Pro Portfolio: A family-friendly update on traditional

Every Monday we post a new home whose design is presented in the architect or interior designer's own words. This week:

Designer: Michael Ostrow, Grace Home Furnishings, Los Angeles

Location: Pacific Palisades

Goals: to create a stylish and comfortable home for a new family -- unfussy and clean, with character

Designer's description: Clients Edward and Melissa Akkaway were faced with a newly constructed 5,000-square-foot spec house and a baby on the way. We set to work immediately to create modern, elegant and comfortable interiors in which the young couple -- Edward is an anesthesiologist and Melissa owns Beckley, a high-end women's boutique -- would feel at home. Comfort trumped tradition in the living room, which was converted into a den for Edward. Situated just off the entry, this space is home to his electric guitars, video games and huge television. The family room, which opens onto the kitchen, now is the home's main entertaining space. Kravet Tufts Collection rugs and pieces from Barbara Barry for Baker, Julian Chichester and Hickory Chair were used throughout. Because Grace Home also manufactures its own furniture collection, we were able to create several pieces just for the Akkaways, making their home personal to them. Among the details: custom colors for the rugs and trim for lampshades, drapes and pillows.

Keep reading for more details and photos ...

Photo: The entry is one of the more formal spaces in the house, yet it is very welcoming. Coral, on the chest at right, was used as an accessory throughout the house for a touch of nature.

Photo: Nickle pulls add a bit of shine to an otherwise simple chest by Julian Chichester. The antique bobbin chairs are covered in a bold striped velvet by Romo. The silver-framed Dauphine mirror, by Hickory Chair, was in the bedroom of the owners' former home, also designed by Grace Home Furnishings. 

Photo: Graphic Lasari flocked wallpaper by Romo was used in the powder room. The mirror and vanity are original to the house.

Photo: The living room, a.k.a. "the cave," was converted into a den where Edward Akkaway can play video games and watch his big-screen TV, which is out of frame. Dark brown velvet drapes, trimmed in a Romo stripe, help block the light. Other furnishings: Lee Industries sofa; pillow fabrics from Romo and Lulu DK.

 

Photo: The Akkaways do most of their entertaining in the family room, where the zebra rug, a custom design by Kravet, adds a funky touch. The bobbin chairs, at left, and the Montauk cocktail table are from the Grace Home Furnishings Collection. A vintage school clock hangs on the wall.

 

Photo: The large Burton James sectional, perfect for napping or TV viewing, is covered with family-friendly faux suede in a chevron pattern. The pillow fabric is from Romo's Mirabel Collection.

Photo: Guests can keep on eye on goings-on in the kitchen while seated on Kensington bar stools from Palu. The cabinets and marble counters are original to the house.

Photo: The banquette in the breakfast nook was originally built for Melissa Akkaway's mother's house. The Romo striped fabric was laminated to protect it from spilled juice and sticky fingers. The Dula table is from the Grace Home Furnishings Collection. Pull-up chairs are by Council.

Photo: Romo's striped linen sheers softly filter the light in the dining room, which is anchored by a custom rug from Barbara Barry for Kravet. Side chairs, by Barbara Barry for Baker, and dining chairs by Burton James surround Julian Chichester's Dakota table. The chandelier is by Visual Comfort.

Photo: The bed and bench in the master bedroom are from Drexel Heritage. The mirrored nightstands, named the Edward after owner Edward Akkaway, are from the Grace Home Furnishings Collection. Victoria Hagan fabric was used for the custom bedding.

Photo: The casual sitting room, just off the master bedroom, sports portraits of the owners' dogs. The leather ottoman and sofa are from the Grace Home Furnishings Collection. The rug is pieced cowhide.

 

 

Photo: The Julian Chichester dressing table and chandelier by Bradburn add sparkle to the master bathroom. Sheer Romo fabric was used for the Roman shade.

 

Photo: The baby's room was designed in green. The ottoman, at left, pulls out into a bed. The drapes, made with Beatrix Potter fabric from the Jane Churchill Nursery Collection, were trimmed in blue after the Akkaways learned that were bringing home a baby boy. The bookcase is from Stanley.

Photo: Vintage Campbell's soup kids prints found at a flea market add whimsy to the baby's bath. The tile, flooring and cabinetry are original to the house.

Photo: The guest room is a blend of lively patterns, with Waverly fabric used for the Roman shades and John Robshaw textiles for the bedding. The bed is by Stanley, and the zebra bench is by Lee Industries.  

-- Anne Harnagel

Photo credits: Everett Fenton Gidley

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Comments

[suecassidy]

Gorgeous! Every single room screams "simple elegance." Well done.

[freda]

It's blah.....