0612 home decor

VILLDEI FIORE

90 LOS ANGELES HOME & DECOR

By Marge BitettiPhotography By Bryan Ricci

The 5,000 square foot residence, whichis located in a private canyon in Bel Air,

has been compLeteLy remodeled .

above : In the family .screening room and gathering area a high ceil-ing allowed for the family's treasured 18th Century armoire to beused to house the entertainment center. A large arched windowframes the exterior fountain so that it can be enjoyed from insideor outside . Atherton designed the home so that the features of theexterior peek into the interior inviting leisure time in a total Tuscanatmosphere .

THE

MAGAZINE L

.A .

LIVES WITH FOR THE HOME

9 1

92

LOS ANGELES HOME & DECOR

Villa dei Fiore is the ultimate Italian experi-ence . The 5,000 square foot residence, which isLocated in a private canyon in Bel Air, has beencompletely remodeled. It used to be a gray-tonedcontemporary style home, devoid of foliage andgardens. Envisioning Lush gardens that would cap-ture the feeling of being in the Tuscan countryside,interior designer, Ginger Atherton remodeled theresidences to bring this vision to Life .

The project involved opening up all the exte-rior space with fuLL light doors which brought

openness and Lush foliage of the exterior garden tothe interior of the house, which effectively dou-

bled the Living space. Limestone floors flow from

the interior Living space to the exterior.

The Large round table in the dining room was

imported from Italy, and the antique chandelier

glows at dinner parties. In the corner of the room

just before the Living room is an antique Bombay

chest along with an 18th Century gilded antique

mirror. The chairs are from Atherton's private col-Lection . On the opposite side of the room, full

Light doors painted in Verdi green with an antiquegold glaze open the dining room to the patio.

inset : Sounds of tenor Bocelli play are heard in the Liv-ing room and throughout the residence . Centuries oldEuropean carpet rests in front in front of the Limestonefireplace . Italian silk draperies hang from custom-madeiron rods . Atherton selected fabrics that were touch-able, sensual and Livable . above: Lush gardens weredesigned to capture the mood and feeling of being inTuscany.

THE MAGAZINE L.A . LIVES WITH FOR THE HOME

93

The Italian style kitchen is the heart of thehome and a gathering place where guests can

savor the aromas of fine cuisine cooking on the

stove. The counter top is golden toned granite.

The cabinets in the kitchen are all hand-paintedwith a Florentine finish . In the kitchen is a junior

dining room for family meals. Baskets under thecountertop conveniently store the chef's utensilsneatly under the central island . Bar stools around

the center island create an intimate setting for

friends and family observing the preparation ofmeals . On the back wall hangs an antique hand-painted platter imported from Italy, which is a per-

sonal treasure of the homeowner and the focalpoint of the Tuscan-style chef's kitchen .

inset : The Italian style kitchen is the heart of the houseand a frequent gathering place for parties . The cabinetsin the kitchen are all hand-painted with a Florentine fin-ish . On the back wall hangs an antique hand paintedplatter imported from Italy, which is a personal treasurebelonging to the homeowner and the focal point ofTuscan-designed chef's kitchen. above: The home andgarden capture the sights, sound and feeling of being ina villa in Tuscany. Along with antiques many items usedin the home were imported from Italy, such as the Largeround dining room table; complimented by chairs fromAtherton's private collection that are manufacturedLocally.


95

Romantic archways are used to soften the angu-

lar architecture . A beautiful feature of the home is

the II-foot ceilings . Themain stairway to the second

floor master and guest suites is made of Limestone

with elaborate ornamental iron details beneath thehandraiL.Sconces on the Landing are from the

designer's private collection. The golden tone

Venetian plaster walls reflect the sunlight through

the overhead skylight . At the top of the stairs hangs

an antique French needlepoint that has been with

the homeowner for many years .

A grand piano in the Living room is decked with

precious family moments and memories . ALL of the

photos are framed in antique silver. Atherton

remarked, "I believe that family photos make a

house a home:" Hanging above the beautiful Lime-stone fireplace is an 18th Century mirror.

Chinoiserie details enhance the authentic Italian

design with an Asian sensuality. The Living room fur-

niture is upholstered in antique velvets and Italian

brocades . 18th century Aubusson pillows accent

the room . A centuries old European carpet rests in

front in front of the Limestone fireplace. Italian silk

draperies hang from custom-made iron rods . ALL of

the fabrics are touchable, sensual and livable. Wine

colored silk pillows and fabrics Lend excitement to

the romantic interior.In the family screening room and gathering area,

a high ceiling allows for the family's treasured 18th

Century armoire to be used to house the entertainment center. A Large arched window frames the

exterior fountain .French doors Lead from the Living room to a

romantic patio dining area used by the homeownerfor wine tasting. A Leather-topped ottoman in front

of the fireplace provides intimate seating andwarmth on a cool evening. 18th century chairs cov-ered in needlepoint Lend to the Italian flavor.

above: Upholstered silk walls with fabric woven in Italy adorn the master bedroom. Atherton used Antique Italian lacedraperies to frame the four-poster bed. The bedroom suite was designed to surround the homeowner with the feeling of aromantic Italian Lifestyle .


The closet in the master bedroom was designed with custom cabinetry made of alder with an Italian

Venetian finish, which creates a luxurious closet spacewhere space planning is essential. Every inch is utilized

to provide the utmost in Luxury and practicality. The custom built closet was designed to showcase the

homeowner's favorite collections . It is the type of closet that everywoman dreams of owning .

The master bedroom suite has upholstered silk walls with fabric woven in Italy. Atherton used Antique

Italian Lace draperies to frame the four-poster bed. She stated, "Luxurious linens are essential." Twin oversized

chinoiserie chests were used to frame the bed. 18th century lamps and mirrors flank the bed. A limestone

fireplace is an inviting feature in the master suite. She commented, A European style balcony overlooks the

fountain below. She remarked, "The suite truly transports you to another place." The suite is designed to sur-

round the homeowner in the romantic Italian lifestyle .

Ginger Atherton & Associates " 310-474-6989 " www.gingeratherton.com

top Left : The accessory closet showcases collections, which are luxurious to view and also practical . Custom hand-made

cabinets are made of alder with an Italian Venetian finish . top right: The foyer to the master bath and master closet was

designed to create an elegant boudoir. The room provides ample space for make-up artists and hair stylists to work . The

boudoir houses a prized collection of oversized perfume factices . An 18th Century mirror enhances the romantic old world

mood of the home . Beautiful Italian velvet draperies were used to add intimacy and privacy from the bathing area . bottomright : The Master bath is a juxtaposition of old and new along one wall that is a twelve panel 18th Century Asian screenwhich highlights the II-foot ceiling and serves as a beautiful backdrop for the tub. On the floor is a beautiful antique carpet

is used to warm the bathing area, the cabinetry is hand-panted in a Venetian custom three-color process. The counter-topis made of Jerusalem gold marble . Adjacent to the bath is a steam shower.


97

0612 home decor

Documents