This residence in Atherton, California combines modern functionality with French regality.
In the Californian town of Atherton, near Stanford University and Silicon Valley, stands this newly built residence which looks like art deco style modern French château. The owners – avid travelers – appreciate both classical and modern art and architecture and wanted both styles incorporated into their home.
Designed by two award-winning Los Angeles firms – architects Landry Design Group, and interior design studio Magni Kalman Design – the 12,000-square-foot, three level residence was created to resemble a modern château outside Paris that had both formal presence and modern sensibilities. The house’s front façade is clad in traditional French limestone and accented with custom bronze finish coach lights and doors.
This symmetrical limestone façade transitions into well-balanced compositions on the sides and rear, allowing for appropriate placement of rooms for modern living. Along the rear of its zinc mansard roof are skylights and terrace railings with geometric Art Deco wrought-iron detailing.
Created for a family of six who entertain frequently and who wanted areas for both casual and formal entertaining on both intimate and large scales, Landry Design Group arranged to have the formal entertaining areas located off a central circulation axis, while fun casual spaces were incorporated into the open plan space on the lower level.
“Their events range from formal fundraising to kids' parties to cosy game nights, and they wanted to be able to host large parties on the different floors,” says architect William Mungall, partner at Landry Design Group.
“While the family wanted a style grounded in classical architecture that would allow them to showcase their art collection, they also wanted everything to be comfortable, functional, and contemporary. The result is a home that is also eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and built to last for generations,” he adds.
Because large glass openings were unattainable for French Chateauesque buildings, Mungall and his team used loggias and porches to conceal glass walls, along with thin framed steel doors and windows to maximise the light. “Another feature not typically found in this style of historical architecture is an owner’s suite incorporated on the main floor for ease of daily living and privacy. The interior architecture was influenced by the Art Deco period, giving it a fresh but timeless feel,” says Mungall.
There are three levels in the main house and two cabana structures connected by a trellis.
On the lower level is a large sitting area with a video game lounge and a stage, along with a cinema, a bar and chef’s kitchen. On this level, large glass walls open to showcase a garage that can be converted into a ballroom. Also tucked away on this level is a massage and meditation room with an ensuite bedroom for the live-in help.
The second level contains the master bedroom, multiple living and dining areas, and two hidden offices. The top level, where all the ensuite bedrooms are located, is the house’s private zone and also includes a small office, a second laundry area, and a craft room.
“One of the things that makes this home so unique is the flow of the floor plans,” says Mungall. Despite the number of spaces, there are no long hallways, and while spaces are open to each other, it never feels cavernous.
“It is designed to allow for a range of different living and entertaining situations, as well as for the family to showcase their art collection. When the home is occupied to the fullest, there is still privacy for everyone, but even after the children have left home, the spaces will still function well for the couple,” he adds.
The interior design scheme was inspired by a desire to imagine what a centuries-old home might look like inside if it were redesigned for to be used today. Jason Kalman, partner at Magni Kalman Design says “We took a very European approach to designing within a classical structure. And we chose a material palette that was rooted in tradition but that felt modern.”
The clients and Magni Kalman both have a strong affinity for the Art Deco aesthetics, with all of its opulence, luxury, and elegance, so rich materials alongside sleek, geometric details were chosen to define the exuberance and excitement of the era.
“We were lucky to have clients that were eager to find novel and interesting pieces, which took us to Paris to search for one-of-a-kind furnishings for the home. While there, we discovered many of the signature pieces that helped to define the unique style of the interior,” says Kalman.
The key signature piece was a three-story tall crystal chandelier used in the foyer near the stairs. “This piece is actually composed of two different original Murano crystal chandeliers we found at the Paris flea markets, which we had modified and refabricated back in Los Angeles into one large spiraling chandelier,” says Kalman.
Another important piece is the stunningly modern polished stainless steel console table at the entry – a limited edition work called the “Piercing Console” by Hervé van der Straeten. In the great room is a piece by Korean artist Kyungah Ham depicting a crashing crystal chandelier all sewn in thread. There’s also the museum-quality mother-of-pearl inlaid Art Deco cabinet by Jules Leleu in the library that brings a great deal of additional charm to the interior concept.
“The interiors speak of the family’s appreciation for the finer things in life, but also how it’s important to them to relax and have a good time. Within this home, art mixes with refined Art Deco and modern furnishings to create spaces that are both sophisticated and joyful,” says Kalman.
