Iconic Restoration: Ome Dezin Revives Whitney R. Smith's Hollywood Hills Masterpiece

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In the secluded neighborhood of The Colony, nestled within the Hollywood Hills, stands a remarkable 1960 home designed by Whitney R. Smith. This area is renowned for its concentration of mid-century architecture, and Smith’s creation is no exception. As a notable figure in the Case Study House program and a founding member of the architectural firm Smith & Williams, he was instrumental in shaping the modernist aesthetic of Southern California. His designs often featured distinctive sawtooth ceilings and angular shapes that manipulated light to animate the spaces within.

Guided Renovation by Ome Dezin

The task assigned to Ome Dezin was not so much a renovation but rather a thoughtful dialogue with the existing architectural essence. From the onset, the design team at Ome Dezin realized that their role was to follow the lead of the architecture, practicing restraint throughout the process. Previous modifications in the 1980s and 1990s had diluted the original clarity of the home, turning the renovation into a process of careful removal and selective enhancement. This approach helped to maintain the home’s original dimensions and flow while avoiding unnecessary embellishments. Key elements such as the bespoke spiral staircase and the intrinsic ceiling heights were maintained to honor the initial vision rather than altering them drastically.

Interior Design and Influences

The interior color scheme features deep woods, plaster, and subtly hued stones that balance the architectural drama. The standout spiral staircase, with its striking red underside, draws the eye as a central feature against the serene backdrop of the rest of the room. The entrance boasts an expansive pivot door that leads to a foyer with double-height ceilings and a sawtooth ceiling that magnificently diffuses daylight throughout.

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In designing the interiors, Ome Dezin drew inspiration from the Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan, designed by Piero Portaluppi in the 1930s. This influence is evident in the sophisticated use of lacquered finishes, understated luxury, and composed spatial arrangements. The furniture, sourced from Dusty Deco, Made by Choice, NO GA, and Kallemo, echoes this theme with its low, clean lines and structured forms.

Color and Composition

The use of color in the residence is both bold and strategic. A bathroom in the secondary wing of the house embraces a vibrant lemon yellow, accented with copper fixtures and glass bricks that evoke a mid-century optimism without veering into imitation. The primary suite is an exercise in minimalism, set beneath the original lofty ceilings. It offers a loft-style openness with a bathroom that provides unobstructed views of the hills, all while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Art pieces from Creative Art Partners are thoughtfully placed, serving as visual rest points that complement the overall tranquility of the space.

This careful renovation by Ome Dezin respects and revitalizes Whitney R. Smith’s original vision, ensuring that the home’s mid-century modern charm is not only preserved but celebrated with a contemporary sensitivity.