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Before and after: 1950s Venice bungalow remodel

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This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Interior designer Bridgid Coulter’s recent renovation of a Venice home is the latest installment of Pro Portfolio, our Monday feature that looks at recently built, remodeled or redecorated spaces with commentary from the designers.

Project: A 1953 single-story bungalow with three bedrooms and two bathrooms in 1,297 square feet.

Interior designer: Bridgid Coulter, Bridgid Coulter Design. Architectural consultants: Todd Erlandson, Nori Fukuda, (310) 995-9165. Construction advisor: Eric Engheben, 44 West Construction. Landscape design: Annie Wright, Hollyhawk.

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Designer’s statement: My process is very intuitive. I like to have a centralizing concept, but I am primarily concerned with how one will walk through a space. With this bungalow, I wanted to incorporate sustainable design practices without sacrificing the artistic Venice vibe. My aim was to create a modern, relaxed beach aesthetic that was compatible with the charming neighborhood. We used an array of subtle textures and shades of taupe and warm grays to exude a sense of calmness throughout.

The design elements include: operational clerestory windows for natural light and air circulation; radiant floor heating; bamboo floor installed with “green” glues; Energy Star appliances; fume-free interior paints; an ethanol fireplace; Greenguard certified counter tops; and built-in cabinetry made with Forest Stewardship Council-certified materials, adhesives that do not off-gas and sustainable methods.

The top photo shows the kitchen, which succeeds in being open, warm and inviting. Shaker doors on the base cabinets lend a touch of the traditional, while the full-height cabinets on the left are a sleek, modern juxtaposition. The lower photos are before and after shots of the front.

You can’t see some of the green choices hidden in the walls. The home has been prepped for future solar panels, so installation will be simple down the line. The outside of the house uses sustainable HardiePanel siding.

To see more, keep reading ...

The kitchen before renovation.

And today: The kitchen has Greenguard certified counter tops and glass tile backsplash. The full-height cabinet wall in gray-stained rift oak (seen in the photo at the top of the post) offers a counterpoint to the painted cabinets and island base pictured here.

The living room before and ...

During the remodel, radiant heat is installed.

After: A vibrantly colored ultra suede Togo sofa set from Ligne Roset is grounded by a cream shag rug and distressed Union Jack coffee tables. The ethanol fireplace warms the room.

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The dining room is bright, with a museum-quality square table base with glass top to anchor the space. The chairs are slipcovered in our signature textile, and a wire console provides display space. The flooring is hand-scraped bamboo with a dark espresso stain.

A sweet child’s bedroom blends modern with traditional. To add to the vibe: the baby Togo chair in cheery ochre. The wool rug is an Emma Gardner piece.

The old bathroom and ...

The new, expanded bathroom: Beautiful glass tile is complemented with unglazed porcelain tile on the floor.

The master bedroom before the remodel and ...

The master bedroom now, with ceiling raised to enhance the feeling of spaciousness.

A rain chain in the foreground is a fun alternative to the traditional gutter downspout. The vegetable planters were built of wood reclaimed from the pallet that carried the exterior siding materials.

Concrete pavers were cut from the home’s original driveway and installed in the backyard.

The finished patio is part of a professionally landscaped yard that includes recycled concrete paths, drip irrigation and low-water plants.

The outdoor dining area.

-- Compiled by Lisa Boone

Pro Portfolio appears every Monday. Submit projects to home@latimes.com.

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Family’s front yard turned into outdoor screening room

‘Before’ photos from Bridgid Coulter

‘After’ photos: David Balk


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