Remarkable Revival

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Home Front Build ushers a historic Spanish Colonial Revival home into the future while honoring the past

In the living room, the custom sofa is covered in Schumacher chenille, the club chairs are by A.Rudin and the coffee table was found on 1st Dibs. Photos by Nolasco Studios.
In the family room, three swivel club chairs and the ottoman are custom, the treatments are by Valley Drapery and the rug is by Patterson Flynn & Martin. Photos by Nolasco Studios.

“When working in a historic vernacular structure full of period character, we strive to enhance the space without overwhelming it,” says Greg Roth, senior designer at Home Front Build. “Designs in traditional homes don’t have to be period or dated; they can be fresh, even contemporary, if the statement is synergistic with the existing style of the home.” Known and widely respected for their work in restoring historic properties throughout Southern California, the design/build firm was enlisted to elevate the interiors inside a 3,800-square-foot Spanish Colonial Revival home perched on a hill overlooking much of L.A.

In the breakfast room and kitchen the dining table is by RH, the dining chairs and island stools are by Palecek and the pendant fixture is from Arteriors. Photos by Nolasco Studios.
The TV room has a custom sofa covered in Pindler fabric and custom coffee table ottomans. The rug is from Patterson Flynn & Martin. Photos by Nolasco Studios.
A wine room was built for storing and tasting. Photos by Nolasco Studios.

Originally built in the 1920s, the clients wanted a home where they could enjoy life after building successful careers. “Our clients came to us through another client who was happy with the addition and remodel we had recently completed of their Spanish Colonial home,” says Roth. “They are an accomplished couple with an eye towards easing away from professional responsibilities, they were looking at ways to comfortably age in place, entertain friends and family, and stay closely connected to their work lives.”

Home Front Build seamlessly installed an elevator so the clients could avoid climbing the 40 stairs to the entrance.
Photos by Nolasco Studios.
The primary bed headboard is covered in a neutral mohair by Janet Yonaty, the bench is from1st Dibs.
Photos by Nolasco Studios.
A marble checkerboard floor adds drama in the primary bathroom that opens up to the back terrace.
Photos by Nolasco Studios.

The main challenge the team faced was creating accessibility to the steep entrance that sits 22′ above the main entry gate and driveway. “The design problem was that one of the owners has joint issues, so the steps up, even without lugging groceries or other loads, presented an insurmountable problem,” he says. “But how do you put an elevator on the front of a house and yet make it look original?  To do this we rebuilt the existing garage upwards, in a ‘wedding cake’ tier, each story going up, but also smaller in size.  The cupola at the top is really the top floor of the elevator.”

A terrace extends off the home gym with inspirational views. Photos by Nolasco Studios.

The second challenge was integrating the couples’ collected objects into the new design. “Our clients had a collection of family heirlooms and pieces they had picked up during extensive travels, and these became the touchpoint of the remodel,” says Roth. “Our challenge was to incorporate these disparate elements into a synthesized whole, while lending freshness, ease and comfort to the home.”

The back terrace holds a custom Cedar dining table and dining chairs by Palecek. Photos by Nolasco Studios.
The barbecue area island stools are by Room & Board and the outdoor kitchen is Lynx, found through Snyder-Diamond.
Photos by Nolasco Studios.

The team effortlessly delivered on the clients’ dream to have a home where they could comfortably unwind, entertain and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views. “They were extremely pleased that we were able to provide them not only a house that functions the way they want and need it to, but that also sets them up for ease and comfort as they age; and to top it off, a new home that is filled with furnishings they know and love, refreshed and rejuvenated,” Roth remarks.