This Hollywood Hideout Takes Cues From the Mediterranean

For this West Hollywood abode, designer Mandy Cheng was directed to create the “luxe version of Leonard Cohen in Greece.”

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Kate Reggev

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When designer Mandy Cheng was tasked with designing a living room and entry hall for a client, she knew it would be an interesting project: the clients described their desired style as "the luxe version of Leonard Cohen in Greece." What's more, the couple both worked in the film industry, and Cheng had worked as a production designer for years. With that knowledge and two black-and-white reference images from her client, she set about achieving their vision.

The curved shape of the sofa and its lush texture make for a modern but inviting seat.

Vintage pieces of both modern and more traditional styles are incorporated into the space.

The resulting space is a nod to both the client's requests and the existing 1920s Mediterranean-style home, which provided great bones—high ceilings, plenty of light, and character-defining arched openings. Curved walls in the home were the source of inspiration for the custom, undulating, 22-foot-long sofa, clad in blue velvet, which acts as an organic and plush focal point in the space. Its blue tone against the crisp white walls of the room are a modern take on the typical blue and white color palette of the Greek isles.

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Texture and pattern were key in making the space feel lived in and homey, yet still Mediterranean in essence and modern in style.

The handmade tile and artwork pick up the blue from the sofa and continue it throughout the space.

Accenting the sofa and emphasizing the Mediterranean roots of the home is the handmade mosaic tile which was crafted in Tunisia. To balance the pattern of the tile, French limestone was laid in a herringbone pattern, and other items in the room were culled from local antiques and vintage stores in the Los Angeles area.