- Interior
This unique project brings a mid-century home to life in a refreshing and elegant way. Located in the iconic Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, this 1963 home pays homage to modernism while offering a contemporary living experience tailored to today’s lifestyle. Led by Los Angeles-born architect Jordan Bakva, who is deeply rooted in the city’s culture and architecture, this project is both a restoration and a reinvention, maintaining a sense of history yet with a modern and timeless appeal.
Jordan Bakva’s approach combines a reverence for architectural heritage with a fresh perspective on materials and space. For this project, he found inspiration in the legendary Case Study Houses, a series of experimental homes developed in mid-20th-century Los Angeles. His goal was to integrate the principles of form and function that characterize modernism with the serene, relaxed atmosphere of Palm Springs. The end result is a home that embodies the California lifestyle in a tranquil, luxurious, and welcoming way. The original design of this mid-century home offered a wealth of inspirational elements, from the distinctive brick exterior reminiscent of a classic Palm Springs estate to the poured terrazzo flooring in the entryway and the playful kidney-shaped pool in the backyard. These details evoked a bygone era, but Bakva knew that subtle changes could bring them back to life. The lime green carpet and dated floor plan were addressed without sacrificing the home’s character. Every aspect of the project reflects a respectful dialogue between past and present. 
One of the challenging choices in this design was to retain the sunken bath in the master bathroom, a typical mid-century feature that is often seen as dated. By cladding the bath in soft Ceppo marble and finishing the shower walls with Portola Paint microcement, this space was given a contemporary feel without losing its original character. The lack of a walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom also required some creativity. Bakva designed a stylish dressing area by narrowing the hallway and relocating the bar, offering an innovative solution to modern expectations of comfort and luxury. The colour palette and use of materials in this home is deliberately understated, with off-white as the base and subtle accents in soft earth tones such as beige and brown. The use of materials such as Ceppo Noir stone in the toilet area and Bronze Fantasy marble in the kitchen brings warmth and sophistication to the living areas. Elsewhere, this palette is complemented by soft pink lime paint, which adds a sophisticated warmth and works harmoniously with the natural stone and white oak. This creates a calm yet layered interior that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. 
His goal was to combine the principles of form and function characteristic of modernism with the serene and relaxed atmosphere of Palm Springs
One of the key design choices in this project was to create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces. Expansive sliding doors in nearly every room offer unobstructed views of the surrounding nature and the outdoors. This not only enhances the home’s relaxed feel, but also invites the Californian sunlight to illuminate the interior. The softly textured, chalky white walls bring a serene feel to each space, providing a natural backdrop that balances the organic elements and warm, inviting materials used throughout. Spanning 3,500 square feet (324 square meters) across a single level, the home offers five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. The spacious layout allows for a logical flow, from the formal living room – which features a drop-down projector – to the lounge with wet bar and the open dining room that adjoins the kitchen. The four bedrooms, including the master bedroom, are quietly located on the north side, while the fifth bedroom on the south side lends itself perfectly to a home office. The living room is a focal point with custom-made silver travertine side tables and artwork by Petra Cortright and Dané Estes that add color and dynamism to the space. In the kitchen, artwork by Boramie Sao and Elizabeth Ibarra are subtly integrated into the interior, adding a playful touch to the functional spaces. The entire home is thoughtfully and harmoniously decorated with carefully chosen lighting, ranging from Japanese lanterns in the dining room to Italian Murano glass wall lights in the entrance. 
Bakva’s design creates a home that is aware of its past and proud of its history, yet is fully adapted to modern lifestyles and contemporary aesthetics. This project combines elegance and comfort, balancing luxurious materials such as brass and polished natural stone with unpretentious, organic elements. The result is a timeless, serene environment where residents can relax, unwind, and experience the California lifestyle in a setting that feels authentic and meaningful. This project is a shining example of how restoration can not only return a building to its former glory, but also bring it back to life in an elegant and modern way. It is a home that is future-proof, yet retains the soul of the past – a worthy tribute to California modernism. 
Photography by Evan Ramzi
Text by Celien Hemelaer