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Elegant and Comfortable
The style is formal, yet livable and warm in this new home
Written by Candace Ord Manroe and Darra Baker
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Century-old sycamores shading the home of Debbie and Marty Adelstein in Los Angeles's Brentwood neighborhood are no aesthetic accident. They are at the root of both the architecture and interior design--and the house's one great deception. Mother Nature's venerable, long-limbed beauties suggest that what is actually new construction has, like them, mellowed into life's gloaming.
"The genesis of the house's design really came from those five or six 100-year-old sprawling sycamore trees--the most wonderful thing on the property," confirms architect Tom Proctor, who aspired to a settled-in, 1930s look for the new house he designed for the Adelsteins and their three daughters. "We did not want to disturb the trees, but use them," he says. Not only do the sycamores anchor the house in history, they shaped it, determining placement of an ell in the back.
Debbie and Marty opted to raze the property's existing structure and rebuild from scratch only after accepting that it made better sense (and cents). A sculptor married to a TV and film producer, Debbie desired a home elegant for entertaining yet easy for their family. It couldn't look shiny-new. The L.A. natives turned to Proctor to dovetail the new construction into the older neighborhood; then they called on interior designer Joan Behnke to enhance the architecture with timeless design.
"Debbie and Marty wanted us to make their home formal yet livable, warm, and intimate," Behnke says. "They wanted it to function for parties for 100 people, and also for a family of five."
A formal entry with a winding staircase creates an elegant first impression. The dining room continues the formal theme with couture-inspired draperies that suggest waltzing the night away, against a backdrop of scenic de Gournay wallpaper. "The wallpaper brings the outside in with its flora and fauna," notes Behnke. "It, along with the celadon-painted wainscoting, makes the room timeless, so you can't pinpoint exactly when it was done." Plus, the exquisite pastel palette resonates as more friendly than formal--not even off-limits to the family's yellow Lab.
To defuse the Chippendale-style table's formality, Behnke covered dining chairs in cream-colored leather with a fun cream-and-khaki stripe on the back. Should any chill remain, a classical fluted fireplace helps to shake it off. "I love to walk around by myself in here at night and feel like a princess," says Debbie. "It's beautiful without being grand."
In the living room, demilunes and gilt mirrors formally flank the fireplace for sophistication. Yet stuffiness is sidestepped with abundant light, youthful color, and eminent comfort. Airy livability begins at the tall French doors and arched window that frame views of the old sycamores. The garden views inspired Behnke's palette. Bracing chartreuse draperies--heavily lined for weight--play off subtle butter-yellow walls, and variations of green appear throughout the room and home.
"The fabrics are about comfort and usability. They're simple, elegant, and timeless without being fussy. The sofa is a rich shade of brown, like that of the California brown bear," says the designer. Moreover, adds Debbie, "it's a good color for entertaining. You don't worry about guests sipping red wine."
Antique accessories, including blue-and-white Chinese export porcelain, team with Debbie's own bronze sculptures to imbue the room with a personal, collected look. "Joan's design makes the house more about us than it is about her," praises Debbie.
Modern kitchens can be bugaboos when the goal is a vintage style, but not here. The kitchen cabinets relate architecturally to the more formal spaces for visual continuity. Coffered ceilings in two loggias also bring architectural detailing outdoors. The family room departs from the formal millwork, but not from a sense of history. Its paneling "suggests that California ranch feeling of beadboard that has been painted over for years and years to create a sense of evolutionary history," Behnke explains.
Soothing celadon ensures a smooth transition to the master bedroom. "The thought was how to make the room feel like a sanctuary, a quiet place to catch your breath," says Behnke.
It's not just the bedroom that provides a sense of escape. "Every time we come home, it feels like we're on vacation," declares Debbie. What better place to plant roots than that?Architect: Thomas Proctor, Thomas Proctor Architect, 8650 Holloway Plaza Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90069; 310/659-2125.
Interior design: Joan Behnke, Joan Behnke & Assoc. Inc. Interior Design, 2014 Prosser Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025; 310/446-7738, joanbehnke.com.
Photography: Karyn R. Millet
Produced by Darra Baker -
In the living room, demilunes and gilt mirrors formally flank the fireplace for sophistication. Yet stuffiness is sidestepped with abundant light, youthful color, and eminent comfort.
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The winding staircase creates an elegant first impression.
Table: Chateau Allegre Antiques, 310/657-7259.
Chandelier: owner's collection.
Paint ("New White" #59): Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121, farrow-ball.com. -
In the house's formal entry and hallway, the refined millwork creates character.
Hanging lanterns ("Gina Lantern"); single-arm wall sconce (#F02): Charles Edwards, 011 44 207 736 8490, charlesedwards.com.
