J. Harkavy Interiors

Describe the featured project.

This project featured a family of four that had recently relocated to Palos Verdes Estates from Manhattan Beach, seeking a home that reflected their new chapter while honoring the charm of their new surroundings. The home’s Cape Cod architecture—expressed through classic dormered windows and thoughtful millwork detailing—provided a beautiful architectural foundation. Our intention was to celebrate these elements while introducing a fresh, updated perspective that felt both refined and relevant.

In the formal living room, we embraced the scale of the vaulted ceilings, allowing the volume to feel dramatic yet harmonious. A calm, soothing palette and subtle use of color softened the height of the space, while tailored furnishings and balanced proportions grounded the room with quiet sophistication.

In the family room, the focus shifted to warmth and everyday livability. We layered texture, incorporated inviting seating, and created a layout that encouraged connection and comfort. The result is a home that feels serene, refined and thoughtfully designed for family life.

What elements are essential to make a house feel like a home? 

Personality. Beyond beautiful finishes and thoughtful layouts, it’s the personal layers that bring warmth and meaning: collected pieces, artwork with a story, materials that age gracefully and furnishings that invite you to sit and stay awhile. A well-designed home supports daily rituals and feels tailored to the rhythms of those who live there, becoming welcoming rather than a showcase. 

How do you balance timeless design and current trends?

It begins with honoring the architecture of the home. The foundation—scale, proportion, millwork, cabinetry and core furnishings—should feel timeless and rooted in the character of the space. I introduce trends in ways that feel layered rather than dominant. Statement lighting, textiles, color-forward fabrics and wallcoverings bring personality and a sense of the present into a home without compromising longevity. These elements can be updated over time, allowing the home to evolve with intention. When classic design is complemented by curated, of-the-moment details, a home feels fresh yet enduring.

What makes a client relationship successful from start to finish?

Honest conversations around goals, expectations and the way clients want their home to feel create clarity from the outset—allowing decisions to be made with confidence and ease while avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring every element comes together seamlessly. 

Project photographed by Lauren Taylor  |  Team photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro