Name: Kathleen White-Almanza - former set decorator, designer, and co-owner of Eccola and Maurizio Almanza - co-owner of Eccola
Location: Miracle Mile — Los Angeles, California
Size: 2,000 square feet
Years lived in: 2½
Kathleen and Maurizio's home is my absolute dream house. When you enter through the front door into a courtyard with an outdoor fireplace and even a scooter in the driveway, how can you not feel like you are in a rural town in Italy? Even with two large dogs, Kathleen insisted on painting the original hardwood floors white and enjoying the space without worrying about keeping a perfect home.
There are a few rules when it pertains to the dogs — stay off the furniture! With antique furnishings and drooling dogs, I would have to agree on the rule.
Their daughter's bedroom makes me wish I was 10 years old again and enjoying the simplicity of life. Her personal space has so many whimsical elements perfect for a young creative mind, but also something that she can grow into as she approaches her pre-teenage years. The headboard, wallpaper, antique desk chair, and shelving — I love it all. Kathleen's next project is installing a flat screen TV and Wii in the guest house for Zoe and her friends.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our Style: Our style is an eclectic blend of European 19th c. antiques meet Italian 50s/60s modern, paired with loads of art and objects collected over our travels.
Inspiration: The inspiration for my home was always the idea of a modern barn and years and years of looking for a home that possessed its own innate character to serve as a clean palette that could become what I wanted it to be.
Favorite Element: The original high pitched beam living room ceiling, quirky small triangle window near living room fireplace, and last but not least, all the barn-like elements and beams in the courtyard that accent the outdoor fireplace.
Biggest Challenge: Finding it! Every home we looked at since we relocated from Rome had been painstakingly gutted and finished in my head after each walk through. The house (by American standards) is old — built in 1926. A far cry from Italy, but nonetheless important for us as we wanted to find something with a little bit of history. Our goal was to keep the old bones and modernize the rest. Had we found a modern mid-century home, for us it would have felt too modern and vintage. Missing the feeling of living in Europe, we found the perfect balance. Thus 95% of the doors and windows are original. We joke around that its original style is English Tudor meets Disneyland castle meets South of France barn, as it boasts two castle like turrets with barn-like accents.
What Friends Say: Warm, cozy, unique, and original!
Biggest Embarrassment: Thinking that the type of fridge I purchased was a built-in; however, it just meant you can use your own custom door (which I have) on it. So rather than be flush and disappear into the clean sleek wall of cabinetry, it sticks out. OOPS!
Proudest DIY: The design and decorating of our home. As far as literal DIY, I have to say nothing. After renting and repainting too many homes' floors, walls, etc. over the years, I leave all that work to the great painters and handymen that are more capable than I. I prefer coming up with the concepts and then finding the right people to implement them, such as coming up with the idea of making a wall of the porcelain foreign newspaper tiles in our master bathroom and guest house bath area.
Biggest Indulgence: Raising the roof so to speak. It cost a bundle to have all the ceilings raised; however, we were lucky the space was available to do so.
Best advice: Best advice, given, received and well paid for — always double what you think the remodel will cost and then some.
Dream source: The legendary Gio Ponti; if he were still alive.
Resources of Note:
APPLIANCES
- American Range
- Miele Appliances: Snyder Diamond
HARDWARE
FURNITURE
- Italian 19th century to Modern 50s-60s: Eccola Imports
- DePadova Sofa, Dining Table & Chairs: Rome & Milano
ACCESSORIES
RUGS & CARPETS
- F & S Carpets on La Brea for custom seagrass rugs
TILES & STONE
- Westside Tile in the Valley
- Van Nuys Marble - ask for Leonardo
LIGHTING
- Italian 50s-60s Vintage: Gio Ponti, Stilnovo
- Eccola Imports
PAINT
- Benjamin Moore: Raccoon Fur & Super White
WINDOW TREATMENTS
- F&S on Window treatments: F&R Interiors
BEDS
- Habitat
- Headboard: Custom Made
ARTWORK
FLOORING
- AC Hardwood Floors
OTHER
- Kitchen Cabinetry & Shelving: Funtime Cabinetry Factory (our kitchen may be seen on the website under "WHITE")
- Courtyard: Outdoor furniture: CB2 (Cushions recovered in Silk Trading Company Striped Fabric), Zinc Planters & Cast Iron Oversized Lanterns from Restoration Hardware
- Daughter's Desk: West Elm
Thanks Kathleen & Maurizio!
