Built to Last

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IMI Design Studio creates a dream home for a young family

Custom cabinets by Rysso Peters sit below Silestone countertops. Photos by Karyn Millet.

“I believe that the spaces in which we live and work should affect us in a positive uplifting way. Subsequently, my team and I approach every project with the guiding principle that design starts with the structure itself – the building is the art,” says designer Anita Lang, founder of IMI Design Studio, on her firm’s overarching approach to design.

A chandelier by Mattermade sheds light on a dining table by Roberta Schilling.
Photo by Karyn Millet.

The team applied this philosophy when crafting a wildly colorful L.A. home for young newlyweds who desired a home where they could grow their family.

A DCW Editions Paris chandelier by Eric de Dormael hangs in a cool lounge.
Photos by Karyn Millet.
Vibrant red wallcovering by Winfield Thybony warms up the media room.
Photos by Karyn Millet.

The process began with a full remodel of a 5,000 square foot Mediterranean-style home, making way for several custom details and pieces throughout. “At the entryway, there is a large focal point with a custom staircase design created with laser-cut panels,” notes Lang. “The effect is a graphically-strong modern staircase that serves as an art piece as well.”

Custom laser cut panels run up the stairwell. Photos by Karyn Millet.

Lang and her team built the overall design direction around the couple’s dynamic art and memorabilia collection. Vivid colors are grounded by natural textures that embrace their art while creating a warm, inviting environment. With the potential of little ones running around one day, Lang designed custom family-friendly furniture and installed durable materials throughout. She notes, “Wonderfully, as the project drew to completion, the clients realized they were expecting a son.”

Grasscloth by Phillip Jeffries adorns the walls in the master behind a custom bed and nightstands designed by Lang. Photos by Karyn Millet.
“We were able to create a wonderful nursery for their little one, just in time before his arrival!” says Lang on the nursery that its adorned in green grasscloth by Phillip Jeffries. Photos by Karyn Millet.

“The articulation of movement, the play of light, the use of honest materials, the organization of massing and the use of form to sculpt a beautiful space,” notes the designer, were key to curating each room as well as an outdoor living space adorned in tones of royal and cerulean blue. The final result is a beautiful residence with significant architectural details, exuberant color and comfort. “I am so happy that the clients truly love their home,” says Lang. They were both involved at every step along the way, and it was so fitting that the couple learned they were expecting a little boy in the midst of this remodel.”

Vibrant blue outdoor furniture by Paola Lenti creates outdoor living and dining areas. Photos by Karyn Millet.