Tag: Wood Furniture
The Best of Richard Neutra Design: Rustic Canyon Residence
Richard Neutra (1892–1970) was an Austrian-American architect renowned for introducing the International Style to American architecture and developing the California Modern aesthetic in residential design. His work is characterized by clean lines, simple geometric forms and a harmonious integration with the natural environment. Richard Neutra’s designs often featured expansive glass walls and open floor plans, fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. He believed that architectural design should be attuned to human physiology and psychology, creating environments that promote health and comfort. Neutra’s legacy endures through iconic projects such as the Lovell Health House in Los Angeles and the Kaufmann Desert House in Palm Springs.
A Contemporary Interpretation of Richard Neutra’s Design Principles
Perched atop a canyon in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, the Rustic Canyon Residence stands as a modern homage to Richard Neutra Design’s architectural legacy. Originally built in 1923 and remodeled by Neutra in 1937, the original structure was unfortunately destroyed in 1993. In its place, Assembledge+ and Jamie Bush + Co have crafted a residence that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, embodying the principles of organic modernism.
“The current design of Rustic Canyon Residence seeks to restore this lost architectural unity, paying homage to its historical roots while integrating the principles of organic modernism.
This project reflects the core of our design philosophy – creating warm, modern spaces that celebrate natural materials, craftsmanship, quality, and a sense of humanity,” the team said.
The design emphasizes a harmonious relationship with nature, featuring a terraced layout that mirrors the canyon’s contours and extensive use of Western Red Cedar cladding both inside and out. This material choice not only pays tribute to Neutra’s aesthetic but also fosters a treehouse-like ambiance, allowing the home to blend organically with the landscape.
Jamie Bush + Co’s interior design complements the architectural vision by incorporating elements of Japanese and Brazilian modernism, resulting in a nuanced yet cohesive aesthetic that bridges openness, nature and thoughtful design. The careful selection of materials, including brick, cork, ebonized oak and black metal, enhances the home’s connection to its environment.
Key features include a custom Brutalist-style interior mural on the fireplace by Stan Bitters. Additionally, Bush and his team have curated pieces from various artisans and makers, with a particular emphasis on wooden furniture.
Embracing Organic Modernism: The Rustic Canyon Residence and Richard Neutra’s Influence
The Rustic Canyon Residence offers expansive views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This lush area is renowned for iconic homes by architects such as Ray Kappe, Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra.
The home’s elevated, treehouse-like allure is enhanced by its timber-clad upper floors, where bedrooms are seamlessly nestled among the treetops. These spaces boast floor-to-ceiling windows, dissolving the boundary between the warm, wooden interiors and the sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains. As David Thompson, Assembledge+, notes these expansive windows “intensify the immersive experience of living within the trees, offering a secluded yet open retreat infused with intimate comfort.”
“The design reflects a modern yet timeless approach, balancing clean lines and natural materials to restore the home’s modernist heritage while creating a serene retreat that exudes sophistication and warmth,” David Thompson, Assembledge+, said.
Internally, the residence offers a balance between expansive communal areas and intimate private spaces. The lower level is illuminated with natural light and includes a theater, music room and guest accommodations. Upstairs, the primary suite and office boast panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains, providing a serene retreat.
The Rustic Canyon Residence exemplifies how contemporary design can honor historical influences while creating a living space that is both functional and deeply connected to its natural context.
Project credits:
Architecture Design: Assembledge+
Interiors: Jamie Bush + Co
Landscape: Chris Sosa Landscape and Terremoto
Construction: Ceci Clarke Construction
Structural Engineering: Labib Funk + Associates
Styling: Amy Chin
We would love to hear your thoughts on the Rustic Canyon Residence project. Do you appreciate this tribute to Richard Neutra’s design by Assembledge+ and Jamie Bush + Co?
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Sources: Dezeen & est living.
Most Iconic Interior Designers: Elsie de Wolfe
“I’m going to make everything around me beautiful – that will be my life”
Elsie de Wolfe, also known as Lady Mendl, was born in 1865 in New York and led a glamorous life as a prominent figure in European café society. Often referred to as the “grand dame of modern decorating,” she is widely credited with pioneering the profession of interior design and is considered by many to be the first modern professional decorator.
Her career began in the theater under the guidance of theatrical agent Elisabeth Marbury. Though her acting received modest attention, it was her impeccable fashion sense that captured the public’s eye. Women admired her carefully curated outfits and began to emulate her style, establishing de Wolfe as a fashion icon of her era. In fact, she was named the “best-dressed woman in the world” in 1935.
