Cover The home reflects the romantic palette of Luca Guadagnino’s 2017 romantic drama 'Call Me by Your Name'
The home reflects the romantic palette of Luca Guadagnino’s 2017 romantic drama 'Call Me by Your Name'
1 / 1
How interior designer Tiffany Howell of Night Palm imbues picturesque romance into a 1930s Mediterranean Revival home
In the genteel residential neighbourhood of Hancock Park in Los Angeles, the streets are lined with well-preserved Tudor and Italian Revival style mansions that date back to the 1920s.
These historical buildings with porticos and broad lawns have housed star-studded residents past and present, such as Muhammad Ali, father-and-daughter singer duo Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole, as well as actor siblings Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
One of the more recent residents to join the stellar census of Hancock Park is a television and film writer couple and their toddler son, who’s acquired Villa Grecco, a Mediterranean Revival home from the 1930s.
Read more: 8 dazzling celebrity-style homes in Los Angeles’ most coveted neighbourhoods
Above Interior designer Tiffany Howell of Night Palm (Photo: Jack Junk)
Interior designer Tiffany Howell of Night Palm (Photo: Jack Junk)
1 / 1
Archetypal of the eclectic architectural roots, the property features a rectangular floor plan featuring common spaces with beautiful French doors that open out to the lush garden enclosure–evoking a European romantic ambiance that reminds the homeowners of Luca Guadagnino’s 2017 romantic drama Call Me by Your Name.
Inspired to create “an evocative, warm space reminiscent of a timeless Italian villa for a growing family to create new stories,” the homeowners commissioned Tiffany Howell of equal star power, who was designing the nursery for the couple’s best friends.
“Not only did I fall in love with the architecture of the home, but the clients as well,” remembers Howell, who began her career as a music video producer and director for fashion photographer Herb Ritts, before founding design studio Night Palm.
“We found our styles to be very aligned; we were all fans of the romantic essence and colour tones throughout [Guadagnino’s] film, which lent to the foundations of our design.”
Above The staircase in the entryway with marble steps and Art Deco balustrade railings
The staircase in the entryway with marble steps and Art Deco balustrade railings
1 / 1
Having been given carte blanche to fully realise her artistic vision, with the homeowners injecting only functionality desires to accommodate in their full time home, Howell took the inspiration from the film and ran it with an iconic Gucci floral editorial.
“We wanted the space to feel quite cinematic and romantic to offer inspiration to the homeowners,” adds the interior designer, who also has an A-list clientele that includes Girlfriends creator Mara Brock Akil, Klay Thompson of the National Basketball Association’s Dallas Mavericks, and Agent Nateur founder Jena Covello.
Don't miss: Superstar designer Kelly Wearstler on curiosity and innovation in her maximalist work
The design narrative blends with nature’s hues beyond the French windows
1 / 3
Drenched in blues, greens and golds to reflect the film’s smoky palette, the home exudes a tranquil atmosphere, each room with its own monochromatic theme that separates one from the other.
Meanwhile, sumptuous textures, opulent materials and sculptural lighting layer sophistication and richness that revisits the elegant 17th and 18th centuries–adding depth and elevating the overall aesthetic appeal.
Read more: Home tour: A modern classic Surabaya house inspired by myths and Indonesian craftsmanship
Warm beige and brown hues greet at the entry hall, where a curved staircase with marble steps and Art Deco balustrade railings lead to the private rooms upstairs; while rich wooden flooring with polished shine lead to the main living space.
The quiet library enclave with deep green walls and carpentry
1 / 2
Playing off the verdant hedges that surround the home for privacy, a textured mural wallpaper by Pierre Frey, reminiscent of a lush landscape tapestry from the 17th century wraps the living room in a cosy embrace, blending with nature’s hues beyond the French windows.
“It’s an art piece within itself, and makes you feel as though you’re immersed in a forest,” explains Howell.
Low-slung vintage Italian sofas from the 1970s in green velvet continue the conversation with nature, while adding a touch of opulence with its vibrant texture, alongside the ornate fireplace, Murano glass lighting–precious jewellery with an amber glow that adds dimension to the warm space.
See also: 6 tips for creating a living room inspired by nature
The dining room weaves a tapestry of cosiness and elegance
1 / 2
Adjacent to the living room meant for socialising is the more private library that juxtaposes in mood and aesthetic that leads to the backyard.
Channelling the ambiance of a Scottish castle, the deep green walls and carpentry mirrors the fairy-tale charm of Sleeping Beauty, akin to something from once upon a dream.
Its modern allure setting is not unlike the posh gentlemen’s club across the pond, featuring luxurious furnishings and lighting, such as vintage 1950s tuxedo sofas and a French club chair with upholstery that gives the room a pop of colours.
Don't miss: Home tour: A creative gentleman’s apartment in Singapore, tastefully designed with Art Deco touches
Above The spacious kitchen area with an adjoining breakfast nook
The spacious kitchen area with an adjoining breakfast nook
1 / 1
Across the hallway, the formal dining room weaves a tapestry of cosiness and elegance.
Dark walls call attention to the greenery beyond the glass-panelled doors, while a statement crystal sphere chandelier from Galarie Glustin and 1940s vintage chairs strike up a harmonious contrast in shades of gold and amber.
The jewel-toned palette permeates into the spacious kitchen area with an adjoining breakfast nook, where a textured wallpaper serves as a backdrop to the vintage oak dining chairs with velvet upholstery, and a demure feather pendant.
The nursery room on the second floor
1 / 2
Spanning eight months, the Villa Grecco project is only halfway done, with the second phase currently underway for the private rooms upstairs.
“The homeowners had just had a baby, and we need to be extremely strategic about our scheduling and be mindful of noise,” Howell says.
However, the nursery is already adorned with Art Deco patterned furnishing with opulent accents of gold and chrome–a sneak peek perhaps to the second half of the project.
NOW READ
10 most elegant modern classic homes in Malaysia
Home tour: Inside jewellery designer Shubhra Sen’s luxurious duplex penthouse in Mumbai, India
How Lego sets are reimagining home decor with nostalgic designs
Credits
Photography: Pablo Enriquez
Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