Images: Bethany Nauert
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This might be my favorite house tour ever. Down to the butterfly wallpaper that I LOVE.
Ditto. This house is amazing. The only reason why I will not give up my first born for it is because it is in LA ;)
This is my dream house. They even manage to make a foosball table look well designed. Love love love. Call me when you want to move!
Your home is perfect and with just the right amount of whimsy.
And you say Gio Ponti is your dreams source: I just replaced the split leather on my family's 1958 Fr. Brevetti folding chair which took me ages to identify, so I only recently discovered was his! I was so sad the exhibit on him supposed to be in New York right now was cancelled!
I'm so jealous it's not even funny. Very cool house. Now, if I could only convince my husband to agree to charcoal exterior paint...not going to happen.
The mix of old and new is done so tastefully, and the colors and feel of the home is just to die for. Brava!
Perfect! I love that it's fresh but not trendy. Classic. Beautiful.
This home is way too tasteful!! I mean really I think I am going to get myself a tub of ice cream and have a good cry.
Just beautiful. The floors are just perfect.
I miss LA for this reason, so many cool houses with great floor plans, open spaces and a courtyard to boot. This particular area has such charming homes. Really well done.
This. House. Is. Perfect!
Every room is beautiful; such gorgeous design. Interesting, with tons of personality, but never cliché or junky. One of the best house tours in awhile. Bravo!
Love EVERYTHING. Very different from all the other house tours, thanks!
*gasp* was that MAGAZINES I saw in the BATHROOM? Better be careful, some AT readers might think you're gross ;)
But in all seriousness, an incredible home. Love, love, love it.
You have a beautiful home and adorable dogs. I love that you have white floors even with your adorable big brown doggies. It gives me hope.
This house is amazeballs. There is nothing in it that I wouldn't want - well, maybe the TV mounted high above the fireplace, but you seem to be tall people so it must work for you. I don't even know how to say, without sounding creepy, that I want to run my hands along all those beautiful chairs. Thank you for the dog pictures too, the one of the French mastiff (?) sliding off the couch is hilarious.
It's beautiful. As someone stuck in a mid century home, I dream of your space (and also going back to Italy :) ). Molto Bella.
wow. gorgeous. so much character. i already said this today but it's true...this ranks among my favorites as well. just lovely.
What kind of mix is the shaggier brown dog? S/he's ADORABLE!
Those are 2 fine looking dogs. And your home is pretty amazing as well!
Perfect. My favorite house ever.
holy crap
Truly, this will be one of just a few house tours that I know I'll return to. I've already copied and stored a few of the photos in my "inspiration" folder on my computer.
With each click on the right arrow... What amazing taste and elegant execution.
Everything is soooo beautiful and amazing. The colors are perfect, but no doggie drool for me.
For sure on my list of dream homes.
It's been said a few times already but there's no other word for it: perfect!
I looked at the slide show before I read about it, and I thought it was in Italy. Really love it. Sorry you dog doesn't follow the rules (stay off the furniture) - neither does mine.
this house is beautiful. there wasn't one thing i saw and didn't absolutely love. some of the photos actually made me gasp!
can i ask why you bought the mugs with 22 on them? i have one, also with a 22! made me smile, and then wonder what significance the number has for you. for me it was a birthday thing, when i was 22.
also, the dogs are adorable!
incredible. i wish i could make white walls look that good!
such a beautiful home...that's what good design is all about - inspiration for action. and by the way, be right over.
Every piece of wood furniture is unique and stunning.
Very pretty and expensive.
Gorgeous. This is one of the best house tours ever. I love everything and the pups are adorable.
The movie "Inception" is for real, right? 'Cause your house was plucked from my dreams and you're living in it, right? Wow. Favoloso!
Absolutely stunning!!! This tops my list as a favorite AT house tour!!! Gorgeous!!!
Love the indoor spaces. Love the outdoor spaces. Just love the whole thing!!!
Gorgeous! But the TV over the fireplace would give me a sore neck.
To Kathleen and Maurizio:
Your house is amazing. Every detail is well thought out and placed with perfection. I hope to own a home as beautiful as yours one day :-)
It's interesting how the European aesthetic is really starting to cross over here in the States. To them, its simply practical and yet beautiful to mix era's and styles but in our culture so used to buying everything in "sets" and all at once from one store or another it's very much a new idea. Great tour, hope to see more like it.
Mi piacciono molto gli interni, ma l'esterno sembra davvero una casa di fate!
