No 06
Tudor Rose
Santa Monica
April 2024
Having relocated from the east coast, our clients purchased a handsome 1920s Tudor Revival-style property on a tree-lined street in Santa Monica. The building was in good order, but a previous renovation in the early 2000s had left the interiors feeling sterile and dated.
Our goal was to breathe soulfulness back in to this family home. Work began with reconfiguring the internal layout, opening shared spaces to optimize flow, and in the process, creating one of our favorite kitchens of all time. The renovation harmonized the owner’s modern tastes with the building’s architecture, while delighting in strong color and whimsical elements, creating rooms that are by turn warm, layered and playful.
Plain English cupboardmakers were invited to collaborate on the kitchen renovation, bringing a timeless and cozy aesthetic, grounded in exceptional craftsmanship, rich colors and fine detailing.
Carl Larsson“A home is not dead, but living, and like
all living things must obey the laws
of nature by constantly changing.”
An underutilized closet was demolished to make way for an interior glazed partition pantry with French doors. A new vertical window brings soft natural light through the space.
A walk-in pantry draws inspiration from historic English larders. The strong bolt of yellow looks magnificent in the light cast from the 1920s hanging pendants with their reeded glass shades.
This previously characterless bathroom was transformed into a sophisticated yet playful powder room, with painted timber panelling, a fun wallpaper, and freestanding sink.
An English kitchen at the heart of the home
Kitchens are where families come together. With our client’s busy schedules, it was clear from the outset that creating a sociable space for them to spend precious time with loved ones, would be key to this project.
Beatriz was initially drawn to the design of 20th century baker’s kitchens, with their long functional island units, oak countertops and utilitarian pendant lights on twisted cords. We worked closely with Plain English on the design for the cabinets and pantry, as well as the kitchen fittings, colors and the Delft by Plain English tile backsplash. The plumbing fixtures are all in classic unlacquered brass, by Waterworks.
Beatriz chose a dark red paint from Plain English’s colors called ‘Chop’ which was used for the perimeter kitchen cabinetry, with a second neutral shade called ‘Mash’ for the cabinet interiors, the long island, pot rack and the breakfast bench window seating.
New windows were fitted, and the existing dark engineered wood floors were replaced with natural rustic tiles in the ‘Octagon & Dot’ shape, as a nod to classic Tudor flooring. The dark coffered ceiling felt oppressive and overtly formal, so beams were moved, reduced, repaired, and refinished to match the natural oak countertop.
Elsewhere, we sought to blend natural materials and textures with playful surprises to create a joyful and cozy home. The family’s varied tastes and preferences required a thoughtful approach to achieve a cohesive result, but guided by the owners’ love for secret gardens, nature and the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, our design embraced the home’s Tudor character while infusing it with modern warmth and enchantment.
Landscape design by Fair Studio
Construction management by Bowen Architecture
Photography by Laure Joliet
The walk-in closets and primary bathroom embrace the owner’s love for contemporary luxury, while retaining a sense of calm, wonderment and a focus on organic materials.
Genevieve & Carlo, owners“Beatriz’s ability to understand and execute our vision while introducing her own creative flair has resulted in a home that feels uniquely ours. Her designs seamlessly blend functionality with understated beauty, elevating our living experience.”
