The eclectic art collection of an Orange County local takes center stage in this stunning Newport Beach home by Erica Bryen Design.
Artwork by Hugo G. Uruttia and James Verbicky hangs in the living room. PHOTO BY RYAN GARVIN
THE PROJECT
Completed in November 2021, this former Tudor-style home in Newport Beach was transformed into a contemporary farmhouse by an Orange County dream team—interior designer Erica Bryen, architect Jeffrey A. Dahl and builder Jason Gonterman. “The interior of the home is very eclectic with a lot of layers and textures,” says Bryen, who also tackled the home’s landscaping. “Everywhere you look is a conversation piece, from the tile all the way up to the lighting.” A crucial element of the home’s design was finding focal points for the client’s beautiful art collection. Pieces by America Martin, James Verbicky, Hugo G. Urrutia, Anna Kincaide and John “Crash” Matos add interest to nearly every room of the home.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
“One of the main wow factors of the home is that there is barely any drywall in the entire house,” notes Bryen. “Everywhere you look there is either intricate woodwork, handprinted mosaic tiles or beautiful slabs that go hand-in-hand with the extensive artwork.” In the dining room, a stunning crystal chandelier by Kelly Wearstler illuminates the space while the nearby kitchen is home to a custom herringbone refrigerator. “Another standout that everyone loves is the beautiful, hand-carved tile stair runners inlaid in various colors leading up to the second floor,” adds Bryen. “Lastly, the amount of gorgeous marble and granite slabs throughout the entire home truly make it one-of-a-kind.”
Kelly Wearstler lighting and drapery graces the kitchen, where Vanguard Furniture counter stools and art by Robert Mars add pops of color. PHOTO BY RYAN GARVIN
The hallway features a chevron rug from Stark Carpet, a hanging pendant from The Urban Electric Company and artwork by Anna Kincaide PHOTO BY RYAN GARVIN
THE CHALLENGES
While space for her artwork was key to the home’s design, the client also wanted to ensure cherished spaces for each of her four children. “One of the biggest challenges of the project was that we had to move a lot of things around in order to create enough bedrooms for all four of her kids,” says Bryen, who was able to carve out four bedrooms plus an additional casita. Mission accomplished.
The office and lounge area features photographer Peter Ruck's "Shaken, Not Stirred" photo of English actor Roger Moore. The room also includes lighting by Kelly Wearstler, a sofa by Vanguard Furniture and ottomans by Interlude Home. PHOTO BY RYAN GARVIN
"Fashion SQ 3" by artist Max Steven Grossman gives the illusion of a bookshelf on the wall in the primary bedroom. The space also features a Nathan Anthony bed and a Kelly Wearstler bench, lighting and side table. PHOTO BY RYAN GARVIN
THE RESULT
A wondrous world of texture and artwork was created by Bryen’s creative eye and collaboration with her visionary client. “This client loves art and collecting it so almost every area of the home has a special piece that we used as inspiration for the overall design of the room,” she says. “It was incredibly rewarding to be able to create a space that not only met but exceeded our client’s expectations.” Living colorfully, indeed.
Photography by: ALL PHOTOS BY RYAN GARVIN