Love the interiors, and the external is stunning! A good example of italian taste.
This might be my favorite house tour yet. I don't think I've ever said this, but I could move right in.
Simply beautiful! - My one critique is the black/grey exterior.
Love it! As close to my personal style as I think any house tour on AT has gotten!
Really lovely home. Not a clunker in the bunch.
Who makes the butterfly wallpaper, does anybody know? I thought it was Zoffany, but can't find it on their site...
Stunning home, but then again, I'd be surprised at anything less with that kind of budget.
The picture of the dog on the couch brightened my day.
I'll take it! Love the contrast of black and white mixed with pretty colors throughout, and that it feels both elegant and personal.
This is beyond gorgeous. I love the charcoal exterior--my house is the same color.
Most of all I love how the mastiff follows the "no dogs on the furniture" rule.
Lovely house! Lots of style, but obviously very livable. Though I have mixed feelings about a likely restore-able double bass being used merely as a prop. (See my user name for a guess why I feel that way.)
Some commenters are dissing this for being too expensive or professional. Well, some projects are like that. You ought to be able to take ideas you like and apply them to your own situation. You know, "inspiration"?
Great tour!
This house looks exactly like it belongs in my grandma's neighborhood, I was shocked that it's not! But I do think I almost bought that globe lamp at an antique store, and now you've reminded me to kick myself again. I love everything about your house, it's perfect. And it makes me miss California, because here in Pennyslvania all they have are tract houses.
The newspaper tile is my kitchen backsplash. Only those with great style would use it :) I Love your home. Enjoy!
Well, I am in the wrong business, apparently. Beautiful home and design. Gonna go play the lottery now...
Yeah, I don't like it when people use instruments as decoration, it just feels poserish. Only instruments that the user actually plays should be out, and their decorative function is secondary.
What a lovely and livable home! I really like the living room and front door/greenery surrounding. And, if only I were better at training my dog to stay off the furniture... she owns the place :)
Love your house and the high ceilings are a dream.
My favorite ever!! I love it. That dresser in the master - I died a little when I saw it.
I too have the dog on the furniture problem. That photo made me laugh out loud.
I really loved the artwork as well - loved your mix of styles.
Really lovely!!!
I don't think a lot of money is needed when decorating. One must take their time, research, and not order entire rooms from furniture chains.
loving the really positive vibe in your home...!!
I disagree with the comments about musical instruments as decorative items. How do you know that bass doesn't have special meaning for the homeowners? Maybe one of them *does* play the bass. Maybe they don't, but someone's father was a musician and the bass reminds them of him.
I don't have any musical instruments on display myself (other than the piano--since my son stopped taking lessons, no one plays it regularly; does that make me a poser for still having it in my living room?), but my mother has had the ancient violin she played as a child on display in her living room for as long as I can remember. She hasn't had it restored because she isn't interested in playing anymore, but it belonged to her favorite aunt and she has fond memories of playing for this aunt when she came to visit. Why is this any different from displaying any other beloved hand-me-down?
Beautiful house, by the way!
I really love this home, especially all the vintage whimsy!
Hey AT, what's up the the spam reappearing?
Lovely, so comfortable...I love that there seems to be no walls separating the outside from the inside...the natural lighting is incredible. Also, no Ikea here.
Great house! The dog on the couch must be one of the Egyptian protesters. Love the color palette, especially the blue and white table. Beautiful home!
Definitely one of my favourites! So inspiring...but feels out of reach for me. I will have to be content with my modest two-story in a mid-sized Canadian town. ;) I will come back to this one to keep the creative juices flowing!
Nice house.
Just what I'd expect a house to look like if you have the complete package of exquisite taste, financial capability, creative talents, and access to fine furnishing resources in Italy and around the world to pull this off.
Now about that bass instrument in the living room. There's no strings on it so it's a prop.
But a very nice prop never-the-less.
She was a set designer and apparently her canvas was her house.
@Absea -- re: the shaggy brown dog
Looks like a cross between a chocolate lab and a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever to me...
Butterfly wallpaper -- anyone??
Breathtakingly beautiful. I would not change a thing. Thank you for sharing.
Simply amazing and ANYONE who has ANYTHING negative to say about this place is jealous jealous jealous....sorry but it's true.
So true to be 10 years old and have that bedroom. The whole house is like a modern fairytale home. Thank you for sharing.
One of the best tours I've seen on AT.
Very warm and inviting home.
