House Tour: California cool meets French style in this elegant Los Angeles home
Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Los Feliz, known for its iconic LA institutions, lies this captivating home, embodying the essence of both a serene oasis and an entertainer’s haven.
‘I’ve always loved this area and this street – Nottingham Avenue – in particular,’ says real estate developer and designer JD Irpino, principal at Louis & Rose, who owns and thoughtfully remodelled this two-storey house. Originally designed and built in 1950 by renowned LA architect Arthur Rolland Kelly, the refurb was inspired by the magnificent coastlines of California and bucolic charm of the French countryside.
Spanning 465 square metres, the home reflects a seamless blend of indoor-outdoor living, a lifestyle not too dissimilar to our own in South Africa. Boasting a gentle colour palette with welcoming pops of blues and greens, complemented by natural materials, every corner manifests an air of relaxed elegance.
‘Because of the predominance of white oak (for the cabinetry and flooring), we wanted to be soft and warm with the colour palette and chose tonal whites and creams with occasional pops of blues and greens,’ explains Irpino.
‘We used natural stones and woods throughout and tried to accentuate these choices by how we completed them with matte and honed finishes.’
A testament to expansive design, the ground floor seamlessly integrates open spaces with intimate pockets adorned with custom steel windows, inviting abundant natural light into the space. From the great room with its Italian Arabescato fireplace to the separate breakfast nook and exquisite dining room embellished with Pierre Frey wallpaper, each space shares a unique story of refined living.
‘The ground floor is a unique combination of expansive, open space along with individual rooms for people to enjoy in communal settings or privately,’ describes Irpino.
‘The objective was to honour the original architecture of the home while bringing in contemporary interventions’ The kitchen, a culinary haven with its oversized island clad in Calacatta Monet marble, is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and Waterworks fixtures, catering to both gourmet feasts and casual gatherings.
Throughout the home, contemporary artworks curated by Creative Art Partners add a touch of eclectic charm, enriching the ambience with their lively narratives. The result is an enchanting sanctuary that transcends time, offering an unparalleled fusion of styles; a family home that is a testament to warmth, sophistication, and contemporary luxury.