journal
Photography: Todd Goodman from LA Light
29 / 05 / 2025
Chateau Houston combines classic elegance and modern functionality in LA's famous Valley Village neighborhood.
Designed by SLS Properties Inc., this project brings together the best of both worlds - French-inspired architecture and contemporary living. Though a full-time home, Chateau Houston was designed to make the owners feel like they were on holiday every day, where the simple moments of everyday life are part of the light, inviting, and serene atmosphere of every room.
"In my career in development, I always strive to push the envelope and create homes that stand out from the norm. My goal is to introduce architectural styles rarely seen in the greater Los Angeles área", says Shlomi Sfadia, founder of SLS Properties Inc. "When people walk into the homes I've built, I want them to feel transported to another destination".
The project features pronounced French influences and incorporates timeless details such as symmetrical façades and sloping roofs. "From the grand architectural details to the refined materials and finishes, every element was carefully selected to evoke that sense of European sophistication".
During the construction, Shlomi Sfadia and the team faced the challenge of finding the right balance between traditional French architecture and modern functionality. "Tipically, French-style homes lean heavily on classic, compartmentalized layouts, which can feel overly traditional and don't always align with the open, flowing spaces that today's people seek", explains the developer and designer. "I wanted to preserve the authentic French feel while ensuring the home offered a spacious, functional layout for modern living".
This balance was achieved using the exterior and small details and finishes, including an open living area, spacious entertaining rooms, and a fluid interior-exterior connection.
The home's color palette is predominantly neutral, creating a timeless and elegant foundation that enhances the natural materials and architectural details. Shlomi Sfadia incorporated rich, earthy tones with a strong influence of green hues throughout the design to bring in depth, warmth, and a touch of European charm.
To accentuate authenticity and timeless elegance, the SLS Properties Inc. team chose to use natural materials throughout the house - Moroccan Zellige tiles in the bathrooms, several types of natural marble, plaster and Roman clay finishes in the primary bedroom and bathrooms, pea gravel on the exterior, white oak for the woodwork and clay roof tiles. Each material was carefully selected to convey warmth, texture, and tradition.
"One of the most memorable moments during the build was when we were finalizing the kitchen's stone backsplash", remembers Shlomi Sfadia. "Traditionally, this type of stone is used in exterior spaces, but I was determined to bring that rustic, French countryside charm indoors", explains the founder of SLS Properties Inc. "When it was finally installed, it completely transformed the space—it felt like stepping into a countryside estate rather than a newly built home in Los Angeles. That moment reinforced my belief that sometimes, taking risks with materials and design choices is what truly makes a home special".
Ultimately, the owners' appreciation for timeless design and high-quality craftsmanship made Chateau Houston their dream home.
"In my career in development, I always strive to push the envelope and create homes that stand out from the norm. My goal is to introduce architectural styles rarely seen in the greater Los Angeles área", says Shlomi Sfadia, founder of SLS Properties Inc. "When people walk into the homes I've built, I want them to feel transported to another destination".
The project features pronounced French influences and incorporates timeless details such as symmetrical façades and sloping roofs. "From the grand architectural details to the refined materials and finishes, every element was carefully selected to evoke that sense of European sophistication".
During the construction, Shlomi Sfadia and the team faced the challenge of finding the right balance between traditional French architecture and modern functionality. "Tipically, French-style homes lean heavily on classic, compartmentalized layouts, which can feel overly traditional and don't always align with the open, flowing spaces that today's people seek", explains the developer and designer. "I wanted to preserve the authentic French feel while ensuring the home offered a spacious, functional layout for modern living".
This balance was achieved using the exterior and small details and finishes, including an open living area, spacious entertaining rooms, and a fluid interior-exterior connection.
The home's color palette is predominantly neutral, creating a timeless and elegant foundation that enhances the natural materials and architectural details. Shlomi Sfadia incorporated rich, earthy tones with a strong influence of green hues throughout the design to bring in depth, warmth, and a touch of European charm.
To accentuate authenticity and timeless elegance, the SLS Properties Inc. team chose to use natural materials throughout the house - Moroccan Zellige tiles in the bathrooms, several types of natural marble, plaster and Roman clay finishes in the primary bedroom and bathrooms, pea gravel on the exterior, white oak for the woodwork and clay roof tiles. Each material was carefully selected to convey warmth, texture, and tradition.
"One of the most memorable moments during the build was when we were finalizing the kitchen's stone backsplash", remembers Shlomi Sfadia. "Traditionally, this type of stone is used in exterior spaces, but I was determined to bring that rustic, French countryside charm indoors", explains the founder of SLS Properties Inc. "When it was finally installed, it completely transformed the space—it felt like stepping into a countryside estate rather than a newly built home in Los Angeles. That moment reinforced my belief that sometimes, taking risks with materials and design choices is what truly makes a home special".
Ultimately, the owners' appreciation for timeless design and high-quality craftsmanship made Chateau Houston their dream home.
For more information, visit SLS Properties Inc. website.