a walnut brass credenza at the entry to a Southern California home — A mobile by Jim Hunter from 1stdibs adorns the entry where an Anissa Kermiche vase is placed on the custom walnut brass credenza.

September 1, 2023

A SoCal Home With Mid-century Influences and Bursts of Color

What starts as a small project can balloon into something much bigger, which is exactly what happened with this hilltop house in the coveted neighborhood of Brentwood, California. Los Angeles-based, French-born interior designer Victoria Gillet was initially tasked with renovating the kitchen for her friend, model and presenter Shana Hiatt, and her husband, film producer Todd Garner, along with their teenage daughter and two dogs. Little by little, however, the project became a full transformation.

Originally designed by Kenneth Lind in 1959, the classic mid-century home is a pure expression of form and function on one level. The architect set the house closer to the front of the property in order to have visitors walk through the doors that open directly to the garden, a Zen oasis.

“The original structure was 3,000 square feet and we added a guesthouse, bringing the total size to 3,700,” says Gillet. “This new addition and the outdoor bar—both in the backyard—were designed to match the existing architecture of the property.”

Favoring natural materials and bold accents to create spaces that blend French elegance and Southern California energy, Gillet entirely reimagined the home with her own twist of playfulness and color. She drew inspiration from the work of artists Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock and Alexander Calder to introduce bright blue, pink, orange and yellow accents, as well as playful shapes that help create a joyful atmosphere.

Rich in different textures and materials, the spaces are adorned with walnut, cement tile, velvet and brass. “Velvet brings depth and warmth and makes any room luxurious and cozy, while brass introduces a sense of opulence and a kind of nostalgic feel,” says Gillet.

Maximizing the views and favoring indoor-outdoor living—courtesy of the many windows—the house is an invitation to step outside.

“The outdoor areas are ideal for entertaining, with the pool and spa area, canyon vistas, a bar and a fireplace, as well as the totally redesigned garden that brings a touch of Provence (France),” says Gillet. This is SoCal at its best.

a Revoar swing by Marta Manente next to a fireplace — The Revoar swing by Marta Manente contributes to a relaxed atmosphere in this Southern California home.

Inside the Stylish SoCal Home Designed by Victoria Gillet

pink velvet dining chairs line a wood table — Custom, pink velvet dining chairs surround the custom dining table with vintage brass legs and live edge, monkey pod wood, while a Circa Lighting chandelier hangs above.

a pink and yellow multi-colored sofa and ottoman atop a blue silk rug under a colorful abstract artwork — In the living room, a colorful custom sofa and ottoman sit on a blue silk rug illuminated by a light fixture by Eichholtz. The back wall features commissioned artwork by Claire Desjardins.

a gold night stand beside a white upholstered bed in a primary bedroom — In the main bedroom, the custom bed is by Shine by S.H.O with a Circa Lighting pendant above the Jonathan Adler nightstand.

a family room with a white sofa and a windowed wall — The solid walnut library was custom made to fit the family room’s wall. The sofa is also custom. Next to it, a table lamp by Jonathan Adler complements a side table from R&Y Augousti; in front, a 1970s-era vintage chair combines with an Arteriors coffee table.

an outdoor lounger next to a pool at a SoCal home — The custom outdoor sofa with colorful Schumacher pillows is protected from the sun by Tuuci umbrellas.

an outdoor pool at a midcentury Southern California home — The house dates back to the late 1950s, and was originally designed by Kenneth Lind.

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