Cover The exterior of a Tuscan-inspired Los Angeles, California home designed by Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan
The exterior of a Tuscan-inspired Los Angeles, California home designed by Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan
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Blending elements of European design with laidback Los Angeles living, Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan have created a tranquil family home that will stand the test of time
Notable for its slow pace of life and endless sunshine, Tarzana in Los Angeles, California, is the ideal place to build a truly unforgettable home. Over the past two years, designers Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan have transformed a 7,300-square-foot residence in Tarzana into just that. Blending elements of European architectural wisdom with laid-back Californian charm, the home reflects serenity and sophistication.
What immediately stands out about the space are its limestone-clad walls, surrounded by mature olive trees and aromatic rosemary. Altogether, one might genuinely believe oneself transported to Tuscany. More than just a weekend home, this space has become a full-time residence for a creative couple from Malibu seeking a more grounded and calming community in which to raise their family.
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The exterior of a Tuscan-inspired Los Angeles, California home designed by Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan
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Despite its considerable physical presence, the designers look back on each detail of the Los Angeles home with undeniable fondness. “Lidan and I designed and built this home ourselves, being involved in every single step,” reflected Grigoryan. “From endless meetings and job site visits to muddy shoes and sunburns, this house will always hold a special place in my heart. It's been the most rewarding and positive experience from start to finish.”
The home unfolds in a U-shape, with a large formal entry at the heart of the space. One wing gathers common areas, including family room, kitchen, dining room and theatre, whilst the opposite wing dedicates itself entirely to six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. This clear separation between shared and private spaces reflects the homeowners’ need for both generous entertaining capacity and a family retreat to unwind in after such vibrant gatherings.
The defining architectural gesture reveals itself immediately upon arrival. Visitors approach the Los Angeles home by stepping over a 35-foot bridge, which establishes the home's theatrical ambitions whilst creating the massive central courtyard that was, from day one, the project’s organising principle. French iron doors frame each guest’s arrival, reflecting the materiality and Tuscan design vocabulary that will continue throughout the home. Underfoot, tumbled limestone flooring and Belgian linen drapery lining the walls create a sense of lush timelessness, while reflecting contemporary craftsmanship.
Above A glimpse of the courtyard in a Tuscan-inspired Los Angeles, California home designed by Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan
Above The living room of a Tuscan-inspired Los Angeles, California home designed by Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan
A glimpse of the courtyard in a Tuscan-inspired Los Angeles, California home designed by Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan
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Grigoryan’s travels throughout Europe provided the primary inspiration, particularly his observation of how timeless materials and architecture hold up and improve with age. The exterior limestone walls support climbing vines, which were deliberately chosen to evoke Tuscan villages where vegetation charmingly cloaks the ancient stone. Four mature olive trees imported from Napa anchor the landscape, whilst rosemary planted along the entire property perimeter provides both visual effect and aromatherapy to create a soothing environment all year round.
Stepping inside the Los Angeles home, its significant proportions become immediately clear. Ceiling heights reach twelve feet, while windows soar to ten feet. Yet despite these generous proportions, “the house feels very livable even at such a large size—that was always a part of the goal,” mused Grigoryan.
Within the formal living room, a custom-made brown suede rounded sofa from local furniture maker Vintage on Point anchors the space alongside a Crate & Barrel shelling lounge chair and coffee table. Underfoot, a Lulu & Georgia wool rug adds organic charm to the space alongside a hair-on-hide Jakob Pierre Jeanneret-inspired accent chair, before an RH brass chandelier completes the arrangement.
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The living room of a Tuscan-inspired Los Angeles, California home designed by Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan
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The dining room continues the Tuscan narrative through an RH brown reclaimed oak table surrounded by Belgian linen-clad dining chairs. An early 1900s antique Persian rug grounds the composition, whilst an Amber Interiors Shoppe light fixture and rounded brass spotlights from Etsy provide warmth and elegance. Adjacent to the dining room, the breakfast nook centres on a custom-made travertine table surrounded by woven dining chairs, providing a more intimate dining option for family meals.
Meanwhile, the kitchen represents one of the project's most meaningful material moments. The island is finished in marble called Bonsai, which hearkens back to the home’s central courtyard. Here, an imported bonsai tree presides over the space and sets the scene for what the designers call “a full circle moment.” Another notable space within the Los Angeles home is the ubiquitous theatre, furnished with a sofa from 7th Ave and custom-made brass spotlights to create a moody atmosphere.
Above The primary bathroom of a Tuscan-inspired Los Angeles, California home designed by Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan
Above The bedroom of a Tuscan-inspired Los Angeles, California home designed by Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan
The primary bathroom of a Tuscan-inspired Los Angeles, California home designed by Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan
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Leaving the more public gathering spaces behind, the primary bedroom adopts a more intimate scale and reflective character. A Jenni Kayne linen slipcover bed centres the space, flanked by RH white oak nightstands and grounded by a jute rug for some organic charm. Along with a vintage console and workman’s desk, a custom artwork by Zack Bayati further personalises the space.
An unexpected twist occurs in the primary bathroom, which features handmade Moroccan clay tiles within the shower. To further enhance the jewel-toned atmosphere, an old vintage oil painting sourced from Paris hangs in the adjacent powder room. On the other hand, the Los Angeles home’s secondary bathrooms feature limestone and travertine, such natural materials chosen for their ability to age gracefully.
Altogether, what designers Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan achieved in Tarzana was complete integration of vision and execution, anticipating how the family will continue to evolve while accommodating the demands of the Southern California climate. Standing as a celebration of natural materials and European design, the home will continue to set the stage for family gatherings and meditative moments alike.
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Credits
Photography: Nils Timm
Production: Karine Monié
About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
