Led by…
principal designers Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn, House of Rolison is a Los Angeles-based building and design firm that goes against the grain: the antithesis of minimalist glass boxes makers, who like everything distilled and crisp, the duo create soulful, warm interiors, infused with a touch of nostalgia resulting in homes that feel both timeless and relevant. In their own words, the partners “gut and resell houses that have been forgotten about. We take out walls, change floor plans, but we stay true to the essence of the original architecture.”
This home stands as a testament to their balanced approach, honoring the spirit of the building by respecting its original structure and rich history. The design thoughtfully considers past ownership and the significance of its location, seamlessly merging these elements with a fresh, sophisticated aesthetic. Each room is treated as a unique artistic composition, reflecting both timelessness and contemporary relevance.
The property is situated in Beverly Hills Post Office (BHPO), a peaceful hillside location in the Santa Monica mountains that offers stunning views of the city skyline, surrounding landscape and the Pacific Ocean.
Originally clad in white painted wooden slats, the house’s exterior has been completely reconfigured, painted in a deep gunmetal grey and given a more auspicious entrance that is accessed via a new curving brick staircase. Surrounded by new landscaping including shielding trees, this elevated access lends the home more privacy and a sense of exclusivity.
The use of…
a generous amount of dark wood was heavily influenced by the original mid-century paneling the team found when they began work. Although much of the wood was too damaged to retain, the practice reintroduced this oak paneling in a number of areas including the hallway, where a secret door leads to an extra room. Elsewhere, the team has lovingly restored the home’s original fireplaces and wooden ceiling beams.
In the main…
lounge, the dark vaulted wood ceiling is beautifully contrasted by delicate cream and neutral tones, along with soft fabrics and crafted objects that celebrate the maker’s artistry. Among these artisanal pieces is a Brutalist-inspired sideboard by London-based furniture specialists Pure White Lines, crafted from reclaimed elm and topped with Carrara Venato marble. A sculptural Zuri Accent coffee table by Californian company Made Goods, cast in resin and finished in antique bronze, resembles balancing boulders. The seating features a thoughtfully curated mix of modern and vintage styles: for instance, Lulu and Georgia’s bold Selkie swivel chair pairs beautifully with a curved boucle couch from CB2 Canada and a mid-century low-set armchair with a cage-like back. Every detail has been meticulously considered.
The dining…
area is framed by a triptych of windows that provide a picturesque view of the landscape, complemented by detailed sash windows above a wood-paneled wall. To balance these lighter heritage elements, House of Rolison has introduced a dark bespoke table surrounded by sturdy Katarina dining chairs from Gingerwood Home, also in a deep hue. A playful touch is added by CB2’s Corvina chandelier, a cluster of frosted globes that evokes a sense of cloud-like weightlessness, enhancing the bright, conservatory-like ambiance of the room.
The primary…
bathroom is a private sanctuary, thoughtfully designed to elevate the ritual of bathing. At its center, a king-size, egg-shaped tub rests on a circular platform expertly carved from richly veined Viola Mocha marble, a luxurious stone also used for the double vanity and the framework of a spacious double shower.
Like the rest of the home, the bedroom walls are painted in Swiss Coffee emulsion by Benjamin Moore, a cocooning hue with warm, creamy undertones that harmonizes beautifully with the natural patina of the oak parquet floors. Each bedroom features a restrained color scheme that utilizes natural materials to create a sense of quiet sophistication. Charming vintage and modern furniture pieces, such as fabric-upholstered bed frames by Jenni Kayne, velvet-draped vintage Shibumi benches, and smooth ceramic lamps by West Elm, have been carefully selected for their soft tonal palettes and luxurious textures.
Reflecting on this ambitious passion project, the two directors describe the newly renovated home as a living, breathing entity with its own unique personality. “It’s a place thoughtfully reimagined with timeless materials and intentional design,” they explain. The result is an exclusive residence that masterfully weaves storytelling into a multi-layered spatial design language. Above all, it’s a stunning property that invites anyone to make it their home.
Tap the look…
Architecture, Design & Build: House of Rolison
Photography: Nils Timm Visuals