Casa Encanto by Button Atelier

When presented with this 1980s Spanish Revival-style house in the coveted neighbourhood of Calabasas, homeowner and interior designer Brittny Button capitalised on its evocative bone structure to create calm, airy interiors that connote quintessentially Californian easy living.

As founder and principal of Los Angeles interior design firm Button Atelier, Brittny was taken by the expansive property with its established trees, as well as the home’s Spanish and Greek architectural gestures. However, the interiors were compartmentalised and dimly lit, with decor that was dated after 40 years without renovations. She set to work on opening the floor plan by removing walls and adding curved alcoves and windows with seamless, inset framing, bringing soft edges and a wealth of natural light into the rooms. Doorways were arched to accentuate the Doric columns and exposed rafters, and walls were given a plastered limewash finish throughout the house.

The central living space forms a hub for the family, its double-height volume provides views to the upper floor, and the angular form of the chunky, white feature fireplace lends both cosiness and sculptural character.

While these features lend a sense of majesty, Brittny and her husband, former Formula 1 driver Jenson Button, wanted to create a predominantly relaxed and family-friendly home where their two young children and three dogs could move freely. This meant choosing hard-wearing, sturdy designer furnishings of natural timber and stone alongside antique pieces softened by lush, textured upholstery and curtains. The central living space forms a hub for the family, its double-height volume provides views to the upper floor, and the angular form of the chunky, white feature fireplace lends both cosiness and sculptural character.

Upstairs, the bedrooms and bathrooms are given a romantic treatment with the white limewashed walls giving over to a textured look in the bathrooms. Organic forms, curves and arches lend softness and calm, while timber and stone furnishings provide a contrasting sense of solidity. Everything from mirror frames that look to be moulded from clay to wave-edged rugs help to provide an overall aesthetic of approachable sophistication.

The second-floor clerestory window frames were painted black to match the wrought iron balustrades, completing the simple interior palette of white, black and timber.

The second-floor clerestory window frames were painted black to match the wrought iron balustrades, completing the simple interior palette of white, black and timber. This is characteristic of the fine attention to detail shown throughout the home, which is further exemplified by the placement of art pieces, including some large-scale sculptures, striking feature pendant lights and artfully curated potted plants. Much of the furnishing is also sculptural, with its arrangement giving an effortless look that belies the designer’s exceptional skill.

Interior design by Button Atelier. Build by Vallernaud Construction.