Cover A light-filled bar area in the home of Tracy Tutor in Los Angeles (All photos: Ingalls Photography)

Million Dollar Listing reality TV star Tracy Tutor’s Spanish Colonial house has an enviably calming, minimalist interior punctuated by subtle design highlights

Viewed against some of its swankier, more palatial neighbours in Beverly Hills, Tracy Tutor’s Los Angeles home might seem almost restrained in comparison, with nary an excessive architectural flourish or overblown design detail to be found.  
 
Regardless, the two-storey, Spanish-style property boasts regal bones of its own, with its trademark arched doorways and windows, and distinctive tiled roof asserting its robust structural form and heritage. But it is on the inside that the abode really holds court, with its masterful application of warm, neutral hues and impactful design touches convening to form a cosy, welcoming oasis in the bustling City of Angels. 
 
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Photo 1 of 3 The living room of Tracy Tutor’s Los Angeles home
Photo 2 of 3 Another view of the living room
Photo 3 of 3 The curving stairway in Tracy Tutor’s Los Angeles home

Herself a powerhouse property agent—as well as an author, actress and TV personality, being one of the stars of the real estate-themed reality TV show Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles—Tutor sought a sanctuary that was an elegant blend of “Californian ease” and “modernised old Hollywood”, says Kara Smith, founder of Los Angeles-based interior design firm KES Studio, which worked on the makeover of the 5,250 sq ft property.

“As Tracy represents buyers and sellers for some of the most prestigious properties in Los Angeles, she wanted an interior that would reflect her own sophisticated aesthetic,” adds Smith.  
 
The three-bedroom, five-bathroom house, which had also been previously owned by influential film producer and studio executive Darryl F. Zanuck, proved an apt canvas for Smith’s creative composition: a colour palette of neutral tones, which Tutor adores; luxury organic materials and textiles; and beautiful curved lines throughout the home, all combining for a gorgeous yet functional interior.

“Luckily, [both] our aesthetics were very much in tune,” laughs Smith. 
 
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Above Furnishings and artworks selected are kept deliberately understated to create a vibe that embodied a “Californian ease”
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Above A house plant livens up a corner of the living room
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Above A view of the home bar area
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Above The shelves are decorated with design tomes and various decorative objects

KES Studio employed a material mix of honed stone, plasterwork and timber to imbue the modern aesthetic with a natural touch. Off-white, beige and honey tones bring a comfy sensibility to all areas, from the common zones on the first level to the bedrooms upstairs, punctuated by accent hues of taupe, cognac and blush. Also acting as highlights throughout are Tutor’s collection of artworks by contemporary artists such as Jeannine Marchand and James Nares. The abode’s original Spanish floor tiles were relaid with hardwood floors in a nod to the homeowner’s love of neutral hues.

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Above A close-up of details in the living room
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Above The irregular form of the dining table adds a playful touch to the space
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Above Various gathering points can be found throughout the home
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Above Cuddly curvy chairs add to the cosy look of this nook

The living room is a light-filled, airy space that feels, conversely, almost cocooning in character with its plush bespoke Stahl and Band pouf sectional sofa and wooden furnishings, which impart texture and depth.

A silk-and-wool rug by KES Studio for Marc Phillips brings warmth underfoot, while overhead, exposed wooden ceiling beams catch the eye with their rough-hewn forms. “The living room was a challenging space, with lots of entry points,” says Smith. “It was transformed into an area that feels interesting and collected, yet calming.” 

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Photo 1 of 3 The home bar looks out to the lush courtyard
Photo 2 of 3 Wooden cabinetry brings a sense of warmth to the kitchen
Photo 3 of 3 The light scheme continues throughout the home

Another highlight on the first level is the bar and office space, which was conceptualised to transmit the vintage vibe of a speakeasy, yet act as a classy work zone.

“This space perfectly mixes Tracy’s personality of being incredibly fun and hardworking, and is a very special ‘jewel box’ right in the centre of her home,” says Smith. Roman Clay paint and shades of terracotta bring hints of colour to this zone, while bronzed mirrors reflect the greenery and outdoor dining area located just beyond the patio doors; this contemporary indoor-outdoor design flow allows for a smooth work-life balance. 

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Above The room is furnished with Laine bed by Una Malan and Toronto nightstands from Salt by the Caza Project
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Above The restful bathroom features a spacious vanity area
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Above A freestanding bathtub amps up the mood for me time in the master bathroom
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Above Curved portals and symmetrical details add to the calming feel of the home

The more private zones upstairs include the master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet, along with a laundry room and two other bedrooms. The peaceful master suite features an asymmetrical Javier chandelier from Arteriors Home, its angular form acting as a visual counterpoint to the fluffy Laine bed by Una Malan just beneath it.

Soft hues and cushy textures permeate this space, which is a masterclass in the tonal application of neutral hues and a snug place of refuge that Tutor can retreat to after a long day at work. 

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Above An overview of the master bedroom

The year-long project came to fruition in March 2022, resulting in a classic, stylish residence that wears its calming palette proudly on its proverbial sleeve and looks anything but boring. “I believe Tracy was thrilled with the home, as it creates a perfect backdrop for her life, [which is] filled with filming, family and business,” smiles Smith. 

Credits

Photography  

Ingalls Photography

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