LOCATION: Marina Del Rey, CA

TYPE: Renovation

YEAR: 2018 - 2021

STATUS: Complete

Returning openness and vibrance to a well-loved home.

Nestled on the edge of Marina Del Rey and Venice, this 1954 two-story boasted a main level that was stunted and subdivided when the current owners purchased it in 2018. As such, our main task was addition by subtraction.

Thankfully, this long and narrow house worked to our advantage. None of the interior walls were structural, so we were able to completely open the main level of the home, bringing a sense of flow from living area (with existing built-in fireplace) to kitchen (the new focal point), to dining area, and backyard patio beyond. As a bonus, we tucked a fun and funky powder room under the stair.

The central kitchen features Jenn-Air appliances throughout, a full-height Fireclay tile backsplash, and waterfall quartz counters. Due to the long narrow nature of the space, most finishes are white, bringing in light and emphasizing the open feel. Natural brass Schoolhouse drawer pulls and a special set of Semihandmade cabinet fronts inject the perfect amount of vibrance.

The construction process provided a series of hurdles. The original windows were shot and had to be replaced. The exterior’s stucco siding had failed. Plenty of work outside the scope of the design had to be executed to make this home what it is. As much as anything, this home is a testament to the excellent team at White Sands Design/Build, and to two clients with the willingness to persevere.