Johnson Hartig, co-designer of clothing line Libertine, and his 1920s remodeled bungalow
Johnson Hartig, co-designer of clothing line Libertine, lights a candelabra at the 1920s Mediterranean bungalow he renovated in Los Angeles’ Hancock Park area. A huge spin-art work by Damien Hirst radiates color in the living room, dominated by an oversized Lucite table. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
The top of Hartig’s antique highboy displays a collage of collectibles reflecting his eclectic style: a taxidermy chipmunk in a Victorian case, a Taschen book catalog, a black twill bow tie and a pair of steel handcuffs. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
An ornate light fixture and Hartig’s black Schwinn bike add whimsy to his kitchen with its white walls and cabinets, dark granite counters and polished concrete floor. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Hartig taped up damask wrapping paper from Soolip in the glass-front cabinets. Under-cabinet lighting shows off Hartig’s diverse collection of ceramics. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Advertisement
In the dining room, a custom lantern by Ames Ingham casts a soft glow on an antique farm table with a set of four chairs from West Elm. Mirrored globes reflect the colors in a collage piece by Damien Hirst. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Porcelain Staffordshire spaniels line up playfully above a portrait and books in the den. “I love Americana, folk art and English country style more than anything,” Hartig says. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
The rich brown of Hartig’s bedroom walls, above, sets off the steel-frame four-poster bed of his own design and a screen made from 19th century wallpaper bought at auction. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
The homeowner relaxes with friends on his Ralph Lauren sectional: From left, Eric Johnson, Margaret Yen Johnson, Hartig (kicking a Chanel football), Ames Ingham and Barry Fox. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Advertisement
The bathroom’s white cabinets and marble countertops are set off by bold wallpaper from Walnut in L.A. Hartig’s whimsical flourishes include antique scale-model schooners under glass, a trio of Staffordshire dogs and a Champagne bottle in the shower. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
A 19th century Venetian marionette hangs out by the bookcases. Hartig recalls buying it at a Pasadena antiques shop “because it looked like he was dressed in Libertine.” (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Friends join Hartig around his pool, which Vogue’s Lisa Love calls “quintessential California.” She says, “You feel like you’re in an artists summer house.” (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
An exuberant Hartig, with Damien Hirst’s spin art, says, “I don’t care where things come from or how much they cost, as long as they are chic and fit in.” (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)