In this exclusive interview, we chatted with Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn—the visionary duo behind the celebrity-loved design firm House of Rolison—to discuss their masterful reimagining of a 1950s Bel Air estate. Renowned for their ability to honor a home’s history while infusing it with modern sophistication, the pair have transformed a once-dated residence into a luminous, contemporary sanctuary that still whispers the charm of its mid-century origins.
From the moment they encountered the home’s original features—the expansive windows flooding interiors with natural light, the classic brick fireplace, and enduring woodwork—their vision was clear: retain the authentic character while creating a seamless, modern flow. Their approach artfully balanced preservation with innovation, reviving original elements such as the vintage bar, powder room vanity, and iconic lounge pillars, and complementing them with contemporary updates like a striking black marble wet room and a beautifully integrated outdoor space designed for both relaxation and entertaining.
Discover Amanda and Taylor’s transformation process, and learn how they navigated design challenges and selected curated furnishings and hardware to weave together a narrative of timeless sophistication and modern luxury. This interview offers an intimate look at how thoughtful design can bridge eras, transforming good bones into a breathtaking, livable masterpiece.
What was your initial vision for transforming this home? What key features of the original house sparked your creativity?
The home’s 1950s charm immediately caught our eye, especially the clean lines and large windows that offered beautiful natural light. Our vision was to modernize it while respecting its original architectural character. The layout had a cozy, intimate feel that we wanted to preserve, but we also saw the potential to open up the space for a more contemporary flow. We preserved a lot of original components the home boasted- Original Bar, Original Powder Room Vanity and light fixture, original lounge area pillars, etc.
The home had good bones but needed a major refresh. How did House of Rolison approach updating the design without erasing its 1950s character?
The mid-century design had such a strong sense of character that it was important to retain elements like the original brick fireplace, large windows, roof line, powder vanity, bar, and some of the classic woodwork. Our team used these as anchors, incorporating more modern finishes around them. For example, we kept the original bar just brought it back to life with restraining, and new appliances.
Can you walk us through the specific changes you made to enhance the sense of space and improve the flow between rooms?
We got very lucky with the original floor plan, we used cosmetic artistry to bring it to life. In the master bathroom we used the space to create a “wet room” rather than a separate shower and tub. This automatically made the room look bigger and replicated a luxurious hotel feel by simple breaking the barrier that is often used between a tub and a shower. We also removed a non structural loft in our “Church Room” to enlarge the space and create the illusion and feel of even higher ceilings and souring span.
The primary bath features a striking black marble shower and sauna, creating a moody yet luxurious atmosphere. What led you to choose these materials, and how do they tie into the overall design of the home?
The black marble was chosen to bring a sense of sophistication and drama to the primary bath, contrasting beautifully with the lighter tones in the rest of the home. It is illuminated by a stunning original skylight and It serves as a focal point while letting every other element shine. The “Wet Room” called for a jaw dropping stone and we delivered. The sauna also added to the luxury and practicality of the space. Not only beautiful but functional.
You selected pieces from Olive Ateliers, West Elm, and Vetsak. What was your strategy behind choosing these brands, and how did their furnishings help you achieve the elevated yet comfortable aesthetic of the home?
Each of these brands brought a unique element to the space. Olive Ateliers offered timeless, curated pieces that provided an artisanal touch. West Elm helped add a contemporary, mid-century flair that tied back to the home’s origins, while Vetsak’s soft and cozy furniture balanced the more structured design elements, making the spaces inviting and livable.
The outdoor space, with its pool and beautifully crafted bar, plays a significant role in the design. How did you envision this space functioning for the homeowners? What was your goal in integrating it so seamlessly with the indoor areas?
The outdoor space was designed as an extension of the living areas—a place where the homeowners could entertain or unwind with ease. We installed large sliding doors that open directly onto the patio, blurring the line between inside and outside. The BBQ/bar area by the pool provides a natural gathering spot, making the backyard feel like an additional living room that’s perfect for hosting.
With hardware selections from Plank, Emtek, and Lo & Co, how did you collaborate with these brands to ensure every detail complemented the overall vision? Were there specific design challenges that these partnerships helped you solve?
We worked closely with Plank, Emtek, and Lo & Co to ensure that the hardware not only looked beautiful but also functioned seamlessly with the home’s design. Plank’s custom options allowed us to add a personal touch, Emtek’s high-quality door handles brought a sense of luxury to even the smallest details, and Lo & Co’s unique finishes helped add character to cabinetry. These choices ensured a cohesive feel throughout, even in the hardware.
The home exudes a cool, contemporary vibe while still feeling warm and inviting. How did you balance modern luxury with the more relaxed, cozy feel throughout the home? Were there particular design choices that helped you strike this balance?
Balancing modern and cozy was all about layering textures and selecting a warm color palette. For instance, sleek surfaces like marble and stone are paired with soft rugs, plush seating, and wooden accents. This combination created a space that feels elevated yet comfortable. We also focused on lighting, using dimmable fixtures and warm-toned bulbs to soften the overall atmosphere.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during this renovation? Were there any unexpected hurdles that led to design adjustments, and how did they ultimately shape the finished product?
The biggest challenge was figuring out how to incorporate certain original elements into the current design. For example the house had many brick pillars that we were not keen on painting or stuccoing over or changing in anyway. We ultimately were able to find a house color that not only complimented the brick pillars but highlighted them and brought them into this era
Now that the home is complete, how do you measure the success of this project? What aspects of the transformation are you most proud of, and how do you feel it represents your vision as designers?
We are most proud of how we managed to keep the charm of the 1950s design while creating a modern, comfortable space. It’s rewarding to see how the home feels both fresh and timeless, and that it truly serves as a sanctuary for its owners. This project embodies our vision of respecting history and original architecture while embracing contemporary living.
Credits:
Written by Kacey Perez | @studioblume_
Photography courtesy of House of Rolison
