Although it sounds exuberant, Regency Revival design distills precedents set by Georgian architecture with a refinement in detail and a careful practice of compositional restraint. Sometimes referred to as “modern Georgian,” it found popularity in the Pacific Northwest in the mid-to-late 1930s before trickling over to California in the early 1950s and being used almost exclusively for residential applications. One such example is this Cordell Drive home located in the Hollywood Hills. The box-shaped table, the shallow roof enclosed by the parapet walls, and the simple, small frieze decoration are a few signs of the era in which it was erected. Recently renovated from Los Angeles Studio OSKLOit stands out as a modern classic capable of eclipsing the neighboring new constructions, which pale in comparison to their historic counterparts.
Photo: Sam Frost
“It was the best of Hollywood Regency design without the trappings of the late 1950s and 1960s,” say Arya and Michael Martin, co-founders of Studio OSKLO. “Simple and clean lines, minimalist architectural accents in vertical colonnades and decorative ornaments.”
Photo: Sam Frost
The team led this project over the course of two years – careful to preserve the overall integrity of the structure – taking responsibility for the schematic design, construction, interior design and fabrication of their own bespoke lighting fixtures and furniture. The now complete, nearly 5,000-square-foot, fully furnished home boasts a light-filled interior with better exterior glazing, updated surfaces, and an open floor plan to accommodate entertaining on a scale as grand as the spaces in self. The program includes a large master suite (with an adjoining walk-in closet, indoor/outdoor shower and enormous terrace), three guest bedrooms, a secondary guest terrace, powder room, entertainment and media rooms with a central room. bar, a robust kitchen, a formal dining area, a coffee nook and a den-like alcove.
Photo: Sam Frost
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Warm, neutral earth tones – a mix of taupe, brown, cream, ivory and beige – abound, setting the scene for a cozy environment while providing a backdrop for colors like terracotta, burgundy, deep green and even black to have their respective moments. . Natural stone with animated marbling, light oak wood and tactile textiles including velvet, mohair and boucle play a supporting role in providing a rich material performance. In addition, light fixtures made from fabric and plaster help set the scene with added warmth in often colder elements. The furniture strikes a delicate balance between the charm derived from antiques and the exclusivity of Studio OSKLO's bespoke pieces. This curatorial approach is a tribute to the property's storied past and a promise of patronage through the next generation of caretakers.
Photo: Douglas Friedman
The residence still exudes the same star qualities that defined an iconic cultural period. “It evokes Hollywood glamor and visually quantifies Beverly Hills in a truly sexy and timeless sense,” adds the Martins. “You can visualize Carole Lombard in a one-piece swimsuit by the pool as easily as Sydney Sweeney in shorts and a tank top without losing an iota of formality or class.”
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Photo: Sam Frost
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Photo: Sam Frost
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Photo: Sam Frost
Photo: Sam Frost
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Photo: Tyler Hogan
Photo: Tyler Hogan
Photo: Tyler Hogan
To learn more about this and other works of the creative practice, visit studioosklo.com.
