Noel Pittman is a lovely person and a VERY talented designer. When she told me she was ready to officially leave LA and sell her spectacular house on my favorite street in Hancock Park, I had a lot of feelings. Let me explain why. The house she called home was always more than a house to me. Its exquisite landscaping and the perfectly painted blue trim was like a beacon of joy for me. I used to live only a few houses away, and when I used to push my twins in a double stroller down the block with bleary, sleep deprived eyes, the sight of this house would make the universe seem bright and cheerful.
I knew the house was special, but couldn't quite put my finger on why. I later learned that it belonged to the legendary local architect William Hefner, and when he and his family moved to another house in the neighborhood, they rented it to one of my clients. Once I stepped inside, I fell madly, deeply in love with the interior details as well.
Many years later, Noel became the owner. Her influence on what was already a pretty beautiful canvas was nothing short of magic. From the backyard sight lines to the interior design details she created, the original charm of the house and Hefner's floor plan were only enhanced and made to sing.
Selling the house off-market to design lovers, who were VERY focused and determined to make it their forever home, was a happy win for everyone involved. Noel has moved to Dallas to make even more house magic (watch her Instagram to see it all unfold) and to open her delightful, eponymous, home decor boutique. Lucky for us, LA is still on her travel schedule as she is still VERY much in demand!
I loved talking to her about Las Palmas and why it won favorite JCLA house of 2024.
xx Jenna
What 3 words best describe your aesthetic?
Layered, comfortable, timeless
Where do you live and what are your favorite things about it?
I am moving into a 1920’s Georgian house in Dallas, TX once I finish renovating the kitchen. I love the scale, proportions, moldings and floor plans of traditional homes.
What is your favorite room in your house, and why?
My favorite room is the library/dining room. The room was arranged as a sitting room/home office when I purchased the house. I decided to convert it to the dining room. I kept the bookcases but have converted it into a study/dining room with a round table in the middle of the room. I love the warmth of being surrounded by books with a fireplace going at night.
The key to great design is _____.
I don’t know if there is just one ingredient that makes for great design. I tend to respond most to rooms with a clear sense of place and individual touches.
What are your essential “can't live withouts” when starting a new project?
I am adamant about area rugs and window treatments. These immediately add warmth and softness. I also like to incorporate lighting at eye level. Layering in sconces, table and floor lamps makes a room more inviting at nighttime.
What was the biggest risk and biggest reward from a recent project?
I recently completed a cabin in Colorado where I specified reclaimed wood cladding for the walls and high pitched ceiling in a great room. It felt a little scary to lean so heavily into rustic materials but it really made the room and felt so cozy with plaid wool curtains.
Name three favorite LA establishments.
San Vicente Bungalows, Hotel Bel Air, Larchmont Avenue
I'd love to have a cup of tea with______? We’d talk all about ______.
Nicky Haslam. The difference in British and American decorating philosophies.
Is there a single tip or rule you share with every client?
I don’t know that I explicitly state a tip or rule, but generally I shy away from creating anywhere too precious to enjoy.
What's in for 2025 and what's out?
I avoid trends in general so maybe for me, trends are out in 2025 and classic, timeless design is in…
