Dani Nagel’s Hollywood Hills Penthouse Is an Art Deco Ray of Sunshine

Zoë Sessums

Sure, this 2,000-square-foot apartment is on the top floor of a triplex, but that doesn't stop Dani Nagel, founder of the fashion brand Dazey LA, and her boyfriend Phillip Butler from calling their home “the Dazeywood Penthouse.” Hidden in Beachwood Canyon, a community in the Hollywood Hills, the Spanish-style apartment was a magical find for Dani and her partner. “We were looking for a place with a lot of natural light and a big, open kitchen,” says Dani. “The guy who owns our building owns a lot of places in the area, and he showed us some things but they weren't quite right.” Still, they loved talking to their soon-to-be landlord, and he stayed in touch. He followed up a few times and at one point convinced Dani and Phillip to see a place he hadn't yet listed. Turns out it was this hidden gem.

The Dazey LA family includes Phillip, Dani, and their dog, Franklin, who is named after the neighborhood (Franklin Village) where the couple met. Here, they sit on Dani’s favorite piece in the home. “It's hard to deny the epic-ness of the pink velvet couch.”
“We changed every single light fixture, which brightened the whole place up and really transformed the space,” says Dani. They kept it consistent, too, by outfitting the entire home in pieces from Hudson Valley Lighting. The super–Art Deco sconces are a perfect pairing of vintage looks with updated technology—the bright light is an energy-efficient LED.
In another corner, a sleek metal-and-acrylic floor lamp balances out the chunky hand chair. “I love that chair,” says Dani. “It was a Rose Bowl Flea find for $100. It reminds me of really good Miami Art Deco.” The fun faces painting above the chair is a Dani original.

“We’ve been here a little over six months,” says Dani, whose clothing brand is all about playful, bold graphics and a mission to empower women through conversation and community. She's wasted no time at all getting the place to her liking. "We don't like living in spaces that don't feel done,” adds Dani, who uses the space as Dazey LA headquarters, where Phillip also works full-time. “I was already organizing things on Pinterest from the get-go. I love doing interiors and the space has such amazing bones.”

“The fireplace is what sold us,” says Dani. “It’s the first thing you see when you walk in—the cathedral ceiling and the fireplace—and it works!” All of the tile, flooring, and fireplaces came with the house. “The bones of the space were amazing as is.”
“The fireplace is what sold us,” says Dani. “It’s the first thing you see when you walk in—the cathedral ceiling and the fireplace—and it works!” All of the tile, flooring, and fireplaces came with the house. “The bones of the space were amazing as is.”
The inspiration for doing the painted headboard came from reading a blog post on the Jungalow. “The post talked about painting dots behind wall shelves, so we tried it and loved it so much we did it in the office too,” says Dani. “It even inspired us to start doing murals, and we've been doing bigger projects for conferences like Create & Cultivate.”
Another peek at some of the amazing tilework that's original to the home. Plus, that lovely yellow that pops up throughout the space.
Another peek at some of the amazing tilework that's original to the home. Plus, that lovely yellow that pops up throughout the space.
Asked what her favorite color is, Dani answered: “I love all colors. I’m always going through different phases.” She went through a mustard yellow phase (we can tell) and now is into pink and purple and mauve.
Asked what her favorite color is, Dani answered: “I love all colors. I’m always going through different phases.” She went through a mustard yellow phase (we can tell) and now is into pink and purple and mauve.

But don't let the quick interior overhaul fool you—this isn't the couple's first decorating rodeo. They also have a home in Palm Springs, a two-bedroom, midcentury-modern wonderland full of eye-popping patterns and colorful accents. “I wanted something different in our new space,” says Dani. “My art was moving away from the ’70s California vibe and into an ’80s and ’90s–meets–Art Deco look, so it was natural to bring that into my interior inspiration.” She actually chose a lot of colors from her latest clothing collection for the home's decor.

Brightening the space beyond the natural light is the bouquet-like brass chandelier. The dining table, chairs, and credenza (not pictured) are from Joybird.
Franklin loves spending time basking in the sun on the patio. The outdoor furniture is from Bend Goods. The L.A.-based brand is all about design pieces that are as beautiful as they are functional.

“The room we spend the most time in is our dining room,” says Dani. “It gets such great light, and we love opening the French doors that lead to the patio.” She highly recommends creating a nice home environment for the best work-from-home experience. “We really love being home.”

Another view in Dani's office, where she's used the same paint-framing trick that's in the bedroom.
Another view in Dani's office, where she's used the same paint-framing trick that's in the bedroom.

💡 Do It Yourself

  1. If you love new and vintage furniture, don't be afraid to mix and match it yourself. Pick a color palette or range of similar colors if you're worried about keeping things cohesive.

  2. Follow your favorite furniture and vintage shops on Instagram. “I follow a lot of interior accounts and amazingly curated shops,” says Dani. “Adaptations [in New York] and 6th and Detroit [in California] are some of my favorite smaller boutiques.” She notes that they tend to help you discover trends before they hit the mainstream.

  3. Get into customization. Dani works with furniture company Joybird a lot to make sure her big statement pieces, like the sofas and chairs, match her dream aesthetic with specific colors and fabrics. Large, long-lasting furniture is worth getting just right.

  4. Take the time to get to know a landlord. Someone who owns a lot of buildings in your favorite area of town is sure to be an asset when you're house-hunting. Be patient, take some time to have a conversation, and you never know when they might show you a hidden gem.

  5. Don't be afraid to do it yourself. Dani loved the frame that came with her custom Bend Goods painting. She enlisted help from her boyfriend and ended up replicating the style for her own original art.

Phillip's office has a less colorful—but still bright—decor. “He's the plant whisperer,” says Dani.
Phillip's office has a less colorful—but still bright—decor. “He's the plant whisperer,” says Dani.
It's clear that each room is related to the next. This corner of the living room looks like it could be part of Phillip's office.
It's clear that each room is related to the next. This corner of the living room looks like it could be part of Phillip's office.

🛍 Shop It Out

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  1. Double Moroccan Floor Pouf by D + K Renewal, $228, dkrenewal.com

  2. Wood Bluetooth Record Player by Victrola, $120, victrola.com

  3. Mitzi Paige Chandelier by Hudson Valley Lighting, $822, hvlgroup.com

  4. Braxton Sleeper Sofa by Joybird, $2,264, joybird.com

  5. Golden Hour Sunset Reed Diffuser by P.F. Candle Co, $34, pfcandleco.com

This custom art is actually a piece by the makers of the outdoor furniture, Bend Goods. “The frames inspired me to do the same for all my artwork,” says Dani. Phillip got to work and made them all himself.
Here in Phillip's space, with walls painted Pistachio Ice Cream, the artwork is by Dani.
Here in Phillip's space, with walls painted Pistachio Ice Cream, the artwork is by Dani.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest