Bungalowe designers Karan and Sapna Agarwal set out to create a microcosm of Spain in Highland Park, Los Angeles, California. Tucked away on a beautiful street, this once dilapidated and uninhabitable home now stands as an exemplary oasis. Its interiors beautifully combine historic Spanish style with an earthy color palette and eclectic furnishings to create a uniquely artistic aesthetic that is serene and timeless. The home's theme was based on the designers' travels in Oaxaca, and much of the city's charm and details are part of the property.
Prior to the renovation, the current kitchen had no ceiling and no real function as a space. The Bungalowe team reconfigured the layout and carefully decorated the interior to evoke a warm Spanish atmosphere. Hand-painted decorative tiles and an earthy green palette lend the galley a sophisticated and luxurious feel.
“The kitchen is now about 150 square feet,” say Karan and Sapna. “Before the renovation it was about 130 square feet and was where the guest bedroom is now. What was left of the kitchen had '90s blue tile countertops and distressed wooden cabinets.” Check out their before and after kitchen makeover to see the complete transformation.
in front
(Image courtesy of Bungalowe)
The modern kitchen we see today was a very different space when Karan and Sapna Agarwal first arrived in Bangalore. Much of the interior was in disrepair, but the bones were solid and it had a beautiful vintage feel. The kitchen was at the very end of the house, and that's where the designers started.
“We had to move the kitchen from a far corner to the front of the house,” they say. “It's now the first thing you see when you walk in the front door. We also reframed the kitchen arch you see today (which was originally the entrance to the dining room) and added an arch to the stove wall, giving the design a unified, authentic Oaxacan feel.”
rear
(Image courtesy of Gavin Cater. Design by Bungalowe)
The kitchen remodel was one of the first jobs they undertook, and its entire design story is based on a trip the designer took to southern Mexico.
“We were in awe after visiting Grana B&B in Oaxaca and knew this home would be our main source of inspiration when designing our next Spanish kitchen,” they declare. “The house was originally a Spanish-style home and our aim as designers was to pay homage to the home's original architecture.”
Secret Lagoon Zellige Tiles
size: 2″ x 6″ x 0.75″
price: $3.00/each
(Image courtesy of Gavin Cater. Design by Bungalowe)
From the kitchen backsplash to the kitchen countertops, every major surface is splashed with green tiles.
“The use of tile was inspired by the stunning kitchen at Grana B&B, which used zellige tiles for both the backsplash and countertops,” say Karan and Sapna. “While we're used to seeing stone slabs used for countertops today, it's not uncommon to see traditional Mexican tiles used in place of stone slabs for more authentic applications.”
Another reason they chose these tiles was because of their durability and the natural patina that will emerge over time. “The tiles already have natural wear that will change beautifully over time,” they say. “The green patina will also be a perfect fit for the kitchen.”
As for the kitchen's lighting, the ceiling fixtures were designed to create a vacation-like atmosphere, “providing a sense of relaxation and luxury that enriches this beautiful space,” the couple say.
LED dimming ceiling spot
type: 12 W
price: $39.99
(Image courtesy of Gavin Cater. Design by Bungalowe)
Beautiful earth tones were chosen for the kitchen floor to complement the countertops and walls.
“To create a unified look for the Spanish-style kitchen design, we used traditional Mexican Saltillo tiles for the flooring,” say the designers. When it came to the kitchen storage, the pair chose a design that was not only beautiful but also functional.
“We've maximised storage with large pull-out cabinets and hidden pull-out trays inside,” say Karan and Sapna. “Vertical spice racks on either side of the stove provide easy placement for mixing spoons, cutting boards and baking trays, while open kitchen shelves provide easy access to everyday essentials.”
(Image courtesy of Gavin Cater. Design by Bungalowe)
The kitchen island seating is designed for quick meals and conversation, and the cushioned bar stools are comfortable while also allowing for great views of the kitchen, dining and outdoors.
“We always treat the kitchen as the heart of the home and want to make it as inclusive as possible,” say Karan and Sapna. “The kitchen layout gives you multiple options for enjoying meals without having to take away from the action. Complete with a dining nook with views of DTLA, the peninsula-style bar stools are perfect for sitting, and custom counter seating overlooks Mount Angelus Drive… this is the perfect kitchen for cooking and entertaining guests.”
Leather bar and counter stools (set of 2)
size: 33″ H x 15″ W x 16.75″ D
price: $140
