The Scenario: Fashion designers Momo Suzuki and Alexander Yamaguchi launched their minimalist-chic clothing line Black Crane in 2008. Not long after that, the two—Japanese transplants who met in LA nearly 20 years ago—decided it was time to go looking for their dream house. They pictured a modernist Schindler classic with views and acres, but happily settled for a tree-shaded 1948 Pasadena bungalow built by the seller and his son.
The Challenge: Untouched for decades, the 1,200-square-foot house was gloom-central inside and just about every inch needed tending. “It was bad,” says Momo, “a true fixer.”
The Solution: Momo and Alex’s design skills, they discovered, translate well to interiors. With help from a construction crew, they re-tailored the place themselves, removing walls, replacing windows with French doors, installing a new bath, and generally infusing the rooms with a look that’s equal parts midcentury modern and Japanese serene.
Top Takeaway: 1. “You can change the interior but not the location,” says Momo—so choose a setting that you like. 2. A limited budget forces you to be resourceful. “There are always tons of approaches you can take to a remodel, but we had to be very mindful of costs. We discovered that sometimes you find a better solution by respecting the current condition of the space.” 3. Let “simple and functional” be your mantra.
Photography by Kikuko Usuyama.
![momo in a black crane dress. she says their house and fashion are both all abou 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-of-Black-Crane-at-home-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-6.jpg)
Like the faceted bowl? It’s by artist Kelly Lamb. Have a look at her work in our post Kelly Lamb’s Glamorous LA Art Studio.
![in the kitchen the couple added new walnut counters and shelves, and relocated 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi-of-Black-Crane-kitchen-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-7.jpg)
![\2\20;we like to have long, leisurely breakfasts, enjoying the views of 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi-of-Black-Crane-at-home-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-1.jpg)
Momo and Alex both made their way to the States as teens—she in pursuit of environmental art studies and he as a professional surfer (who subsequently became a graphic designer and then launched his eponymous fashion line, the men’s wear companion to Black Crane). The collector of the family, Alex stalks Scandinavian and Dutch midcentury arcana from foreign vendors on eBay.
![\2\20;this is how we spend our weekends: my husband likes to take care o 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi's-house-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-5.jpg)
![the couple\2\17;s favorite corner of the living room features a serge mo 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi's-house-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-8.jpg)
![the living room is furnished with alexander\2\17;s finds. the daybed is 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi-of-Black-Crane-at-home-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-2_0.jpg)
![a wooden threesome: sculptures by hideki takayama and alma allen, and a piece o 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi's-house-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-11.jpg)
![a tile by stan bitters and a bronze bowl by alma allen. 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi's-house-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-10.jpg)
![a collection of midcentury ceramics on another cees braakman cabinet from his j 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi's-house-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-9_0.jpg)
![to connect indoors and out, momo and alexander installed several sets of french 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi's-house-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-17.jpg)
![a teak and oak chair by danish designer ib kofod larsen and hanging coat rack i 27](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi's-house-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-13.jpg)
![the master bedroom overlooks a \2\20;green curtain,\2\2\1; thanks 28](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi's-house-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-14.jpg)
![momo and alex keep the house largely pattern and color free to maintain zen ca 29](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi's-house-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-15.jpg)
![a window removed from the guest room was put to use in the overhauled bathroom. 30](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi's-house-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-16.jpg)
![the toughest design decision? \2\20;figuring out the exterior color for 31](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/SKIP Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi's-house-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-18.jpg)
![\2\20;we\2\17;re preserving the wildness of our yard—it&am 32](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Momo-Suzuki-and-Alexander-Yamaguchi's-house-in-LA-photograph-by-Kikuko-Usuyama-Remodelista-20.jpg)
Looking for more DIY remodeling inspiration? Take a look at:
- American Gothic: A Hudson Valley Home Reborn
- Danielle’s DIY Kitchen Remodel for Under $500
- L.A. Story: A Budget Kitchen Makeover, DIY Countertop Hack Included
- Steal This Look: The $4K Parisian Kitchen from Two DIY Experts
This post is an update; the original ran on October 30, 2014, in our Lessons from Japan issue.
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