European Design Amid the Hollywood Hills
This 1969 Spanish Revival home nestled in the Hollywood Hills stands out for its architectural features. These features blend authentic charm with refined European elegance. One striking detail is the soaring 16-foot-high ceilings. They lend the interiors a unique sense of spaciousness and amplify the natural light throughout the space.
Moving on to the walls, Roman plaster has been used to infuse a warm, classic touch. Meanwhile, the custom flooring was sourced directly from France, reflecting a clear commitment to high-quality materials with distinctly European roots.
Colors That Breathe Life
A closer look at the interior décor reveals how color plays a central role in shaping the atmosphere. Deep shades of red intermingle with tones of yellow and brown, creating rich, layered hues. These colors come alive through soft fabrics like mohair and velvet. They are complemented by textiles from renowned houses such as Rose Uniacke, Fortuny, and Claremont.
This blend of structural details and natural materials gives the design a distinct European spirit. Yet, it remains perfectly in tune with the bold, diverse character of a city like Los Angeles.
Interiors that Echo Authenticity and Innovation
Delving deeper into the interior spaces, the generous 5,000-square-foot layout accommodates four fully equipped bedrooms. Each bedroom features an ensuite bathroom and a spacious walk-in wardrobe. This thoughtful planning ensures both privacy and a smooth, intuitive flow for everyday living.
On another note, the presence of furniture pieces signed by celebrated designers stands out. Highlights include the iconic ‘121’ chairs by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, a desk designed by Pierre Jeanneret, and a dining table by Pierre Chapo. These pieces go far beyond mere function. Specifically, they bring a distinct artistic value to the space.
Lighting and Details That Complete the Scene
To balance the sculptural presence with warmth and softness, lighting elements by Charlotte Perriand and Michael Anastassiades were carefully integrated. Additionally, touches from Green River Project enrich the color depth and create a pleasant light distribution.
Beyond furniture and lighting, the space is finished with Van Cronenberg hardware details and custom cabinetry. These are handcrafted by local Los Angeles makers at Dusk. Together, they add a tactile layer that completes the visual and functional experience of the interior.
Windows and Light: A Dialogue with Nature
The custom-made arched steel windows are a defining element in this design, framing lush views of the surrounding tree canopies. Through these windows, dappled natural light — described by the owner as “the most magical” — gently pours in. This inspired her to reconfigure the interior layout and relocate the kitchen to fully embrace this ever-changing daylight throughout the day.
Warmth in the Details and Unexpected Touches
In harmony with the home’s openness to nature, the original wood-burning fireplaces were preserved. They enhance the warm, intimate atmosphere, especially in the shared spaces. The design doesn’t stop at the traditional, though — playful accents break any monotony. They add delightful contrast, such as a guest bathroom painted in sherbet-inspired colors. There are also glossy lacquered walls in one of the bedrooms.
Turning the Everyday into a Ritual
From the owner’s perspective, the design goes beyond visual beauty — it transforms ordinary daily moments into celebratory rituals. Saban emphasizes that the idea is to give simple acts — like making coffee or setting down the mail — a special significance. Turning them into daily ceremonies adds meaning to life at home.
The Journey of Reviving a Lost Identity
Interestingly, this home did not always hold on to its authentic details. Back in 2020, the owner — an experienced property developer — discovered that the house had undergone a heavy-handed renovation in the 1980s. This renovation had compromised much of its original soul.
Nevertheless, its prime location among mature trees and the solid underlying structure sparked hope. The idea was that its true identity could be thoughtfully revived.
A Design Alliance to Realize the Vision
To translate her vision into a tangible reality, the owner brought on board interior designer Lucie Klimes. With seven valuable years at Studio Shamshiri, Klimes had built a strong foundation before carving out her own reputation. Her collaborations included high-profile clients in the music industry, such as Travis Scott. She became known for her rare ability to deliver projects swiftly yet precisely, even under pressure.
Expected Challenges and Measured Outcomes
Naturally, the path to restoring this home was not free of complications. The team encountered water damage and structural issues. In addition, they coordinated with multiple contractors throughout different phases of the project. Despite these hurdles, Saban and Klimes remained focused on their main goal. They aimed to shape a richly layered home that balances poetic nuance with everyday practicality.
The Space as a Living Being
In this context, Saban clearly expresses her vision: she sees a living space as more than just a place to reside. It is a living entity with a direct emotional impact on its inhabitants. As Ilse Crawford’s quote reminds us: “We spend 80% of our lives indoors.” This makes it essential for our spaces to touch our emotions and embrace the everyday moments of our lives.
Saban adds, “We care deeply for our spaces; we repair them, we live in them, we laugh and cry within their walls. In return, they should take care of us too — giving us a sense of safety and comfort.”
From a Temporary Partnership to a Joint Venture
The renovation work spanned four full years. It served as a practical test of the duo’s ability to collaborate seamlessly and align their vision. This harmony did not go unnoticed; it became the driving force behind launching their joint venture under the name Broad Project.
A Balance of Roles and Expertise
Klimes explains how their roles complement each other, saying, “I believe Tanya brings a unique romantic spirit to each project, while my background is deeply rooted in production design. I have an encyclopedic knowledge of furniture designers and creatives. I know how to turn a concept into a clear plan, select the right pieces, and coordinate with galleries and artisans to complete the picture.”
Saban adds her perspective to clarify this balance: “I see Lucie as someone who can make miracles happen, and at remarkable speed. As for me, I focus on thoughtful space planning. I always consider how people will actually live in the space and use it in their daily lives.”
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
This project was not born complete — rather, it went through complex challenges. The house had suffered heavy-handed modifications during the 1980s that weakened its original character. Yet, its location among mature trees and the solid structural bones offered a glimmer of hope to revive its soul once more.
This experience reveals that interior design is not merely about arranging elements or picking colors. It is a long, layered dialogue between history, function, and daily emotion. In this Hollywood home, we see how a space can transform into a living entity — one that comforts its residents and embraces their smallest moments before the biggest ones. Perhaps here lies the true value of architecture: to remain part of our daily details, no matter how circumstances change.
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