Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Los Angeles Condo Gives Green the Go
A profusion of leafy textiles, jade-painted pieces and green trellis patterns create a fresh feel against crisp white backdrops
Interior designer Michelle Workman had her work cut out for her during this project. Her client, who had recently lost her husband, was away during the decision-making process of the condominium's redesign. They communicated entirely via e-mail, and although the process was out of the ordinary for Workman, she successfully reimagined her client's home — updating vintage items, marrying traditional pieces with contemporary additions and adding a dash of Hollywood Regency style.
"I was concerned that my client wasn't there to see the gradual changes like all my other clients had in the past. But when she finally arrived in L.A. from a six-month hiatus, she was awestruck by the transformation. She nearly sobbed in happiness," says Workman.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A female client
Location: West Hollywood, Los Angeles
Size: 1,700 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
"I was concerned that my client wasn't there to see the gradual changes like all my other clients had in the past. But when she finally arrived in L.A. from a six-month hiatus, she was awestruck by the transformation. She nearly sobbed in happiness," says Workman.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A female client
Location: West Hollywood, Los Angeles
Size: 1,700 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Workman designed the living room to have a cozy, library-type feel.
This secretary, flanked by John Boone side chairs covered in monstera leaf textiles, was a reproduction piece the client was willing to modify because it held too many memories of her late husband.
Workman had it refinished and replaced the old hardware with chrome pieces "so that it could have a second life. I like that I gave her something familiar yet utterly transformed," she says. "She can make new memories with the repurposed piece and let go of the tougher memories associated with the original furniture."
Workman had it refinished and replaced the old hardware with chrome pieces "so that it could have a second life. I like that I gave her something familiar yet utterly transformed," she says. "She can make new memories with the repurposed piece and let go of the tougher memories associated with the original furniture."
The Lee Jofa Laurence sofa has a ribbon edge trim in the same green hue. The imperial trellis armchairs and the leafy textiles of the side chairs add interest to the otherwise crisp and clean look of the white furnishings.
Coffee table: vintage, client's; Morocco accent tables, Drake floor lamp: Shine by S.H.O.
Coffee table: vintage, client's; Morocco accent tables, Drake floor lamp: Shine by S.H.O.
"I have to say that the Donghia Geneva chaise by the custom built-in bookcase is my favorite 'moment' in the living room," Workman says.
Chaise fabric: Edinburgh Weavers Chinoise; jellyfish throw pillows: Pablo Mekis Artisan Pillows; built-in bookcase: custom, Michelle Workman Interiors; horsehead lamp: Belmont, Shine by S.H.O.
Chaise fabric: Edinburgh Weavers Chinoise; jellyfish throw pillows: Pablo Mekis Artisan Pillows; built-in bookcase: custom, Michelle Workman Interiors; horsehead lamp: Belmont, Shine by S.H.O.
Carrara marble countertops, a ceramic backsplash and custom chromed Chinese brass hardware up the glam factor in the galley kitchen.
The handmade branch chandelier (what Workman calls a "branchelier") gives the perfectly scaled and balanced dining area a welcome taste of disorder.
Dining table: Helix Rebirth, custom designed by Michelle Workman Interiors; Woodhouse dining chairs: Jonathan Adler; buffet: Cary, Shine by S.H.O.
Dining table: Helix Rebirth, custom designed by Michelle Workman Interiors; Woodhouse dining chairs: Jonathan Adler; buffet: Cary, Shine by S.H.O.
Workman designed the headboard, bedding and end-of-bed bench. The Sister Parish fainting chair and ottoman in Brunswchig & Fils Cathay Toile offer a place for reading the morning paper without leaving the comfort of the master bedroom.
Bedside tables and lamps: Gold Essex, Shine by S.H.O.; wallpaper: Tropical Isle, Decorators Walk
Bedside tables and lamps: Gold Essex, Shine by S.H.O.; wallpaper: Tropical Isle, Decorators Walk
A leafy bedroom corner vignette brings the outside indoors. "I love how clean and fresh the space feels when you are there," Workman says. "You can almost smell the various greens when you enter."
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