ras-a-studio has completed the whole house renovation and small addition to a mid century home in Los Angeles, California, that’s set against a hillside under the Shakespeare Bridge. The home had great bones, but at the same time was also very dated and not well maintained.
Large double-height, wood framed windows flood the updated interior with natural light. The bright interior strongly contrasts the dark exterior of the house.
In the living room, a large corner fireplace was removed, and a wall of cabinetry was added. A wood-lined shelf has been into the cabinets, creating a small display space that acts as a bar, record storage, and display space.
The original split level layout follows the natural grade of the site, and in the kitchen, a solid wall was replaced with a clerestory window. It frames the bridge in a really interesting way that can be seen from almost every space in the house.
On the split level, there’s a open dining area with a view of the living room below. A single pendant light helps to define the location of the round dining table.
Adjacent to the dining room is the kitchen, where wood cabinetry has been replaced with bright white cabinets and countertops, and a patterned tile has been used to create a backsplash.
A framed wall closed off the master bedroom from the natural light, so the designers replaced the wall with a glass partition, and allowed the natural light from the living room windows to be enjoyed throughout the space. When the homeowner (who lives alone) needs privacy in the master, he simply draws the white curtains.
In the bathroom, penny tiles have been paired with pattern tiles for a contemporary look, while a deep soaking tub sits adjacent to the shower.
An outdoor space also received a fresh update, with a painted retaining wall and pergola, as well as a reorganized tile layout. Additional sliding doors and a large window has also replaced the original windows and door.
There’s also a secondary outdoor space with a firepit, that’s surrounded by plants, and that provides a unique perspective of the bridge.
