- Interior
In 1960, a house stood up that not only stood the test of time, but also tells an impressive story of dedication and visionary thinking. Designed by pioneering female developer Sarah Jane Lapin and her husband Ellis, the house bears witness to a time when women were beginning to make their mark on the architectural horizon.
Sarah Jane Lapin, a woman with an irrepressible passion for design, began taking courses in the late 1940s to design her own home. She transformed her ambition into reality and became a building contractor, developing several houses and apartments. In 1964, she gave a rare interview in which she talked about developing five houses in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, including her own. For this special project, she enlisted the renowned Quincy A Jones and Frederick Emmons as lead designers.
The house, a masterpiece by A. Quincy Jones, displays the distinctive elements of his architectural language: a usable atrium, high ceilings and walls of glass that blur the boundaries between inside and outside. Each room offers breathtaking views of the hills, lushly planted, and a modest waterfall.Despite its already impressive architectural base, the house underwent a complete interior and exterior renovation to breathe new life into it. 
The choice of a warmer wood tone adds to the inviting atmosphere
The renovation project drew inspiration from the spirit of A. Quincy Jones and his love of nature. The designers also looked to other beloved artists, such as Donald Judd and Jean Prouvé, for inspiration. The result is a harmonious mix of natural colours and materials, with brutalist elements such as wood, glass, metals and stone playing a prominent role. The interior of the house is steeped in warm tones and clean lines, with an emphasis on angular, textured shapes. The choice of a warmer wood tone adds to the inviting atmosphere, making the house feel not chilly, but rather earthy and welcoming. 
For the designers at Ome Design, who led this renovation project, nature is the ultimate source of inspiration. The house's large windows offer views of the lush hills and waterfall, making the natural environment an integral part of the interior. For Ome Design, a love of interior design was born from a childhood steeped in renovations and travel. They believe in honesty and truthfulness when guiding clients through the process of design and renovation, knowing that it is an exciting, if sometimes challenging, journey. As for their style, they strive to embrace and enhance the unique characteristics of each home, using nature and classic elements as a guide. The result is a timeless and innovative design that will hopefully be recognised for its roots in nature and classical influences. In short, the home of Sarah Jane Lapin and Ellis, with its rich history and renewed splendour, stands as a tribute to visionary thinking and timeless design. 
Photography by Nils Timm
Text by Elke Aerts