Photo of a modern house interior from outside. Includes a kitchen in the back with wooden cabinetry and a bar-height island, and a living room in the foreground with a sofa and mounted television.

ENCINO MODERN

Completed2008
LocationSherman Oaks, Los Angeles
Size3596 sf
PhotographerLawrence Anderson
Structural EngineeringCefali & Associates

A rabbit warren of unused rooms, including a “maid’s room,” service porch and guest bedroom, separated the kitchen from the backyard. These were all demolished, and the existing bathroom enlarged, to create room for light and views throughout the space.

The existing family room to the north was remodeled to act as a guest bedroom when necessary with a new Murphy bed. The newly-expanded kitchen features a raised roof with 360 degree clerestory windows, a bar opening to the new family room, sliding glass doors to the yard, and a new laundry room.

The existing powder room, which opens off the kitchen, was enlarged to create a small entry foyer with an interior planter and views to the Japanese garden outside. The new plastered shower is washed with light from above, and features an ipe deck. New slate floors, a bamboo ceiling and natural walnut cabinets bring a material richness to the space. Stainless steel appliances; a Wolf range and warming drawer, Sub-zero refrigerator, GE Monogram wine cooler, and Miele dishwasher, finish off the look.

View of Shower Looking up to Skylight
Photo of living room of a modern house. Features tile floors, green painted walls, floor-to-ceiling windows on the right side, and a kitchen island on the left side.
View of the kitchen and backyard of a modern apartment. Shows the wooden cabinets and drawers, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, and large floor to ceiling windows.
View of shower and skylight in a modern house. Shows concrete walls, wooden slatted floors, and plants lining the sides of the walls.