Beauty Uncovered

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Marmol Radziner‘s makeover of a century-old home uncovers its hidden beauty and grace

In the primary sitting room, Pierre Augustine Rose’s sofa and ottoman, found at Invisible Collection, sit atop an Amara handwoven rug from Amara. An Axel Einar Hjorth desk, from Hostler Burrows is paired with Le Corbusier’s LC7 Swivel chair for Cassina from Morentz.
Photos by Laure Joliet.

On paper, the two-story, four-bedroom home, set on four and one-half acres, was ideal: there was a pool, a gazebo, a plethora of beautiful gardens and a reflecting pool. There was a guest cottage and a pool house. But the house was in desperate need of a makeover. The client imagined a home where every corner of the house and the property inspired delight. Enter Marmol Radziner.

The interior of the family room’s hidden bar showcases a wallpaper from de Gournay. Photos by Laure Joliet.

Founded by Leo Marmol and Ron Radziner in 1989, the firm enjoys a well-burnished reputation as a leader in the restoration of Mid-century modern homes and a proven ability for preserving the original design intent of each structure while sensitively integrating modern conveniences. More importantly, they’ve built upon the ideals of California Modernism to create structures that gracefully harmonize with their environment, emphasizing the seamless interplay between indoors and out. 

In the family room, Christian Liagre Spencer’s sofa, sourced through Thomas Lavin sits atop an area rug by Marc Phillips. The Liagre Spence chairs were also found via Thomas Lavin. Photos by Laure Joliet

To create the cohesive flow and unencumbered sight lines that the client hoped for, the firm envisioned a series of symmetrical corridors that would lead from the entryway and serve as the central artery connecting the home’s well-proportioned and distinctive spaces. While adhering to a minimal yet sophisticated palette of creams, ivories and browns, the firm bestowed a subtle yet unique identity on each room, creating a series of memorable moments for the client as they moved from room. Witness the living room’s well-hidden bar, whose doors fold back to reveal the surprise of a detailed de Gournay wallpaper lining, the rich chocolate brown that drenches the study in a cozy intimacy, or the striking modern skylight that brings a touch of drama to the home’s entryway.

In the entryway, a skylight illuminates a vintage Mahal rug discovered at Lawrence of LaBrea and a blue marble table from Rose Uniacke. The “Tess” sconces by Isabella Sicart were found at Galerie Carole Decombe. Photos by Laure Joliet.
The living room’s low coffee table is by Jannie Van Pelt. The 1940s era oak cabinet by Oscar Nielson was found at Piasa Auction.
Photos by Laure Joliet.

Beyond these decorative and architectural details, Marmol Radziner also addressed the client’s practical concerns; sections of the home could be quartered off to accommodate the client’s canines. The outer buildings also enjoyed the Marmol Radziner touch: the 1920s era pool house was transformed into a open plan living and dining pavilion with vaulted wood-beamed ceilings, an adjacent kitchenette that highlighted a copper sink and a plush changing area. Finished with plump inviting furnishings, a mix of contemporary pieces, vintage classics and striking modern designs, the overall feeling that permeates this home is one of comfort and warmth, grace and invitation. The result is a home that perfectly balances the  graciousness of the past with the amenities of modern life.

The dining room’s custom oval stone table is from Eon Stone and Design. Its paired with Mats Theselius’ leather and copper ‘Bruno’ chairs, found at Hostler Burrows. The custom pendant is from Lamp Touch. Photos by Laure Joliet.

The client was blown away by the transformation. “Every time he spoke to us, he thanked us for being able to live surrounded by beauty,” says Ashley Nath, the firm’s Studio Director Interiors, who oversaw the vision of the home. “He said he enjoyed every nook and cranny of the house.” Mission accomplished!

The sunroom’s custom sofa from Monte Allen is upholstered in Studio Olive Gustav ‘Hemp’. The circa 19th c. French coffee table was discovered at Galerie Half. The Louis Sognot rattan lounge chairs were found at Galerie Novella. Photos by Laure Joliet.