Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Posh and Practical in Southern California
A designer creates a warm and cozy home for a family’s lifestyle today and in the future
When Israel and Regina Gamburd were ready to build their dream home in Encino, California, they wanted a house that was warm, cozy and layered. But as owners of the company Gamburd, which specializes in home products for independent living, they also knew the importance of a home that incorporates universal or barrier-free design, which makes a property accessible for anyone, regardless of age or physical ability. So the couple tailored their home with structural elements — such as a threshold-free front entry, wide archways, an elevator and a curbless master shower — that will allow them to stay put well into their later years.
Wide oak floors begin in the entry. A console table decorated with blue vases acts as a landing pad for keys and other items. On the stairwell wall hangs the couple’s framed ketubah, or marriage contract. The open door leads to the elevator room, which is finished with wallpaper, wainscoting and a crystal doorknob to keep it from having a commercial feel.
Console: Restoration Hardware; elevator wallpaper: York Wallcoverings
Console: Restoration Hardware; elevator wallpaper: York Wallcoverings
Just off the foyer is the living room, a lavish space with masculine overtones. “My clients wanted a room where men could lounge with cocktails before dinner,” Dolgin says.
With that in mind, a zebra-print rug anchors the room. Two leather chairs and a gray linen sofa contrast nicely. A white bench adds interest.
Light is reflected off the classic mirror and bright white built-ins decorated with a statue of a dog, nesting dolls, organic pieces and jars to collect wine corks or hold candy. All window treatments throughout the house were made using Robert Allen fabric.
Leather chairs and rug: Pottery Barn; sofa, tables and mirror: Restoration Hardware; ceiling fixture: Currey & Company; bench: Noir; wall paint: Agreeable Gray, Sherwin-Williams
With that in mind, a zebra-print rug anchors the room. Two leather chairs and a gray linen sofa contrast nicely. A white bench adds interest.
Light is reflected off the classic mirror and bright white built-ins decorated with a statue of a dog, nesting dolls, organic pieces and jars to collect wine corks or hold candy. All window treatments throughout the house were made using Robert Allen fabric.
Leather chairs and rug: Pottery Barn; sofa, tables and mirror: Restoration Hardware; ceiling fixture: Currey & Company; bench: Noir; wall paint: Agreeable Gray, Sherwin-Williams
A large archway leads to the dining room, which is painted a deep green-blue. “This couple loves to entertain,” Dolgin says. “They host many family holidays and affairs.”
The side chairs were re-covered in mint-green fabric and studded with metal buttons; the captain’s chairs were outfitted in oatmeal with mint-green tape on the bottom of the skirts.
Ceiling fixture: Currey & Company; wall paint: Moody Blue, Sherwin-Williams; table: Restoration Hardware
The side chairs were re-covered in mint-green fabric and studded with metal buttons; the captain’s chairs were outfitted in oatmeal with mint-green tape on the bottom of the skirts.
Ceiling fixture: Currey & Company; wall paint: Moody Blue, Sherwin-Williams; table: Restoration Hardware
In the kitchen and breakfast area, a slightly nautical tone prevails, enhanced by a sailboat on a shelf and light fixtures made of rope and hemp. Dolgin added contrasting textures such as the Carrara marble countertops, a shiny backsplash in light blue and white custom cabinets. The banquette in the breakfast area has storage under the seat. Too much sunlight peeking in? Push a button and lower the automated drapery. On the island, a glorious faucet is a real showstopper.
Chairs: World Market; cabinets: Woodie Woodpecker’s Woodworks; backsplash: Walker Zanger; breakfast area light fixture: Currey & Company; faucet: Waterstone
Chairs: World Market; cabinets: Woodie Woodpecker’s Woodworks; backsplash: Walker Zanger; breakfast area light fixture: Currey & Company; faucet: Waterstone
The teal island is another wow factor. The ceilings are 10 feet high, making the top cabinets too high for practical use, so Dolgin had glass fronts installed and displayed blue accessories behind them.
Island pendants: Shades of Light; island paint color: Grand Canal, Sherwin-Williams
Island pendants: Shades of Light; island paint color: Grand Canal, Sherwin-Williams
The light-filled family room was positioned for easy access from the kitchen. Expansive doors lead to a patio and pool. The couple wanted a sophisticated but cozy vibe where they could hang out with their kids and dogs.
