The thing about timeless design is it feels fresh and relevant in any era. Timeless takes time! And the thing about fantasy tours is we can view them with a sense of curiosity, wonder, and enjoyment rather than as a student collecting shopping resources. When the location of the fantasy is as dreamy as Richard Shapiro’s high style timeless beach house? Oh, goodness. This fantasy tour appeared on the pages of AD (April 2011), and it’s unforgettable!
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-exterior-gardens-citrus.jpg)
Timeless Beach House With Old World Style
Richard Shapiro, antiques dealer and head of Studiolo home furnishings designed this Malibu beach house with architect Douglas Burdge. Shapiro built a remarkable career spanning decades with a unique aesthetic approach. You’ll notice the mix of timelessly elegant design elements, Old World charm, and a deep reverence for art, light, history and antiques.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Richard-Shapiros-House-in-Malibu-26.jpg)
Shapiro’s interior design philosophy is rooted in the creative process of creating spaces that exude warmth, depth, and soul. He is renowned for an ability to blend diverse styles and periods in a harmonious manner, resulting in livable luxury.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Richard-Shapiros-House-in-Malibu-23.jpg)
His interiors are frequently a rich mix of textures, luxurious fabrics, and exquisite details, showcasing meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Richard-Shapiros-House-in-Malibu-22.jpg)
Shapiro’s architectural projects often preserve historical elements while they incorporate modern amenities seamlessly. To strike such a balance between past and present requires someone who also understands the art of storytelling.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Richard-Shapiros-House-in-Malibu-21.jpg)
Magnificent Entrance to this Timeless Home
His own home here certainly tells a story! The front door (below) is framed by a French 18th-century stone surround, and aren’t the climbing vines fairytale-like?
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Richard-Shapiros-House-in-Malibu-19.jpg)
As a designer of furniture, Shapiro created a line of exceptional pieces inspired by an admiration for antiques. The collection is marked by its timeless appeal, elegant finishes, and fine craftsmanship.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Richard-Shapiros-House-in-Malibu-17.jpg)
Patina Perfect Timeless Living Room
Each thoughtfully designed piece ushers comfort, beauty, and a sense of history into a home’s interiors.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-plaster-walls-fireplace-living-room.jpg)
Curated carefully, the space is spare and pale, yet feels anything but cold.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-front-door-framed-by-french-18th-century-stone-surround.jpg)
Shapiro is also recognized for his extensive art collection, which spans various periods and styles. These structures certainly qualify as art pieces too.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-exterior-gardens-citrus.jpg)
That appreciation for art, antiquity, and story inspires the designs, elevating each project with a timeless sense of artistry, sensuality, and sophistication.
Sculptural Staircase With Steel Balustrade
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-entry-sculptural-staircase-stell-balustrade-17th-century-Italian-walnut-door.jpg)
A sculptural staircase with steel balustrade winds up to the master bedroom and bath. At its base? 19th-century replica of an ancient Greek statue.
![17th century antique walnut Italian door studded with nails at entrance of Richard Shapiro's Malibu beach house with Old World style.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/front-door-italian-17th-century-nailheads.jpg)
Oh, that door! It’s a nail-studded 17th-century walnut door from Italy. Think about the places and people this door has served!
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-dining-room-inlaid-Cosmatesque-panels-Phoenician-stone.jpg)
Are you getting a sense of the bespoke nature and thoughtful curation throughout this home? For example, the panels on the wall in the dining area were not picked up at Homegoods. 🙂 They are 18th-century inlaid Cosmatesque panels from Phoenician Stone.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Richard-Shapiros-House-in-Malibu-02.jpg)
Walls in the living room walls appear to be ancient after being sheathed in frescoed plaster.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Richard-Shapiros-House-in-Malibu-07.jpg)
The gilt-wood mirror above the fireplace is from Italy and dates to the 1600s.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-plaster-walls-fireplace.jpg)
Awe-Inspiring Black Kitchen
The strikingly un-kitchenlike black kitchen is open to the living spaces and includes an island made of basalt.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-kitchen-black-basalt-1440x964.jpg)
The volcanic stone on counters is continued on the backsplash, and the cabinets are black lacquer. A vintage glass waterfall table by Pace is paired with a linen-covered sofa custom fitted to the alcove.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-kitchen-black-basalt-sofa-waterfall-table.jpg)
And what an alcove it is!
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-kitchen-black-basalt-2.jpg)
Can you even imagine the task of designing a timeless yet modern functioning kitchen for an open concept in a home this magnificent?
Atmospheric Library Design Details
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-plaster-walls-grey-daybed-library.jpg)
In the library, a daybed is upholstered provocatively in a mix of striped fabrics. Look at how all of those fabrics vary on the piece, pillows, and throw!
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Richard-Shapiros-House-in-Malibu-25.jpg)
So much warmth, coziness, and atmosphere in the library with its shelves of what appear to be art and design related books.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-plaster-walls-grey-daybed-library-tadelakt-arabic-polished-plaster-1440x966.jpg)
How can it feel so calm with all of the various patterns (look at the checkered floor!) from floor to ceiling?
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-plaster-walls-grey-daybed-library-3.jpg)
It’s a great room to study to answer that question! There’s a balance – note the color of the built-ins and the sofa. The same color is repeated in the checks on the floor. And there are no jolting moments of contrast. Even with the rugged materials there’s a gentleness.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-plaster-walls-grey-daybed-library-2.jpg)
And plenty of gentle sea breezes steps away!
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-steel-doors-beach-1440x961.jpg)
I could get used to this view the ancient torso on the pedestal enjoys all day! Steel windows by Pierre Quinton open to the glory of the Pacific.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-steel-doors-patio-stone.jpg)
Timeless Elegance Outdoors Too
More timeless details outdoors where beautiful stone steps descend to the shore.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-stone-terrace.jpg)
More cozily mismatched beachy stripes outside as well!
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Richard-Shapiros-House-in-Malibu-15.jpg)
What a way to enjoy your treasures both indoors and outdoors!
Luxurious Bedroom & Bathroom With Views
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-minimalist-bath-freestanding-tub.jpg)
This is the point in the fantasy tour when we decide to weep over our own bath’s inferiority!
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-minimalist-bath-freestanding-tub-2.jpg)
The bath is utterly serene and harmonious with the rest of the house and its mix of modern with ancient.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-bedroom-19th-century-Uzbek-suzani-on-bed.jpg)
On the bed? A 19th-century Uzbek suzani. A 17th-century Italian Savonarola chair stands alongside an antique Burgundian roof corbel…WOW WOW WOW!
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-dining-room-inlaid-Cosmatesque-panels-Phoenician-stone-2.jpg)
I hope this fantasy tour fueled your passion for design and ignited your imagination. Even without paint colors, ideas for color stories, furniture arrangement, antiques, and art collecting can be absorbed to help you create unique moments in your own spaces.
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-bedroom-19th-century-Uzbek-suzani-on-bed-antique-chair.jpg)
Another Richard Shapiro Fantasy Tour
Find another fantasy tour HERE. And I hope you’ll have time to tour Richard’s magical Los Angeles home and gardens below. You won’t believe how much beauty, interest, history, and art occupy its one acre!
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Your blogs have the potential to make a positive impact on many people’s lives. Keep up the excellent work! Thanks for sharing.
Author
Thanks so much for reading.