Laurel canyon's musical sanctuary: pierce & ward craft a home for songwriters
Tyler Johnson, the Grammy-winning producer behind hits for Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, and Beyoncé, and his talent manager wife, Lindsay Marias, have found their Los Angeles haven. It's a midcentury ranch, reimagined by AD100 design duo Pierce & Ward, that's as much a creative incubator as it is a Home—a sanctuary where melodies and memories intertwine.
A forest palette for a creative life
The initial state of the house, stripped bare by a previous renovation, presented a challenge. But for Ward and Pierce, it was an opportunity. They envisioned a space that echoed the couple's shared fondness for Steamboat Springs, Colorado, their hometown, and the natural beauty of Laurel Canyon. The result is a layered, interconnected series of living spaces bathed in a warm, forest-inspired palette. Think rich wood tones, vintage finds, and an overarching sense of comfort—a feeling Marias describes as “an heirloom.”
The design isn't about stark minimalism; it's about curated eclecticism. A custom A-frame bookshelf in the living room, crafted with a playful spirit, is just one example. Wide-plank pine flooring, sourced from Pierce & Ward’s collaboration with Fame Hardwoods, provides a soft, grounding foundation throughout the Home. But the real magic lies in the details – the unexpected juxtapositions, the deliberate imperfections.
Beyond the aesthetics, the space is tailored to the couple’s unique needs. A dedicated nook houses a landline phone – a deliberate throwback – and a shelf proudly displays Marias’ Grammy awards. It’s a space for connection, for quiet reflection, and for celebrating achievements.
From cold email to collaborative vision
The journey began with a simple act of faith: a cold email sent through Pierce & Ward’s website. “Sure enough, they hit us back,” recalls Marias, illustrating the serendipitous nature of the collaboration. The designers, known for their ability to translate a client’s vision into tangible reality, immediately grasped the couple’s desire for a Home that felt both sophisticated and welcoming, a place where music could thrive.
A kitchen that anchors the home
The kitchen, initially conceived with a more traditional stained finish, underwent a striking transformation. Pierce and Ward championed a bold move, painting the millwork a distinctive burgundy-tinged brown, a decision that instantly elevated the space. Balancing the richness of the brown is gray-veined marble and a pair of eccentric vintage pendants – fixtures so captivating that Marias playfully implored, “Please, just let us try them!” – which ultimately became a defining feature.
The designers' attention to detail extends to the backsplash, featuring a bullnose edge for a touch of softness, and the pantry, where Mindthegap’s Aegean Tiles wallpaper creates a whimsical backdrop. Even the hardware was carefully curated, with a mix-and-match approach ensuring a less uniform, more personalized feel.
Sentimental touches and inspired juxtapositions
Pierce & Ward’s signature blend of glamour and homespun charm is evident throughout the house. The snug, for instance, features a sleek, high-gloss chocolate brown wall unit juxtaposed against a deep-dish velvet sofa. In the nursery, antique quilts, geometric wallpaper, and an upholstered bed create a serene and playful environment. The room is imbued with a sense of nostalgia, punctuated by cherished keepsakes: a stuffed elephant suspended above the crib and a toy horse perched on a bookshelf. “That room feels so magical,” Marias says, “I can feel our daughter’s imagination already bursting.”
The powder room exemplifies the designers’ knack for unexpected pairings: Pierre Frey wallpaper depicting a Japanese forest scene harmonizes with a pine cone-embellished tramp art mirror, while a trio of Japanese frogs pays homage to Johnson, Marias, and their daughter. The master bedroom centers around a wall-spanning headboard in golden velvet, a statement piece complemented by a vintage lion painting.
A home that evolves
As Johnson puts it, “Walking into a space and having it feel adventurous is part of what I strive to do in music.” And that adventurous spirit is woven into the very fabric of the Laurel Canyon Home. Pierce and Ward’s philosophy isn't just about creating a beautiful space; it's about fostering a Home that improves with age—a place that will continue to evolve alongside the family, accumulating layers of memories and character over time. “This house will get a lot of seasoning over time,” Marias concludes, “and it’s just going to get better and better.”