Sectional and chairs: custom-made by Bassett Furniture; light fixture: Currey & Company
Sectional and chairs: custom-made by Bassett Furniture; light fixture: Currey & Company
Israel wanted to do something special and personal in the family room. When home products are delivered to his warehouse, they often arrive on large wooden pallets. “Israel handpicked slabs of wood, and we had a built-in made for the flat-screen,” Dolgin says. “We also used the wood to wrap the ceiling’s beams.”
One of the couple’s more important requests was to have a large master retreat that offers tranquillity and privacy. The solution was to create three separate spaces, each with its own function. The result is something akin to a luxurious hotel suite.
Rug: Safavieh
Rug: Safavieh
In the bed area, Dolgin added elements and furnishings that are soft and chic. The muted gray palette that’s predominant throughout the house continues here, accented with deep shades of blue. The gray-green grasscloth wallcovering is a classic addition.
Chandelier: Currey & Company; mirrored chests: Worlds Away
Chandelier: Currey & Company; mirrored chests: Worlds Away
The sitting area is a cozy space to relax in front of the fireplace with a book or while watching a movie. Behind the TV is a nook with a coffeemaker and refrigerator, enabling the couple to have a morning mug of joe or glass of juice before starting the day.
Tucked just inside the wall cutout on the right is a free-standing tub, which allows for some TV watching while taking a bath.
Marble table: West Elm
Tucked just inside the wall cutout on the right is a free-standing tub, which allows for some TV watching while taking a bath.
Marble table: West Elm
The grasscloth wallcovering continues in the bath area. Dolgin used strong accents that contrast with the plush decor of the bed and sitting area.
His-and-her vanities are adorned with round mirrors in mother-of-pearl. Marble floors and counters keep the look clean and classy.
Mirrors: Made Goods; fixtures: Kohler
His-and-her vanities are adorned with round mirrors in mother-of-pearl. Marble floors and counters keep the look clean and classy.
Mirrors: Made Goods; fixtures: Kohler
The main goal for the shower was to make it opulent but with an age-defying design. The marble-covered space has no door, has a wall-mounted seat, is large enough for a wheelchair and is flush with the floor — no curb.
The homeowners wanted a nursery that was playful but not too juvenile, allowing the decor to be easily updated as their children grow. The choice was to keep it neutral with bursts of yellow.
Furniture: Restoration Hardware; animal masks: Etsy
Furniture: Restoration Hardware; animal masks: Etsy
Each bedroom of the house has its own bathroom. The bursts of yellow reappear in the nursery’s bath.
Who could blame a visitor for overstaying their welcome in this posh guest room? Dolgin says her clients are very family-oriented and have a lot of friends they love hosting. “Their house is where everyone gathers,” she says.
Headboard: AllModern; dresser and nightstands: World Market; lamps: Pottery Barn; corner chair: AllModern
Headboard: AllModern; dresser and nightstands: World Market; lamps: Pottery Barn; corner chair: AllModern
The backyard features a pool, seating area and dining space. The herringboned pavers echo the front walkway.
A metal trellis and arbor are a bit of an industrial touch against the shingles, blending in well even without plants. Once the climbing vines are established, the area will be a work of garden art — and a luxe place to relax after a long day.
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Houzz at a Glance:
Who lives here: Israel and Regina Gamburd, their two children (a newborn and a 2-year-old) and two dogs
Location: Encino, California
Size: 4,300 square feet (399 square meters); five bedrooms, 6½ baths
Cool features: The house has universal design elements suitable for all ages.
The couple collaborated with Shirry Dolgin of ASD Interiors, who designed their office and showrooms. Dolgin handpicked whimsical fabrics and wallpapers, added bursts of color and unique accessories, and selected comfy furniture that is both chic yet functional in the mostly open layout. “In the end, my clients wanted a happy place that would make their family and friends feel comfortable,” Dolgin says.
The couple fell in love with this corner property in 2015, but the existing house needed many updates. They decided to raze it instead and build new. Their home was completed in November 2016.
The warm exterior colors set the tone. Pops of blue, beginning with the garage sconces, patio chairs and front door, were added throughout the house, to what could otherwise have been a bland palette. “When I suggested using the blue as an accent color, the homeowners were all for it,” Dolgin says.
The wood shingles are red cedar. A gently sloping walkway of brick pavers, in a herringbone pattern, leads to the front patio and door, which doesn’t have any steps or curbing.
Shingles: Cedar Valley