTED
WITH
A
SIMPLE GOAL : TO HELP PEOPLE REGAIN CONTROL OVER THEIR LIVING SPACES AND FEEL AT PEACE IN THEIR HOMES.”
Courtney Colleary and Nicole Perrault, Co-Owners of The Organized Haus
WHILE ELEGANT FURNISHINGS AND DETAILS BRING BEAUTY TO A SPACE, EXPERT ORGANIZATION ELEVATES THE EVERYDAY AND INSPIRES THE WAY PEOPLE LIVE.
“Our work is so much more than aesthetics,” says Nicole Perrault. “It’s about creating spaces that are functional, organized and highly personal where our clients can relax, recharge and live their best lives.”
As Co-Owners of The Organized Haus, Perrault and her friend and business partner Courtney Colleary have dedicated themselves to a panoramic approach to organization that enhances their clients’ lifestyles by addressing every aspect of daily living. “Although we launched The Organized Haus just last year, we’ve quickly grown from a small Orange County-based team with a passion for organization into a comprehensive, full-service firm that provides customtailored solutions that fit each client’s unique wants and needs,” Colleary shares. What are the services they’ve added to their impressive roster since launching in 2023? “We’ve expanded our offerings to include everything from decluttering to pack and move coordination to space planning and customized storage solutions,” Perrault adds. “With that said, as we’ve continued to grow over the last year, we’ve remained committed to our core values of empathy, efficiency and excellence.”
LIVE, LEARN + LEAD
“As a person who didn’t always lead a structured life, discovering the power a well-organized space could have on my day-to-day was truly eye opening,” Colleary shares. “And when I considered how important mental and spiritual health are in today’s fast-paced world, I realized that I wanted to help others achieve the same peace and clarity I’d found.” How did this lead to the founding of The Organized Haus? “Nicole and I had been friends for about 15 years when I approached her with the idea of channeling this passion into a career, so we decided then and there to combine our organizational skills, talent and expertise, and our partnership and firm were born.”
A MEANINGFUL MISSION
When asked to share what it is that makes the work
The Organized Haus does so important, Perrault says: “Organization is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey. As a response to that powerful concept, we create systems that can be easily adapted, transformed and maintained as our clients’ lives evolve. Furthermore, we’ve dedicated ourselves to supporting our clients, not just during the initial planning, but throughout their lives. Whether it’s a small project, a ground-up new build or a complete renovation, our team is here to help each client achieve lasting peace, order and tranquility in their homes and in their lives.”
Left Cookware as elegant as this deserves an equally elegant storage solution. Top right These walnut drawer spacers make storage a truly stylish affair. Bottom right Custom labeled canisters keep the cook informed and inspired. Opposite This beautifully organized storage area is the ideal place for the family chef to curate ingredients or for children to grab an after-school snack.
Photography Tim Carpenter
33921 Calle La Primavera
The master suite is a private sanctuary, where 9-foot hand-carved doors open to reveal an oasis of tranquility. Step onto the ocean-view balcony or retreat to the opulent master bathroom, where luxury is redefined. Throughout the home, DuChâteau European oak flooring adds warmth, while high-end upgrades like an insta-hot gas heater, whole-house water filtration system, copper piping, and a serene lower ocean-view patio enhance the blend of refined elegance and coastal charm.
Ideally situated within walking distance to the beach, Dana Point Harbor, and an array of upscale shops, restaurants, and cafes, this home offers not just a residence but an unparalleled lifestyle. The upcoming Dana Point Harbor revitalization project promises to elevate the community’s allure even further.
Inspired by the exacting art of engraving precious stones and gems, GRAFF’s Cameo Collection elevates the luxury bath space with intricately knurled designs of mesmerizing dimension and texture. Like a beautifully engraved cameo, the Cameo Collection embodies the design of a modern heirloom, captivating with timeless glamour and refined details.
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Linea Selva limited-edition chandelier
Riviere wallcovering in Blue by Brunschwig & Fils. kravet.com
A clients’ love of ceramics inspired their Kansas City, Kansas, powder room designed by Mark D. Sikes, where a collection of Imari plates hangs in the vestibule (opposite) and runs along the bathroom’s lower walls (above); the Iksel wallpaper was custom colored and patterned to mimic them.
The console sink is Waterworks, the mirror is from John Rosselli & Associates and the sconces are Mark D. Sikes for Hudson Valley Lighting.
