Having recently been treated to a thoughtful renovation, the reimagined 1961 midcentury offers residents and guests sophisticated balance, as well as a distinct modern allure.
New Montana Moss stone covers the chimney, and is paired with a sandstone hearth that runs to the exterior wall. New elements on that wall include storage with custom metal panel doors, fire screen, fire tools, and andirons, all designed by Willis DeWitt and Miles Woofter, and built by Ponderosa Forge. Interior designer Carolyn Woofter artfully orchestrated the home’s look and feel, collaborating on custom cabinet designs, making material selections, and choosing most of the furnishings.
The large master bedroom can also be used as an additional living area by the parents and the children.
Like the second-floor living room, the more private living area in the master bedroom boasts a fireplace and expansive views.
The neglected state of the home required nearly ever space to be updated for both structural and functional reasons. "This house can be considered a brand new home with Herbert Burns' bones," says Thomas. "Every single surface has been touched, from all new electrical, plumbing, HVAC, windows, roof, poured terrazzo floors, the landscape—you name it, we touched it."
The ceiling height was lowered over the seating area in the living room to create a cozy enclosure there, while double-height windows on the perimeter bring in yet more light.
The most costly parts of the build were the board-formed concrete walls and fireplace. “We believe it was worth spending the money here for a few reasons,” reveals architect Cavin Costello. “The mass anchors the house into the landscape, and the material is incredibly durable—something we need in the harsh desert sun. The board-forms give the home a wonderful character.”
Main living space
18232 Sunburst Street,1958 Mid-Century Modern Masterpiece in Northridge, Cameron Stephens
18232 Sunburst Street,1958 Mid-Century Modern Masterpiece in Northridge, Cameron Stephens
A modern cabin in Washington’s Methow Valley has a fireplace with glazing on to opposite sides, so its owners can watch the embers of the fireplace glowing from both indoors and out on the patio.
SU11 Architecture+Design designed this Grand Street loft in New York with a sleek, minimalist corner fireplace with glass panels on two sides.
The kitchen features Vermont verde granite that has a bespoke pattern etched into it. Walnut cabinetry is contrasted with white paneling on either side.
living room
Photo: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Curved walls were the source of inspiration for the custom, undulating, 22-foot-long sofa, clad in blue velvet, which acts as a plush focal point in the space. Its blue tone contrasts with the crisp, white walls in a modern take on the typical blue and white color palette of the Greek isles.
The couple’s cats—Chepe and Pacho—doze while Nigel works in another sitting area (below). The chairs are from HK Living.
Living Area
Oversized windows in the living area allow plenty of natural light to illuminate the home. Here, the plush sofa can also convert to a bed, allowing comfortable accommodations for overnight guests.
Living room
Partial View of Los Angeles at Night
The concrete fireplace draws attention to the sloped ceiling, as well as to the unique lighting feature above.
Elevated on an engineered hardwood floor, the living room is smartly furnished with a Flex Form "Beauty" sectional sofa, Minotti "Sullivan" coffee table, Kurva "The Bow Lamp," and a hand-woven wool rug by Paulig for Salari.
The floor-to-ceiling windows are made from tempered glass that can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees. The windows provide stunning views from the Sunset Strip to the ocean.
Living area, looking toward entry and through front bay window to street.
Saddle Peak Residence by AUX Architecture
The entry to the home leads directly to the main living space. A 25-foot-wide, 11-foot-tall sliding glass wall opens to the central courtyard, allowing the living area to extend outside. Through this glazed door, the guesthouse and garage frame Paris Peak in the distance.
Trisore 140 by Element4; distributed by North American Retailer, European Home.
Open plan living room, leading to kitchen and decks.
A two-sided fireplace visually connects the living spaces. Open tread stairs hang from the floor above.
55 more saves