This Historic Venice Craftsman Bungalow, built in 1914, sits nestled along a tranquil, tree-lined walk street in Venice. Our project focused on a complete aesthetic refresh and thoughtful redesign of this charming Craftsman home. With a nod to its history, we worked to breathe new life to each space, transforming the charming house into a soulful personal retreat that feels both new and nostalgic.
Background:
Our client embraced the opportunity to play with this property, leaning into the whimsical charm that was already in place from the previous owners. The home’s original molding and wainscoting remain untouched, with their timeless character speaking for itself. We made a deliberate choice to honor these historic elements, preserving the patina of the past. Given the cozy scale of the house and its historic designation, a full renovation was off the table—but that limitation became a creative catalyst, encouraging us to celebrate every existing detail and find joy in working with what was already there.
Design Brief:
Our design challenge was to make this Bungalow not only fit for entertaining and dog-friendly, but also more bold, colorful, personal and design-forward all while working within the limitations of its charming yet compact proportions. Like most beach Craftsman homes from that time, the rooms here were designed for a simpler lifestyle—spaces that just accommodated family life but needed some creative reimagining to host larger gatherings comfortably.
We let creative exploration take the lead, blending the homeowner's favorite design elements and relating it back to the original character of the house. This approach gave rise to a contemporary eclectic aesthetic where bold patterns, vibrant colors, and custom furniture pieces adorn each room, infusing them with depth and personality.
From the moment you enter, you’re embraced by the deep blue of the living room walls, which transforms throughout the day—from a sophisticated blue grey to a moody, cozy, gray-green tone. This dynamic color provides a striking yet harmonious backdrop, allowing the texture and pattern heavy furnishings to shine.
Entertaining was at the core of our design concept, as the homeowner frequently hosts lively gatherings. In the living room, we focused on creating ample lounge seating to foster intimate conversations while making the narrow footprint feel cozy and accommodating.
Instead of having an awkwardly placed dining table in a wide room, a large oval dining table anchors the dining room and it is paired with a smaller supplementary custom oval table. This creates a whole new seating area, utilizing a once-overlooked window seat. This addition embraces and highlights one of the home’s original features while providing a perfect spot for guests to casually dine or play board games.
Custom stools are neatly tucked away under the table when not in use, maximizing floor space while the unique, pattern and texture forward upholstery brings a layered richness to the room.
“This project was very much a fun creative collaboration with the client, a chance for us to really commit to our initial abstract idea and run with it, creating his own personal, Venice social club space of sorts.”
The breakfast nook became an unexpected gem—a cozy, vibrant area with undeniable charm. Bold patterned wallpaper instantly draws the eye, creating a sense of playful elegance that sets the mood for this snug corner. Vintage velvet chairs became the centerpiece, their plush tailoredness and bold hue injecting an unexpected curvy presence in a linear room.
“Because the house occupies a small footprint, and each room is very distinctly sectioned architecturally, we agreed to just go for it and make each space completely different from each other, which in a way sort of made the house feel bigger as the transition as you enter and exit a room is subconsciously felt as a bit of a moment.”
For the tight primary bedroom, subtle wall textures from French silk wallpaper and complementary contrasts inspired by Old Havana bedrooms were chosen to cultivate a serene, calming but luxe retreat.
In contrast, the guest room exudes joyful energy, brought to life through a mix of patterns and textures that create an inviting and lively space for visitors. The juxtaposition of these two rooms allows them to coexist beautifully within the home, showcasing the versatility and fun of the design approach— one that was intentionally individualistic and personal. Each piece, from furniture to accessory, has been carefully curated and selected collaboratively with the homeowner, ensuring a cohesive atmosphere where creativity and warmth permeate throughout the home.
