Note: This piece is adapted from an article in the most recent issue of Larger Than Light magazine. Read the full story here.
Nestled in California’s Pacific Palisades, an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood known for its beachy shoreline and multi-million dollar mansions, is a Mediterranean oasis mere steps from the hiking trails of Will Rogers State Historic Park. Situated on nearly 3.5 acres of land, the palatial 14,392-square-foot house is truly a dream home come true with eight bedrooms, 14 baths, a two-story foyer, terraces, patio and swimming pool, as well as a guest house and pool house. The home’s construction and interiors were designed by Elaine Culotti, interior designer and owner of Porta Bella Design in Brentwood, California. “I was inspired early on by building a house that looked like a contemporary barn but in a Mediterranean flavor,” said Culotti. “Not so much in the East Coast traditional flavor with a metal roof and barn wood – rather, it’s stuccoed and has a flat terracotta tile.”
Photography by Adrian Anz
Culotti utilized a variety of Littman Brands and Troy Lighting fixtures to help give the home its distinct Mediterranean feel. “I was looking for fixtures inside that had a traditional sense about them in terms of something you might find in a communal kitchen or in a really big old barn. But again, with a little bit of a Mediterranean flair.”
The two-story hallway is illuminated by Troy’s sculptural Uni sconces and Hudson Valley Lighting®’s Belmont pendants, sturdy metal fixtures complemented by polished prismatic glass.
Photography by Adrian Anz
To keep the romance in the upstairs bedroom, Culotti chose Troy Lighting’s Delacroix chandelier. “The Delacroix was completely and totally off the charts different to everything in the house,” said Culotti. “I wanted something delicate and feminine and very romantic.” Delacroix is a rustic yet refined design with wood beads flowing from top to bottom, accented by a leaf-shaped crown, curvy iron arms and wooden accents. Its open design complements the spacious room, while its aged wood tones enhance the rich wooden framing around the windows and doors.
Photography by Adrian Anz
The men’s bathroom is a standout space with Troy’s Nuage as its centerpiece. With a dreamy appearance perfectly suited to its “head in the clouds” translation, Nuage features clusters of blown glass globes suspended by delicate micro beaded jewelry chain. “I put Nuage in there because it actually offers quite a bit of light, which is nice in the bathroom,” said Culotti. The fixture also pairs well with the heavy, dark walnut cabinetry which defines the space, blending the bath and closet into a dressing room. “That particular fixture was sort of fun and bright and light, and it needed that contrast.”
Another whimsical Troy design is on display downstairs in the kitchen. At the center of the white and bright gourmet kitchen is Barista, an energizing departure from the traditional chandelier, blending luminous crystal drops with porcelain coffee cups on a tiered iron frame. The chandelier stands out beautifully against the kitchen’s white cabinetry, gleaming surfaces and moulded ceiling.
Photography by Adrian Anz
Right off the kitchen is the “morning bar,” a unique, all-purpose hang out space which evokes a comfortable pub feel. Troy’s Dine ‘N’ Dash pendants are suspended above the bar, creative designs with embossed and plasma cut words tied to comfort foods and drinks. They blend in beautifully with the room’s richly ornamented wood. “I just wanted it to have a pubby feeling, and whether you were having eggs and a cappuccino at the counter in the morning, or whether you were sitting there at night watching a basketball game, smoking a cigar, I wanted it to feel pubby,” said Culotti. “And so [Dine ‘N’ Dash] was the perfect fixture choice for there.”
Photography by Adrian Anz
Inside the office, Troy’s Whitman brightens up the dark space with its creamy linen shade and sculptural, bronze-hued branches. “That particular fixture does two things that are greatly accomplished,” said Culotti. “Number one, it’s quite a dark room, and you can get a lot of light out of that fixture. And because it’s open on the top and bottom, you can have downlight and uplight.” The uplights illuminate the coppered ceiling which has a batted, Chenille leather. “And I needed white, so that fixture had a pretty bright shade even though you could dim the light and make it very romantic like a library.” Outside, Troy’s Byron illuminates the cabana, adding a sparkling elegance you rarely see outdoors. “I wanted something warm and a little decadent,” said Culotti. Because wind had to be taken into consideration, she opted for Byron with its heavier cage. “It worked great outside.”
Photography by Adrian Anz
Troy’s Byron adds sparkling elegance to the outdoor cabana along with Troy Lighting’s exterior Newton collection. Culotti’s outstanding design vision and attention to detail, combined with her use of Troy Lighting fixtures, have resulted in a Mediterranean dream home as beautiful as its luxurious surroundings in the Pacific Palisades.
