| |
California Dreamin'
WeHo Influential Reinvents Glamour
Story by Frances Albán | Photos by Nadia Pandolfo
Known for its
inviting beaches, glorious topography and famous residents, Los Angeles
has always been a fabled destination. So it was no surprise that an
affluent and powerful Canadian couple selected the sunny metropolis as
their future hometown. When they arrived, they quickly began their hunt
for the perfect house. Amongst an architectural kaleidoscope of options
within colorful and diverse neighborhoods, they selected a modernist
retreat in the 85-year-old enclave of Beachwood Canyon.
Nestled in the picturesque Hollywood Hills and surrounded by Lake
Hollywood, the three-story, 10,000-square-foot home was designed by
architecture firm Mills Studio. It features a variety of outdoor spaces,
an open sky terrace, five bedrooms, a master bedroom/bathroom, gourmet
kitchen and a private movie theatre. The contemporary and spacious house
of glass was practically perfect. Its structure, exterior and locale
were superb; however, the interior space needed more life and warmth.
Personalization and drama were missing. Bold and daring juxtapositions
and colors were absent, as was an overall harmony. The angular and
industrial light-filled cluster of glass and woods was about to get
refitted into its present luxurious and exemplary condition.
Enter fashionista and home design maven, Mary Ta. A statuesque beauty
with impeccable taste, Ta is the owner of Minotti Los Angeles,
Cappellini and Bang & Olufsen design showrooms in West Hollywood’s
Avenues. When tasked to deliver show-stopping interiors, she revels in
the challenge. Her formula for success varies from client to client and
from project to project, as it’s all about personalization. The only
constants are her imagination and dedication.
“They liked my style and Minotti as a base, as a foundation,” said Ta.
The couple was familiar with the Milanese design company and certain
that its clean lines and minimalist personality were perfect for their
new estate. After visiting the showroom, they asked Ta to be their
design consultant. A team was assembled, comprised of Italian designer
and artist Mattia Biagi, art consultant Melanie Courbet, landscape
architects Jeffrey and Michelle Mills, and several other architects,
carpenters, electricians, etc.
The first phase involved going through a myriad of comparables that
would serve to soften the stark interiors. Consistent dialogue with the
owners and team was critical, along with a clear vision. “We started in
the living room; I love common areas, it’s where everyone comes
together,” said Ta. From an aerial perspective, the Minotti
Hamilton sectional, Cortina reverse leather chairs and
Caulfield round coffee and side tables form an upside-down “S.” The
goal was to make the living room space look long and grand. To
accomplish this, a gigantic reindeer rug was placed in the spacious
area, tying in the sectional and chairs — all designed by Rodolfo
Dordoni for Minotti. It adds softness and connectivity. A conversational
seating configuration by the fireplace adds warmth, while the impressive
views dictated the remaining floor plan. |
|
|
|
|
|
Art
pieces and lighting add contrast and depth. They include:
Spy Catcher by Raphael Mazucco (a mixed-media photograph
available at Virtu), The Eye Scape by Rankin
(available at Fahey Kline Gallery), Tar Bonsai Tree
by Mattia Biagi (available at Minotti Los Angeles) and Abaco
light sphere by Venini (available at Minotti Los Angeles).
Throughout, Ta’s approach was to add a rich mix of colors,
textures and hypnotic artwork that would fuse everything.
“With the exposed metal beams and various woods, you were
distracted,” said Ta. To counter this, soft furniture,
sophisticated accessories and detailed lighting fixtures by
Venini were selected from Minotti and from the vast pool of
showrooms in the Avenues. For example, in the home movie
theatre, she added elements of suede and created a two-tone
look that further streamlines the finishes.
In the master bedroom, a spirit of renewal is dominant.
Starring a sleek, white look, the simple Poliform bed
overlooks the rolling hills, while three glacier photographs
by Olaf Otto Becker (available at Stephen Cohen Gallery) and
a dangling transparent Murano glass Flying Carpet
chandelier by Venini suspended over a white Minotti
Carnaby chaise adds interior visual stimuli. Paying
further tribute to the sense of purity, a primordial,
ice-blue, hand-blown glass table lamp by Venini is placed
next to the bed, along with a custom 15-foot white silk rug
and long white drapes.
The expansive kitchen, with its avocado green-lacquered
cabinets was enhanced by placing a Tom Dixon lighting
constellation. Again, all details received meticulous
attention. Ta and her team provided insight and
recommendations on all items, from silverware to Miele
coffee machines.
As the owners were open-minded and loved Ta’s precise
madness when it came to design, they commissioned two pieces
from her. The first was a large, bright yellow sculpture of
sorts, but truly in its own category. Made of large,
hand-cut driftwood and lacquered in yellow polyester
varnish, the piece resides in the Zen garden. Its bright
yellow is picked up from the adjoining outdoor family room,
where elements of the same yellow add harmony. The second
project was a work of art entitled Urban Behavior.
The graffiti piece, Ta’s brainchild, was created by Josue, a
street graffiti artist, and resides in the family room.
Since Ta believes a home should be accessorized overtime to
build character, she suggests adding pieces androtating
them, especially with this globe-trotting couple. “The home
respects people,” said Ta. As such, it is in an
ever-evolving phase. Currently, she is creating a personal
photograph installation in the master bedroom, where antique
frames are being sourced.
When asked for their final thoughts, the Canadian couple
said: “We love working with Mary; her level of taste is
fantastic. Mary is not only an arbiter of refined,
contemporary taste, but a visionary and precise executor in
creating the whole emotional environment, as well as
specific details from color to texture. Now, our house feels
like home.” |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
