To avoid creating a time capsule decor one must breathe contemporary life into a vintage home while preserving its historic splendor.

 

When I see a house like the one shown above, I long to go inside. Old houses feel so authentic. They creak, they are full of surprises, they feel solid and stable. They often have a wonderful aged smell that has come together after many years of wax, perfume, smoke, and dust. I often wonder what has happened inside those thick walls. Not all old houses are magical, but the ones that are, should be cared for with delicacy.

It is interesting to see how a vintage house has been decorated. Once inside, I am often disappointed. Either the house has been frozen in time or more commonly it has been stripped of its special features. That being said, decorating old houses is a difficult task. Not many do it well. How does one achieve a design that is exceptional and new while including original schemes? Since my last post, I have been contemplating my definition of a time capsule. Assuming the connotation is negative, it would be a stereotypical design of a certain era. Casa del Herrero defies that description by its singularity. It was created by a forward thinking individual. Although it was built in the 1920’s, it was unlike other houses of the time in many ways.

There is no joy in generic.

Looking at real estate websites one often sees whitewashed living rooms like the photo above. This room could by anywhere in the US right now. Design is the same from West to East, North to South.

Another house that stands apart is Villa Vallombrosa, the home of Annie Kelly and Tim Street-Porter. Kelly is a talented designer and Street-Porter is a sought after photographer. They live in a home built in 1929 of Italianate style, designed by Nathan Coleman. This house has a lengthy Hollywood history which is discussed in a video I have attached below.

The exterior could be a movie set for a Hollywood romance.

Villa Vallombrosa successfully balances the old with a careful measure of new. That is how it escapes looking stuck in time. Instead it seems to surpass time altogether elevating to a dreamy space. All photos of Villa Vallombrosa are by Tim Street-Porter.

The bedroom AND bathroom.

Many vintage houses have had their bathrooms gutted replacing them with the tile du jour. Currently, that is white marble or zellige. While I am a huge fan of zellige, it isn’t the best choice for every situation. It is very trendy so using it requires a thoughtful approach to create something uncommon. Because it is trending now, it will date a renovation to this time period.

A lovely John Anson Ford hacienda, 1933, is currently on the market in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. I adore this bathroom. The black diagonal base tile, floor to ceiling banana-colored rectangular tile, and the striking eggplant sink and tub. It is so unique. Thanks to the owners for its preservation.

Unfortunately, original baths often don’t relate to what is happening in the adjacent rooms. This bedroom partners with the previous bathroom. While it is very nice and surely will appeal to current interested parties, to me it is a missed opportunity. It does not continue the conversation that has begun in the bathroom.

This Villa Vallambrosa bedroom masterfully partners with a vintage bathroom. The damask wallpaper reminds one of their elegant grandmother, but the off center chandelier, bobbin lamps, and one modern artwork interject the present into this room.

Wendy Goodman is a fan of the Villa calling it the most romantic house in Hollywood. Watch her interview here.

A favorite house of mine designed by Annie Kelly is this Hancock Park beauty. The couple have numerous design books for sale. They are all wonderful. Casa Mexicana is my long time favorite.

Casa V Interiors strives to create homes of timeless design that will stand the passage of time.