“The end result speaks for itself.”
This is the mantra behind design virtuoso James Magni, whose signature style mixes
sinuous simplicity and modern-elegant aesthetics with a solid architectural background.
Trained as an architect, James Magni found his true calling in residential interior design. In 1988, Magni Design was established. Jason Kalman then became a partner in 2016, forming Magni Kalman Design headquartered in the quaint Larchmont Village neighborhood in Los Angeles.sinuous simplicity and modern-elegant aesthetics with a solid architectural background.
Magni is famed for his “Global Modernism” design philosophy. He takes his style cues from international influences such as French elements from the 1930s and ’40s, African tribal pieces, Asian items, and of course, art. His inspirations also come from his travels to exotic locations as well as from design masters such as Mies van der Rohe, Carlo Scarpa, Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, and Maxime Old. Even with his Italian heritage and passion for travel, sculptures, and spirituality (he starts his day with “In God’s Care” daily meditations), Magni has fine-tuned his approach to design, resulting in creations that are simple yet strong, minimalist yet brimming with flair and global appeal. And surely, the world has taken notice. Constantly lauded by the press and design enthusiasts alike, he was named as one of Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Designers and Robb Report’s Top 40 Interior Designers worldwide.
In 1996, Magni had a difficult time finding the perfect elements to complete his design projects. He then created the Magni Home Collection –a cornucopia of contemporary upholstery, rugs, sculptural furnishings, and lighting –all exhibiting impeccable craftsmanship and exclusively using the finest woods, metals, fabrics, and finishes such as cast bronze, leather, Macassar Ebony, hand-polished stainless steel, sharkskin, parchment, and rosewood.
And now, design and décor aficionados, luxury devotees, and future home buyers get to enter Magni’s glorious spaces with his book entitled, Magni Modernism. His sought-after modern home designs are revealed for the first time with 14 private residences that elegantly portray his style sensibilities. With locales ranging from Mexico City to Aspen, Beverly Hills to Jackson Hole and Moscow, readers, and fans are treated to design masterpieces perfectly showcasing his architectural background through the homes’ open spaces and dramatic lines, seamlessly incorporating spectacular views. Whether it’s a limestone wall from a penthouse in Mexico City or the concrete and a wood combo of a mountain home in Jackson Hole, these artfully designed homes reveal the genius that is James Magni.
To explore one of James Magni's curated architectural masterpieces, check out Arlene Rutenberg's latest listing.