Small Wonders
DESIGNER MARK D. SIKES SHARES HIS SECRETS TO DECORATING THE ONE ROOM EVERY GUEST IS SURE TO SEE.
WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY
GRACE BEULEY HUNT AND SARAH SHELTON
With the holidays—and their onslaught of parties and guests—upon us, Luxe decided to dive into what makes for a truly fabulous powder room. Proudly petite and designed to be admired, the space offers a rare opportunity for flash and fantasy. And who better to tap for their playbook than designer Mark D. Sikes? Beloved for his artfully layered schemes and luscious color palettes, Sikes has a reputation for elaborate, elegant takes on what he dubs “the jewel box of the home.” Fresh off the release of his bestselling third monograph, Forever Beautiful (Rizzoli), the designer sat down to share his expert tips for creating a loo that company won’t soon forget. markdsikes.com
What is your philosophy for putting together a distinctive powder room? This is the one place in the house where it’s universally accepted to be unique and innovative. And, because it’s a small space in terms of square footage, it provides a rare opportunity to splurge on something lavish, like a hand-painted wallpaper or beautiful wall upholstery, that might be cost-prohibitive in a larger space. It is a room for full creative expression.
Can you discuss design elements that are often overlooked? If you’re looking at the layout of a powder room, it’s important to have both a place for guests to sit and a place for bags and belongings. In a perfect world, the floor plan would include a little entry vestibule with a bench or stool, and then a small table inside the powder room where guests can rest their bag while they touch up their makeup, etc. I think you always need a table in the powder room for this reason. We try to make our spaces feel comfortable and functional, and these elements seem to work nicely in terms of hosting company.
Montecito Panel Set in Indigo by Mark D. Sikes schumacher.com
Ludaix Wallpaper in Pacific by Henry Holland for Harlequin sandersondesigngroup.com
Claire Wallpaper in Navy thibautdesign.com
Safi Wallpaper in Blue on Blue by Anna Spiro studiofournyc.com
Monica Wallpaper in Bluebird luliewallace.com
Creating a through line for his Kansas City clients, Sikes clad a secondary powder room in another customized Iksel wallpaper.
A Mark D. Sikes for Hudson Valley Lighting sconce injects a contemporary note into the mix and plays off the bone inlay mirror.
Is there a single most important piece for a powder room? Hanging a super special mirror is really important because this is one of the few utilitarian rooms where you have the liberty to do that. In primary or guest bathrooms, storage is a must, and mirrors are often medicine cabinets and more “apothecary” in look and feel. I love to use antique mirrors in the powder—something with a beautiful, unique shape. Then, when it comes to selecting hardware, I like to use something a bit more precious, such as antiqued silver or burnished brass; antique mirrors tend to look better with those finishes.
Talk to us about lighting. Dimmers are important in the powder room (and in every room) for functional purposes, but, generally, I like lighting in this space to be more subtle, romantic and moody. It’s a wonderful room to mix di erent types of fixtures—think modern sconces with an antique table lamp. It’s also an opportunity to play around with beautiful custom fabric lampshades. I particularly like
shades in a powder because they cast such a soft, beautiful light.
silk pleated
Volver Single Sconce in Brass by Kelly Wearstler visualcomfort.com
Hector Pleat Wall Light originalbtc.com
Javelin Bathroom Sconce modernforms.com
Curves No.1 Wall Sconce by Mark D. Sikes hvlgroup.com Luna Wall Light in Brass & White
A whimsical Morris & Co. wallpaper contrasts with Royal Makkum delft tiles from Country Floors in this Sun Valley, Idaho, powder room. Layered lighting, including a Jamb sconce and a table lamp with a marbled paper shade, complements an antique mirror.
LICENSE #791471
How do you create personality when you’re starting with a blank slate? It’s all about the materials and the finishes. Most of the work we do now is completely original and very decorative. For instance, instead of doing a wallpaper, we will have our decorative painter, Joseph Steiert, come in and depict a mural on the walls. Or instead of having traditional painted cabinets, we will have an artisan hand-glaze them so that they aren’t a stark white and instead have a rich patina. We also love to source antique tiles and fabrics that give the appearance of years of fading in the sun.
What are your favorite finishing touches? Beautiful hand towels (my favorites are Julia B. Casa). Something alive, whether that’s a plant or flowers in a chic bud vase. A café curtain, Roman shade or sheers at the window for privacy. A candle with a great scent—my go-to is Orange Blossom by Jo Malone—and a book of matches in a pretty container because it’s the polite thing to do. The best houses are the ones that make people feel comfortable and welcome!
