Bel Air Residence | Nebihe Cihan Studio
Nebihe Cihan London based - Turkish origin studied interior design at Parsons and her background in living in different cultures gave her a unique sense of style, carrying cultural signs in her design. Her work in Bel Air, Los Angeles in an example of her sophisticated design thinking.
Nestled deep in the foothills of the Santa Monica mountains, in the exclusive Bel Air, lies the ultimate destination home. Designed for the modern art collector, the interiors were inspired by the natural surroundings, with the objective to create a look that is both modern and timeless.
The formidable entrance, mirroring that of a hotel lobby greets guests, leading them to the living room which opens out onto panoramic canyon, ocean and city views. The Annie Morris 8 stack sculpture and the silver-plated brass neon light by Vincenzo De Cotiis in the foyer welcome guests and set the scene.
The interiors complement the indoor-outdoor living, that is so unique to California, with an emphasis on materials that echo those found in nature. Wood, leather, and natural stones take center stage, infusing the interiors with timeless elegance. The neutral color palette running throughout the house provides continuity and enhances the natural light, with a variation on hue and experimentation with texture differentiating each room.
Unique elements inspire and excite, for instance, the travertino venatino Italian claddings featured in the fireplace in the living room. In order to achieve this effect, the pores of the travertine are filled with black stucco and left dry in the stone yard in Italy. This rare backdrop works in unison with the clean lines of theFrench furnishings from Liaigre, whose furniture dominates the interiors of the house, to create a look that is ‘style without being stylish’.
The surrealistic black marble, ‘Ocean Memories’ bench by Mathieu Lehanneur, adds an energy and movement that blurs the boundaries between the interior and exterior.
The bedrooms were created in the style of hotel suites, inspired by the client’s extensive travel. Each bedroom is custom designed by Nebihe Cihan Studio, crafted in Italy by fine Italian millwork, featuring bespoke rugs made in Nepal and incorporating different materials, exploring texture and tone.
Collaborating with the client, Nebihe Cihan Studio curated and sourced all of the artwork, from galleries around the world from Kukje Gallery in Seoul, to Lisson Gallery in London, to Sean Kelly Gallery in NYC, to Galerie Krizinger in Vienna, and Galerie Perrotin in Paris. The central thesis within the house was a soothing color palette with pastel artwork displayed throughout, with the exception of the lounge.
At night time, a glow emanates from the corner of the lobby, inviting you to explore the lounge downstairs. The eclipse neon artwork by Laurent Grasso strategically placed in the periphery of the foyer, screams ‘every house needs a sexy corner’. There is a careful juxtaposition between the upstairs and downstairs, which enables the client to seek refuge and entertain in the evening in the lounge.
Leading to the media room, a commissioned Mickey drawing by Joyce Pensato commands your attention. The monotone lounge, with the black silk sofa and bespoke wall panelling, frame the quirky and provocative artwork by Turner prizewinner, Laure Provost. The only other reference to color in the room, comes in the form of the aquamarine Murano glass necklace by Jean Michele Othoniel, suspended from the wall unit.
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