Graham Architecture and Lucas Design Associates have beautifully renovated this 1961 midcentury modern house on a half-acre woodsy site in Laguna Beach, California’s Woods Cove neighborhood. Nestled along the coastline, this home offers serene views of lush greenery, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. The home was originally designed by notable midcentury architect J. Herbert Brownell, who trained at UC Berkeley.
Spread out over two levels, this home was completely revamped with a rich, layered atmosphere to highlight the owners’ unique antique collection. The homeowners have a passion for modernist architecture, and when they commissioned the project team to remodel their property, they not only wanted a refresh but to infuse it with Japanese influences that suited their midcentury property. They also wished to embrace an indoor/outdoor lifestyle that would reflect their love of nature and the stunning surroundings.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Graham Architecture BUILDER Hill Construction Company INTERIOR DESIGN Lucas Design Associates
Above: This home sits on a property that was once part of a botanical garden and boasts scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.
This home showcases a striking material palette that feels unconventional for Southern California, beginning with a shou sugi ban gate. With rich, multi-layered textures, the darker tone gives the house a subtle Japanese aesthetic, creating an idyllic backdrop for the owner’s antique collection.
The Schindler House and the Eames House served as inspiration for this remodel project, where the architects incorporated several principles of the Schindler Frame: floor-to-ceiling ribbon windows, a clerestory, deep overhangs, and a low horizontal profile with varying ceiling heights.
What We Love: This midcentury modern house in Laguna Beach provides its inhabitants with a wonderful indoor-outdoor living environment inspired by iconic midcentury houses. The architects did a fabulous job of integrating nature-inspired elements and modern accents throughout this home to craft a retreat for the owners—a sanctuary immersed in a scenic environment. This completely refreshed home now beautifully reflects their passions and lifestyle needs.
Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on this midcentury renovation project? Let us know in the comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other incredible home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of California: Minimalist beach house perched on a cliff in Laguna Beach and Seaside home perched above Laguna Beach with relaxed indoor-outdoor living.
Throughout this spectacular midcentury remodel, you will find visually striking details, including stained oak floors and cabinetry, burnished concrete block, custom back-painted glass, a Cor-Ten steel fireplace, and shou sugi ban wood.
Above: This 20-seat walnut dining table was custom-designed by Meyer Wells and is paired with Hans Wegner chairs. The Vibia Flamingo 1540 pendant lights were sourced from Antonie Arola.
Above: This sleek, dual-sided fireplace is fabricated from Cor-Ten steel and provides a visual divider between the dining and living areas.
Above: In the living room, the custom Augustin sectional and cocktail table were sourced from Christian Liaigre.
Above: The roller shades in this midcentury Laguna beach home are from J Geiger.
Above: In the kitchen, the white oak cabinetry is finished with a custom stain and topped with honed granite countertops.
Above: The barstools are from Ligne Roset. Vintage Jacques Biny black enameled metal pendants are suspended over the island.
Above: An inviting sitting area in the bedroom features a pair of Christian Liaigre Album chairs, custom upholstered with Kravet fabric and paired with Castel fabric for the cushions.
Above: The deep soaking tub is the Agape Spoon XL bathtub, offering a spa-like feel. A floor-to-ceiling window overlooks an enclosed outdoor area for privacy.
Above: The owner’s bathroom has an abundance of storage, courtesy of dark oak cabinetry.
Above: In the home office, the 1956 Quadreflex mono speaker was designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Stephens Tru-Sonic.
Above: The staircase leads down to the sumptuous swimming pool.
Above: Set alongside the lap pool are outdoor furnishings sourced from Modernica’s case study line.
Above: Offering the ultimate in serenity is this outdoor shower enclosed with shou sugi ban wood.
PHOTOGRAPHER Aaron Leitz
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