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 Interior decorator Michael DePerno's Was
Hollywood home combines Asian inti c'

ences with nature-inspired touches; th,

living room sofa, part of DePerno's Rs
collection, was designed with Chinese-
'. style ebonized-cherry legs and uphol-
'"''> ~ r stered in a linen-silk tweed; a vintage Pa
l...~t-'. McCobb travertine-top cocktail table sit;
. ~ on an antique Chinese rug, See Resources,
 SITIIN G IN THE SERENE, neutral-toned living room of Michael
DePerno's West Hollywood house. one would never guess that the
Technicolor hustle of the Sunset Strip was within walking distance.
The room brims with nature-inspired touches. from the delicate flow-
ers in an antique Chinese rug to the chunks of creamy coral that adorn
the cocktail table to the hulking piece of driftwood in one corner. a gift
from a friend. "I have a sort of curious eye for natural things." says
DePerno. an interior designer. "I am most awed by stones and twigs
and branches and things from the desert floor."
It's an interesting point of departure for someone with a rather urbane.
sophisticated background. A onetime model who has traveled exten-
sively in Europe and who lived in New York before moving to the West
Coast. DePerno recently bought a house in Northern California's
Sonoma County "where the redwoods meet wine country." and com-
mutes between projects in Sonoma and Los Angeles in a vintage Land
Cruiser. with his dogs. Sticks and Niki, in tow.
One can't help sensing an infusion of Northern California sensibility
into the designer's lifestyle here. like some fragrant herbal tea. "I'm not
very L.A. ••.insists DePerno. though he's lived in the city for seven years.
most recently in the Hancock Park area. Yet this shingled retreat. its en-
trance obscured behind a verdant staircase of ivy. ferns. and sycamore
trees. seems to prove his point. "I like the way the house is set up high
off the property." he says. "It makes you feel like you're perched in a tree.
n an unpolished. washed-over look. And in his bedroom. the fumishings-
196 ELLEDECOR.COM
Soon after DePerno moved in. though. he set about taming the na-
tive wildlife. replacing a 40-foot ficus in the backyard with lavender,
viburnum. and magnolia and a trio of Chinese evergreen elms that he
felt better reflected the house's subdued. almost Eastern character.
Garden seating consists of large tree trunks carved into chairs. "I didn't
want to do yucca and cactus and indigenous things. he explains,
n
shooing a visitor's glance away from a nearby palm tree. "I wanted the
plant material to reflect the architecture."
Luckily the late-1930s house needed little in the way of renovation,
thanks to the Depression-era can-do practicality of its construction.
"I'm fascinated by whoever the architect was. because everything is
so proportioned and symmetrical." says DePerno. "They didn't skimp
on anything. There's no wasted space-everything is perfectly ap-
pointed and really logical." including the double-sided. double-doored
closet atop the stairs that he calls "a treat." DePerno left the kitchen's
original stainless-steel sink. counters. and backsplash intact. though
he replaced the previous owner's large stove and refrigerator with
smaller. vintage appliances to better maximize the space ("I don't cook
much." he shrugs). In the adjacent dining area is the house's one flam-
boyant touch: an antique zebra skin. edged in leather.
Elsewhere. however. the "Serenity now" vibe is carefully maintained.
DePerno sanded and rubbed the upstairs floors with a natural stain for
 -

the platform bed he designed (with a headboard upholstered in raw

silk), a campaign-style writing desk, Chinese and Tibetan rugs, and
linen draperies-are decidedly minimal. "I don't really like to make a
big statement with window coverings," he says. "These function fine.
I close them at night, and they give me privacy."
A Chinese marble-top carved-rosewood table continues the Eastern
motif in the master bathroom (DePerno kept the original fixtures and
stainless-steel bathtub trim here, adding only a hexagonal tile floor
more in keeping with the setting). Back downstairs in the living room,
a sofa he designed with Chinese-style ebonized-cherry legs mingles
with a large 1800s Korean Tonsu chest. He also has a "huge appreci-
ation" for Japanese architecture. "I think it's kind of a very early Mod-
ernism, and I find the purity in it really touching." ;.
Despite his yen for clean lines, DePerno can get caught in the ten-
sion between aesthetics and ascetics: amassing "stuff" on one hand-
including a formidable collection of antiques, baskets, boxes, books,
Bolivian rugs, pottery, and seashells-and yearning for wide-open
spaces on the other. "Sometimes I'm in the mode of collector," he ad-
mits, "and sometimes I'm in the mode of being spartan and minimalist."
For the time being at least, the designer seems to have found the per-
fect balance of ephemera and permanence. "I am not the type of
person who is constantly changing my world; I do that for a living for
other people," he says. "When I find something I'm really interested in
or moved by, I want to keep it around." _

