- Interior
In the vibrant yet peaceful Valley Village neighbourhood, a hidden gem in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley, stands a home that brings a slice of Mediterranean living to California. Designed by SLS Properties Inc, this Italian-inspired residence is a masterpiece that combines the rustic charm of Tuscany with the luxurious comfort of modern West Coast living. With its sophisticated architecture, carefully chosen materials and lush landscaping, the house invites you to embrace the ‘dolce vita’, even in the heart of a busy city.
The house, completed in 2024, was designed with a deep appreciation for both aesthetics and functionality. It occupies just over 500 square metres and houses five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, spread over two floors. Upon entering, you are welcomed by an open concept that allows natural light to flow in abundantly, creating a spacious feeling. The interiors are light and airy, an invitation to relax and enjoy life, with a design that blends seamlessly with the outdoors. The garden is an essential part of this house's charm. The landscaping has been carefully designed to enhance the Tuscan ambience, with plants you would expect to find in villas of the Italian countryside. Olive trees, cypresses, rosemary and lavender form a green and fragrant backdrop, exuding peace and serenity. The outdoor areas, such as the driveway and other paths, are finished with gravel installed with a special process called ‘chip seal’, which not only ensures durability but also an authentic and classic look. The use of natural materials throughout the house is a tribute to the beauty of Mediterranean architecture. The walls are finished with plaster, and the roof of the pool house features traditional clay tiles that add to the Mediterranean flair. Inside, materials such as reclaimed wood, white oak, and natural stone, limestone and travertine for example, are not only aesthetically pleasing but also evoke a zen-like calm. Although the overall colour scheme in the house is predominantly neutral, with soft tones creating a sense of calm and continuity, there are a few spaces where designer Shlomi Sfadia chose to be bold. The pool house and theatre room are set with dark burgundy and green plaster, giving these rooms a dramatic, intimate feel. These unexpected colour choices add a touch of surprise and boldness to the house's otherwise subtle décor. 
Olive trees, cypresses, rosemary and lavender form a green and fragrant setting
One of the most striking and unique features is the surrounding wall, which is constructed from imported reclaimed wooden rails. This choice of fence, initially controversial for its unusual aesthetics, eventually proved to be one of the most admired elements of the design. This highlights Shlomi Sfadia's dedication to following his creative vision even when it deviates from conventional expectations. The interior spaces of the house are as carefully designed as the exterior spaces. The bedrooms, for example, are strategically placed to take full advantage of views of the surrounding trees, making nature almost an integral part of the living space. The front courtyard, with a serene and inspiring workspace overlooking a beautiful landscape, offers a perfect balance between work and environment. 
On the upper floor is a common room that acts as the heart of the house. This space, with a comfortable sofa, built-in planters and a fireplace, is designed to bring family members together for moments of relaxation and conviviality. This is where the Italian family feeling comes alive, while the natural elements and materials exude a sense of warmth and comfort. Shlomi Sfadia, founder of SLS Properties Inc, realised his vision with this house to introduce an architectural style rarely seen in the Los Angeles area. ‘When people walk into the houses I have built, I want them to feel like they are at home,’ he says. His inspiration comes from his travels and experiences in luxury hotels around the world, which is evident in the refined details and careful interplay of different styles and materials. 
This house is not just a place to live, but an experience, an invitation to immerse yourself in the picturesque uniqueness of the Italian countryside, without leaving Los Angeles. It combines Mediterranean and Tuscan design elements with the serene beauty of landscaping. Upon entering the backyard, you immediately feel the essence of the dolce vita: a life full of joy, beauty and simplicity in luxury.
Architecture and interior design: SLS Properties Inc.
Todd Goodman from LA Light
Text by Celien Hemelaer