Demi-lune table: Chateau Allegre Antiques, 310/657-7259.
Carpet runner (custom): Decorative Carpets, 310/859-0032, decorativecarpets.com. Paint ("New White" #59): Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121, farrow-ball.com. -
A golden marble insert in the living room fireplace surround offers warmth and mimics the style of admired ’30s Hollywood architect Paul Williams. The homeowner is a sculptor; her bronzes are displayed on a coffee table and on the mantel.
Drapery ("Glace"/Pistachio #DE10473): Holland & Sherry, 212/355-6241, hollandandsherry.com. Through Mimi London, 310/855-2567.
Drapery hardware (custom); drapery fabrication: De Mott Drapery Design, 818/985-2284.
Sofa: custom.
Sofa fabric ("Glant Mohair"/Sable #9573-15): Glant Textiles Corp., 800/884-5268, glant.com.
Throw pillows, bronze ("Emotion"/Ambre); throw pillow, chartreuse ("Emotion"/Tilleul): Old World Weavers, 212/355-7186.
Club chairs: custom.
Club-chair fabric (by Larsen): Cowtan & Tout, 212/647-6900, cowtan.com.
Throw pillow on club chair: Bergamo Fabrics, 914/665-0800, bergamofabrics.com. Black table between club chairs: custom.
Upholstery: Emilios Upholstery, 310/559-1061.
Chandelier ("Campana" #2040): Paul Ferrante Inc., 323/653-4142.
Coffee tables; daybed in front of fireplace: custom.
Sculptures (by Debbie Adelstein): owner's collection.
Daybed fabric ("Emotion"/Tilleul): Old World Weavers, 212/355-7186.
Mantel: Chesney's, 646/840-0609, chesneys.co.uk.
Fireplace surround; fireplace insert: custom.
Fire screen: Wilshire Fireplace, 310/657-8183, wilshirefireplace.com.
Art over mantel (by Jose Basso): owner's collection.
Sconces above mantel; mirrors flanking mantel: antique.
Demilune tables under mirrors: custom.
Piano; floor lamp: owner's collection.
Fauteuil in corner behind piano: custom.
Fauteuil fabric ("Kajana," by Sahco): Bergamo Fabrics, 914/665-0800, bergamofabrics.com.
Art behind fauteuil (by David R. Cowles): owner's collection.
Area rug (custom): Decorative Carpets, 866/859-0032, decorativecarpets.com.
Paint (#DKC9): Donald Kaufman Color, 800/977-9198, donaldkaufmancolor.com. -
Tied back at hip level, the dining room's damask draperies are pleated in proportion to the moldings and hang heavy with a weighty lining. The rods, brackets, finials, and rings are all custom, as are the rugs. A bespoke mahogany Chippendale-style table in a high-wax finish is rendered less formal by the striped backing on the chairs.
Wallpaper (custom Chinoiserie): De Gournay, 212/564-9750, degournay.com.
Chandelier ("Genovese"): Therien & Co., 310/657-4615, therienstudioworkshops.com.
Wall sconces (antique): Minton-Spidell Inc., 310/836-0403, minton-spidell.com.
Drapery ("Linden Damask," discontinued): Cowtan & Tout, 212/647-7900, cowtan.com.
Drapery trim (Beaded Fringe, by Houlès): Brunschwig & Fils, 800/538-1880, brunschwig.com.
Table; host chairs; side chairs: custom.
Chair fabric, front and seats: Rose Tarlow-Melrose House, 323/651-2202, rosetarlow.com.
Chair fabric, back ("Souk Stripe" #10069): Donghia, 914/662-2377, donghia.com.
Area rug (custom): Decorative Carpets, 310/859-0032, decorativecarpets.com.
Ceiling and trim paint: Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121, farrow-ball.com.
Mirror over mantel; vase on table: owner's collection.
Mantel: Chesney's, 646/840-0609, chesneys.co.uk.
Table in corner: custom. -
In the family room, says designer Joan Behnke, the style is very much California Ranch--comfortable, practical, geared to playing games and watching TV.
Drapery ("Ananas"/Olivine): Raoul Textiles, 805/965-1694.
Carpet (custom): Decorative Carpets, 866/859-0032, decorativecarpets.com.
Sofa: custom.
Sofa fabric ("Paddington"): Angela Reeve Textiles, 310/652-0902.
Upholstered chair by sofa: custom.
Floral fabric on chair and pillow ("Shalimar on Beige"); striped fabric on sofa and chair pillow ("Plain Stripe"): Bennison, 323/653-7277, bennisonfabrics.com.
Coffee table; club chair: custom.
Houndstooth fabric on club chair ("Danvers"): Angela Reeve Textiles, 310/652-0902.
Pillow on houndstooth chair: owner's collection.
Ottoman: custom.
