Cheeky Opulence at L.A.
The owner of the luxe loft in downtown Los Angeles is a manufacturer who travels to Asia frequently. “There is comedy in the design there,” says interior designer Natalie Younger. “It is playful and it does not take itself too seriously — it’s about visual stimulation.” The customer wanted to bring those elements into his new downtown flat and hired Younger to provide the pleasure, bold look he was looking for.
The customer often works from home when he’s in L.A., so Younger had to get inventive with all the apartment’s 1,000 square feet. Hidden storage spaces and an integrated workplace space helped her save space in which it counts. “I know this look is not for everybody,” says Younger. “It was a brazen move, but when you’re in the area it actually is this enchanting and interesting world.”
Allied ASID, natalie Younger Interior Design
When the customer bought the home, it was a blank canvas. The walls were unpainted, the ductwork exposed, and also the flooring bare concrete. Younger clad the vacant space in a style she describes as”cheeky opulence with an Eastern flair.”
Background: Graham & Brown
Credenza: Classic
Natalie Younger Interior Design, Allied ASID
When many people could discover the rich colour palette overwhelming, Younger says that the midnight-blue walls take on a life of their own as soon as the curtains are open along with the sunny Los Angeles light pours through the windows.
Younger claimed the house’s rich colour palette by using plush and opulent product throughout the area.
The beautiful Chesterfield couch is lined with black velvet and can be stuffed with memory foam to ensure it is extra-comfortable. Younger found a playful black and gold fabric by Andrew Martin to create pillows for the couch.
Rug: Surya; throw Pillows: Andrew Martin Textiles; coffee tables: Classic;
golden jack accent: Home Goods; red lacquer boxes: Room Service
Natalie Younger Interior Design, Allied ASID
A massive part of the inspiration for the house’s style comes in the customer’s love for the eccentric and epic style he sees on his trips to Asia. “He explained the sights which he’s seen as a bit more edgy, strange and even bizarre,” says Younger. “We wanted to infuse that offbeat vibe in his home.”
Interior colour: Farrow & Ball, Hague Blue
Ceiling colour: Benjamin Moore, Snowfall White
Frames and Art: Custom made by NYID
Allied ASID, natalie Younger Interior Design
Having another space where the customer could work was a must, as he frequently works from home when not traveling. But Younger and team didn’t want to invade other chambers in the house. Instead, they built a half-wall facing a desk in the living space, creating a space that appears like a teenager’s desk. This allows for separation without giving up too much space.
Marble and Gold Desk Light: Arteriors
Natalie Younger Interior Design, Allied ASID
Younger and her team tradition built the wall so that LED lights will glow through slits at night. “It almost has a fireplace-like feel,” she states. The glow echos the golden accents which are spiked through the home — even the exposed air ducts have been painted golden!
Desk: Sunpan
Natalie Younger Interior Design, Allied ASID
The exceptional dining table was made and designed by Younger and her team. The shirt is an acid-washed metal, and the foundation is zebra wood. Crocodile-leather upholstered seats add that extra over-the-top touch.
Natalie Younger Interior Design, Allied ASID
Younger had the ceiling in this apartment painted with a white high-gloss paint, which contrasts with the darker colours and reflects light to create the home seem a bit larger.
Exposed gold chains hold up a custom made mirror — another tool that Younger used to reflect light and make the space appear larger. The bottom of this table holds three drawers and 2 closets for extra storage.
Chandelier: Calais Chandelier, Z Gallerie
Natalie Younger Interior Design, Allied ASID
The kitchen had already been outfitted with Caesarstone countertops plus a Porcelanosa backsplash, so Younger just dressed up the space with new light fittings along with a coat of green wall paint. High-efficiency under-cabinet task lighting retains the job surfaces well-lit, even at night.
Lamps: Kartel
Bar Stools: Loft Appeal
Counter Tops: CaesarStone
Wall Paint: Benjamin Moore Absolute Green
Natalie Younger Interior Design, Allied ASID
The bedroom and bathroom in this home would be the only two chambers which perform with significantly lighter colours. The soothing grey in this room helps create area of relaxation and refuge.
The poster above the mattress is among 2 large scale parts of movie-related artwork the customer finds quite inspirational, so incorporating these pieces into the house’s design was a must.
Bedding: Dwell for Robert Allen
Paint Walls: Pratt & Lambert Steel
Natalie Younger Interior Design, Allied ASID
Younger had a cupboard built above his cupboard to store additional clothing and bed linens. The customer’s plush blanket contrasts with the leather accent cushions on the bed. “Comfort was a factor that wasn’t forfeited in this design,” Younger says.
Natalie Younger Interior Design, Allied ASID
The bathroom was already outfitted with Porcelanosa tile and Kohler sinks, so Younger maintained it a crisp and clean white. “I didn’t want it to feel as a bathroom in a pub,” she states.
This exceptional design was exactly what the customer was looking for. The rich fabrics and bold color options create a visually appealing look that does not take itself overly seriously.
“All spaces talk to me personally in their own way,” says Younger. “It is discovering that in-between with your customer as well as the space itself.”
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