GO GOLD
TAPS BRING A JEWELRY-LIKE FEEL.
Widespread Lavatory Faucet in Unlacquered Polished Brass franzviegener.com
rockymountainhardware.com
In a powder room (top) in Pacific Palisades, California, a wooden commode was stripped and given a Newport Brass faucet. An antique bone inlay mirror is backed by an Iksel wallpaper for a characterful look. The sconce is from Galerie des Lampes. Sikes’ third monograph (above), Forever Beautiful (Rizzoli) was released in September.
Wall Mount Faucet with Arched Escutcheon in Silicon Bronze Light
3 Hole Lavatory Filler in Antique Gold with Gloss Black Chrome samuel-heath.com
No. 16600 Swirl Basin Set in Polished Brass peguerin.com
Griffey Widespread Lavatory Faucet in Antique Brass newportbrass.com
Classic
Clockwise from top left: Jacqueline Faucet
Smart Spaces Start Here.
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111 S La Senda Drive, Laguna Beach
Located at the end of a cul-de-sac in Three Arch Bay, this custom 4-BR, 6.5-BA oceanview estate rests on an approximate 2.15-acre parcel encompassing the bluff and part of the beach below. Enjoy the perfect blend of artistry, nature and views that encompass Dana Point, Catalina Island, sunsets, and city lights. A pool, home theater, and parking for 7 cars are added highlights.
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.
Inner World
When rapper and record producer Dr. Dre set out to renovate a château-inspired manor in Los Angeles, his design team answered with a stately sanctuary precisely attuned to their legendary client.
WRITTEN BY KELLY PHILLIPS BADAL | PHOTOGRAPHY
BY MANOLO LANGIS
Architecture: Richard Landry and Suzanne Evans Shepela, Landry Design Group Interior Design: Joan Behnke, Joan Behnke & Associates
Home Builder: Ron Udall and Tyler Udall, Tyler Development Corporation
Arched openings enhance the first-floor gallery, where designer Joan Behnke placed custom cabinets with wood-carved handles facing the billiards room. There, bespoke swivel chairs dressed in Loro Piana fabric rest below built-ins displaying Dr. Dre’s award statuettes. The runners are Scott Group Studio.
The minute he walked in, Dr. Dre knew. This Los Angeles estate was it, the spot he could see serving as home base for, well, “The Next Episode” of his life. So just as he had many times throughout his genre-defining career, he trusted his instincts. “Nothing turned me on until I saw this place, and I decided to buy it on the spot,” Dre recalls. “The energy here is amazing; it’s bliss—that’s the first word that popped into my head.”
What he saw—an ultraprivate 3.6-acre hillside setting overlooking the city—exuded a strong siren song. The stately house features architecture that evokes the rustic refinement of a French countryside estate, with a limestoneclad exterior showcasing castle-like details. There’s a mansard slate roof, copper finials, zinc cupolas and an elegant covered breezeway, plus a water feature resembling a moat, complete with a charming wooden bridge. Inside, reclaimed elements like antique brick and French oak floors play off swooping groin- and barrel-vaulted ceilings, arched windows and exposed beams. The aesthetic effect is romantic, whimsical, even a tad fantastical. Dre arrived with a punch list of needs but, ultimately, he didn’t want to alter the existing atmospheric framework.
“It was a beautifully done house, and Dre fell in love with it; he wanted to maintain the architecture, but also make it his own,” explains architect Richard Landry, who, with firm partner and project lead Suzanne Evans Shepela, had initially dreamed up the dwelling. The new owner welcomed them back in for modifications, pulling in additional design pros from the home’s original build: interior designer Joan Behnke and general contractors Ron and Tyler Udall. Of his decision to reassemble the “absolute best” team of collaborators, the hip-hop artist quips: “That’s been the story of my life, and they made it easy.”
Easy is relative, though, as what Dre had in mind for his home’s remix went beyond a refresh. His goals were twofold: to modernize the interiors with contemporary elements and essentially double the square footage of the house. Notably, most of the changes aren’t visible from the showstopping exterior envelope he wanted to preserve. Landry and Shepela
devised an expansive addition that would bring to the home the extra amenities their client desired, but with a clever twist: They built it entirely underground.
