A Dreary 1920s Tudor in L.A. Gets a Dashing New Look—and Hits the Market at $1.9M
A 1928 Tudor in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles is back on the market after a multiyear renovation led by Bungalowe and Vein Design. The home was last sold in 2018, and its formerly dated interior is now a sleek blend of contrasting black and white tones. The home has also more than doubled in size thanks in part to the transformation of a previously unused attic into an airy second floor with 13-foot vaulted ceilings.
For their first project, Los Angeles–based Bungalowe teamed up with designer Nicole Palczynski, founder of VEIN Design. The exterior of the 1928 Tudor received less substantial changes, as the teams wanted to respect the neighborhood’s cohesive aesthetic.
Inside, the newly renovated living area features a large picture window, arched doorways, and a custom-made front door with inlaid capiz shells. The top-to-bottom renovation expanded the interior from around 1,400 square feet to over 3,200 square feet—including a studio/office space.
"We wanted to stay true to the original character of the house," says Sapna Aggarwal of Bungalowe. "The neighborhood is lined with English Tudors and Spanish-style homes, so it was important to us that we keep it that way." Subtle changes to the exterior retained the Tudor style, while the interior received the bulk of the team’s efforts. "There was no way of achieving our interior goals while keeping the original layout. Our challenge was to modernize the space so it would appeal to families without stripping away the charm."
Before:
Before, much of the interior was overwhelmed by dark wood floors and trim.
A look at the original kitchen reveals a mix of wood tones in the cabinetry and ceiling.
"Even though this was our first project, we came in with a very clear vision for the overall style," explains Sapna. "We wanted to create a sophisticated look without it feeling cold."
The team opted to give the home a cohesive look with a palette of contrasting color tones with natural wood accents. Finishes of satin brass and sage green complement the look. "We also didn’t want to risk overlooking subtle nuances due to our lack of experience. Nicole at VEIN Design was the perfect partner on this project."
After:
The revamped living area features an updated fireplace and sconces. Light hardwood floors run throughout the home, reflecting the brighter new aesthetic.
The dining area sits between the living area and the kitchen. French doors lead out to the side yard.
The all-new, European-style kitchen features custom oak cabinetry in contrasting finishes, open shelving, and a large central island. Bertazzoni appliances, marble counters, and cabinetry hardware from CB2 complete the look.
"The functionality of the space was very important to us," Sapna explains. "The existing layout was far from spacious, with tiny bedrooms, extremely tight bathrooms, and a very choppy floor plan. Having Nicole on our team helped us execute a perfect flow."
The team added approximately 600 square feet to the lower level—creating a new den at the back of the kitchen, as well as a separate laundry room. The transformation of the unused attic space increased the floor plan by another several hundred square feet. "Adding the extra space allowed us to define each room and maximize utility. The kitchen is spacious without sacrificing the warmth felt in traditional Tudor kitchens, with features like a cozy breakfast nook and apron-front sink."
A six-burner Bianco range takes center stage along one wall. Matte black accents contrast with the stone and natural wood finishes.
In one corner of the kitchen, a small breakfast nook features built-in seating.
The kitchen offers 17 feet of total counter space, as well as a large pantry at one end. Light fixtures and design accents throughout the home were sourced from Anthropologie, West Elm, Pottery Barn, CB2, and Rejuvenation, among other retailers.
The lower-level addition created a new den off the kitchen, as well as a rooftop deck for the principal bedroom above. French doors lead out to the backyard.
"The most exciting and challenging part about the project was the scope. Not only did the existing footprint need to be completely reimagined, but there was an entire attic space with stunning vaulted ceilings that wasn't being utilized at all."
The newly reclaimed second floor offers a principal suite, as well as an additional bedroom and bathroom. In total, the property has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and 3,201 square feet of living space. A private walking trail branches off from the nearly half-acre lot and leads to a hilltop with views of downtown L.A. Keep scrolling to see more of the property, which is currently listed for $1,899,000.
An upstairs bedroom features 13-foot vaulted ceilings, which give the former attic space a surprisingly airy feel.
Hand-cut zellige tiles from Clé line the bathroom.
The principal suite features a large dormer window and French doors leading to a private rooftop deck.
Finishes in the principal bathroom complement the rest of the home, with black cabinetry, a marble vanity top, and satin brass accents. All of the interior doors feature knobs and pulls from Emtek.
A look at another bedroom on the lower level.
A view of another bathroom with zellige tiles and satin brass hardware.
Outside, an alleyway between the garage and the house leads to the backyard.
The home also offers a private, 205-square-foot workspace/studio.
The landscaped yard was designed by Jonathan Froines and features private hillside steps leading up to a picnic area with views of downtown Los Angeles.
5414 Dahlia Drive in Los Angeles, California, is currently listed for $1,899,000 by Dominique Madden of ACME Real Estate / @acmerealestate.
Project Credits:
Renovation Design: @bungalowe_la in partnership with Vein Design (Editor’s Note: The homeowners initially discussed a redesign with Betsy Cole at Negative Studio.)
Landscape Design: Jonathan Froines
Staging: Pride of Place
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