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Name: Barry
Location: Doheny Hills — Los Angeles, California
Size: 1600 square feet
Years lived in: 20 — owned

When Barry moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles 35 years ago, it was the new frontier. New York seemed like a stable boring life and the west was a wild adventure. He has stayed in LA all these years because of the easy living and beauty in the Hills. Instead of a city, it feels like living in the country. He has accentuated that relaxed lifestyle with his warm and cozy interior filled with gorgeous antiques.

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His affinity for antiques has been a lifelong affair. As a child his memory of visiting a relative was warmed up by the feeling he got surrounded by objects with history and a connection to the past. Barry had previously lived in an apartment where Deco was his delight, but upon seeing the Doheny property decked out in antiques by the previous owners he was hard pressed to keep up the appearance of modern cool. With his antiquing craving at a fever pitch he bought the home and hired Frank Mascarelli as his interior designer.

His one caveat was that no piece brought into the home should be broken or out of working order. His designer kept Barry on his toes. While installing, Barry was told to stay away for three days before the big reveal. He was caught in the act when he snuck back to the house on day one. Mascarelli had armed the door with a curious home owner security kit; he rigged a small string to break if the door was opened. On that first day Barry was not too pleased with the work, but by day three he was in a warm antique heaven. And so, the work and investment of time and budget has been well worth the effort and small lessons from his interior designer. Most importantly, Barry is still happy and cosy in his antique-filled home.

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: European French country, previously Deco with high tech, black and grey. That felt cold and needed warmth in it. I was always drawn to European French antiques even as a child when I visited relatives that had all antiques.

Inspiration: When I first entered the home when looking for a place to buy I entered this space and the previous owners had furnished it with antiques. I wanted to strive for that look.

Favorite Element: Katherine Deneuve French country home inspired Corner armoire, large painted pine corner cubbord – late quarter 19th century, Screen by stairs 18th century , Louis 16 style gilt wood mirror, mid 19th century.

Biggest Challenge: Finding a decorator to do what I had envisioned for the home. At the end of the process the designer passed away and I had to finish the décor through paintings.

What Friends Say: They like it a lot, for the type of genre that it is. One friend who is a real estate agent said, "Ive been to many multi-million dollar homes, but when I walk into yours it feels so warm".

Biggest Embarrassment: During the process the designer had told me to move out of my house for installation — I sneaked into my house and I didn’t like it when I peaked in. The designer knew I had been to see the progress because he put a string on the door. Caught!

Proudest DIY: Painting in guest bedroom and Solarium.

Biggest Indulgence: Decorator had said that most of the money should go to the living and dining rooms. Grandfather clock. French provincial painted long faced clock, 19th century with circular enameled face, Jaillade a’ Olonzac. (It was so loud that he removed the chimes) Persian rug was handpainted to bring back color. 18th century chestnut warmers.

Best Advice: Have a vision of what you like and work with a decorator to achieve that vision.. Work together with the decorator and tell them what you want.

Resources of Note:

ENTRY

    • Grandfather clock: Bruce Graney, Pasedena
    • Light fixture: Tole Teinte Fourlight Chandelier, John Rosselli Int. Corp, New York
    • Corner Armoire: George V. Collection, San Francisco

LIVING ROOM

    • Fireplace: Louis 16 carved stone fireplace,: Danny Alessandro, Los Angeles
    • Spanish school late 18th century painting

DINING ROOM

    • Set of four Gapanned queen ann style side chairs: Nina Schwimmer antiques, Los Angeles
    • Candle Chandelier, Silver plated 4 light, 1800: Edwin Anthony, Los Angeles

BEDROOM

    • Secretary – Neo classical Parquetry walnut slant front desk, Italian, last quarter 18th century: Butterfield and Butterfield Auction House, Los Angeles
    • Barometer- Louis 16 carved gilt wood barometer – chateau de la roche d’Ambille, Nourilly, France: Ed Hardy antiques, Los Angeles
    • Checkerboard: Parquetry inlaid wood chest table, Italian 19th century: Museum Antiques, Los Angeles
    • Continental painted and parcel gilt wood mirror 18th :century Cache’, Los Angeles

Thanks, Barry!

Images: Gregory Sparks

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