Laid-back elegance in the rolling California hills.
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1Media Platforms Design Team
Heightened Drama
The most astonishing thing about this sprawling ranch in the rolling California hills is that it is smack in the middle of the city of Los Angeles and blocks from the beach. Its location is as extraordinary as it is unexpected, but then interior designer Windsor Smith does not pander to predictability.
Embracing genteel elements of classic Italian and Spanish Colonial styles and the laid-back elegance of California comfort, the L.A.-based decorator deftly avoids cliché to create a fresh, modern take on stylish country living in the city.
Thick beams, cascading curtains and tall mirrors heighten the drama in a Los Angeles House. Sofa, in Holly Hunt fabric, and bench, Windsor Smith Home Collection. 19th-c. Italian sunburst mirror, Eccola Imports. Antique mantel, Francois & Co. Curtains of World Linen fabric. Rug Jamal's Rug Collection.
Embracing genteel elements of classic Italian and Spanish Colonial styles and the laid-back elegance of California comfort, the L.A.-based decorator deftly avoids cliché to create a fresh, modern take on stylish country living in the city.
Thick beams, cascading curtains and tall mirrors heighten the drama in a Los Angeles House. Sofa, in Holly Hunt fabric, and bench, Windsor Smith Home Collection. 19th-c. Italian sunburst mirror, Eccola Imports. Antique mantel, Francois & Co. Curtains of World Linen fabric. Rug Jamal's Rug Collection.
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2Media Platforms Design Team
Bold Painting
Forsaking the shelter of a Beverly Hills gated community life, this active young family followed their passions to a smaller house and a larger lifestyle on three acres in Brentwood, at the end of a winding eucalyptus-lined driveway. The wife, a devoted dressage equestrian and mother of two like-minded daughters, is now but a short trot from her horses.
A bold painting by James Nares gives a traditional dining room a modern edge. Chandelier, Daniel Barney. Pewter tray, Little Paris Antiques.
A bold painting by James Nares gives a traditional dining room a modern edge. Chandelier, Daniel Barney. Pewter tray, Little Paris Antiques.
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3Media Platforms Design Team
Exquisite Art
The husband, a businessman and collector of antique and vintage cars, cares for his treasures in an underground multi-bay garage, constructed conveniently beneath the horse stables. Back above ground, a stone's throw from the house, a small vineyard flourishes. "It's like Napa in Brentwood," says Smith.
Antique table. 18th-c. French Chairs.
Antique table. 18th-c. French Chairs.
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4Media Platforms Design Team
Natural Textures
Three years in the making, the newly refreshed residence underwent structural renovations in collaboration with architect Michael Burch that included raising ceilings, adding beams, and enlarging door openings between rooms. The addition of a loftlike kitchen and family room, with huge steel-cased windows, says Smith, "completely changed the energy of the house and formed a glorious connection to the outdoors," with a direct view of the paddock and stable.
Natural textures and a light palette make for an airy master bedroom with casual flair. Bed, Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Linens, Calvin Klein Home. Jansen bench in Caldelle leather. Roman shade of World Linen fabric with Rogers & Goffigon trim.
Natural textures and a light palette make for an airy master bedroom with casual flair. Bed, Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Linens, Calvin Klein Home. Jansen bench in Caldelle leather. Roman shade of World Linen fabric with Rogers & Goffigon trim.
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5Media Platforms Design Team
Surprising Element
All those windows and doors, however, can confront one with harsh light by day and gaping voids by night. Yet here, the sweeping landscape provides a softening effect. "The exterior is stunning at night because the property is so beautifully lit, with every window framing a gorgeous vista or a century-old pine tree," Smith says.
A variety of chairs plays with scale and adds a surprising element to the expansive kitchen. Chairs, in Caldelle leather, Windsor Smith Home Collection. Backsplash tile, Exquisite Surfaces. Sink fittings, Waterworks.
A variety of chairs plays with scale and adds a surprising element to the expansive kitchen. Chairs, in Caldelle leather, Windsor Smith Home Collection. Backsplash tile, Exquisite Surfaces. Sink fittings, Waterworks.
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6Media Platforms Design Team
Vertical Element
And while curtains protect from daytime glare, they serve a visual purpose as well: "The roof pitch lines are not high, so I hung the drapery at the top of the wall to lift the eye. And rather than use a big, heavy treatment, I chose a small rod that's less ornate and more youthful." The curtains also add a necessary vertical element. Absent tall armoires or secretaries, a room can become horizontal, she says. "The drapery breaks through that line."
Sofa in Marvic Textiles linen, Windsor Smith Home Collection. Louis XIV-style settee, Balzac Antiques. Curtains of Brunschwig & Fils fabric. Walls in Mountain Peak White, Benjamin Moore Aura.
Sofa in Marvic Textiles linen, Windsor Smith Home Collection. Louis XIV-style settee, Balzac Antiques. Curtains of Brunschwig & Fils fabric. Walls in Mountain Peak White, Benjamin Moore Aura.
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7Media Platforms Design Team
Neutral Pallette
With her signature light touch in unfussy fabrics, a neutral palette, a mix of metals and woods, and a pointed use of antiques, Smith creates inviting rooms that look collected rather than store-bought, curated rather than settled for. "If I'm in a room where everything is new, I'm uncomfortable," she explains. "I want a story, things that have a vibration of history." Her client shared this seminal sensibility, and their collaboration was keen and constant.
Chairs, Restorations Hardware. Hanging lanterns, Windsor Smith Home Collection.
Chairs, Restorations Hardware. Hanging lanterns, Windsor Smith Home Collection.
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8Media Platforms Design Team
Reclaimed Architectural Elements
Together they gathered reclaimed architectural elements from around the world, incorporating old repoussé finials into handrails, converting Spanish estancia gates into doors, and making tables from African safari trunks. "I love a well-traveled house," Smith says. And if family and designer are any indication, this house is still going places.
Picasso, a gray Westphalian gelding, in the stable. Walls in Tapestry Beige, Benjamin Moore Aura.
Picasso, a gray Westphalian gelding, in the stable. Walls in Tapestry Beige, Benjamin Moore Aura.
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