But who exactly was Elsie de Wolfe, and what lasting impact did she leave on the world of interior design?
Elsie de Wolfe: The Woman Who Invented Interior Design
Known and revered as America’s first decorator, Elsie de Wolfe changed the course of interior design forever. Her influence is still felt today — in every bright, airy and feminine space that rejects heavy drapes and dark furniture. Even decades after her passing, her legacy lives on through the casual elegance she championed.
Elsie once described herself as a “rebel in an ugly world”. At a time when late Victorian interiors were weighed down with clutter and gloom, she brought in simplicity, comfort and light. Mirrors, chinoiserie, soft color palettes and whimsical flourishes became her signature. She believed in “plenty of optimism and white paint, comfortable chairs with lights beside them, open fires on the hearth and flowers wherever they belong, mirrors and sunshine in all rooms”.
In 1913, she published The House in Good Taste, a guide to decorating that became an instant hit and remains a design classic today. De Wolfe was the one who proved that pale color schemes, painted woodwork and floral chintz could be not only stylish but timeless. She introduced the use of painted trellis as wallcovering, animal-print carpets and mirrored walls — elements still used by designers around the world.
Elsie De Wolfe’s Career
In 1887, de Wolfe formed a partnership with Elisabeth “Bessie” Marbury, a prominent literary agent. Together, they transformed their shared residence on Irving Place by replacing the dark, heavy furnishings typical of the Victorian era with lighter, more inviting decor. This successful endeavor inspired de Wolfe to pursue interior decoration professionally. In 1905, she secured her first major commission to design the interiors of the Colony Club, New York’s inaugural social club for women, with the support of architect Stanford White and her influential social circle.
The triumph of the Colony Club project catapulted de Wolfe into high demand among affluent clients, including notable figures such as industrialist Henry Clay Frick. By 1913, her burgeoning reputation enabled her to establish a substantial studio on Fifth Avenue. De Wolfe’s design philosophy emphasized simplicity and suitability, advocating for interiors that were both elegant and comfortable. She favored light fabrics, pale color schemes, and practical furnishings, often incorporating mirrors to enhance natural light and create a sense of spaciousness. Her work not only revolutionized interior aesthetics but also laid the foundation for interior decoration as a recognized profession.
Hollywood’s Favourite Designer
Fleeing Paris ahead of World War II, Elsie de Wolfe settled in Los Angeles, where her refined and airy aesthetic captivated the film industry’s elite. Her clientele included notable figures such as Countess Dorothy di Frasso, for whom she designed a Beverly Hills villa. De Wolfe’s influence extended beyond private residences; she also served as a set decoration adviser for films like “The Razor’s Edge,” further cementing her status as Hollywood’s go–to designer during its golden age.
Notable clients: The Colony Club, Hope Hampton, Anne Vanderbilt, the Duchess of Windsor, Condé Nast.
Elsie de Wolfe’s Most Famous Designs
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And you? What do you think of Elsie de Wolfe’s design style? Do you like it?
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You might also like: Rustic Canyon Residence: A Tribute to Richard Neutra Design
What to Expect from Milan Design Week 2025
Scheduled from April 7 to 13, Milan Design Week 2025 is just around the corner. This annual event transforms Milan into the global epicenter of design, attracting professionals and enthusiasts to celebrate creativity and innovation. To ensure you don’t miss any of the exciting exhibitions, installations and product launches, it’s essential to stay informed about the key highlights and trends.
This year’s theme, “Mondi Connessi” (Connected Worlds), emphasizes the fusion of design, artificial intelligence and collective participation, envisioning a future where creativity and technology intertwine to shape new realities.
Prepare for an immersive experience that explores the connections between tradition and innovation, nature and technology, culture and the future.
That’s What You Can’t Miss at Milan Design Week 2025:
Salone del Mobile.Milano
As the centerpiece of Milan Design Week, Salone del Mobile Milano will be held at the Rho-Fieramilano pavilions from April 8th to 13th.
This prestigious furniture fair brings together leading brands and designers, presenting cutting-edge designs and innovations in furniture, lighting, and accessories. The 63rd edition of the fair will feature over 2,000 exhibitors from 37 countries, highlighting the global impact of the design and furnishing industry. Poliform, Minotti, Molteni & C, and Moroso are the must-see stands.
