Photography: Laure Jolliet
Sometimes the smallest House can present the maximum chance. Such was the case with this small Spanish-style bungalow in a very walkable location. west hollywood neighborhood. Immaculately appointed and full of unpretentious charm, his 1,600-square-foot retreat is the epitome of sun-drenched, comfortable living. California life.
“If you have a smaller footprint, you can choose finishes and materials that are slightly more expensive than they would cost if your home was larger.” minneapolis interior designer martha dayton Pointed out. “We wanted the home to have a sense of unity, but also have playful moments.”
That playfulness begins outside the home and extends inside. Because from the first day, minnesotaThe client, based in , wanted to make the most of their outdoor living area. “We can't be outside all year round, so minnesotaIt was important to prioritize the outside as well as the inside,” says the owner. “I saw the backyard as an extension of the indoor space, so this is true indoor/outdoor living.”
To achieve this, not one, but four sets of doors open onto an intimate terrace, where eating, relaxing and reading take center stage.Created with the help of elizabeth lowe of Elow landscape design and construction of Los AngelesWe are proud of our tidy space. garden A lushly vegetated area with raised beds. “As the garden is small, our goal was to create a cohesive planting plan that flows from the inside out,” explains Lowe. “Now I can see greenery from every window in my house.”
As for vertical appeal, dayton Working with Law, we added tall black lattice panels along with lemon, lime, and kumquat trees. These trees happily produce fresh fruit that is ready for picking. In combination with the drift of lavender The terrace is planted with white geraniums, giving it the feel of a secret garden, and incorporates a stucco banquette for additional seating.
But it's the small pool that sets the tone for these open-air rooms. Featuring vibrant custom cobalt blue tiles. California pottery and tile factory. Meanwhile, a ceramic fountain adds a splash of water. mediterranean Chic. “Honestly, this house is perfect for inviting people over and spending time in the backyard,” says the owner. “I'm happiest at sunset when the fireplace is lit, the pool fountain is bubbling, and friends and family are sitting around.”
Of course this style of easy life It is a feature of martha dayton designbrings functionality and a sense of sophistication to any project, whether it's a renovation. south minneapolis Or retreat south of the U.S. border. Our award-winning team has been working together for the past 20 years. construction company and architect To create a permanent home that feels like a sanctuary.
The company accomplished that by honoring the home's original 1929 date with this bungalow. architecture. The plan was to add rounded archways to bring softness, based on a Craftsman aesthetic. “I could see that the bones of the building were strong, and I wanted to preserve that,” he says. mark caputo boutique California builder caputo construction. “This house is so charming, it's like a jewel box when you walk inside. I've built much larger houses, but this one has the same construction methods and finishes, and the same amount of effort. Ta.”
This commitment to quality is evident in the two custom-stained front doors. This is truly a grand entrance. Intricate motifs painstakingly hand-carved into the oak reveal the bungalow's Mediterranean influence.The team worked closely together arte de mexico in north hollywood One of the big splurges of this project was to achieve this amazing result. “The front entrance is very elegant and has great old-world charm,” Caputo says. “It’s not what one would expect from this little gem of a home.” west hollywood”
As you enter the front door, you are greeted by the organic texture of the floor, seamlessly connecting the rooms. The handsome herringbone pattern is crafted from custom-stained white oak. WD flooring In Minneapolis. “The walls are white, so the wood floors add some much-needed warmth (benjamin moore white dove) and the windows are black. ” dayton I will explain. “Our goal for the living room and dining room was to create an open and inviting space that could accommodate 10 people.”
But perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the home are the vibrant ceramic tiles found throughout. this is, kitchenthe island is dressed up in a graphic pattern of blue, gray, and white (Walker Zanger Duquesa Fatima Mezzanotte). The same goes for the primary suite, where the spacious shower features a powerful shower with crisp black-and-white tiles (country floor Babi 2). The shower tiles are carved with a final transom window that lets in plenty of natural light. Naturally, that small detail quickly became one of his most beloved features. “The client wanted a white and black bathroom, but we didn't want it to be too cold, so installing a custom-designed vanity made from white oak was a great addition to the space. ,” Dayton adds.
Indeed, it's the many inspired design touches that make this home so appealing. It's a cherished warm-weather escape where friends and family can sit back and enjoy an authentic California dream. “While the outdoor living is the best part of this home, there's no question that we love the whole house,” says the owner. “I love the ease of one-story living and the simplicity of a tiny house. It's amazing how little space you need when it's this well thought out.”
Please read this article as it appears in the magazine.
