
Villa Greco by Night Palm
Located in the historic neighbourhood of Hancock Park, Villa Greco is a romantic and sumptuous 1930s Mediterranean revival masterly reimagined by Night Palm.
Drawing inspiration from the theatrical colour palette of Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name and the nostalgia of vintage floral Gucci editorials, Villa Greco emerges as a harmonious blend of old-world charm and contemporary sophistication. The home is laid out in a rectangular configuration typical of the Mediterranean revival period, cosseted by verdant hedging and features French doors that establish a seamless connection between inside and out. “Drenched in a smoky colour palette”, as Howell describes, and brimming with delicate vintage lighting and obscure antiques, the house feels like a corrective to the current vogue for plain, minimalistic interiors.
Much of this project’s distinctive identity is hemmed by Howell’s intuitive approach to colour and atmosphere. The main living room is the heart of Howell’s vision, where walls are covered in a verdure Pierre Frey tapestry typical of Aubusson productions of the 17th and 18th centuries. “The walls offer an immersive and inspiring visage to the homeowners that feel like a piece of art within itself,” says Howell. A 1970s sectional upholstered in silver-blue velvet surrounds an oversized burl coffee table, and the original fireplace remains a charming focal point, creating a harmonious blend of vintage sophistication and contemporary comfort.
Adjacent to the main living room, the library is saturated in decadent swathes of blue paint that extend to the ceiling, architraves and fireplace surround. This technique, known as colour drenching, underscores the drama of the space – emphasising the interplay of light, texture and tone – and is often utilised by Howell. A pair of mid-20th-century armchairs by lco Parisi in sherbert yellow provide a vibrant contrast and are set opposite a green Edward Wormley tuxedo sofa, while a Murano chandelier presides overhead.
The home’s lighting collection weaves a connective thread through each space. “Lights are placed throughout the home, complementing each space with dimension and glow like precious jewellery,” says Howell. This approach manifests in the carefully curated Murano glass pendants and vintage floral sconces that cast soft, ambient light, emphasising tonality and theatrics as defining features of each space. The formal dining room exemplifies this philosophy, its centrepiece a crystal sphere chandelier that commands attention above a travertine dining table.
The kitchen radiates comfort with its earthy pink plaster walls and classic shaker-style joinery, exuding a quiet charm and familiarity. ln the breakfast nook, the GP&J Baker Ramayana Woodsmoke wallpaper envelops the space, crafting an intimate haven for daily rituals. Vintage oak velvet dining chairs by Widdicomb add a touch of historical reverence to the contemporary space.
Through masterful orchestration, Villa Greco is imbued with Howell’s own sense of sincerity and candour; the result is a dwelling that feels not merely designed but curated. With a smoky colour palette, rich textural interplay and carefully curated vintage pieces, Howell has crafted a family home that is both aspirational and liveable, transforming this Hancock Park residence into a place that truly reflects its creative inhabitants.
Interior design by Night Palm.