Stunning Modernist Pedigree: Studio OSKLO Preserves Iconic Style in Trousdale Estate Home

Sharp contours, sleek designs, and flawless surfaces. Dwellings where vast stretches seamlessly blend into awe-inspiring landscapes. Situated atop Beverly Hills—where the structured layout of Los Angeles transitions into the shadows of canyons and the sparkle of city lights—Trousdale Estates stands as a prime example of Mid-Century Modern architecture in Southern California. Established in 1954 by Paul Trousdale, this community quickly became a magnet for Hollywood’s top celebrities and the architects who were pivotal in shaping postwar Californian modernism. Here, homes were designed as linear layouts: one-story buildings sprawling across the terrain, featuring flat roofs, large glass panels, and simple geometric forms that highlighted rather than overshadowed the panoramic views.

In this historic neighborhood, the founders of Studio OSKLO, Arya and Alex Nazarian, stumbled upon what they immediately deemed an extraordinary piece of architecture: a 1966 post-and-beam house designed by Benton & Parks. “Right from our first glimpse of the residence, we were captivated,” they shared. “It stood out as one of the most authentic examples of mid-century architecture we had encountered in our careers or explorations.”

For the duo—avid collectors, designers, and proponents of design history—the aim was not to transform but to conserve. The project evolved into an endeavor of safeguarding the architectural integrity of the original building while incorporating a modern layer that reflected their progressive work with OSKLO.

Encompassing about 6,000 square feet all on one level, the residence is laid out in a sequence of courtyards and extended views. Its architectural plan consists of two reverse U-shapes: one encloses the entrance courtyard and a Japanese-style atrium, while the other encircles an angular swimming pool and garden facing the Santa Monica Mountains and the distant lights of Century City. A passageway by the atrium links three guest suites with the main bedroom, and another bedroom is positioned near the kitchen, close to a pool bath and an exterior cabana.

Central to Trousdale’s architectural essence are courtyards, glass walkways, and open vistas. Local regulations famously mandated that homes maintain a single-story profile to preserve views, thus creating structures that harmonize impressive scale with lateral modesty. The OSKLO residence continues this tradition with its visible structural steel exterior, extensive glass features, and an impressive circular glass wall in the main bedroom that offers views of the pool.

Exceptionally preserved—having only been renovated once since the 1960s—the home underwent a restoration that was both respectful and inventive. Original stonework was maintained where feasible, and new features were crafted based on historical models found throughout the neighborhood. Sculptural urns are placed by the entrance, and bespoke ironwork reflects decorative patterns still seen along the curving roads of Trousdale.

The interior design merges a variety of mid-century styles. Italian modern lighting fixtures from the 1960s hang over the dining table, while the bar area features a distinct Hollywood Regency flair. In the main suite, joinery and stone fixtures pay homage to British designer David Hicks, with subtle influences from Pierre Cardin, Achille Castiglioni, and Arne Jacobsen in the custom-made screens and seating arrangements.

The color scheme updates the era’s style without falling into nostalgia. Preserved saw-cut concrete floors are paired with softer oak to temper the strictness of the architectural lines. Creamy whites and soft earthy tones predominate, accented by darker plaster in areas like the TV room and main bedroom. Fireplaces covered in limestone and travertine reflect the granite colors of the nearby Hollywood Hills.

Outside, the Nazarians added a particularly poetic touch: a stylized Japanese garden inspired by their travels. The central atrium features imported grasses that create a carpet-like effect, interspersed with four sculptural bonsai pines. This lush greenery, visible from the living room, dining area, and corridor, serves as a central visual focus for the home’s layout.

Additional subtle changes include a retractable canopy cabana that forms a concealed outdoor lounge on the lawn, and a uniquely shaped TV room enhanced with a travertine divider that includes pivoting marble panels, concealing a compact library and office space behind the media area.

For the Nazarians, this multi-layered approach reflects the philosophy behind their inaugural furniture collection, the Trousdale Collection. Influenced by the area’s iconic architecture and the interaction of urban views, coastal vegetation, and eroding granite landscapes, the collection transforms the ambiance of the home into sculptural elements.

In essence, the project embodies the lesson inherent in Trousdale Estates itself: great architecture is not something to be overwritten, but to be extended. By preserving the core of a significant mid-century structure while thoughtfully enhancing its narrative, the OSKLO House demonstrates that architectural heritage can be not only maintained but also vibrantly perpetuated.

Photography courtesy of Douglas Friedman.