Heavenly Design
Author:Philip FerratoJae Omar Reveals His Spiritual Side In Pacific Palisades
Overlooking the ocean from a bluff in Pacific Palisades, this recently-completed residence by celebrity architectural and interior designer Jae Omar celebrates Atabei, the traditional, ancestral water goddess of the Caribbean Sea and the Taino peoples who inhabited the area, a spiritual touchstone for the owners. The elegantly minimalist exterior is clad in travertine tile and cedar Sho Sugi Ban siding, giving away little of the interior’s secrets. “As a designer, I’m heavily influenced by the natural world and the infinite playground of human emotion. Like all art forms, design has to satisfy on an emotional level – not just a practical one,” says Omar. “The goal with Atabei was to take a modern, minimalist shell, and breathe life and passion into it. The widespread use of textural, natural materials gave the home warmth, accessibility, and connection to its surroundings.”
The pervasive spirit of water begins at the main entrance with an immense pivot door, opening onto a series of travertine islands leading into the house. The water continues, creating a pool that runs the length of the courtyard and is visible from most rooms.
The designer’s signature elements appear throughout, with expanses of glass, slatted wood dividers, acid-etched stone, exposed steel and (taking a cue from classic Mid-Century modernism) high ceilings paneled in white oak.
Cast iron gas burners from PITT seamlessly integrate into the steel and marble island. Cabinets are from the Spanish luxury kitchen manufacturer DOCA, created from centuries-old wood salvaged from an Italian lake–note the subtle details like a marble-covered soffit and a window forming the backsplash. The sweeping fixture over the dining table is from Henge; most of the furniture throughout is from the Italian luxury manufacturer Molteni&C.
The Team: Design Principal: Jae Omar/Jae Omar Design; Architect: Doug Burdge, Burdge Architects; Builder: BTC Builders; Landscape Design: Jae Omar/Jae Omar Design
The serene primary bedroom suite overlooks the Pacific Ocean; the spa-level bath features a skylit shower lined with travertine tiles.
Keep up with Jae Omar’s extraordinary projects on Instagram.
