Designer Crush: A Pinch of Humor in Beverly Hills

A friend once said that humor was the only thing that mattered in interior design. That it was a deciding factor in whether or not a space became memorable. While we might not have agreed on what humor in interior design actually meant, I do agree that a certain level quirkiness makes a house stand out from the crowd. Think of Kelly Wearstler or Miles Redd who are both wildly unconventional yet completely memorable. Architect and interior designer Daniel Romualdez also understands this.

You may remember Romualdez from Aerin Lauder's Aspen Ski Condo, or from this infamous Madison Ave Tory Burch flagship store. This is his one of his latest projects, his own LA winter getaway (he also has a Manhattan apartment and a compound of weathered cedar-shingle cottages in the Hamptons). Though life eh?

The art displayed throughout the house is unmistakeably quirky and devoid of any seriousness. The INSTANT painting is by Sarah Morris.

I love the subdued classicism here. A great way to subvert the architecture's minimal character. The John Dickinson lamps contribute to the place's humoristic character.

Another work of art upon which to smile and ponder. The Richard Dupont sculpture is the perfect eye catcher in this sun-filled room.

Romualdez's fascination with interiors started with his mom's glossy shelter mags in the 70s - which were then filled with flocks of Lalanne sheeps. It comes as no surprise then that Romualdez needed one of his own...

I'm amazed at how much I love this dining room. I'm usually not a fan of clean lines and one of my biggest pet peeves is the lack of a rug. But in this space, somehow it works. It's the perfect balance between maximalism and minimalism.

The kitchen is hidden behind sliding mirrored doors. Now that's what I call brilliance. It's the perfect compromise between having an open plan living area to accommodate day to day life and having a place to hide dirty dishes when entertaining. And another thing to add to my dream house list.

The bed in the master bedroom was designed by Romualdez himself. The four posts are gilded and the headboard is cowhide. Nothing too fancy for the master bedroom... I think I even spy shagreen bedside tables.

And a shagreen desk!

We've seen art hung on bookcases, in front of window but this, to me is a first. This photo by McDermott & McGough is strategically placed between the two sinks. A "clin d'oeil" to vanity perhaps?

This room was the subject of my favorite part of the Architectural Digest interview: “I wanted one dark, cozy room where on a gray day, when the view can be oppressive, I could sit and look out at the trees.”

Yet another guest room I wouldn't mind staying in for a few days... Perhaps a bit more on the serious side but after all, it's all about accommodating guests isn't it?

The upper pool is to be turned into a hot tub while the other pool, surrounded by sago palms, contribute to the perfection of this quirky retreat.

Oh sunny California. You will never cease to impress me. View the entire article on Architectural Digest.