Living Spaces

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Shialice Spatial Design carves warmth and intimacy out of a cavernous and cold Culver City house

The landscaping is by Nectar Design. The indoor plants were purchased at Plant Daddies. Photography by Natasha Lee.

While the young family loved their lively, family-friendly Culver City neighborhood and the expansive south-facing sliding glass walls and outdoor terraces of their new 3,500-square-foot home, they were less enamored of its awkward floor plan. Against the stark white walls, sixteen foot ceilings and stainless steel details, the space felt cavernous and cold, while their belongings felt chaotic rather than thoughtfully collected. 

The landscaping is by Nectar Design. The indoor plants were found at Plant Daddies. Photography by Natasha Lee.

They turned to Alice Cheng, founder and principal of Shialice Spatial Design (SASD), to reimagine the house. Cheng approached the project strategically: Her aim was to achieve maximum impact with minimal disruption to the family’s lives and routines.  “My work centers on creating spaces that feel thoughtful and personal,” Cheng explains. “It’s rooted in the idea of finding the balance between function and feeling, restraint and character, clarity and warmth. The goal is to create beauty while supporting the way people want to live and experience their home.” The firm is known for showcasing authentic materials and championing patina. “We advocate for buying antique and vintage over new mass-produced items. We love a good antique rug, and believe that one of the most important roles of interior design is to support and showcase the artists and artisans doing the essential work of crafting culture,” Cheng shares. 

The curved Pouf sofa is from Stahl + Band. The custom millwork, designed by SASD, was produced by Wudwurx. The Arrow pendant in light in plum suede is from Apparatus Studio. The Bobbin leg antique chair was found at Obsolete Showroom. The rug is an African Tuareg mat. Photography by Natasha Lee.
A small desk area just to the side of the entryway provides a convenient spot for dealing with mail and bills. The antique secretary desk was found on 1st Dibs. The antique Malayer rug was discovered at Lawrence of La Brea. The brass Beetle sconce was found at Gallery L7. The carved side table is from 1st Dibs. The hanging tapestry is a French Aubusson. Photography by Natasha Lee.

A long passageway that spanned the entire length of the house, which had become a dumping ground for the family’s belongings, was one of the first challenges the firm tackled. “We love rethinking odd spaces so that was right up our alley,” Cheng shares. Her team redesigned the hallway’s cabinetry, creating a hidden laundry room, a built-in desk for homework and a multifunctional family area with an open plan play space that opened onto the backyard. 

Vintage leather chairs, discovered at Midcentury LA, surround the family’s existing dining table. A light fixture from Lindsey Adelman adds a subtle touch of drama. Photography by Natasha Lee

A wall of shelving in the formal living room takes advantage of the tall ceilings, becoming a showcase for the family’s many treasures. “We harmonized the couple’s contrasting tastes: highlighting his collection of science textbooks and fossils, while layering in her love of antiques and rich textiles,” Cheng notes. 

De Gournay’s silk embroidered Uki wallpaper hides a jib door and hangs above a custom bed, designed by SASD and produced by Custom Comfort. It’s flanked by bespoke nightstands by SASD. The antique bench is from 1st Dibs as are the Murano glass sconces. The lucite ceiling light was found at Pasadena Antique Market. The rug is from Lawrence of La Brea. The walls are washed in Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra Blue.Photography by Natasha Lee.

In the primary bedroom, a custom framed panel of silk embroidered de Gournay wallpaper hides a door that covers a poorly proportioned and oddly placed window. “Most of the time it stays closed with the beautiful design acting as a centerpiece to the room,” Cheng points out.

A velvet chaise, designed and produced by SASD, in one corner of the primary bedroom.
Floor to ceiling drapery softens the cold, stark walls.
Photography by Natasha Lee.

The result is a space that the family loves. “We’re happy and proud to say that now they’re really enjoying their home,” Cheng shares. “Not only did we meet their aesthetic and practical goals, we also provided space for them to grow.” Literally; they’ve added another baby to the family.