If the name of the Los Angeles-basedentrepreneur, fashion and interior designer Cliff Fong does not ring any bells, his clientele of A-list Hollywood celebrities will do just that. Born in New York and educated in art history, Cliff Fong’s taste leans heavily into the context of the project.
His Hollywood-based interior design studio, Matt Blacke Inc. founded in 2009, is among the leading practices of the city.
Listed are 15 of his most exciting projects, both residential and commercial, reflecting his elegant taste.
1. Pistola, LA
Location: Los Angeles, California Client:Chef Vic Casanova and Restaurateur Seth Glassman Year of Completion: 2014
Created for celebrity chef, Vic Casanova, Pistola is a modern take on the quintessential steakhouses of New York City. The aesthetic of fine luxury is crafted from a remodelled warehouse of very humble origins and transformed to offer a unique dining experience.
The bar, main dining and a second dining space on the level above each have a distinct décor, tied together by the industrial elements that span the entire structure. Of these, the skylights and exposed beams in the upper dining area are the most striking, complemented by the colour palette.
The colour and material palettes together form the contracting backdrop composed of black and greys. The exposed industrial elements are softened by the use of textured wooden finishes. Custom-made lighting fixtures including sconces and chandeliers were crafted from 1940s bistro glass hand-picked by Fong.
Year of Completion: 2016 Client:Ryan Murphy Location: Laguna Beach
Capitalizing on the panoramic views of the ocean and adjoining landscape, the interiors are understated, with Fong’s signature style of eclectic furniture and art bringing a touch of museum-quality interiors.
The furniture reflects Fong’s ability to bring the Mid-century-modern aesthetic to the contemporary world with understated elegance.
5. Ryan Murphy’s House in Beverly hills
Year of Completion: 2011 Client: Ryan Murphy Location: Beverly Hills, California
Originally designed in the mid-1920s by architect Ralph Flewelling, the home of Ryan Murphy in Beverly Hills is envisioned as an elaborate expression of the client’s personality. Previously owned by Diane Keaton, it is also the venue of a fundraiser hosted by Murphy for Barack Obama.
Year of Completion: 2021 Client:Gavin de Becker & Associates Location: Los Angeles, California
The Private Suites at LAX were redesigned by Cliff Fong in 2021, following the demand for luxury travel and raised standards for security and privacy following the pandemic. Meant predominantly for the affluent passengers flying commercial, the suites aim to provide a space to entertain their members before departure or upon arrival at the LAX.
Each of the thirteen private suites was conceptualized to bridge the gap between the comfort of home and global connectivity.
Vintage Vladimir Kagan chairs to the curated artwork adorning the walls, Fong’s taste reverberates through the state-of-the-art suite facility, complete with spas and chauffeur detailing.
7. Residence at Hancock Park, Los Angeles
Year of Completion: 2021 Client: Sonya Roth Location: Los Angeles, California
Through this residential project for Sonya Roth, managing director of Christie’s auction house, Fong goes the extra mile in preserving the essence of the 1927 Mediterranean-style mansion. Retaining some elements of the original architecture like the archways and the spiral staircase, the walls of the house are predominantly white, and adorned by artwork by key artists and friends.
Year of Completion: 2011 Client: Michael Voltaggio Location: Los Angeles, California
Celebrity Chef Michael Voltaggio’s restaurant reflects the signature Fong aesthetic of dark and luxurious spaces and an assortment of statement furniture and wall art. The food takes the center stage, in a humble setting with understated décor.
Year of Completion: 2015 Client: Maison de Luxe Location:Beverly Hills
Each year, Maison de Luxe commission an assortment of architects, interior designers and decorators to turn a given space in the mansion into a rendition in their style. The mansion’s breakfast room and adjoining solarium were designed by Fong.
The architecture of the mansion lends itself to elegance, which is enhanced through Fong’s European pastoral take on interior furnishing. The silver-grey paint by Farrow & Ball sets a neutral and comforting backdrop for the furnishings and lighting.
The Gustavian chest of drawers by Lief and wingback chair by Mogens Koch are the other statement furnishings, creating a distinct spot within the room.
The antique Belgian brick fireplace is adorned by a Catherine Willis wall sculpture. The living space feels more relaxed owing in part to the light colour palette, and partly to the décor that complements the architecture.
The 1900s French armchair by the 19th-century table workbench brings a classic touch to the rustic barn interiors, highlighted by the exposed structural elements.
11. Madison Gallery, Malibu
Year of Completion: 2007 Client: Madison Boutiques Location:Malibu
With the chain of Madison boutiques in Brentwood and Los Angeles, the Madison Gallery brings an inspiration shopping experience, housing the top fashion labels and creation by celebrity stylists.
Fong’s industrial-chic inclinations drive the choice of statement furniture and lighting, creating a veritable gallery that displays the clothing and jewellery.
Year of Completion: 2007 Client: Galerie Half Location: Melrose, California
The vintage and antique showroom founded by Cliff Fong in 2007 is a unique project, with its interiors adorned by Mid-century furniture and antiques acquired from all over the globe.
Year of Completion: NA Client: Jason Biggs Location: New York
The transformation of this industrial loft to a cosy home for a family with toddlers is marked by furniture and artwork that blends with the architecture. The exposed brick, timber structural elements and wood-burning fireplace are capitalized on by the use of complementary lighting design and colour palette.
Year of Completion: 2010 Client: Ryan Murphy Location:NA
The production offices for Ryan Murphy were envisioned by Fong as an understated space to facilitate creativity. The artwork reflects the taste of the client, and the renovated set-painting studio is given a new and equally fruitful existence.
Year of Completion: 2020 Client: NA Location: North Carolina
The architecture of the lodge by Lake Toxaway is a unique undertaking since local guidelines did not permit flat roofs. Appealing this clause, the clients proposed a more sustainable roofing design that led to the policy alteration and successive construction.
Fong creates a space that is both comfortable and harmonious with the landscape, utilizing reclaimed and locally sourced materials. The Scandinavian furniture and bespoke décor enhance the context even further.
What makes Cliff Fong the choice of the celebrities and trendsetters in the community is more than his eye for detail and ability to acquire the most unique pieces of décor. His forte lies in delivering spaces that befit the personality of the clients and the surroundings alike.
Sagarika Latwal is an architect based in Bangalore exploring creative outlets and entrepreneurship within the industry. An armchair expert in art history, film and - oddly enough- ornithology, she is in constant search of hidden ideas to inform her designs. With her inclination towards architectural journalism, she hopes to make the beautiful complexities of architecture accessible to all.
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