Thomas Lavin Transforms Laurel Canyon Ranch House Into Art-Filled Retreat
Over the course of nearly three years, Los Angeles design dealer Thomas Lavin and his partner Destin Bass transformed a five-bedroom, 3,500-square-foot ranch house in Laurel Canyon, after exploring more than 60 properties. They acquired "Harriet's house," constructed in 1961, and worked alongside architect Eric Staten, landscape architect Martin Schwanauer, and interior designer Gary Hutton. The renovation introduced vaulted ceilings, a gym, and a primary suite. Notable design elements include an Ingo Maurer chandelier, a custom rug by Hutton, and a four-poster bed from Liaigre. The walls showcase artworks by Celia Paul, Salman Toor, and others, while outdoor enhancements feature a 19th-century Japanese Noh mask and a two-tiered fountain by Ficus Interfaith. They regularly host gatherings for various groups.
Key facts
- Thomas Lavin and Destin Bass renovated a 3,500-square-foot, five-bedroom California ranch house in Laurel Canyon over nearly three years.
- The property, built in 1961 and known as "Harriet's house," was purchased after a two-and-a-half-year search through more than 60 homes.
- The design team included architect Eric Staten, landscape architect Martin Schwanauer, and interior designer Gary Hutton.
- The home features works by Celia Paul, Salman Toor, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Amoako Boafo, Anna Glantz, Tarwuk, Sarah Ball, Raffi Kalenderian, Coady Brown, Ryan Driscoll, Louis Fratino, Ann Agee, Sergio Miguel, and Paul Mpagi Sepuya.
- An Ingo Maurer chandelier hangs above a vintage Gulassa dining table in a dining area painted in Benjamin Moore's Old Navy.
- Outdoor additions include a 19th-century Japanese Noh mask and a two-tiered fountain by Ficus Interfaith with terrazzo serpent inlays.
- The couple hosts a Hammer Museum patron group, showroom clients, and an annual Boxing Day celebration.
- The article first appeared in Galerie Magazine's 2026 Late Fall Issue under the headline "West of Eden."
Entities
Artists
- Thomas Lavin
- Destin Bass
- Eric Staten
- Martin Schwanauer
- Gary Hutton
- Celia Paul
- Salman Toor
- Toyin Ojih Odutola
- Amoako Boafo
- Anna Glantz
- Tarwuk
- Sarah Ball
- Raffi Kalenderian
- Coady Brown
- Ryan Driscoll
- Louis Fratino
- Ann Agee
- Sergio Miguel
- Paul Mpagi Sepuya
- Joel Arthur Rosenthal
- Ficus Interfaith
- Ingo Maurer
- Carlo Bugatti
- Liaigre
- Jonathan Browning
- Maureen O'Hara
Institutions
- Hammer Museum
- Villa La Coste
- Steinway & Sons
- Galerie Magazine
- de Le Cuona
- Donghia
- Hartmann&Forbes
- Artistic Tile
- Benjamin Moore
- Carlucci
- Misia
- Gulassa
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Laurel Canyon
- Hollywood Hills
- Sunset Plaza
- Mount Olympus
- Big Sur
- California
- Japan
- Provence
- France