Nestled in the Bel Air hills

March 21, 2024
Step into architectural elegance at 1859 Bel Air, a dialogue between architecture and furniture. A stunning residence nestled in one of Los Angeles' most prestigious neighborhoods, once graced by the presence of Marilyn Monroe. This modern marvel celebrates the fusion of minimalist design and artistic expression, meticulously brought to life over seven years.

        
            Nestled in the Bel Air hills

The developer of this modern masterpiece is Shahram Sean Balakhani. An innovative and visionary leader in the property development industry, with a unique passion for crafting homes that blend minimalism and artistic expression, Balakhani has dedicated the past fourteen years of his career to perfecting the art of “utopian architecture”. With an unwavering commitment to creating luxurious homes that exude comfort, elegance, and a personal touch, Balakhani has become renowned for delivering properties that are truly one of a kind.

The indoor-outdoor dynamic is fully expressed in areas with stunning views of the canyon and the ocean. Featuring the Mondrian sofa and coffee tables, Mad chair armchairs, Blade table and Guest chairs.

The house is designed by Tag Front, an award-winning architectural and design team founded in 1989 by Mehdi and Mandi Rafaty, setting out to create modern spaces that are inviting and relevant. The firm has grown into a leading architectural and interior design firm in Southern California. Since its inception, Tag Front has been consistently published and lauded by the industry and the public for its creative and cutting-edge work. Publications such as Dwell, Interior Design Magazine, Wallpaper, Surface, and many others have featured work from the firm. For this outstanding project, Tag Front partnered with César Giraldo, a world-renowned interior designer that was named one of the Top 25 designers in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Times. His projects, both residential and commercial, always create a dialogue between luxurious contemporary designs and the timeless craftsmanship of the past.

The interiors of 1859 Bel Air Road reflect the synergy born out of the collaboration between Tag Front and César Giraldo Design. In every project undertaken by Tag Front, the interior design is thoughtfully conceived as an extension of the architecture, creating a cohesive and unified experience. The distinctive architectural style of the exterior serves as a guiding principle, influencing the interior design choices in terms of color schemes, textures, finishes, and spatial arrangements. By carefully considering the external context, Tag Front ensures a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor environments, maintaining a sense of harmony throughout the design narrative. This comprehensive approach not only allows the interior spaces to complement the architectural design, but also enhances the overall user experience. Tag Front’s expert use of materials like stone, wood, and metal creates a perfect fusion with Poliform’s kitchen and closet solutions, allowing for a seamless integration that further elevates the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space.

The living area features the Mondrian sofa and Tribeca coffee table, and flows to the open-plan dining area featuring the Kensington table, Stanford armchairs and Phoenix kitchen system.

The interior decoration was guided by Balakhani's passion for art and luxury design. César Giraldo curated a selection of luxury brands, with Poliform as a prominent choice for furniture, and the results are evidenced in the stories the spaces tell. They speak of a worldly, sophisticated person who inhabits a home as a king does his castle, with pride. Poliform made a significant overall contribution to the project by providing the best in luxury, quality, and functionality. As one of the main brands selected, Poliform’s furniture played a vital role in shaping the aesthetic and enhancing the functionality of the space. Exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and high-end materials added a touch of elegance and sophistication to each room.

1859 Bel Air Road offers a harmonious balance between functionality and aesthetics, providing residents with a sanctuary to enjoy private moments and find solace amidst luxury and elegance.

This project was first published on Poilform Italy.

Architect Tag Front
Builder Balakhani Estates
Interior Design César Giraldo and Tag Front
Interiors Photography F2 Fotografia

The lounge expands to the entertainment area, featuring the Saint-Germain sofa, Westside sofa and coffee tables, Koishi Coffee Table, Le Club armchairs, and Kay Lounge armchairs.
On the upper level, past the curving steel staircase are the bedroom suites, the master suite features the Dream bed, Park bench and Code bedside tables.