A Hilltop Mid-Century Modern Bungalow in Los Angeles Is a Zen Sanctuary

Architect Damon Hills and his partner John Boschen transformed a derelict 1920s California bungalow in Northcote, purchased in 2013, into a modern, light-filled residence they now call the Light Box Home. The original property, a deceased estate, was in an unlivable condition due to neglect and significant odor issues, featuring an asbestos-ridden lean-to and an outdoor toilet. Despite its state, Hills recognized the potential of the house, situated in the desirable Sumner Estate near Merri Creek, an area known for its California bungalows. He appreciated the utilitarian design of bungalows and sought to preserve the home's classic facade while undertaking a comprehensive renovation. The renovation began with exterior modifications, replacing the pressed-metal roof with a corrugated-iron one, which was consistent with the original architectural style. Although constrained by heritage overlay regulations that prevented the addition of bay windows to the facade, the front two rooms, which now serve as the main and guest bedrooms, were retained. A key focus of the redesign was to enhance natural light, as the original house was notably dark. Hills addressed this by incorporating new windows on the sides of the front bedrooms and installing skylights throughout many rooms to maximize light penetration. The rotting blackbutt flooring in the wide hallway was replaced with new blackbutt, and a new bathroom was added behind the guest bedroom. This bathroom features a marble vanity, a luxurious tub, smaller wall tiles, and a herringbone floor pattern, with an innovative wet room design that places the bath beyond the shower to optimize space. The asbestos lean-to was demolished, making way for a new section of the house that includes a third guest bedroom (or study) and a powder room. This new area functions as a transitional space leading to a thoroughly modern living extension at the rear. The design accounted for the property's slope, utilizing it to create a slightly elevated new living section. This elevation allowed for the inclusion of clerestory windows around the top of the kitchen and dining areas, effectively filtering more light into the main living space. The modern kitchen is equipped with Miele appliances, a butler’s pantry, a concealed fridge, three ovens (standard, steam, and microwave combi), and a warming drawer. A notable design element is the oversized island bench with a bespoke linear light fixture above it, which provides illumination and defines the space. The lounge area features a fireplace and a discreetly integrated television that blends into a black background when off. Glass doors open to a north-facing wooden deck, while floor-to-ceiling windows at the back maximize morning light from the easterly aspect. The architect strategically placed larger windows on the northerly and easterly sides for optimal light, with smaller windows on the south and west. The home is fitted with hydronic floor heating and a single split-system air conditioner, relying on excellent insulation for climate control. Hills emphasized the personal challenge of designing his own home compared to client projects, noting the intense scrutiny of every detail. He described the home as a luxurious and spacious sanctuary, a place he looks forward to returning to, even from travel. The postscript details Hills’ observations on visitors' comments, highlighting the unexpected sense of space and the barn doors in the powder room and laundry. His favorite spot is an Arana armchair by Jardan in the living room, facing the fireplace, from which he can view the entire space. His favorite item is "The Mythical Galloping Faun" painting by Jodie Zomer, noting its constant movement and new discoveries upon each viewing. The Arana armchair is also his most sentimental piece, having moved with them through four houses. He expressed a dream of living in a New York City brownstone and described his entertaining style as simple dinners with friends, often concluding with a lemon tart from Babka in Fitzroy. For Hills, home signifies a place of relaxation and unwinding, a special and luxurious space that brings comfort and joy. #HomeRenovation #CaliforniaBungalow #LightBoxHome #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #NorthcoteRealEstate #DamonHills #SustainableDesign #LuxuryHome

