House Tour: A California Home That Shines

Art has the incredible power to transform any space and create an inviting and unique atmosphere. This concept is beautifully demonstrated in a stunning California desert home, where a collection of African art and artifacts takes centre stage.

The homeowners, who previously resided in Manhattan and the Hamptons, decided to bring their love for art to their new California abode. With the help of William Hayer of Hayer Architecture and the Lucas interior design studio from Seattle, they turned their vision into reality.

Open, Bright and Airy

The primary objective was to design an open and airy space that would not only showcase their impressive collection but also provide a comfortable living environment. The result? A remarkable 13,500-square-foot structure that greets visitors with oversized shou sugi ban and steel doors.

Step inside

Upon entering, you’ll find yourself in a space where everything is harmoniously balanced to create a stunning backdrop for the art pieces. The homeowners requested multiple display surfaces to showcase their meticulously curated collection, which serves as a great inspiration when incorporating art into interior design.

In the living room, a large-scale custom console takes the spotlight, displaying towering antique Senufo and Dogon African wood figurines and faces, along with carved wood Sumba guardian statues. The console’s height ensures that these remarkable works remain the focal point while allowing an unobstructed view of the picturesque Santa Rosa Mountains beyond. Complementing this arrangement, two symmetrical grey L-shaped sofas stand on a custom wool rug with a line pattern, beautifully harmonizing with the overall art-inspired design.

Dine in Style

Moving to the dining room, a pair of Clotilde Ancarani canvases grace the walls, while a modern chandelier hangs above a custom dining table made of oak and metal. In the main bedroom, a striking feathered headdress from the Sioux Lakota tribe steals the show, accompanied by a collection of indigenous jewelry from Papua New Guinea displayed on floating shelves. The headdress’s vibrant colors served as inspiration for the choice of cashmere used for accent pillows, perfectly tying the room together.

One of the most eye-catching elements of the house is a large sculpture by Jacques Le Bescond. Initially planned for an internal alcove, it found its perfect spot next to the pool after the designers placed an old Bamana/Dogon tunic in the area. The combination was so remarkable that the team knew it was the ideal location.

Throughout the home, you’ll also find carefully curated pieces like metallochromy panels by José Aguirre, an antique Bamana/Dogon tunic with amulets, and an old Chinese peasant raincoat and hat made of coconut fiber prominently displayed in the corridor leading to the media room.

So, how can you achieve a similar look in your own home?

The key lies in finding the right balance between art and decor. In this California home, warm and textural materials like wood and metal were utilized in the furniture, while the architecture incorporated exposed grain on the ceiling, plaster, and brushed limestone on the walls. Custom furnishings were tailored to fit the space and the homeowners’ proportions, blending contemporary and mid-century modern elements seamlessly.

The end result is a home that harmonizes clean, contemporary architecture with warm, textural materials and an extensive art collection. The carefully curated selection of treasures adds character, personality, and a sense of history to the space.

Via