Hollywood's creative duo, Nanatchka Khan and Julia Bicknell, sought to craft a home that mirrored their dynamic personalities and love for entertaining. Their search led them to a Lake Hollywood property, which, though still under construction, held the promise of becoming their ideal residence. They entrusted interior designer Martha Mulholland with the task of infusing the five-bedroom, seven-bathroom house with their vibrant spirit, prioritizing both functionality and distinctive style. Mulholland, known for her narrative-driven approach and keen eye for unique finds, embraced the couple's eclectic tastes, incorporating bold colors, bespoke furnishings, and playful elements throughout the home. The result is a genuinely personalized and inviting environment, meticulously curated to reflect Khan and Bicknell's joyous lifestyle and their passion for hosting unforgettable gatherings.
Mulholland's design philosophy centers on creating immersive and meaningful spaces that resonate deeply with her clients. Drawing from her background in art history and visual merchandising, she champions the integration of singular vintage and antique pieces, alongside custom-designed furniture and lighting from local artisans. Her selections, complemented by rich paints and intriguing wallpapers, aim to educate clients, fostering a personal connection to the objects within their homes. For Khan and Bicknell, this meant translating their "fun and vivacious" spirit—characterized by a fondness for bobbleheads, Dolly Parton, puzzles, and cocktail culture—into a tangible aesthetic. Mulholland encouraged a "more-is-more" approach to color, ensuring each room boasted its own distinct and lively palette.
Crafting Entertaining Spaces with Bold Aesthetics
For Hollywood creatives Nanatchka Khan and Julia Bicknell, their Lake Hollywood residence wasn't merely a dwelling but a vibrant canvas for their dynamic personalities and a hub for lively gatherings. Interior designer Martha Mulholland meticulously transformed each area, focusing on creating distinctive, inviting spaces that perfectly complemented the couple's zest for entertaining. This involved a strategic use of color and unique design elements, ensuring the home felt both grand and intimately personal. The objective was to blend high style with genuine comfort, producing an atmosphere that was truly their own and a reflection of their vibrant social life.
The dining room, as the initial impression upon entering, was conceptualized to be a "wow moment." Mulholland chose a striking yellow historic wallpaper from Adelphi Paper Hangings, referencing 1920s Art Deco influences, and paired it with Florian Schulz's double counterbalance pendants and a long oval dining table. Red-cushioned chairs, a specific request from Khan and Bicknell, added a personal touch. The library, a double-height room featuring a grand fireplace and expansive window, was drenched in a deep forest-green paint, establishing an atmosphere of sophisticated relaxation. Custom floor-to-ceiling bookcases, a vintage curved-back settee, swivel chairs, and a whimsical bar cabinet redefined it as a modern library, ideal for quiet moments, reading, and enjoying cocktails in style.
Personalized Touches and Thematic Design Throughout
Beyond the primary entertaining zones, Mulholland extended the personalized and thematic design to every corner of the residence, ensuring consistency in the home's lively and joyful ambiance. Each space was imbued with bespoke elements and thoughtful selections that echoed Khan and Bicknell's unique interests and effervescent personalities. This holistic approach resulted in a residence where even the most private areas contributed to the overall narrative of a comfortable, happy, and immensely welcoming home, creating a cohesive and delightful living experience for the couple and their daughter.
The screening room underwent a dramatic transformation, moving from a neutral beige to a lavish tribute to classic movie palaces, featuring vivid red seating, burnished gold accents, and a playful toile wallpaper depicting iconic Los Angeles landmarks. This bold design choice was a direct nod to the couple's enthusiastic spirit. Mulholland further layered the home with charming and unexpected details: a Fornasetti cocktail wallpaper brought cheer to a powder room, while a diverse array of brightly colored furniture adorned the poolside terrace, inviting relaxation and social interaction. Perhaps most endearing, Julia Bicknell herself hand-painted a whimsical mural across the walls of their daughter's nursery, adding a deeply personal and artistic touch. These thoughtful inclusions culminated in a home that Martha Mulholland aptly described as "vital, exuberant, joyous, and very, very, very them," a true reflection of the Hollywood power couple's lively essence.