Interior designer Jessica Nicastro’s clients had just purchased their first home—a place where they’d build their life. “Throughout the process of design, they got engaged, married, and then pregnant,” Jessica shares. “They have two rescue dogs and have foster dogs in and out of their home. The home needed to be puppy-proof, baby-proof, and have cozy spots for hosting, lounging, and everyday living.”

The house is in Little Holmby, a quiet Los Angeles neighborhood nestled between Bel-Air and Westwood. Style wise, the couple was pretty divided in their aesthetic goals. “One wanted very traditional lines and other was drawn to bright colors and organic shapes,” the designer explains. “We really homed in on a cozy aesthetic that married both comfortable fabrics and clean lines.” 

Jessica brought a warm foundation to the space with all new lighting, fresh paint and custom millwork, and custom drapery from Everhem. The formal living room is the first space you see entering the home, and the clients wanted it to be a space where they could cozy up with a book, have a cocktail with friends, and their two dogs could be comfortable watching the world go by from the front window. “We added custom bookshelves to frame the entrance from the family room to really be a focal point of the space,” Jessica explains. “Our clients travel and read, and we wanted this to be a space to let their personalities shine through.” Here, paint from Portola Paints adds a hint of soft sophistication. 

The couple also hosts a lot—relying on their organic garden to create meals that draw a crowd. “So, they needed a dining table fit for both formal and informal entertaining,” Jessica explains. “Our workroom built a custom dining table and we furnished it with vintage Niels Moller dining chairs.” The kitchen seating area features chairs from Nickey Kehoe, upholstered in a family-friendly performance fabric from ZAK + FOX. 

Throughout the living spaces, artwork by Anna Ullman adds a soulful touch, while rugs—vintage from Lawrence of La Brea and new from Lulu & Georgia—up the cozy factor. Custom furniture pieces, like the entry console and the bedroom nightstands, show off Jessica’s ability to create one-of-a-kind homes for her clients. 

In the end, the 10-month project was all about finding pieces and finishes that would satisfy all parties. “After showing them inspiration images and marrying several design styles, it really brought the space together,” Jessica says. “Now, our clients love (love love!) their home!”