Newly constructed in 2024, this modern rustic villa makes quite an impression in its Valley Village setting. Just 6 miles from Tinseltown, the Los Angeles suburb is peaceful and residential and offered the perfect plot to build a luxurious five bedroom house.
Yet with its contemporary twist on Tuscan-style house design, and modern Mediterranean interior design, this is no ordinary family home. Shlomi Sfadia of SLS Properties, who designed the home, takes inspiration from his travels all over the world, and for this particular property, he drew on trips to Italy. Take the tour, as he explains how, with a house that perfectly combines rustic, organic, and modern style notes, he brought La Dolce Vita to California.
'I wanted to create a home that transports you to a different place once stepped inside,' says Shlomi, founder of SLS Properties. 'In order to achieve this, I had to come up with creative ways of giving the home character and warmth, even though it is brand new.'
The kitchen ideas mix white oak cabinetry with natural plaster walls to set the Mediterranean tone.
At the heart of an open-plan family room layout, the kitchen island offers sightlines into the living, dining and main kitchen spaces. Classic modern farmhouse kitchen island ideas here include a white countertop with built in stovetop, set opposite open shelves, incorporating rustic pegs and the kitchen sink.
At the opposite side of the open-plan room, Shlomi placed a calm seating space. Living room ideas that nod to Shlomi's Tuscan inspiration include a classic Mediterranean-revival arched fireplace. The natural lime plaster walls are a great way to soften the look of a newly constructed property, and lend themselves well to a rustic and organic look. Alcove shelves made of reclaimed wood add a characterful patina.
With over a decade in real estate, Shlomi Sfadia's company, SLS Properties, specializes in luxurious developments like this one, blending timeless elegance with modern innovation to create exceptional living spaces.
Viewing the living room from the kitchen it becomes clear just how spacious this first floor living area is. An expanse of natural wood flooring and a wall of sliding glass doors overlooking the landscaped backyard add to that sense of space, as Shlomi explains: 'The outdoor area is very important. I designed the landscaping to be a continuation of the Tuscan feel and all the details come together to be cohesive.'
Although the downstairs living space is designed on an open plan, there is still a clear sense of specific and purposeful zones. The dining room ideas for instance are set into a cozy and intimate alcove, which still retains an airy sense of well-proportioned space thanks to the elegant arched window. Another classic Mediterranean-style arch shapes the staircase ideas.
And while we're talking cozy details, take a look at one of the home's true highlights – the upstairs landing and its rustic lime plaster fireplace with further arch detailing. Treating an upstairs landing like a room in its own right is one of the most popular staircase trends right now, and who wouldn't want to relax with a book on that built-in bench seat? The plaster finish here is by Meoded.
Rustic and textural details and finishes bring life and interest to the neutral primary bedroom ideas. The wall behind the bedhead has been given a contemporary paneled look, which bridges the gap between the rustic lime plaster walls and the more modern villa treatment. Steel-framed glass doors and a balcony maintain a close connection with the landscape.
Even in the primary bathroom, the exterior landscape is a major consideration – just look at the position of the freestanding tub. 'The bathroom walls throughout the house – there are 7 bathrooms in total – are lined with the kind of plaster finish that was used in Morocco historically. It is very clean and minimal,' says Shlomi.
Backyard ideas are central to the Tuscan look and feel. The landscaping is a crucial element, says Shlomi. 'Plants commonly found in Tuscan villas were incorporated, such as olive trees, cypress, rosemary and lavender.'
While most of the house relies on a natural and neutral palette, step inside the pool house and there's a far bolder color treatment going on, which wouldn't look out of place in a real Tuscan farmhouse or villa.
The pool house floor is a limestone flagstone sourced from Eco-Outdoor, which continues outside into the patio area. Like the main house, the walls are lime plaster finish in a rich wine color. All the cabinets are custom white oak, and the high vaulted ceilings are finished with reclaimed wood beams.
In fact, this boldly colored space is Shlomi's favorite part of the project, 'That is the space where I stepped out of my comfort zone and made it very unique,' he says.
Architecture and interior design: SLS Properties Inc (founded by Shlomi Sfadia)
Photography: Todd Goodman from LA Light
-
French drains vs dry wells – which is best for backyard water management?You have to consider French drains vs dry wells when sorting our your garden drainage. I spoke to a pro landscaper about which is best for different gardens
-
How to balance airflow in your home to maximize your heating this winterIt'll help lower your energy bills
