![“We both came
into [this house] thinking, How do we make it queer?”](https://media-s3-us-east-1.ceros.com/domino/images/2024/02/13/40dc82a034c141f19b21de42cee34b50/524.png)
Despite its vibrant location, the home itself—which once belonged to a prominent Black judge who defiantly kept
the racial covenant on his deed—leaned traditional. Burford explains: “We both came into it thinking, How do we make
it queer?” They started by sanding down the original moldings to reveal the exposed wood. Next came adding cement board around the fireplace to streamline the
look. Where there was once a clunky glass sliding door to the backyard, they brought in a pivot style inspired by
their favorite art gallery, Blum and Poe, and The Row
shop on Melrose.
The question comes from Jonathon Burford (who uses they/them pronouns) before they excitedly launch into a recap of the scene when Cher takes Christian on a tour around her pool, showing off a giant-size cigarette sculpture by Claes Oldenburg (he’s way famous, by the way). “That shaped my point of view on design from a young age,” they say. “I just wanted to live with art.”
But as any couple who has moved in together knows, arguing over accoutrements can be the stuff marriage counseling is made of. The pair, who met in line at an Intelligentsia Coffee and instantly bonded over being tall (Burford is 6-feet-6; Rudolph, 6-feet-4), agree that they almost always prefer vintage over new. But where Burford leans “artful sensationalism,” Rudolph prefers clean, calming moments that nod to nature. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. “We mix well because the things Jonathon likes are actually a quite nice juxtaposition to mine,” Rudolph says.
That said, even the most open mind has its limits. All the Rudolph rejects from thrifting trips are confined to Burford’s office, an anything-goes room where their creativity comes alive. In one corner sits a 3-foot hoisin-sauce jar they found
at a flea market (and sneakily bought while Rudolph was in the bathroom). Above an antique card catalog hangs a papier-mâché mask made by their 9-year-old neighbor, Savanna. (“It tends to be the one thing that art enthusiasts who come over say is their favorite,” Rudolph admits with a smile.) Then there’s the 5-foot-long Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia foot that Burford bought from @Form.as, a friend’s resale Instagram account.
Burford’s large-format paintings, however, are on proud display in the common living spaces. “What is that phrase? If you can’t make a good painting, make a big painting,” they joke. In the kitchen, a still life playfully mimics the items on a shelf directly below it. In the bedroom, a minimalist sketch of galloping horses complements the space’s chill vibe. And they don’t just paint—their handmade ceramic cigarettes (perhaps an Oldenburg reference?) are coveted among L.A.’s artsy crowd.
When we moved in and were buying things, I’d be like, ‘This is incredible. We have to get this,’ and Jesse would be like, ‘Yeah, it would be great…for your office,’
“
Creative director Jonathon Burford and their interior-designer husband, Jesse Rudolph, bought a traditional home—then stamped
it with their brand of vintage-heavy quirk.
Top: Wiggle Stool by Vitra, 2Modern; Ceramic Table Lamp by Entler Studio, Coming Soon. Bottom left: Samsung Frame TV, Best Buy; Ekstrem Chair by Varrier, DWR. Right: Painting, Charles Derenne
Dining Table, Willett Space; Taraxacum Suspension Lamp by Achille Castiglioni and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for
FLOS, Lumens. Right: Pivot Door, Maiden Steel.
Left: Lipstick Mirror by Rodolfo Bonetto, Chairish. Right: Handmade Cigarette Sculptures, Jonathon Burford.
Middle: Adriatic Muscatel Sage Candle, Flamingo Estate.
Under Hooks by Ferm Living, 2Modern; Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Flamingo Estate; Melting Runner, Henry Holland.
Left: Yoko Bed by Sarah Ellison, DWR; Ultra-Smooth Pure Silicone Lube by Goodparts, Urban Outfitters; 3 Globe Table Lamp by Entler Studio, Coming Soon. Right: Jaxx Marble Side Table, CB2.
—Jonathon BurforD
—Jonathon BurforD
“
Jesse + Jonathon
L.A.
Words by Julie Vadnal
Styling by Randi Brookman Harris
Photography by Aaron Bengochea
Ekstrem Chair by Varier, DWR
SHOP NOW
“You’ve seen Clueless, right?” Obviously.
Outside, a tile-lined pool acts as a hub for their collection
of do-touch art, like the replica column chairs, a bust they found at an estate sale—“When we die, our estate sale is going to be sick,” Burford announces—and a set of three giant Styrofoam faces that look like they were pulled from the set of Legends of the Hidden Temple. Now that vines are growing over them, they could be mistaken for stone.
The outdoor space isn’t just a hang zone for their epic pool parties, where friends like Molly Baz or Andy Baraghani make the food while another one takes on DJ duties. It’s
the final step in Burford’s manifestation of their Clueless dream, and they can’t imagine building their future together anywhere else. As if.
So it’s definitely where all my weird shit goes.”
We both came
into [this house] thinking, How do
we make it queer?”