Ridge View Country Estate
Featured in the 29th Annual Pacific Palisades
Home Tour 2014
The
Shadow Mountain project was extremely challenging for me as I had to redesign
completely the interior of a traditional 90s villa in the Pacific
Palisades to include many contemporary motifs and modern amenities in
three months. I enjoyed working with the couple, who are grandparents of
four, and who wanted to retain and see in new surroundings so many works of art
and antiques that they had collected during their lifelong, worldwide
travels. The redesigned home preserves these great memories while
setting the stage for new, wonderful experiences.
In our early meetings, I discovered that I share a love of trees with the
couple. He had just bought a Bonsai that
we all loved and I successfully used as my main inspiration for the color
palette and a blending of natural elements into the design of each room.
As the project was reaching conclusion, it was selected to
be featured in the Pacific Palisades Home Tour.
I am happy to share with you an album of Grey Crawford
photographs and details that capture this meeting of like minds that have
turned into a very happy story.
The living room, where the Bonsai tree is a focal point, has green accents in the furniture and accessories featured on the coffee table whose surface is an antique mirror. The sofa is upholstered in silk mohair from Corragio, a fabric that is as luxurious as it is durable and practical. The daybed in leather by Holly Hunt. The Brainwash tableau enlivens the space and creates a welcome counterbalance with the Steven Michael O’Connor whimsical creation. I am fond of the neutral grouping above the Bonsai tree that allows the Brainwash work to take center stage.
The entrance is a welcome place of serenity, with the olive
tree as a symbol of peace and the couple’s treasured antique Buddha. The piano is signed by the couple’s favorite
operatic tenor, the immortal Luciano
Pavarotti.
I bring the green motif into the library with Benjamin Moore juniper high gloss lacquer paint. The black coffered ceiling and parquetted floor of the same color parallel each other, with the chair further accentuating the color in ostrich skin. My favorite is the Lillian August desk paired with the Philippe Starck chair.
The Tre Pezzi Wool armchairs, circa 1959, designed by Franco Albini, were reissued by Cassina in 2009.
I love this family room, where the antique mirrors and the
original stone floor are set off by custom-made acrylic bar stools and Piero
Lissoni coffee table of pieced together glass. A Lissoni sofa with custom-made pillows completes the look. The Brainwash painting, Max Spray, with its radical commentary, creates a welcome edge.
The entertainment center uses zebra wood and black glass, in
many reflective shades, creating an ambiance which is both cozy and modern.
I had the great idea of using the Philip Jefferies wallpaper
on the ceiling with its elegant pattern to contrast with the Malayer rug from
Woven Accents. The antique square mirror
panels brighten the room and give it the right sense of space. The furniture, a favorite of the clients, was
refurbished with my favorite leather from Holly Hunt. The chandelier is a family heirloom.
I designed the child friendly built-in banquette for the
grandchildren to enjoy while the grownups linger at the table.
I capitalized on the ocean-view bedroom’s light and
spaciousness, using a white motif. The
contemporary dresser is from Lingne-Roset with the Philip Stark bed, which is
among my favorites.
Eye Candy
How do you know when it’s the one.
So many wonderful artist, so many genres. What captivates you?
Educate yourself beginning with going to art fairs, museums, and art galleries. Decide what you like, talk to art consultants and collectors. Buying the first piece can be intimidating when you feel like everyone knows whats going on except for you. But it’s not that hard.
Does it intrigue you when starring at Norman Rockwell's dreamy works, Edward Hoppers lonesome figures, or Degas? Get to know these famous artists.
3 Rules
Follow the color scheme if the space has already been furnished
When choosing wall art its crucial to know your color scheme. A basic rule of thumb is to select an art piece that will match your room without detracting from any of the design elements that are in it.
Follow the theme of your room
As with all other pieces of art, there is a range of styles that you can choose from. There are landscapes, flowers, abstract and many others that can be found in artwork so you really need to make sure that the theme in the picture does not clash with the theme in your room.
Proportions
First, take a tape measure and get the dimension of the space that needs the artwork. Once you have those dimensions, you will have a better idea of what you would like in a piece.
Make sure that the art matches the size of the wall. For the former, it may not fit, and for the latter, it may appear out of place in the room.
Robert Schaberl
Degas
Norman Rockwell
So many wonderful artist, so many genres. What captivates you?
Educate yourself beginning with going to art fairs, museums, and art galleries. Decide what you like, talk to art consultants and collectors. Buying the first piece can be intimidating when you feel like everyone knows whats going on except for you. But it’s not that hard.
Does it intrigue you when starring at Norman Rockwell's dreamy works, Edward Hoppers lonesome figures, or Degas? Get to know these famous artists.
3 Rules
Follow the color scheme if the space has already been furnished
When choosing wall art its crucial to know your color scheme. A basic rule of thumb is to select an art piece that will match your room without detracting from any of the design elements that are in it.
Follow the theme of your room
As with all other pieces of art, there is a range of styles that you can choose from. There are landscapes, flowers, abstract and many others that can be found in artwork so you really need to make sure that the theme in the picture does not clash with the theme in your room.
Proportions
First, take a tape measure and get the dimension of the space that needs the artwork. Once you have those dimensions, you will have a better idea of what you would like in a piece.
Make sure that the art matches the size of the wall. For the former, it may not fit, and for the latter, it may appear out of place in the room.
Saw these great art pieces at Art Basel Miami 2014.
Robert Indiana
Mel Bochner
Gregory Siff
Here are some classics. What's your interpretation?
Norman Rockwell
Edward Hoppers
