By Donna Sapolin
When a mid-west couple decided to move west, they purchased a 5,500-square-foot English Tudor house in Pacific Palisades and then turned to Los Angeles designer Kathryn Waltzer to lend it a more down-to-earth outlook, one suited to a casual lifestyle that revolves around the needs of a brood of three pre-teen boys. The task “wasn’t so much about redecorating as un-decorating,” says Waltzer.
“The place was festooned with crystal chandeliers, gilded walls and opulent draperies, and this couple was seeking a more airy southern California version of traditional style.”
.
Since the couple would be outfitting their new residence largely with furnishings from their prior home, Waltzer focused her attention on streamlining the interiors, restoring the pedigree structure (designed by southern California architect Gerard Colcord, it had appeared in Architectural Digest in 1930), and designing new exterior features, including an outdoor kitchen and pool area. “I removed the glitzy elements, chose paint colors, brought in a paint crew, stripped and refinished the abundant woodwork, and added new lighting and window treatments,” says Waltzer. The newly streamlined home now affords a fluid connection between its interior and exterior spaces and invites relaxation and lounging throughout.
“This is a living room in which the family really lives,” says Waltzer, who laid out the furnishings the couple brought with them from their mid-west home. Comprising a TV viewing and conversation area on one end and a music and reading area on the other, the revamped room caters to both private and public pursuits. Waltzer replaced the former triple-tier chandelier with a Gregorious Pineo wrought-iron fixture from Kneedler Fauchere and supplemented it with a pair of compatible sconces.
“I wanted the lighting to be less prominent and the architecture to be the star here,” says Waltzer.
The newly refinished woodwork shows the structure off to maximum advantage. Making use of the couple’s round dining table and extra chairs, the designer created a gaming and snacking spot behind the sofa. An English walnut table she procured from Thomas Lavin rests under the sconce, providing an ideal surface for floral arrangements.
A spacious dining room was essential for the busy family of five. But the lacquer walls, gold-leaf picture moldings, and heavy draperies that decorated the room at the time of their purchase didn’t add up to the laid-back style of entertaining they prefer. “Given the imposing character of the homeowners’ table and two sideboards, I thought the surroundings should be made elegant but spare,” says Waltzer. To make the room feel as expansive as possible, she painted the walls a warm white tone, removed the drapes, and added a wrought-iron ceiling fixture from Thomas Lavin. Natural light now pours into the room through the unveiled casement windows and a patio door, which also provide views of a lushly landscaped yard.
In the home office, Waltzer created “a more relaxed version of what came before.” A rug from Aga John brightens and enlivens the heavy wood-lined surroundings via its blue and ivory hues. To maximize the utility of the space, the designer retrofitted the drawers in the corner unit—a former media cabinet—with file inserts. The antique mantel accessories, lamp and hunting print she placed contribute a sense of history; the crewel dog pillow from Hinson and a neutral pillow from Baker, Knapp and Tubbs add visual interest to the room’s seating.
About Kathryn
What makes this project successful?
By assessing her clients needs, incorporating their existing furniture and the need for a more casual home, Kathryn successfully created usable, gracious living spaces in the Pacific Palisades. The grand house was designed in the 1930′s by Gerard Colcort, a well-known Beverly Hills architect, and was inspired by farm houses in Normandy, France. Kathryn stayed true to the architectural elements and restored the stunning woodwork in the home. The great room, with its high pitched cathedral ceiling, is breathtaking, and the wood furniture in the light- filled dining room and cozy home office/den provide a warm and consistent feel throughout. With three young boys, the client’s wanted to utilize their outdoor spaces, so Kathryn created a charming arbor covered dining area, a private and relaxing pool, and beautifully landscaped outdoor kitchen space.
I appreciate that Kathryn stayed true to Garard Colcord’s vision, bringing her own look to the home in the process. The craftsmanship and details of the home are accentuated by her furniture and accessory choices. Incorporating client’s furnishings means being flexible in the give and take of the design process. She has created a home for real life, not a museum.
Kathryn has her own singular style. California designers have to consider the light and climate in their design decisions. Outdoor spaces are an essential part of the lifestyle, and her areas are cozy, warm and traditional. She gets the indoor/ outdoor component, and I like how her interior spaces seamlessly flow to the outdoors. Her work is reminiscent of East coast designers, with its classic and traditional look. Mariette Homes Gomez and Scott Snyder come to mind for their neutral color schemes and traditional elements.