198 ELLEDECOR.COM
resources
P=.g0 1S':: Captain's beds and framework by Fabio ,': ; Gabrielle sofa, Campanella armchair,
Woodwotking (for information: 718-782-1638). Chart upholstered in Lisbon Mini Stripe silk, Pesaro side
sconce by Urban Archaeology (143 Franklin St., New York, table, Etruscan cocktail table, and pillows covered in
NY 10013; 212-431-4646; urbanarchaeology.com). Cipriani taffeta and Linen velvet, all to the trade from
PfI,16 1',3: Vintage chairs from Depression Modem Niermann Weeks (for showrooms: 212-319-7979).
(150 Sullivan St., New York, NY 10012; 212-982-5699; P'" '" 2 c" Sevigne screen, Mirabeau table, and
depressionmodern.com). Battista table by Karlell US Danieli chandelier, to the trade from Niermann Weeks
Inc. (for information: 866-854-8823; kartellus.com). (for showrooms: 212-319-7979).
Vintage Adnet leather screen from Jourdan Antiques o . In IMng room, club chair upholstered in Mohair,
(for information: 212-674-4470). pillow covered in Cipriani taffeta, and Lucien table, to
the trade from Niermann Weeks (for showrooms: 212-319-
K-\TL'k\1 l'~ .~l -r ~ 7979). In bedroom, Loire canopy bed, with custom
P2,>~ 1· [: Interior design by Michael DePerno of Plexiglas headboard, to the trade from Niermann Weeks.
Ren (for information: 323-356-2362; 707-887-8114). Pin-up swing-arm lamps with custom shades by
Pages 'J S' -i'~; Sofa from the Ren Collection by Michael Lampworks (231 E. 58th St., New York, NY 10022; 888-
DePemo (for information: 323-356-2362). LAMPWORKS; lampworks.com). Elysee chair upholstered
P"9e: " Chaise upholstered in Blue cotton-linen in Exbury Flannel, to the trade from Niermann Weeks.
from Diamond Foam and Fabric (611 S. La Brea Ave., Cashmere throw, to the trade from Holland & Sherry
Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323-931-8148). (for showrooms: 212-355-6241; hollandandsherry.com).
p"-G'"18-. In kitchen, vintage cabinet pulls from Liz's Mediterranean Coral pillow, by Source Perrier
Antique Hardware (453 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA (for information: 888-543-2804; sourceperrier.com).
90036; 323-939-4403; lahardware.com). In dining room, . ",' _ z ,. Curtains of Cumberland wool, to the trade
Parsons chairs from the Ren Collection by Michael from Niermann Weeks (for showrooms: 212-319-7979).
DePerno (for information: 323-356-2362) upholstered in
Rita linen-cotton, to the trade from Lulu OK Fabrics l' _ ".:T1C\L ~1.-\G1C
(for showrooms: 212-223-4234; luludk.com). il #2, 1997, by Sonja Weber Gilkey (for
Infinity
~ ._:
Page '. 'u' In bedroom, Baoto antique Chinese rug information: 434-293-3949). Como rug by The Rug Co.
from Robert Kuo (8686 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, (88 Wooster St., New York, NY 10012; 212-274-0444;
CA 90069; 310-855-1555; robertkuo.com). therugcompany.info). Lipari floor lamp by PaganiStudio 401 East 110· Street (at 1" Ave.), New Yor: X-::-:_
(for information: 718-246-5206; paganistudio.com). 212-722-8400' www.Lafayetteantiques.cczz
IN THE GK\')\)\ , .~ Olivia linen-cotton cafe curtains from Free On-premises Parking
Pages ,r" (': Interior design by Lou Marotta Inc. Pottery Bam (for information: 800-922-5507; Open daily 10-5, Sunday 12-5, closed Tu
(for information: 212-223-0306; loumarotta.com). All potterybarn.com). Millettia lamp by PaganiStudio (for
antiques and vintage furniture, unless otherwise noted, information: 718-246-5206). SUPERB OFFERINGS FROM
from Lou Marotta Inc. Architecture by Sara Lopergolo of 50 INTERNATIONAl. DEALERS
G and L Architects (for information: 212-962-1292; ETCL1~I'-.-\
gandlarchitects.com). Construction by Martinelli Building -». . " . .: Dark-oak soap dish, $25, by Calvin Klein
and Contracting (for information: 860-567-8387). Home (for information: 800-294-7978). Fig-scented soap,
Upholstery by Csrcomo Upholstery (for information: 201- $10, by Cote Bastide from 4510 (for information: 888-567-
553-0554; carcomoupholstery.com). Curtains by Atelier 4510; 4510.com). Vetro soap dish, $70, by Arte Italice
Xavier (for information: 201-863-0550). from Stanley Korshak (for information: 214-871-3626;
Page 200: Vintage commode by Frederick P. Victoria & stanleykorshak.com). Ritz nautilus soap dish, $75, from
Son and vintage Holmegaard glassware from Lou Oggetti (for information: 305-576-1044; oggetti.com).
Marotta Inc. (for information: 212-223-0306). Round soap dish, $38, by Waterworks (for information:
p"~,, 2l " Sofa upholstered in Cottage Plaid cotton, to 800-899-6757; waterworks.com). Purifying Seamoss
the trade from Stroheim & Romann (for showrooms: 718- soap, $23, by Molton Brown from Bameys New York (ior
706-7000; stroheim.com). information: 888-8-BARNEYS). Bistro soap dish, $34, by
-<::: Sofa upholstered in Diabolo chenille,
P?: ~s.' :.. Restoration Hardware (for information: 888-243-9720;
by Loree, to the trade from Osbome & Little (for restorationhardware.com). Rose-scented soap, $18.50,
showrooms: 212-751-3333; osborneandlittle.com). by Fragonard from Cherie Boutique Franr;alse (for
Reproduction Frances Elkins Circle chairs from information: 952-475-2212: cherieusa.com). Unicci soap
Lou Marotta Inc. (for information: 212-223-0306). dish, $48, by Alessi from Moss (146 Greene St., New York,
P~g.:;.~:: : In kitchen, counter and backsplash in New NY 10012; 866-888-6677; mossonline.com). White Shell
Saint Laurent marble by Stone Source (for information:
212-979-6400; stonesource.com).
soap dish, $15, by Crabtree & Evelyn (for information:
800-CRABTREE; crabtree-evelyn.com). Horn soap dish, JOANNEHUDSON.C • 1

