INDUSTRY INSIGHT: 
Ernie Roth
Exclusive C-Suite designer brings his talents to Malibu to help Sony CIO Rick Hopfer get his home in order and shares his secrets
The multi-million dollar cottage perched atop the Malibu hills greenery is a strong characteristic of the Southern Californian Coast. This is home to Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Sony Corporation, Rick Hopfer and his family. Their home was a work in progress until acclaimed designer to the C-Suite, Ernie Roth, got his hands on it.
Ernie is an Uptown native with a background in film-production, interior design and architecture. Being an artist from an eclectic life path that gives him the ability to see design from a universal perspective. As a designer, Ernie has a unique objective: to expand upon his clients’ vision of themselves, to create a personalized design solution to celebrate each unique personality, need and desire.
Emphasizing space, size and layout, Ernie transformed the Hopfer’s Malibu residence into a personalized haven for the family. A place they could enjoy and what Ernie considers, an extension of themselves. They can feel truly feel comfortable as the surroundings cater to the Hopfer’s specific personalities.
To add to the French country look of this bedroom Roth used faux wood beams by Foam Tec and Venetian Plaster from Virginia Fair Studios to complement the existing wood floors. To add a little polish to the look he finished the windows with window treatments from The Silk Trading Company.
The wrap around staircase finishes the entry with Venetian Plaster walls and a painted banister to finish it off. A patterned runner going up the stairs finishes off the French country look.
Fitting a bathroom into a space can be challenge, with so many wall and roof angles. A custom shower enclosure from Superior Contracting keeps the floor dry while the slightly sunken spa tub and vanity (below) both look more like antique home furnishings than bathroom cabinetry. By topping the vanity with marble by GN Custom Inc and finishing the room in a similar color, this luxurious bathroom retreat feels serene, secluded and calming.
