Lautner’s Legacy: Designer Finds Sanctuary in Architecturally Significant Los Angeles Home
Table of Contents
A celebrated designer has found a unique haven in a Los Angeles residence deeply connected to its natural surroundings, echoing the principles of architectural icon Frank Lloyd Wright. The home, a testament to the vision of architect John Lautner, serves as both a personal retreat and a source of creative inspiration.
The property’s design is inextricably linked to its challenging location – a narrow, steep plot of land that many would deem unsuitable for construction. This echoes the spirit of Wright’s famed Fallingwater, which dramatically perches over a waterfall in Pennsylvania. Both homes demonstrate a harmonious relationship with nature, simultaneously respecting and integrating with the landscape.
A Metropolis Sanctuary
Despite being located within a bustling metropolis, the residence functions as a true sanctuary for its owner. “It is the opposite of the Paris life we have,” the designer explained, highlighting a desire for a different pace and environment. Daily life includes enjoying the outdoors, with frequent hikes in the Hollywood Hills and along the trails of Coldwater Canyon Park, as well as leisurely outings to the IPIC theaters for a comfortable movie-going experience.
The home’s influence extends beyond leisure, profoundly impacting the designer’s work. So comfortable is he in his surroundings that he has largely abandoned a dedicated office space, preferring to work throughout the house. “I love to make my drawings everywhere—at the kitchen table, out on the terrace,” he shared. The seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces is a key feature, with expansive glass doors blurring the lines between the two. “You open the big glass doors and go out on the terrace and you forget if you are inside or outside. It is like the whole house is a studio.”
Inspiration and the Creative Process
This architectural environment directly fuels the designer’s creative process. When conceptualizing new collections intended to be showcased alongside significant architectural works, he actively considers the attire appropriate for those spaces. This same principle applies to his personal life in Los Angeles. “In my head I am inventing the perfect wardrobe for that house,” he revealed, demonstrating how the home itself inspires his design aesthetic.
The residence, built around enormous old trees and featuring a spiral staircase leading to the primary suite and another descending to the pool and its deck, is more than just a house; it’s a deeply personal space. The designer describes leaving the home for Paris as “like saying goodbye to a person you love,” underscoring the emotional connection forged with this remarkable architectural achievement.
Hair products by Rōz; grooming products by Boy De Chanel (Kuhse), Kypris (designer); hair, Benjamin Terry; grooming, Kimberly Bragalone; manicures, Ronna Jones. Produced on location by Connect the Dots. For details, go to VF.com/credits.