Nicely done!
Would have loved to go through the house tour but a HUGE Starbucks ad with no 'close' on it invades my screen every time I try ...seriously NOT COOL :(
Agree with HongKonger - didn't get beyond the third picture as the Starbucks ads covered half of each one :o(
This house is in my top 3 EVER on AT. I want to say it is my 100% favorite but I would have to go back and look at a few others. All I know is that it is AMAZING, STUNNING. Perfect mix of old and new, color and neutral, whimsy and depth.
Wow. Just....WOW
Well, I think I just found my dream house :) AMAZING. Your style is impeccable. Editing perfection. I adore this house tour. SO well done.
One of my favorite tours ever. I love the light in this house-it makes me miss the west coast. There is so much I like about this place.
As for the bass viol-I can see someone appreciating the instrument as a piece of sculpture. My daughters both play cello and I will probably end up keeping the 1/8 size once we've grown out of it b/c it is just so beautiful (and cute).
excitingly elegant. a visual treat for the sophisticated eye.
I love that this house is both elegant and unpretentious at the same time -- one would feel comfortable although surrounded by so many beautiful things. The possessions look as though they were thoughtfully collected by someone or someones (is that even a word?) with wonderful taste and love for unusual objects and artwork. The child's room is adorable! The kitchen is to die for. The lovely French doors open to the patio make one want to linger over a cup of coffee or later in the day a glass of wine with friends and family. Would love an invitation, please!
Yes, yes, this is the MOST ELEGANT house I have ever seen on AT. It exemplifies the mix of furniture and accesories, bought over time, in a manner that is tasteful, relaxed but NOT looking decorated. This glimpse was a privilege.
Ooh la la. I could never be this grown up and classy in a million years, not even with the dough to back it up. I have to agree with wally3 and say that, "This house is amazeballs."
I think I just turned green.....with envy that is.....sigh.
Favorite AT house tour! Love your home! I also am saving pics as inspiration. This is what I want my home to look like. Thank you for sharing.
Really betty33?? So snarky.
Your house is absolute perfection. Thank you so much for sharing and your dogs rock!!
A well edited and fabulous home, thank you for sharing! Am definitely going to bookmark your store and check it out when we get to LA.
I wonder if you would also mind sharing your contractor details? We are relocating back to Los Angeles soon and ALL of the houses we are looking at have low-slung ceilings! I'm worried it really cost prohibitive to raise them.
How funny, I read the comments before I looked, and I must be the only person who doesn't love it. Don't like the furniture, the colours, the kitchen, and it doesn't feel Italian to me. Soz. It's obviously a well loved home, but not doing it for me.
...someone said there were no strings on the base... i photographed this house, and YES there are strings on it.
Thanks for all the interest and great comments. The wallpaper in my daughter's room for those of you who were asking is called: "BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES" and it is made by Schumacher. I'm sure you can get it in Canada too:)
No. 22 has always been my number & is our number too. We were married on the 22nd. Wouldn't have been any other day...
BTW-
Figaro is the French mastiff puppy--the big bad couch lover who knows better & Norma is a true Italian canine, the alpha dog from Southern Tuscany. She is a labrador/hunting dog mix and 11 1/2 years old.
Beautiful! Love the ivy-covered door and I totally want that kitchen!
Absolutely stunning...just gorgeous in almost every way. (It does break my heart to see painted wood floors and ceiling beams.)
where did they get the basket next to the fireplace? I want one!
Adorable! Cute! Love It! I want this same style! But can't put it together! I'm green with envy! Really Love it!
The furniture in this house is incredible. Such a mix of unique and interesting pieces. Super jealous!
Gorgeous house...I love a house where dogs can be dogs. Speaking of dogs, any way you could tell me the breed of the longer haired dog? He looks remarkably like my dog, who is unknown mixed breed.
This place is perfection. And that's all I have to say about that. :)
hey guys
Glad that you love all the tile and marble mosaics that were put into this home. If you need any help in designing or choosing any tile we would be happy to help you
Westside Tile & Stone :)
A perfect home!
Oh, my word. This house has EVERYTHING! Style, personality, charm, wit. I am utterly and completely in love with it. Very well done, indeed!
1926 by "American standards" isn't old. Get out of LA and come to the East Coast. Nice house and interior though...
AMAZING !!!!
I am just going to repeat what veronicasawyer said ... "ANYONE who has ANYTHING negative to say about this place is jealous jealous jealous....sorry but it's true."