This article highlights an open house event for a historic 1910 beach bungalow located on the Venice Canals, which is currently listed for $2.65 million. The property, situated at 416 Sherman Canal, was open for viewing on Sunday, December 6, between 1 PM and 4 PM. The bungalow offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with a total floor area of 1,326 square feet. Additionally, there is a den that could potentially serve as a third bedroom, adding to the home's versatility. The listing describes the residence as a "nautical paradise" that prioritizes an indoor/outdoor living experience. This is facilitated by expansive outdoor patios and a rooftop deck, providing ample space for relaxation and entertaining while offering front-row views of the canals. Inside, the home features wood-paneled ceilings and numerous windows, ensuring that the bedrooms are sun-drenched and bright. The design incorporates subway tiling in the bathrooms and kitchen, which contributes to a clean and contemporary aesthetic. Key interior elements include Heath tiled hearths and Malm fireplaces, present in both the master bedroom and the living room, adding warmth and a cozy atmosphere. The kitchen blends vintage charm with modern functionality, featuring a refurbished O'Keefe and Merritt stove alongside contemporary stainless steel appliances. Galley-style cabinetry is utilized to maximize smart storage solutions within the kitchen space. The living room is characterized by exposed beams and a skylighted ceiling, enhancing its airy feel, and is equipped with French doors that open directly onto a large front deck. The article notes that the cottage has undergone significant beautification since its last market appearance in 2010. One particular improvement highlighted is the addition of candle-esque light fixtures that top the ceiling beams, contributing to the home's unique ambiance. This renovation and enhancement have also been reflected in the property's updated price tag, which now stands approximately $1.1 million higher than its previous sale amount, indicating a substantial increase in its market value. The property's official site, 416 Sherman Canal, is provided for further details. This property exemplifies a blend of historic architecture with modern updates, designed to leverage its picturesque canal-front location. #VeniceCanals #LosAngelesRealEstate #HistoricBungalow #HomeForSale #OpenHouse #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes

Architect Chad Dorsey's 3,000 sq ft home, dubbed the Surf Shack, located near White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas, blends Californian coastal aesthetics with timeless mid-century modern furniture and wabi-sabi finishes. Dorsey acquired the property after spotting a for-sale sign while working on a client’s home in the area. The existing single-story house was demolished to make way for a new construction, envisioned after Dorsey was inspired by the plot's circular driveway and overgrown trees, which reminded him of a beach path in California. The home is shared by Dorsey, his partner Kurt Bielawski, and their two dogs, Jackson and Lucy. The architectural design of the Surf Shack emphasizes an effortless and unassuming appearance. The main structure is clad in stained shingles, mimicking the Japanese shou sugi ban technique of charred cedar board, and features black corrugated metal roofs. The interior and exterior spaces are unified by a white-based and light-colored material palette, reflecting the sunny Californian coastal vibe. The driveway, paved with white gravel, seamlessly transitions into the concrete flooring of the living space, creating a cohesive visual flow. Inside, the design incorporates concrete flooring, bleached walnut millwork and doors, warm white surfaces, and linen drapery to introduce softness and a sense of aged comfort. This design philosophy aimed to create an environment that felt established and well-maintained, as if it had existed for many years. The furniture collection primarily consists of vintage and mid-century pieces that Dorsey has owned for a long time, alongside restored and reupholstered found items. Notable pieces include 30-year-old black leather and wood armchairs, a gift from his architect uncle, and a Herman Miller sideboard from his parents. A coffee table with a fractured timber top, purchased 15 years prior at a sample sale, is also a prominent feature. Dorsey's aesthetic focuses on using natural materials with simple, textural finishes. Examples include raw steel bookshelves in the living room, designed to appear floating, and cork wall panels that provide a soothing texture in the lounge area. Copper shelves in the kitchen complement artisanal copper accents in the backsplash, enriching the muted color palette which also features bleached walnut, marble, and concrete. Artworks, such as a mud-room graffiti wall by muralist Joe Skilz and Thomas Langley’s 'Buy Mum A House' piece, add personal touches. Custom elements include a marble top for the dining table by Kara Mann for Milling Road at Baker Furniture, and a steel bed frame in the master bedroom, also by Kara Mann, which contributes to the room's Zen ambiance with a low table and ikebana-style vase. The overall design embodies Dorsey’s concept of “relaxed luxury,” characterized by understated elegance and a focus on tactile experiences. This approach involves custom furnishings with handcrafted elements and meaningful objects, reflecting the personalities of the residents. The attention to detail, though sometimes subtle, is intended to be appreciated by those with discerning eyes, creating an approachable yet sophisticated living environment. #CalifornianCoastalVibe #MidCenturyModern #WabiSabiFinishes #HomeTour #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #RelaxedLuxury #NaturalMaterials #VintageFurniture

