COUNTRY MEETS CITY

A barn-inspired home in Los Angeles brings the country to the heart of the city.

A barn-inspired home in Los Angeles brings the country to the heart of the city.

From the barn-inspired layout

to the Dutch door, Sue’s themes make the residence truly one-of-a-kind and full of country-meets-city character.

Astunning new build is an ode to the pastoral in the heart of Los Angeles.

It’s the barn-inspired brainchild of developer Sue Parsons and architectural designer Julie Hart. The home captures the intentional sensibility of country living amid the concrete and glass boroughs of the city. “I grew up in the country around barns,” Sue says. “This home combines the simplicity of a barn with modern details for today’s living.”

While the tenor of the home follows the shape and airy vibe of a barn, the living conditions are contemporary and luxe. Four bedrooms along with a dualpurpose garage space give ample room for a family to spread out and live in comfort and style—whether they’re inside the home or outside. Open sliders let the homeowners use both the indoor and outdoor spaces together, an essential element for enjoying the balmy Southern California weather. The exterior of the home cuts a striking silhouette against the mild blue Los Angeles sky. Its elegant form leaves a lasting impression on all who pass. And, with its black exterior, it shows there’s no bumpkin in this barn—only sophisticated elegance and masterful design. “It has a strong presence while still creating a welcoming feeling,” Sue says.

THE BEAUTY OF BARNS

Sue loves the open layout of barns and imported the concept to this project, using it to create spaces that are cozy yet airy. “I love how the openness of a barn allows for different uses. That was implemented here to its fullest potential,” she says. “Another big aspect of this project is color. It plays a huge role in the design.” In order to emphasize the layout of the home, she used white throughout the rooms, along with strong accents of black. The color scheme is a true balance of yin and yang. It epitomizes opposite forces that are complementary and interconnected in the natural world.

Think creatively when it comes to your wall art. Flea-market finds or travel souvenirs such as baskets, shoes (think old ice skates) or other items can make

beautiful wall decorations.

"I grew up in the country around barns. This home combines the simplicity of a barn with modern details for today’s living.”

“Black and white represent masculine and feminine energy, bold and soft,” Sue says. “Black makes things pop on the outside where nature takes a front seat. Black is brave and strong, yet neutralizing and calming, much like the night sky. White, on the other hand, adds that needed softness.” Even though it is currently on trend, the combination of white and black is also timeless and classic. Barns are a permanent footnote from Sue’s childhood and so is another detail: Dutch doors. “I use them in every home I build,” she says. They are uniquely perfect for a home located in Southern California because the top part can be left open for fresh air all while containing children and pets. From the barn-inspired layout to the Dutch door, Sue’s themes make the residence truly one-of-a-kind and full of country-meets-city character.

One of Sue’s design hallmarks is a Dutch door, which can be opened on the top while remaining closed on the bottom. It’s a clever, unexpected way to blend the line between indoor and out—which is always a necessity in sunny Los Angeles. “The top part is perfect for letting in those balmy breezes and light,” Sue says.

(above, left) It’s from outside that you can enjoy the barn inspiration in the home’s shape and design. “From outside, the home truly has the feel of a modern barn,” Sue says. “It has a strong presence yet still creates a warm and welcoming sense.”

(left) A fireplace is the focal point of the living room, and its style is also an ingenious seating hack. “The fireplace juts out of the wall making room for seating nooks,” Sue says. They are cozy little spots for curling up with a good book near the crackling fire. (opposite) Sue uses the upstairs hallway as an opportunity to create a convenient seating area. The boho-inspired tableau features a bench, plant, basket and woven rug. “Elements of bohemian style make it feel more like a home,” Sue says. “It evens out the modern design.”

(above) Touches of blue pay homage to Los Angeles’ proximity to the Pacific Ocean. “Blue accents invoke the idea of surf-meets-modern farmhouse,” Sue says. “This is LA, after all!”