Originally created in the 1980s by Hall of Fame interior designer Stephen Barrett “Steve” Chase, this extraordinary Century Hill penthouse was conceived as the community’s largest and most distinctive private residences.
The completed interior was professionally documented in 1986 by the studio of legendary architectural photographer Julius Shulman, whose archive is now held by the Getty Research Institute. Known for his sophisticated use of natural stone, richly figured wood, sculptural furnishings, integrated lighting, and expansive entertaining spaces, Chase brought the relaxed opulence of California modernism to this rare Century City residence.
Who Steve Chase was:
Chase began his career in Los Angeles, spending approximately 14 years with the influential designer Arthur Elrod before establishing Steve Chase Associates in 1980. His interiors became known for combining contemporary California elegance with comfort, natural materials, sculptural furnishings, rich textures, and carefully controlled lighting. Interior Design inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 1987.
His client list included prominent entertainment and business figures such as Johnny Mathis, Farrah Fawcett, Gene Hackman, Dyan Cannon, Rona Barrett, and Joan Kroc. He also designed aircraft, yachts, cultural buildings, country clubs, and residences internationally. Chase was especially known for treating lighting as part of the architecture and for using stone, granite, wood, leather, glass, art, and custom-designed furniture to create complete environments rather than simply decorated rooms.
That approach is consistent with the original character visible in the Century Hill residence: extensive travertine and marble, monumental entertaining rooms, integrated bars, vaulted ceilings, dramatic stair elements, and large-scale custom millwork.
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