How Does This Los Angeles Villa Blend Rustic and Modern Design?

January 2, 2025

Nestled in the serene suburban setting of Valley Village, Los Angeles, a newly constructed modern rustic villa stands as a testament to the seamless blend of contemporary Italian design and relaxed Californian living. Designed by Shlomi Sfadia of SLS Properties, this five-bedroom home draws heavy inspiration from Italian Tuscan and Mediterranean styles, showcasing a unique blend of rustic, organic, and modern elements.

The Vision Behind the Design

Shlomi Sfadia’s Design Philosophy

Shlomi Sfadia’s extensive travels have significantly influenced his design philosophy. His vivid experiences of Italy are reflected in this particular home, which merges global travel influences into architectural design. The importance of creating character and warmth in new constructions is central to his approach, ensuring that each project exudes a unique charm. Sfadia believes that every home should evoke a sense of history and comfort, even if it’s newly built, which is why he meticulously selects materials and design elements that contribute to this vision. This approach is evident in the Valley Village villa, where rustic and modern elements coexist harmoniously.

Integrating Global Influences

The villa’s design is a harmonious blend of rustic and modern elements, drawing heavily from Italian Tuscan and Mediterranean styles. This integration of global influences is evident in the strategic use of materials and design choices that create a cohesive living space. The home’s ambiance is transportive, immediately striking visitors with its creative and thoughtful design. From the moment one steps inside, the villa feels like a journey through Sfadia’s favorite travel destinations. Each room tells a story, with textures and colors reminiscent of the sun-drenched Italian countryside and serene Mediterranean retreats, making the home not only beautiful but also richly immersive.

Interior Design and Layout

The Open-Plan Family Room

The kitchen, a focal point of the open-plan family room layout, exemplifies modern farmhouse aesthetics with white oak cabinetry and natural plaster walls. This design resonates deeply with Mediterranean influences, promoting a sense of fluidity and openness. The kitchen island provides sightlines to the adjacent living and dining areas, encouraging interaction and seamless movement between spaces. The white countertop with a built-in stovetop opposite open shelves and rustic pegs contributes to the farmhouse feel. This thoughtful arrangement allows for visual coherence extending from the kitchen to the dining space while maintaining a cohesive, open environment that encourages family interaction.

Rustic and Inviting Seating Area

Complementing the kitchen is a serene seating area marked by a classic Mediterranean-revival arched fireplace. Natural lime plaster walls and alcove shelves crafted from reclaimed wood add to the patina, enhancing the authenticity of the rustic theme. This space infuses the home with a rustic yet inviting character, creating a warm and welcoming environment. The arched fireplace, in particular, serves as a focal point, drawing family members and guests to sit, relax, and enjoy the ambiance. The use of reclaimed wood not only adds character but also reflects a commitment to sustainability, a hallmark of modern rustic design.

First-Floor Living Area

Expansive and Open Layout

The first-floor living area is expansive, with natural wood flooring and a wall of sliding glass doors that afford views of the landscaped backyard. This design choice amplifies the feeling of spaciousness, ensuring that the outdoor area extends the Tuscan ambiance. Every detail contributes to a cohesive aesthetic, blending indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. Adjoining the living spaces is a dining room set in an intimate alcove, which retains an airy feel due to an elegantly arched window. This juxtaposition of expansive openness and cozy nooks creates a dynamic living environment that’s both comfortable and visually intriguing.

Defined Zones for Functionality

Despite the open-plan format, distinct zones are clearly defined to ensure purposeful and functional layouts. The dining room, set in an intimate alcove, retains an airy feel due to an elegantly arched window. Another Mediterranean-style arch defines the staircase, further enriching the home’s cohesive design language. These arches not only serve as beautiful design elements but also functionally guide movement through the space, creating a fluid but organized flow. The strategic placement of these zones ensures that each area serves its purpose while contributing to the overall harmonious design of the home.

Upstairs Retreats

Cozy Landing Area

A striking feature of the upstairs landing is a rustic lime plaster fireplace with arch detailing, transforming the landing into a cozy retreat. This approach aligns with contemporary staircase trends that treat landings as functional living spaces. With a built-in bench seat, this area becomes an inviting spot for relaxation. The arched design of the fireplace not only mirrors the Mediterranean influences found throughout the house but also adds an element of surprise, turning a typically overlooked space into a warm, functional retreat that encourages lingering and relaxation.

Primary Bedroom and Bathroom

The primary bedroom continues the home’s theme, featuring rustic and textural details that lend vibrancy to its neutral palette. The contemporary paneled wall behind the bedhead balances the rustic lime plaster walls with the modern villa aesthetic. In the primary bathroom, the freestanding tub is strategically positioned to maximize views of the exterior landscape, maintaining a clean, minimal look with a plaster finish inspired by historic Moroccan techniques. The blend of rustic elements and modern amenities in the primary bedroom and bathroom exemplifies the home’s overall design approach, creating luxurious spaces that remain grounded in their rustic and organic roots.

Outdoor Spaces and Landscaping

Tuscan-Inspired Backyard

The backyard is a central component in realizing the Tuscan-inspired vision. Shlomi emphasized the incorporation of plants commonly found in Tuscan villas, such as olive trees, cypress, rosemary, and lavender, to authenticate the home’s exterior ambiance. This thoughtful landscaping ensures that the outdoor area complements the overall design. The inclusion of these plants not only enhances the aesthetic but also contributes practical benefits such as shade, scent, and sound, creating a multi-sensory experience that reinforces the home’s connection to Tuscan and Mediterranean traditions. The backyard thus becomes an extension of the indoor spaces, offering a serene retreat that aligns perfectly with the home’s rustic elegant vibe.

Bold Pool House Design

While the house predominantly employs a natural and neutral palette, the pool house diverges with bold color choices reminiscent of a Tuscan farmhouse. The limestone flagstone floor sourced from Eco-Outdoor extends into the patio area, maintaining continuity. The lime plaster finish on the walls in a rich wine color, custom white oak cabinets, and reclaimed wood beams on the high vaulted ceilings make this space uniquely captivating. This bold approach in the pool house creates a striking contrast to the main villa, showcasing Shlomi’s willingness to push creative boundaries. The pool house serves as a lively, invigorating space that complements the serenity of the main living areas.

Conclusion

Situated in the tranquil suburban enclave of Valley Village, Los Angeles, a newly built modern rustic villa stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of contemporary Italian design with the laid-back lifestyle synonymous with California. This five-bedroom residence, crafted under the keen eye of Shlomi Sfadia from SLS Properties, showcases an impressive integration of Italian Tuscan and Mediterranean architectural styles. The home is a unique fusion of rustic charm, organic elements, and modern aesthetics—effortlessly combining the old-world influences with the freshness of modern design.

The villa envelops occupants in a sense of serenity, with its carefully chosen materials and design elements that pay homage to natural beauty. Earthy tones, wooden beams, and stone accents coalesce to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Yet, the modern amenities ensure comfort and convenience, offering the best of both worlds. Expansive windows and open living spaces provide ample natural light, enhancing the connection with the outdoor environment. It’s a perfect retreat that embodies elegance and functionality in a serene suburban setting.

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