There, a host of spaces devoted to health and wellness took shape. The new subterranean level houses a chic underground lap pool, which gets daily use, as well as a spa and sauna, salon, massage area and well-appointed gym. This is no dim basement expanse either. Bespoke elements including a water wall and sculptural lighting fixtures enhance the ambience, while light wells bring in sunlight in select spots. A major essential, Dre’s top-of-the-line, precisely engineered recording studio, also sits below the surface. Complete with its own private entrance and lounge, it’s designed for round-the-clock use as inspiration strikes: no windows, no noises, no distractions.
The above-ground spaces were transformed as well, particularly the great room, where an outdoor loggia between the living and family rooms was absorbed to create a larger entertaining area better suited to the flow of Dre’s lifestyle. Stylistically, “there was a conscious effort to keep the palette very neutral and calm, but also to go slightly more contemporary and even a little edgier with the furnishings and lighting,” describes Behnke. The designer traded the home’s former fixtures and antique pieces for a fresher range of geometric, glass and glam chandeliers and pendants.
Comfort, provided by ample inviting seating, ranked high on Dre’s list of priorities—“Comfort is number one for me; this is my sanctuary,” he says—as was striking a balance between classic and contemporary elements within the artfully layered spaces. “Our attempt was to create a form of visual symphony here, at a level that, like a Beethoven composition or a song by Dr. Dre, you can’t absorb it all at once,” Behnke muses. Unexpected moments such as origamilike pendants in a hallway or the entry stairwell’s curved-glass panels all achieve this effect. The overall attention to detail and artistry speaks to a perfectionism long associated with the exacting homeowner. “Imagine having a house you never want to leave,” Dre concludes. “That’s what’s been created here. I have my own world in my home with everything I’ve always wanted.”
A chandelier by Christopher Boots presides over the entry, with Oracle pendants by the same maker visible in the great room beyond. Furnishings, all custom pieces, include sofas of Loro Piana fabric and curved chairs wearing a Pierre Frey mohair.
Above: The formal dining room is anchored by a table of Calacatta marble and brass flanked by Berenice Vien dal Mare chairs. A Lindsey Adelman Studio chandelier hangs above. Draperies feature Weitzner’s Isis fabric and the rug is Scott Group Studio.
Opposite: In the same space, Behnke designed a walnut buffet table topped with Mark Albrecht Studio’s Eclipse Table Lamps. Pablo Picasso’s Tête de femme watches over it. The ceramic planter is by Kristina Riska, via Hostler Burrows.
“There was a conscious effort to keep the palette very neutral and calm, but also to go slightly more contemporary and even a little edgier.”
–JOAN BEHNKE
For the great room’s far end, Behnke designed a walnut-and-bronze table and chairs upholstered in a Holly Hunt leather. The table lamp is Eric Roinestad via The Future Perfect and the rug is Scott Group Studio. On the wall is Draw Me by Kerry James Marshall.
Farrow & Ball’s Skimming Stone refreshed the cabinetry, setting off Calacatta marble countertops, while matte porcelain tile from Stone Source backdrops a Wolf range. Alison Berger Glassworks pendants punctuate the barrelvaulted ceiling of reclaimed brick.
Loro Piana fabric envelops the primary bedroom walls, complementing the Studioart leather layered in a headboard niche. The chaise lounge and ottoman, both covered in Lauren Hwang New York alpaca, are bespoke, as are the bed and nightstand. The chandelier is Design Alliance LA.
Above: Stained walnut paneling lines the walls of Dre’s private, below-ground recording studio, which boasts a state-of-the-art mixing console. Herman Miller’s classic Aeron chairs stand at the ready in the creative space.
Opposite: Part of the home’s subterranean build out, a lap pool lined with blue mirrors reflects the ceiling’s geometric in-laid lighting. Hand-troweled plaster walls match those of the main floor. Custom oval benches with leather details dot the perimeter.
Home Builder: Scott Willson, RDM General Contractors Landscape Architecture: Mike Dilley and Steve Hartman, MDZA Landscape Architecture
A Fine Balance
The clever application of feng shui design principles helps align a serene Dana Point sanctuary with its oceanside surroundings.
WRITTEN BY KELLY VENCILL SANCHEZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY YOSHIHIRO MAKINO
An Asian-inspired entry garden nods to the home’s feng shui influence. A pineapple guava presides over a mix of boxwood, succulents and bonsai trees, while sandblasted Portuguese limestone leads to a custom walnut-and-metal pivot door.
