A mid century gem gets a modern makeover

Julie Crosby is the talented interior designer responsible for many of our beautiful projects (Athina, Crosby, Zarcades, Torrance 3, Ezabelle, Sasan), so when it came time to renovate her latest purchase, we knew it was going to be fun: a 1968 mid-century modern home, originally designed by Simpson & Gerber Architects, which she bought from its original owners. Despite preserving the iconic spiral staircase, FireHood fireplace, and a unique Coke bottle window, we gutted the interior to modernize the space. We added oak floors, extended the upper level to include two additional bedrooms and bathrooms, and carefully maintained the home's layout and window placements.

Julie ensured the home’s redesign honored its midcentury roots while incorporating modern elements. She used a mix of vintage and reproduction furniture, such as a reissued Gianfranco Frattini’s Tacchini Sesann sofa and Pierre Paulin’s Groovy Chair. Custom abstract paintings were commissioned to complement the interiors. In the kitchen, we opened up the space, adding floating shelves and cubbies to improve sightlines to adjacent areas. We worked around the original long, narrow window to retain a piece of the home’s original charm.

The home's exterior and outdoor spaces were also meticulously updated to match the luxurious interior. We restored the siding and stucco, built a plunge pool in the courtyard, and created an outdoor dining area. The lush landscaping features leafy acacia hedges, citrus trees, passionfruit vines, and an herb garden, making the home an idyllic retreat. The entire renovation showcases Julie’s ability to blend historical elements with modern design, creating a stylish yet functional living space. For more details, you can read the full article on Architectural Digest.