Decorating & Design
December 2, 2020
Commune Design’s New Book Is A Love Letter To California Style
Roman Alonso and Steven Johanknecht are cofounders and principal designers of the influential L.A. firm, Commune Design. They sensitively reinterpreted Palm Springs Modernism with projects like the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs, California, as well as designing the Goop flagship store in New York City. Their brand new book, Design Commune, reveals how the studio perfectly conveys the California aesthetic and lifestyle through residential and commercial projects. Scroll down for a peek inside this coveted tome (you’ll want to include it in your holiday wishlist)!
The projects featured in Design Commune display many common threads, such as the influence of handcrafted materials, mid-century modern architecture and vintage designs, but each project remains deeply personal and unique.
In this historic Spanish-Moorish Revival house in L.A. by architect Stiles O. Clements, the paintings are by Ken Price and the drop sculpture on the landing is by Anish Kapoor. A credenza by Chris Lehrecke and Gabriella Kiss sits under a painting by Terry Winters. The turquoise colored perforated Plank chair is by Michael Boyd.
The client of this home in Berkeley Hills, California, wanted a house that was beautiful but completely user-friendly. In the living room, their two young children do their homework and play. “Viennese design and Brazilian furniture were an influence — and we wanted to honor the craftsman style but also to be unexpected,” says the design duo. The sofas are custom and the coffee table is by Alma Allen.
“We designed the brass boxes on the ceiling with lighting designer Sean O’Connor,” says Roman and Steven. “The fixture on the wall is a Cherry Bomb wall sconce by Lindsey Adelman.” The dining table in this Santa Monica, California, home is by Miguel Rojas and was inspired by Charlotte Perriand, the chairs are by George Nakashima Woodworkers, with a hand-woven rug by Hechizoo.
In this Santa Cruz, California kitchen, soapstone counters are lined with Monterey cypress. On the hood above the stove is plaster by Domingue. The stools are by BDDW, and the pendants are by Areti.
A Berkeley Hills, California, mudroom is a riot of pattern with Vivienne Westwood wallpaper, an Alvar Aalto pendant light and painted floors by Willem Racke.
Trendy sunset hues enliven a ski chalet’s principal bedroom in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The headboard and bedside tables are by legendary firm George Nakashima Woodworkers. The vintage Danish settee is upholstered in shearling for extra comfort.
In Roman’s Los Angeles kitchen, the cabinets are replicas of the originals from 1966 and painted in the colors Manhattan Bridge and Home by Drikolor. All appliances, counters and the backsplash are stainless steel. The Ribbon cabinet pulls are Commune for Liz’s Antique Hardware. The large print is by Sister Corita, and the vintage Fillmore posters are from a collection that was started back in New York in the 1990s.
A simple reading nook in Santa Cruz, California, is made more inviting with mid-tone woods and a simple sconce.
Design Commune
Commune Design