Jessie Vargas
It was pre-pandemic when the Los Angeles–based interior designer Oliver M. Furth’s clients approached him about updating their new home in the coveted flats of Beverly Hills. The couple rented for a while before stumbling upon the two-story Georgian-style property set on nearly half an acre in the heart of the 90210 zip code. The home was built in 1929; its original style was still somewhat evident, but it had been remodeled a number of times over the years, and many of the period details had been covered up or removed entirely.
“We were looking at a sort of Paul Williams aesthetic,” says Furth, referring to the famed Los Angeles architect who once designed homes for Frank Sinatra, Barbara Stanwyck, and Lucille Ball. “Initially, there was a very structured foundation for the design, but, as we began the installation, we decided to be a bit more playful based on the current state of events,” he says. Designer Oliver M. Furth mixed modern and contemporary pieces in the entry hall, including the vintage Philip Arctander Clam chair from J.F.
Furth began with a nod to old Hollywood by laying the Carrara and Nero Marquina marble checkerboard flooring, which extends throughout much of the main level. Playing with contrasts of color and textures, Furth created the ultimate lounge space worthy of a Fifth Avenue penthouse.
“I gave the walls this beautiful Manila Hemp grass cloth from Phillip Jeffries—with its ‘Triscuit’ texture—and set it off by lacquering the ceiling in Pratt & Lambert’s high-gloss lacquer in Gun Powder.” He then juxtaposed the custom upholstered “lipstick pink” Romo Linara linen sofa against the antique Mashad rug to accentuate the New York vibe the homeowners wanted.
The checkerboard floor is a perfect complement to the custom cabinets in Benjamin Moore’s Black Satin high gloss and the white subway tiles. The hand-painted Roman shade is from Porter Teleo, the seats are vintage Bride’s Veil counter stools from Galerie Twentieth, the Lariat pendant is from Apparatus, and the appliances are Wolf. “The existing country-style kitchen had been redone in the ’80s, complete with hand-painted tiles depicting farm animals,” Furth adds with a laugh.
A Quincy chandelier from Circa Lighting hangs overhead, and the custom shades were designed with World Linen fabric and Samuel & Sons grosgrain trim. An antique Chinese sideboard and Davis Allen for Knoll Exeter spindle chairs add to the room’s glamour.
We wanted people to feel comfortable, not only physically, but emotionally.” For the wall color he chose Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal and had a matching custom high-gloss lacquer made for the ceiling.
“This space was heading in one direction—we had plans for beautiful hand-painted silverleaf wallpaper and fancy curtains—but the pandemic was in full swing and we switched gears,” the designer recalls. In contrast to the some of the more colorful rooms, Furth chose a combination of Farrow & Ball’s All White flat and high gloss for the walls and ceiling. The White Peonies wallpaper is by Design Alliance, the Anette swing-arm sconces are from Circa Lighting, and the antique faux bamboo Italian ottoman is from J.F.
Furth outfitted this space, which serves as the main powder room for guests, with gilt brass and gold fixtures and accessories in homage to 1930s glamour. The custom circular wire mirror, with handmade ceramic beads by Marie Christophe, was commissioned by the husband as a gift for his wife.
The Ann Sacks marble herringbone tile floor is the perfect contrast to the cabinetry painted in Pratt & Lambert’s Gun Powder. “There’s a tight language to this home that’s repeated throughout, with all the marble, shiny lacquered cabinets and walls, the very clean ivory linen window shades, and gilt brass and gold fixtures.”
