Inside The Opulent Los Angeles House Reimagined By Maison Vilucchi
Surrealism and fantasy guide the design principles of a Los Angeles house reimagined by Maison Vilucchi, a space where reality and escapism coexist
In the heart of Brentwood Park, one of the most prestigious and coveted areas of Los Angeles where people from the entertainment industry, top firm CEOs and entrepreneurs reside, is the newly redesigned home of a globetrotting couple; the husband, an American philanthropist and entrepreneur and the wife, a Persian painter. Transformed by California-based, French-Italian designer and builder, Tancred Vilucchi, at the helm of Maison Vilucchi, the space unfolds a visual narrative of dreamlike beauty where exuberance, surrealism and optimistic colours dance throughout.
Built right before the ’90s, the Mediterranean-style architecture sets the design tone for the interiors. Spanning two levels with seven bedrooms, a library, dining area, gym, pool and pergola, the address has been remarkably styled to exude a fantastical feel with surrealist touches. “I have certainly been inspired by the love of colours and the style of the artist’s own work which is reflecting in the design of their home,” shares Tancred. “Fantasy is a world that is born from dreams, feelings and emotions, and we have expressed this with rich textures, materials, patterns and warm colours, without being influenced by any trend or reason.” This is beautifully portrayed by many whimsical details of the home – from the Salvador Dalí-inspired printed mug in the powder room to the botanical wallpapers fitted within the arches above the doorways.
The kaleidoscopic powder room is an oasis within the home. The walls are completely covered in a banana-leaf wallpaper from Catherine Martin by Mokum, a nod to the homeowners’ many travels.
The entryway feels calm; an array of shades and finishes of off-white, a modified base of ‘Pale Oak’ by Benjamin Moore, warm grey undertones, white oak, blush, as well as some brass accents imbue a sense of simplicity and sensuality.
Wall openings have been created to invite an abundance of natural light, and large quantities of mouldings and trims have been installed on the ceilings and walls to mark out different areas without interrupting them. The same effect has been achieved with the flooring, which sees different types of natural stone and wood in stunning patterns. Sharp-angle partition walls have been transformed into circular shapes to obtain a voluptuous sensation, and this style is repeated on their adjacent ceilings for a continuous design flow.
The lush landscaping outside is visible through the windows, which feature colours and patterns inspired by the surrounding nature. “We have optimised and modified each area of the layout by following the right sense of interior and architecture, combined with the clients’ needs to accommodate their lifestyle as a tailored approach,” explains Tancred. “Each colour and texture has been introduced from one room to another to create a continuous flow and obtain an entire and single visual harmony. I personally believe that understanding the build behind the design is essential to designing.”
The colours, rich and vibrant, are one of the most important puzzle pieces of the redesign. Calming neutral tones are offset with bold pinks, blues and yellows, intentionally evoking a joyous mood and recalling an otherworldly atmosphere. “Colours are very powerful, and to me, are essential in design,” asserts the designer. “Using and combining the right shades dictates the ambience you want to create. They influence emotions and feelings. Each different colour has its own significant purpose and either impacts or stimulates, in many different ways, your mood and mindset from the moment you are awake to the moment you sleep. When used properly, you can’t go wrong with colours – they guide thoughts and energies.”
The same is true for the materials used within the abode, which have been sourced from all around the world. Luxurious wood, natural stone, solid bronze and brass, gold patina, refined leather and fabrics, silk and cashmere all mingle together. Tancred also joined hands with several artisans to breathe life into his extraordinary vision. “We have used only exquisite materials because that’s the only way to reach this level of harmony and visual unity.”
The design and lighting pieces, a combination of top brands, complement the ethereal spirit of the space; the living room is complete with a B&B Italia Camaleonda sofa, Adam Hunter and Mary Katrantzou rugs by The Rug Company, a Nada Debs duo coffee table, Maxalto bench and side table, a statement Baxter armchair and fabrics by Dedar.
A testament to the homeowners’ discerning eye for art, several masterpieces hang on the walls. Displayed above the dining room is My Feelings For Paint by John Lawrence, a striking depiction of two red-roofed houses atop rolling hills, surrounded by towering pine trees. Adjacent to it hang two jewel-like chandeliers with crystal droplets, facing down onto the wooden table and brightly hued chairs. The table is styled with candleholders that artfully complement the pink shade of the neighbouring wall and ceiling – a modified base of ‘Vintage 1174’ by Benjamin Moore with different finishes.
In the living room, above the Baldwin piano, is a young girl in a hat, staring unassumingly through the delicate brushstrokes – a work by the late French painter, Pierre Carrier-Belleuse. There are also two paintings by Elek Györi, known for his portrayals of the everyday life of rural Hungarian communities. All the artworks in the home have been bought from different countries, from Spain and France to Ireland and Hungary.
“My vision was to create a unique and tailored environment that would suit all the client requirements and match who they are, where they have travelled to and lived, while following steadily Maison Vilucchi’s design philosophy and process to bring it to life,” beams Tancred. “Maison Vilucchi thinks about works of art and sophistication, focusing on the complete integration of a home within its environment from its architecture to its interior, furniture, texture, colours, and every single detail until flow, harmony, and high-level visual unity has been reached. We conceive a plush, vibrant, and refined atmosphere that dares the unexpected, and provokes senses and emotions through design.”
Photography: Ema Peter
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s May 2023 issue.