photo home-76.png photo about-71.png photo contact-65.png photo press-19.png photo LDV.png photo services-7.png

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Style Profile: Moises Esquenazi

I recently learned of Colombian-born designer, Moises Esquenazi for the first time and have been mesmerized ever since. The jack of all trades has been an architectural renderer, animator, photographer, and now focuses on his interior design business which includes creating spaces for clients as well as designing furniture and wallcoverings. Instead of focusing on a particular style, he strives to integrate the client's background with the style of the architecture and the local surroundings, and always allowing function to guide the design. Having the focus on function permits the client to drop some pre-conceived ideas of what the space should look like, resulting in a more creative use of elements, such as the daybed which has become a signature element. The idea of a daybed allows families and friends to take off their shoes and gather in a cozy area to relax and visit.

Esquenazi, who has been featured in publications such as House Beautiful and Metropolitan Home often mixes many different styles and price ranges in order to make the home feel cozy and inviting. "I try to find pieces that are elegant but not formal. That's the through line. If you feel like you can't put your feet on it, it's too rigid. I want things that you can scratch or dent or eat ice cream on. But I want them to look like they came from all of these different places and times in my life and travels."


Esquenazi's Los Angeles bungalow was featured in House Beautiful.
I love the suzani and ikat pillows he used in his living room.

Sitting Area

Esquenazi's dining room features a mixture of styles.

This bathroom is great! I love the paint color, the dark cabinetry, inlaid mirror, oval shower curtain rod, and the gorgeous blue seltzer bottles.



When asked by House Beautiful if he thought his choice to paint the bungalow's small bedrooms in dark shades made them feel even smaller, Esquenazi replied: "Not necessarily. And besides, I don't mind a bedroom that feels small, especially since its primary use is for sleeping. Why should it not be dark, moody, or sensual? It really is a kind of sanctuary — even if you still can hear the helicopters zooming overhead, going to Paris's house."

The guest bedroom features rich jewel-tone colors.

Because his bungalow is very small, Esquenazi opted to utilize the outdoor living space to the maximum. He divided it into several "rooms" in order to take full advantage of the beautiful California weather year round. "The yard was grassy and all one level, so I put in a deck near the house, then created these different areas so it unfolds as you walk back toward the cabana. I put in a lot of plantings around the deck area. I wanted you to be in the house and see all these plants, and then to look beyond and see more garden. That makes it look more expansive than seeing it all at once."

Esquenazi's Palm Springs home was named as one of Metropolitan Home Magazine's "Best Homes in America". How fabulous is this entrance?
While the look of his Palm Springs home is just as eclectic as that of his Los Angeles home, the furnishings here are decidedly more mid-century. I do like some of the elements in this room, but I am not a fan of the carpeted bench/sofa thing.

I love the color of the cabinetry in the kitchen!

This guest room is equal parts sweet and funky.

How is this for dramatic effect? I love the use of simple, white linens against the huge, turquoise upholstered headboard. What a statement!

I think the pool area is my favorite part of the house. It is quintessentially Palm Springs!

Check out the pink mosaic tile trim in the pool.

The Fabulous Outdoor Bar

A View of the Magnificent Architecture at Night

Images via
Moises Esquenazi

15 comments:

Erin {House of Turquoise} said...

This is such a great post! I recognized some of the rooms, so it's nice to know who designed them and learn more about him. I love the look of the rooms, all the colors and styles. And that turquoise headboard is all fab! ;)

leticia@galsintheknow.blogspot.com/ said...

great looking decor, love it!!

TheBeautyFile said...

I love the Ikat couch pillows & beautiful throw. That bathroom is heavenly.

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

Love love love his work. That pink door, the tufted headboard oh my plus he is Colombian and so am I!

Jen Laceda | Milk Guides said...

Oh god Paloma, you're killing me! I just came back from Marrakech and I have all these ideas about how to decorate our house with the spoils I brought back, but now...looking at these gorgeous photos, I just want to go to South America to go carpet and fabric shopping...and of course, lounge on that beautiful Palm Springs pool!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

That headboard is incredible!

Courtney said...

Love the suzani and ikat pillows too, and the bathroom is gorgeous! I am also enamored with the entrance to the Palm Springs home (and suddenly want a house with a pink front door!)

. said...

oooo, love it. How pretty and relaxing!

liliesandgrapes.blogspot.com

. said...

Love these images!

liliesandgrapes.blogspot.com

Angela said...

SUCH an amazing home!! I love that entrance too! We're a little Palm Springs obsessed at Ruby Press. Can't wait for a girls road trip. ;)

Julie Richard - Shelter said...

I have had that amazing pool area on my inspiration board for a year now. LOVE it.

Best,
Julie

Lauren said...

wow. i have to say i think the entrance is my favorite but there are so many gorgeous images!!!! Love his style!!

Laura Casey Interiors said...

Amazing post. I love all of these images but the pink door and the tufted headboard are great!

Sarah Ring said...

All of the design elements in all of the rooms are stunning, but the one simple thing that calls to me is how that tapestry in the first image completely transforms that sofa! In these economic times, simple and chic fixes like that are very inspiring. I love pulling ideas like that from designer spaces.

Bonnie- amour amour said...

I desperately wish I was poolside in that cabana right now!!