In the Hidden Gems of Los Angeles
Midcentury design shines in Laurel Canyon residence architecture.
Wander off Mulholland Drive and you'll stumble upon a secret patchwork of residential neighborhoods nestled between Coldwater and Laurel Canyon. These places are a haven for architectural wonders, where design creativity flows as freely as the breathtaking hillside views[1].
Residing in one of these hidden treasures is Annie Ritz and Daniel Rabin, the masterminds behind And And And Studio - a renowned architecture and interior design practice in the heart of Hollywood. The duo managed to snag this gem sight unseen and transformed it into a marvel that showcases its mid-century modernist architecture bones[1].
Rediscovering the Laurel Canyon Haven
After a pandemic-induced sojourn in Toronto (the native city of Rabin), the couple decided to return to the City of Angels. Despite thriving businesses in LA, it was the stunning view of the mountains that beckoned them home[1].
'The minute I saw that view, we knew we could make anything work here,' says Ritz. The million-dollar vista embraces the San Gabriel Mountains, Mulholland Drive, the Hollywood sign, Griffith Park Observatory, and glimpses of Beverly Hills[1].
'This place needed to be unearthed and discovered again,' Ritz continues. 'It had incredible bones, but it was obscured by bamboo, had no street presence, and was covered in porcelain travertine tile.'
Now, the deceiving facade is swathed in custom-milled Thermory Kodiak Spruce - a sustainable, locally sourced softwood ideal for outdoor use[1]. The deck is also crafted from the same wood, both first-time choices for the dynamic duo.
Entering the Mid-Century Plantation
Stepping inside, you're greeted by a former black-and-grey color scheme. The couple transformed the space by sandblasting the ceilings, revealing the original mid-century timber, and revitalizing the natural oak floors and original brick fireplace with a white coat[1].
The home is adorned with objects initially intended for other projects, such as the toffee-colored Italian marble island in the open kitchen, dining, and living room area. 'It fits perfectly,' says Ritz. 'We aimed to incorporate a lot of natural materials into the design.'
Atop the marble sits a pair of vintage Canadian steel bar stools from the '70s, affectionately dubbed 'the paperclip.' Art takes center stage within the home, with pieces from the Bouroullec Brothers, Italian artist Sebastiano Ciarcia, Mario Bellini, and Marcel Breuer gracing the walls[1].
The backyard, designed in collaboration with Terremoto, is a seamless extension of the house. It boasts a fire pit, barrel sauna, cedar soaking tub, cold plunge, and a neighborhood-made, metal dining table by the pizza oven[1].
The Organic Approach to Design
Despite their busy studio workload, Ritz and Rabin initially didn't want to take on such a renovation project for themselves. 'We searched tirelessly for a mid-century, post-and-beam house that wouldn't require much architectural work,' says Rabin.
In contrast to their typical design methodologies, the couple approached this project with a sense of spontaneity they usually can't afford for their clients. 'We just tackled tasks as they arose and worked when we felt inspired,' says Ritz[1].
'We love mid-century design, and it's easy to mess around with it like an archaeological dig,' adds Rabin[1]. The duo's unique design perspective and organic approach can be seen throughout the revamped home.
Savor the Serene Gem
Rabin and Ritz, who met during grad school in Toronto, have also lived in Switzerland and Rotterdam before settling in LA[1]. Presently, they are engaged in a roster of local residential projects, a family compound in Michigan, and their first book idea[1].
As multi-faceted designers, they're adept at handling everything from ground-up new builds to interior design, styling, and custom furniture[1]. 'It's all design, just at different scales,' Ritz concludes. 'There are distinct lanes, but when we dive into our own projects, it happens simultaneously and cohesively.'
Embrace the charm of organic, mid-century modern design in this cherished LA gem.
Discover more at andandand.studio
Resources
- "Design Review - And And And Studio's Post and Beam Palisades Home - 1stdibs," 1stdibs
- Annie Ritz and Daniel Rabin Reimagine a Mid-Century Modern Los Angeles Retreat in Los Angeles - Architectural Digest
Inside their recently transformed home, a mid-century plantation in Los Angeles, Annie Ritz and Daniel Rabin, owners and creators of And And And Studio, showcase their unique interior-design skills, blending sustainable materials with a touch of vintage charm to create a serene and organic lifestyle space. The home embodies their philosophy of design, where natural materials meet mid-century modern aesthetic, reflecting their harmonious lifestyle within the home-and-garden surroundings.
