Sophisticated but practical would be an appropriate description of the large new family home in Laurel Canyon with interior design by West Hollywood-based Studio Lifestyle. But it is much more than that. Behind the holistic look are layers and layers of solutions reached through hundreds of decisions and negotiations, yet it all looks like a cohesive entity.

We love the overall livability of the house. Although it is opulent and luxurious it was designed to be lived in, not just to be photographed for media or showcased for guests. We also love the classy and subtle use of colour. It is not the tiresome and pretentious ?splashes of colour? but instead the colours give definition and character to each area and add to the sense of personality to the home. And although there is a lot of space, the designers have included several space-saving solutions and built-ins, from the U-shaped, wall-mounted old-green leather seating in a three-windowed alcove, to the multiple built-in shelving units and custom-built closets.
Exposed beams, skylights and engaging views from room to room add interest and create a flow that helps separate the areas. The client, a family of four ? a couple and their two small boys ? had lived around the world including in Australia and the UK for almost two decades. They decided to return to Los Angeles, the original home city of the father of the family, to settle and build a home that would be their primary residence for many years to come.
For the in...