California Homes Magazine
September 2004

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The Furst’s Last Residence

Ata time when most move to smaller houses this Los Angeles Couple have expanded in a grand manor

Most couples downsize after their children have flown the coop. With three grown sons, two of whom are married, Howard and Suzanne Furst, who love to entertain and expect a passel of grandchildren, set about expanding and building an 8,500 square foot home on one and half lots. Two and half years later, the result is an homage to one of their favorite holiday spots: Tuscany.

Their hilltop villa in Cheviot Hills approached via lush foliage, is almost wild in its look of maturity-tall orange cannas, arching palms, and twirling topiary-style firs in pots. Residents and guests enjoy 360 degree views of the city through myriad stained windows, an above ground pool that looks more like a lake set in a delightful if more formal rear garden, nine bathrooms but only three real bedrooms. “I wanted it to be cozy as well luxurious rather than like a hotel,” explains Suzanne Furst, President of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers.

Her dream house overflows with magnificent, albeit understated, elegance and is imbued with a feeling of age that belies its newness, together with what Suzanne refers to as smart house technology:” Suzanne loves detail.

Almost all the floors are covered with 9inch wooden planks, honed and distressed with a wax finish, at times adorned with rugs, many of which are custom designed with patterns and colors inspired by nature. Walls boast old world glaze finishes with a neutral palette from soft yellow-gold to pale moss and champagne to pale, in tones indicatives of the Tuscan countryside.

Downstairs is a beautiful flow to the house with one room reaching out into the next without doors to inhibit movement. Instead, classic columns frame entrances to the kitchen and dining room where in lieu of a chandelier there is a distinguished copper painted soffit ceiling with inset lighting. In this room, walls have been treated to a plaster finish with stenciled flowers that look like they’ve been thrown spontaneously against it.

In the great room, which showhouses a six-foot-high cast stone fireplace, a bar and at its furthest reaches a TV viewing area, Suzanne has decorated the ceiling with wood plant-ons that define the three distinctive areas. Murano glass chandeliers over the bar add an unexpected contemporary twist to the otherwise old world ambiance.

The expansive Kitchen boats green slate tile interspersed with oak borders for the floors. Sparing no expense, Suzanne sought to find solutions to potential challenges. One of her greatest source of pride is the eclectic pot rack that goes up and down at the touch of a switch. “I’m short” she says. Patterned glass forms a light-well over the refrigerator echoing the Ultra Glass molded panels on the entrance hall staircase that depict landscape scenes. These inject more light into the neighboring great room, especially at night as they are lit with the aid of fiber optics.

Upstairs, the master suite is buffered by the master study where a leather sofa, television, library and cabinetry house the couple’s many mementos, photographs, and books from their travels, and promote stylish relaxation. A patio extends out where a hot tub awaits with magnificent views over the rear garden and pool of the city beyond.

Arriving in the master suite, any noise is immediately history, the result of a luscious pearl-colored carpet sculpted in a garden leaf pattern that mimics the views of the garden through a set of arched windows. “I like where I sleep to be warm and cozy,” says Suzanne who also installed heat under the bathroom’s marble floors.

His and hers sides are separated by a whirlpool tub and walk-in glass shower, Suzanne has dubbed “the human carwash” as it features three showerheads, a rain shower, a hand shower, and body spray and surround sound. “We didn’t forget anything in this house,” she says. “This has been the most exciting project for me because I have had the good fortune of a benevolent husband who let me run with my ideas and gave me a budget to make them a reality. That’s not always possible.” After thirty-seven years of marriage, these high school sweethearts are skilled at the art of making their dreams come true, in both house and home.

“Its funny how we all find our avenues” says Suzanne Furst, who found her calling as an interior designer while remodeling her own home. Today, the New York City native specializes in residential design from concept to completion. All of her projects provide a sense of warmth, serenity, and balance while strictly adhering to the adage that form follows function.

Working in all styles (Old World, Zen contemporary, Retro Modern, Far Eastern, Shabby Chic- “you name it, I’ve done it,” she says), Suzanne weaves a common thread through all of her interiors: comfort and a sense of well-being and continuity between the spaces. She loves her work and above all else thrives in the face of a design challenge.

Extremely detail oriented and with the objective of meeting client’s specific tastes, much of her work is custom, from cabinetry to furniture and upholstered pieces to draperies and bedding. For exemple, for her own home, responding to the need for more light in her living room, she designed etched-glass murals permanently set into a curved wall and lit on both sides with fiber optics. The continuing landscape is a practical work of art.

Throughout her 20-year career, Suzanne has balanced her professional life with community service. Her pro bono work for various healthcare facilities, including USC Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House in Hollywood, has been a calming force for those in need of medical assistance. Most recently the former president of the LA Chapter of ASID spearheaded the Design Showcase at Greystone Mansion, which was fueled by her desire to help restore a landmark estate and educate the general public on the important contributions of the interior design industry. In a similar vain, she was a participant in the first Ecological Showcase House in Los Angeles.

Q&A, more about Suzanne

What personal indulgence does Suzanne spend the most money on?

A woman of many interests, Suzanne refuses to pick a favorite extravagance. “I like to have an open mind and follow what inspires me at the time” she says.

She will admit, however, to a particular passion for traveling the globe and exploring the lifestyles and cultures of other countries. Her travels often guide her creativity.

What color best describes her and why?

Strong and vibrant, turquoise most reflects Suzanne’s nature.

What other publications have featured her work?

Suzanne’s projects have been published in numerous magazines and tabletop books, most recently Los Angeles Magazine, Elle Décor and California Homes.

Additionally, she appeared on HGTV’s Designers’ Challenge, in an episode that continues in rotation, Chris Lowell’s Interior Motives and Malibu Lifestyles, featuring beach home design. She has written articles for the Los Angeles Times and the Beverly Hills Courier.