in the San Fernando Valley, Encino is an upscale neighborhood with a charming and cozy atmosphere. Distinguished by grand mansions set amidst manicured grounds, this tranquil neighborhood has become a sought-after haven for celebrities; so much so that the likes of LeBron James, Megan Fox, Selena Gomez, and Zendaya have all been captivated by the charm of this stylish semi-suburban enclave.
This home has star quality of its own. It’s an entirely new build with an interior design conceived by the award-winning Austin-based practice, Christina Cole Studio, whose eponymous founder is renowned for her quiet but commanding interiors bathed in soft light and clad in natural untreated materials that lend spaces a refined but lived-in look. This was an unusual project for the designer and her team, in so far that there was no client brief, since the house was designed for a developer to sell. Sticking steadfastly to her principles, Cole envisaged a warm and contemporary home with an authentic and timeless design at its heart which, in spite of being unoccupied, is strongly rooted in landscape, people and place.
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Timeless Living in the Heart of Encino
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has a rustic farmhouse feel thanks to exposed beams and wooden cabinets crafted with softened edges and glass fronts for a look that instantly draws one in. Cole and her team have juxtaposed nostalgic influences with more dynamic and adventurous inclusions – notably in the form of a custom-made marble-topped island, which stands out against the backdrop of traditional white oak cabinetry.
focal point, the island unit has a hammered brass base, adding a dose of industrial clout to the space. Its unpolished metallic patina complements the lively veined surface of the Calacatta Caldia marble countertop and matching backsplash.
‘chef’s kitchen’ is more intentionally decorative, elevating its importance as an intimate and homey ‘nook’ in the home. Full of subtle patterns and textures, it features a thick butcher’s block crafted from dark walnut, a checkered marble and limestone tiled floor and a white ceramic tiled backsplash. A gentle pale palette reflects natural light around the room which pours in from a glass panelled door leading to a paved terrace for a seamless indoor-outdoor configuration.
has been left unturned in this palatial seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom residence: the lower level includes a bar, state-of-the-art cinema, and gym with infrared sauna. The pool house is a small residence in its own right, with its own kitchenette, bedroom and en-suite.