Any bespoke build comprises a curated cast of specialists, but, for this vacation retreat in Dana Point, the experts involved went beyond a punch list of pro millworkers and tilers—here, the owners engaged a feng shui master. So as plans for the ground-up contemporary residence were coming together, the consultant’s calibrations sent architect Christopher Brandon and interior designer Summer Jensen back to the drawing board—more than once—reassessing and even reengineering the voluminous spaces to achieve a more harmonious result.
An early challenge, from a feng shui perspective, was how to retain and balance the home’s extensive use of glass showcasing its front-row ocean views. “On the far side of the house, we had huge sliders facing the water, visible on entrance; but, in feng shui, you don’t want to let the energy escape out the back door,” Jensen explains. Fortunately, she and Brandon came up with a solution: In the entrance hall, a series of vertical metal slats now stands in as a line of symbolic “trees,” doubling as an energycapturing screen between the entrance hall and the view beyond (the slatted wall also defines the dining space). The slats don’t fully block the home’s impressive view, but turn what could have been a grand gesture into more of a peek-a-boo moment. Nearby plants—signifiers of growth, vitality and abundance—appear to float in from the entry garden to rest in a planter below a sculptural staircase.
“Now, the house’s feng shui story goes: The energy comes through the front door, is mystified by the plants in the entry, then the verticality of the ‘trees’ extends the eye up; the energy is wowed by all the sparkly things inside the house and forgets to go out the back door,” the designer explains. “Some people use the word ‘energy,’ but you could also say that there’s a vibe that makes you want to linger.” It was her and Brandon’s first experience working with a practitioner of Chinese geomancy, and while the architect admits that “putting layers in front of the view initially felt tough,” they both loved the experience. Since the residence enjoys an unobstructed vista of the landmark promontory known as the
Headlands, maximizing the view was a priority. Soaring 12-foot ceilings set a tone of grandeur on the main level, where the public spaces flow through a semi-open layout to a deck overlooking the pool and Pacific. Off the pool deck lies a lower-level entertaining space imagined as an upscale clubhouse, while most of the bedrooms and private areas are on the third floor. The architectural lines are clean, highlighting textured stone and white oak between expanses of glass and steel. “It was all about balancing openness and light with privacy, so that this home would feel like a luxurious getaway,” notes Brandon. The materiality is inspired by nature and the finishes drew from the colors of the coast, Jensen says, adding: “I even went to the beach and collected pebbles, using them as the basis of the palette. A lot of the design came from abstracting nature.”
Her selection of serene, tone-on-tone neutrals is underscored by whispers of blue that drift throughout the dwelling. “With so much glass, any color outside becomes the color inside,” she points out, “and I love to play with luminosity and reflection, especially for a house on the water.” Contemporary design is often void of ornamentation, Jensen goes on to say, so her focus hinged less on objects and leaned into the atmospheric experience of each room—fitting for clients who imagined a Zen retreat. “It became this dance of layers, where each one elevates the next,” she muses. “I try to never do what’s trendy but rather synthesize easy living with beautiful experiences and timeless design.”
Wellness tenets also factor into the interiors, not only from a feng shui purview, but because Jensen is passionate about incorporating toxinfree finishes and natural, sustainable materials whenever she can. Some of the interior stonework, for instance, is repurposed from broken tiles that would have otherwise been discarded. Given a textured finish, it brings in a sense of wabi-sabi that appealed to the designer. Smaller tweaks, like softening the lighting in the owners’ suite, allow the space to also function as a recuperative sanctuary when necessary. “There were a lot of conscious moves like this throughout that picked up on the idea of holistic healing,” notes the designer, concluding, “The goal was that the house would feel effortless, like you could leave your baggage at the door and just breathe.”
Right: Bonsai trees and succulents are embedded into the entry hall to echo the plants of the exterior garden on the other side of the window. A handrail of Holly Hunt leather lines floating white oak stairs with glass guards that create an airy, artful circulation point.
Opposite: The double-height dining area’s wall of vertical aluminum slats represents trees and acts as a moiré-style privacy screen. A table and armchairs from Holly Hunt, topped by Brokis’ Knot pendants, gather on an Erik Lindström rug.
“I try to never do what’s trendy but rather synthesize easy living with beautiful experiences and timeless design.”
