A dated ’60s condo gets an update
The kitchen before: “There was nothing worth saving except the existing windows and doors,” said architect Chris McCullough. The space was enclosed and cut off from the rest of the condo. During demolition, the wall between the kitchen and the entry was removed, revealing a loadbearing concrete column.
The kitchen now: The marble island serves as a cooking area and dining room. The condo originally had a breakfast nook, but the couple wanted a larger kitchen with an informal feel. “The outdoor café bistro table on the balcony is perfect for Southern California living,” said McCullough. “The patio is covered and comfortable.”
The entrance before: You entered a corridor with a view of the second bedroom wall. After doing some exploratory demolition, the architects took down the walls that separated the corridor from the U-shaped kitchen. They also enlarged the door to the second bedroom and installed see-through glass doors.
The entry today: Now when you enter the condo, you can see downtown Los Angeles from the living room and second bedroom. “Before, it was a corridor entry moment rather than a Southern California moment,” says McCullough. “Opening the rooms to natural light and openness is how we live now.”
Oak floors installed over a sound dampening system add warmth. “I like the combination of oak with concrete,” said McCullough. “It has a Japanese feel.”
The architects also removed the drywall from the opposite wall and left the concrete wall exposed.
The view before: The couple walked into the dated condo and fell for the view.
The view from the kitchen today: Today, the kitchen is meant to serve multiple functions. It is a place for cooking and dining as well as the perfect niche to accommodate guests. And don’t forget the view. “It is unrivaled,” said McCullough. “I’d like to live there.”