Ottoman leather: Rose Tarlow-Melrose House, 323/651-2202, rosetarlow.com.
Small red chair: antique.
Fabric on small red chair: Bennison, 323/653-7277, bennisonfabrics.com.
Table behind red chair; mirror over table; lamp on table; painting to left of table (by Ann Ward Sures): owner's collection.
End table beside sofa: custom.
Table lamp: owner's collection.
Paint ("Off-White" #3): Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121. farrow-ball.com. -
Outfitted with vintage furniture and a teak console, this loggia opens onto the living and dining rooms and a hallway.
Hanging lanterns: Reborn Antiques, 310/289-7785, rebornantiques.net.
Rattan sofa (#M8782); rattan lounge chairs (#M8780): Bielecky Bros., 212/753-2355, bieleckybrothers.com.
Sofa and chair fabric: Delany & Long Ltd., 203/532-0010, delanyandlong.com.
Pillow fabric ("Haight Ashbury"/Fig on Natural #HC1252H, by Home Couture): Quadrille Wallpapers & Fabrics, 201/792-5959, quadrillefabrics.com.
Coffee table: custom.
Hurricane lamp; black bowl; area rug; art over buffet: owner's collection.
Drapery; drapery hardware (custom): De Mott Drapery Design, 818/985-2284.
Buffet: custom.
Sculpture (Debbie Adelstein): owner's colleciton.
Paint: Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121. farrow-ball.com. -
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Sophisticated kitchen cabinetry intersects smoothly with millwork in the rest of the house.
Cabinetry: custom.
Hardware: Patten Hardware Design Inc., 714/894-0131.
Countertops: Exquisite Surfaces, 310/659-4580, xsurfaces.com.
Hanging lanterns over island: Formations, 310/659-3062.
Bar stools: Charles Fradin Furniture, 323/930-1057, charlesfradinfurniture.com.
Island sink: custom.
Island faucet: Waterworks, 800/899-6757, waterworks.com.
Shades: Conrad, 866/426-6723, conradshades.com.
Paint: Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121, farrow-ball.com.
Art (by Ed Ruscha); ladder in pantry: owner's collection. -
The breakfast room is adjacent to the family room, and has the same casual feel as that room. The inspiration for the round table? It's better for conversation.
Table: custom.
Side chairs ("Dewinter"); armchairs: Richard Mulligan, American Antiques & Reproductions, richardmulligan.com.
Toile pillows on side chairs; fabric on armchairs: Bennison, 323/653-7277, bennisonfabrics.com.
Chandelier: Gregorius Pineo, 310/204-0400.
Art (by John Walker): owner's collection.
Drapery ("Ananas"/Olivine): Raoul Textiles, 805/965-1694.
Black-and-white bowl on table: owner's collection.
Lazy Susan: custom.
Paint ("Off-White" #3): Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121, farrow-ball.com. -
The master suite's bed features a pleated back drapery plus a fringed valance and side panels for a canopied effect.
Bed: custom.
Headboard fabric (leather): Rose Tarlow-Melrose House, 323/651-2202, rosetarlow.com.
Duvet and pillow-sham fabric: Millie Greenberg Designs, 310/275-1255.
Red chinoiserie pillow ("Lampas Roso"): Old World Weavers, 212/355-7186.
Throw on bed: owner's collection.
Upholstered bench: custom.
Drapery and bed-drapery fabric: Cowtan & Tout, 212/647-6900, cowtan.com.
Nightstands: Chateau Allegre Antiques, 310/657-7259.
Lamps on nightstands: antique.
Area rug (custom): Almar Carpets, 310/859-1200, almarcarpets.com. -
The side panels' patterned lining is repeated at the bedroom's windows.
Lounge chair: custom.
Lounge-chair fabric ("Lafayette"/Peridot #4328-51, by Manuel Canovas): Cowtan & Tout, 212/647-6900, cowtan.com.
Ottoman: custom.
Ottoman fabric ("Rubinni"/Sage #NC0667-033): Nancy Corzine, 310/652-4859, nancycorzine.com.
Barrel table beside lounge chair: owner's collection.
Floor lamp: Tod Carson Antiques & Interiors, 310/271-1947, todcarson.com.
Paint ("Off-White" #3): Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121. farrow-ball.com.
Upholstery: Emilios Upholstery, 310/559-1061. -
Detailed millwork continues in the bathroom.
Tub; faucet; towels: Waterworks, 800/899-6757, waterworks.com.
Sconces: Paul Ferrante Inc., 323/653-4142.
Stone flooring: Exquisite Surfaces, 310/659-4580, xsurfaces.com.
Paint ("Joa's White" #226): Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121, farrow-ball.com.
Chair and fabric; small stool; rug; bath caddy: owner's collection. -
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