Clean Lines and Cool Vibes

Author:

Tim Clarke Design infuses a ground-up build with simple, natural style

In the entry, the rug is by Mallayer. Photos by Noah Webb.

“I believe that interiors provide a new kind of wellness where ease, comfort and beauty come together to make people feel better within the space,” says Tim Clarke, founder and principal designer of Tim Clarke Design. “I really try to understand how people live in a very practical sense and translate that into a space that is fully functional and unique to its setting, purpose, and inhabitants. No matter how different each of the projects are, they all share a calm feeling of home.”

In the living room, “Tidal: High Creek, Oregon” by Michelle Stuart sits above a sofa from Tim Clarke Supply and an antique Hans Wegner Peacock chair found at JF Chen. Photos by Noah Webb.

After being recommended by an existing client, the owners of this 9,600-square-foot house reached out to Clarke to bring their dream home to life. “They contacted me during the ground up design development of the project after they bought the lot and hired their architect,” he recalls. “The clients are a young couple with four daughters under the age of fourteen so the overarching goal was to create the perfect home for the family, but also display a growing contemporary art collection.”

Pendants from BTC hang above the Basic counter stools by Thomas Hayes, The Axel dining table is by Troscan. Photos by Noah Webb.
A flushmount light by Atelier de Troupe brightens the pantry. Photos by Noah Webb.

Set along the South Bay beachside neighborhood of L.A., the architecture was led by Chris Kempel, partner at Rockefeller Partners, who devised a modernized, simplified concept that features two structures, linked by a central glass entry hall that captures sunshine, allowing natural light to spill in. “I believe that the skylight at the center of the house that connects the two main structures is one of the most unique and interesting aspects of the design,” Clarke remarks. “Not only are large windows and sliding doors filling the spaces with light, but this skylight floods the center with light as well.” 

The dining room features Metallic Paper Weaves, in Sulfur by Phillip Jeffries. The drapes are made from Less is More by Dedar and the dining chairs are from Una Malan. Photos by Noah Webb.
In the powder room, the mirror reflects Deuxime Chapitre wallpaper by Lelievre Jean Cocteau.
Photos by Noah Webb.

Inspired by the architectural vision, Clarke and his team leaned on the traditional principles of Wabi Sabi and Hygge, by placing an emphasis on simple, natural elements and craftsmanship in true Japandi style. A warm neutral palette dances throughout, acting as a base for the clients’ large-scale artwork that breathes color and edge into each room.  

At the top of the stairwell, “Numbers & Trees: Palm Canyon” 2021 by Charles Gaines adds a touch of color. Photos by Noah Webb.
In the main bedroom Paola Night Stands found at Lucca Antiques hold Basket Weave ceramic table lamps by Clate Grunden.
Photos by Noah Webb.
The Alberto Chandelier in plaster from Circa Lighting adds dimension in the primary bathroom while the Dowel Tamarisk chair from Lawson-Fenning offers a place of rest. Photos by Noah Webb.

“The biggest challenge of this project was how to accommodate four daughters under the age of fourteen,” Clarke proclaims. “Aside from that, they also wanted an aggressive program of rooms with a screening room, gym, wine room and bar.” The team worked together to craft a very unique entertainment area that features a traditional game room and bar that are framed by a window-clad wine room and gym. The windows offer a clever amount of division and intimacy while maintaining an open and airy feel.

In the entertainment space, lights from Urban Electric Co. line the hallway that splits into a gym on one side and a wine room on the other. Photos by Noah Webb.

When asked how the family has adjusted to their new home, Clarke remarks, “They have been very pleased with the end result and at any given time that I have visited since, the house is filled with kids of all ages as the house has become the center of activity for the four daughters and all of their friends,” he says. “It reflects their appreciation of clean lines, visual simplicity and quiet surprises.”