–SUMMER JENSEN
European white oak cabinets, the work of by JT Finneran, Inc., contrast with an island clad in leathered gray marble in the bright kitchen. Suspended above Holly Hunt stools are Apparatus’ Tassel pendants. The antique jade bi disc is a 1stdibs find.
Layered in soothing ivory tones, a serene seating area in the owners’ bedroom opens to an ocean-facing terrace. The sofas and coffee table are Holly Hunt, with Ochre’s delicate Gaia pendant suspended overhead. The artwork is by Joelle Somero.
Right: A main-floor en suite bathroom is detailed with leathered gray-and-white marble from Stoneland USA across the walls and flooring. Kiwami vessel sinks by Toto are poised beneath pendant lights by Articolo Studios.
Opposite: In a secondary bedroom, white oak molding slides between panels of Thomas Lavin velvet for a wall pattern inspired by tatami mats. The leather-frame bed, dressed in Celso de Lemos linens, is Ditre Italia with a Holly Hunt nightstand.
“I love to play with luminosity and reflection. With so much glass, any color outside becomes the color inside.”
–SUMMER JENSEN
Encased in Cristallo quartzite from Epic Ceramic & Stone from the flooring to the cabinetry, the primary bathroom features a calming monochromatic color scheme. The tub is BainUltra; the sconces and ottoman are Holly Hunt.
CLEAN SLATE
A San Juan Capistrano Mediterranean-style home undergoes a chic, high-contrast transformation envisioned by its designer owner.
| PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW GIAMMARCO
JESSICA RITZ
BY
WRITTEN
Interior Design: Anita Jacobi, Orange Coast Interior Design Home Builder: Ric Serna, RS Construction & Development Inc.
Stained white oak vertical slats accent the entryway, set off by walls of Dunn-Edwards’ Boat Anchor. Vintage-style sconces and Four Hands’ Fawkes bench—inspired by classic telephone benches— nod to the design scheme’s midcentury modern influences.
The ability to see things not as they are but as they could be is perhaps an interior designer’s greatest skill. Even when—perhaps especially when—faced with a home that has a bit of a mixed personality. Such was the situation designer Anita Jacobi found herself in when she and her husband sold the abode where they’d raised their daughters for two decades. Many months rolled by before the couple pressed go on a San Juan Capistrano Mediterranean Revival-style property as their next home... but it didn’t check all their boxes. Sure, the oceanside neighborhood and the street itself were dreamy, but the yard felt cramped and the layout needed updates. The interior’s inconsistent finishes especially begged for an intervention. “The house had all sorts of flavor, with every single kind of style tucked into it: French country, Asian, Spanish—there were 11 different types of tile, with wood and carpet too,” Jacobi shares. “I kept thinking, ‘What am I doing?’ ” What she did, of course, was lean into that proficiency at seeing past the problems to find solutions. In this case, it took some undoing to get there. Working with general contractor and longtime collaborator Ric Serna, Jacobi stripped away every bit of ornamentation and all the warring design styles, plus removed several loadbearing walls. In their place, 18 new beams now open up the layout and visually connect the main level’s public spaces, all of which are sectioned into one large great room. “I started over with a rectangle,” the designer shares, “and warmed up to the house once I started designing.”
Seeing it as a blank canvas kickstarted Jacobi’s imagination for a new aesthetic direction. She decided to put her own spin on what she describes as a midcentury modern-inspired style: minimalistic, with clean lines and pronounced angles paired with a tightly edited, high-contrast color palette. A pronounced use of black reads as both bold and moody, while earthy materials, from warm woods to natural stone, balance and ground the design. The look is a marked departure from Jacobi’s former family residence, which leaned bright and white. Her new home’s reimagined design also exudes a distinctly different atmosphere from the soft shades and relaxed vibe so typical of coastal properties.
“This is a grown-up house that matches where we are in life,” the designer explains. “It’s more sophisticated, more adult, more us now—even our kids’ rooms are ‘adult’ kids’ rooms.” She set the tone at the entry, where deep gray walls set off vertical wooden slats. Minimalistic and modern, similar slats designs repeat throughout the house, adding texture and warmth to a hallway’s builtins, the primary suite and the outdoor terrace. Playing with visual elements like these, which Jacobi had experimented with in her vacation getaway and several client homes, pushed her to treat her new residence more like a client’s project. “I pour my heart into every space I create, and the emotional investment is even greater when its personal,” she muses. “With clients you think beautiful and functional—taking my feelings out helped me to really start seeing this home and being excited about it.”
