As seen in Cottages & Bungalows magazine July 2009

Remaking a Bungalow in Santa Monica, California

This 1923 bungalow was rather bland when purchased by the current owners; it was painted light tan, with a typical suburban grass landscaped lot.  The owners had a much grander vision; they wanted a place of calm, a place to practice yoga, and a place that fit their near Pacific Ocean historic neighborhood in Santa Monica. 

AFTER Colors and Landscaping

Through various color tests, the owners and I came up with a blue green color based on several historic period color charts for the house body.

We then added a soft suede tan as the trim color, along with Indian Red window sashes.  An off-white was chosen for the massive porch columns.  The side pergola was colored in the tan to keep its appearance soft against the house.

BEFORE

Rear of house

Back yard

The idea behind the entire color scheme was to set the stage for an environment that would include a major landscaping change. 

Working with landscape architect Chuck Stopherd, the entire lot was transformed into a microcosm of the California foothills.

Copyright 2002 - 2010: Robert Schweitzer. March 3, 2010