Paqe 2'"0: Early Spring wineglasses, Awnings
Summer dinner plates, and Dots Summer salad
plates by Marc Blackwell New York (for information: 866-
755-6269; marcblackwell.cornl, Rreplace of Petit Granit
marble by Stone Source (for information: 212-979-6400;
stonesource.com).
Page~ -ZO .r7: In bathroom, sink vanities of Calacatta
marble by Stone Source (for information:
stonesource.com). Tara Classic faucets by Dombracht
USA (for information: 800-774-1181; dornbracht.com).
Maestro whirlpool bathtub by Kohler Co. (for
$12, by Salgoniste Inc. (186';' Spring St., New York, NY
10012; 212-925-4610; saigoniste.com). Black Lip soap
dish, #61005, $178, by Labrazel (for information: 203-281-
3888; labrazel.com). Lacquer soap dish, $45, by
Jonathan Adler {47 Greene St., New York, NY 10013; 212-
941-8950; jonathanadler.com). Soho subway tiles,
$9.50/sq.ft., by Walker Zanger (for information: 877-611-
212-979-6400; 0199; walkerzanger.com).
Copyright «)2004 by Hachette Fi~pacchi Media U.S., lnc All rights reserved.
Reproduction without permission is strictly proh!bited. Printed in the U.$A

information: 800-4-KOHLER; kohler. com). In bedroom, Occasionally we share our information with other reputable companies
headboard upholstered in Mohair cotton-mohair, to the whose products and services might interest you. If you prefer not to
participate in this opportunity, please call the following number and indicate
trade from Donghia FumiturelTextiles Ltd. (for that to the operator: 8S()'682·7654.
showrooms: 800-DONGHIA; donghia.com). Bedspread
by Atelier Xavier (for information: 201-863-0550). ELLE DECOR (ISSN 1046·1957) (USPS 005·583). May 2004. volume #15.
issue #3, is published bimonthly except monthly in April. May, October, and
November by Hachette RlipaCChi Media tf.S .• Inc., 1633 Broad ••••
-ay. New
1'L.-\\\ LLS rI' ISH York. NY 10019, Periodicals postage paid at New Yer1<,NY 10001 and at addi-
Paf.jes 20D"-; i :Interior design by Joe Niermann of tional mailing offices. Authorized periodicals postage by the Post Office
Department, Ottawa. Canada. and for payment in cash. POSTMASTER: Send
Niermann Weeks (for information: 212-319-7979; address changes to EllE DECOR, P.O. Box 55851, Boulder, CO 80322-5851;
niermannweeks.com). (850)682·7654: fax (303)604·7644: eneeecorenecoeta.con.