Jacobi gave herself permission to make impactful choices. For instance, moving a powder room and combining its square footage with a mud room, closet, pantry and the existing galleylike narrow kitchen allowed for an expansive open-concept room to cook and serve—and more than doubled the kitchen’s size. The couple now entertain and gather around two islands and enjoy ocean views from a larger window.
Upstairs, Jacobi put a considerable stamp on the primary suite, reconfiguring the bathroom to carve out his-and-hers amenities (including walk-in glass showers and a double vanity) and placing a striking bathtub surround of blackand-white porcelain tile as the room’s undisputed showpiece. “I had this vision of a dark moody bathroom, kind of sexy—and I knew it was going to be dramatic,” she says. The designer also repurposed one of the home’s six bedrooms into a dressing room and dream closet.
Certain spaces called for creative solutions. The limited backyard area, for instance, was plotted “by the inch,” Jacobi notes, to allow for a pool and outdoor lounge, with a BBQ area tucked into the side yard. In other spaces, the arrangements just clicked. Take the living room’s geometric coffee table, a piece the designer had fallen for but never managed to fit into the home of a client, until she became her own. Happily, all her initial hesitancy has since given way to a different conclusion: “Now I can’t wait to come home,” she says.
Above: In a corner of the living area, a bouclé-upholstered Urbia Imports chair and Four Hands side table rest beside a linear fireplace. The extended surround of charcoal-hued porcelain tile, framing a flat screen, is from Surface Concepts & Slabs.
Opposite: Bridging the living and dining areas of the great room, a Sunpan counter-height table provides a landing spot for cocktails, ringed by Four Hands charcoal bouclé stools. Works by Dan Hobday and Jess Engle hang from chains as a backdrop.
Designer and homeowner Anita Jacobi opted for custom white oak cabinetry and counters made of Vadara quartz, which is also used across the walls and dual islands.
Offset light fixtures from The Tagliato Collection by Alora add contemporary flair. The stools are Four Hands.
Dunn-Edwards’ Brooding Storm and a panel of vertical slats create a chic ambience in the primary suite. Jacobi customized the chaise and bed, which is topped with Kravet fabric pillows. The bench is Four Hands and the rug is Safavieh.
“ THIS IS A GROWN-UP HOUSE THAT MATCHES WHERE WE ARE IN LIFE . IT’S MORE SOPHISTICATED, MORE ADULT, MORE US .”
–ANITA JACOBI
A Duravit bathtub framed in dramatic black-and-white porcelain and set against dark wall tile, both from Surface Concepts & Slabs, is the star of the primary bathroom. The flooring is from Roca Tile USA; dual walk-in glass showers flank the tub.
“TECHNOLOGY
Continuity of technology is a critical component of home renovations. At Modern Home Systems, a San Diego-based 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.
Intelligent Illumination
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.”
858.554.0404
PORTFOLIO
Archetype Design Collective
Bespoke projects require bespoke solutions. Archetype Design Collective offers comprehensive in-house design, construction management and self-performed installation solutions to fulfill the most discerning of projects. “From conception through construction, please allow us to share our 50-year legacy of craftsmanship and integrity with you!” archetypedesigncollective.com | archetypedesigncollective
Florim
Florim is a one-stop shop for Italian tiles and slabs suitable for all applications, including floors, walls and countertops, both indoors and out. With unaltered technical performance, Florim’s porcelain reinterprets the veins of rare marbles, the rawness of concrete and even the rich appearance of hardwood. Visit their space in West Hollywood and experience superlative surfaces. usa.florim.com/los-angeles | 314.940.1355
San Francisco Design Center
SFDC’s beautifully curated showrooms represent 2,000 manufacturers, whose product lines are sourced locally and internationally. Discover the best in traditional and contemporary furniture, fabrics, lighting, kitchen and bath products, antiques, art, rugs, flooring, cabinetry and ceramic tile. sfdesigncenter.com | 415.490.5821
WWOO Concrete Outdoor Kitchen
Seamlessly integrating with the natural surroundings while elevating outdoor living, WWOO outdoor kitchens enhance any landscape. Their versatile designs offer customizable options, ensuring the perfect fit for any aesthetic—from modern to rustic or somewhere in between—for a cohesive, stylish outdoor experience. Designer: Roy Altaras | Photographer: Gilad Radat wwoous.com | 310.648.8030
