Fantasy at Greystone

If you are into historic and cultural landmarks or English Gothic Revival, you're familiar with the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. Architect Gordon B. Kaufman built the estate for oil heir Edward Doheny Jr. in 1927 and it was recognized as a historic landmark fifty years later. Currently owned by the City of Beverly Hills, the mansion was styled by 28 interior and landscape designers this past November in an effort to raise funds for the ongoing restoration of the estate.

Each designer was given a room with instructions to bring his or her individual style but maintain the elegance and integrity of the estate. The Baronial style of the mansion includes a bowling alley, speakeasy, fire station and nine car garage in it's 55 rooms. Photography by John Ellis.



The ceiling and marble tiled floor in this room make my heart skip a beat.

I love the introduction of the zebra print in this mostly cream bedroom. It's the perfect punch of muted color.

Not a bad staircase, huh? All things said, this estate is nothing reminiscent of what our homes looked like growing up and a little too gaudy for my more modern tastes. I can still appreciate the craftsmanship and the beauty in the details.

Here's a great example of the toned down details that can make a room more comfortable. This gentleman's study by Peter Dunham looks inviting and rich. The black trim and patterned walls add so much depth.

And more loveliness in another sitting room. Joe Lucas and Parrish Chilcoat used Ferrick Mason fabric to upholster walls.

This might be my favorite room due in part to the Missoni-esque chair. Michelle Nussbaumer and Windsor Smith gave this lobby on the second floor some Asian flair.

I have never been a big fan of wood beamed daybeds but these are nicely placed in the master sitting room by Michelle Nussbaumer.

Loving this! Richard Shapiro used his many years of world travels as his inspiration for this drawing room. I really like the inegration of the different genres of artwork.

Reflecting pools don't come any prettier! Burks Hammer used accessories from Formations to decorate. And let me take this opportunity to mention that Nancy Goslee Power & Associates turned the fountain garden into the lovely space that it is. My firm works with Nancy often and she is the bees knees.

I could definitely stay in this guest room! Elizabeth Dinkel did such a nice job of mixing mod-California and Moroccan styles.

Hmm...not liking this room so much. You can't win them all.

And there's my Lucite coffee table. Gorgeous! As far as daybeds go, this one looks very inviting.

The salon d'art was styled by Katie Leede-McGloin. I really love the black walls and hints of black accessories in this space, it's chic yet relaxed.

Holy grand salon ballroom! Jack Fhillips used a Bradford Stewart painting over a carved neoclassical fireplace, what a nice contrast of styles.

JaDIE for this marble floor. I would never think to incorporate rattan and a jute rug in such a glamorous looking room but it works. Waldo Fernandez used Marimekko fabric to pull the colors and textures together.

James Lumsden designed this gentlemen's atelier with a young architect in mind.

And finally a game room designed by Tim Clarke. The peacock is throwing me off, it just is. I can take the ones on the table but the taxidermy is a bit much for such a sunny room.