Italianate Classicism Meets Laid-Back Beach Vibes in This Orange County Home

When it came time to build their dream home, the owners of this Newport Beach property asked the teams at EBTA Architects and Irvine-based Xander Noori Design to create a courtyard-style, seaside residence with a touch of northern Italian classicism. The interiors firm, who had worked with the couple on their previous home, added another layer to the plan: The coastal setting, they reasoned, also called for something airy, laid back, and distinctly Californian. "We call it soft modern," says creative director Xander Noori of the aesthetic he had in mind. And so, he and managing director Keon Khajavi-Noori got to work infusing the interiors with both casual, Orange County vibes and a hint of formal grandeur.

Noori’s creative vision steered away from minimalism: The design team brought the space to life with interesting textures, layered textiles, warm wood, and swathes of cool stone. The home is a study in materiality and classic proportions—from the custom-designed furniture and sleek fixtures by House of Rohl to the painterly, veined marble in nearly every room.

The couple’s books and art collection—what Khajavi-Noori calls "touchy-feely" things that add character to the space—feature prominently in the design. "You want to experience them with all of your senses," he explains. 

Although the residence features panoramic views, it’s still very private. Picture windows open to rolling hills on one side and sweeping ocean views on the other. There’s nary a neighbor in sight. "Every room in this house—especially the sleeping quarters—is a view room," says Khajavi-Noori.

The entryway’s pivot door swings open to reveal a series of thresholds that lead the eye straight through the home to the horizon over the ocean. "People are surprised when they come in the door," says Noori. In the great room, five NanaWalls of glass peel away to connect the shared spaces with the outdoor living areas. "We can take advantage of the Southern California weather here—the warm days, the ocean breeze that flows right through the house," he adds. 

While classical in scale and lavish in material application, the home’s interiors skew more contemporary. Noori designed 75 percent of the furniture, creating a cohesive aesthetic enhanced by sophisticated touches like Italian-stitched leather upholstery and Calacatta Gold marble sourced from Milan.

Basaltina and limestone from Portugal were also carefully selected for the project, and the standout plumbing fixtures throughout the home came from House of Rohl, a longtime Noori favorite. In the kitchen, for instance, the brand's Lux faucet and Executive Chef sink look sleek, and they create a focal point at the stone-topped island—ideal for the homeowners’ entertaining needs. 

The powder room’s Kaldera sink and Eclissi faucet bring a balanced, clean look to the space. In the primary suite’s bathroom, the integrated Riobel waterfall shower head adds spa-like indulgence inspired by a hotel Noori once visited.

While it’s a big residence, it remains warm and welcoming all the same. The rooms are gorgeous yet still beckon you to sit down and stay awhile. Noori says: "Our clients live on the razor’s edge of their industries, but at the end of the day, they wanted the residence to feel homey."

Learn more about House of Rohl at houseofrohl.com.

Project Credits:

Architecture: EBTA Architects / @ebtaarchitects

Interiors & Landscaping: Xander Noori Design / @xandernoori