The Inside Scoop with Villa Carlotta’s Interior Designer Christos Prevezanos
What was it like working with such an iconic landmark and making the interiors both relevant and authentic to modern-day residents?
Villa Carlotta has such a strong personality with its varied room types, it’s Spanish Revival details and colorful/ folkish stenciling. These things informed much of the palette for the interiors. Pulling from the blues, green, golds, reds (even purples! no color was forgotten) from the stenciling on the beams, we were able to create a backdrop that grounded the furnishings. The furnishings themselves were inspired not only from the 1920s when Villa Carlotta was built, but also moving forward to the present. There are some mid-century touches and contemporary ones. This gives it an inherited feel.
What was your inspiration for the overall interior design of Villa Carlotta?
The building itself. Particularly the beams with all that wonderful folk stenciling. It provided a palette and also a ton of playfulness.
You often decorate in repeating colors and shapes from room to room. How did you translate this technique over to the suites at Villa Carlotta? What was the inspiration behind using teal and rose hues?
The teal and rose, like the other colors we incorporated, were saturated versions of colors found in the stencils. The envelope of the room overall was pretty tonal; the gold drapery, taupe kitchen cabinets and the smoke green paneling all provided a subtle background for the stronger colors to pop.
Where did you source such unique furnishings? What piece are you most proud of bringing into the suites?
We had all the furnishings manufactured. Most pieces were inspired from vintage pieces. They are a combo of dark oak, brass metalwork and colorful marble. I love the artwork sourced from all over: mostly vintage colorful prints of gallery shows. My favorite prints were by a Greek Artist Alekos Fassianos.
What adjectives would you use to describe the interior design of Villa Carlotta’s rooms? What about the grand lobby, courtyard and rooftop?
The interiors of the rooms I would describe as romantic, personable and airy. The courtyard and lobby as grand, old worldly and rich (in hues and pattern and feel).
What was the most challenging aspect of working with such a historical landmark?
To be true to the building and honoring it’s heritage without making it feel too nostalgic and Disneyfied. To make the design almost self-effacing, to feel as if it has just layered over time as an extension of the architecture and the people that have lived there.
What was your design objective with each amenity space? How were you able to make each communal space feel so personal?
Lots of seating so people can get together and talk. Colors on furnishings that make you want to sink in. Low lighting and a casual overall feel.
Which was your favorite space to design?
All of it! But I really liked the hallways. We designed the wall-to-wall carpeting and worked with a local artist to create a series of 6 almost pop style prints of oranges. The oranges are a nod to California’s Historic orange groves of a bygone era.
Christos’ talent and the completed project have earned Villa Carlotta some envious press.
Vogue
Link: https://www.vogue.com/article/newly-renovated-historic-hotels-los-angeles
Vogue Showcases 3 Newly Renovated Historic Hotels that Celebrate L.A.’s Eclectic Past. Villa Carlotta made the list. Follow the link above to read the juicy history. “Upon its construction back in the day, the Los Angeles Times declared Villa Carlotta “the last word on luxury,” and with its 24-hour concierge, and roof terrace with sweeping views of Hollywood where guests can host dinner parties, the same can still be said today.”
The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter congrats the winners and nominees of the California Design Preservation Award. “Your Names Have Been Forever Etched Into Hollywood History.”
Discover Hollywood
Link: http://www.discoverhollywood.com/Publications/Discover-Hollywood/2018/Fall-2018/Hollywood-Facelift-The-Newly-Restored-Villa-Carl.aspx
