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Santa Monica Today
By the People, for the People
Architect Designs California Dream House Inspired by Artist Ed Ruscha
A fashion executive's new Los Angeles home pays homage to the city's natural beauty and artistic legacy.
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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In the hills of Los Angeles, designer Mark Cunningham created a serene family retreat for a fashion executive and her husband. The couple bought the 1971 home, which had once belonged to artist Ed Ruscha, and enlisted Cunningham and architect Michael Gilmore to renovate it. The goal was to create a welcoming, light-filled space that showcased the stunning views and seamlessly blended indoor and outdoor living.
Why it matters
This project highlights how thoughtful design can transform a house into a true California dream home, one that celebrates the region's natural beauty, artistic heritage, and modern sensibilities. The renovation also showcases how collaboration between talented designers and homeowners can result in a highly personalized space that meets the owners' needs and aesthetic preferences.
The details
Cunningham prioritized subtle natural palettes and patterns throughout the home, mirroring the textures of the surrounding hills. He also incorporated elements of modern California Mission style, such as layered prints, and drew inspiration from local landmarks like the Greystone Mansion. Expansive doors and windows with steel exteriors and white oak interiors by Steelworks Etc. were commissioned to frame the dramatic landscape. Wherever possible, local materials and vendors were used, including botanical artworks by California artist Lena Scott Harris.
- The couple bought the house in late 2020.
- The renovation took nearly two and a half years to complete.
The players
Mark Cunningham
An interior designer who worked closely with the homeowners on the renovation.
Michael Gilmore
An architect with Weddle Gilmore who collaborated on the project.
Ed Ruscha
The renowned artist who previously owned the home.
Art Luna Studio
The landscapers who selected the sculptural olive trees that canopy the home's terraces.
Lena Scott Harris
A California artist whose botanical artworks are featured in the dining room.
What they’re saying
“It's so high up on the hill, you feel as if you are kind of floating above everyone.”
— Mark Cunningham, Interior Designer (Elle Decor)
“The best details always whisper.”
— The Homeowner, Fashion Executive (Elle Decor)
“From here, you watch the sunrises and the sunsets, and it can be humbling. You get this sense of, this was here long before us and will be here long after.”
— The Homeowner, Fashion Executive (Elle Decor)
The takeaway
This renovation showcases how thoughtful design can transform a house into a true California dream home that celebrates the region's natural beauty, artistic heritage, and modern sensibilities. The collaboration between the homeowners, architect, and interior designer resulted in a highly personalized space that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living.
