This 1961 ranch-style home in Mandeville Canyon, Los Angeles, was last renovated in the 1990s and, unfortunately, that makeover left much to be desired: “heavy chocolate laminate floors, partition glass, sandstone veneer on the walls/fireplaces,” says architect Patrick Bernatz, of the offending interventions. “Can lighting everywhere!”
Brought on to update the home, Bernatz came up with a simple solution: remove the bad ideas (see above), restore the original Cliff May-influenced features (the post-and-beam ceiling, a two-sided fireplace) and use locally sourced natural building materials (oak, limestone) for a materials palette that is very much rooted in place.
The new organic-meets-minimalist kitchen, in particular, is a revelation. Join us for a tour.
Above: Says Bernatz of the La Cornue range and hidden heavy-plaster exhaust surround: “It’s a very dramatic place to cook.” The custom kitchen cabinets are made from white oak. The countertops are leathered limestone. Above: Bernatz designed a banquette to anchor the far end of the kitchen. “I personally love its flexibility with hosting larger groups.” Plus, he says, “I like items to feel completely integrated into the design of the home rather than freestanding furniture.” A Poul Henningsen patinated copper pendant hovers over the table surrounded by a pair of Axel Einar Hjorth Uto chairs. Above: The dining area is just off the kitchen. The original floor plan had the kitchen in its own room; the ’90s remodel had an open layout; Bernatz’s design married the two sensibilities to create a kitchen that was its own space but very much in conversation with the other public rooms. Note the two-sided fireplace, re-done with limestone, between the dining and living rooms. Above: A built-in oak console in the dining room mimics the kitchen cabinetry; the knobs are from Sun Valley Bronze. Vintage Charlotte Perriand Chair No. 19 dining chairs make a statement, but it’s the large landscape painting by Ellen Trotzig, sourced by Bernatz, that steals the show here. The flooring is comprised of 10-inch-wide oak planks from Rhodium. Above: The oak and limestone materials palette extends into the living area.
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