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    This expansive Californian home by Matthew Leverone is a perfect contrast to #CaliCulture

    DEC 22, 2020 | By Vedika Nair
    The family room is furnished with a Scott sofa from Zanotta, Fergus loungers by Caste, coffee table by Jerome Abel Sequin and side tables by Gentner. Outside are Balou lounge armchairs from Janus Et Cie and a Grand Louie coffee table from Seasonal Living; Photographs by Joe Fletcher Photography
    The living room features a Vienna Way group lamp by Marmol Radziner, an artwork by Drew Doggett Photography and a Minoru Ohira sculpture below it; Photographs by Joe Fletcher Photography
    The kitchen uses bespoke cabinetry with Pepper Counter stools by Holly Hunt, a Calcutta marble countertop and Piccolo lights; Photographs by Joe Fletcher Photography
    The facade of this expansive home is completed with Texas split-face limestone tiles; Photographs by Joe Fletcher Photography

    To create a home that would make her happy and smiley, the owner of this 12,000 sq ft home in California enlisted the expertise of Matthew Leverone. And the principal designer at Leverone Design began designing this abode mid-construction with a neutral palette and highly textured textiles.

    Unlike most California homes, the residence pays ode to artisanal furniture, rich textures and fabrics and objets d’art. “The client desired a different design approach and we provided pieces that met those requests. A good client pushes designers and it is a collaborative effort, which was the case with this project,” shares the designer.

    Texas split-face limestone is used for the facade along with glass to create a strong language that sets a distinctive tone. Inside, the home is divided into two wings. We love the central hall, which spans from the foyer to the backyard with panoramic glass doors on either side. 

    The living room features Holly Hunt’s Antidote cabinet and Sao Paulo Sofa from Kneedler Fauchere, Mattaliano armchair from De Sousa Hughes, custom cushions, Steven Volpe’s Cubica Cocktail table and a Bernadette Jiyong Frank artwork; Photographs by Joe Fletcher Photography

    Another element we’re crushing on is the custom Niamh Barry pendant lamp that illuminates walkways. “It was important to find an element that was both sculptural and beautiful,” says Leverone.

    A Luminas fixture from De Sousa Hughes lights the breakfast room; Photographs by Joe Fletcher Photography

    An impressive stairway positioned on the right of the edifice connects all three levels. The lowest is what Leverone calls the fun zone. Accommodated here is a light family room that opens onto a terraced courtyard, a dedicated home theatre, gym, spa-steam-sauna, bar with a glass-walled wine room as well as gaming tables for foosball, air hockey, poker, ping pong, etc.

    A set of three stools by Leverone Design are paired with a leather settee by Coup Studio in the game room. A custom chandelier by Coup Studio lights up the space and a Lunar table by Ochre is seen here; Photographs by Joe Fletcher Photography

    On the ground level is the main living area, which comprises formal living and dining rooms, library, kitchen, home office, family room with French doors that open to the back terrace, breakfast nook and other utilities. “The home was approached as a whole with design elements and concepts that were seamless from room to room,” shares Leverone, adding, “There are so many special details but my favourites are the family room that looks out to the pool house as well as the master sitting area with the swing and custom sofa.”

    The home office features a custom desk by Leverone Design, leather chair from Humanscale and Swivel lounge chairs by Axis Furniture. An A6 coffee table by Gary Hutton sits on a silk area rug by Glenn Carpet Co and a Billy Cotton chandelier illuminates the space; Photographs by Joe Fletcher Photography

    A quirky detail is how the wall-to-wall fish tank was installed using a crane during construction! Its usage: To divide the main hall with the kids’ playrooms and breaks away from the overall theme of the home.

    A Thames DR table by Joseph Jeup, Acanto dining chairs from B&B Italia, Brimstone console by Holly Hunt and an untitled work by John DiPaolo make up the breakfast nook; Photographs by Joe Fletcher Photography

    “For the fish tank, we worked closely with the client in selecting the colours and incorporated orange into the kids’ playroom to match it. In fact, almost every item in this home is either custom designed by us and made by local artisans or personalised by furniture brands. We wanted to make sure the fit in every room was perfect!” shares Leverone.

    The home’s spa comes with a custom hot tub built by Lifetime Pools. Clay planters perfectly complement the Texas split-face limestone tiles; Photographs by Joe Fletcher Photography

    On the topmost level are the master suite, three bedrooms, a playroom and laundry facilities. Meanwhile, a pool house stands as an independent structure, equipped with its own kitchen, bedroom and living area that opens completely up to the outside pergola and pool. 

    Seen here are the IIIum table and chairs by Tribu, handwoven outdoor rug by Maharam, Mell lounger by COR, Odhin chair by Wewood, and Oko 2 table by Christopher Delcourt; Photographs by Joe Fletcher Photography

    When asked about his design philosophy, Leverone says, “Casual modern and comfortable. Be purposeful in your selections and edit every space. The eye needs to float throughout the space.”