Monterey Modern

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Leverone Design and Jim Jennings Architecture realize a modern Pebble Beach retreat

“My design philosophy is rooted in a strong understanding of architecture and arts,” says Matthew Leverone, founder and principal of Leverone Design. “With architecture as a foundation, and love for the decorative arts, I incorporate these two worlds when approaching every project.”

In the living room a custom plinth-like copper coffee table is surrounded by a custom daybed with leather upholstery and a darkened bronze base and a duo of vintage Jeanneret chairs in suede.  Photos by Shade Degges.

And it was inside the 6,700-square-foot modernist vacation home—designed by Bay Area architect Jim Jennings—that inspired Leverone and his team to apply their philosophy, creating an artistic expression that reflects their deep knowledge of art, design and architecture. “From the outset, we understood the clients’ lifestyle and interest in design, having worked with them in the past,” he notes. “Typically, our firm begins every project by creating mood boards to guide the design process.  In this case, our client handed us a three-inch binder of inspiration images. With their imagery and our vision, the projects direction was set.”

We are especially proud of sourcing eight original Dan Johnson dining chairs. We scoured the country for original chairs to create the set and had them completely re-furbished. 

One of the main goals, was to understand and enhance the architect’s vision while also appeasing the clients’ love of design. “Our team worked to create interiors that would respect the architecture by carefully selecting each piece of furniture, making sure it had the strength to stand alongside the architectural rigor of the home, and balance these selections with textiles that established a subtle layering of warmth and livability,” Leverone notes. “A balancing act indeed!”

Storage in the kitchen is streamlined behind Bulthap cabinetry and Jader Almeida Breakfast Chairs surround Poliform’s Concorde Dining Table. Photos by Shade Degges.
Neutral, soft tones and textiles continue in the family room with a Holly Hunt sofa and a pair of Etosha lounge chairs by Jiun Ho. Photos by Shade Degges.

The project which took over three years to complete, enabled Leverone’s team to focus on designing very detailing millwork, followed by the furniture and textile selections. They worked extremely close with the couple on the consideration of every design decision, so that their expectations were met. For example, in the living room, they were heavily involved in the overall tone. “The clients purchased two original Jeanneret Capital Chairs that they wanted to incorporate into the living room design,” says Leverone.”These iconic chairs provided a design direction for the rest of the room.”

In the primary bedroom, an LDI custom bedframe with integral legs in cold finished carbon steel have a perimeter frame with upholstered base. Photos by Shade Degges.
The primary bathroom feels fully secluded in the exterior elements.
Photos by Shade Degges.

The rare, aluminum and stone-clad home, sits atop a beautiful cliff with views of the Pacific, the lower floor features a media room, wine room and a guest bedroom. Just upstairs on the ground level, is the primary bedroom and bathroom as well as two smaller bedrooms. Upstairs, sits the family room, kitchen, dining room and living area that open to stunning terraces and a rooftop deck.

In the media room, a pair of polygonal nesting coffee tables in sandblasted carbon Oak by Jiun Ho are surrounded by a custom sectional and Roberto Lazzeroni’s Star Trek armchair. Photos by Shade Degges.
A quiet workstation provided a perfect escape during the pandemic.
Photos by Shade Degges.

Leverone achieved a minimal feel throughout that complements the exterior materials and architecture while creating a soft, elegance in each space through the use of tone and texture. “The Rift-cut walnut cabinets and furnishings by Liaigre, Pierre Jeanneret, Thierry Lemaire, Jiun Ho and Jader Almeida, create a dialogue between the minimalist architecture and the natural surroundings,” he notes.

All of the landscape design was planned and executed by Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture. Photos by Shade Degges.
Photos by Shade Degges.

“Over the years, we’ve worked on other properties with the clients and have developed a relationship based on trust, mutual respect and a shared vision,” says the designer. And this project demonstrates the strength of their bond, with the creation of a classically modern masterpiece that will stand the test of time. Leverone notes, “The clients where thrilled with the outcome and said we captured their vision for their home.”

Photos by Shade Degges.