Did anyone miss the Architectural Digest cover story on Shonda Rhimes' massive overhaul of her Hancock Park Mansion with Designer Michael S. Smith? Well, if you did, or even if you didn't, today's post is all about the before and after, and it's quite the story! So settle in. You've got some reading to do!
Shonda made sure that she told AD all about the trials and tribulations of the renovation in her feature, including how the home had been tragically renovated in the 50s to a sort of Santa Barbara mission style home instead of the Italianate Villa that renowned architect Elmer Grey had envisioned. Still, Shonda saw potential, and she quickly enlisted the help of White House designer Michael S. Smith for the massive job!
The house had been built for a wealthy Malibu family, VERY wealthy. They were the last owners of the Rancho Malibu, the entire 17,000 acre plot of what we know as Malibu and the beach cities beyond it today. In fact, they were the major contributors of land for Pepperdine University in Malibu. Finished in 1924, it was the primary residence for the family until 1936, and that's when things start to get a little fuzzy.
The house was purchased in 90s by television actress Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) and she lived there with her husband and 4 sons until it was sold to Shonda. Interestingly enough, Architectural Digest had featured the house before, while Patricia lived there. Patricia used interior designer, Bebe Johnson for help with the home while she owned the manse, so I thought it'd be fun to take a look at the differences between the two spaces now that Shonda's renovation is complete! Let's take a peek!
Cover of Architectural Digest, February 2019 shows Shonda standing in the arched hedgerow of her home.
Real Estate Listing
The same hedgerow, less manicured, with garden access to a hidden garden and fountain. Shonda wasn't lying when she said the house really looks nothing like it did when she bought it, and that includes the exterior.
The old exterior:
The new exterior:
Virtually unrecognizable. And it doesn't stop there. For the sake of ease of following this story, the before pictures will be listed first and the after pictures from AD will be listed after.
The Entry BEFORE
Real Estate Photo
The Entry AFTER
Smith and Rhimes opted to remove the old tile flooring from the vestibule and wood floor from the entry for this beautiful marble. The risers were painted white, and the entire house got a fresh coat of paint. The front door also changed, and in the renovation a closet was added to the right of the door.
Formal Living Room BEFORE
Real Estate Photo
Real Estate Photo
Smith opted to add detail to the ceiling of the living room, removing the beams that had been there before. This is a typical sort of embellishment that the original architect of the house, Elmer Grey would use in lots of homes of that period. The mantel was also changed, and the french doors that had been on the front of the house before we replaced by a window. The only detail that did stay was the beautifully carved moulding around the entry door, and the beautiful chandelier, which used to hang in the dining room.
The Library BEFORE
Real Estate Listing
Real Estate Listing
Library AFTER
Kitchen BEFORE
Real Estate Listing
Talk about night and day! And in theory, I suppose it is. This is an addition to the house, creating a huge space for kitchen and an adjoining family room. That island! So gorgeous!
Dining Room BEFORE
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Dining Room AFTER
I wish there were more photos of this room available online. I can't even scoop anything from the instagram pages of Shonda or Michael, or the website of the photographer. I'm sure it's stunning.
Loggia / Family Room BEFORE
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Loggia / Family Room AFTER
Loggia / Family Room AFTER
Given the photos available, this may have been the most significant change. The loggia had been badly damaged when Heaton bought the home by a flood. The original tile floor made from hand by the original owners mother was destroyed. Heaton and her designers worked tirelessly repairing and replacing the tile. Smith and Rhimes ripped it all up, blew the ceiling out, and tiled the floors with large marble tiles.
Pool Area BEFORE
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Pool area AFTER
I wish that there were more photos available of the house. I'm sure that eventually, when they're posted on Smith's website, we will get to see more. There are so many things that make me curious about the renovation, I have so many questions. How were they able to navigate the kitchen remodel? Where did the space come from? What rooms were above the loggia? What room is above the overlook?
Remember the family room that I told you had been an addition? Along with the kitchen?
Family Room Addition
Beautiful, and exactly what we'd expect from Smith. Layers, rich tones and antiques scattered about with beautiful upholstered pieces in high-end fabrics. Every single detail was considered by he and Rhimes when decorating what Shonda has said will be her forever home, but as we all know from houses past, that's easier said than done.
If you're looking for more inspiration from Smith, you can check out his books below:
My particular favorite is HOUSES, but I can say that BUILDING BEAUTY and THE CURATED HOUSE are also in my collection.
Also, in my research, these books came up. If you're interested in the original architecture of the house, and where Shonda and Smith came up with some of the details they used in the renovation, you can find photos of the original build here:
I hope you enjoyed the before and after! I'll be back on Friday with another one!
