In this residence, a decorative scheme reminiscent of cacti and kid-friendly furniture may not initially evoke a sense of serenity, but instead, it presents as a creative, artistic expression.
A Modern Masterpiece: The Shady Canyon Residence
Nestled in the picturesque Shady Canyon, Southern California, the Shady Canyon Residence, recently renovated by Huma Sulaiman Design, stands as a testament to comfort-focused design and elegant living. This modern family home is showcased in Susan Redman's upcoming book, Curated Living: Elegant Interiors and Artful Homes, due for release on August 12, 2025.
The transformation of the 1,208-square-metre Mediterranean-style home into a stylish and inviting residence was no small feat. The renovation included redesigning expansive living and dining areas, two kitchens, a primary bedroom with his-and-hers bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes, three children's bedrooms, a playroom, multiple bathrooms, and a basement with a bar, theater, and sauna.
The design of the Shady Canyon Residence is characterized by a sophisticated yet inviting aesthetic focused on comfort and subtle color harmony inspired by nature. The home's color scheme was inspired by the nearby nature reserve, with shades of olive, rust, green, pale pink, and off-white dominating the home, creating a serene, cohesive atmosphere blending seamlessly with the lush greenery and rugged canyon views.
Architecturally, the home incorporates refined details like fluted plaster columns and custom elements that contribute to its elegant and artful character. The classical pillars in the main living areas and foyer were clad with wood planks, giving them a rectangular shape and finishing them in trowelled plaster with a raked, or fluted, appearance.
The living room features organic and curvaceous forms, such as the sculptural artwork Waltz by Chris Baas, the travertine coffee table from Hommés Studio, and the stacked Neru wood stools by Rebeca Cors. The space is furnished with sleek European furnishings, iconic pieces of furniture and lighting, art, and local artisans' crafts, along with some of Huma Sulaiman's custom designs.
To ensure safety for the young children, the clients requested furniture pieces with soft edges and low height. The living room is adorned with soft-curved edges on low-slung modular seating, such as the olive-green velvet Tufty-Time sectional sofa by Patricia Urquiola and the plush Camaleonda sectional sofa by Mario Bellini.
In the bedrooms, Huma Sulaiman designed bespoke pieces, such as a scalloped bed with an upholstered headboard, placed on a platform, for the client's daughter. Performance fabrics were used for upholstery to withstand spills and mishaps of family life.
The Shady Canyon Residence is more than just a beautiful home; it is a sanctuary designed for both family living and entertaining. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to foster a comfortable and stylish environment where the family can create lasting memories. This modern family home, with its gallery-like yet family-friendly ambience, is a fitting example of comfort-focused design and a testament to Huma Sulaiman's skill in crafting elegant and inviting interiors.
[1] Redman, Susan. (2025). Curated Living: Elegant Interiors and Artful Homes. London: Penguin Random House. [2] Huma Sulaiman Design. (n.d.). Shady Canyon Residence. Retrieved from https://humasulaimandesign.com/project/shady-canyon-residence/ [3] Redman, Susan. (2025). Curated Living: Elegant Interiors and Artful Homes. London: Penguin Random House.
- The Shady Canyon Residence, featured in Susan Redman's upcoming book, Curated Living: Elegant Interiors and Artful Homes, showcases a modern family home with a sophisticated texture and aesthetic.
- The transformation of the Shady Canyon Residence, a Mediterranean-style home, included renovating expansive living spaces, multiple kitchens, and various bedrooms, each featuring a trendy color scheme inspired by the surrounding nature.
- The interior design of the residence includes architectural details like fluted plaster columns, custom elements, and unique artwork, creating an artful and elegantly designed living space.
- In the living room, organic shapes and curvaceous forms are evident in sculptural artwork, travertine tables, and Neru wood stools, complemented by sleek European furnishings and local artisans' crafts.
- To ensure safety for young children, the living room is furnished with furniture pieces having soft edges and low height, such as the Tufty-Time sectional sofa by Patricia Urquiola and the Camaleonda sectional sofa by Mario Bellini.
- In the bedrooms, Huma Sulaiman Design created bespoke furniture pieces like a scalloped bed with an upholstered headboard and platform, using performance fabrics for upholstery to withstand family life's mishaps.
- The Shady Canyon Residence, nestled in the picturesque Shady Canyon of Southern California, stands as a modern masterpiece that offers a serene, cohesive living environment for both family living and entertainment.
