In this third and final look at the evolving definition of Skimp & Splurge we catch up with Edel Legaspi and Christopher Courts, the powerhouse couple behind Los Angeles-based Legaspi Courts Design. Lauded for spaces which are as beautiful as they are practical, this design duo brings 20 years of combined experience to projects which, to quote their website “feel as though they are a self-portrait of the clients that inhabit them.” 

In this back-to-basics style Q&A Christopher and Edel offer a preview of noteworthy projects in the works, share some of the creative pleasures found in working within a range of styles, and offer timeless advice on optimizing the decision-making process when creating extraordinary, authentic spaces.

Los Angeles, Edel Legaspi and Christopher Courts

But first, what’s new? What’s inspiring?

We are lucky to be working on several dynamic projects happening right now. They range from a full remodel and restoration of a 1920’s Spanish home in Holmby Hills to an 8,000sf ground up Mid-Century Modern on the bluffs in the Palisades to several custom interiors and architectural projects in Los Angeles and Atherton. 

What’s inspiring us lately is the diverse range of styles that we have going on at the same time. It really allows us to expand our design knowledge when researching and gathering design concepts for each job.

 Beverlywood, Guthrie Residence

What do you advise clients to never skimp on and why? If you had to choose just one thing, what would it be? 

Focal features that are client-specific. Whether it’s a light fixture, appliance, bathtub, built-in art niche, fireplace, etc, these are all examples of items that should not be downplayed or overlooked. For us, the one we would choose is the oven range or stove. All the boxes need to be checked from quality down to function.

Brentwood, Westridge Residence

Alternately, what splurges do you encourage? Do any noteworthy examples stand out in your memory? 

The splurges we encourage are the ones that bring pure immediate and unexplainable joy to our clients. Example, we were furniture shopping with a client that was in town, and we had a specific list of all the items that we needed to finalize/purchase for their home. In one particular showroom we stepped into, there was a hanging daybed that caught their eye. This piece was not on the list nor was it planned for however, the client bought it on the spot no questions asked and no concern for price. The instant connection it made to them was second to none. 

Santa Monica, Marine Residence

Do you have any humorous/horrifying anecdotes or designer ‘urban folklore’ about what has happened when a designer’s advice wasn’t heeded? 

Our story is probably like most designers. There is always at least one instance on every job where the client absolutely thinks that they are making the right decision and wanting a certain direction that is opposite ours. It always ends up playing out naturally and the client discovers through self-fruition that we were guiding them correctly from the start. We then end up changing it to how it should be and all is right in the world again. 

Atherton, Walsh Residence

LEGASPI COURTS
3505 W Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
323 641 0250
[email protected]
http://instagram.com/legaspicourts
legaspicourts.com

Author: Renée Soucy