Crafting a Family Haven in California's Serene Hills
In the serene hills of Encino, California, actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson and producer Justin Mikita have crafted a 9,000-square-foot haven that encapsulates their evolving family life and design preferences. Moving away from Los Angeles' bustling Los Feliz to embrace the quieter charm of Encino, the couple envisioned a home that seamlessly blended West Coast ease with refined aesthetics. What was initially a blank canvas of white spaces in a contemporary new-build house transformed into a carefully curated retreat, thanks to the creative touch of AD100 designer Mandy Cheng.
Ferguson and Mikita collaborated with Cheng to bring their vision to life, seeking a balance between new design directions and the elements they already cherished. The result is a home that exudes calmness and coziness, with carefully chosen details and custom pieces catering to the needs of their growing family.
The couple's appreciation for meaningful art and collectibles takes center stage, with precise and purposeful placement throughout the home. The vast living spaces now showcase a meticulously designed green velvet sofa, an oversized armchair, and custom credenzas housing cherished books and objects. Cheng's expertise in finessing finishes and creating custom elements adds a curated and collected feel to the interiors.
Juxtapositions abound in this thoughtfully arranged space. Crisp white walls are softened with gentle greens and blush tones, creating a harmonious atmosphere. In the home office, striking black walls contrast with a whimsical matchbook-motif wallpaper, showcasing the couple's playful side. The primary suite boasts a custom extra-large mattress and bed, a testament to the couple's commitment to flexibility and function, especially with two young children.
The home prioritizes open flow and cozy spots for unwinding, catering to the family's need for connection. Durable indoor-outdoor fabrics and strategically placed art ensure a family-friendly environment, while the kitchen's marble-topped island serves as a natural gathering spot. The main floor's seamless flow between the kitchen, living room, and a sun-filled playroom creates a perfect setting for whole-family hangs.
Also Read: Sphere in Las Vegas: Redefining Entertainment with Innovative Design and Technology
Movie Nights and Design Elegance
Movie nights find the family in the downstairs game room, an "upscale basement hangout" with a gold velvet sofa and playful wallpaper spanning the ceiling. For frequent visitors, a guest cottage provides a charming bunk room with graphic wallpaper and built-in beds. Outdoor decks offer a refined campground feel with rattan seating and a serene palette.
Mandy Cheng's intuitive response to the family's life is evident in the design, transforming contemporary architecture into an intimate, sophisticated space. The shelving in the great room allows for books to be displayed rather than stacked in piles, showcasing titles like "1000 Tattoos," "Today Meets Yesterday," and "Hokusai Views of Mount Fuji."
The dining room features a custom painting by Antti Kalevi, complemented by a Croft House table and Lulu & Georgia dining chairs. The family kitchen boasts DWR counter stools, an Urban Electric Co. green pendant, and cake stands from Food52. Walls painted in Portola Paints Ash Gray contrast with the Roman clay hood in Portola Paints Nitty Gritty.
In summary, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita's California home reflects their personalities, family values, and design sensibilities. Cheng's skillful touch has transformed a blank canvas into a haven that is beautiful and intimately connected to the rhythm of family life. The result is a sophisticated and welcoming space, a true testament to the couple's commitment to creating a home that embraces their past, present, and future.
Related Article: Frank Lloyd Wright's Influence Extends Beyond Architecture, Symbiosis With Fashion and Design