Electric Bowery have explored a moody, contemporary aesthetic in the kitchen, with dark cabinetry, oxblood-coloured tiles and an island height table with turned legs supporting a Rosso Toscano marble top.
This Mediterranean revival of a Californian seaside home by Electric Bowery is a striking balance of luxury and restraint.
Inspired by the Mediterranean character of its existing structure and grandeur, Californian-born Architecture and Interior Design studio Electric Bowery embraced an airy, Spanish aesthetic to accommodate contemporary life while paying homage to the traditional architecture of this seaside family home.
Working closely with the homeowners to incorporate their love of art and music, Principal designers Lucia Bartholomew and Cayley Lambur infused a sculptural layer of furniture and objects into the more classical elements of the space, creating a timeless backdrop for family life to unfold.
“The clients brought us in to design a cosy yet sophisticated home that could also accommodate their two children,” Lucia says. “The home retained excessive designs such as fancy chandeliers and ornate metal work, and we wanted to strip back the home architecturally to reveal a calmer, cleaner space that showcases the Spanish colonial bones,” she adds.
Throughout the home, there is a generous interplay between pattern, colour and scale; upon entering, visitors are immediately drawn to a winding staircase and it’s Spanish-inspired iron banister. A curved, yellow bench is placed alongside terracotta tiles to complement the arches and staircase for a “rug-like effect” that flows seamlessly into the kitchen. Here, dark timber flooring and ceiling accents, alongside oxblood-coloured tile and terracotta inlaid flooring, frame the sculptural furniture and custom-made island with a Rosso Toscana Marble top.
Taking a more formal approach to the dining room, the design team incorporated French doors, lime-washed walls and a minimalist table surrounded by Paul McCobb-style chairs and an Anna Karlin Sketch light fixture hanging above.
“Our color palette takes inspiration from warm and earthy materials, such as cream and mauve plaster, along with terracotta tiles that echo the Spanish Colonial essence of the residence,” Lucia reflects. “The furniture selections introduce richer hues, featuring brick red leather and velvet in chartreuse and marigold. This balance between the natural tones inherent in the architectural framework and the more vibrant furniture creates a palette that captures the spirit of the Spanish countryside.”
Featuring an abundance of arched openings and natural plaster, the home acts as a canvas for bold décor, furniture and lighting — including the work of Kassandra Thatcher, Giselle Hicks and Danny Kaplan. “Vibrant art and accessories can shine in each space, featuring pieces by James Herman and other eclectic art and accessories sourced from Jonathan Pessin of NFS, Rhett Baruch, and Monte Vision,” Lucia says.
With a curved Stahl + Band sectional sofa, an ornate fireplace, and lighting from Lawson-Fenning suspended throughout, the living room takes on more of a Scandinavian influence. Inspired by classic billiard parlours of a bygone era, the game and bar room are a special addition to the living space, showcasing custom millwork and a navy-blue banquette that matches the felt of the pool table.
Pacific Palisades is exemplary of the studio’s philosophy; to design for a well-lived life. “We built the home to foster a sense of well-being, creating a quiet sanctuary for the family that matches the home’s serene ocean views,” Lucia muses. “The architecture itself is soft and calming due to the curves and warm, earthy materials, pairing seamlessly with the Venice beach landscape. The coastal Spanish influence adds an airiness to the home, bringing light into the space and contributing to the Zen atmosphere,” she concludes.
The Danny Kaplan bedside table lamp adds is a sculptural accept in the main bedroom.