Stylebeat Background:
Stylebeat was born out of my wanting to share great home finds with a young, traditional, savvy and design aware audience. After working as the Style editor at top Shelter magazines, I saw so many great products, new designers and books, and there was never enough space to cover them all! My eye is drawn to classic style, and on my blog, I show what I love. I would call my aesthetic new traditional, since it is a combination of fresh and bright design elements that have enduring style. The mix of bold color, big florals, graphic geometrics and classic but clean furniture make today’s interiors exciting, yet I am always looking back at the stable of design greats, i.e. Billy Baldwin, Parish Hadley, Nancy Lancaster, Colefax and Fowler and Mark Hampton for inspiration.
Good design draws me in, as do tomorrow’s classics. A fresh take, new element or material peaks my interest. I follow trends closely, always searching for what’s next, yet not what is trendy. Sorting through a mix of iconic antiques, decorative objects and new products in the marketplace and sharing in an immediate and personal way is what I set out to achieve with a blog. Surround yourself with a mix of what you love and interests you– this is what design is really all about.
Having lightened up the interior spaces and reinforced their connections to the outside, Waltzer made sure the patios also would be used by the homeowners. “The outdoor spaces are as critical to this family’s life as the indoor ones,” says Waltzer. “All the doors are glass, so you get this link to the exterior even when they are closed.” A teak table from Henry Hall on the patio just beyond the office encourages animated conversation and casual meals; paprika cushions on Dedon’s all-weather wicker chairs from Janus et Cie add a jolt of color to the otherwise neutral set-up. Brown & Gold’s lantern-style lamp casts a gentle glow from above. In the distance, a pair of chaises longues denotes the new pool area.
Located to the right of the pool, a variety of teak furnishings from Henry Hall equip a new outdoor kitchen and eating area that Waltzer designed to take advantage of a niche located off an existent patio behind the garage. She designed an arbor structure and outfitted it with a retractable awning from Alpha Productions to shield the kitchen from harsh sunlight. “The arbor frame matches the timber beams in the house,” says Waltzer. “I wanted a consistent look.” An umbrella from Patio Collection shades the dining table, which is encircled with Dedon wicker chairs from Janus et Cie.
The lawn sloped down from the house to a crumbling stone retaining wall, providing both the area and incentive for creating a pool and spa zone. “In designing the pool, I avoided curves because I wanted to preserve as much of the lawn as possible for the boys games and also stay consistent with the architecture of the house,” says Waltzer. She devised a trim rectangular form framed with flagstone walkways and a stacked flagstone wall (with an integrated spa) from which plants poke out and spill. A pair of chaise longues from the Bel Air hotel Collection dressed with cushions covered in Sunbrella fabric provide idyllic resting spots. A long thin hedge demarcates the point where the lawn angles downward and visually separates the pool area from the lawn; access to the pool occurs elsewhere.
In Kathryn’s words…
How do you keep up with design trends?
I constantly observe what’s going on. More important, I watch how consumers respond to a trend. As a rule, I don’t follow them.
What do you do/where do you go for inspiration?
It’s not a particular place I go or thing I do. My clients and their projects are a good starting point. But, it’s when I’m not at work when I get my most profound inspirations. If I had to pick a place, it would have to be my shower.
How is the internet changing the Interior Design industry?
I’m a fan of the internet up to a point. It has made product information and access a breeze for designers. In addition, it has encouraged working remotely, which is a challenge.
.
Pacific Palisades Residence Photography by Mary Nichols.
Designer Portrait by Peter Duke.
Additional Photography by Kathryn Waltzer.
.
Resources:
Living Room: Chandelier- Gregorius Pineo through Kneedler Fauchere Los Angeles, Sconces from Dennis and Leen, Tables with flowers in left rear through Thomas Lavin, Vintage shaker lamps through Lynn Russell Antiques, Wall color- Farrow and Ball custom half-color “Tallow”.
Dining room: J-Art Chandelier and Sconces through Thomas Lavin, Vintage Table Top Settings through Lynn Russell Antiques. Wall color- Farrow and Ball “Pointing”.
Pool Area: Hotel Bel-Air chaise Lounge from SJVD, Sunbrella fabric through Janus et Cie.
Al Fresco Dining (at office)- Dedan Dining Chairs, Sunbrella Fabric Seat Cushions, Henry Hall Dining Table through Janus et Cie. Hanging lantern through Brown and Gold, Table Lanterns from Pottery Barn.
Outdoor Kitchen- Henry Hall Teak Dining Table, barstools and Adirondack, Dedan Dining Chairs all from Janus et Cie, Custom Teak Side table by Kathryn Waltzer. Sunbrella seat cushion fabric through Janus et Cie, Viking barbeque.
Home Office: Rug by Aga John, Vintage Accessories through Lynn Russell Antiques and through Gift Garden Antiques.
