Now and Zen

Author:Abigail Stone

Nicole Gordon reimagines a California Ranch house as an oasis of rest and relaxation for a well-traveled client.

Interior designer Nicole Gordon thoughtful approach to her projects has endeared to a who’s who of clients that include Robert Pattinson, Jaime King, Ashley Benson and Jason Reitman. “Our team focuses on trying to understand and empathize with our clients’ day-to-day lives. Even the more ordinary or routine moments are essential,” Gordon explains. “Every part of the space should reflect the client’s personality above all, while also standing the test of time.”

No wonder then that, as in the case of this California Ranch house in Bel Air, the buoyant interior designer—she’s been called “a hidden gem”—often finds herself working with members of the same family. “We’d worked with with the client’s extended family for many years on several projects and they asked us to help with this home,” she notes. 

The client wanted to respect the home’s existing architecture while weaving in a subtle Japanese aesthetic, reflecting the serene natural setting of the quiet cul-de-sac. “We explored a number of space plans and design iterations, really considering how the client would live in the space day to day,” she remembers. “With an architect on my team, we were able to take on the renovation and remodel the home and upgrade the interiors to fit their needs.” Given that work frequently takes them out of town, they wanted a place to return to that felt like a retreat, where they could relax with friends. “Having previously lived in a home on a busy beach boardwalk where privacy was often compromised, the prospect of creating an intimate, secluded sanctuary was especially meaningful,” Gordon shared. “We developed a zen-inspired design that provided both a sense of reprieve from his travels and a haven of privacy.” 

Any doubts about the home’s emphasis on relaxation are banished by a glance at the bathroom. Designed as a full wet room, it features a steam shower, a Japanese-style hot and cold plunge, a whirlpool jet tub, and a “Mr. Steam” steam room complete with aromatherapy and smooth dark walls the conjure up a cool cave. The bar confirms that friends are welcome. “We wanted to find a way to dress up the bar front, and the idea emerged to incorporate red cement bricks, which would add a sculptural element while still being mindful of the budget,” says Gordon. “We were poring over a stack of Japanese interior books for inspiration and stumbled upon a particularly beautiful Japanese brick that inspired us.” The team ordered a slew of sample, settling on a “cored” brick that was the client’s favorite. “The pattern features negative space, creating an artistic moment that isn’t immediately apparent when you think of brick.”

The client was thrilled with the result. “The space became a refuge for him, a private, safe haven subtly infused with Japanese-inspired influences that he could call home,” says Gordon. “He especially appreciates the comfortable spaces and loves entertaining friends in the living room and distinctive bar.”