Mid-Century Mogul

Author:Lindsey Shook

Olympian Shaun White puts his passion into preserving a home’s historic character

SAN DIEGO NATIVE and two-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White is known to have an ebullient sense for purchasing and renovating Southern California real estate. “There are so many interesting properties here with amazing history and character,” said White on his most recent property pursuit.

While living in a new, ground-up build in the Hollywood Hills, he fell in love with a quintessential mid-century modern home located immediately next door. “I got to know the owner, Helen, and her family. Sadly, she passed away, so I purchased the house from her children,” says White. “I wanted to bring the house back to life in her memory, rather than tear it down. I’m so excited to have her heirs come see the finished property!”

Having never before been renovated, the A-frame house still had all its original details intact, including floor-to-ceiling windows, pebble stone floors and wood-clad walls. “I recently found myself spending more time in Palm Springs,” says White, “and thought it would be amazing to have my own little Palm Springs-inspired house in the Hills.”

With a shared goal of preserving the home’s past, White worked with local high-end builder Lyons Development to open up the space and update finishes. Known for building luxury homes that maximize indoor-outdoor living, the Lyons team was up for the challenge of renovating.

White also worked with Williams Sonoma Home and Rusty Wadatz Design to enhance his final vision through finishes, furniture and accessories. “I love the openness of the space and how the indoor stylings and outdoor environment blend together. Williams Sonoma’s styling and our contributing partners made this house a beautiful home.”

Newly launched BauBox reconfigured the kitchen with their in-stock, European-style cabinets that honor the mid-century bones in a modern manner. JennAir installed their brand-new 36- inch Rise range with brass details and coordinating 36-inch hood to provide a professional cooking environment. The Litze faucet by Brizo sits like a dazzling piece of jewelry.

Wadatz complemented White’s extensive collection of uber cool art with furnishings from Williams Sonoma Home and accessories from Harbinger LA including a free-formed, hand-carved onyx bowl.

In the master suite, Wadatz and Lyons began the design by hiring Hattas Public Murals to hand- paint an ombré wall with Farrow & Ball hues. “When I first saw the cinderblock wall running from the master closet through the master bedroom and out into the yard, I knew I had to do something to make it pop,” says Rusty Wadatz. The Fanti rug by Lindstrom Rugs anchors the tonal blue wall.

Ferguson supplied the perfect bathroom vanities that set the stage for Brizo faucets while complementing the Ann Sack’s Terrazzo Renata Field tile in the master bath. Hand-knitted work by Meg Sellig, available at Harbinger, adds a fun pop of color and texture to the space.

White worked with California Closets to install a custom closet in the master suite that is both stylish and functional.

SHOP THE LOOK of Shaun White’s Hollywood Hills Home: