In Los Angeles, a British-born Indian designer, Kiran Rai, has meticulously transformed a Spanish Colonial rental property into a deeply personal sanctuary. Her approach to interior design emphasizes honoring cultural heritage, upcycling cherished items, and trusting her own aesthetic instincts rather than conforming to contemporary trends. This renovation project serves as a vibrant tapestry of her life experiences, blending influences from her Indian background with the rich history of Southern California.
Rai's design journey began in 2023 when she acquired a Spanish Colonial house in Runyon Canyon, a property she had previously rented and developed a strong connection with. At 60 years old, she embarked on this project as a significant new chapter, aiming to restore the house to its 1930s splendor. Her process involved unearthing decades' worth of personal belongings and antiques, rejecting mass-produced items in favor of pieces with history and character. This philosophy results in rooms that exude a sense of inherited warmth and curated narrative.
A notable aspect of Rai's design method is her detachment from social media algorithms, which she believes can stifle individual creativity. Instead, she draws inspiration from her personal archive of analogue references, cherished memories, and global travels. This allows her to craft spaces that authentically reflect her identity, her journey as an immigrant, and the life she shares with her partner.
The outdoor areas of the property received a comprehensive overhaul, designed to embody Southern California's indoor-outdoor living ethos. Rai preserved the original 1970s swimming pool, giving it a fresh coat of paint. She then developed a luxuriant, resort-like deck complete with firepits and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. The tilework artfully combines Mexican and Indian styles, a tribute to both Los Angeles's cultural roots and her own heritage, all infused with an Italian alfresco flair through carefully chosen patterns and upholstery. Whimsical details, such as hand-painted Frida Kahlo tiles and ceramic fruit motifs, add a touch of Rai's playful personality.
Inside, Rai intentionally maintained the home's distinct zones and intimate alcoves, diverging from the modern open-plan trend. Her vision was to create an environment that felt like a journey through various countries and centuries. She approached each room individually, living in the space as she renovated, and meticulously sourcing key pieces—frequenting estate sales and hunting for second-hand treasures across the city.
Throughout the residence, Murano glass fixtures provide a consistent, whimsical thread. The guest suite, influenced by British Colonial style, features a unique shell mirror from The Mart Collective, a 1930s trundle bed from Facebook Marketplace, House of Hackney wallpaper, and rattan elements. For the living room, Rai spent considerable time finding a Vladimir Kagan sofa on Facebook Marketplace, which she then reupholstered in Pierre Frey chenille. The powder room showcases a dramatic Mind the Gap wallpaper adorned with Hindu goddesses, a vibrant homage to Rai's Indian heritage, complemented by family heirlooms.
Rai describes this project as a self-portrait, a culmination of years spent observing, collecting, and returning to her roots. The harmonious blend of Los Angeles's cultural legacy and her personal narrative is a testament to thoughtful design. Her art collection, which prominently features women artists like Tanya Aguiñiga and her sister Amrit Rai, along with a diverse collection of female nudes, subtly expresses her aesthetic, psychological, and political values.