Lovers Unite revives interiors of mid-century Silver Lake home

The 1950s house with expansive views of the Los Angeles hills has been revitalized by the California design studio Lovers Unite, who transformed an underutilized balcony into an addition to the interior social area.

Artist Clare Crespo and production designer James Chinlund are the owners of this wooden home in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Lovers Unite described the property as “previously a boring, nondescript mid-century house”. And said it took some creativity to make the furnishings fit the landscape.

Thus, the firm “introduced a few carefully plotted architectural interventions and material shifts to completely reimagine the interior of the home and take full advantage of its prime site” .

The most significant of these adjustments was extending the open-plan living and dining space by several feet. That is by incorporating an underutilized balcony at the back of the house into the envelope.

Lovers Unite added built-in seating with teal-upholstered cushions beneath the huge windows that were installed to close the gap. So that people could unwind and take in the expansive view.

“With a large window wall and generous built-in banquette, the room finally celebrates the expansive views that had always been there,” the studio stated.

Moreover, The kitchen’s honey-toned cabinetry contrasts with dark green soapstone used for the counters and backsplash. A glossy copper range hood complements a panel placed behind a bar area on the other side of the space.

In other areas, vibrant furniture, unique design elements, and striking artwork contrast with the rooms’ mostly wood tone.

The iconic Michael Ducaroy modular Togo sofa system is displayed in a lounge room with timber flooring.

In the den, meantime, a purple recliner sits next to a gigantic chair that Chinlund utilized as a backdrop for a photo session featuring Italian clothing brand Roberto Cavalli.

On the upper floor, close to a central fireplace with a raised hearth, wood slats partially covered the stairway opening.

The rooms get even more character from additional decor pieces like antique rugs, embroidered couches, and an abundance of art and design publications.

Noting that Chinlund had experience as a production designer for the Avengers film series. Lovers Unite stated “in the end, the mood of the home reflects the spirit and talents of the estimable homeowner.”

Many of the architectural treasures in Silver Lake were on steeply sloping lots. Aldo, among them were homes by well-known mid-century architects like Rudolph Schindler and Richard Neutra.

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