In the coveted Brentwood Park enclave of Los Angeles, a storied Mediterranean-style residence has undergone a mesmerising transformation, courtesy of the visionary French-Italian designer and builder, Tancred Vilucchi, founder of Maison Vilucchi.
This beautiful space is home to a globe-trotting power couple – the husband, an entrepreneur and philanthropist and the wife, a talented painter and photographer, both of whom are deeply committed to giving back to their community through their involvement in various charitable organisations.
Within the walls of this storied residence, Vilucchi was presented with a unique challenge: to reinvigorate the space, originally built in the pre-1990s era, and tailor it to the distinct tastes of its inhabitants. The wife, in particular, had long felt overwhelmed by the house's grand proportions. "The wife had always felt the house was too big to live in," confesses Vilucchi. "So I had to balance the proportions and scale of the house to adapt it to the homeowners' lifestyle and make them want to come back to live in it."
Vilucchi's vision was to transport the home into a realm of fantasy, where surrealist flourishes and elegant refinement coexist in perfect harmony. He imbued the space with luxuriance and exuberance while maintaining a warm and timeless atmosphere with a distinct connection to nature.
Natural and high-quality materials, such as limestone, rare onyx, premium marble, white oak, walnut and solid brass accents, were employed to create a rich and sophisticated ambience, replete with depth and texture. The designer also custom-designed select furniture pieces and oversaw the entire remodelling project, from inception to completion, liaising closely with contractors, manufacturers, vendors and the local authorities to secure the necessary permits.
Drawing inspiration from the homeowners' passion for colour, Vilucchi orchestrated an interplay of hues throughout the residence. “For me, colours are a call for positive energy,” notes the interior designer. “Adding colours to your daily environment has an impact on your mindset in such a powerful way. When done right, it can be like a symphony.”
The elegant entry blends different off-white shades and finishes, accented by warm grey undertones, white oak, blush accents and subtle brass elements.
The powder room has been transformed into a vibrant oasis, featuring a lush banana leaf wallpaper from Catherine Martin by MOKUM, which evokes the homeowners' travels. The space boasts a dynamic mix of greens, blush, pinks, yellows, golds and whites, making it a truly captivating and colourful retreat.
The living room boasts a customised "Mizzle 266" base by Farrow & Ball, which has green hues that connect to the outdoor pool and backyard, while high-gloss black, gold and light pink accents add depth and visual intrigue. The interior awning fabric, a nod to the powder room's palette, conjures a sense of cohesion.
The room's artful curation extends to the impressive collection of art on display. Anchoring the space is the captivating "Luxury" by Daniel Kaplan, along with two paintings from Hungarian artist Gyori Elek. Above the piano is a stunning work by the French painter Pierre Carrier-Belleuse. Completing the artistic ensemble is a hand-painted plaster piece by the talented Munde.
In the dining room, the design takes on a more fantastical quality, with the walls wrapped in a modified "Vintage 1174" base by Benjamin Moore. Here, the client's beloved hue of pink takes centre stage, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
The family room, in contrast, offers a warm and serene haven, echoing the entry's palette of off-white hues and subtle grey undertones. This neutral foundation is punctuated by splashes of colour from the rug and a blue sofa.
In the bar area, a soothing green hue, courtesy of a modified "Pigeon 25" base by Farrow & Ball, connects the space to the backyard, while touches of yellow lend a hint of sparkle. The kitchen walls have a deep, green-blue tone that evokes a sense of nature and surrealism, creating a calming atmosphere in the heart of the home.
The primary bedroom, a peaceful oasis, maintains an off-white palette in various tones, while the primary bathroom walls, a modified "Light Blue No 22" by Farrow & Ball, connect the space to the sky visible through the central skylight.
In the art room, the designer used a modified "Pink Ground 202" base by Farrow & Ball on the walls and ceiling, creating a private, intimate cocoon for the wife's creative work.
Vilucchi's design has brought a sense of considered elegance to this thoughtfully appointed space. As the couple settles in, they'll appreciate the subtle touches that elevate the everyday. The clever balance of colour, texture and materiality makes a truly refined living environment.