Susan Jay Design was responsible for completely transforming this 1970s midcentury modern ranch house, nestled in Sullivan Canyon, a small equestrian community in Brentwood, a district of Los Angeles, California. This recently renovated home lies in a magical area where cars are required to travel at 10 mph and occasionally you’ll encounter an equestrian on horseback or an elder walking their dogs from a golf cart down the tree-lined road. The vibe of this 3,900 square-foot, five-bathroom home is a fresh version of a Mid-Century Modern Ranch with warmth and whimsy.

The homeowners are a family of four who are creative, love animals (horses, dogs, turtles, ducks, and chickens), and enjoy entertaining. Above: In the original kitchen, there was a wood support post. The designer had this removed to drastically open up the kitchen and reconfigure the space. To support the ceiling structure, a room-spanning steel girder was framed into the ceiling. To camouflage, it was painted to match the ceiling. 

Above: The island countertop in this chef’s dream kitchen is composed of two materials, grey limestone, and a natural live edge Walnut overhang for the eating counter. Acrylic bar stools are from H Studio. The custom wood cabinetry is hickory, while the light fixtures are the Modiss Miles 1C Suspension Lamp. Flooring is an American walnut with custom-blended amber and umber tones

Above: The butler’s pantry features a bright orange Corian countertop, with a colorful backsplash tile sourced from Filmore Clark.

Above: On the opposite end of the kitchen is a custom built-in bookshelf, composed of hickory. This space features an array of cookbooks. Shelves above the doorway feature a PEZ dispenser collection.

What We Love: The designer did a fabulous job of revitalizing this midcentury ranch house in California and keeping it within the confines of the original footprint. Overall, this renovation project was beautifully done, and the changes make the space warmer and contemporary. 

Tell Us: What do you think of the overall design of this renovation project? Do you find that the original features have more character and charm? Please share your feedback in the comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fascinating home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of California: Tour this spectacular modern home perched in the Hollywood Hills and Angular house features breathtaking views over the Los Angeles skyline.

Above: In the living room, the original fireplace was replaced with walnut bookcases and a media cabinet.

Above: In the dining room, the Modern High Back Chairs (walnut and cherry) have a custom fabric, sourced from Vermont Woods Studios. The LED light fixture is called the Lawn Sprinkler chandelier from Water Pressure Lighting. A custom bar is fabricated out of wenge and walnut.

Above: A detail of the dining room light fixture, featuring Swarovski crystals layered in green to brown to mimic grass.

Above: In the powder bathroom, the Eden Bath vessel sink is polished stone. Instead of cabinets for storage, the designer instead opted for wall-to-wall cantilevered-edge Corian countertop. The wall scones are Ralph Pucci.

Above: A converted garage features a cozy family room/office. The garage did not have insulation, so the solution was to add radiant heat flooring and a wall-mounted air conditioner. A retractable garage door was no longer operable, so sliding doors provide access to this space. The suspended bubble chair is from Plush Pod. Light fixtures are sourced from Rejuvenation, while the bookshelves are the Elfa, from The Container Store.

Above: At the foot of the bed is the Nelson Platform Bench from Design Within Reach. The grasscloth wall covering is from Kravet # 3040-1524. The nightstands are from a company called WUD Furniture in NY. On the ceiling, the wood is Cedar with a custom glazing/stain technique.

Above: The homeowner’s wished to have a fireplace in the master bedroom, however, they would have needed venting. The solution, a bioethanol-burning fireplace from EcoSmart. The cabinet is from Wud.

Above: In the master bathroom, custom walnut cabinets adds a touch of elegance. Custom cabinet panels are from Lumicor, a resin with reeds and leaves embedded in the material. A Nelson light fixture illuminates from above.

Before the Renovation:

Above: The original terra-cotta floors were torn out and replaced with American walnut throughout this mid-century modern ranch house.

Above: The city would not allow the homeowners to add additional square footage onto their home. Instead, this garage was converted into a home office and TV room.

PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Bonner Photography