Finishing Touches

I am absolutely head over heels with today's home tour! It's the most excited I've been about a house for a while - so gorgeous! Located in the hills of Los Angeles, when owners Jed Lind and Jessica de Ruiter moved into this house there was a lot that was already there, including custom cabinets and built-in furniture. But it was all their finishing touches that have brought the home to life.

It impresses right from the front door, which features the couple's favourite chevron design in various shades of Douglas fir. At first glance it appears quite a simple entrance, but the layers of texture are quite stunning.

Designed in 1953, the original owner of this home was an artist. His plywood wall unit still remains, although Jed and Jessica have made it theirs by adding shelves, and lower cabinets for their daughter's games. It's a nice way to house the TV without it becoming the feature of the room, which so often is the case.

Step up a level to the sunny living room with the original built-in sofa and end tables.

The Carrara marble bench tops are just breathtaking. The end waterfall doubles as a casual dining spot and a way to separate the kitchen and dining area.

The marble continues up the wall as a splash back, and open shelves house the family's beautiful tableware. Drawers below hide away the pots and pans.

Jed and Jessica built the wall unit and daybed in their son's playroom, which ties in beautifully with the built-in furniture found throughout the house. With lots of drawers and shelving it's such a practical kid's space, and it looks fantastic too.

Another fabulous and practical space is the office which doubles as a guest room. A Murphy bed is discreetly hidden in the wall when not in use, and when needed you just need to move the two chairs and table.

Marble and brass, along with wood and linen, help to create a simple, luxurious bedroom. It's this gorgeous use of texture that makes this home so special.

The marble carries on into the bathroom where a heavy slab of travertine sits beautifully with the golden hues around it.

A bedouin rug that the couple got on their honeymoon in Egypt helps to soften the white cinder block.

The windows have been left bare to make the most of the spectacular views, both out onto the Moroccan-inspired deck, and to the hills beyond.

The tiles are divine, and the chairs are such an interesting shape, but sit quietly so as not to compete with the graphic pattern.

Jed and Jessica planted boxwoods and creeping fig by the pool to add texture and, again, to soften the brickwork. So, what do you think? Are you as inspired and infatuated as me?!

photography by Matthew Williams