Interior designer Natasha Barrault was instantly drawn to her customers, who needed help in altering their Malibu, California, residence into a house. The designer appreciated her customers’ motivations: They wished to prevent the steely show houses that are popular in the area and at Hollywood. “Sometimes clients are afraid of their own taste, and they wind up reproducing something omnipresent but that is somehow reassuring to them. Our customers actually wanted the house to reflect their preferences and enjoys,” states Barrault, who worked closely on the residential project with architect-designer Hervé Daridan.

The home is now completely lived in and showcases its inhabitants’ penchant for comfort and casual living. “The house is exactly what I’d describe as ‘gentle contemporary.’ There’s a contemporary sensibility from the furnishings, however the pieces — all from paints, flooring finishes, custom furniture materials, fabrics — are all green and organic. We really pushed ourselves to utilize honest and eco friendly materials,” states Barrault.

in a Glance
Who lives here: A couple from the fitness industry as well as their 4-year-old son
Location: Point Dume, Malibu, California
Size: 7,500 square feet (such as guesthouse)
Style challenge: Bridging the house to its jaw-dropping cliffside place by allowing more light and perspectives within

Natasha Barrault Design

Barrault strove for an easy-living, laid back soul in the furnishings. Slipcovered couches and throw pillows from neutral colors, along with the option of floor seating, give the living room an informal feel.

“It’s odd because despite its incredible place, the previous design of the house made no true connection to the exterior,” states Barrault. 1 way that Daridan (the builder) allow more light in was to displace all the railings onto the decks and balconies with less obscuring materials. Now the living area feels glowing because light readily enters the house.

Natasha Barrault Design

The living area was made to shape change to a language arts area for those customers’ home school. “We included especially designed furniture and elegantly protected the Paola Lenti ottomans and other pieces. When school is in session, the customers pay for the Hans Wegner java table so that it can resist the wear and tear of the school day,” states Barrault.

Natasha Barrault Design

The landscaping opens up the house to its beautiful environment, however some plantings were kept to help protect the house from the elements.

Natasha Barrault Design

The house has one of the most coveted views in Southern California.

Natasha Barrault Design

The family room lives up to its title: Trucks and toy figurines are strewn on the coffee table, and also the sofa serves as both a jump stage and a relaxing place for the whole family.

The multidirectional sofa makes it possible for the family to utilize and orient it according to their own needs.

Sofa: custom, Natasha Barrault Designs and Hervé Daridan

Natasha Barrault Design

Bolsters and cushions may be transferred around for play for guest seating, or perhaps cleared to transform the sofa to a daybed.

Natasha Barrault Design

The credenza was custom designed for the family; it houses books, toys and recycled plastic storage tubs by Plastica.

Natasha Barrault Design

The teardrop vase and Ochre chandelier toss this seriously angular room a few bubbly curves.

Natasha Barrault Design

“Our customers really want this house to be their own, to talk their casual speech and to be their refuge from a hectic professional life,” states Barrault.

The blue-green and purple colors of the bedroom are cooling and easy on the eyes. Throws are mixed on a bed that’s not at all manicured.

Natasha Barrault Design

The boy’s room has a table and Knoll chair for unlimited hours of studying, drawing and daydreaming. Balcony doors link the space to the outside.

Natasha Barrault Design

Animal-shaped, whimsical throw cushions are scattered on the bed. Storage space and ample closets give toys and other tchotchkes a location of their own.

Natasha Barrault Design

Colorful book spines give the room glowing punches of colour.

Natasha Barrault Design

This bath was designed both for safety and fun. The bathtub floor is covered with an antislip mat; the shower could be filled as a shallow bath or used as a wading pool while an adult sits onto the ledge to supervise.

Natasha Barrault Design

The taupe tones at the Farrow & Ball background are brought out from the concrete countertop and sink in the guest bathroom. The combination of colours and the lotus pattern of the wall therapy enliven the whole space.

Natasha Barrault Design

Instead of a gallery wall of framed photographs, the customers opted for a magnetic wall which showcases artwork, family photographs and love notes. “The wall is constantly evolving and keeps the space from feeling static,” states Barrault.

Natasha Barrault Design

The house may seem indistinguishable from its neighbors from the outside. But look closer and you will see a hint of its happy and relaxed soul in the shape of a Buddha statue that greets guests with a simple smile.

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