Sunset’s 2019 Idea House Gets Outfitted by L.A. Designer Superstars ETC.etera
Ocean breezes and organic modernism come together when Sunset’s Santa Monica Canyon Idea House gets outfitted by L.A. design superstars ETC.etera.
Light, Clean, and Full of Surprises
Inspired by the vibrancy of the coast, the 21st annual Idea House is an exercise in contrasts. Los Angeles–based interior design firm ETC.etera played off of the home’s structural palate—clean, contemporary lines, natural, restrained materials—by adding bold furnishings to saturate and soften the space. “We wanted to do our take on a classic California interior,” said Jake Rodehuth-Harrison of ETC.etera, who has worked with partner Sally Breer since 2015. “That meant a playful twist incorporating fun Seventies and Eighties elements.” Here, the arches of the console by Martin and Brockett play nicely with the right angles of the wooden steps. The stairs, by ViewRail, lead to the second floor, allowing light from the open concept kitchen and living room to flow through to the entry foyer.
House Details
Home Total Square Footage: 3,794
Number of Bathrooms: Three
Number of Bedrooms: Four
Great Design
“Great design is all about contrasts: old and new; inside and outside; linear and curved. We work well together because we each bring something different to the table.” —Sally Breer and Jake Rodehuth-Harrison of ETC.etera design
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Living Room
Developer and owner Gary Hewson chose expansive floor-to-ceiling windows to embrace the Santa Monica Canyon location, blurring the boundaries between outdoor and in. The result: an abundance of unobstructed canyon and ocean views, whether you’re relaxing in the living room, enjoying the L-shaped deck outside of the master bedroom, or on the third floor enjoying the 1,500-square-foot roof deck.
The newly constructed home is filled with right angles and tonal accents, so ETC.etera’s goal was to “soften the edges a bit with rounded furniture, textural materials, and a few unexpected elements,” said Rodehuth-Harrison. The wicker chairs were a nod to the woven trends of the 1970s. “I think it’s safe to say we all grew up with something rattan in our childhood homes.” The wall mural is from Drop It Modern.
Guest Room
“I love the sunrise wall mural,” says Rodehuth-Harrison. “It’s such an easy thing to execute, but really transforms that bedroom into something special, especially considering how simple the furniture is.”
Master Sitting Area
“The wood sculpture by Dan John Anderson in the corner feels like a wink to the outside trees you see through the big LaCantina windows, which is really fun,” said Rodehuth-Harrison. (LaCantina is a Sunset Idea House partner.)
Roof Deck
Unobstructed views of the Santa Monica Canyon and Pacific Ocean are the draw atop the structure. The furnishings are a mixture of pieces from Thos. Baker.
Master Closet
The Container Store’s Avera custom closet system features full-extension drawers that open at a touch, back panels that complete the look, and LED lighting. (The Container Store is a Sunset Idea House partner.)
Master Bath
The master bathroom lets natural light flow in via a skylight and long, horizontal windows strategically placed high up.
Master Bedroom
Inspired by the light and airy interiors, ETC.etera created a timeless design with a nod to the vibe of life in the canyon in the early 1980s. Lighting by Lamps Plus (a Sunset Idea House partner) illuminates a wall mural by Drop It Modern and bedding from Parachute. The mattress is by Avocado Green Mattress, also a Sunset Idea House partner.
Kitchen Island
When designing his dream kitchen, Hewson wanted a space fit for entertaining. He kept it clean and simple by utilizing marble slabs and light cabinetry, and all the appliances are integrated. The black-and-satin-nickel pendant lights above the island are from Lamps Plus and provide a bit of curvature in an otherwise linear design. The same goes for the birch plywood high armchairs by Waka Waka.
Resources
Furniture, Accessories:
Method Home, a Sunset Idea House partner
Moen, a Sunset Idea House partner
Thos. Baker, a Sunset Idea House partner (Now part of Gracious Home.)
Bedding:
Floors:
Cabinetry:
Tile:
Art:
Smart Home:
SONOS, a Sunset Idea House partner
Outdoor Fireplaces:
Roof Deck Flooring:
