Kelly Wearstler's Malibu Beach House

Kooky. Fearless. Over-the-top. Ugly. Glam. These are just some of the words that have been used to describe designer Kelly Wearstler's style. Love her or hate her there is no denying that she's got a vision all her own. Lately, I feel like everywhere I turn, she's there, and as I flipped open my new issue of Metropolitan Home, there she was again! The November 2009 article features Wearstler's Malibu beach house, which she shares with three other families. When they purchased the home, it was hardly fit for a style icon. Though the ocean view was breathtaking, the home itself was "reminiscent of an '80s surf-and-turf restaurant." After two years of renovation, it's certainly fit for Wearstler now!

Wearstler's style is truly iconic and totally unmistakable (and sometimes unnerving): gold paired with oversized carvings, inflated architectural details and walls made of marble, onyx and metallic stones. My favorite way to describe Kelly's style is if Sharon Stone's character in Casino and Carmela Soprano got together, moved to Egypt and created an interior design firm -- but without the leopard print and fake nails. I happen to be a fan of Wearstler's design, except "not in my own home."

Let's take a look at the home she designed for herself and three other families who, apparently, have no objection to her affinity for fossilized stone and bold geometrics. Using neutral colors, such as natural stone, beige and wood tones don't stop this decorating diva from getting creative. The oversized 1970s puffed furniture make a bold statement against the beautiful geometric cabinet designed by Jeffrey Greene. I love the large, jagged piece on the coffee table, which seems to just melt away amidst the enormous furnishings.

Above on the left is the design for the street entrance of the home. The striated fabric wall piece is by American artist Sheila Hicks and is flanked by two geometric columns that Wearstler designed herself. On the right, an enormous shell sculpture greets the entrant reinforcing the fact that the home is on the beach. The beautiful black chair is a vintage piece, and I just love the contrast of the black on the beige walls and floor.

Wearstler is known for her interest in natural stones and rocks, mostly those that have dramatic veins like marble. While most of use enjoy marble as a countertop or kitchen backsplash, Wearstler uses it to create drama by using it a lot on walls and floors. The pointy chair creates an angular motif (above, left) that is also repeated in the light fixture, artwork and even the corners of the dresser itself.

In the dining room, the giant table is surrounded by vintage bucket chairs. The sideboard, covered in geometrics, is a custom Wearslter piece. Once again, oversized sculptures sit atop the furniture. The table is so simplistic in nature: it's just a huge slab of stone atop a stone base and yet there is something majestic about it.

I see a theme here...triangles. This room reminds me of ancient Egypt -- with its golden accents, throne-like chairs and pyramidal lamps, but its got a little 1970s going for it, too. The wallpaper is hand painted and the symmetry of the room makes it feel much larger.

What do you think about Kelly Wearstler's style? Leave us a comment!

If you're interested in more, check out the whole article here. Need more kooky design? Check out these furnishings that glow in the dark!