When it came time to build their dream home, the owners of this Newport Beach property asked the teams at EBTA Architects and Irvine-based Xander Noori Design to create a courtyard-style, seaside residence with a touch of northern Italian classicism. The interiors firm, who had worked with the couple on their previous home, added another layer to the plan: The coastal setting, they reasoned, also called for something airy, laid back, and distinctly Californian. "We call it soft modern," says creative director Xander Noori of the aesthetic he had in mind. And so, he and managing director Keon Khajavi-Noori got to work infusing the interiors with both casual, Orange County vibes and a hint of formal grandeur.



From the entryway, you can see straight through the home to one of the couple’s favorite sculptures. Beyond that is nothing but ocean. "It’s like a framed picture," says Khajavi-Noori of the design’s opening gesture.

Noori’s creative vision steered away from minimalism: The design team brought the space to life with interesting textures, layered textiles, warm wood, and swathes of cool stone. The home is a study in materiality and classic proportions-from the custom-designed furniture and sleek fixtures by House of Rohl to the painterly, veined marble in nearly every room.

The couple’s books and art collection-what Khajavi-Noori calls "touchy-feely" things that add character to the space-feature prominently in the design. "You want to experience them with all of your senses," he explains.



A contemporary sculpture by Karim Rashid from the couple’s art collection is showcased beneath the home’s formal-style portico, which, like the rest of the exterior, takes cues from northern Italian-style classicism.

Although the residence features panoramic views, it’s still very private. Picture windows open to rolling hills on one side and sweeping ocean views on the other. There’s nary a neighbor in sight. "Every room in this house-especially the sleeping quarters-is a view room," says Khajavi-Noori.



Noori designed most of the home’s furnishings, including the breakfast table (shown), which features a flush-set lazy Susan made of marble, and tub-shaped dining chairs inspired by William Platner’s midcentury designs.



The multiport custom chandelier by Hammerton was designed to resemble a cascade of ice.



"Our inspiration for the pool design was for it to lay like mirror in the yard and simply reflect views of the sky," says Noori.

The entryway’s pivot door swings open to reveal a series of thresholds that lead the eye straight through the home to the horizon over the ocean. "People are surprised when they come in the door," says Noori. In the great room, five NanaWalls of glass peel away to connect the shared spaces with the outdoor living areas. "We can take advantage of the Southern California weather here-the warm days, the ocean breeze that flows right through the house," he adds.



The main bedroom showcases rift-cut oak millwork in the large closets, bronze mirror accents, and integrated lighting.



A lounge adjacent to the main bedroom features a fireplace and a bar with sculptural faucets by House of Rohl.



A neutral color palette accented with black and citrusy hues flows through the interiors.

While classical in scale and lavish in material application, the home’s interiors skew more contemporary. Noori designed 75 percent of the furniture, creating a cohesive aesthetic enhanced by sophisticated touches like Italian-stitched leather upholstery and Calacatta Gold marble sourced from Milan.



A section of the custom cabinetry in the kitchen features striking, half-circle bronze pulls. Noori chose the double Executive Chef sink by House of Rohl for its simple form and high performance.

Basaltina and limestone from Portugal were also carefully selected for the project, and the standout plumbing fixtures throughout the home came from House of Rohl, a longtime Noori favorite. In the kitchen, for instance, the brand's Lux faucet and Executive Chef sink look sleek, and they create a focal point at the stone-topped island-ideal for the homeowners’ entertaining needs.

The powder room’s Kaldera sink and Eclissi faucet bring a balanced, clean look to the space. In the primary suite’s bathroom, the integrated Riobel waterfall shower head adds spa-like indulgence inspired by a hotel Noori once visited.



Noori paired the powder room's marble-topped vanity with a Kaldera sink and Eclissi faucet by House of Rohl. Vertical-set tile by Sonoma Tilemakers adds warmth to the scheme.

While it’s a big residence, it remains warm and welcoming all the same. The rooms are gorgeous yet still beckon you to sit down and stay awhile. Noori says: "Our clients live on the razor’s edge of their industries, but at the end of the day, they wanted the residence to feel homey."