For a designer, inspiration can arrive in any form — from travel and nature to a simple trip to a museum. But more often than not, it is the client who serves as project muse. Such was the case for designer Ray Langhammer, who was commissioned to decorate a new Las Vegas vacation home for a fashionable Newport Beach couple. “They have this aura of chic around them,” he recalls, taking note of the wife’s Valentino heels and Chloe bag. “They have great taste in everything, whether it’s homes, cars, restaurants or clothing.”
Credit: Ryan Garvin Photography
Langhammer used the couple’s eye for couture as the main vision for the 2016-built contemporary set on Lake Las Vegas, which they aptly named Bella Lago. The 5,000-square-foot space was virtually a blank canvas for the 25-year design veteran, who was working at the time for Barclay Butera Design and has since branched out with his own firm, RL Interiors. “The house was already built, and the finishes had already been specified,” he recalls. “So we had to utilize the existing color palette of blacks, grays, whites and creams.” Not that he found it limiting. The neutral palette provided the ideal backdrop for the home’s spectacular flowing open spaces, clean lines and expansive use of glass that highlighted the unobstructed lake and golf course views. “You really get this incredible vista from the minute you walk in the door,” says Langhammer. “I didn’t want to take away from the view, so I kept it neutral.”
From the moment you enter, the residence is a feast for the eyes. A monumental nine-foot-tall glass pivot door offers the first introduction to the stunning interiors just beyond.
Credit: Ryan Garvin Photography
The entry opens with a striking metal staircase that takes you upstairs to the club-worthy entertainment loft and bar — or you can go right into the great room, where another bar and disappearing walls of glass reveal the outdoor living area, outdoor kitchen and views of the lake. It’s easy to imagine the flow of Las Vegas-style entertaining in this space, as the great room seamlessly blends into the open kitchen, with its expansive marble island and large table for six.
Credit: Ryan Garvin Photography
“When I’m designing for clients, I always try to envision how they’ll switch from completely casual entertaining to entertaining a formal dinner party for 50 people at night,” says Langhammer. “You want the home to be comfortable and luxurious at the same time. I always think people’s homes should be ready for anything.”
Credit: Ryan Garvin Photography
Not unlike the fashion industry’s endless rotation of day-to-night looks, Bella Lago transitions from day to night with effortless style. Comfort-meets-Las Vegas glam is expressed in luxe textures, polished chrome, champagne and pewter metallics, and custom touches inspired by the clients’ sartorial sensibilities. Furniture pieces from Ralph Lauren and Barbara Barry blend with materials such as rosewood and silver leaf to create texture, dimension and undeniable style. “Every single space lends itself to another space, so all of the tones in the art, accessories and fabrics are universal throughout the space,” he explains. “It’s a visual feast but also subliminal and extremely chic.”
Credit: Ryan Garvin Photography
Credit: Ryan Garvin Photography
Currently listed with Kim Chitwood of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, Bella Lago is being offered completely turnkey — with all of Langhammer’s unique touches, including over $1 million in interior furnishings, art, fixtures and upgrades.
“The result is a space that epitomizes the art of sophisticated contemporary living,” says Chitwood. “Every detail exudes quality. The fusion of modern luxury, distinct character and views make it unlike any other home in Lake Las Vegas.”
While the view may be the star of Bella Lago, the high-fashion interiors add the sparkle. In the dining room, for example, the indoor-outdoor connection is furthered with a corner retractable slider that opens up to the patio. Here, Langhammer added a custom-made 8-by-8-foot table with a one-inch thick glass tabletop and polished chrome base — a nod to jewelry designer Paloma Picasso. The ceiling, clad in silver leaf wallpaper, draws the eye upward for an unexpected dose of luster. The crystal Sputnik chandelier, reminiscent of an earring, anchors the space. The powder bath provides another fashion moment, with a metallic pebble-texture wall covering, an LED–backlit Baker mirror and nailhead detailing inspired by the client’s studded Dior heels. The first-floor master suite also pays homage to a Hermès bag with a croc-like wall covering in the entry vestibule. “It gives the space extreme wow factor,” says Langhammer. The entire master retreat — complete with a sitting room, massive closet and spa-like bathroom — is designed to feel comfortable and luxurious, mimicking the feeling of a luxury boutique or — even better — a five-star hotel.
Credit: Ryan Garvin Photography
“The house feels like a luxury hotel villa — somewhere you’d want to be for an extended stay,” says Langhammer. “It’s a place where you can escape, relax, entertain and get dressed up to go out on the Strip, which is no more than 20 minutes away. When people are on vacation, they still want to live with beautiful things and feel as homey as possible.”
Bella Lago is listed for $2,975,000 and marketed exclusively through the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® program. More information can be found here or by contacting Kim Chitwood at 702-303-0175 or kim.chitwood@cbvegas.com.
At a Glance
Furnishings by Ralph Lauren, Lexington Home Brands, Barbara Barry, Baker Furniture, Bernhart Interiors, and RH Modern.
Art by Leftbank Art.
Lighting by RH Modern and Ralph Lauren.
Wallcoverings by Philip Jeffries.
Bedding by Eastern Accents.
