Oliver Furth Curates a Singular Auction Inside a Historic Paul R. Williams Home
Set within an enchanting Regence Revival estate overlooking Sunset Boulevard, the Bonhams-hosted sale blends 18th-century treasures with collectible design in one unforgettable interior
In the heart of Los Angeles, a dazzling Paul R. Williams–designed Regence Revival home overlooking Sunset Boulevard has become an unlikely yet extraordinary setting for one of the summer’s most compelling auctions. Bonhams has partnered with celebrated interior designer Oliver M. Furth to present “An Oliver Furth Interior: Design & Distinction from an Iconic L.A. Residence,” an online sale running July 20–30 that offers a rare glimpse into his sui generis approach to crafting eminently livable spaces infused with color, joy, and West Coast optimism.
Rather than staging a typical single-owner auction, Furth reimagined the spectacular estate as a fully realized interior where every object, whether bamboo-clad sterling silver flatware by Buccellati or a pair of Faye Toogood’s sinuous Roly Poly Chairs, can hold its own within a larger ensemble. “I didn’t want this to look like a period set but was instead aiming for an interior that felt personal to these clients,” explains Furth. “Even though we used mostly ‘old’ things, I find this interior to be quite modern; modernity comes from scale, proportion, negative space, and the mashup of eras and styles.”
The 194-lot sale includes standout pieces by contemporary talents alongside historic rarities, all originally acquired for clients with whom Furth collaborated for years. Among the highlights: a bronze and terrazzo stool by David Wiseman (est. $25,000–35,000), an untitled gilt-bronze table by Alma Allen (est. $15,000–20,000), and a striking cocktail table in gold-leafed redwood by Mattia Bonetti (est. $10,000–15,000). For emerging collectors, an otherworldly Joyce Lin chair encasing Douglas fir slices behind acrylic vitrines is estimated at $2,500–3,500. Another notable inclusion is a parquetry secretaire by 18th-century Parisian ébéniste Roger Vandercruse, which Furth calls a tone-setter for the entire home. “The craftsmanship is absolutely astounding, from its complex parquetry inlay to ormolu mounts,” he says. “It’s a work of art unto itself.”
Furth’s approach to curation mirrors his work as a designer: eclectic and exuberant but deeply rigorous. “Decorating is akin to cooking in terms of finding the right balance of flavors,” he says. “A few bold 18th-century antiques and some strong 20th-century pieces, juxtaposed with sensational contemporary, set the right overall tone.” Texture and materiality also played a part—pieces in wood, metal, glass, parchment, upholstery were all chosen for their individual presence and how they resonate within the wider composition.
The unimpeachable setting, particularly the home’s classical proportions and elegant period detailing, also informed Furth’s curation. Williams shaped the look and feel of Los Angeles—the pioneering talent was the first African American member of the American Institute of Architects and designed more than 2,000 structures across the city, among them the Googie-style “flying saucer” Theme Building at LAX and stunning residences for Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. Furth was keenly aware of that legacy: “This residence had a strong story before we ever began. The pieces we selected needed to respond to that existing language and honor its history.”
Bonhams is betting the thoughtful presentation will resonate with design-savvy buyers. “These single-owner sales—especially those featuring a renowned designer—consistently appeal to buyers,” says Jason Stein, Bonhams’ Senior West Coast Director of Modern Decorative Art + Design. “They meet demand by offering collectors a comprehensive view of a designer’s vision and the full scope of their project. Oliver’s collection is exactly the kind of inspired mix that resonates with our clients.”
Though the total estimate hovers just under $1 million, the value of the auction transcends a dollar amount. It’s a rare opportunity to experience and acquire one-of-a-kind works from a masterfully conceived interior by one of California’s most distinctive voices in the decorative arts. As Furth puts it: “Every work has personality of its own, but altogether it sings.”