Prada Frames In Transit
Prada Frames returns to Milan Design Week in 2025 with the theme “In Transit,” exploring the dynamics between design and the environment. Curated by the Italian design studio Formafantasma, this fourth edition offers a multifaceted examination of infrastructure as a system that shapes movement -of people, goods, data, and power. The three-day event, from April 6th to 8th, unfolds across two significant venues: the Padiglione Reale at Milan’s Central Station and aboard the restored Arlecchino train, both emblematic of Italy’s rich design heritage. Discussions will feature prominent figures such as Paola Antonelli, Kate Crawford, and Hito Steyerl, providing diverse perspectives on mobility and its impact on contemporary society.
Variations: MoscaPartners’ collective exhibition
During MDW 2025, from April 6 to 13, MoscaPartners presents “Variations 2025” at the historic Palazzo Litta, located at Corso Magenta, 24, Milan. This collective exhibition, themed “Migrations,” explores the dynamics of cultural exchange and innovation in design. Curated by South Korean architect Byoung Soo Cho of BCHO Partners, the showcase features 24 exhibitors from 12 countries, transforming the palace’s historic rooms into a vibrant space for experimentation and discovery. The Main Courtyard greets visitors with Cho’s installation “Nobody Owns the Land: Earth, Forest, Mahk,” marking his first site-specific work in Italy.
House of Switzerland Milano
At Milan Design Week 2025, the House of Switzerland Milano will present a collective exhibition emphasizing the theme of “Collaboration.” Selected by an international jury of industry experts, each project provides a tangible example of how collaboration shapes different stages of the design process. This exhibition highlights the strength and depth of Switzerland’s contemporary design scene and its ability to add value when collaborating with international partners. Organized by Pro Helvetia and Presence Switzerland, the event will take place at Casa degli Artisti in Brera, Milan, from April 7 to 13.
Brera Design District
The Brera Design District will host a variety of exhibitions and installations during the Milan Design Week 2025. This year’s event includes 204 permanent showrooms, with 10 new openings and over 170 temporary exhibitors, culminating in more than 300 initiatives throughout the district. The district’s multifaceted identity combines art, culture, lifestyle and hospitality.
The esteemed Brera Design District will host an exclusive exhibition at Spazio Bruno Bordese (Via Pietro Maroncelli 2), spotlighting Portuguese talent. Associative Design®, a brand of AIMMP, returns to present an exceptional array of Portuguese design, innovation, and craftsmanship. This curated showcase will feature distinguished Portuguese brands such as Malabar, Vanessa Barragão, and Carlos Mello, exemplifying the nation’s unique approach to contemporary design.
A Preview of Malabar’s Creations at Brera Design District
Malabar is set to showcase its distinctive collection at the Brera Design District, featuring pieces such as the Fauves Bedside Table, Circulus Dining Table and the Myth Dining Chair.
Design Talks and Conferences
During the Milan Design Week 2025, the city will host the Design Kiosk, a temporary space curated by DWA Design Studio and located in Piazza della Scala, open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. The 2025 edition features a series of talks moderated by journalist Serena Scarpello, with special guests including designers Piero Lissoni, Federica Biasi, Giulia Ricci, Alessandro Valenti, Aldo Cibic, Stephen Burks, Malika Leiper, Olimpia Zagnoli and Pietro Corraini. Additionally, various talks and conferences will be held throughout the week, featuring industry leaders discussing topics such as sustainability, technological integration in design and future trends, offering valuable insights into the evolving design landscape.
Digital Experiences
Embracing technological advancements, Milan Design Week 2025 will feature digital exhibitions and virtual tours, enabling global audiences to engage with showcased designs. The event’s theme, “Connected Worlds,” emphasizes design’s role in linking diverse aspects of our lives, including the integration of physical and digital realms through AI and IoT. This approach invites participants to explore how design fosters connections across various domains, enhancing the interactive experience for all.
Milan Design Week 2025 is set to be a celebration of creativity, innovation and cultural exchange, offering attendees a comprehensive view of the current and future trajectories of global design.
It promises to be an exciting and dynamic event, full of inspiration, innovation and creativity. From the globally renowned Salone del Mobile.Milano to the experimental exhibitions at across Milan’s vibrant districts, there is something for everyone. Whether you are a design professional or simply a lover of art and architecture, this event offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the cutting-edge trends and ideas shaping the future of design. Be sure to mark your calendar and prepare to be amazed by the events and installations that will unfold across the city’s many districts!
And you? Are you going to visit Milan Design Week? Share with us what you don’t want to miss!
Stay tuned to our Journal for exclusive insights, expert advice, and timeless elegance.
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