Cover The courtyard is furnished with rattan cocktail tables from Peter Dunham, a
sofa from RH, as well as pots and plants sourced from Mollywood Garden Design. All photos: Michael Clifford
The courtyard is furnished with rattan cocktail tables from Peter Dunham, a sofa from RH, as well as pots and plants sourced from Mollywood Garden Design. All photos: Michael Clifford
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Previously owned by American investor Warren Buffet, this Californian house has been given a modern makeover by Studio Gutow to fit the needs of its new owners
The exclusive gated community of Emerald Bay in Laguna Beach, California, typifies the high-end waterfront living so coveted by movers and shakers in the Golden State, with many billionaires and corporate honchos drawn to the locale’s unspoilt oceanic views, ruggedly picturesque cliffsides, and private beaches. The homes themselves—pristine, neutral-hued structures that foster indoor-outdoor living—exemplify all that is desirable about shoreline dwellings and their therapeutic vibe.
Formerly owned by financial mogul Warren Buffett as a vacation home, this four-bedroom property was given a full makeover by Studio Gutow, an American interior design firm led by Rohani and principal designer Lisa Berman. The abode’s current owners are Studio Gutow director Melissa Rohani and her businessman husband Parsa Rohani; they live in the 4,898 sq ft abode with their four young children.
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Above A view of the hallway from the living area in the house
A view of the hallway from the living area in the house
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Studio Gutow worked with Pelican Developers, Dan Luna Woodworking and Molly Wood Garden Design to create a home that retained its roots, yet employs a rich, layered aesthetic to bring it into the 21st century. The goal was to update its 1930s structure and 1970s-style interiors with a medley of modern touches, vintage furnishings, and eclectic treatments. The result is a chic, three-level beach house with a laidback yet refined feel; a cosy abode tailor-made for an active family with young children.
“[It is obvious that] the previous family loved the home,” says Melissa Rohani of the Buffetts. The couple sought to maintain this happy energy, and preserve the original intent of the home. She adds: “It had an overwhelmingly positive vibe we could feel as soon as we walked through the door for the first time. Rather than absorbing the space, we sought to just complement it.”
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Above The living area is furnished with
built-in elements and millwork by Dan Luna Woodworking,
an antique rug from Marc Phillips, a
sofa by MLK Studios, a Atelier Vime floor lamp and a 1950s sheepskin armchair purchased from 1st Dibs
The living area is furnished with built-in elements and millwork by Dan Luna Woodworking, an antique rug from Marc Phillips, a sofa by MLK Studios, a Atelier Vime floor lamp and a 1950s sheepskin armchair purchased from 1st Dibs
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The property originally comprised two separate structures, which Studio Gutow linked with a breezeway; this also facilitated a formal entryway and a defined interior courtyard in which the children can play. Here, walnut wood panelling, aged stone floors and brass fixtures, vintage rugs and sculptural plants form an inviting vignette. “The breezeway and entry are perfect introductions to the [overall] aesthetic, and the feeling of comfort the whole home invokes,” says Berman.
The fireplace in the living area was relocated to an opposing wall create a more streamlined fit within the modern design scheme
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The cocooning living room is a perfect microcosm of the designers’ ability to mix disparate pieces for a handsome yet functional space. Original architectural elements such as the tongue-and-groove ceiling were retained for historical flavour.
This space also features an assortment of furnishings that beckon with their plush forms: a boucle chaise longue from Studio Balestra in a fetching dark-green hue, an equally tactile vintage sheepskin armchair in an off-white shade, a cushy sofa from MLK Studio upholstered in a textural fabric, and an antique rug from Marc Phillips. Lending visual intricacy is 18th-century French embroidered pillows, a Guillerme et Chambron oak buffet and a vintage Bruno Mathsson lounge chair which enchants with its sinuous form. Underfoot, raw-plank flooring imparts a rough, organic charm.
Above In the dining room, pendant lamps from Hector Finch hang over a custom table and textural chairs from Formations for a casual vibe
In the dining room, pendant lamps from Hector Finch hang over a custom table and textural chairs from Formations for a casual vibe
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Above The family loves the old-world styling of the La Canche stoves, which add to the vintage look of the culinary space
The family loves the old-world styling of the La Canche stoves, which add to the vintage look of the culinary space
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The kitchen houses an impressive peninsula made with dramatically veined Calacatta Paonazzo marble, vintage Arthur Umanoff bar stools, and a gorgeous handcrafted La Canche range. “The range was the very first piece that was purchased for the home,” shares Berman, explaining that the family fell in love with its old-world styling. Ceramic pieces by Japanese ceramic artist Makoto Kagoshima are displayed on the wall as mini artworks, lending pops of colour.
Above A De Gournay wallpaper depicting fishes adds a lively touch to the powder room
Above The boy’s bedroom features
a pair of nightstands from Chelsea textiles and framed illustrations of beetles
A De Gournay wallpaper depicting fishes adds a lively touch to the powder room
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The home’s private spaces also feature elements that delight. In the powder room, teal-hued wallpaper from De Gournay sports a fish motif, alluding to the home’s oceanside setting. Patterned wallpaper in a pale pink shade from Wayne Pate brings a sense of playfulness to the girl’s bedroom, which itself is a study in blush and grey hues. The boy’s room is grounded by a colourful hand-loomed rug that also affords practicality as durable footing for this high-footfall area.
Above The custom burled wood nightstands and and upholstered panel displayed above the bed add a tactile touch to the room
The custom burled wood nightstands and and upholstered panel displayed above the bed add a tactile touch to the room
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Panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean can be enjoyed from the tranquil primary suite, which was fashioned from two separate bedrooms and now encompasses the entire top floor of the home, complete with spacious patio.
Soothing cream, blue and green tones encourage relaxation and invite the outdoors in, while a wet bar and comfy swivel chairs encourage social interaction. Above the bed is an upholstered panel, set on a pair of mid-century doors. In the master bathroom, the liberal use of brecciated Vagli marble lends luxury to the shower stall.
Wallpaper from Wayne Pate, nightstands from Nickey Kehoe, fun accent cushions and a well-crafted bed from The Beautiful Bed Company contribute to a comforting feel of the girl’s bedroom
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Completed in October 2021, the three-year restoration exercise has culminated in an attractive, comfortable abode that flaunts its diverse influences proudly. “It’s exactly what we had envisioned,” smiles Melissa.
Above The family room is as cosy as the rest of the abode, featuring walnut built-in cabinetry and beams by Dan Luna Woodworking, a
sofa from Verellen, a woven rug, custom tables, and potted plants from The Tropics
The family room is as cosy as the rest of the abode, featuring walnut built-in cabinetry and beams by Dan Luna Woodworking, a sofa from Verellen, a woven rug, custom tables, and potted plants from The Tropics
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Credits
Photography: Michael Clifford
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