The "Dune Dweller House," designed by architect Jorge Hrdina, is a beach house on the NSW Central Coast that draws inspiration from Japanese architectural principles to create a serene retreat. The property, located on a sand dune 20 meters above the beach, presented unique challenges due to its exposed location, including harsh winds and salt-laden air. The owners, who had previously owned a weekender nearby, sought a "forever home" that would blend seamlessly with the headland, be invisible from the beach, and incorporate natural materials such as timber, off-form concrete, sandstone, and copper roofing. The design brief specified a new two-story, three-bedroom main house on the oceanfront and a separate two-bedroom cottage across a courtyard to the west. A key requirement was an indoor/outdoor feel, with the downstairs fully openable to the exterior, while also providing distinct spaces like a study and a media room. The west-facing side, looking towards the hinterland, was designed to offer shelter and views of sunsets. A crucial element was a courtyard providing protection from summer northeasterlies and access to winter sun, maintaining a modest profile that harmonizes with the dune and utilizing natural materials. To address the erosion threat posed by the sandy site, Hrdina conceived a unique wharf-style structure. This involved utilizing the existing slab and embedding 15-meter posts five stories deep into the sand, expressed both internally and externally. This structural solution not only stabilized the house but also informed the aesthetic. The house features a central circulation spine, guiding occupants toward the ocean, mirroring the functionality of a wharf. Hrdina's appreciation for Japanese timber structures, known for their timeless aesthetic and longevity, influenced the choice of materials and construction techniques. The house's decoration is inherent in its hand-crafted structure, with laminated Victorian ash posts and beams custom-made, secured with stainless-steel bolts and black steel straps. Rafters are thinned with black steel plates, contributing to a sleek wharf aesthetic. Instead of traditional plasterboard, light beech plywood veneer and raw cementitious wall panelling are used to add depth and texture, echoing Japanese building styles. A floating staircase, battens in screens, and sliding walls contribute to an airy and warm interior. The material selection prioritizes durability against the harsh seaside environment, with Victorian ash posts and blackbutt windows requiring minimal maintenance. Shou Sugi Ban charred timber cladding offers decades of durability, and copper roofing is chosen for its ability to patina attractively in salty air. Accoya engineered-timber ceiling battens, in a light, beach-inspired color, further enhance durability. Wide French oak flooring with a distressed finish evokes the ruggedness of sand, allowing the natural environment to be the focal point. The owners describe the house as a "livable art piece" with exquisite finishes, emphasizing its comfort and practicality as a beachside home rather than a resort, designed to age gracefully and become more integrated with its surroundings over time. #JapaneseInspiredDesign #BeachHouse #ZenRetreat #CoastalArchitecture #SustainableDesign #NaturalMaterials #WharfStructure #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

Bungalow, located at 24 1st Ave., New York, NY, is a contemporary Indian restaurant that has been recognized with a Bib Gourmand award by the MICHELIN Guide, signifying good quality and good value cooking. Helmed by Chef Vikas Khanna, the establishment offers a distinctive dining experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is characterized by pale pink walls, vibrant murals, and a bar featuring intricate carved panels, creating an aesthetically pleasing setting. Securing a table at Bungalow can be challenging, as the restaurant is frequently bustling, and many diners line up early in hopes of getting a walk-in spot, given that reservations are not available through the MICHELIN Guide's platform. The culinary journey at Bungalow begins with a selection of unique cocktails, which incorporate innovative ingredients such as turmeric-infused tequila and chili-infused mezcal. The menu focuses on contemporary Indian cuisine, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary traditions from India's 28 states. This approach allows for a broad exploration of regional flavors and techniques, moving beyond more commonly known Indian dishes. Standout items highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide include the five-cheese kulcha, a stuffed flatbread, and yogurt kebabs. These kebabs are wrapped in crispy kataifi pastry and served with a bright pickled cabbage puree and a spicy mango coulis, illustrating the kitchen's creative and skillful execution. Bungalow operates from Tuesday to Sunday, opening at 5 PM and closing at 11 PM, with Mondays being its day off. The restaurant accepts various payment methods, including American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards, as well as debit cards. While it falls under the '$$$' price range, categorized as suitable for a 'Special occasion' by the MICHELIN Guide, its Bib Gourmand status implies that it offers excellent value for the quality of food provided. The restaurant is also noted as being family-friendly and is currently trending, further indicating its popularity among diners. Facilities and services include air conditioning. The restaurant is positioned within the New York State, New York area, specifically in a location accessible to a variety of nearby dining and lodging options. The MICHELIN Guide review for Bungalow was published on December 9, 2024, by a Michelin Inspector, who praised the chef's independent venture and the vibrant atmosphere. #MichelinGuide #BibGourmand #IndianCuisine #NewYorkRestaurants #ChefVikasKhanna #ContemporaryIndian #NYC