Although this contemporary Craftsman is only a couple of blocks from the beach in Venice Beach, Calif., its interior has a decidedly proper East Coast vibe. The customer had bought her first house and was about to go back to school. She wanted a look which was new, casual and elegant. Rather than opting for the usual California surf appearance, Los Angeles designer Annette English chose to flip to another coast and seemed to Nantucket and Cape Cod homes for inspiration.
In spite of a tight deadline to meet, English had everything in the home customized to bring a unique and personalized signature. The customer grew up in a family of artists and artwork collectors, so she also had an eye for designing and choosing products.
Annette English
A sterile beach-inspired colour palette was infused throughout the home’s design. Blue and white cloths in new cottons and linens are used in every room. English and her team designed over fifty percent of the furniture in the home. It ended up being a whole lot of work, but the personalized result was worthwhile.
Couch: Custom, upholstered in Holly Hunt cloth
Coffee Table: Williams-Sonoma Home
Rug: Jayson Home
Annette English
Since the house was brand new, her team had an almost-blank canvas to use. “It was fun to highlight those particular characteristics that are intrinsic to the fashion of the house, while allowing the design to be a backdrop for something new and modern,” English says.
Cabinets: Custom, Bergamo cloth
Arm Chair: Custom, Larsen cloth
Pillows: Custom, Kathryn Ireland cloth
Annette English
The customer wanted the house to feel youthful but nevertheless have a nurturing look that will allow her to relax and feel at home. English didn’t need anything to come across as overly severe, but nevertheless stuck with classic and timeless pieces.
Annette English
Since the customer was only about to begin graduate school, she wanted a restful place to end her day. She also wanted a place where she could entertain, have friends remain and make into a house. “This was a new stage in her life — purchasing her first house and heading back to school,” English says. “Finally, she needed a house that enveloped her when she walked into the door.”
Chairs: Hollyhock, upholstered in fabric by Michael Smith
Table: Williams-Sonoma Home
Chandelier: Classic
Annette English
English kept the kitchen design relatively simple. The kitchen is by no means little — it is a fantastic kitchen to entertain in — but it’s also very simple and manageable.
Annette English
Even though most of the lighting in this home — such as these kitchen pendants — was selected by the builder, the fittings are tasteful and easy, so that they didn’t cause any conflicts in the interior design scheme. Custom white cabinetry pops contrary to the mosaic backsplash, so maintaining the kitchen looking fresh and clean. The countertops are a habit concrete blend — easy to clean, durable and easy to keep.
Barstools: McGuire
Backsplash: Ann Sacks
Annette English
The kitchen is connected to a little sitting room, which can be conducive to controlling and entertaining the overflow of a lot of cooks in the kitchen.
Astonishingly, this project came up out of the blue for English. The customer asked her real-estate agent for design references, and English sat down with her for a meeting. The interview lasted just 15 minutes, but went really well. “The customer felt very familiar with us,” English says. “She knew that we got her sensibility.”
Annette English
The master bedroom is English’s preferred room in this home. The spacious room has its own bathroom and a balcony overlooking a lush backyard. The upholstered plantation-style bed frame and seat lend a feminine touch.
Carpeting: Mansour Modern
Bench: Custom, upholstered in Rose Tarlow cloth
Cabinets: Custom, made with Rogers & Goffigon Fabric
Annette English
The colours in this room were predicated on organic blue, white and beige hues which can be found in the local beach. Natural materials and fabrics continue this motif from the room’s accessories.
Table lamp: John Saladino
Side tables: Mitchell Gold
Annette English
A large four-poster bed anchors the guest room, and a comfortable chaise gives a comfy place to sip coffee and read.
Bed framework: Oly Studio
Interior color: Dunn-Edwards, Silver Fern
Rug: Merida Carpets
Chaise: Custom, upholstered in Cowtan & Tout cloth
Side Table: Mecox Gardens, with Calcutta marble top
Cabinets: Custom, created with Rogers & Goffigon cloth
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