Architectural Cases

In Los Angeles, Peter Harper and Michael Breland, the creative minds behind the design firm Breland-Harper, have meticulously revitalized a historic Mediterranean Revival residence. Their approach to transforming their own home encapsulates a deep respect for the structure's past, while simultaneously integrating modern design sensibilities. This balance is evident in their careful preservation of original features and the thoughtful incorporation of both antique and custom-made elements, creating a space that feels both timeless and distinctly contemporary.

A Symphony of Past and Present: Inside Breland-Harper's Los Angeles Abode

In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, designers Peter Harper and Michael Breland embarked on a journey to transform a historic Mediterranean Revival home into a testament to their unique design philosophy. The duo, partners in both life and their firm Breland-Harper, infused the residence with a blend of classical influences and modern aesthetics, all while honoring its rich past.

Their collaboration began in architecture school at the University of Southern California, leading them to establish their own design practice in 2019. This particular home, originally owned by a dedicated preservationist, presented a rare opportunity to acquire a property with deep historical roots, a rarity in Los Angeles's ever-evolving landscape. The previous owner, Patricia Adler-Ingram, left behind a terraced garden flourishing with ancient oak trees, a productive vineyard, and climbing white roses, elements that Harper and Breland were committed to preserving.

Upon acquiring the residence, the designers discovered hidden treasures beneath layers of more recent alterations. A pink carpet in the entryway gave way to an indigo terrazzo floor adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays, while 1980s white tiles in the breakfast room concealed a diamond-patterned terrazzo. These unearthed details became foundational to their renovation, guiding their efforts to restore the home's original character. Furthermore, removing heavy window coverings allowed natural light to flood the interiors, transforming the ambiance and highlighting the surrounding picturesque vistas.

While embracing modern conveniences such as updated electrical systems, air conditioning, and a second dishwasher for entertaining, the couple adhered to a "do no harm" principle. This ethos ensured that any contemporary additions complemented the house's original spirit without compromising its historical integrity. For instance, the home's Prohibition-era speakeasy was thoughtfully reimagined into an open bar area, equipped with Mexican recycled glass barware, perfect for gatherings. The original basket-weave tiled floors in the bathrooms were retained, and the overall layout remained largely untouched, demonstrating their belief that excessive intervention can unravel a home's inherent charm.

The interiors are a curated blend of eras and origins. The living room features the custom-designed Henry Sofa, named after their beloved poodle, alongside a 19th-century Neapolitan Mecca mirror and 18th-century Mexican silver altar candlesticks, creating a dialogue between different historical periods. In the library, a wall of bookshelves provides a cozy retreat, offering views of both the meticulously maintained garden and the distant modern skyline, prompting reflection on Los Angeles's evolving history. The inclusion of contemporary art, such as a Donald Judd chair and a Catherine Opie photograph, alongside a diverse collection of indigenous baskets from various Californian tribes, underscores their appreciation for both modern design and the cultural heritage of the region. Harper eloquently describes Los Angeles as a "beautifully complex milieu," a crossroads of cultures that is vividly reflected in their thoughtfully designed home.

This architectural narrative beautifully illustrates how careful preservation and thoughtful contemporary design can coexist, creating a living space that tells a compelling story of history, personal style, and a deep connection to its locale. It serves as an inspiring example for those looking to honor the past while embracing the present in their own living environments.

Your bathroom, often overlooked in interior design, presents a unique opportunity for creative expression. With the right wallpaper, this utilitarian space can be transformed into an immersive experience of pattern, texture, and color. Forget the concerns about moisture and glue; modern vinyl, peel-and-stick, and non-woven wallpapers are engineered to endure daily splashes and steam, ensuring durability and style. By focusing on commercial-grade and specifically moisture-resistant options, you can confidently introduce sophisticated aesthetics into your sanctuary.

Elevating Bathroom Aesthetics: A Guide to Wallpaper Choices

For those seeking to inject personality into their private retreats, bathroom wallpapers offer an array of styles and functionalities. Whether you desire a calming atmosphere or a dramatic flair, there's a perfect match for every taste. Let’s explore some top picks that blend aesthetic appeal with practical resilience:

The Subtle Elegance: Water-Safe Grasscloth

Consider the Tempaper & Co. Canopy Toile Faux Grasscloth Wallpaper for a refined, textured appearance without the commitment of traditional adhesive. Crafted from high-quality vinyl, these rolls excel in moisture resistance, surpassing conventional weaves. Ideal for both classic and coastal design themes, the delicate forest pattern introduces an escapist charm, turning your bathroom into a tranquil haven.

Timeless Appeal: The Traditionalist's Choice

Spoonflower's La Ville Vine Wallpaper caters to those who appreciate classic beauty. Its sophisticated floral design, subtly integrated with a stripe motif, brings structure to your space amidst soft textiles. Available in eight diverse finishes—from grasscloth to pre-pasted and metallic—this pattern adapts to various installation preferences and DIY skill levels, making it a versatile option for any traditionalist.

Bold and Artistic: The Funky Floral Statement

For a vibrant and contemporary touch, Backdrop Home presents its Poppy Rhinestone Cowboy Wallpaper. Beyond their renowned paint colors, Backdrop Home offers a selection of lively peel-and-stick wallpapers designed to invigorate any bathroom, particularly beneficial for renters. These designs are robust against steam, splashes, and spills. Their rental-friendly installation allows for easy personalization, ideal for enhancing or concealing less-than-desirable existing decor.

Luxurious Ambiance: The Opulent Touch

Hygge & West's Botanist Multi Wallpaper is perfect for cultivating a rich, maximalist ambiance. Although it requires traditional paste and is a coated wallpaper, it is washable and fade-resistant. This ensures that splashes won't penetrate and colors will retain their vibrancy even in sunlit bathrooms, guaranteeing enduring luxury.

Dramatic Visuals: The Large-Scale Mural

Finally, for a truly immersive experience, the Milton & King Impasto Meadows Mural Wallpaper allows you to envelop your bathroom in scenic grandeur, reminiscent of the Tuscan hills. While requiring paste, this wallpaper is strippable, enabling easy removal without damaging walls. Its commercial-grade durability and cleanability make it an excellent choice for high-traffic or splash-prone bathrooms, blending artistry with practicality.

The current trend in home decor emphasizes creating spaces that not only serve their function but also reflect personal style and provide comfort. The advancements in wallpaper technology, particularly for bathrooms, highlight a growing consumer demand for durable yet aesthetically pleasing options. This trend encourages homeowners and renters alike to view every room, no matter how small, as a canvas for creativity. The availability of moisture-resistant, easy-to-install, and stylish wallpapers signifies a shift towards more accessible and versatile interior design solutions, empowering individuals to craft environments that genuinely resonate with their personal tastes and lifestyles.