Name: Craig Olsen & Richard Koningsburg
Location: Hancock Park — Los Angeles, California
Size: 3000 square feet
Years lived in: 10 years
An interior designer's own home represents his or her personal style, but is also a representation of their skill set as a designer. I had heard that designer Craig Olsen's home was very special. I patiently waited months for this tour because he wanted his space to be just perfect before he shared it with us. After the last detail was perfected and the drapery was installed in the bedroom, I had the privilege of visiting Craig in his home. As I walked around the space and saw the attention to detail in every room, I knew it was worth the wait.
Because Craig is an interior designer, I wanted to ask him a few questions about designing a home and creating a unique space.
Apartment Therapy: As an interior designer, do you find it more challenging designing your personal home versus designing for clients?
Craig Olsen: When I walk into a client's home I almost immediately know exactly what to do. I put myself in the mindset of the client. It is almost like I am "walking in their shoes". I imagine how they will use their space, where they will put their keys, how they will entertain, and how they are going to feel. I take on their personality in a sense and I design for them and the people that frequent and use their space. I listen to the client and tap into their psyche. I have always felt that to be a "good designer" you need experience and training, to be a "great designer" you need to listen.
I have found it is much easier to design for others than myself, I think this is true for most designers when it comes to their personal space. I am not sure if it is because as designers we have access to so many sources or it because we have a multiple personality complex! (maybe it is the latter) I use my home as a palette to explore new ways of putting things together. My own home has changed several times over the past 10 years. I am constantly changing as an individual and as a designer. My home is extremely personal and I find there is no better way to explore your style than in your own home. I have often said I am my most difficult client!
Apartment Therapy: What is the emotional impact you want your guests to feel when entering your home?
Craig Olsen: The look I have created in my 1926 Spanish home is decidedly French Mediterranean. I researched French and Mediterranean art and the whole base of my color selection is from the 200 year old framed Zuber wallpaper I have hanging in my dining room, aptly named, Hindustan. (This is the next room to change, I want to play with fabric draped walls and an antique mirror...) I want people to have a sense of the dramatic. I love color and texture for this home. In my main rooms I have created comfort and energy. I also feel as though if Rudolf Valentino was to return he would love entertaining in my living room. I suppose there is a sense of classic Old Hollywood that I have been exploring.
Apartment Therapy: What is your favorite room in your home?
Craig Olsen: My favorite room in the house always seems to be the one I am working on. Recently, I've redecorated my master bedroom and I fell in love with every detail I put into the room. I love waking up in this room! It has a mens club feeling to it and I love the sense of strength that it gives me. It is masculine with touches of softness that gives me the yin/yang I need and every bedroom must have.
Apartment Therapy: What advice do you give your clients on creating a very personal and unique home?
Craig Olsen: If I were to advise someone in decorating their space I would have to tell them to have fun! Design doesn't have to be so serious. Ask yourself: How do you want to feel in the space and how do you want others to perceive you? This is YOUR personality, this is YOUR space in the world — explore that and have FUN!
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our Style: French Mediterranean
Inspiration: A piece of Zuber wallpaper (framed)
Favorite Element: Giant lamps in living room from Phyllis Morris (LOVE)
Biggest Challenge: Myself, too many options and sides to my personality to express and ever changing
What Friends Say: It's very theatrical
Biggest Embarrassment: TV above fireplace in formal living room
Proudest DIY: Everything!
Biggest Indulgence: Milestone birthday portrait of myself by Don Bachardy
Best Advice: Have fun and don't be afraid of change and new things. Design in your home should be a reflection of your personality and personalities are always changing making your home a work in progress, always!
Dream Source: A Paris flea market
Resources of Note:
APPLIANCES
- Viking everything
FURNITURE
- CRAIG OLSEN
- Karl Springer Buffet
- Coffee Table (french gate)
HARDWARE
ACCESSORIES
- Many Accessories from Phyllis Morris Estate Sale
- American Picker who shops around the States
PAINT
BEDS
FLOORING
- Oscar Flores Hardwood Flooring
TILES & STONE
RUGS & CARPET
- CRAIG OLSEN
- Egyptian Kyber
WINDOW TREATMENTS
LIGHTING
- CRAIG OLSEN
- Giant Lamps - Phyllis Morris
ARTWORK
- Agam (original)
- Gabriel Laderman
- 3 French Etchings (man & sons)
Thanks Craig & Richard!
Images: Bethany Nauert
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I love that blue couch! It looks so comfy :-D
that whippet is too cute for words.
The bathrooms are stunning. I love the tile choices everywhere. Also, I have a soft spot for aging Boston terriers, so the one captaining his own little vessel is completely charming.
Box of Farrah heads - love!!
I want a pool with a boat for my dog!
it just goes to show that people with Iggies have great taste. (or is that a whippet?)
Dog in a boat! Eeee!
That blue couch is the sexiest thing I've seen in a while, and the bathrooms are to die for.
I, too, love the blue couch. And sexy is the right word for it.
Absolutely exquisite. The dog-in-boat was my favorite until I saw the Farrah heads. And I love that little gilded Moroccan alcove thing.
Wonderful!
What a great balance of elegance, humor, and guts. And the doggie in the boat! Love!!
Well Done Craig & Richard!! I would love to see your house in person. Each room had it's own feel and sense of style. I want your kitchen! You certainly paid attention to every detail. Thanks Marcia for the fascinating tour!
Quite an enjoyable house tour. This is one I will put in my favorites. Craig-Can you give me any information about your armoire in the living room? I have a very similar antique armoir. Thank you.
I want to sail away with his little Boston (yes?) and Italian Greyhound, but I know he would be sad... because I would be sad if someone sailed away with my I.G., who is also deathly afraid of water, so nobody get any ideas! (Just kidding. Not really.)
What an odd home. At several points in the tour, just when I was thinking, "This looks as if it's been decorated by a mail order bride", along would come the Union Jack cabinet, or the plastic interpretation of an Eames dining chair, or the herringbone bathroom floor, or the patchwork hide bedhead, and force me to reevaluate.
What exactly is going on in the head of a man who chooses these wonderful things but also has an apparently unironic taste for gilt armchairs with leopard print upholstery?
I find this this house intimate and cosy, giving you warmth and rest. I really like it.
I think it's a whippet, but it could be an Italian greyhound. Either way, it's lovely.
I've been in this house - BTW Olivia is an Italian greyhound - and if you could see the colors in person you would be stunned by the opulence. They are rich and carefully chosen to blend with the next color. As another color person, I have taken inspiration for my own more modest home. Love what you have done Craig, and thanks Richard for always giving him the green light.
classy, exotic, sumptuous and "haremy"...richly personal,too. I am feelin' the Moroccan/Lagerfeld vibe here.
The outdoor space absolutely transported me to Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris...glad to see French was actually what you were going for!
Can we please return to out regularly scheduled program of APARTMENT Therapy? This post does nothing for my search for APARTMENT living solutions other than to be happy I live in a small place with little money instead of a big place with too mush money.