A place for everything and everything in its place. Good design rides on that old adage. Exciting design hits that mark and then some. When LA-based César Giraldo created a 3,000-square-foot entertainment zone for a client’s home in Palos Verdes Estates, he didn’t hold back. Richly indulgent and almost cinematic in its larger-than-life impact, the space — which includes a theater, wine cellar and whiskey room — puts many a private club to shame.
Giraldo — who grew up in Colombia, where “there was an undeniable sense of magic in everyday life, an intense connection to nature and a deep appreciation for beauty in the unexpected” — turned to a palette of black, gold and bronze to invest this stylish retreat with luminous depth.
“The inspiration stemmed from the idea of creating a space of glamour and elegance, one where my client could not only unwind but also entertain with a sense of joy,” describes Giraldo. “His needs were always at the heart of the process, informing every decision, from textures and furniture to art and accessories, ensuring that the space felt both luxurious and deeply personal.”
When he’s not creating bespoke interiors, Giraldo channels his creativity into product design, with the Straight Lines Unexpected Curves rug collection with Mehraban (which earned a 2024 Good Design Award), his Medellín outdoor furniture line for Tidelli and the award-winning Gusto capsule collection in collaboration with Studio M Lighting.
“Every category presents its own challenges, particularly in balancing beauty with functionality,” shares Giraldo. “With each challenge comes growth, and for me, that journey is both exhilarating and rewarding. I love the entire process, from the initial spark of an idea, no matter how unconventional, to the meticulous refinement of the final piece.
I believe creativity should be boundless, allowing space for exploration and discovery. What excites me most is designing something entirely new, as each project brings invaluable knowledge that I wouldn’t have gained otherwise. Beyond that, my design approach is rooted in a deep trust in my instincts and a wholehearted celebration of life. Every day presents an opportunity to create, to refine and to bring spaces to life with emotion and energy. That philosophy guides everything I do.”
Interiors photography by David Christopher Lee. Headshot by Anthony Avellano.
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