The approximate 4000 sf home is situated in a gated community near Palos Verdes in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. This gated community is made up of ranches and ranch style architecture from the midcentury (i.e. 50s and 60s). There is a strict Home Owners Association that regulates the re design / remodel of the exterior of the houses - from finishes to window design. Therefore we were quite limited in how we could transform the existing architecture and how to relate the new 1,500 sf addition to the existing. Most of the freedom of design happened in the interior.
The owners are a couple made up of a businessman and a ceramicist who wanted to create their “forever home”. They wanted a place where they could have a sanctuary away from the bustle of los Angeles. They were initially attracted to the property because of its “majestic panoramic night vista”.
They were very open to the ideas brought to them. There only must haves were a beautiful way to display their prized ceramics collection, a home that allows for entertaining as well as relaxing, having most rooms take advantage of the amazingview of the city, and a music room for her to relax in and share with her husband.
There was an old magazine article that had a few images of the space after it was built in the 50s. The space had not changed hands or had any alterations since its original construction. The idea was to maintain the midcentury modern architecture of Robert Byrd (the original architect), to preserve the original wood working and style, but to create a more open plan. The space needed to be gutted thoroughly to create an open flow with a new master bedroom wing to be added. It was very necessary to work with the existing character and compliment it in a pure way.
The home was old and dated with a very weird and obstructive flow to it, appliances from the 50s, and linoleum flooring. The previous owners left the original sofa because for some reason it was too complicated to move. It was such a gift. It was an amazing midcentury 12’ round sofa that needed to be reupholstered and updated a bit, but fit the space perfectly.
We maintained and exposed the original wood beam and slatted ceiling and brick elements throughout as the overarching backdrop to our ‘canvas’ unlacquered brass and natural materials with some accent colors were added to compliment the original.
Material Used :
1. All millwork and built-ins are custom designed by mass studio
2. Thomas hayes studio custom dining table
3. Gubi beetle dining chairs
4. Living divani family room sofa by cassina
5. Coffee table and outdoor furniture by ten10 studio
6. Moooi entry chandelier
7. Pogenpohl kitchen
8. Wallpaper in music room by – de gournay handpainted wallpaper by nicky rising ltd
9. Master suite sofa – frame sofa by de la espada via future perfect
10. Master suite rug – studio pampa
11. Family room and master bedroom rug – armadillo co.
12. Master bedroom bed = minotti anderson quilt bed
13. Master bedroom artwork = safura salek
14. Pillows by studio mandana
15. Tiles – ann sacks
16. Paint – farrow and ball
17. Flooring – exquisit floors
18. Flooring: White Oak : Exquisite Flooring
19. Doors: Steel windows and doors: Riviera Bronze