Sunroom: Window Shade Fabric from Kravet
California Classic: Kathryn Waltzer
By Donna Sapolin
“The place was festooned with crystal chandeliers, gilded walls and opulent draperies, and this couple was seeking a more airy southern California version of traditional style.”
.
Since the couple would be outfitting their new residence largely with furnishings from their prior home, Waltzer focused her attention on streamlining the interiors, restoring the pedigree structure (designed by southern California architect Gerard Colcord, it had appeared in Architectural Digest in 1930), and designing new exterior features, including an outdoor kitchen and pool area. “I removed the glitzy elements, chose paint colors, brought in a paint crew, stripped and refinished the abundant woodwork, and added new lighting and window treatments,” says Waltzer. The newly streamlined home now affords a fluid connection between its interior and exterior spaces and invites relaxation and lounging throughout.
“This is a living room in which the family really lives,” says Waltzer, who laid out the furnishings the couple brought with them from their mid-west home. Comprising a TV viewing and conversation area on one end and a music and reading area on the other, the revamped room caters to both private and public pursuits. Waltzer replaced the former triple-tier chandelier with a Gregorious Pineo wrought-iron fixture from Kneedler Fauchere and supplemented it with a pair of compatible sconces.
“I wanted the lighting to be less prominent and the architecture to be the star here,” says Waltzer.
The newly refinished woodwork shows the structure off to maximum advantage. Making use of the couple’s round dining table and extra chairs, the designer created a gaming and snacking spot behind the sofa. An English walnut table she procured from Thomas Lavin rests under the sconce, providing an ideal surface for floral arrangements.
A spacious dining room was essential for the busy family of five. But the lacquer walls, gold-leaf picture moldings, and heavy draperies that decorated the room at the time of their purchase didn’t add up to the laid-back style of entertaining they prefer. “Given the imposing character of the homeowners’ table and two sideboards, I thought the surroundings should be made elegant but spare,” says Waltzer. To make the room feel as expansive as possible, she painted the walls a warm white tone, removed the drapes, and added a wrought-iron ceiling fixture from Thomas Lavin. Natural light now pours into the room through the unveiled casement windows and a patio door, which also provide views of a lushly landscaped yard.
In the home office, Waltzer created “a more relaxed version of what came before.” A rug from Aga John brightens and enlivens the heavy wood-lined surroundings via its blue and ivory hues. To maximize the utility of the space, the designer retrofitted the drawers in the corner unit—a former media cabinet—with file inserts. The antique mantel accessories, lamp and hunting print she placed contribute a sense of history; the crewel dog pillow from Hinson and a neutral pillow from Baker, Knapp and Tubbs add visual interest to the room’s seating.
About Kathryn
What makes this project successful?
By assessing her clients needs, incorporating their existing furniture and the need for a more casual home, Kathryn successfully created usable, gracious living spaces in the Pacific Palisades. The grand house was designed in the 1930′s by Gerard Colcort, a well-known Beverly Hills architect, and was inspired by farm houses in Normandy, France. Kathryn stayed true to the architectural elements and restored the stunning woodwork in the home. The great room, with its high pitched cathedral ceiling, is breathtaking, and the wood furniture in the light- filled dining room and cozy home office/den provide a warm and consistent feel throughout. With three young boys, the client’s wanted to utilize their outdoor spaces, so Kathryn created a charming arbor covered dining area, a private and relaxing pool, and beautifully landscaped outdoor kitchen space.
I appreciate that Kathryn stayed true to Garard Colcord’s vision, bringing her own look to the home in the process. The craftsmanship and details of the home are accentuated by her furniture and accessory choices. Incorporating client’s furnishings means being flexible in the give and take of the design process. She has created a home for real life, not a museum.
Kathryn has her own singular style. California designers have to consider the light and climate in their design decisions. Outdoor spaces are an essential part of the lifestyle, and her areas are cozy, warm and traditional. She gets the indoor/ outdoor component, and I like how her interior spaces seamlessly flow to the outdoors. Her work is reminiscent of East coast designers, with its classic and traditional look. Mariette Homes Gomez and Scott Snyder come to mind for their neutral color schemes and traditional elements.
Stylebeat Background:
Stylebeat was born out of my wanting to share great home finds with a young, traditional, savvy and design aware audience. After working as the Style editor at top Shelter magazines, I saw so many great products, new designers and books, and there was never enough space to cover them all! My eye is drawn to classic style, and on my blog, I show what I love. I would call my aesthetic new traditional, since it is a combination of fresh and bright design elements that have enduring style. The mix of bold color, big florals, graphic geometrics and classic but clean furniture make today’s interiors exciting, yet I am always looking back at the stable of design greats, i.e. Billy Baldwin, Parish Hadley, Nancy Lancaster, Colefax and Fowler and Mark Hampton for inspiration.
