Step Inside This Exquisite Hollywood Hills Home

Rip & Tan: How would you describe your design ethos? 

Arya and Michael Martin: In working on an existing home (versus a new build), our first thoughts are always on preservation and refurbishment. What works about the house? What is worth preserving, and even accentuating, as the syllabus of the home and its forthcoming work? From there, it’s about infusing our various inspirations and visions into key places without overwhelming or taking away from what works about a home.

Rip & Tan: What was the vision for this particular space?

Arya and Michael Martin: The home was previously owned by Michael and Patricia Yorke, who enlisted a young Waldo Fernandez to create what was a masterwork at the time. We heard of the endless dinner parties and holidays and wanted to recreate the same feel—but with more nods toward the home’s original mid-century architecture that had been rerouted with Mediterranean flair and Mexican saltillo tiles. 

Rip & Tan: We love how the design incorporates modern elements while still feeling personal and inviting. How do you strike the right balance?

Arya and Michael Martin: Our motto is that stark modern houses look best with more traditional interiors, and traditional houses look best with more modern interiors. 

Rip & Tan: What made this space feel complete? 

Arya and Michael Martin: The scale of the house isn’t like the endless-spec mansions that have overrun the Bird Streets—it’s inherently grand, but made cozy with furnishings that fill the space and deep colors that contrast with the creamy white plaster. 

Rip & Tan: Do you have any general tips for readers curating their own spaces?

Arya and Michael Martin: A lot of times we work with clients that have a lot of great ideas, but then try to put all the ideas in a single space. Great ideas need room to breathe. Let each room have one or two key design elements while keeping the rest of the details—whether upholstery, carpets, or color choices—more muted.

Rip & Tan: If you had to pick—what’s your favorite detail? Why? 

Arya and Michael Martin: The primary suite bathroom and its epic outdoor shower. It overlooks one of the best views of Los Angeles and neighbors more celebrities than one can name. The Calacatta Aquazore stone is just so incredible, with its pass-through cement door to the main shower of matching stone.

Rip & Tan: Interiors or otherwise, what’s inspiring you lately? 

Arya and Michael Martin: We recently launched our own custom furniture line, Studio OSKLO, and have been exploring custom stone pieces that benefit from the recent technological advances in cutting and forming. These pieces could not have been made just a few years ago, like our LaFontaine Coffee Table with its brutalist legs and rounded travertine silhouette.