J O H N R U S S O
Photographed by} John Russo
Portraits by} Tas Limur
Grooming by} Laly Zambrana
Styling by} Ace Rivington
Furniture} Brown Jordan
KW: I’m sure you have heard this a thousand times: Your home is so beautiful. It’s literally nicer than most five-star resorts, from the gardens to the landscaping, and the outdoor art curation is spot-on. How did you get it to this point?
JR: Thank you so much! I bought this house about 12 years ago, and it has been quite a long process getting it to where it is now. The house did not look like this at all; in fact, it was a mess. I knew I could make it amazing; I didn’t realize how long and stressful it would be to do so. But hey, good things take time, and I am super happy with the result.
KW: You collaborated with Brown Jordan on your outdoor furniture. What attracts you to Brown Jordan?
JR: I have long been a fan of Brown Jordan; I had some great pieces in my LA & Palm Springs homes. The craftsmanship and design are at the highest level. Their pieces are timeless and never go out of style. I love the fabrics and how the outdoor couches feel like indoor couches; they are super soft and comfortable. I want my outdoor furniture to be used, not museum pieces everyone is afraid to sit on.
KW: What is your favorite outdoor space that you tend to gravitate toward?
JR: The house sits on an acre, so there are many places to relax. I usually gravitate toward one of the lower patios, especially now with the Brown Jordan outdoor fire pit. That area has the most insane views of the mountains, and it’s perfect for a more intimate setting. When I have larger groups, we head down to the larger firepit in the lower part of the yard. The H Collection, High back lounge chairs are perfect for this area, and my guests love making smores when they come over. I am petrified that they will get chocolate on the cushions, so you know I watch them like a hawk!
KW: You worked with your designer & friend Erinn V on choosing and placing your Brown Jordan furniture. Have you worked with her in the past?
JR: Erinn is simply brilliant. She has designed many of my homes and offices. She understands my aesthetic and pushes me out of my comfort zone. Trust me, I am hard-headed at times, and she eases me into making choices I would not normally make. She never pushes me into things that are not me; she presents options and then explains her thoughts behind them. Trust me, this is the best type of designer to have. She recently designed my beach home, and people were floored when they saw what she did.
For this project, she walked me around the property and discussed the functionality of each space. Which areas will be used more, which areas do I want to relax in, and which areas are my “showpiece areas”? The design team at Brown Jordan sent fabric samples that Erinn and I reviewed. She chose different fabrics and textures for each grouping. She knows I am not a fan of matchy-matchy, so she made each section unique while keeping a consistent palette throughout.
KW: The outdoor dining area on the main level of your home has the most dramatic views, including endless mountains and lush greenery. What was your thought process behind outfitting this area?
JR: I like to have large dinner parties, so Erinn suggested the Adapt Collection Rectangular Dining table with the H Collection Armchairs. Initially, I was hesitant because I thought it was a lot of furniture for the space, but I trusted her judgment, and she did not disappoint! I am in love with this table and find myself gravitating toward it for every meal. To be honest, the one downside of it is that no one ever wants to go home. I am like, OK guys, it’s past midnight, get out, it’s enough.
KW: You have two guest houses on your property. How did you treat those spaces in the design process?
JR: I always said I wanted a home with multiple guest houses one day so I could invite many guests and ensure each guest had proper accommodations. I wanted each guest space to have its own vibe. The upper guest house has The Oscar Collection Armchairs in Charcoal grey with stripe cushions, whereas the lower guest house has the same Collection in a more neutral beige fabric. I love having The Juno Collection Pebble Beach ottomans around the spaces. They are super easy to move around and double as seats and tables. The irony is that sometimes, I rarely see my guests because they are sequestered in their spaces in relaxation mode. Who knew that having fountains and firepits in each outdoor space would act as a sedative. HA! Trust me, this is a good thing, as I don’t feel the need to entertain them constantly.
To learn more about Brown Jordan visit http://Brownjordan.com