Pink velvet lounge chairs near an open wooden staircase. Art lines the white walls near the chairs.

January 27, 2023

Words: Carlene Olsen

Photography: Bruce Damonte

A 1920s Home That Doubles as a Work of Art

For a 1920s home with high ceilings and garden views, designer Alison Damonte did not hold back. With input from the homeowners, a couple with two young children, a strong dialog between color and geometry quickly emerged. “They are very drawn to bold, saturated colors, minimalism, and the Colorfield art movement,” shares Damonte. “As such, we treated the project like a modern piece of art in the style of Ellsworth Kelly or Spencer Finch—both artists collected by the client.”

The historic home, updated by Malcolm Davis Architecture about 10 years ago, presented a unique framework within which to work, which Damonte leaned into with her design. “The whole project speaks to the element of surprise,” she continues. “The facade is classic 1920s but when you walk through the front door the interiors and the furnishings are unexpected. The clients have a fearless sensibility.”

As collectors of abstract art, the homeowners were drawn to colorful, statement-making furnishings. International Klein Blue, a hue first mixed by artist Yves Klein, serves as a uniting theme throughout, making appearances in furnishings, upholstery, drapes, and accessories. There’s also a clear connection to the outdoors with plenty of natural light. The living room opens to the yard, offering access to the pool and nearby pool house, outfitted with furnishings and fabrics made to withstand the elements.

With works by Banksy, Erin O’Keefe and Spencer Finch on display, neutral colored walls create a gallerylike backdrop, enabling each piece to pop. As for furnishings and accents, many were custom designed, nodding to the artists in the client’s home collection. From rainbow stairs to shapely seating, the home invites a sense of play, nurturing creativity from the ground up.

  • A wooden table surrounded by pale pink, gray, and white chairs. A vibrant painting lines the wall.
    The dining table is by Holly Hunt with chairs by Mattiazzi and a pendant by Lindsay Adelman. The painting is by Ruth Pastine.
  • Pink velvet lounge chairs near an open wooden staircase. Art lines the white walls near the chairs.
    The entryway features lounge chairs by Coup D’Etat San Francisco and a side table by Glas Italia. Art is by Erin O’Keefe and Banksy.
  • A view into the living room from the french opens at dusk.
    French doors open into the family room.
  • An ottoman with a hypnotic pattern of black wavy lines pops against ombre blue drapes.
    In the family room, the ottoman and drapes are custom.
  • A gray sectional wraps around the room with a wooden coffee table and a leafy tree in the corner.
    The sectional is by Minotti via Arkitektura with a side table by e15.
  • A bed with white sheets near a wooden side table with a white lamp.
    The home features a primary suite as well as a guest room in addition to the children’s rooms.
  • In the boy's room, a twin bed sits atop of cream rug with triangular patterns. A blue armchair with stuffed animals is in the corner.
    The boy’s room features an area rug by Peace Industry with a lounge chair by Bensen.
  • The pool house opens to the pool with an open wall cloaked by yellow drapes. A cream sectional sits on a blue rug.
    The pool house features custom drapes along with ottomans by Paola Lenti via DZine, an area rug by Sutherland Perennials, and a sofa by Roda via Arkitektura.
  • In the garden, a wooden dining table is surrounded by gray chairs.
    In the garden, the dining table is by Roda with chairs by Sutherland Perennials.
A bright pink armchair pops next to a palm tree on a rug with subtle yellow and cream circles.
A bright pink armchair enlivens a corner of the home.
Rainbow steps add pops of color to this narrow stairway.
Rainbow hues turn this narrow stairway into a point of visual interest.
A nursery with floral wallpaper and a bunny lamp with a gray crib.
The nursery features wallpaper by Flat Vernacular.
A curved seafoam green sofa near a work of colorful abstract art.
A seafoam green custom sofa in the primary bedroom with tables from Meritalia via The Future Perfect.
A blue inspired by the shade mixed by artist Yves Klein lines the bathroom wall with a white sink basin and oval mirror.
A blue inspired by the shade mixed by artist Yves Klein lines the bathroom wall.

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