Good design draws me in, as do tomorrow’s classics. A fresh take, new element or material peaks my interest. I follow trends closely, always searching for what’s next, yet not what is trendy. Sorting through a mix of iconic antiques, decorative objects and new products in the marketplace and sharing in an immediate and personal way is what I set out to achieve with a blog. Surround yourself with a mix of what you love and interests you– this is what design is really all about.
Having lightened up the interior spaces and reinforced their connections to the outside, Waltzer made sure the patios also would be used by the homeowners. “The outdoor spaces are as critical to this family’s life as the indoor ones,” says Waltzer. “All the doors are glass, so you get this link to the exterior even when they are closed.” A teak table from Henry Hall on the patio just beyond the office encourages animated conversation and casual meals; paprika cushions on Dedon’s all-weather wicker chairs from Janus et Cie add a jolt of color to the otherwise neutral set-up. Brown & Gold’s lantern-style lamp casts a gentle glow from above. In the distance, a pair of chaises longues denotes the new pool area.
Located to the right of the pool, a variety of teak furnishings from Henry Hall equip a new outdoor kitchen and eating area that Waltzer designed to take advantage of a niche located off an existent patio behind the garage. She designed an arbor structure and outfitted it with a retractable awning from Alpha Productions to shield the kitchen from harsh sunlight. “The arbor frame matches the timber beams in the house,” says Waltzer. “I wanted a consistent look.” An umbrella from Patio Collection shades the dining table, which is encircled with Dedon wicker chairs from Janus et Cie.
The lawn sloped down from the house to a crumbling stone retaining wall, providing both the area and incentive for creating a pool and spa zone. “In designing the pool, I avoided curves because I wanted to preserve as much of the lawn as possible for the boys games and also stay consistent with the architecture of the house,” says Waltzer. She devised a trim rectangular form framed with flagstone walkways and a stacked flagstone wall (with an integrated spa) from which plants poke out and spill. A pair of chaise longues from the Bel Air hotel Collection dressed with cushions covered in Sunbrella fabric provide idyllic resting spots. A long thin hedge demarcates the point where the lawn angles downward and visually separates the pool area from the lawn; access to the pool occurs elsewhere.
KATHRYN’S DECORATI FAVORITES
Wing Chair by Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman
Pendant by Fuse Lighting
Coffee Table by Antoine Proulx
Sofa by Jiun Ho
In Kathryn’s words…
I constantly observe what’s going on. More important, I watch how consumers respond to a trend. As a rule, I don’t follow them.
What do you do/where do you go for inspiration?
It’s not a particular place I go or thing I do. My clients and their projects are a good starting point. But, it’s when I’m not at work when I get my most profound inspirations. If I had to pick a place, it would have to be my shower.
How is the internet changing the Interior Design industry?
I’m a fan of the internet up to a point. It has made product information and access a breeze for designers. In addition, it has encouraged working remotely, which is a challenge.
.
Pacific Palisades Residence Photography by Mary Nichols.
Designer Portrait by Peter Duke.
Additional Photography by Kathryn Waltzer.
.
Resources:
Living Room: Chandelier- Gregorius Pineo through Kneedler Fauchere Los Angeles, Sconces from Dennis and Leen, Tables with flowers in left rear through Thomas Lavin, Vintage shaker lamps through Lynn Russell Antiques, Wall color- Farrow and Ball custom half-color “Tallow”.
Dining room: J-Art Chandelier and Sconces through Thomas Lavin, Vintage Table Top Settings through Lynn Russell Antiques. Wall color- Farrow and Ball “Pointing”.
Pool Area: Hotel Bel-Air chaise Lounge from SJVD, Sunbrella fabric through Janus et Cie.
Al Fresco Dining (at office)- Dedan Dining Chairs, Sunbrella Fabric Seat Cushions, Henry Hall Dining Table through Janus et Cie. Hanging lantern through Brown and Gold, Table Lanterns from Pottery Barn.
Outdoor Kitchen- Henry Hall Teak Dining Table, barstools and Adirondack, Dedan Dining Chairs all from Janus et Cie, Custom Teak Side table by Kathryn Waltzer. Sunbrella seat cushion fabric through Janus et Cie, Viking barbeque.
Home Office: Rug by Aga John, Vintage Accessories through Lynn Russell Antiques and through Gift Garden Antiques.
Sunroom: Window Shade Fabric from Kravet